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Cheetor (BW)

2025-03-07T03:57:37Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{disambig3|Cheetor}}
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:''Cheetor is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Cheetor render.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|There he is, your little guy.]]

A young Maximal full to bursting with energy and exuberance, '''Cheetor''' is always ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. And, much to his colleagues' chagrin, he often does so without a moment's consideration or forethought. Nobody can fault his motives, just his methods. Sure, he's got a bit of cocky edge to him... after all, he is the fastest Maximal on four legs (and he knows it), making him an excellent advance scout and capable of running rings around opponents. And yeah, his enthusiasm often gets the better of him, and he doesn't seem to have much in the way of volume control. And he doesn't exactly handle people thinking he ''can't'' handle a job the best he could. But he's a kid with a good [[spark]] who just wants to do right. He just needs some guidance and experience... and a lot of luck, because this cat gets into a ''lot'' of scrapes.

Thankfully, [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], himself something of a young firebrand, keeps a steady eye on the young Maximal and tries to guide him, and in turn Cheetor affectionately calls him "Big Bot". And a friendship with his fellow "big cat" [[Tigatron]] is also helping the spotted speedster learn a little patience.

Who knows—maybe the lad is destined for [[Oracle (BM)|great things]] [[Matrix Templar|someday]].

{{bigquote|I'm not lookin' forward to the day they chronicle ''my'' early bonehead adventures onto a [[Data-Con|datacon]] for all the world to see.|Cheetor, about [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]|"[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
[[File:CheetorBW-2packcomic.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Whose tusks gleam in the night? Not his!]]

{{quote|Eyes of a '''stalker''' hunting its prey... The super-swift '''cheetah''' springs! But '''food''' is not on '''this''' hunter's mind...|[[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!]]}}

Cheetor was a quiet and confident warrior, who constantly stalked jungles in his search for Predacons. He was efficient, striking hard and fast with incredible reflexes in either mode. He was known to openly dare Predacons to challenge him and his laser-powered [[Quasar rifle|quasar cannon]]. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor Bio}}

In a swamp outside the [[Fusion Building]] genetics lab, a fleet of ferocious animals has gathered. Suddenly, the cheetah and his wild comrades are under attack by a massive crocodile! Surprise! This is a battle between [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his [[Maximal]]s and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]! Cheetor quickly transforms to attack [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], and the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] have begun! {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

After the [[quantum surge]], Cheetor acquired a [[Transmetal]] form that gave his robot mode the organic attributes that his beast mode once possessed. The upgrade gave Cheetor more power and agility than ever before, and this new body had flip-out cyber-thrust wings that gave him additional speed and limited flight. {{Storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetals Cheetor bio}}

Cheetor would later receive another upgrade from [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s cloning experiments, becoming a [[Transmetal 2]]. With this, he gained even more power and speed, but at the cost of bestial urges that he had to learn to control. With his new missile launcher and leap-thruster, Cheetor stirred fear in the Predacons he fought against. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM2|Transmetals 2 Cheetor bio}}

At some point, Cheetor acquired a highly advanced stealth armor and dubbed himself Night Slash Cheetor. This new armor granted Cheetor all sort of new abilities, including being undetectable to every known Vehicon radar and tracking systems and creating a negative psychological effects on [[Vehicon General]]s, rendering their drones useless in combat. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Machines|Night Slash Cheetor bio}}
{{--}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Mikhail Tihonov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Cássius Romero]] (Portuguese, Season 1), [[Tatá Guarnieri]] (Portuguese, Season 2 onwards), [[Bernard Métraux]] (French), [[Eberhard Haar]] (German), [[Mario Scarabelli]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Illescas]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Eduardo Jover]] (Casilian Spanish), [[Wonhyung Choi]] (Korean)}}

[[File:Cheetorbeast1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|What? Is it my breath?]]

The youthful 'bot who would become "Cheetor" was part of the Maximal exploration ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''; {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} unbeknownst to most members of the crew, its captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] had been secretly tasked with abandoning the murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]] far from Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} However, the ''Axalon'' would be diverted off-course to pursue [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, who'd stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and fled [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard a [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp]]-capable [[Darksyde (BW)|starship]].

After pursuing the Predacons across time and space, both sides crash-landed on a [[Earth|mysterious planet]] with abundant supplies of [[energon]]. To protect themselves from high levels of dangerous [[energon radiation]], the crew adopted [[beast mode]]s based on the native wildlife; upon reactivating in his new form, the youngest member of the crew renamed himself Cheetor. As Optimus, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] got to grips with their situation, Cheetor showed off his speed by racing some nearby cheetahs, but found himself outclassed when he opened fire on the airborne Predacon [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. When the other Maximals and Predacons turned up, Cheetor shot at Megatron in the middle of his speech, and his "underhanded sneak attack" sparked a full-fledged shootout. During the ensuing battle, Cheetor caught his foot in some rocks and Optimus had to rescue him. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

[[File:TheWeb-Cheetorcaptured.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Where is the RAT when you need him?]]

While returning to their ship, the rogue Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] barred their way and challenged Optimus to a duel. Although Cheetor was keen to fight in Primal's place, Rattrap restrained him; when the other Predacons interrupted the fight, the battle revealed a huge [[energon crystal]] in a nearby mountain, and the Maximals rushed to claim the bounty before the Predacons could take it for themselves. High amounts of energon radiation forced both sides to fight in their beast modes, and although Cheetor fared better against Waspinator the second time round the energon was all destroyed. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

Some time later, Cheetor enthusiastically volunteered to check out a new experimental comlink. Despite being under orders not to get into any combat situations, he unsuccessfully attempted to attack [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and was left heavily damaged. After a strange precognitive dream, he awoke back on the ''Axalon'', whether the other Maximals expressed their disappointment in his actions. After Rattrap dressed him down, Cheetor rushed out to make another attempt to capture the cannon that Scorponok was recovering, and was incapacitated by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Luckily for him, he was soon rescued by Rattrap, who also lied to Optimus to cover the young bot's hide. {{storylink|The Web}}

[[File:EqualMeasures Cheetor with gutgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Boy's got guts.]]

Though Cheetor was looking forward to another mission to install energon monitoring devices, Optimus delayed the mission due to a heavy storm. Dinobot managed to goad Cheetor into going out anyway, and, while placing one of the devices, a lightning bolt created a bizarre two-way teleportation effect between the Maximal and Predacon bases. Cheetor himself found himself in the ''Darksyde'', where he was able to hack the Predacon data files and discover that the two crashed ships lay on a common energon vein, meaning that an explosion at one base would destroy both. He managed to get the information back to Optimus, but Dinobot had already sent through a bomb—Cheetor was able to detach it from the console it was fixed to in time. He returned to the ''Axalon'', where he promised Optimus that he would pay more attention to orders... until the next time. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a decisive Maximal victory at the [[Standing Stones]], an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] swallowed Optimus Primal. The argument over who would lead turned into a secret ballot, during which, from Rhinox's reaction, Cheetor voted for Dinobot, suggesting he trusted the Predacon's leadership skills over those of Rattrap. As it turned out, the exercise was rendered pointless by the revelation that Optimus wasn't dead after all. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] discovered a [[flying mountain]] with a cache of super-powerful energon at the top, but he was spotted by Cheetor, who immediately dashed back to the ''Axalon'' to inform the other Maximals. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When one of the [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground and Optimus was damaged by a Predacon sneak attack, Cheetor, Rhinox and Rattrap set out to try to get to the pod, but were delayed by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. The Predacons beat them to the pod, but a last-minute gambit by Dinobot and Optimus meant that the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} A string of defeats led to Rattrap seemingly defecting to the Predacons after a falling-out with Optimus, much to Cheetor's disbelief. Eventually, however, the other Maximals learned that Primal and Rattrap had deliberately orchestrated everything to determine how the Predacons had been spying on the Maximals. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:Cheetor&badoptimus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Now I've got your power!]]

Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' when a fight caused Rhinox's new [[Sentinel (BW)|defense system]] to go out of control. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} Later, after Primal had been infected with a Predacon virus which caused uncontrollable rage, Optimus managed to persuade Cheetor to release him from his confinement, only for the Maximal leader to head off on a one-bot mission against the Predacons. After Primal had slagged most of the Predacons, Cheetor managed to get hold of the antivirus and administer it to Optimus. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a [[temporal probe]] from Cybertron came into range of the planet, the Maximals tried to set up a signal array to contact it. The Predacons had other idea though, and Tarantulas's [[Transformation Lock Lens|transformation lock lens]] trapped both Cheetor and Tigatron in their beast modes. The pair were captured and put in cages in the ''Darksyde'', but soon escaped and used the Predacon [[CR chamber]]s to fix themselves. They rejoined the fight in time to save Optimus and Rhinox from Megatron, but the Predacons prevented their signal from being sent. {{storylink|The Probe}}

After the apparent destruction of the Predacons in a bungled mutiny, the Maximals took the opportunity to ransack the abandoned ''Darksyde'' and use its parts to repair the ''Axalon'', although Cheetor remained cheerfully oblivious to Dinobot's internal conflict over the passing of his ex-comrades. The "mutiny" was revealed to be a ruse, and the Predacons revealed themselves as the Maximals prepared to launch. Cheetor provided cover fire for Optimus as his leader went to retrieve the injured Dinobot; when Terrorsaur hit a retreating Optimus from behind, Cheetor took down Terrorsaur before Megatron shot him. He managed to drag himself to the ''Axalon'' as it took off, and would've pulled Optimus onboard if not for Scorponok's parting shot. As he broke the sad news to his allies, he was ambushed by the stowaway Megatron and awoke to find the Axalon, too damaged to ever fly again, permanently grounded. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:The Spark Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"No!! Waspinator's come to steal the fanbase's affection!"]]

When Rhinox was twisted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], Cheetor was keen to rescue their friend. Eventually, however, Cheetor realized Optimus's plan was to simply let Rhinox run amok in the Predacon base, and once he'd weakened the dysfunctional Predacons the Maximals easily staged a rescue. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} On another occasion, Dinobot sent Cheetor and Optimus to search for the missing Rattrap, only to discover that the Dinobot who had sent them on the hunt was a [[Clone One|clone]] controlled by Megatron. By the time they got back to base, the clone had already been defeated—and devoured—by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

Rhinox and Cheetor got to another crashed stasis pod before anyone else, but the pod had sustained damage during its descent and high concentrations of energon radiation endangered the helpless [[protoform]] inside. Cheetor shut himself down to allow Rhinox to extract his [[locking chip]] to use in place of the damaged pod's one, and dreamed that Rhinox was telling him about [[spark]]s. After reawakening, Cheetor was forced to try to defend the pod against Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur without his [[robot mode]]. Though he managed to defeat the first two, Terrorsaur prevailed... only to be defeated by the newly activated [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Cheetor snake.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Featuring a scene from several fanfics.]]

During Tigatron's disappearance, Cheetor spotted Blackarachnia and Scorponok leaving the Predacon base on a mission. As it turned out, they were heading towards a [[Brigadoon|flying island]] which Tigatron had crashed on. Tigatron sent a [[Cyberbee]] containing footage of the island, which the Maximals were able to recover, despite Cheetor firing on it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Cheetor and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' after Blackarachnia took control of the island with the intent of using its weaponry to destroy the Maximal base. The spider's scheme was thwarted, but Cheetor bore witness to the island's final action: a beacon sent to its creators, who would most likely be very displeased with the island's demise. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Another Predacon gambit saw them stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} During a routine energy-harvesting run, an energon explosion caused a group of Maximals, of which Cheetor was a part, to be blinded far from base. As they attempted to journey home, Cheetor was attacked and severely damaged by a huge snake. He spent most of the rest of the journey on Rhinox's back, until they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide everyone in fending off the attack without the use of their sight, and they were soon found by Optimus. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, Cheetor shot down a cyberbee which was spying on them. Unfortunately the Predacons had gained enough information and the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body, enabling them to easily take over the ''Axalon''. The Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}} After Rattrap and Dinobot's bickering caused Rhinox to beome infected by a Predacon [[energon discharge virus]], Optimus insisted the pair go out alone to find the cure. Cheetor was part of the party which went to back them up when they located [[Tarantulas's lair]]. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

[[File:LawoftheJungle unhappy Tigatron and Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|”This is how my friend died Cheetor” ”Alright! Last one to the base is Predacon Chow!”]]

Tigatron's comrade [[Snowstalker]] was killed by incidental fire during a battle, and Cheetor tried unsuccessfully to comfort Tigatron. However,the other Maximal announced he would no longer be a part of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} After Megatron called a truce and the Maximals needed to find out what he was up to, Cheetor suggested that Rattrap infiltrate the Predacon base unarmed, so as to not violate the truce. Rattrap was less than impressed with the suggestion. In the end, Tigatron did the infiltrating, and the other Maximals covered his escape as Rhinox and Cheetor "intercepted" Terrorsaur with a sheet of metal. {{storylink|Before the Storm}}

It soon became clear that the enigmatic aliens who'd seeded the planet with [[energon]] were unhappy with the Cybertronians contaminating the results of their experiments, and intended to them out by "sterizing" the entire planet. From the planet below, Tigatron and Cheetor observed the [[Planet Buster|moon splitting open]], but were called back to base by Optimus. They got back as the alien weapon began super-heating the planet's surface, and helped the damaged Dinobot and Rhinox into [[CR chamber]]s. Optimus intended to use a stasis pod Tarantulas had been working on to attack the Planet Buster, despite Cheetor, Tigatron and Airazor all volunteering to go in his stead. As the pod lifted off, Cheetor managed to tune the sensors in to follow its path until it destroyed the Planet Buster—and thanks to Megatron's meddling, Optimus Primal as well. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Aftermath Rattrap Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|INVISIBEL KEYBORD]]

When the [[quantum surge]] from the explosion engulfed the planet, Cheetor's exostructure was mutated into a [[Transmetal]] body. Along with a tougher metal hide and built-in weaponry, his beast mode gained the ability to fly via two powerful thrusters in his torso. Unfortunately, his first attempt at flying led him on a one-way trip into a bulkhead. His new flight mode allowed him to be particularly effective against Waspinator in a subsequent battle until Megatron blasted him into a cliff; while trying to fly to safety, he accidentally crashed into Rattrap. Rhinox fortunately interceded before the pair could be slagged. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Rhinox tried to project his [[core consciousness]] into the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] to retrieve the [[spark]] of their deceased commander, and Cheetor left the ''Axalon'' to look for Dinobot, but ran into the Predacons and their new recruit [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. Rattrap and Dinobot answered his distress call and prepared for a showdown with the Predacons. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Though outnumbered, the trio persisted in defending the ''Axalon'', eventually capturing Silverbolt and taking him back to the ship for repairs. As the Predacons pressed on with their attack, the Maximals found themselves out of ammo, but were saved at the eleventh hour by Optimus Primal, who'd been resurrected with a new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

As he monitored the sensor grid, Cheetor reported some strange signals. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Rhinox worked out that there was an alien site in [[Grid Zeiram]], the area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Cheetor was sent to warn them. He was moments too late to prevent them from being shot into space by the alien plants there, much to his anguish. Though Cheetor wanted to rescue Tigatron and Airazor, the priority was on stopping Megatron, and the Maximals returned to Grid Zeiram, where a [[Metal Hunter|spaceship]] grew from the plant life and released an energy surge which incapacitated all the Cybertronians. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} As the Transmetals and [[Fuzor]]s recovered quickly from its effects, Cheetor and Silverbolt took Dinobot and Rhinox back to base for repairs. After Megatron took control of the alien craft, the Maximals launched an attack on it and distracted Megatron long enough for Rattrap to undertake some sabotage. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:CodeOfHero-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|NEEEEOOOOWWWWWNNNNN]]

While flying on patrol, Cheetor spotted Protoform X's stasis pod and finally learned the true story behind the ''Axalon'''s mission. The Predacons arrived to try and take control of the pod, and weaponsfire caused the raw energon beneath the pod to explode. The damaged Optimus and Cheetor returned to base, and were repaired in time to help Silverbolt and Blackarachnia temporarily incapacitate Protoform X. However, when the Maximals left to consult Rhinox's expertise, Megatron seized the opening and forcibly conscripted X-now "Rampage"- into the Predacons. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} On another patrol, Cheetor encountered the Predacon forces and communicated their position to Dinobot. After Dinobot died defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons, Cheetor extinguished the flames in the valley and later joined the other Maximals in mourning their loss. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While out hunting for yet another Predacon jamming tower, Rattrap and Cheetor stumbled on a stasis pod containing a strangely mutated [[Transformer]], which became known as [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]]. Unfortunately the first thing it did was break up their fight with the Predacons using its sonic attack. As Rattrap later joked about the creature's appearance, Cheetor pointed out Transmutate was standing right behind him. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda1 Cheetor with tail club.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Kitten with a whip.]]

The Maximals were overjoyed when Rhinox revealed that the transwarp wavefront from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by Cybertron and a rescue mission sent. Cheetor was looking forward to going to [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]], much to Rattrap's embarrassment. Instead of the expected rescue mission, they got [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], a Predacon operative sent to apprehend Megatron. Joining forces, they mounted an attack on the ''Darksyde''. Cheetor was blasted by the defense systems. Twice. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't present when Megatron was finally captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

With the Maximals in control, Optimus order Cheetor to go out and look for Blackarachnia, whom Silverbolt had allowed to escape. Cheetor assured Silverbolt, who had developed feelings for the Predacon, that he would bring her in in one piece, only for Silverbolt to punch him out, leaving to find Blackarachnia himself. He and Optimus instead went to fetch some energon crystals stashed by Tarantulas, only to run into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and were forced to retreat when the crazed Predacon blew up the energon. The pair headed back for the ''Axalon'', only to be informed by Rattrap over the commlink that Ravage had switched sides—a fact made obvious by the [[transwarp cruiser]] bearing down on them with Megatron riding atop. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} Pinned down on the battlefield, Optimus and Cheetor were blasted flat by Megatron (although Cheetor managed to deal with Quickstrike first), but fortunately survived without too much damage. After Rattrap took out the transwarp cruiser, the Maximals set out in pursuit of the retreating Megatron.

[[File:Agenda3 Cheetor handblasters.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|KA-ME-HA-MEEEEEE...]]

As it turned out, the Predacon leader had set a course for the ark [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] buried in [[Mount St. Hilary]]. The Maximals worked frantically to dig out the cave in he'd created to block their passage, and then to evade the Ark's defenses, but were too late to prevent Megatron from shooting a stasis-locked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head and triggering a [[timestorm]] that threatened to wipe the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The Maximals managed to temporarily preserve the time by stabilizing Optimus Prime and allowing Optimus Primal to temporarily carry the [[spark]] of their Autobot ancestor. Cheetor and the newly "optimised" Optimus set out to stop the Predacons from attacking the ''Axalon'', with Cheetor taking out both Waspinator and Inferno, but the pair were helpless to stop them from destroying their base, and after saving Optimus Prime the Maximals set up a new headquarters in the cavern that housed the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Some time later, Cheetor was out on patrol when he saw a [[Starhopper|spaceship]] entering Earth's atmosphere. He was in the middle of a radio report when Rampage shot him down, and he was rescued by new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who left him on a small rock; with his jets damaged, Cheetor had to wait to be rescued by Optimus. The pair picked up Depth Charge, who'd lost his fight with Rampage, and took him back to base for repairs. Cheetor's attempt to thank the new Maximal resulted in Depth Charge insulting him and swatting him aside. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:Cheetort2.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Just standing in pieces of myself, no big deal.]]

When Rattrap was assigned to recover Sentinel from the underwater remains of the ''Axalon'', Cheetor was highly amused at the [[Subaquatic stealth vessel|jury-rigged submarine]] that would be used and imagined that it would be a swell kitty toy. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} While looking after [[Chak]] and [[Una]], after the pair had become separated from their tribe, Cheetor displayed the first hints of a crush on Blackarachnia, much to Silverbolt's displeasure. He volunteered to accompany her on a mission to return the children to their people, and took a liking to the two primitive humans. As soon as they were attacked by a [[Cyber raptor]], he was blasted off a cliff and his jets damaged. Then, during another battle with Tarantulas and a pack of Cyber raptors, he was blasted from behind by Waspinator. Primal and Silverbolt soon joined the battle, but Optimus was quickly incapacitated by a new [[cyber venom]]. They were all saved by [[Blix|the anthropoid leader]], who attacked the raptors with his club. Despite his newfound affection for Blackarachnia, the ex-Predacon rebuffed his advances and walked off with Silverbolt. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

Optimus and Cheetor were unsuccessful in preventing the Predacons stealing another stasis pod—amidst the chaos, Cheetor accidentally took out Optimus, much to his embarrassment. Ignoring Primal's orders to get some backup, Cheetor went on alone and assisted Depth Charge in battling the Predacons as they used the extraterrestrial [[Transmetal driver]] to create a [[Dinobot II|monstrous Dinobot clone]]. Despite seizing the Transmetal driver and throwing it to Depth Charge, Megatron knocked Cheetor into the cloning machine, overloading his body with alien energy and triggering an explosion that seemingly destroyed him. The Maximals assumed that Cheetor had perished, but after Depth Charge had been captured by Predacons, the group was attacked by a monstrous cybernetic feline. A short time later, a damaged Cheetor returned to the Maximal base and collapsed on their doorstep. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

Refusing use of the CR chamber, Cheetor had troubled dreams as he slept in his own quarters. As he dreamt about changing into a monstrous creature, the energy of his mutated [[spark]] changed him into his feral mutant form, whereupon he burst from the base and inadvertently attracted the attention of the Predacons. Some time later, Cheetor awoke in a cave, back in his Transmetal form and totally repaired, but with confused memories of what had happened. He returned to base and claimed to have disposed of the "cyber creature", but Optimus insisted on seeing the remains in an attempt to get the young bot to tell him the truth. While in the jungle, however, the pair were attacked by Dinobot and Waspinator, who'd been sent to capture Cheetor, and the sight of the two Predacons incapacitating Optimus was the jolt he needed to permanently mutate into his [[Transmetal 2]] form. With his new body, Cheetor made short work of the Predacons, but struggled to control his feral beast mode instincts and had to be coaxed into returning to robot mode. This "cyber-puberty" intensified his romantic attraction to Blackarachnia; upon returning to base, he was quite pleased when she admired his new form, unaware that she merely saw him as a means to secure Transmetal 2 technology for herself. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:Go with the Flow Cheetor kids.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|”And THAT is how we’ll steal Rhinox’s plant! Any questions?”]]

While the Maximals analyzed Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Cheetor drooled over the scans of her internal structure. Sick of Cheetor's romantic advances, she finally pulled her gun on him and warned him to back off before Optimus broke up the conflict by sending Cheetor out on patrol. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} Eventually, Cheetor began trying to teach Chak and Una some advanced concepts, including how to defend themselves against Predacons and some basic engineering concepts. The class was interrupted when the Predacons abducted Una, but the girl was able to put Cheetor's teachings to the test with favorable results. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

[[File:CrossingtheRubicon Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"U-G-L-Y - I ain't got no alibi!"]]

After Blackarachnia made an aborted attempt to upgrade herself with the Transmetal driver, Cheetor was concerned for her safety. He assisted in defending the base against a Predacon attack while Rhinox worked on removing the Predcaon shell program from Blackarachnia. As the Predacons retreated, their jubilation was cut short by the news that Blackarachnia didn't make it. As the Maximals eulogized her, Cheetor said she was something special. Fortunately, however, Blackarachnia was restored to life and transformed into a Transmetal 2 Maximal by the Transmetal driver. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] taking control of Optimus Primal. The first thing he did was punch out Cheetor and lock the young Maximal in a cage. All of the Maximals were released in time to fight off a newly upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

Cheetor was sent to stop [[Tigerhawk]] from destroying Megatron, an act which would also destroy the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark, but he was quickly incapacitated by Tarantulas, who had plans of his own. Cheetor dreamed of Tigatron, Airazor and the [[Vok]], before waking and breaking free of his bonds. The fused spark from his dream guided him to Tarantulas's lair, where he was able to pull Tigerhawk clear before the lair exploded. {{storylink|Other Victories}} Depth Charge soon spotted the fugitive Predacons, and Cheetor was part of the group that went after them, though he just ended up escorting Blackarachnia and a badly damaged Silverbolt back to base. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} With Megatron on the way in the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]], the Maximals hurried to try to get the Ark ready to be moved, but were unable to get the ship moving. Fortunately a last minute schematic download pointed them to a [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|shuttle]] stored in the Ark, and, after Rhinox used it to assault the Nemesis, the Maximals watched the warship crash in the distance. Convinced that they'd won the Beast Wars, Optimus, Cheetor, Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Rhinox, and Rattrap headed back for Cybertron aboard the shuttle with a defeated Megatron lashed to the ship's hull. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Hercules Fernando]] (Portuguese), [[Victor Covarrubias]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Julio Lorenzo]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Björn Schalla]] (German), [[Massimo De Ambrosis]] (Italian), [[Marc Weiss]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

While returning home from prehistoric Earth through [[unspace|transwarp]], Megatron successfully broke free from his restraints and somehow arrived on Cybertron before the Maximals. By the time that Cheetor and the other Maximals returned home, Megatron had infected the citizens of Cybertron with a debilitating [[transformation virus]] that allowed him to extract the [[spark]]s from their paralyzed bodies, then conquered the planet with an army of mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. Moments after the Maximals dropped out of transwarp and arrived in Cybertronian orbit, an automated defense grid shot down their ship; after landing on Cybertron the six Maximals were pursued by an army of [[Tank Drone]]s and exposed to the virus as they tried to escape. While Rhinox and Silverbolt were instantly incapacitated, their Transmetal upgrades allowed the four remaining Maximals to withstand the worst of the virus—however, they were forcibly "devolved" back into their original organic configurations and lost their short-term memories. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

Unable to transform or remember how he arrived on Cybertron, Cheetor began searching for a [[CR chamber]], but wound up inadvertently rescuing Optimus and Rattrap from a Tank Drone. Guided by Primal's mysterious flashes of intuition, the three headed underground, picking the equally disoriented Blackarachnia up along the way; as their symptoms worsened, they headed deeper and deeper into the planet's sublevels until they eventually discovered the mysterious [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] supercomputer. The Oracle [[reformatting|reformatted]] the four into new [[technorganic]] bodies, immune to Megatron's virus; when confronted with a swarm of [[Cycle Drone]]s, however, they discovered that their new bodies lacked [[onboard computer]]s and couldn't transform out of their beast modes. When Optimus finally transformed by finding his "emotional still point", Cheetor admired his new [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Cheetor deflects shots.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Trust us, in ''context'' this scene is really cool.]]

The Maximals established a temporary base in the underground as they attempted to remaster the art of transformation. Cheetor and Blackarachnia soon got the hang of the process, until a [[Mole Drone]] attack caused them to lose their focus and revert to beast mode. Although Blackarachnia and Cheetor argued in favor of going topside and searching for survivors, Primal ordered them to concentrate on training as they split up to find a new base. Blackarachnia persuaded Cheetor to travel to [[Cybertropolis]], only to find the city deserted and the [[Cybertron InfoCore]] erased. As they came under attack by [[Aero Drone]]s, Primal came to their rescue, and confronted Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] while Cheetor and Blackarachnia used their new robot modes in combat against the Vehicons. However, they were eventually forced to drag Primal to safety when the Maximal leader nearly gave in to his anger at losing the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

An attempt to access the [[Cybertron Archives]] didn't go much better, and when a shot knocked Blackarachnia unconscious Cheetor wound up having to carry her to safety. Later on, he and Optimus had to save Rattrap and Blackarachnia again when the pair broke into in the [[Central Spaceport]] and attempted to access the computer on their impounded shuttle. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits-Cheetorcrouch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

As Optimus Primal attempted to track the presence of a familiar spark, Rattrap and Cheetor broke into a secure laboratory and discovered samples of both the transformation virus and a transformation enhancing counter-virus. Despite Cheetor's misgivings, Rattrap swiped the enhancer while Cheetor's back was turned, and his uncontrolled transformations attracted the attention of the [[Vehicon General]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], who captured the group and brought them into Megatron. Although the Maximals escaped captivity and even briefly turned Tankor to their side, Megatron was able to remotely erase Tankor's recent memories and reprogram him back into a loyal Vehicon before he could be reformatted. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Cheetor and Blackarachnia continued to train with encouragement from Optimus, despite Cheetor's insistence that he relied on instinct, not blind faith. During one sparring session, the Maximals encountered what appeared to be an organic bat; in reality, this was the young Maximal [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who'd somehow survived Megatron's planetwise purge. Nightscream led the Maximals to a mysterious fruit tree which he'd been living off of, but Cheetor—insisting that they only processed energon—refused Optimus's suggestion that they try some. As it turned out, the fruit caused the Maximals to mentally devolve into primitives, which endangered their lives when [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] attacked with a squad of Aero Drones. As the only Maximal who hadn't eaten the fruit, Cheetor felled the tree, which instantly returned the others to normal. However, Optimus was forced to reformat the mortally wounded Nightscream into a technorganic body; the experience left him extremely weak, but he admitted that Cheetor had been correct in trusting his instincts. With Primal indisposed, Cheetor took over as his temporary replacement. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

While on a reconnaissance mission in a Tank Drone factory, Cheetor's orders went unheeded by Rattrap, who ended up wrecking the whole plan. Understandably angry at his comrade, Cheetor brushed off Rattrap's suggestions that they should attack Megatron while the Vehicon leader was weak. He did stick up for Rattrap when Blackarachnia and Nightscream suggested getting rid of their comrade; however, Rattrap overheard his suggestion that they cover for Rattrap until Optimus recovered, which briefly drove Rattrap to join Megatron. After Optimus had recovered and helped resolve the situation, Optimus reminded the others not to underestimate their fellow Maximal. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Revelations2 Cheetor looks wary.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was glad when Optimus retook command, and bluntly rebuked Nightscream's suggestion that he was still too weak to lead. Nonetheless, when Cheetor had to save Optimus's life during a battle in a factory, and Optimus became lost in his own regrets at what Megatron had done, Cheetor was forced to take command and lead the withdrawal. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Optimus grew increasingly withdrawn and spent more and more time communing with the Oracle, forcing Cheetor to handle the day-to-day tasks of leading the Maximals in their guerrilla war against the Vehicons. Armed with the knowledge that the Vehicon Generals housed Maximal sparks, Cheetor's plan was for Nightscream and Blackarachnia to distract [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and Jetstorm while he and Rattrap attempted to convert Tankor back into a Maximal. Cheetor was able to distract the Tank Drones while Rattrap hacked into Tankor, and discovering that the Vehicon was their old friend Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:TheKey-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Though Cheetor remained skeptical, the pair decided to try to reawaken their friend, but ended up fleeing from the enraged Vehicon. Optimus was able to restore Rhinox's personality by directly contacting his spark, but Rhinox announced that he would side with Megatron instead. Back at their headquarters, Optimus announced that he finally understood the Orcale's plan: to return organic life to Cybertron, although Cheetor wasn't convinced Cybertron had ever supported a biosphere. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} While trying to find Nightscream's tree again, the Maximals were ambushed by Vehicons, who abducted Nightscream. The Maximals were able to rescue him, and, in the process stumbled across a [[Fossil chamber|cavern full of ancient fossils]] that seemingly confirmed Optimus's assertion. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After relocating to the fossil chamber and planting a single seed from Nightscream's old fruit tree, the Maximals set about trying to find water—despite Cheetor's assertion that they should instead be attacking Megatron instead. An attempt to drill for water yielded a strange, [[organic goop|organic fluid]] which spontaneously sprouted plants before Tankor arrived used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn both Nightscream and the fledgling orchard into [[Living metal|technomatter]]. Despite Cheetor's attempts to save it, the drill was damaged by the drones extracting Tankor, and the Vehicon General seemingly overloaded himself and perished. Cheetor and Optimus disagreed over their next course of action, but Cheetor came up with a plan to use a Mole Drone to drill to the planet's [[organic core]] and get more goo to cure Nightscream. During the battle to get control of a factory, Rattrap again found himself in the middle of a leadership tug-of-war between Optimus and Cheetor. While the Maximals succeeded in getting control of a Mole Drone, Megatron promptly retook as they reached the orchard. Cheetor reluctantly followed Optimus's lead, and although the drone's passage unleashed an organic geyser that returned both Nightscream and Blackarachnia to normal, Cheetor snapped that he wasn't a kid anymore and demanded more respect. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:TheCatalyst irritated Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

The Maximals held a brief memorial service for Rhinox before concentrating on trying to make their orchard succeed. A catalyst Rattrap found caused the plants to grow ''too'' well, forcing the other Maximals to rescue him from the rapidly growing vines. Cheetor was keen to weaponize the vines against the Vehicons, but Optimus claimed the Oracle had other plans. When it turned out that Blackarachnia had left to try and turn Thrust back into Silverbolt, Cheetor took the opportunity to prove that his plan would work by rescuing her with a giant vine. However, the Vehicons zapped it into technomatter, and only Optimus's swift thinking saved the rest of the orchard from a second infection. Optimus was not pleased, but he knew that the Maximals had much bigger concerns. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

In search of information on who had tampered with the Oracle, Cheetor and Rattrap hacked into the central computer, but were forced to retreat before learning anything. They returned to the other Maximals, and Optimus—now thoroughly convinced that his mission was to restore Cybertron to its primordial, organic state—led them to the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which, if opened, would destroy all technology on the planet. Shocked, Cheetor talked him out of opening the chamber and came up with an alternate plan to get Rattrap to find a way to disable the duplicate Keys. The operation was curtailed when Rattrap was zapped into technomatter by Tankor, leading Optimus to confront Megatron in person. Cheetor and the other Maximals continued fighting, but were overcome by Vehicons and turned into technomatter, moments before Optimus made the ultimate gambit and mentally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber to counter the Key to Vector Sigma. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Cheetor's hopeful face.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

The two diametrically opposed energies unleashed by the two competing doomsday weapons managed to cancel each other out just long enough for Optimus to redirect the energy maelstrom into the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], at the cost of his own life. Restored to health by this sacrifice, the Maximals were shocked to find their leader dead; while Cheetor reacted violently to Nightstream's comment that Cheetor wanted him gone, he nevertheless stepped up as an interim leader and even negotiated a temporary ceasefire with the two remaining Vehicon Generals. Cheetor led the other Maximals back down to the Oracle chamber, where they discovered that Primal's consciousness still existed within the Oracle itself, guilt-ridden from nearly destroying Cybertron. However, Cheetor's impassioned speech helped Optimus realize his ''true'' mission—to bring the organic and technological together—and choose life over joining the Matrix. Cheetor suggested the next step should be to find the missing sparks, but when they approached the Council Citadel, a [[Grand Mal|giant floating head]] hovered into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}

[[File:WolfintheFold raging Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Low down scammers got me seein' red!]]

While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, Cheetor led the other Maximals in attempting to find Jetstorm and Thrust. However, they encountered [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]], whose transformation into the draconic "Savage" was uncontrollable. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Cheetor favored leniency in dealing with Noble, but the creature was soon revealed to be Megatron, who transferred his [[spark]] into the Grand Mal and reactivated the Vehicon drones, forcing the Maximals to flee underground once again. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

While trying to save Nightscream from a pack of drones, Optimus and Cheetor were drawn aboard the Grand Mal via a tractor beam and interrogated for information. They were soon rescued by Silverbolt, whom Blackarachnia had resurrected from Jetstorm. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, giving Cheetor a rather more forceful leadership style and causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. Though Cheetor seemed to fight it for a short period, he soon succumbed again, even taking his frustrations out on Optimus physically. Finally, they realized what was happening and managed to work together. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

With their new [[technorganic orchard]] failing, Cheetor tried to console Optimus. The news of a crashing ship led the Maximals to encounter [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal who'd adopted a plant-based [[alternate mode]], who lent her talents to tending their garden. {{storylink|Home Soil}} They would later encounter two new Vehicon Generals created by Megatron—[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} When the Maximals split up in their search for the missing sparks, Silverbolt revealed he still regarded Cheetor as a "kid", much to Cheetor's annoyance. Once Cheetor saved their lives by getting rid of the drones, Silverbolt developed more respect for him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Endgame2 sparkpower Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Vegeta! What does the scouter say about his power level?]]

The reappearance of Noble caused problems for the Maximals, leading Cheetor to suggest that Nightscream get rid of the creature before it got them all killed. Noble, however, did help them as Cheetor, Silverbolt and Nightscream distracted the drones so that Optimus could sneak into the Grand Mal and prevent Megatron from consuming any more of the captive sparks he'd imprisoned. The action cost Noble his life, and all of the Maximals mourned him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} With Megatron's spark seemingly destroyed thanks to Nightscream, the Maximals briefly celebrated. However, Megatron's spark lived on, albeit in a disembodied state, and Cheetor tangled with it when it possessed the corpse of an Aero Drone. Eventually, Rattrap trapped it in a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Maximals endofBMac.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Primal's dream comes true: the universe's largest cannabis garden.]]

Although the Maximals now held control of the Grand Mal and the captive sparks, they came under siege from a renewed army of Vehicons—made worse when Rattrap made a misguided attempt to save Botanica by shutting down the fortress's shield, and Optimus had to stop Cheetor telling off the rodent. Fortunately the three of them survived the Grand Mal crashing. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}}

Down but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. The Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Cheetor found himself facing the three Vehicon Generals on his own, but was able to use the anti-gravity generators to fire Obsidian and Strika into orbit. Cheetor struggled with Thrust, but finally used a [[spark extractor]] against him. He was unprepared to face his next foe—Megatron, newly installed into a duplicate of Primal's old "optimal" body—and finally had his own spark torn out by a Cycle Drone. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}} After a city-spanning battle, Optimus sacrificed himself to destroy Megatron and reformat Cybertron into a technorganic paradise. Cheetor and the other Maximals were restored to their bodies; as the captive sparks were reborn, Cheetor had a final vision from the Oracle, who told him that Optimus would always be with them. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Cheetor encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]] (after Cheetor initially believed Hot Rodimus was one of their ancestors). With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

=====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''=====
[[File:BWDS 3.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

At some point after Starscream left the Beast Wars, the Maximals and Predacons fought. During a battle against Waspinator, Cheetor used his speed to avoid the bug's Beebee Shot attack and nailed him in the face with his own Laser Shot. {{storylink|Cheetor Chapter}} The Laser Shot wasn't enough, though, and Waspinator countered with another round of his Beebee Shot. {{storylink|Waspinator Chapter}}

Later, after several [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from [[Transformers (film)|another dimension]] showed up, {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} the appropriate factions teamed up and charged one another in a massive clash of warriors. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

{{--}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Epiloge-MaximalCelebration.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Yub nub!]]

Following the [[Great Transformation]], Cheetor recalled learning from Optimus Primal that Rhinox was not gone for good, as his spark had gone adrift and ended up in an alternate world known as the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]]. When he shared this information with his friends, Rattrap and the wayward Waspinator volunteered to find Rhinox, prompting Cheetor to reformat them into their original Earth modes and send them through a portal to the Legends world. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He was elated to see the two return with Rhinox accompanying. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

Some time later, Cheetor, the other Maximals, and Waspinator were all relaxing by a campfire. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}

{{--}}

====3H comics====

[[File:CheetorBW-GroundZero.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|In which Cheetor has a rugged, dimpled chin.]]

Cheetor was originally a cadet at the [[Maximal Command Security Force]] academy. A huge fan of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], he styled his original [[alternate mode]] after Rodimus's vehicle form. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

One day, while on prehistoric Earth, Airazor and Rhinox were basking in the glow of a quiet Predacon-less day. In contrast, Cheetor was bored. Fortunately for Cheetor, he got his wish, and the sound of explosions alerted the three to a battle over the horizon. Unfortunately for Cheetor, he was quickly blasted into inaction by [[Packrat]], who'd become unstable after an encounter with [[Furmanite]]. Later, he was okay, and he accompanied his fellow Maximals home. {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Terminus-CheetorandRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]

Later, at a point after Cheetor had acquired his [[Transmetal 2]] form, he and the other Maximals set out to investigate a temporal anomaly detected by Rhinox. They encountered the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. After Megatron took off to reach the time-traveler that both teams had previously detected, Optimus was forced to pursue him, leaving his troops against insurmountable odds. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. As they encroached, an explosion hit Rhinox, knocking him offline. Then, suddenly, Predacon fire ceased entirely. Cheetor was the first to check over their cover, his concern for Rhinox overriding his sense of self-preservation. Cheetor looked on to see [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], the aforementioned time-traveler, flying above the disabled Predacons, and encircled with Unicron's dark essence. The possessed 'bot swooped down and seized Cheetor in his talons, causing excruciating pain to shoot through the young Maximal. Just as Cheetor began to wish for oblivion to escape the torture, Windrazor was able to expunge Unicron's essence from himself, and set Cheetor down. Then, Shokaract appeared... {{storylink|Paradox}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals faced the time-traveling warlord. Unfortunately, they were no match for the [[Unicron]]-powered juggernaut and Cheetor was crushed in Shokaract's claws. This battle, as well as Shokaract's existence itself, would soon be retroactively erased from Cheetor's timeline with the efforts of the legendary [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]]. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Sentinelcryotekwreckersfinale.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|So they ''have'' been seen in the same room together!]]

Shortly after Megatron's final defeat and the [[Great Transformation]] that reformatted Cybertron into a technorganic world, the [[Quintesson]]s seized the opportunity to attack in the belief that the sudden change would weaken and confuse the planet's inhabitants. Cheetor initially took part in repelling the [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] invasion, until the Oracle guided him underground, where he reunited with a resurrected Tigatron and worked alongside his idol Rodimus as they battled [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] deep underground, which revealed them both as [[Matrix Templar]]s. While Cheetor and Rodimus used their Matrix Templar abilities to help defeat Cryotek with the help of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], Rattrap, and Botanica, Rodimus ultimately perished. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

A year later, Cheetor and the rest of Cybertron eagerly awaited at [[Memorial Spaceport]] for the return of five Autobot heroes from the Great War: [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]. The event was covered by the famous journalist [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]], and when Cheetor had trouble communicating in front of a camera, Rattrap happily took over for him. Quickly thereafter, the Autobots' ship arrived, and its occupants were shocked at the changes Cybertron had gone through. Cheetor demonstrated to the older warriors that the planet's inhabitants had also gone through a metamorphosis by transforming into his technorganic cheetah mode. Unfortunately, the event's pleasantries were interrupted when the five Autobots, plus Blackarachnia and Silverbolt were all abducted by [[Unicron]] right before the gathered crowd's optics. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[File:Abduction-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

A short time later, however, Cheetor bore witness as the resurrected Optimus Primal returned with ten abducted Autobots and Maximals (though not Blackarachnia and Shadow Striker) plus a handful of other Transformers stranded in their universe. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Cheetor's techorganic Cybertron became a staging ground for the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] in the [[multiverse]]-spanning [[Universe War]], as a resurrected Optimus Primal, guided by Primus himself, led a campaign against the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. Cheetor accompanied the returnees to the [[Oasis Research and Development Facility]], where [[Ratchet (Universe)|Ratchet]] and [[Striker]] began research on Sideswipe to see if they could cure the [[Unicron virus|Unicron contamination]] they had all suffered while in the [[Pit (Universe)|Pit]]. Cheetor expressed his doubts about Optimus Primal's return, reasoneding that being dead may have changed Primal, and Silverbolt added that it could all be a Unicron trick. Rattrap, surprisingly, was the one who reminded the two that this was Optimus Primal they were talking about. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

The war continued as Optimus Primal led the Children of Primus against the forces of Unicron across the multiverse, but the conflict eventually took a toll on Cheetor and the others. Contaminated by constant exposure to Unicron's corrosive essence, Cheetor was afflicted with the nanotech "[[Unicron virus]]", which worsened with time. To keep from descending into madness or deactivation, Cheetor was rebuilt and purified by Primal's [[Matrix of Purification]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Optimus Primal profile}}
The Universe War ground on for an unspecified length of time until one raid on the Chaos Bringer, which included Primal, Cheetor, and several others, ended with Unicron suddenly dissolving beneath them thanks to the effects of the cross-dimensional [[Unicron Singularity]]. Cheetor, [[Ramulus|Longhorn]], and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] were carried away by Optimus Primal through a portal to safety. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{--}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
Cheetor was snoozing on the floor of the shuttle back to Cybertron when Rattrap fell asleep and dreamed about encountering other Maximals on Earth. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
He awoke, affected by a Transwarp agitator planted on the shuttle by a new team of Predacons hiding on Earth. This device caused Cheetor and the other Maximals aboard to act aggressively towards one-another, and they tried to force Rattrap into the ship's C.R. Chamber due to its influence. Rattrap resisted, managed to get away, and deactivated the ship's Transwarp drive. Though this restored the Maximals to their senses, it also returned them to prehistoric Earth. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology (1)====
Near the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], shortly after Megatron [[Master Blaster|combined his spark with that of the original Megatron's]], the newly reconfigured Predacon leader hatched a new plan. Quickstrike was ordered to sneak into the Maximal base and place a transmitter which would increase the aggression of Cheetor and the other Maximals. Quickstrike was successful, and soon Cheetor was fighting that annoying little jerk, Rattrap. Fortunately, Optimus Primal was able to detect something was wrong, despite the transmitter's effects on himself, and the Maximals deactivated the transmitter and defeated Quickstrike. Cheetor and the others raced into the Ark, where they found Megatron, confused after a mental battle with his namesake, attempting to control the lifeless body of Starscream. Megatron fled. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

Later on Cybertron, just before the [[Battle for the Spark]] was over, [[Spark of Darkness|Megatron's spark polarity had been inverted, and his tortured life force traveled all over Cybertropolis]]. As Megatron's spark approached Cheetor and Nightscream, he was consumed with hatred for the both of them: for Nightscream because his actions recently had put him in this very predicament, and for Cheetor "because... well, because he's Cheetor". {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:BWGatherCheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
As Magmatron observed the timeline wherein the Beast Wars were taking place, he witnessed Cheetor being blown away by Terrorsaur's projectiles. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Cheetor appeared outside the ''Ark'' alongside Optimus Primal and Rhinox. Showing concern for Optimus, as the big monkey seemed to sense a presence that Cheetor pointed out to be seemingly non-existent. Somewhat freaked-out by Optimus's odd behavior, both Cheetor and Rhinox convinced Optimus that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:CheetorBW-DawnofFuturesPast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|Fur is murder!]]
A former cadet of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], a Maximal who would later call himself Cheetor left the organization young after being recruited by Optimus Primal based on his leadership potential. "Cheetor" enthusiastically joined the crew of the ''Axalon'', hoping to see the furthest reaches of space. His [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] could reach 550 mph, making him the fastest Maximal aboard the ''Axalon'' even before landing on prehistoric Earth. Cheetor served as the ship's communications officer.

Cheetor and the rest of the Axalon crew were waylaid on a Maximal space station for weeks, waiting for their exploration mission to begin. Finally, after leaving the space station, Optimus Primal explained the reason for their delay: they were ordered by the [[Maximal High Council]] to deposit a [[Rampage (BW)|precious cargo]] on a barren moon. But before this could be achieved, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by [[Maximal Command]] with new orders. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a treasured Maximal artifact, had been stolen by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], and he and a band of Predacon criminals left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in a stolen ship. Since the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship, they were ordered to intercept.

But there were other ships en route. An [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|unknown Predacon ship]] appeared and attacked them. Their mysterious attacker was countered by another strange ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]''. Ultimately, the ''Axalon'' was able to destroy the Predacon ship but not before serious damage was dealt the ''Chromia 10''. The [[spark]]s of the two Maximals on board were beamed aboard the ''Axalon'' and [[Spark core transfer|placed]] inside [[blank]] [[protoform]]s to save their lives.

Just as the battle seemed to be over, Cheetor received an incoming transmission from Megatron's stolen ship. Megatron introduced himself and disappeared through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal. Cheetor and the rest of the ''Axalon'' crew followed blindly. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

After [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Cheetor fought the Predacons during a plot to launch an orbital weapon. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-notsuccessful.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right]]
His impetuous streak tamed by his time under Optimus Primal's leadership, Cheetor was able to use his departed teacher's lessons to interface with the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and this act allowed him to become the living embodiment of the ancient wisdom it contained. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} He would subsequently take the name of "'''Alpha Trizer'''", becoming the spiritual leader of Cybertron. With his political power, he reinstated the [[Wreckers]] to defend Cybertron's interests in the galaxy and appointed [[Primal Prime]] as leader, in part to separate him from [[Ginrai (robot)|Ginrai]]. To this end, Trizer recruited troublesome Cybertronians unable to deal with a peaceful Cybertron, especially from those who frequented the [[Cybertropolis Detention Center]]. Trizer also reinstated the [[Knights of Cybertron]] as the new [[Cybertronian Knight]]s and placed Ginrai as Knight Commander. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-Beastmode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
When the Knights lost contact with the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]] and received a scrambled warning from [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]], Ginrai insisted that the Knights take action, but Knight Grand Master Alpha Trizer countered with waiting for further word from Devcon, doubting that Cybertron was in danger after being at peace for so long. Soon after, Devcon called for help against the [[Star Seeker]]s: the pirates were inside [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head, trying to reactivate it in order to drain all of Cybertron's energon. Ginrai's team, including Alpha Trizer, space bridged straight there and promptly engaged the Star Seekers. The [[Dread Pirate Crew]]men tried to fight Trizer, but the ancient Maximal finally lost his cool and transformed into beast mode to deal with his attackers. Star Seeker Captain [[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball]] then fought Alpha Trizer to buy time for [[Ferak]] to activate Unicron's energon draining systems, but the sage easily overpowered Cannonball and gave him a crushing a revelation: his scheme was doomed to fail from the start because Cybertron in 2984 C.E. was [[technorganic|techno-organic]] and ''no longer ran on energon''. Trizer simply grinned at the pirate captain's misfortune while Ginrai grumbled about being left out of the loop. Thereafter, the Knights arrested the pirates and led them away. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals home from the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The shuttle was shunted to [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]], where [[Unicron]] destroyed it, scattering its crew into [[unspace|transwarp space]]. {{storylink|Outlier}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====''TransTech''====
The Megatron of Cheetor's native time and universe accidentally referred to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] as "Cheetor". {{storylink|Bee in the City}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Cheetor and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Cheetor's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]]. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:CheetasManga1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Off to go train with Piccolo or something, I'm sure.]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Cheetor was upgraded into a [[Transmetal]] but left stranded on [[Earth|Energoa]] far, far away from the other [[Maximal]]s and believed dead by [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. Following [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]'s return to life, Cheetor could be seen staring poetically at the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] from his distant location. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

After Megatron blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in an attempt to kill the slumbering Autobot, {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}} Cheetor would eventually find his way back to his comrades. There, he saved Optimus Prime's spark and fed it to Optimus Primal, turning him into Optimal Optimus. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology (2)===
Cheetor was involved in a conflict against the Predacons that affected the [[Natiltec]] tribe, who later immortalized him in cave inscriptions. The inscriptions were found several thousand years later by an archaeological team. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in manga===
[[File:HenkeiCheetorLionKing.jpg|thumb|The Cirrrcle of Liiiife...]]
After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] stole [[energon cube]]s from [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], Cheetor appeared on the scene, defeated both of them and got the cubes back, getting the adoration of Hound and random fauna. Cheetor then went to live in a safari park. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8}}
{{-}}
===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 10}}}}

===''The AllSpark Almanac''===
Cheetor liked pie. {{Storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===''Device Label''===
Under the command of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], Cheetor's mission was to search the network he was plugged into, and destroy the Decepticons' viral programs. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Device Label|Cheetor's Device Label Bio}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:Recordicons12-everyone.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Cheetor was among [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s minions when they teamed up with negative polarity [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 12|Recordicons #12}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Cheetor was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. Following the deaths of Rhinox and Silverbolt, and the apparent death of Rattrap after an explosion, Cheetor teamed up with Blackarachnia and Nightscream and some Predacons to take out their leader. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}} As like-minded Predacon dissidents joined with his comrades, Cheetor became the leader of the rebels and took part in a costly uprising against their [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]] oppressors, one that eventually rendered him badly damaged and close to stasis lock. With few other options, four of Cheetor's allies--[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Blackarachnia]], [[Nightscream (BM)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Nightscream]], [[Scavenger (BW)|Scavenger]], and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]]—fled for their lives via [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|another world]], leaving Cheetor behind. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}}

Most of the Maximals and Predacons believed that Cheetor had perished; he was posthumously honoured as the "First Resistor", the first proto-former who'd taken a stand against the tyrannical Builder regime. {{storylink|Derailment}} In reality, however, Cheetor had been captured and imprisoned within [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], where he remained for many years until [[Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance|forces]] eventually freed him and he was more than welcomed into their ranks as the "first resistor". {{storylink|Head Games}} Cheetor wanted nothing more than to march into the front lines, but Lio Convoy felt he served better as a propaganda hero, and over the next five years, he and [[Preditron]] were shuttled about the planet doing just that, hardly ever being told the reason for their going, just being sent where they were sent. Although he adopted a [[cybercat]] [[beast mode]] once the Maximals and Predacons adopted the Beast Upgrade, Cheetor figured he'd missed any chance to fight the good fight.

That changed on a visit to Safe Zone Alpha Two, a Resistance base outside [[Protihex]]. There, the two discovered captive Micromasters being forced to fight to the death in a new version of the [[Game]]s, and they were expected to open them. Cheetor and Preditron refused, threatening to inform Lio Convoy, until the base's manager Ikard informed them Lio knew all about what was going on. Outraged, Cheetor and Preditron made plans to stop the Games anyway, with Preditron telling Cheetor to get on the horn to Resistance command. Cheetor's efforts proved difficult, with nearly everyone being busy fighting the war, until he got through to Blackarachnia. However, the spider-bot was dismissive of Cheetor's ethical concerns, told him to suck it up, and then hung up on him. Reluctantly, Cheetor went back to Ikard and told him he was on board for the moment, but ''only'' if Preditron was as well, and that after everything cooled down, there would be a full inquiry.

The next day, with no sign of Preditron, Cheetor gave the Buzzsaw Memorial Games a half-sparked introduction. Then he learned where Preditron had gotten to, as he saw the Predacon founder being forced into the Games. Cheetor went looking for the Game's organiser, Ser-Ket, finding her nursing an engex. He told her about Preditron's predicament, and the two went to confront Ikard. When they did, he revealed why Preditron had been dragged into the Games; The Resistance were courting the Tripredacus Alliance, and they wanted the living legend to be a loss less alive. Then he set Gaidora on them, knocking Ser-Ket and Cheetor into the arena. Once there, they found bigger problems than dealing with realpolitik, in the form of [[Vehicon (BM)|strange drones]] and dead Micromasters. The two found Preditron as he was being attacked by one such drone, and after defeating it realized they were some kind of Builder weapon, troops infected by their superiors as a Trojan horse. By the time the trio reached the arena's walls, the drones had managed to break into the crowd, infecting the Maximals and Predacons there and turning them into more drones. The trio desperately led an evacuation of the arena, and managed to get most of the civilians to safety. It was only then Cheetor remembered to tell Preditron Lio Convoy wanted him dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

By the time that Cheetor, Ser-Ket, and Preditron escaped had aboard the ''[[Star Dasher]]'', they learned that the self-replicating "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s" had already broken through the Resistance rearguard entirely. With nowhere else to go, the three decided to seek refuge among the breakaway [[Maximal Nation]], and momentarily ran afoul of an airborne patrol over [[Tyrest]] before they were able to correct the misunderstanding. The three received an audience before the [[Maximal High Council]], where Cheetor and Preditron's respective testimonies successfully inspired the councillors to take decisive military action against the Vehicons. As the [[National Maximal Army]] prepared for war, Cheetor took a liking to Maximal statesman Tigatron. Eventually, Tigatron combined with his fellows into the mighty [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]; in conjunction with Cheetor, the two had come up with a plan to ford the [[Sonic Canyons]] and take the city of [[Plurex]] using their [[beast mode]]s and some jury-rigged [[energy projector]]s to create temporary bridges.

The Maximals successfully captured Plurex and advanced to [[Nova Cronum]], by which point the malevolent [[Lord Imperious Delirious]] had revealed himself as the true creator of the Vehicons and seized control of the [[Grand Mal]]. Pinned down by a Vehicon ambush, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] joined Cheetor and [[Snapper (BW)|Snapper]] as they cut around the battle with the intent of rigging a nearby building to collapse atop the drones, which ended with Grimlock seemingly sacrificing himself to ensure the explosives detonated. After the destruction of the Grand Mal and the end of the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]], Cheetor joined forces with [[Magmatron]] as the combined forces of Cybertron worked together to mop up the remaining stragglers.

Twenty days later, Cheetor attended the first of many diplomatic meetings on behalf of the Maximal Nation, part of an attempt to hash out a new peace agreement between Cybertron's new nation-states. As he spoke with his new friend Tigatron, Cheetor admitted that he was happier ''representing'' the Maximals instead of leading them; eventually, he became a Maximal representative on the [[Cybertronian Parliament]] alongside [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Optimal]]. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===Legends World===
[[File:Legends10-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was a salaryman at [[Axalon Trading Company]], where he greeted the newbie [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. While Rattrap introduced himself in an unorthodox way by naming his favorite cartoon, ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', Cheetor responded that he didn't watch cartoons. {{storylink|The Generation Gap#Part 1|The Generation Gap Part 1}} He later happily informed President [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that he was leaving on time and not working overtime. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}} When Primal went out for a bit, warning his employees not to touch his [[banana]]s, Cheetor and the others were so tempted by the forbidden fruit that they immediately began eating them. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}}

Cheetor loved to party and have fun all night, and as a result was often exhausted at work in the morning. Though the Axalon employees were expected to work in robot mode, he at one point was so tired that he forgot how to transform, turning into a mess of cheetah parts. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Head of Partying, Cheetor|Head of Partying, Cheetor}} Another time, he got so drunk he fell asleep on the train and ended up on the [[w:Takao Station (Tokyo)|final station]] of the line in the middle of night. On returning to work, he joked to Primal about paying for his travel expenses and room charges, to his boss's annoyance. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} One day, having overslept, Cheetor decided that since he was already late to begin with, he might as well take his time and have a long shower and breakfast before heading to work. Optimus Primal didn't agree with his thinking. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor in the Morning|Cheetor in the Morning}}

[[File:Legends15-BMCheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor listened to Rattrap deliver a report while stuck in the mouth of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} was confused when he arrived at work in the form of a real Transformer after being inflicted with [[Transformers sickness]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} and hung around when Optimus Primal was thinking about said sickness. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}} Transformers sickness later turned Cheetor into a tall and slender version of himself, which he didn't enjoy, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} and he was present when [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was getting jealous of everyone turning into Transformers. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} During Rhinox-turned-[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s rampage, Cheetor was hit by his '80s Transformation Beam and turned into a classic delinquent. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

During [[Christmas]], the Axalon employees threw a party during which Cheetor got drunk and sang karaoke. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} The height of Cheetor and everyone else at the company bothered Rattrap, who wanted to be big too. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} While returning home one morning after a night of partying, he ran into Rattrap, who was jogging in order to grow stronger. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Another morning, after yet another party, he found [[Tigatron]] praying at a shrine. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 11|Bonus Edition Vol. 11}} Cheetor was present when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] attempted to destroy [[Legends World|their world]] and was defeated by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and afterwards told Rattrap that Metroplex had transformed into city mode on top of the Axalon office building, destroying it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}}

[[File:LGExConvobat-CheetorStraxus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Mercy is not dispensed here, fools, only hairballs.]]

Cheetor was around when [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] decided not to fight her Transformers sickness but remain a giant robot. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}} After the Axalon employees accepted that Metroplex was their new office, Cheetor had some fun with the gun turrets on the city-bot's head. He was freaked out when their [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mysterious janitor]] claimed to know about Metroplex because he was from "the other world", thinking he'd meant the world of the dead. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} Cheetor was caught up in a [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] clone rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 15|Bonus Edition Vol. 15}} and was around the office when Rattrap and Tigatron tried to justify their lateness to Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}} When [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] appeared in their universe, Cheetor didn't recognize him and had to have his identity explained to him by Waspinator. He and the others were then temporarily sent to Deadlock's home dimension, [[Cloud World]], when [[SARA]] messed up. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[Grand Maximus|Grand]] showed the Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s an image of Cheetor and his friends as an example of what to expect from the Legends Universe. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} During a partnership between Axalon and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], Cheetor was annoyed by [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s music, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} briefly became a [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]-type Headmaster himself using mass-produced [[Master-Brace]]s, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} went to work with a hangover together with [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}} and applauded the completion of their new headquarters, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Maximus]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}} He then fled from an attacking [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} played [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in the ''[[Transformers: Convobat Amazon Showdown]]'' movie but got the line "Transform!" wrong, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Convobat)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} fled again from Mindwipe, [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}} and took up riding [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter train to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}}

Cheetor was among the victims gobbled up by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] during his rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} but was fine and continued to inhabit the rebuilt [[Akihabara|Neo Akihabara City]]. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} He then went on to witness [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] battle [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} get turned into a [[Beastformer]] by [[White Leo]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and watch as [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] arrived in the Legends World. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 53|Bonus Edition Vol. 53}} Cheetor had fallen asleep on the train again when he was awoken by the smell of silvervine. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}}

{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|''The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2'' #6]]}}

[[File:Windblade6-allofus.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
Cheetor of the [[Fur Walkers]] was forged on the colony world of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], emerging from the [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] of his world's [[Titan (group)|Titan]], [[Chela]]. As the "Talon of [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]", Chela championed his Prime's love of beast-formers over standard-formers, likely influencing the beast modes of his people. By modern times, the people of Eukaris had divided into four major tribes. Cheetor was representative of the Fur Walkers on the rare occasion the tribes met under a white flag for talks.

The arrival of "standard-formers" from Cybertron was a major development on Eukaris, and the Four Tribes met with both outsiders and the [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Fateweaver]] to understand the ramifications. Cheetor and the tribes met with [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chancellor Starscream]] of Cybertron and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] when they exited from the spacebridge. Initially reluctant to form relations with Cybertron, whose people persecuted the children of Onyx Prime, Cheetor opened to the idea when he learned that other colony worlds were involved as well. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Despite their differences, Cheetor and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] grudgingly exchanged gifts on Chosen One Day. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] arrived to consume Eukaris, [[Manta Ray (BW)|Manta Ray]] and Cheetor watched in horror as the planet-eater began devouring their homeworld, and were themselves presumably destroyed shortly thereafter. {{storylink|Our Darkest}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Cheetor-art.jpg|thumb|100px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Cheetor's function was a warrior, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a cheetah. His extreme speed and cheetah-like reflexes were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were him eagerness, hopefulness, and idealism. Cheetor's message from the future was that his idealism will pave the way for a valuable alliance. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Cheetor was part of the united Maximal-Predacon faction lead by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

{{--}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Joe Hernandez]] (English), [[Masaya Fukunishi]] (Japanese)|[[Sascha Oliver Bauer]] (German), [[Loïc Hourcastagnou]] (French), [[Pablo Rafael Moreno]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Vishal Menon]] (Hindi)}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Cheetor-maximizes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Cheetor was a Maximal from a future Cybertron where the AllSpark had been destroyed, a doomed timeline under constant threat from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].{{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}} When the ambitious Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] stole the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in an attempt to change the past and prevent this timeline from ever coming to pass, Cheetor joined [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and a crew of two hundred Maximals as they pursued the Predacons back through time aboard the ''Axalon'' to Mesozoic [[Earth]]. In the ensuing conflict, sides suffered heavy losses; by the time that the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' crashed on Earth, only a handful of Maximals remained. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} Shortly after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, the Maximals-in the mistaken belief that their tormentors had followed them through time-launched an attack on the Autobot vessel, and Cheetor saw through [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s holograms and came to blows with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] before [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] could salvage the situation by convincing their attackers that they meant them no harm. Upon learning that the Autobots had come to Earth to retrieve the [[AllSpark]], Rattrap pointed out that changing their past might very well wipe them from existence, but Cheetor argued that stopping Megatron was more important. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}}

When the Predacon-Decepticon alliance captured Cheetor's comrade [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], he and the other Maximals joined forces with the Autobots to rescue her. As part of this mission, Primal, Rattrap, Cheetor and Tigatron joined up with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s squad, although their beast modes allowed them to traverse the planet's wild terrain much more efficiently than the Autobots. Once Rattrap had helped rescue Airazor, Cheetor joined the rearguard action as he and Tigatron fired on their Megatron and some Decepticon soldiers until Optimus Primal arrived to turn the tide. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} During the search for the Allspark in a nearby forest, Cheetor easily outsped [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], but the Cybertronians realized that the "forest" was really a holographic illusion generated by the Allspark as it attempted to split them up using disorienting illusions. Eventually, Cheetor and the other heroes regrouped in time to attend the dying [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who'd sacrificed himself to retrieve the stolen [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 3}}

[[File:KingdomEp3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

While Optimus went onward to retrieve the Allspark, Cheetor and the Maximals disagreed with the Autobots over the importance of the Allspark and the nature of their own mission, until Rattrap pointed out that Primal had also gone missing. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 4}} Cheetor and the other Autobots and Maximals soon re-united with their respective leaders, but they brought bad news: the AllSpark, separated from Cybertron for too long, had begun to die. After a brief stand-off against the two Megatrons, the Maximals and Autobots returned to the repaired ''Ark'' and prepared to launch before the Predacon-Decepticon alliance launched a full-scale assault, and as the heroes besieged the enemy starship Cheetor and Tigatron faced off against [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Ultimately, however, the battle ended with the ''Ark'' itself assuming its new robot mode and toppling the Decepticon flagship, allowing the heroes to take the two Megatrons and their followers prisoner before blasting off. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 5}}

After passing through the [[Dead Universe]], the Autobots returned home to their Cybertron, but found that, without the Allspark's life-giving energies, the planet had already become a dead, frozen planet. In the ensuing battle against Galvatron and Nemesis, who'd followed them through time in an attempt to stop them from changing history, Cheetor, Airazor, and Tigatron used their beast modes to briefly incapacitate the villains, and joined forces with the remaining Cybertronians to make a unified stand against Unicron's minions. Soon, Bumblebee returned the AllSpark to its resting place and brought the planet back to life, and Cheetor and the other Maximals were present when the leaders of the four factions ratified a truce. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}}

{{--}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Cheetor was originally an athlete who idolized [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], the fastest Cybertronian ever to live. A fleet-footed Cybertronian in his own right, Cheetor soon made a name for himself on racetracks like the [[Afterburner Memorial Speedway]], scored numerous trophies and accolades thanks to tricks like his "Tiwaz maneuver", and rubbed elbows with racers and other adoring fans at watering holes like [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. Eventually, however, Cheetor grew tired of life in the spotlight; craving off-world adventure, he left racing behind and secured a new career as a member of the planet's [[Ministry of Science|Science Ministry]]. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

Cheetor's first post would be as a member of the skeleton crew aboard the Maximal research vessel ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', where he served as the ship's gunner under the auspices of his captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} Cheetor proposed bringing multiple [[stun beam]]s aboard their ship just in case, but Maximal command denied his request. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart4-Maximalbeastmodes.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Chi-tor's Sweet Home]]

While on a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to the planet [[H'nkshanaar-4]], the ''Axalon'' was diverted off-course to pursue a group of Predacon separatists who had stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and hijacked the Maximal warship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''. Despite his protests that the ''Axalon''{{'}}s weapons were for defensive purposes only, Cheetor did his best to shoot out the purloined starship's engines in the ensuing dogfight but was unable to stop their foes from spooling their [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]] and jumping across time and space. The ''Axalon'' pursued the ''Darksyde'' to an unknown time period and took the Predacons down with them in a last-ditch maneuver that stranded both ships on a primitive, energon-rich planet. To protect the crew from high levels of ambient [[energon radiation]], the ''Axalon'''s artificial intelligence scanned the local wildlife and reformatted the Maximals into [[technorganic|techno-organic]] [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

After reactivating in his new [[beast mode]], Cheetor helped [[Nyx]] repair their damaged ship before the high-flying pilot took off to explore the planet with her new wings. Cheetor was upset by this, as it meant that he'd have to turn to the notoriously unhygenic [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to reach into narrow components. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} When night fell and Nyx still didn't return, Cheetor grew restless and considered striking out on his own to find her before Optimus shot down the idea. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}}

Cheetor, Rattrap, and Rhinox worked through the night to rewire the ship's computer to better locate Nyx, and discovered a mysterious coded message to a Predacon laboratory dated to just before the ''Axalon'' departed Cybertron, just before Optimus announced that he'd tapped into the orbital [[stasis pod]] network to find her. As the Maximals waited for her to return, they saw [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] carrying her unconscious body and immediately assumed that he was the one responsible for harming her. When Cheetor lunged to attack, however, Dinobot transformed and easily outpowered his attacker before telling them that he wanted to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

While Optimus and Nyx interrogated Dinobot in a bid to gauge whether he'd truly had a change of heart, Cheetor stumbled across Rattrap spying on the group using the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s security camera network. When the ship's systems picked up more Predacons, Cheetor, Rhinox, and Primal were forced to buy time while Rattrap did what he could to get the starship's defenses back online. When the Predacons refused to come quietly and launched a full-scale attack, Cheetor battled [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] before Dinobot joined the fray on the side of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} Cheetor punched out Scorponok and held out long enough for Rattrap to reactivate the ship's shields—however, this also meant stranding Dinobot, whose spark signature prohibited from retreating to safety, outside with the Predacons. Fortunately, the Maximals were able to turn the ship's guns on the Predacons, intimidate them into making a full retreat, and rescue a critically injured Dinobot. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Some time later, Cheetor was playing cards with the other Maximals when he heard a noise in a nearby corridor. When he investigated, he found [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a newly programmed Predacon, who quickly paralyzed him with her [[cyber venom]] and got to work sabotaging the Maximal vessel. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After Optimus and the others freed him from a web cocoon, Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot, and Nyx worked together to search the ship and nearly blundered into a grenade booby trap before Blackarachnia, having sabotaged more than half of the ''Axalon''{{'}}s orbital stasis pods, blew a hole in the ship's hull and destroyed most of the ship's armory as she escaped. Cheetor chased her out into the jungle, but when she lied that she'd set a second booby trap, Cheetor made the mistake of returning to the ship to save his comrades while Blackarachnia retreated to the ''Darksyde''. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Razorbeast]] joined their team, Cheetor, eager for a rematch with Blackarachnia, joined in a preemptive strike on the ''Darksyde'' to retrieve the Golden Disk, using a jury-rigged escape pod as an improvised shuttlecraft before launching a bombing run against the downed Predacon ship. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Cheetor went up against Blackarachnia a second time, and distracted her long enough for Rattrap and Nyx to break into the ''Darksyde'' and accomplish the second part of their mission. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} After successfully dodging Blackarachnia's stun blasts, Cheetor closed the distance and successfully caused her to hit [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] instead. However, the sight of Optimus successfully taking out Megatron caused Blackarachnia to kick Cheetor in the face and scuttle off as she reconsidered her loyalty to the Predacon leader. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

Cheetor took part in a skirmish against the Predacons that ended with him getting injured in a catastrophic [[energon]] explosion. The Maximals rushed his unconscious body back to the ''Axalon'', where [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] successfully pieced him back together—but Cheetor's consciousness wouldn't come back online. Unbeknownst to the other Maximals, the [[Vok]] [[Pakak]] took the opportunity to infiltrate Cheetor's mind and probe its contents by constructing an elaborate dream world where Cheetor hadn't yet left Cybertron aboard the ''Axalon''. After a confusing conversation with his physician "[[CatSCAN]]", Cheetor headed to Maccadam's for a drink; when the conversation turned to how to best modify [[protoform]]s, however, Cheetor excused himself and went to the roof to clear his head.

[[File:TheSpeedwayOfCentralConsciousness-racing.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

It was there that Cheetor first encountered Pakak himself, who informed him that the Maximal-Predacon conflict jeopardized the Vok's delicate experiments. Cheetor quickly realized that, although he'd been trapped in a dream, the Vok couldn't kill him without losing the information they sought. Pakak cut a deal: they'd have a race, and if Cheetor won, he'd walk free. Cheetor agreed, and Pakak quickly wrongfooted the young Maximal by transforming his avatar into Blurr and taking off. Although Cheetor narrowly won, Pakak revealed that he'd deceived the Maximal: the race was a sham, and Pakak had gleaned all the information he needed just by racing his avatar through Cheetor's brain. Pakak held up his end of the bargain by allowing Cheetor to come back online, but wiped Cheetor's memory to ensure he'd tell no one else of his alien encounter. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When Optimus Primal suffered exposure to a sample of aggression-enhancing red energon, Cheetor tried and failed to restrain the berserk Maximal leader. Dinobot successfully dealt with the problem by convincing the Maximal leader to hunt Megatron in the jungle, knowing that the overexertion would help flush the infected energon from his systems. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} While waiting for Optimus to return, Cheetor set up a campfire outside the ''Axalon'' to pass the time. Inspired by Rattrap's complaints about spending the night in the jungle, Cheetor told a spooky story about a terrible war on a faraway world, but the other Maximals found the tale to be too depressing. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

[[File:TheEnd-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

A newly-lucid Primal returned with bad news: the Vok had used the knowledge they obtained from Cheetor's mind to alter a number of fallen protoforms into loyal minions and planned to eliminate both the Maximals and Predacons, necessitating a temporary alliance. Cheetor disliked the idea, but nevertheless wound up working alongside Blackarachnia to salvage whatever they could from the ''Axalon'''s armory and modify them into something capable of harming energy-based aliens. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}} Ultimately, however, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] undermined their alliance from within, sided with the Vok, and helped them to raise a massive army of Vok-loyal Cybertronians from every fallen stasis pod they could find. Cheetor and Blackarachnia both took part in the final battle against these "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]", where they fought side-by-side... although Blackarachnia denied Cheetor's assertion that she could grow into a better person. After the Vok had been destroyed for good, their remaining servants agreed to a truce and left to live in the wild as their creators had intended. In the aftermath, Cheetor and the other Maximals left aboard the repaired ''Axalon'' to search for Megatron, whom Rattrap had deliberately blasted into [[unspace]]. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
Cheetor opened a food delivery business, where he used his super speed to quickly cook and deliver meals to prospective customers. However, after receiving his order of energon-coated bananas, Optimus Primal was annoyed to discover that Cheetor was delivering food to the Predacons. {{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals were reading the collected edition of [[Transformers Go! Go!|their manga]] when Megatron barged in and demanded a chance to read the book. {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Go! Go! issue 28}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 29}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game comic====
[[File:Cheetor-beastmodescan.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.1|My eyes are up here!]]
Upon arriving on prehistoric Earth, the dangers of Energon radiation forced the Maximals and Predacons to take on beast alternate forms. "Cheetor" promptly grabbed a cheetah by its underbelly, hoisted it up to his optics, and scanned the creature's molecular structure. The indignant cheetah could do nothing but silently ask the robot "Do you mind?" Cheetor transformed into his new organic cheetah mode and darted into Predacon territory. Unfortunately, Cheetor was spotted by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and the two battled until they were forced to return to their beast modes to avoid Energon radiation damage. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars:Transformers'' video game====
Many Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Cheetor's own base was an Energon mining operation, located in a desert area. It featured sphinx-like statues bearing Cheetor's likeness and colour scheme. Cheetor joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal Campaign=====
[[File:Beastwarspsx-Cheetorstats.jpg|left|thumb|I lost weight! Can you tell?]]

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Cheetor was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace.
{{BW VG|Cheetor|M}}

=====Predacon Campaign=====
Cheetor's mining operation was deemed a threat to the Predacon agenda, and a Predacon was dispatched to eliminate him. In order to systematically dismantle Cheetor's mining operation, the Predacons first targeted his "[[Rock Blaster]]" drone unit for destruction. Subsequently, they planted a bomb within [[Cheetor's mining plant]], and annexed the territory. In order to ensure that their new conquest would be firmly under their control, the Predacons killed Cheetor himself, sending a lone Predacon agent to neutralize him in a firefight. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:N64Cheetors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SECRET COLORS CHEETOR and also Cheetor's Tigatron cosplay.]]
In an alternate timeline created when Megatron sent a message through Transwarp back to his past self, Cheetor participated in a series of all-out battles with the other beast warriors.

During a decisive battle, Cheetor witnessed Optimus being badly injured. Cheetor's reaction was to charge into battle with unmatched fury, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Maximals. Thanks to this victory, the Maximals eventually overpowered the Predacons, and established peace on the planet. Following the battle, Optimus and Cheetor had this heartwarming exchange;

Optimus: "You showed a lot of potential out there. Someday you might make one prime leader."
Cheetor replied: "Sorry Bigbot, but that's your department... But who knows? Maybe in another universe!" {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Sprint (does not do damage)
|-
|C-Up||Savage Pounce
|-
|C-Left||Savage Wave
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
[[File:Beastwarstransmetalsgame-cheetorstats.jpg|thumb|320px|Glitch, game stats!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Cheetor was eager to take the Preds head-on, ignoring Rattrap's mockery of him, and was fully on Board when Optimus proposed using this as an opening to retake the Golden Disk. He joined Primal's team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Cheetor and the others hurried back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Cheetor joined Optimus Primal in an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the Axalon before being left badly damaged on the ground. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses before the Predacons could finish them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Double Arm Shot
|Special attack||Golden Rocket
|-
|Super attack||Double Arm Blast
|Super attack||Savage Fury
|}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars''===
[[File:DuelFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Adolescence is so unstable.]]
Cheetor and Optimus Primal chased [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] through a portal, emerging on [[Gaia]] in the ruin where the super-powerful [[Energon Quartz]] had been discovered, which led him and several other Maximals and Predacons to engage in a series of one-on-one battles to attempt obtaining the Quartz's powers for their own gain.

Cheetor could also partake in various other tasks, such as a mission to break a boulder to reveal an energon crystal hidden within before sundown, using a block in a mission to defend himself against various incoming projectiles, and missions to run across a pit-riddled field, sometimes involving hideously large bacteria he had to fend off.

Cheetor eventually defeated Megatron, the last bot standing between the Quartz and himself. Once the crystal was in his possession, Cheetor absorbed its power, becoming the most powerful of the Maximals. This allowed him to soar through the ranks and become [[Supreme Commander]]. This position was more than he could handle, however, and he abandoned his post after only three days. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|GBC}}

====Move list====
{{note|This move list presumes the player is facing right; when facing left, reverse the left and right inputs.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Horizontal Sniper Shot||↓→+B
|Passing Sand||↓→B
|-
|Anti-Air Sniper Shot||↓←+B
|Phantom Arrow||↓←B
|-
|Sky Sniper Shot||↓→+B (in air)
|Surprise Threw||→↓→B
|-
|Rolling Assault||↓←A
|Surprise Attack||→↓→A
|-
|Last Resort (super)||↓→↓← B
|Delta End (super)||↓→↓← B
|-
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Cheetor, in his Transmetal 2 body, was one of Optimus's many allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s own army, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Cheetor and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}} On their return to Cybertron, the Maximals discovered that Megatron had conquered the planet, and they were forced to face his Vehicon Generals. {{storylink|Beast Machines (Legends)|Beast Machines}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|400px|That was a mercy kill and ya live in a...camper van!]]
Cheetor participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in three different bodies:
*''Cheetor'' — This Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars: Episode 1" event.
*''Cheetor Transmetal II'' — This Super Rare character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the "Transmetals: Episode 3" mini events.
*''Cheetor Transmetal'' — This Epic character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the third "Transmetals 2: Episode 1" mini event, and could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal-II.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Transmetal II as in Cheetor #2!]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Three modes, third Cheetor!]]
{{!}}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:CheetorEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*'''Ability: Bestial Fury - For 15 seconds, use melee attacks dealing 37.8 damage. Destroy buildings to increase your attack and movement speeds by 25% - the buff lasts 90 seconds and can stack 5 times.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:cheetor Cheetor at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:ForgedToFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|250px|"Oh! They fly now!" "They fly now?" "''They fly now!''"]]
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Cheetor was a feisty Maximal rookie who considered himself to be the fastest thing on land, and was good friends with fellow Maximal cat [[Tigatron]]. Although immature and sometimes reckless, Cheetor had the potential to become a great leader one day. At some point during the Beast Wars, Cheetor befriended some ancient ancestors of modern humans, although these ancient anthropoids did not yet possess the capacity for language. After returning to Cybertron, Cheetor and several other Maximals were reformatted into [[technorganic]] bodies and tasked with restoring a technorganic balance to Cybertron, battling Megatron's new army of [[Vehicon]] soldiers all the while.

At some point after returning to his own time period, Cheetor gave a lecture to the [[Confederated Terran Colonial Fleet|CTC Fleet]] academy on [[New Earth]] regarding the history of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:1999Transmetals2CheetorStock.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]
[[File:CheetorBMconcept.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Things usually do look more badass in concept art.]]
[[File:CheetorGameBoyColor1.jpg|thumb|upright=1|I wonder what ''Beast Machines'' Cheetor thinks of this artwork?]]

* Cheetor was initially developed as a panther with the name of "[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]", indicating that he was likely meant to be the Generation 1 character in a new form and providing the genesis of Cheetor's head design. A [[retool]] of the toy into a lion form of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (alternately an unrelated character) with a flocked mane was also planned, but ultimately dropped.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC-i7cgfHR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Hasbro concept presentation for McDonald's collaboration]</ref><ref>''[[Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Generations|Beast Generations]]''</ref> The 1996 [[McDonald's]] character [[Panther]] was also originally planned to be a version of Prowl/Cheetor, hence them sharing the same head design.
* [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s original plan for [[Transmetal]] Cheetor was to have his face mature over the course of the season, from a big-eared, wide-eyed, rounded face into one close to the toy. Also, he would have had a "Hero's Heart" which glowed after completing brave or heroic feats, somewhat akin to the classic anime character Astro Boy. Due to time and financial restrictions, none of these concepts panned out.
* [[Transmetal 2]] Cheetor's upper arms in both the cartoon and his card art have the shoulders swapped when compared to the toy due to a misassembled [[prototype]] of the toy being used as reference. In the art and his model, his left arm features a metallic shoulder and an organic forearm, while the right has an organic shoulder and a metallic forearm. This prototype can be found on the back of Deluxe Transmetal 2 packaging in the [[cross-sell]] section (image at right), and also features brown stripes, much like the card art. Evidence suggesting that this prototype was misassembled and that a last minute change didn't occur last-second before the toy's release comes from original toy concept art from Takara which has the arms in the exact same orientation as the final toy.<ref>[https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g1ezjNdHr4/XaUngnxDAJI/AAAAAAAA6jo/_qpMxGjbNVMiYNsR-WMeNntkfIdJSsJ9QCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/25.png Transmetal 2 Cheetor concept art] - on TFRAW.com</ref> If one ''really'' feels that strongly about having the arms on their toy in the same orientation as the prototype, both of the shoulders and the elbows are on ball joints and can easily be swapped to match.
* Though most early artwork for ''Beast Machines'' character designs were very different from the final product, Cheetor's design seems to have changed very little, with only the green being downplayed in his color scheme.
* ''[[Comic BomBom]]'' advertisements and the [[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|official guide]] for ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' feature Cheetor with a slightly different (and much happier) head than the version which appeared on the game's box and instruction manual. Both are sickeningly cute, though.
* In Japanese media, Cheetor has the quirk of ending sentences in a long, stressed "Jān", like a cute kitty growl. Cheetor also has the tendency to say "Woooow!" and speak English phrases (such as "beast mode") in a pronounced American accent to emphasize his cool, carefree attitude. In addition to all that, whenever firing his weapon, he would always shout "utsumashi!" ("fire!").
* A series of unusual decisions was made regarding Cheetor and Tigatron in the ''Beast Wars: Transmetals'' game's localization. In the Japanese version of the game, Cheetor has a red-tinged set of "Player 2" colors and an unlockable "Player 3" color scheme obviously based on Tigatron. The North American version of the game adds Tigatron as a playable character; instead of reassigning the pre-existing "Player 3" colors to him, a new color scheme that [[:File:N64Tigatron.jpg|looked less like Tigatron]] was created for him. Furthermore, Cheetor's Japanese "Player 2" colors were eliminated and his original Tigatron-themed colors were kept.
* According to ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'', Cheetor likes pie.
* In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Cheetor's Cybertronian body incorporates traits from his [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]] with the inclusion of the hooped wheels, visor, and vehicle mode from his canceled ''[[Transtech]]'' toy. Of course, the latter characteristics would eventually serve as the basis for [[Cheetor (Animated)|''Animated'' Cheetor]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Didn't base Nyx on anything in particular! Dinobot is much the same. I picture the orb on his chest as a nod to the spark gem gimmick but other than that I just wanted a samurai kinda look to his silhouette. The arm mounted blades kind of a nod the Gundam Spiegel|link=https://twitter.com/jcburcham/status/1357035373184962561|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* Cheetor is the first character to speak in ''Beast Wars'' and the last character to speak in ''Beast Machines''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cheetus'''<ref>The "Cheetus" [[Japanese language|Romanization]] is consistently used in Japanese media. An exception would be the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|Complete Manual]]'', the official strategy guide for the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' video game, which used "Cheetas".</ref> (チータス ''Chītasu''), '''Cheetor''' (チーター ''Chītā'')
*''French:'' '''Vélocitor''' (cartoon, "Speedor")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Sidor'''
*''Italian:'' '''Ghepard''' ("Cheet"), '''Metal Ghepard''' (Transmetal toy)
*''Korean:'' '''Cheeto''' (치토 ''Chito'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Bàozi''' (Taiwan, 豹子, "Leopard"), '''Huābào''' (Taiwan ''Beast Machines'', 花豹, "Leopard"), '''Huáng Bào''' (China ''Beast Wars'', 黄豹, "Yellow Leopard"), '''Bào Sīlìng''' (China ''Beast Machines'', 豹司令, "Commander Leopard")
*''Polish:'' '''Gepardon''' ("Cheetodon"), '''Kotor''' (Canal + Dubb, "Cattor")
*''Russian:'' '''Geptor'''
*''Spanish:'' '''Chitor''' (Spain), '''Chitah''' (America, "Cheetah")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Armada Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Cats]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Jungle Planet]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Maximal Command Security Force]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Resistance]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Law enforcement]]

Cheetor (BW)

2025-03-07T03:55:41Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{disambig3|Cheetor}}
{{featured}}{{suite}}
{{factions|maximal|maximalbm|autobot|knight|jungleplanet}}
:''Cheetor is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Cheetor render.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|There he is, your little guy.]]

A young Maximal full to bursting with energy and exuberance, '''Cheetor''' is always ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. And, much to his colleagues' chagrin, he often does so without a moment's consideration or forethought. Nobody can fault his motives, just his methods. Sure, he's got a bit of cocky edge to him... after all, he is the fastest Maximal on four legs (and he knows it), making him an excellent advance scout and capable of running rings around opponents. And yeah, his enthusiasm often gets the better of him, and he doesn't seem to have much in the way of volume control. And he doesn't exactly handle people thinking he ''can't'' handle a job the best he could. But he's a kid with a good [[spark]] who just wants to do right. He just needs some guidance and experience... and a lot of luck, because this cat gets into a ''lot'' of scrapes.

Thankfully, [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], himself something of a young firebrand, keeps a steady eye on the young Maximal and tries to guide him, and in turn Cheetor affectionately calls him "Big Bot". And a friendship with his fellow "big cat" [[Tigatron]] is also helping the spotted speedster learn a little patience.

Who knows—maybe the lad is destined for [[Oracle (BM)|great things]] [[Matrix Templar|someday]].

{{bigquote|I'm not lookin' forward to the day they chronicle ''my'' early bonehead adventures onto a [[Data-Con|datacon]] for all the world to see.|Cheetor, about [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]|"[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
[[File:CheetorBW-2packcomic.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Whose tusks gleam in the night? Not his!]]

{{quote|Eyes of a '''stalker''' hunting its prey... The super-swift '''cheetah''' springs! But '''food''' is not on '''this''' hunter's mind...|[[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!]]}}

Cheetor was a quiet and confident warrior, who constantly stalked jungles in his search for Predacons. He was efficient, striking hard and fast with incredible reflexes in either mode. He was known to openly dare Predacons to challenge him and his laser-powered [[Quasar rifle|quasar cannon]]. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor Bio}}

In a swamp outside the [[Fusion Building]] genetics lab, a fleet of ferocious animals has gathered. Suddenly, the cheetah and his wild comrades are under attack by a massive crocodile! Surprise! This is a battle between [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his [[Maximal]]s and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]! Cheetor quickly transforms to attack [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], and the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] have begun! {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

After the [[quantum surge]], Cheetor acquired a [[Transmetal]] form that gave his robot mode the organic attributes that his beast mode once possessed. The upgrade gave Cheetor more power and agility than ever before, and this new body had flip-out cyber-thrust wings that gave him additional speed and limited flight. {{Storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetals Cheetor bio}}

Cheetor would later receive another upgrade from [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s cloning experiments, becoming a [[Transmetal 2]]. With this, he gained even more power and speed, but at the cost of bestial urges that he had to learn to control. With his new missile launcher and leap-thruster, Cheetor stirred fear in the Predacons he fought against. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM2|Transmetals 2 Cheetor bio}}

At some point, Cheetor acquired a highly advanced stealth armor and dubbed himself Night Slash Cheetor. This new armor granted Cheetor all sort of new abilities, including being undetectable to every known Vehicon radar and tracking systems and creating a negative psychological effects on [[Vehicon General]]s, rendering their drones useless in combat. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Machines|Night Slash Cheetor bio}}
{{--}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Mikhail Tihonov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Cássius Romero]] (Portuguese, Season 1), [[Tatá Guarnieri]] (Portuguese, Season 2 onwards), [[Bernard Métraux]] (French), [[Eberhard Haar]] (German), [[Mario Scarabelli]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Illescas]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Eduardo Jover]] (Casilian Spanish), [[Wonhyung Choi]] (Korean)}}

[[File:Cheetorbeast1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|What? Is it my breath?]]

The youthful 'bot who would become "Cheetor" was part of the Maximal exploration ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''; {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} unbeknownst to most members of the crew, its captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] had been secretly tasked with abandoning the murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]] far from Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} However, the ''Axalon'' would be diverted off-course to pursue [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, who'd stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and fled [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard a [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp]]-capable [[Darksyde (BW)|starship]].

After pursuing the Predacons across time and space, both sides crash-landed on a [[Earth|mysterious planet]] with abundant supplies of [[energon]]. To protect themselves from high levels of dangerous [[energon radiation]], the crew adopted [[beast mode]]s based on the native wildlife; upon reactivating in his new form, the youngest member of the crew renamed himself Cheetor. As Optimus, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] got to grips with their situation, Cheetor showed off his speed by racing some nearby cheetahs, but found himself outclassed when he opened fire on the airborne Predacon [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. When the other Maximals and Predacons turned up, Cheetor shot at Megatron in the middle of his speech, and his "underhanded sneak attack" sparked a full-fledged shootout. During the ensuing battle, Cheetor caught his foot in some rocks and Optimus had to rescue him. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

[[File:TheWeb-Cheetorcaptured.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Where is the RAT when you need him?]]

While returning to their ship, the rogue Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] barred their way and challenged Optimus to a duel. Although Cheetor was keen to fight in Primal's place, Rattrap restrained him; when the other Predacons interrupted the fight, the battle revealed a huge [[energon crystal]] in a nearby mountain, and the Maximals rushed to claim the bounty before the Predacons could take it for themselves. High amounts of energon radiation forced both sides to fight in their beast modes, and although Cheetor fared better against Waspinator the second time round the energon was all destroyed. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

Some time later, Cheetor enthusiastically volunteered to check out a new experimental comlink. Despite being under orders not to get into any combat situations, he unsuccessfully attempted to attack [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and was left heavily damaged. After a strange precognitive dream, he awoke back on the ''Axalon'', whether the other Maximals expressed their disappointment in his actions. After Rattrap dressed him down, Cheetor rushed out to make another attempt to capture the cannon that Scorponok was recovering, and was incapacitated by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Luckily for him, he was soon rescued by Rattrap, who also lied to Optimus to cover the young bot's hide. {{storylink|The Web}}

[[File:EqualMeasures Cheetor with gutgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Boy's got guts.]]

Though Cheetor was looking forward to another mission to install energon monitoring devices, Optimus delayed the mission due to a heavy storm. Dinobot managed to goad Cheetor into going out anyway, and, while placing one of the devices, a lightning bolt created a bizarre two-way teleportation effect between the Maximal and Predacon bases. Cheetor himself found himself in the ''Darksyde'', where he was able to hack the Predacon data files and discover that the two crashed ships lay on a common energon vein, meaning that an explosion at one base would destroy both. He managed to get the information back to Optimus, but Dinobot had already sent through a bomb—Cheetor was able to detach it from the console it was fixed to in time. He returned to the ''Axalon'', where he promised Optimus that he would pay more attention to orders... until the next time. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a decisive Maximal victory at the [[Standing Stones]], an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] swallowed Optimus Primal. The argument over who would lead turned into a secret ballot, during which, from Rhinox's reaction, Cheetor voted for Dinobot, suggesting he trusted the Predacon's leadership skills over those of Rattrap. As it turned out, the exercise was rendered pointless by the revelation that Optimus wasn't dead after all. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] discovered a [[flying mountain]] with a cache of super-powerful energon at the top, but he was spotted by Cheetor, who immediately dashed back to the ''Axalon'' to inform the other Maximals. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When one of the [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground and Optimus was damaged by a Predacon sneak attack, Cheetor, Rhinox and Rattrap set out to try to get to the pod, but were delayed by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. The Predacons beat them to the pod, but a last-minute gambit by Dinobot and Optimus meant that the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} A string of defeats led to Rattrap seemingly defecting to the Predacons after a falling-out with Optimus, much to Cheetor's disbelief. Eventually, however, the other Maximals learned that Primal and Rattrap had deliberately orchestrated everything to determine how the Predacons had been spying on the Maximals. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:Cheetor&badoptimus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Now I've got your power!]]

Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' when a fight caused Rhinox's new [[Sentinel (BW)|defense system]] to go out of control. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} Later, after Primal had been infected with a Predacon virus which caused uncontrollable rage, Optimus managed to persuade Cheetor to release him from his confinement, only for the Maximal leader to head off on a one-bot mission against the Predacons. After Primal had slagged most of the Predacons, Cheetor managed to get hold of the antivirus and administer it to Optimus. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a [[temporal probe]] from Cybertron came into range of the planet, the Maximals tried to set up a signal array to contact it. The Predacons had other idea though, and Tarantulas's [[Transformation Lock Lens|transformation lock lens]] trapped both Cheetor and Tigatron in their beast modes. The pair were captured and put in cages in the ''Darksyde'', but soon escaped and used the Predacon [[CR chamber]]s to fix themselves. They rejoined the fight in time to save Optimus and Rhinox from Megatron, but the Predacons prevented their signal from being sent. {{storylink|The Probe}}

After the apparent destruction of the Predacons in a bungled mutiny, the Maximals took the opportunity to ransack the abandoned ''Darksyde'' and use its parts to repair the ''Axalon'', although Cheetor remained cheerfully oblivious to Dinobot's internal conflict over the passing of his ex-comrades. The "mutiny" was revealed to be a ruse, and the Predacons revealed themselves as the Maximals prepared to launch. Cheetor provided cover fire for Optimus as his leader went to retrieve the injured Dinobot; when Terrorsaur hit a retreating Optimus from behind, Cheetor took down Terrorsaur before Megatron shot him. He managed to drag himself to the ''Axalon'' as it took off, and would've pulled Optimus onboard if not for Scorponok's parting shot. As he broke the sad news to his allies, he was ambushed by the stowaway Megatron and awoke to find the Axalon, too damaged to ever fly again, permanently grounded. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:The Spark Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"No!! Waspinator's come to steal the fanbase's affection!"]]

When Rhinox was twisted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], Cheetor was keen to rescue their friend. Eventually, however, Cheetor realized Optimus's plan was to simply let Rhinox run amok in the Predacon base, and once he'd weakened the dysfunctional Predacons the Maximals easily staged a rescue. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} On another occasion, Dinobot sent Cheetor and Optimus to search for the missing Rattrap, only to discover that the Dinobot who had sent them on the hunt was a [[Clone One|clone]] controlled by Megatron. By the time they got back to base, the clone had already been defeated—and devoured—by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

Rhinox and Cheetor got to another crashed stasis pod before anyone else, but the pod had sustained damage during its descent and high concentrations of energon radiation endangered the helpless [[protoform]] inside. Cheetor shut himself down to allow Rhinox to extract his [[locking chip]] to use in place of the damaged pod's one, and dreamed that Rhinox was telling him about [[spark]]s. After reawakening, Cheetor was forced to try to defend the pod against Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur without his [[robot mode]]. Though he managed to defeat the first two, Terrorsaur prevailed... only to be defeated by the newly activated [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Cheetor snake.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Featuring a scene from several fanfics.]]

During Tigatron's disappearance, Cheetor spotted Blackarachnia and Scorponok leaving the Predacon base on a mission. As it turned out, they were heading towards a [[Brigadoon|flying island]] which Tigatron had crashed on. Tigatron sent a [[Cyberbee]] containing footage of the island, which the Maximals were able to recover, despite Cheetor firing on it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Cheetor and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' after Blackarachnia took control of the island with the intent of using its weaponry to destroy the Maximal base. The spider's scheme was thwarted, but Cheetor bore witness to the island's final action: a beacon sent to its creators, who would most likely be very displeased with the island's demise. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Another Predacon gambit saw them stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} During a routine energy-harvesting run, an energon explosion caused a group of Maximals, of which Cheetor was a part, to be blinded far from base. As they attempted to journey home, Cheetor was attacked and severely damaged by a huge snake. He spent most of the rest of the journey on Rhinox's back, until they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide everyone in fending off the attack without the use of their sight, and they were soon found by Optimus. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, Cheetor shot down a cyberbee which was spying on them. Unfortunately the Predacons had gained enough information and the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body, enabling them to easily take over the ''Axalon''. The Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}} After Rattrap and Dinobot's bickering caused Rhinox to beome infected by a Predacon [[energon discharge virus]], Optimus insisted the pair go out alone to find the cure. Cheetor was part of the party which went to back them up when they located [[Tarantulas's lair]]. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

[[File:LawoftheJungle unhappy Tigatron and Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|”This is how my friend died Cheetor” ”Alright! Last one to the base is Predacon Cheddar!”]]

Tigatron's comrade [[Snowstalker]] was killed by incidental fire during a battle, and Cheetor tried unsuccessfully to comfort Tigatron. However,the other Maximal announced he would no longer be a part of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} After Megatron called a truce and the Maximals needed to find out what he was up to, Cheetor suggested that Rattrap infiltrate the Predacon base unarmed, so as to not violate the truce. Rattrap was less than impressed with the suggestion. In the end, Tigatron did the infiltrating, and the other Maximals covered his escape as Rhinox and Cheetor "intercepted" Terrorsaur with a sheet of metal. {{storylink|Before the Storm}}

It soon became clear that the enigmatic aliens who'd seeded the planet with [[energon]] were unhappy with the Cybertronians contaminating the results of their experiments, and intended to them out by "sterizing" the entire planet. From the planet below, Tigatron and Cheetor observed the [[Planet Buster|moon splitting open]], but were called back to base by Optimus. They got back as the alien weapon began super-heating the planet's surface, and helped the damaged Dinobot and Rhinox into [[CR chamber]]s. Optimus intended to use a stasis pod Tarantulas had been working on to attack the Planet Buster, despite Cheetor, Tigatron and Airazor all volunteering to go in his stead. As the pod lifted off, Cheetor managed to tune the sensors in to follow its path until it destroyed the Planet Buster—and thanks to Megatron's meddling, Optimus Primal as well. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Aftermath Rattrap Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|INVISIBEL KEYBORD]]

When the [[quantum surge]] from the explosion engulfed the planet, Cheetor's exostructure was mutated into a [[Transmetal]] body. Along with a tougher metal hide and built-in weaponry, his beast mode gained the ability to fly via two powerful thrusters in his torso. Unfortunately, his first attempt at flying led him on a one-way trip into a bulkhead. His new flight mode allowed him to be particularly effective against Waspinator in a subsequent battle until Megatron blasted him into a cliff; while trying to fly to safety, he accidentally crashed into Rattrap. Rhinox fortunately interceded before the pair could be slagged. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Rhinox tried to project his [[core consciousness]] into the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] to retrieve the [[spark]] of their deceased commander, and Cheetor left the ''Axalon'' to look for Dinobot, but ran into the Predacons and their new recruit [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. Rattrap and Dinobot answered his distress call and prepared for a showdown with the Predacons. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Though outnumbered, the trio persisted in defending the ''Axalon'', eventually capturing Silverbolt and taking him back to the ship for repairs. As the Predacons pressed on with their attack, the Maximals found themselves out of ammo, but were saved at the eleventh hour by Optimus Primal, who'd been resurrected with a new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

As he monitored the sensor grid, Cheetor reported some strange signals. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Rhinox worked out that there was an alien site in [[Grid Zeiram]], the area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Cheetor was sent to warn them. He was moments too late to prevent them from being shot into space by the alien plants there, much to his anguish. Though Cheetor wanted to rescue Tigatron and Airazor, the priority was on stopping Megatron, and the Maximals returned to Grid Zeiram, where a [[Metal Hunter|spaceship]] grew from the plant life and released an energy surge which incapacitated all the Cybertronians. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} As the Transmetals and [[Fuzor]]s recovered quickly from its effects, Cheetor and Silverbolt took Dinobot and Rhinox back to base for repairs. After Megatron took control of the alien craft, the Maximals launched an attack on it and distracted Megatron long enough for Rattrap to undertake some sabotage. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:CodeOfHero-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|NEEEEOOOOWWWWWNNNNN]]

While flying on patrol, Cheetor spotted Protoform X's stasis pod and finally learned the true story behind the ''Axalon'''s mission. The Predacons arrived to try and take control of the pod, and weaponsfire caused the raw energon beneath the pod to explode. The damaged Optimus and Cheetor returned to base, and were repaired in time to help Silverbolt and Blackarachnia temporarily incapacitate Protoform X. However, when the Maximals left to consult Rhinox's expertise, Megatron seized the opening and forcibly conscripted X-now "Rampage"- into the Predacons. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} On another patrol, Cheetor encountered the Predacon forces and communicated their position to Dinobot. After Dinobot died defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons, Cheetor extinguished the flames in the valley and later joined the other Maximals in mourning their loss. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While out hunting for yet another Predacon jamming tower, Rattrap and Cheetor stumbled on a stasis pod containing a strangely mutated [[Transformer]], which became known as [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]]. Unfortunately the first thing it did was break up their fight with the Predacons using its sonic attack. As Rattrap later joked about the creature's appearance, Cheetor pointed out Transmutate was standing right behind him. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda1 Cheetor with tail club.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Kitten with a whip.]]

The Maximals were overjoyed when Rhinox revealed that the transwarp wavefront from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by Cybertron and a rescue mission sent. Cheetor was looking forward to going to [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]], much to Rattrap's embarrassment. Instead of the expected rescue mission, they got [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], a Predacon operative sent to apprehend Megatron. Joining forces, they mounted an attack on the ''Darksyde''. Cheetor was blasted by the defense systems. Twice. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't present when Megatron was finally captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

With the Maximals in control, Optimus order Cheetor to go out and look for Blackarachnia, whom Silverbolt had allowed to escape. Cheetor assured Silverbolt, who had developed feelings for the Predacon, that he would bring her in in one piece, only for Silverbolt to punch him out, leaving to find Blackarachnia himself. He and Optimus instead went to fetch some energon crystals stashed by Tarantulas, only to run into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and were forced to retreat when the crazed Predacon blew up the energon. The pair headed back for the ''Axalon'', only to be informed by Rattrap over the commlink that Ravage had switched sides—a fact made obvious by the [[transwarp cruiser]] bearing down on them with Megatron riding atop. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} Pinned down on the battlefield, Optimus and Cheetor were blasted flat by Megatron (although Cheetor managed to deal with Quickstrike first), but fortunately survived without too much damage. After Rattrap took out the transwarp cruiser, the Maximals set out in pursuit of the retreating Megatron.

[[File:Agenda3 Cheetor handblasters.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|KA-ME-HA-MEEEEEE...]]

As it turned out, the Predacon leader had set a course for the ark [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] buried in [[Mount St. Hilary]]. The Maximals worked frantically to dig out the cave in he'd created to block their passage, and then to evade the Ark's defenses, but were too late to prevent Megatron from shooting a stasis-locked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head and triggering a [[timestorm]] that threatened to wipe the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The Maximals managed to temporarily preserve the time by stabilizing Optimus Prime and allowing Optimus Primal to temporarily carry the [[spark]] of their Autobot ancestor. Cheetor and the newly "optimised" Optimus set out to stop the Predacons from attacking the ''Axalon'', with Cheetor taking out both Waspinator and Inferno, but the pair were helpless to stop them from destroying their base, and after saving Optimus Prime the Maximals set up a new headquarters in the cavern that housed the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Some time later, Cheetor was out on patrol when he saw a [[Starhopper|spaceship]] entering Earth's atmosphere. He was in the middle of a radio report when Rampage shot him down, and he was rescued by new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who left him on a small rock; with his jets damaged, Cheetor had to wait to be rescued by Optimus. The pair picked up Depth Charge, who'd lost his fight with Rampage, and took him back to base for repairs. Cheetor's attempt to thank the new Maximal resulted in Depth Charge insulting him and swatting him aside. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:Cheetort2.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Just standing in pieces of myself, no big deal.]]

When Rattrap was assigned to recover Sentinel from the underwater remains of the ''Axalon'', Cheetor was highly amused at the [[Subaquatic stealth vessel|jury-rigged submarine]] that would be used and imagined that it would be a swell kitty toy. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} While looking after [[Chak]] and [[Una]], after the pair had become separated from their tribe, Cheetor displayed the first hints of a crush on Blackarachnia, much to Silverbolt's displeasure. He volunteered to accompany her on a mission to return the children to their people, and took a liking to the two primitive humans. As soon as they were attacked by a [[Cyber raptor]], he was blasted off a cliff and his jets damaged. Then, during another battle with Tarantulas and a pack of Cyber raptors, he was blasted from behind by Waspinator. Primal and Silverbolt soon joined the battle, but Optimus was quickly incapacitated by a new [[cyber venom]]. They were all saved by [[Blix|the anthropoid leader]], who attacked the raptors with his club. Despite his newfound affection for Blackarachnia, the ex-Predacon rebuffed his advances and walked off with Silverbolt. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

Optimus and Cheetor were unsuccessful in preventing the Predacons stealing another stasis pod—amidst the chaos, Cheetor accidentally took out Optimus, much to his embarrassment. Ignoring Primal's orders to get some backup, Cheetor went on alone and assisted Depth Charge in battling the Predacons as they used the extraterrestrial [[Transmetal driver]] to create a [[Dinobot II|monstrous Dinobot clone]]. Despite seizing the Transmetal driver and throwing it to Depth Charge, Megatron knocked Cheetor into the cloning machine, overloading his body with alien energy and triggering an explosion that seemingly destroyed him. The Maximals assumed that Cheetor had perished, but after Depth Charge had been captured by Predacons, the group was attacked by a monstrous cybernetic feline. A short time later, a damaged Cheetor returned to the Maximal base and collapsed on their doorstep. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

Refusing use of the CR chamber, Cheetor had troubled dreams as he slept in his own quarters. As he dreamt about changing into a monstrous creature, the energy of his mutated [[spark]] changed him into his feral mutant form, whereupon he burst from the base and inadvertently attracted the attention of the Predacons. Some time later, Cheetor awoke in a cave, back in his Transmetal form and totally repaired, but with confused memories of what had happened. He returned to base and claimed to have disposed of the "cyber creature", but Optimus insisted on seeing the remains in an attempt to get the young bot to tell him the truth. While in the jungle, however, the pair were attacked by Dinobot and Waspinator, who'd been sent to capture Cheetor, and the sight of the two Predacons incapacitating Optimus was the jolt he needed to permanently mutate into his [[Transmetal 2]] form. With his new body, Cheetor made short work of the Predacons, but struggled to control his feral beast mode instincts and had to be coaxed into returning to robot mode. This "cyber-puberty" intensified his romantic attraction to Blackarachnia; upon returning to base, he was quite pleased when she admired his new form, unaware that she merely saw him as a means to secure Transmetal 2 technology for herself. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:Go with the Flow Cheetor kids.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|”And THAT is how we’ll steal Rhinox’s plant! Any questions?”]]

While the Maximals analyzed Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Cheetor drooled over the scans of her internal structure. Sick of Cheetor's romantic advances, she finally pulled her gun on him and warned him to back off before Optimus broke up the conflict by sending Cheetor out on patrol. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} Eventually, Cheetor began trying to teach Chak and Una some advanced concepts, including how to defend themselves against Predacons and some basic engineering concepts. The class was interrupted when the Predacons abducted Una, but the girl was able to put Cheetor's teachings to the test with favorable results. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

[[File:CrossingtheRubicon Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"U-G-L-Y - I ain't got no alibi!"]]

After Blackarachnia made an aborted attempt to upgrade herself with the Transmetal driver, Cheetor was concerned for her safety. He assisted in defending the base against a Predacon attack while Rhinox worked on removing the Predcaon shell program from Blackarachnia. As the Predacons retreated, their jubilation was cut short by the news that Blackarachnia didn't make it. As the Maximals eulogized her, Cheetor said she was something special. Fortunately, however, Blackarachnia was restored to life and transformed into a Transmetal 2 Maximal by the Transmetal driver. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] taking control of Optimus Primal. The first thing he did was punch out Cheetor and lock the young Maximal in a cage. All of the Maximals were released in time to fight off a newly upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

Cheetor was sent to stop [[Tigerhawk]] from destroying Megatron, an act which would also destroy the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark, but he was quickly incapacitated by Tarantulas, who had plans of his own. Cheetor dreamed of Tigatron, Airazor and the [[Vok]], before waking and breaking free of his bonds. The fused spark from his dream guided him to Tarantulas's lair, where he was able to pull Tigerhawk clear before the lair exploded. {{storylink|Other Victories}} Depth Charge soon spotted the fugitive Predacons, and Cheetor was part of the group that went after them, though he just ended up escorting Blackarachnia and a badly damaged Silverbolt back to base. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} With Megatron on the way in the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]], the Maximals hurried to try to get the Ark ready to be moved, but were unable to get the ship moving. Fortunately a last minute schematic download pointed them to a [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|shuttle]] stored in the Ark, and, after Rhinox used it to assault the Nemesis, the Maximals watched the warship crash in the distance. Convinced that they'd won the Beast Wars, Optimus, Cheetor, Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Rhinox, and Rattrap headed back for Cybertron aboard the shuttle with a defeated Megatron lashed to the ship's hull. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Hercules Fernando]] (Portuguese), [[Victor Covarrubias]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Julio Lorenzo]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Björn Schalla]] (German), [[Massimo De Ambrosis]] (Italian), [[Marc Weiss]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

While returning home from prehistoric Earth through [[unspace|transwarp]], Megatron successfully broke free from his restraints and somehow arrived on Cybertron before the Maximals. By the time that Cheetor and the other Maximals returned home, Megatron had infected the citizens of Cybertron with a debilitating [[transformation virus]] that allowed him to extract the [[spark]]s from their paralyzed bodies, then conquered the planet with an army of mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. Moments after the Maximals dropped out of transwarp and arrived in Cybertronian orbit, an automated defense grid shot down their ship; after landing on Cybertron the six Maximals were pursued by an army of [[Tank Drone]]s and exposed to the virus as they tried to escape. While Rhinox and Silverbolt were instantly incapacitated, their Transmetal upgrades allowed the four remaining Maximals to withstand the worst of the virus—however, they were forcibly "devolved" back into their original organic configurations and lost their short-term memories. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

Unable to transform or remember how he arrived on Cybertron, Cheetor began searching for a [[CR chamber]], but wound up inadvertently rescuing Optimus and Rattrap from a Tank Drone. Guided by Primal's mysterious flashes of intuition, the three headed underground, picking the equally disoriented Blackarachnia up along the way; as their symptoms worsened, they headed deeper and deeper into the planet's sublevels until they eventually discovered the mysterious [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] supercomputer. The Oracle [[reformatting|reformatted]] the four into new [[technorganic]] bodies, immune to Megatron's virus; when confronted with a swarm of [[Cycle Drone]]s, however, they discovered that their new bodies lacked [[onboard computer]]s and couldn't transform out of their beast modes. When Optimus finally transformed by finding his "emotional still point", Cheetor admired his new [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Cheetor deflects shots.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Trust us, in ''context'' this scene is really cool.]]

The Maximals established a temporary base in the underground as they attempted to remaster the art of transformation. Cheetor and Blackarachnia soon got the hang of the process, until a [[Mole Drone]] attack caused them to lose their focus and revert to beast mode. Although Blackarachnia and Cheetor argued in favor of going topside and searching for survivors, Primal ordered them to concentrate on training as they split up to find a new base. Blackarachnia persuaded Cheetor to travel to [[Cybertropolis]], only to find the city deserted and the [[Cybertron InfoCore]] erased. As they came under attack by [[Aero Drone]]s, Primal came to their rescue, and confronted Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] while Cheetor and Blackarachnia used their new robot modes in combat against the Vehicons. However, they were eventually forced to drag Primal to safety when the Maximal leader nearly gave in to his anger at losing the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

An attempt to access the [[Cybertron Archives]] didn't go much better, and when a shot knocked Blackarachnia unconscious Cheetor wound up having to carry her to safety. Later on, he and Optimus had to save Rattrap and Blackarachnia again when the pair broke into in the [[Central Spaceport]] and attempted to access the computer on their impounded shuttle. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits-Cheetorcrouch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

As Optimus Primal attempted to track the presence of a familiar spark, Rattrap and Cheetor broke into a secure laboratory and discovered samples of both the transformation virus and a transformation enhancing counter-virus. Despite Cheetor's misgivings, Rattrap swiped the enhancer while Cheetor's back was turned, and his uncontrolled transformations attracted the attention of the [[Vehicon General]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], who captured the group and brought them into Megatron. Although the Maximals escaped captivity and even briefly turned Tankor to their side, Megatron was able to remotely erase Tankor's recent memories and reprogram him back into a loyal Vehicon before he could be reformatted. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Cheetor and Blackarachnia continued to train with encouragement from Optimus, despite Cheetor's insistence that he relied on instinct, not blind faith. During one sparring session, the Maximals encountered what appeared to be an organic bat; in reality, this was the young Maximal [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who'd somehow survived Megatron's planetwise purge. Nightscream led the Maximals to a mysterious fruit tree which he'd been living off of, but Cheetor—insisting that they only processed energon—refused Optimus's suggestion that they try some. As it turned out, the fruit caused the Maximals to mentally devolve into primitives, which endangered their lives when [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] attacked with a squad of Aero Drones. As the only Maximal who hadn't eaten the fruit, Cheetor felled the tree, which instantly returned the others to normal. However, Optimus was forced to reformat the mortally wounded Nightscream into a technorganic body; the experience left him extremely weak, but he admitted that Cheetor had been correct in trusting his instincts. With Primal indisposed, Cheetor took over as his temporary replacement. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

While on a reconnaissance mission in a Tank Drone factory, Cheetor's orders went unheeded by Rattrap, who ended up wrecking the whole plan. Understandably angry at his comrade, Cheetor brushed off Rattrap's suggestions that they should attack Megatron while the Vehicon leader was weak. He did stick up for Rattrap when Blackarachnia and Nightscream suggested getting rid of their comrade; however, Rattrap overheard his suggestion that they cover for Rattrap until Optimus recovered, which briefly drove Rattrap to join Megatron. After Optimus had recovered and helped resolve the situation, Optimus reminded the others not to underestimate their fellow Maximal. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Revelations2 Cheetor looks wary.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was glad when Optimus retook command, and bluntly rebuked Nightscream's suggestion that he was still too weak to lead. Nonetheless, when Cheetor had to save Optimus's life during a battle in a factory, and Optimus became lost in his own regrets at what Megatron had done, Cheetor was forced to take command and lead the withdrawal. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Optimus grew increasingly withdrawn and spent more and more time communing with the Oracle, forcing Cheetor to handle the day-to-day tasks of leading the Maximals in their guerrilla war against the Vehicons. Armed with the knowledge that the Vehicon Generals housed Maximal sparks, Cheetor's plan was for Nightscream and Blackarachnia to distract [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and Jetstorm while he and Rattrap attempted to convert Tankor back into a Maximal. Cheetor was able to distract the Tank Drones while Rattrap hacked into Tankor, and discovering that the Vehicon was their old friend Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:TheKey-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Though Cheetor remained skeptical, the pair decided to try to reawaken their friend, but ended up fleeing from the enraged Vehicon. Optimus was able to restore Rhinox's personality by directly contacting his spark, but Rhinox announced that he would side with Megatron instead. Back at their headquarters, Optimus announced that he finally understood the Orcale's plan: to return organic life to Cybertron, although Cheetor wasn't convinced Cybertron had ever supported a biosphere. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} While trying to find Nightscream's tree again, the Maximals were ambushed by Vehicons, who abducted Nightscream. The Maximals were able to rescue him, and, in the process stumbled across a [[Fossil chamber|cavern full of ancient fossils]] that seemingly confirmed Optimus's assertion. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After relocating to the fossil chamber and planting a single seed from Nightscream's old fruit tree, the Maximals set about trying to find water—despite Cheetor's assertion that they should instead be attacking Megatron instead. An attempt to drill for water yielded a strange, [[organic goop|organic fluid]] which spontaneously sprouted plants before Tankor arrived used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn both Nightscream and the fledgling orchard into [[Living metal|technomatter]]. Despite Cheetor's attempts to save it, the drill was damaged by the drones extracting Tankor, and the Vehicon General seemingly overloaded himself and perished. Cheetor and Optimus disagreed over their next course of action, but Cheetor came up with a plan to use a Mole Drone to drill to the planet's [[organic core]] and get more goo to cure Nightscream. During the battle to get control of a factory, Rattrap again found himself in the middle of a leadership tug-of-war between Optimus and Cheetor. While the Maximals succeeded in getting control of a Mole Drone, Megatron promptly retook as they reached the orchard. Cheetor reluctantly followed Optimus's lead, and although the drone's passage unleashed an organic geyser that returned both Nightscream and Blackarachnia to normal, Cheetor snapped that he wasn't a kid anymore and demanded more respect. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:TheCatalyst irritated Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

The Maximals held a brief memorial service for Rhinox before concentrating on trying to make their orchard succeed. A catalyst Rattrap found caused the plants to grow ''too'' well, forcing the other Maximals to rescue him from the rapidly growing vines. Cheetor was keen to weaponize the vines against the Vehicons, but Optimus claimed the Oracle had other plans. When it turned out that Blackarachnia had left to try and turn Thrust back into Silverbolt, Cheetor took the opportunity to prove that his plan would work by rescuing her with a giant vine. However, the Vehicons zapped it into technomatter, and only Optimus's swift thinking saved the rest of the orchard from a second infection. Optimus was not pleased, but he knew that the Maximals had much bigger concerns. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

In search of information on who had tampered with the Oracle, Cheetor and Rattrap hacked into the central computer, but were forced to retreat before learning anything. They returned to the other Maximals, and Optimus—now thoroughly convinced that his mission was to restore Cybertron to its primordial, organic state—led them to the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which, if opened, would destroy all technology on the planet. Shocked, Cheetor talked him out of opening the chamber and came up with an alternate plan to get Rattrap to find a way to disable the duplicate Keys. The operation was curtailed when Rattrap was zapped into technomatter by Tankor, leading Optimus to confront Megatron in person. Cheetor and the other Maximals continued fighting, but were overcome by Vehicons and turned into technomatter, moments before Optimus made the ultimate gambit and mentally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber to counter the Key to Vector Sigma. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Cheetor's hopeful face.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

The two diametrically opposed energies unleashed by the two competing doomsday weapons managed to cancel each other out just long enough for Optimus to redirect the energy maelstrom into the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], at the cost of his own life. Restored to health by this sacrifice, the Maximals were shocked to find their leader dead; while Cheetor reacted violently to Nightstream's comment that Cheetor wanted him gone, he nevertheless stepped up as an interim leader and even negotiated a temporary ceasefire with the two remaining Vehicon Generals. Cheetor led the other Maximals back down to the Oracle chamber, where they discovered that Primal's consciousness still existed within the Oracle itself, guilt-ridden from nearly destroying Cybertron. However, Cheetor's impassioned speech helped Optimus realize his ''true'' mission—to bring the organic and technological together—and choose life over joining the Matrix. Cheetor suggested the next step should be to find the missing sparks, but when they approached the Council Citadel, a [[Grand Mal|giant floating head]] hovered into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}

[[File:WolfintheFold raging Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Low down scammers got me seein' red!]]

While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, Cheetor led the other Maximals in attempting to find Jetstorm and Thrust. However, they encountered [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]], whose transformation into the draconic "Savage" was uncontrollable. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Cheetor favored leniency in dealing with Noble, but the creature was soon revealed to be Megatron, who transferred his [[spark]] into the Grand Mal and reactivated the Vehicon drones, forcing the Maximals to flee underground once again. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

While trying to save Nightscream from a pack of drones, Optimus and Cheetor were drawn aboard the Grand Mal via a tractor beam and interrogated for information. They were soon rescued by Silverbolt, whom Blackarachnia had resurrected from Jetstorm. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, giving Cheetor a rather more forceful leadership style and causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. Though Cheetor seemed to fight it for a short period, he soon succumbed again, even taking his frustrations out on Optimus physically. Finally, they realized what was happening and managed to work together. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

With their new [[technorganic orchard]] failing, Cheetor tried to console Optimus. The news of a crashing ship led the Maximals to encounter [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal who'd adopted a plant-based [[alternate mode]], who lent her talents to tending their garden. {{storylink|Home Soil}} They would later encounter two new Vehicon Generals created by Megatron—[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} When the Maximals split up in their search for the missing sparks, Silverbolt revealed he still regarded Cheetor as a "kid", much to Cheetor's annoyance. Once Cheetor saved their lives by getting rid of the drones, Silverbolt developed more respect for him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Endgame2 sparkpower Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Vegeta! What does the scouter say about his power level?]]

The reappearance of Noble caused problems for the Maximals, leading Cheetor to suggest that Nightscream get rid of the creature before it got them all killed. Noble, however, did help them as Cheetor, Silverbolt and Nightscream distracted the drones so that Optimus could sneak into the Grand Mal and prevent Megatron from consuming any more of the captive sparks he'd imprisoned. The action cost Noble his life, and all of the Maximals mourned him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} With Megatron's spark seemingly destroyed thanks to Nightscream, the Maximals briefly celebrated. However, Megatron's spark lived on, albeit in a disembodied state, and Cheetor tangled with it when it possessed the corpse of an Aero Drone. Eventually, Rattrap trapped it in a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Maximals endofBMac.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Primal's dream comes true: the universe's largest cannabis garden.]]

Although the Maximals now held control of the Grand Mal and the captive sparks, they came under siege from a renewed army of Vehicons—made worse when Rattrap made a misguided attempt to save Botanica by shutting down the fortress's shield, and Optimus had to stop Cheetor telling off the rodent. Fortunately the three of them survived the Grand Mal crashing. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}}

Down but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. The Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Cheetor found himself facing the three Vehicon Generals on his own, but was able to use the anti-gravity generators to fire Obsidian and Strika into orbit. Cheetor struggled with Thrust, but finally used a [[spark extractor]] against him. He was unprepared to face his next foe—Megatron, newly installed into a duplicate of Primal's old "optimal" body—and finally had his own spark torn out by a Cycle Drone. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}} After a city-spanning battle, Optimus sacrificed himself to destroy Megatron and reformat Cybertron into a technorganic paradise. Cheetor and the other Maximals were restored to their bodies; as the captive sparks were reborn, Cheetor had a final vision from the Oracle, who told him that Optimus would always be with them. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Cheetor encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]] (after Cheetor initially believed Hot Rodimus was one of their ancestors). With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

=====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''=====
[[File:BWDS 3.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

At some point after Starscream left the Beast Wars, the Maximals and Predacons fought. During a battle against Waspinator, Cheetor used his speed to avoid the bug's Beebee Shot attack and nailed him in the face with his own Laser Shot. {{storylink|Cheetor Chapter}} The Laser Shot wasn't enough, though, and Waspinator countered with another round of his Beebee Shot. {{storylink|Waspinator Chapter}}

Later, after several [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from [[Transformers (film)|another dimension]] showed up, {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} the appropriate factions teamed up and charged one another in a massive clash of warriors. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

{{--}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Epiloge-MaximalCelebration.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Yub nub!]]

Following the [[Great Transformation]], Cheetor recalled learning from Optimus Primal that Rhinox was not gone for good, as his spark had gone adrift and ended up in an alternate world known as the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]]. When he shared this information with his friends, Rattrap and the wayward Waspinator volunteered to find Rhinox, prompting Cheetor to reformat them into their original Earth modes and send them through a portal to the Legends world. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He was elated to see the two return with Rhinox accompanying. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

Some time later, Cheetor, the other Maximals, and Waspinator were all relaxing by a campfire. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}

{{--}}

====3H comics====

[[File:CheetorBW-GroundZero.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|In which Cheetor has a rugged, dimpled chin.]]

Cheetor was originally a cadet at the [[Maximal Command Security Force]] academy. A huge fan of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], he styled his original [[alternate mode]] after Rodimus's vehicle form. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

One day, while on prehistoric Earth, Airazor and Rhinox were basking in the glow of a quiet Predacon-less day. In contrast, Cheetor was bored. Fortunately for Cheetor, he got his wish, and the sound of explosions alerted the three to a battle over the horizon. Unfortunately for Cheetor, he was quickly blasted into inaction by [[Packrat]], who'd become unstable after an encounter with [[Furmanite]]. Later, he was okay, and he accompanied his fellow Maximals home. {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Terminus-CheetorandRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]

Later, at a point after Cheetor had acquired his [[Transmetal 2]] form, he and the other Maximals set out to investigate a temporal anomaly detected by Rhinox. They encountered the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. After Megatron took off to reach the time-traveler that both teams had previously detected, Optimus was forced to pursue him, leaving his troops against insurmountable odds. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. As they encroached, an explosion hit Rhinox, knocking him offline. Then, suddenly, Predacon fire ceased entirely. Cheetor was the first to check over their cover, his concern for Rhinox overriding his sense of self-preservation. Cheetor looked on to see [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], the aforementioned time-traveler, flying above the disabled Predacons, and encircled with Unicron's dark essence. The possessed 'bot swooped down and seized Cheetor in his talons, causing excruciating pain to shoot through the young Maximal. Just as Cheetor began to wish for oblivion to escape the torture, Windrazor was able to expunge Unicron's essence from himself, and set Cheetor down. Then, Shokaract appeared... {{storylink|Paradox}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals faced the time-traveling warlord. Unfortunately, they were no match for the [[Unicron]]-powered juggernaut and Cheetor was crushed in Shokaract's claws. This battle, as well as Shokaract's existence itself, would soon be retroactively erased from Cheetor's timeline with the efforts of the legendary [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]]. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Sentinelcryotekwreckersfinale.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|So they ''have'' been seen in the same room together!]]

Shortly after Megatron's final defeat and the [[Great Transformation]] that reformatted Cybertron into a technorganic world, the [[Quintesson]]s seized the opportunity to attack in the belief that the sudden change would weaken and confuse the planet's inhabitants. Cheetor initially took part in repelling the [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] invasion, until the Oracle guided him underground, where he reunited with a resurrected Tigatron and worked alongside his idol Rodimus as they battled [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] deep underground, which revealed them both as [[Matrix Templar]]s. While Cheetor and Rodimus used their Matrix Templar abilities to help defeat Cryotek with the help of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], Rattrap, and Botanica, Rodimus ultimately perished. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

A year later, Cheetor and the rest of Cybertron eagerly awaited at [[Memorial Spaceport]] for the return of five Autobot heroes from the Great War: [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]. The event was covered by the famous journalist [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]], and when Cheetor had trouble communicating in front of a camera, Rattrap happily took over for him. Quickly thereafter, the Autobots' ship arrived, and its occupants were shocked at the changes Cybertron had gone through. Cheetor demonstrated to the older warriors that the planet's inhabitants had also gone through a metamorphosis by transforming into his technorganic cheetah mode. Unfortunately, the event's pleasantries were interrupted when the five Autobots, plus Blackarachnia and Silverbolt were all abducted by [[Unicron]] right before the gathered crowd's optics. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[File:Abduction-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

A short time later, however, Cheetor bore witness as the resurrected Optimus Primal returned with ten abducted Autobots and Maximals (though not Blackarachnia and Shadow Striker) plus a handful of other Transformers stranded in their universe. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Cheetor's techorganic Cybertron became a staging ground for the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] in the [[multiverse]]-spanning [[Universe War]], as a resurrected Optimus Primal, guided by Primus himself, led a campaign against the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. Cheetor accompanied the returnees to the [[Oasis Research and Development Facility]], where [[Ratchet (Universe)|Ratchet]] and [[Striker]] began research on Sideswipe to see if they could cure the [[Unicron virus|Unicron contamination]] they had all suffered while in the [[Pit (Universe)|Pit]]. Cheetor expressed his doubts about Optimus Primal's return, reasoneding that being dead may have changed Primal, and Silverbolt added that it could all be a Unicron trick. Rattrap, surprisingly, was the one who reminded the two that this was Optimus Primal they were talking about. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

The war continued as Optimus Primal led the Children of Primus against the forces of Unicron across the multiverse, but the conflict eventually took a toll on Cheetor and the others. Contaminated by constant exposure to Unicron's corrosive essence, Cheetor was afflicted with the nanotech "[[Unicron virus]]", which worsened with time. To keep from descending into madness or deactivation, Cheetor was rebuilt and purified by Primal's [[Matrix of Purification]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Optimus Primal profile}}
The Universe War ground on for an unspecified length of time until one raid on the Chaos Bringer, which included Primal, Cheetor, and several others, ended with Unicron suddenly dissolving beneath them thanks to the effects of the cross-dimensional [[Unicron Singularity]]. Cheetor, [[Ramulus|Longhorn]], and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] were carried away by Optimus Primal through a portal to safety. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{--}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
Cheetor was snoozing on the floor of the shuttle back to Cybertron when Rattrap fell asleep and dreamed about encountering other Maximals on Earth. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
He awoke, affected by a Transwarp agitator planted on the shuttle by a new team of Predacons hiding on Earth. This device caused Cheetor and the other Maximals aboard to act aggressively towards one-another, and they tried to force Rattrap into the ship's C.R. Chamber due to its influence. Rattrap resisted, managed to get away, and deactivated the ship's Transwarp drive. Though this restored the Maximals to their senses, it also returned them to prehistoric Earth. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology (1)====
Near the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], shortly after Megatron [[Master Blaster|combined his spark with that of the original Megatron's]], the newly reconfigured Predacon leader hatched a new plan. Quickstrike was ordered to sneak into the Maximal base and place a transmitter which would increase the aggression of Cheetor and the other Maximals. Quickstrike was successful, and soon Cheetor was fighting that annoying little jerk, Rattrap. Fortunately, Optimus Primal was able to detect something was wrong, despite the transmitter's effects on himself, and the Maximals deactivated the transmitter and defeated Quickstrike. Cheetor and the others raced into the Ark, where they found Megatron, confused after a mental battle with his namesake, attempting to control the lifeless body of Starscream. Megatron fled. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

Later on Cybertron, just before the [[Battle for the Spark]] was over, [[Spark of Darkness|Megatron's spark polarity had been inverted, and his tortured life force traveled all over Cybertropolis]]. As Megatron's spark approached Cheetor and Nightscream, he was consumed with hatred for the both of them: for Nightscream because his actions recently had put him in this very predicament, and for Cheetor "because... well, because he's Cheetor". {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:BWGatherCheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
As Magmatron observed the timeline wherein the Beast Wars were taking place, he witnessed Cheetor being blown away by Terrorsaur's projectiles. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Cheetor appeared outside the ''Ark'' alongside Optimus Primal and Rhinox. Showing concern for Optimus, as the big monkey seemed to sense a presence that Cheetor pointed out to be seemingly non-existent. Somewhat freaked-out by Optimus's odd behavior, both Cheetor and Rhinox convinced Optimus that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:CheetorBW-DawnofFuturesPast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|Fur is murder!]]
A former cadet of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], a Maximal who would later call himself Cheetor left the organization young after being recruited by Optimus Primal based on his leadership potential. "Cheetor" enthusiastically joined the crew of the ''Axalon'', hoping to see the furthest reaches of space. His [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] could reach 550 mph, making him the fastest Maximal aboard the ''Axalon'' even before landing on prehistoric Earth. Cheetor served as the ship's communications officer.

Cheetor and the rest of the Axalon crew were waylaid on a Maximal space station for weeks, waiting for their exploration mission to begin. Finally, after leaving the space station, Optimus Primal explained the reason for their delay: they were ordered by the [[Maximal High Council]] to deposit a [[Rampage (BW)|precious cargo]] on a barren moon. But before this could be achieved, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by [[Maximal Command]] with new orders. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a treasured Maximal artifact, had been stolen by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], and he and a band of Predacon criminals left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in a stolen ship. Since the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship, they were ordered to intercept.

But there were other ships en route. An [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|unknown Predacon ship]] appeared and attacked them. Their mysterious attacker was countered by another strange ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]''. Ultimately, the ''Axalon'' was able to destroy the Predacon ship but not before serious damage was dealt the ''Chromia 10''. The [[spark]]s of the two Maximals on board were beamed aboard the ''Axalon'' and [[Spark core transfer|placed]] inside [[blank]] [[protoform]]s to save their lives.

Just as the battle seemed to be over, Cheetor received an incoming transmission from Megatron's stolen ship. Megatron introduced himself and disappeared through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal. Cheetor and the rest of the ''Axalon'' crew followed blindly. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

After [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Cheetor fought the Predacons during a plot to launch an orbital weapon. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-notsuccessful.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right]]
His impetuous streak tamed by his time under Optimus Primal's leadership, Cheetor was able to use his departed teacher's lessons to interface with the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and this act allowed him to become the living embodiment of the ancient wisdom it contained. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} He would subsequently take the name of "'''Alpha Trizer'''", becoming the spiritual leader of Cybertron. With his political power, he reinstated the [[Wreckers]] to defend Cybertron's interests in the galaxy and appointed [[Primal Prime]] as leader, in part to separate him from [[Ginrai (robot)|Ginrai]]. To this end, Trizer recruited troublesome Cybertronians unable to deal with a peaceful Cybertron, especially from those who frequented the [[Cybertropolis Detention Center]]. Trizer also reinstated the [[Knights of Cybertron]] as the new [[Cybertronian Knight]]s and placed Ginrai as Knight Commander. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-Beastmode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
When the Knights lost contact with the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]] and received a scrambled warning from [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]], Ginrai insisted that the Knights take action, but Knight Grand Master Alpha Trizer countered with waiting for further word from Devcon, doubting that Cybertron was in danger after being at peace for so long. Soon after, Devcon called for help against the [[Star Seeker]]s: the pirates were inside [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head, trying to reactivate it in order to drain all of Cybertron's energon. Ginrai's team, including Alpha Trizer, space bridged straight there and promptly engaged the Star Seekers. The [[Dread Pirate Crew]]men tried to fight Trizer, but the ancient Maximal finally lost his cool and transformed into beast mode to deal with his attackers. Star Seeker Captain [[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball]] then fought Alpha Trizer to buy time for [[Ferak]] to activate Unicron's energon draining systems, but the sage easily overpowered Cannonball and gave him a crushing a revelation: his scheme was doomed to fail from the start because Cybertron in 2984 C.E. was [[technorganic|techno-organic]] and ''no longer ran on energon''. Trizer simply grinned at the pirate captain's misfortune while Ginrai grumbled about being left out of the loop. Thereafter, the Knights arrested the pirates and led them away. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals home from the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The shuttle was shunted to [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]], where [[Unicron]] destroyed it, scattering its crew into [[unspace|transwarp space]]. {{storylink|Outlier}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====''TransTech''====
The Megatron of Cheetor's native time and universe accidentally referred to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] as "Cheetor". {{storylink|Bee in the City}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Cheetor and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Cheetor's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]]. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:CheetasManga1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Off to go train with Piccolo or something, I'm sure.]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Cheetor was upgraded into a [[Transmetal]] but left stranded on [[Earth|Energoa]] far, far away from the other [[Maximal]]s and believed dead by [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. Following [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]'s return to life, Cheetor could be seen staring poetically at the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] from his distant location. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

After Megatron blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in an attempt to kill the slumbering Autobot, {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}} Cheetor would eventually find his way back to his comrades. There, he saved Optimus Prime's spark and fed it to Optimus Primal, turning him into Optimal Optimus. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology (2)===
Cheetor was involved in a conflict against the Predacons that affected the [[Natiltec]] tribe, who later immortalized him in cave inscriptions. The inscriptions were found several thousand years later by an archaeological team. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in manga===
[[File:HenkeiCheetorLionKing.jpg|thumb|The Cirrrcle of Liiiife...]]
After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] stole [[energon cube]]s from [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], Cheetor appeared on the scene, defeated both of them and got the cubes back, getting the adoration of Hound and random fauna. Cheetor then went to live in a safari park. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8}}
{{-}}
===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 10}}}}

===''The AllSpark Almanac''===
Cheetor liked pie. {{Storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===''Device Label''===
Under the command of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], Cheetor's mission was to search the network he was plugged into, and destroy the Decepticons' viral programs. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Device Label|Cheetor's Device Label Bio}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:Recordicons12-everyone.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Cheetor was among [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s minions when they teamed up with negative polarity [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 12|Recordicons #12}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Cheetor was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. Following the deaths of Rhinox and Silverbolt, and the apparent death of Rattrap after an explosion, Cheetor teamed up with Blackarachnia and Nightscream and some Predacons to take out their leader. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}} As like-minded Predacon dissidents joined with his comrades, Cheetor became the leader of the rebels and took part in a costly uprising against their [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]] oppressors, one that eventually rendered him badly damaged and close to stasis lock. With few other options, four of Cheetor's allies--[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Blackarachnia]], [[Nightscream (BM)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Nightscream]], [[Scavenger (BW)|Scavenger]], and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]]—fled for their lives via [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|another world]], leaving Cheetor behind. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}}

Most of the Maximals and Predacons believed that Cheetor had perished; he was posthumously honoured as the "First Resistor", the first proto-former who'd taken a stand against the tyrannical Builder regime. {{storylink|Derailment}} In reality, however, Cheetor had been captured and imprisoned within [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], where he remained for many years until [[Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance|forces]] eventually freed him and he was more than welcomed into their ranks as the "first resistor". {{storylink|Head Games}} Cheetor wanted nothing more than to march into the front lines, but Lio Convoy felt he served better as a propaganda hero, and over the next five years, he and [[Preditron]] were shuttled about the planet doing just that, hardly ever being told the reason for their going, just being sent where they were sent. Although he adopted a [[cybercat]] [[beast mode]] once the Maximals and Predacons adopted the Beast Upgrade, Cheetor figured he'd missed any chance to fight the good fight.

That changed on a visit to Safe Zone Alpha Two, a Resistance base outside [[Protihex]]. There, the two discovered captive Micromasters being forced to fight to the death in a new version of the [[Game]]s, and they were expected to open them. Cheetor and Preditron refused, threatening to inform Lio Convoy, until the base's manager Ikard informed them Lio knew all about what was going on. Outraged, Cheetor and Preditron made plans to stop the Games anyway, with Preditron telling Cheetor to get on the horn to Resistance command. Cheetor's efforts proved difficult, with nearly everyone being busy fighting the war, until he got through to Blackarachnia. However, the spider-bot was dismissive of Cheetor's ethical concerns, told him to suck it up, and then hung up on him. Reluctantly, Cheetor went back to Ikard and told him he was on board for the moment, but ''only'' if Preditron was as well, and that after everything cooled down, there would be a full inquiry.

The next day, with no sign of Preditron, Cheetor gave the Buzzsaw Memorial Games a half-sparked introduction. Then he learned where Preditron had gotten to, as he saw the Predacon founder being forced into the Games. Cheetor went looking for the Game's organiser, Ser-Ket, finding her nursing an engex. He told her about Preditron's predicament, and the two went to confront Ikard. When they did, he revealed why Preditron had been dragged into the Games; The Resistance were courting the Tripredacus Alliance, and they wanted the living legend to be a loss less alive. Then he set Gaidora on them, knocking Ser-Ket and Cheetor into the arena. Once there, they found bigger problems than dealing with realpolitik, in the form of [[Vehicon (BM)|strange drones]] and dead Micromasters. The two found Preditron as he was being attacked by one such drone, and after defeating it realized they were some kind of Builder weapon, troops infected by their superiors as a Trojan horse. By the time the trio reached the arena's walls, the drones had managed to break into the crowd, infecting the Maximals and Predacons there and turning them into more drones. The trio desperately led an evacuation of the arena, and managed to get most of the civilians to safety. It was only then Cheetor remembered to tell Preditron Lio Convoy wanted him dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

By the time that Cheetor, Ser-Ket, and Preditron escaped had aboard the ''[[Star Dasher]]'', they learned that the self-replicating "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s" had already broken through the Resistance rearguard entirely. With nowhere else to go, the three decided to seek refuge among the breakaway [[Maximal Nation]], and momentarily ran afoul of an airborne patrol over [[Tyrest]] before they were able to correct the misunderstanding. The three received an audience before the [[Maximal High Council]], where Cheetor and Preditron's respective testimonies successfully inspired the councillors to take decisive military action against the Vehicons. As the [[National Maximal Army]] prepared for war, Cheetor took a liking to Maximal statesman Tigatron. Eventually, Tigatron combined with his fellows into the mighty [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]; in conjunction with Cheetor, the two had come up with a plan to ford the [[Sonic Canyons]] and take the city of [[Plurex]] using their [[beast mode]]s and some jury-rigged [[energy projector]]s to create temporary bridges.

The Maximals successfully captured Plurex and advanced to [[Nova Cronum]], by which point the malevolent [[Lord Imperious Delirious]] had revealed himself as the true creator of the Vehicons and seized control of the [[Grand Mal]]. Pinned down by a Vehicon ambush, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] joined Cheetor and [[Snapper (BW)|Snapper]] as they cut around the battle with the intent of rigging a nearby building to collapse atop the drones, which ended with Grimlock seemingly sacrificing himself to ensure the explosives detonated. After the destruction of the Grand Mal and the end of the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]], Cheetor joined forces with [[Magmatron]] as the combined forces of Cybertron worked together to mop up the remaining stragglers.

Twenty days later, Cheetor attended the first of many diplomatic meetings on behalf of the Maximal Nation, part of an attempt to hash out a new peace agreement between Cybertron's new nation-states. As he spoke with his new friend Tigatron, Cheetor admitted that he was happier ''representing'' the Maximals instead of leading them; eventually, he became a Maximal representative on the [[Cybertronian Parliament]] alongside [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Optimal]]. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===Legends World===
[[File:Legends10-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was a salaryman at [[Axalon Trading Company]], where he greeted the newbie [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. While Rattrap introduced himself in an unorthodox way by naming his favorite cartoon, ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', Cheetor responded that he didn't watch cartoons. {{storylink|The Generation Gap#Part 1|The Generation Gap Part 1}} He later happily informed President [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that he was leaving on time and not working overtime. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}} When Primal went out for a bit, warning his employees not to touch his [[banana]]s, Cheetor and the others were so tempted by the forbidden fruit that they immediately began eating them. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}}

Cheetor loved to party and have fun all night, and as a result was often exhausted at work in the morning. Though the Axalon employees were expected to work in robot mode, he at one point was so tired that he forgot how to transform, turning into a mess of cheetah parts. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Head of Partying, Cheetor|Head of Partying, Cheetor}} Another time, he got so drunk he fell asleep on the train and ended up on the [[w:Takao Station (Tokyo)|final station]] of the line in the middle of night. On returning to work, he joked to Primal about paying for his travel expenses and room charges, to his boss's annoyance. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} One day, having overslept, Cheetor decided that since he was already late to begin with, he might as well take his time and have a long shower and breakfast before heading to work. Optimus Primal didn't agree with his thinking. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor in the Morning|Cheetor in the Morning}}

[[File:Legends15-BMCheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor listened to Rattrap deliver a report while stuck in the mouth of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} was confused when he arrived at work in the form of a real Transformer after being inflicted with [[Transformers sickness]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} and hung around when Optimus Primal was thinking about said sickness. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}} Transformers sickness later turned Cheetor into a tall and slender version of himself, which he didn't enjoy, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} and he was present when [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was getting jealous of everyone turning into Transformers. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} During Rhinox-turned-[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s rampage, Cheetor was hit by his '80s Transformation Beam and turned into a classic delinquent. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

During [[Christmas]], the Axalon employees threw a party during which Cheetor got drunk and sang karaoke. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} The height of Cheetor and everyone else at the company bothered Rattrap, who wanted to be big too. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} While returning home one morning after a night of partying, he ran into Rattrap, who was jogging in order to grow stronger. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Another morning, after yet another party, he found [[Tigatron]] praying at a shrine. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 11|Bonus Edition Vol. 11}} Cheetor was present when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] attempted to destroy [[Legends World|their world]] and was defeated by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and afterwards told Rattrap that Metroplex had transformed into city mode on top of the Axalon office building, destroying it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}}

[[File:LGExConvobat-CheetorStraxus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Mercy is not dispensed here, fools, only hairballs.]]

Cheetor was around when [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] decided not to fight her Transformers sickness but remain a giant robot. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}} After the Axalon employees accepted that Metroplex was their new office, Cheetor had some fun with the gun turrets on the city-bot's head. He was freaked out when their [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mysterious janitor]] claimed to know about Metroplex because he was from "the other world", thinking he'd meant the world of the dead. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} Cheetor was caught up in a [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] clone rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 15|Bonus Edition Vol. 15}} and was around the office when Rattrap and Tigatron tried to justify their lateness to Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}} When [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] appeared in their universe, Cheetor didn't recognize him and had to have his identity explained to him by Waspinator. He and the others were then temporarily sent to Deadlock's home dimension, [[Cloud World]], when [[SARA]] messed up. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[Grand Maximus|Grand]] showed the Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s an image of Cheetor and his friends as an example of what to expect from the Legends Universe. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} During a partnership between Axalon and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], Cheetor was annoyed by [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s music, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} briefly became a [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]-type Headmaster himself using mass-produced [[Master-Brace]]s, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} went to work with a hangover together with [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}} and applauded the completion of their new headquarters, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Maximus]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}} He then fled from an attacking [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} played [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in the ''[[Transformers: Convobat Amazon Showdown]]'' movie but got the line "Transform!" wrong, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Convobat)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} fled again from Mindwipe, [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}} and took up riding [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter train to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}}

Cheetor was among the victims gobbled up by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] during his rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} but was fine and continued to inhabit the rebuilt [[Akihabara|Neo Akihabara City]]. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} He then went on to witness [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] battle [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} get turned into a [[Beastformer]] by [[White Leo]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and watch as [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] arrived in the Legends World. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 53|Bonus Edition Vol. 53}} Cheetor had fallen asleep on the train again when he was awoken by the smell of silvervine. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}}

{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|''The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2'' #6]]}}

[[File:Windblade6-allofus.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
Cheetor of the [[Fur Walkers]] was forged on the colony world of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], emerging from the [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] of his world's [[Titan (group)|Titan]], [[Chela]]. As the "Talon of [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]", Chela championed his Prime's love of beast-formers over standard-formers, likely influencing the beast modes of his people. By modern times, the people of Eukaris had divided into four major tribes. Cheetor was representative of the Fur Walkers on the rare occasion the tribes met under a white flag for talks.

The arrival of "standard-formers" from Cybertron was a major development on Eukaris, and the Four Tribes met with both outsiders and the [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Fateweaver]] to understand the ramifications. Cheetor and the tribes met with [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chancellor Starscream]] of Cybertron and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] when they exited from the spacebridge. Initially reluctant to form relations with Cybertron, whose people persecuted the children of Onyx Prime, Cheetor opened to the idea when he learned that other colony worlds were involved as well. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Despite their differences, Cheetor and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] grudgingly exchanged gifts on Chosen One Day. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] arrived to consume Eukaris, [[Manta Ray (BW)|Manta Ray]] and Cheetor watched in horror as the planet-eater began devouring their homeworld, and were themselves presumably destroyed shortly thereafter. {{storylink|Our Darkest}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Cheetor-art.jpg|thumb|100px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Cheetor's function was a warrior, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a cheetah. His extreme speed and cheetah-like reflexes were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were him eagerness, hopefulness, and idealism. Cheetor's message from the future was that his idealism will pave the way for a valuable alliance. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Cheetor was part of the united Maximal-Predacon faction lead by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

{{--}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Joe Hernandez]] (English), [[Masaya Fukunishi]] (Japanese)|[[Sascha Oliver Bauer]] (German), [[Loïc Hourcastagnou]] (French), [[Pablo Rafael Moreno]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Vishal Menon]] (Hindi)}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Cheetor-maximizes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Cheetor was a Maximal from a future Cybertron where the AllSpark had been destroyed, a doomed timeline under constant threat from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].{{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}} When the ambitious Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] stole the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in an attempt to change the past and prevent this timeline from ever coming to pass, Cheetor joined [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and a crew of two hundred Maximals as they pursued the Predacons back through time aboard the ''Axalon'' to Mesozoic [[Earth]]. In the ensuing conflict, sides suffered heavy losses; by the time that the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' crashed on Earth, only a handful of Maximals remained. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} Shortly after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, the Maximals-in the mistaken belief that their tormentors had followed them through time-launched an attack on the Autobot vessel, and Cheetor saw through [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s holograms and came to blows with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] before [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] could salvage the situation by convincing their attackers that they meant them no harm. Upon learning that the Autobots had come to Earth to retrieve the [[AllSpark]], Rattrap pointed out that changing their past might very well wipe them from existence, but Cheetor argued that stopping Megatron was more important. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}}

When the Predacon-Decepticon alliance captured Cheetor's comrade [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], he and the other Maximals joined forces with the Autobots to rescue her. As part of this mission, Primal, Rattrap, Cheetor and Tigatron joined up with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s squad, although their beast modes allowed them to traverse the planet's wild terrain much more efficiently than the Autobots. Once Rattrap had helped rescue Airazor, Cheetor joined the rearguard action as he and Tigatron fired on their Megatron and some Decepticon soldiers until Optimus Primal arrived to turn the tide. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} During the search for the Allspark in a nearby forest, Cheetor easily outsped [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], but the Cybertronians realized that the "forest" was really a holographic illusion generated by the Allspark as it attempted to split them up using disorienting illusions. Eventually, Cheetor and the other heroes regrouped in time to attend the dying [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who'd sacrificed himself to retrieve the stolen [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 3}}

[[File:KingdomEp3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

While Optimus went onward to retrieve the Allspark, Cheetor and the Maximals disagreed with the Autobots over the importance of the Allspark and the nature of their own mission, until Rattrap pointed out that Primal had also gone missing. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 4}} Cheetor and the other Autobots and Maximals soon re-united with their respective leaders, but they brought bad news: the AllSpark, separated from Cybertron for too long, had begun to die. After a brief stand-off against the two Megatrons, the Maximals and Autobots returned to the repaired ''Ark'' and prepared to launch before the Predacon-Decepticon alliance launched a full-scale assault, and as the heroes besieged the enemy starship Cheetor and Tigatron faced off against [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Ultimately, however, the battle ended with the ''Ark'' itself assuming its new robot mode and toppling the Decepticon flagship, allowing the heroes to take the two Megatrons and their followers prisoner before blasting off. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 5}}

After passing through the [[Dead Universe]], the Autobots returned home to their Cybertron, but found that, without the Allspark's life-giving energies, the planet had already become a dead, frozen planet. In the ensuing battle against Galvatron and Nemesis, who'd followed them through time in an attempt to stop them from changing history, Cheetor, Airazor, and Tigatron used their beast modes to briefly incapacitate the villains, and joined forces with the remaining Cybertronians to make a unified stand against Unicron's minions. Soon, Bumblebee returned the AllSpark to its resting place and brought the planet back to life, and Cheetor and the other Maximals were present when the leaders of the four factions ratified a truce. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}}

{{--}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Cheetor was originally an athlete who idolized [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], the fastest Cybertronian ever to live. A fleet-footed Cybertronian in his own right, Cheetor soon made a name for himself on racetracks like the [[Afterburner Memorial Speedway]], scored numerous trophies and accolades thanks to tricks like his "Tiwaz maneuver", and rubbed elbows with racers and other adoring fans at watering holes like [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. Eventually, however, Cheetor grew tired of life in the spotlight; craving off-world adventure, he left racing behind and secured a new career as a member of the planet's [[Ministry of Science|Science Ministry]]. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

Cheetor's first post would be as a member of the skeleton crew aboard the Maximal research vessel ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', where he served as the ship's gunner under the auspices of his captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} Cheetor proposed bringing multiple [[stun beam]]s aboard their ship just in case, but Maximal command denied his request. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart4-Maximalbeastmodes.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Chi-tor's Sweet Home]]

While on a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to the planet [[H'nkshanaar-4]], the ''Axalon'' was diverted off-course to pursue a group of Predacon separatists who had stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and hijacked the Maximal warship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''. Despite his protests that the ''Axalon''{{'}}s weapons were for defensive purposes only, Cheetor did his best to shoot out the purloined starship's engines in the ensuing dogfight but was unable to stop their foes from spooling their [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]] and jumping across time and space. The ''Axalon'' pursued the ''Darksyde'' to an unknown time period and took the Predacons down with them in a last-ditch maneuver that stranded both ships on a primitive, energon-rich planet. To protect the crew from high levels of ambient [[energon radiation]], the ''Axalon'''s artificial intelligence scanned the local wildlife and reformatted the Maximals into [[technorganic|techno-organic]] [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

After reactivating in his new [[beast mode]], Cheetor helped [[Nyx]] repair their damaged ship before the high-flying pilot took off to explore the planet with her new wings. Cheetor was upset by this, as it meant that he'd have to turn to the notoriously unhygenic [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to reach into narrow components. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} When night fell and Nyx still didn't return, Cheetor grew restless and considered striking out on his own to find her before Optimus shot down the idea. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}}

Cheetor, Rattrap, and Rhinox worked through the night to rewire the ship's computer to better locate Nyx, and discovered a mysterious coded message to a Predacon laboratory dated to just before the ''Axalon'' departed Cybertron, just before Optimus announced that he'd tapped into the orbital [[stasis pod]] network to find her. As the Maximals waited for her to return, they saw [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] carrying her unconscious body and immediately assumed that he was the one responsible for harming her. When Cheetor lunged to attack, however, Dinobot transformed and easily outpowered his attacker before telling them that he wanted to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

While Optimus and Nyx interrogated Dinobot in a bid to gauge whether he'd truly had a change of heart, Cheetor stumbled across Rattrap spying on the group using the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s security camera network. When the ship's systems picked up more Predacons, Cheetor, Rhinox, and Primal were forced to buy time while Rattrap did what he could to get the starship's defenses back online. When the Predacons refused to come quietly and launched a full-scale attack, Cheetor battled [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] before Dinobot joined the fray on the side of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} Cheetor punched out Scorponok and held out long enough for Rattrap to reactivate the ship's shields—however, this also meant stranding Dinobot, whose spark signature prohibited from retreating to safety, outside with the Predacons. Fortunately, the Maximals were able to turn the ship's guns on the Predacons, intimidate them into making a full retreat, and rescue a critically injured Dinobot. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Some time later, Cheetor was playing cards with the other Maximals when he heard a noise in a nearby corridor. When he investigated, he found [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a newly programmed Predacon, who quickly paralyzed him with her [[cyber venom]] and got to work sabotaging the Maximal vessel. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After Optimus and the others freed him from a web cocoon, Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot, and Nyx worked together to search the ship and nearly blundered into a grenade booby trap before Blackarachnia, having sabotaged more than half of the ''Axalon''{{'}}s orbital stasis pods, blew a hole in the ship's hull and destroyed most of the ship's armory as she escaped. Cheetor chased her out into the jungle, but when she lied that she'd set a second booby trap, Cheetor made the mistake of returning to the ship to save his comrades while Blackarachnia retreated to the ''Darksyde''. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Razorbeast]] joined their team, Cheetor, eager for a rematch with Blackarachnia, joined in a preemptive strike on the ''Darksyde'' to retrieve the Golden Disk, using a jury-rigged escape pod as an improvised shuttlecraft before launching a bombing run against the downed Predacon ship. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Cheetor went up against Blackarachnia a second time, and distracted her long enough for Rattrap and Nyx to break into the ''Darksyde'' and accomplish the second part of their mission. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} After successfully dodging Blackarachnia's stun blasts, Cheetor closed the distance and successfully caused her to hit [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] instead. However, the sight of Optimus successfully taking out Megatron caused Blackarachnia to kick Cheetor in the face and scuttle off as she reconsidered her loyalty to the Predacon leader. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

Cheetor took part in a skirmish against the Predacons that ended with him getting injured in a catastrophic [[energon]] explosion. The Maximals rushed his unconscious body back to the ''Axalon'', where [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] successfully pieced him back together—but Cheetor's consciousness wouldn't come back online. Unbeknownst to the other Maximals, the [[Vok]] [[Pakak]] took the opportunity to infiltrate Cheetor's mind and probe its contents by constructing an elaborate dream world where Cheetor hadn't yet left Cybertron aboard the ''Axalon''. After a confusing conversation with his physician "[[CatSCAN]]", Cheetor headed to Maccadam's for a drink; when the conversation turned to how to best modify [[protoform]]s, however, Cheetor excused himself and went to the roof to clear his head.

[[File:TheSpeedwayOfCentralConsciousness-racing.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

It was there that Cheetor first encountered Pakak himself, who informed him that the Maximal-Predacon conflict jeopardized the Vok's delicate experiments. Cheetor quickly realized that, although he'd been trapped in a dream, the Vok couldn't kill him without losing the information they sought. Pakak cut a deal: they'd have a race, and if Cheetor won, he'd walk free. Cheetor agreed, and Pakak quickly wrongfooted the young Maximal by transforming his avatar into Blurr and taking off. Although Cheetor narrowly won, Pakak revealed that he'd deceived the Maximal: the race was a sham, and Pakak had gleaned all the information he needed just by racing his avatar through Cheetor's brain. Pakak held up his end of the bargain by allowing Cheetor to come back online, but wiped Cheetor's memory to ensure he'd tell no one else of his alien encounter. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When Optimus Primal suffered exposure to a sample of aggression-enhancing red energon, Cheetor tried and failed to restrain the berserk Maximal leader. Dinobot successfully dealt with the problem by convincing the Maximal leader to hunt Megatron in the jungle, knowing that the overexertion would help flush the infected energon from his systems. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} While waiting for Optimus to return, Cheetor set up a campfire outside the ''Axalon'' to pass the time. Inspired by Rattrap's complaints about spending the night in the jungle, Cheetor told a spooky story about a terrible war on a faraway world, but the other Maximals found the tale to be too depressing. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

[[File:TheEnd-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

A newly-lucid Primal returned with bad news: the Vok had used the knowledge they obtained from Cheetor's mind to alter a number of fallen protoforms into loyal minions and planned to eliminate both the Maximals and Predacons, necessitating a temporary alliance. Cheetor disliked the idea, but nevertheless wound up working alongside Blackarachnia to salvage whatever they could from the ''Axalon'''s armory and modify them into something capable of harming energy-based aliens. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}} Ultimately, however, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] undermined their alliance from within, sided with the Vok, and helped them to raise a massive army of Vok-loyal Cybertronians from every fallen stasis pod they could find. Cheetor and Blackarachnia both took part in the final battle against these "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]", where they fought side-by-side... although Blackarachnia denied Cheetor's assertion that she could grow into a better person. After the Vok had been destroyed for good, their remaining servants agreed to a truce and left to live in the wild as their creators had intended. In the aftermath, Cheetor and the other Maximals left aboard the repaired ''Axalon'' to search for Megatron, whom Rattrap had deliberately blasted into [[unspace]]. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
Cheetor opened a food delivery business, where he used his super speed to quickly cook and deliver meals to prospective customers. However, after receiving his order of energon-coated bananas, Optimus Primal was annoyed to discover that Cheetor was delivering food to the Predacons. {{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals were reading the collected edition of [[Transformers Go! Go!|their manga]] when Megatron barged in and demanded a chance to read the book. {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Go! Go! issue 28}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 29}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game comic====
[[File:Cheetor-beastmodescan.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.1|My eyes are up here!]]
Upon arriving on prehistoric Earth, the dangers of Energon radiation forced the Maximals and Predacons to take on beast alternate forms. "Cheetor" promptly grabbed a cheetah by its underbelly, hoisted it up to his optics, and scanned the creature's molecular structure. The indignant cheetah could do nothing but silently ask the robot "Do you mind?" Cheetor transformed into his new organic cheetah mode and darted into Predacon territory. Unfortunately, Cheetor was spotted by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and the two battled until they were forced to return to their beast modes to avoid Energon radiation damage. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars:Transformers'' video game====
Many Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Cheetor's own base was an Energon mining operation, located in a desert area. It featured sphinx-like statues bearing Cheetor's likeness and colour scheme. Cheetor joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal Campaign=====
[[File:Beastwarspsx-Cheetorstats.jpg|left|thumb|I lost weight! Can you tell?]]

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Cheetor was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace.
{{BW VG|Cheetor|M}}

=====Predacon Campaign=====
Cheetor's mining operation was deemed a threat to the Predacon agenda, and a Predacon was dispatched to eliminate him. In order to systematically dismantle Cheetor's mining operation, the Predacons first targeted his "[[Rock Blaster]]" drone unit for destruction. Subsequently, they planted a bomb within [[Cheetor's mining plant]], and annexed the territory. In order to ensure that their new conquest would be firmly under their control, the Predacons killed Cheetor himself, sending a lone Predacon agent to neutralize him in a firefight. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:N64Cheetors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SECRET COLORS CHEETOR and also Cheetor's Tigatron cosplay.]]
In an alternate timeline created when Megatron sent a message through Transwarp back to his past self, Cheetor participated in a series of all-out battles with the other beast warriors.

During a decisive battle, Cheetor witnessed Optimus being badly injured. Cheetor's reaction was to charge into battle with unmatched fury, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Maximals. Thanks to this victory, the Maximals eventually overpowered the Predacons, and established peace on the planet. Following the battle, Optimus and Cheetor had this heartwarming exchange;

Optimus: "You showed a lot of potential out there. Someday you might make one prime leader."
Cheetor replied: "Sorry Bigbot, but that's your department... But who knows? Maybe in another universe!" {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Sprint (does not do damage)
|-
|C-Up||Savage Pounce
|-
|C-Left||Savage Wave
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
[[File:Beastwarstransmetalsgame-cheetorstats.jpg|thumb|320px|Glitch, game stats!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Cheetor was eager to take the Preds head-on, ignoring Rattrap's mockery of him, and was fully on Board when Optimus proposed using this as an opening to retake the Golden Disk. He joined Primal's team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Cheetor and the others hurried back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Cheetor joined Optimus Primal in an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the Axalon before being left badly damaged on the ground. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses before the Predacons could finish them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Double Arm Shot
|Special attack||Golden Rocket
|-
|Super attack||Double Arm Blast
|Super attack||Savage Fury
|}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars''===
[[File:DuelFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Adolescence is so unstable.]]
Cheetor and Optimus Primal chased [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] through a portal, emerging on [[Gaia]] in the ruin where the super-powerful [[Energon Quartz]] had been discovered, which led him and several other Maximals and Predacons to engage in a series of one-on-one battles to attempt obtaining the Quartz's powers for their own gain.

Cheetor could also partake in various other tasks, such as a mission to break a boulder to reveal an energon crystal hidden within before sundown, using a block in a mission to defend himself against various incoming projectiles, and missions to run across a pit-riddled field, sometimes involving hideously large bacteria he had to fend off.

Cheetor eventually defeated Megatron, the last bot standing between the Quartz and himself. Once the crystal was in his possession, Cheetor absorbed its power, becoming the most powerful of the Maximals. This allowed him to soar through the ranks and become [[Supreme Commander]]. This position was more than he could handle, however, and he abandoned his post after only three days. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|GBC}}

====Move list====
{{note|This move list presumes the player is facing right; when facing left, reverse the left and right inputs.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Horizontal Sniper Shot||↓→+B
|Passing Sand||↓→B
|-
|Anti-Air Sniper Shot||↓←+B
|Phantom Arrow||↓←B
|-
|Sky Sniper Shot||↓→+B (in air)
|Surprise Threw||→↓→B
|-
|Rolling Assault||↓←A
|Surprise Attack||→↓→A
|-
|Last Resort (super)||↓→↓← B
|Delta End (super)||↓→↓← B
|-
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Cheetor, in his Transmetal 2 body, was one of Optimus's many allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s own army, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Cheetor and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}} On their return to Cybertron, the Maximals discovered that Megatron had conquered the planet, and they were forced to face his Vehicon Generals. {{storylink|Beast Machines (Legends)|Beast Machines}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|400px|That was a mercy kill and ya live in a...camper van!]]
Cheetor participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in three different bodies:
*''Cheetor'' — This Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars: Episode 1" event.
*''Cheetor Transmetal II'' — This Super Rare character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the "Transmetals: Episode 3" mini events.
*''Cheetor Transmetal'' — This Epic character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the third "Transmetals 2: Episode 1" mini event, and could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal-II.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Transmetal II as in Cheetor #2!]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Three modes, third Cheetor!]]
{{!}}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:CheetorEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*'''Ability: Bestial Fury - For 15 seconds, use melee attacks dealing 37.8 damage. Destroy buildings to increase your attack and movement speeds by 25% - the buff lasts 90 seconds and can stack 5 times.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:cheetor Cheetor at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:ForgedToFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|250px|"Oh! They fly now!" "They fly now?" "''They fly now!''"]]
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Cheetor was a feisty Maximal rookie who considered himself to be the fastest thing on land, and was good friends with fellow Maximal cat [[Tigatron]]. Although immature and sometimes reckless, Cheetor had the potential to become a great leader one day. At some point during the Beast Wars, Cheetor befriended some ancient ancestors of modern humans, although these ancient anthropoids did not yet possess the capacity for language. After returning to Cybertron, Cheetor and several other Maximals were reformatted into [[technorganic]] bodies and tasked with restoring a technorganic balance to Cybertron, battling Megatron's new army of [[Vehicon]] soldiers all the while.

At some point after returning to his own time period, Cheetor gave a lecture to the [[Confederated Terran Colonial Fleet|CTC Fleet]] academy on [[New Earth]] regarding the history of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:1999Transmetals2CheetorStock.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]
[[File:CheetorBMconcept.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Things usually do look more badass in concept art.]]
[[File:CheetorGameBoyColor1.jpg|thumb|upright=1|I wonder what ''Beast Machines'' Cheetor thinks of this artwork?]]

* Cheetor was initially developed as a panther with the name of "[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]", indicating that he was likely meant to be the Generation 1 character in a new form and providing the genesis of Cheetor's head design. A [[retool]] of the toy into a lion form of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (alternately an unrelated character) with a flocked mane was also planned, but ultimately dropped.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC-i7cgfHR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Hasbro concept presentation for McDonald's collaboration]</ref><ref>''[[Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Generations|Beast Generations]]''</ref> The 1996 [[McDonald's]] character [[Panther]] was also originally planned to be a version of Prowl/Cheetor, hence them sharing the same head design.
* [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s original plan for [[Transmetal]] Cheetor was to have his face mature over the course of the season, from a big-eared, wide-eyed, rounded face into one close to the toy. Also, he would have had a "Hero's Heart" which glowed after completing brave or heroic feats, somewhat akin to the classic anime character Astro Boy. Due to time and financial restrictions, none of these concepts panned out.
* [[Transmetal 2]] Cheetor's upper arms in both the cartoon and his card art have the shoulders swapped when compared to the toy due to a misassembled [[prototype]] of the toy being used as reference. In the art and his model, his left arm features a metallic shoulder and an organic forearm, while the right has an organic shoulder and a metallic forearm. This prototype can be found on the back of Deluxe Transmetal 2 packaging in the [[cross-sell]] section (image at right), and also features brown stripes, much like the card art. Evidence suggesting that this prototype was misassembled and that a last minute change didn't occur last-second before the toy's release comes from original toy concept art from Takara which has the arms in the exact same orientation as the final toy.<ref>[https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g1ezjNdHr4/XaUngnxDAJI/AAAAAAAA6jo/_qpMxGjbNVMiYNsR-WMeNntkfIdJSsJ9QCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/25.png Transmetal 2 Cheetor concept art] - on TFRAW.com</ref> If one ''really'' feels that strongly about having the arms on their toy in the same orientation as the prototype, both of the shoulders and the elbows are on ball joints and can easily be swapped to match.
* Though most early artwork for ''Beast Machines'' character designs were very different from the final product, Cheetor's design seems to have changed very little, with only the green being downplayed in his color scheme.
* ''[[Comic BomBom]]'' advertisements and the [[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|official guide]] for ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' feature Cheetor with a slightly different (and much happier) head than the version which appeared on the game's box and instruction manual. Both are sickeningly cute, though.
* In Japanese media, Cheetor has the quirk of ending sentences in a long, stressed "Jān", like a cute kitty growl. Cheetor also has the tendency to say "Woooow!" and speak English phrases (such as "beast mode") in a pronounced American accent to emphasize his cool, carefree attitude. In addition to all that, whenever firing his weapon, he would always shout "utsumashi!" ("fire!").
* A series of unusual decisions was made regarding Cheetor and Tigatron in the ''Beast Wars: Transmetals'' game's localization. In the Japanese version of the game, Cheetor has a red-tinged set of "Player 2" colors and an unlockable "Player 3" color scheme obviously based on Tigatron. The North American version of the game adds Tigatron as a playable character; instead of reassigning the pre-existing "Player 3" colors to him, a new color scheme that [[:File:N64Tigatron.jpg|looked less like Tigatron]] was created for him. Furthermore, Cheetor's Japanese "Player 2" colors were eliminated and his original Tigatron-themed colors were kept.
* According to ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'', Cheetor likes pie.
* In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Cheetor's Cybertronian body incorporates traits from his [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]] with the inclusion of the hooped wheels, visor, and vehicle mode from his canceled ''[[Transtech]]'' toy. Of course, the latter characteristics would eventually serve as the basis for [[Cheetor (Animated)|''Animated'' Cheetor]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Didn't base Nyx on anything in particular! Dinobot is much the same. I picture the orb on his chest as a nod to the spark gem gimmick but other than that I just wanted a samurai kinda look to his silhouette. The arm mounted blades kind of a nod the Gundam Spiegel|link=https://twitter.com/jcburcham/status/1357035373184962561|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* Cheetor is the first character to speak in ''Beast Wars'' and the last character to speak in ''Beast Machines''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cheetus'''<ref>The "Cheetus" [[Japanese language|Romanization]] is consistently used in Japanese media. An exception would be the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|Complete Manual]]'', the official strategy guide for the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' video game, which used "Cheetas".</ref> (チータス ''Chītasu''), '''Cheetor''' (チーター ''Chītā'')
*''French:'' '''Vélocitor''' (cartoon, "Speedor")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Sidor'''
*''Italian:'' '''Ghepard''' ("Cheet"), '''Metal Ghepard''' (Transmetal toy)
*''Korean:'' '''Cheeto''' (치토 ''Chito'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Bàozi''' (Taiwan, 豹子, "Leopard"), '''Huābào''' (Taiwan ''Beast Machines'', 花豹, "Leopard"), '''Huáng Bào''' (China ''Beast Wars'', 黄豹, "Yellow Leopard"), '''Bào Sīlìng''' (China ''Beast Machines'', 豹司令, "Commander Leopard")
*''Polish:'' '''Gepardon''' ("Cheetodon"), '''Kotor''' (Canal + Dubb, "Cattor")
*''Russian:'' '''Geptor'''
*''Spanish:'' '''Chitor''' (Spain), '''Chitah''' (America, "Cheetah")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Armada Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Cats]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Jungle Planet]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Maximal Command Security Force]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Resistance]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Law enforcement]]

Cheetor (BW)

2025-03-07T03:55:04Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon continuity */

{{disambig3|Cheetor}}
{{featured}}{{suite}}
{{factions|maximal|maximalbm|autobot|knight|jungleplanet}}
:''Cheetor is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Cheetor render.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|There he is, your little guy.]]

A young Maximal full to bursting with energy and exuberance, '''Cheetor''' is always ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. And, much to his colleagues' chagrin, he often does so without a moment's consideration or forethought. Nobody can fault his motives, just his methods. Sure, he's got a bit of cocky edge to him... after all, he is the fastest Maximal on four legs (and he knows it), making him an excellent advance scout and capable of running rings around opponents. And yeah, his enthusiasm often gets the better of him, and he doesn't seem to have much in the way of volume control. And he doesn't exactly handle people thinking he ''can't'' handle a job the best he could. But he's a kid with a good [[spark]] who just wants to do right. He just needs some guidance and experience... and a lot of luck, because this cat gets into a ''lot'' of scrapes.

Thankfully, [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], himself something of a young firebrand, keeps a steady eye on the young Maximal and tries to guide him, and in turn Cheetor affectionately calls him "Big Bot". And a friendship with his fellow "big cat" [[Tigatron]] is also helping the spotted speedster learn a little patience.

Who knows—maybe the lad is destined for [[Oracle (BM)|great things]] [[Matrix Templar|someday]].

{{bigquote|I'm not lookin' forward to the day they chronicle ''my'' early bonehead adventures onto a [[Data-Con|datacon]] for all the world to see.|Cheetor, about [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]|"[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
[[File:CheetorBW-2packcomic.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Whose tusks gleam in the night? Not his!]]

{{quote|Eyes of a '''stalker''' hunting its prey... The super-swift '''cheetah''' springs! But '''food''' is not on '''this''' hunter's mind...|[[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!]]}}

Cheetor was a quiet and confident warrior, who constantly stalked jungles in his search for Predacons. He was efficient, striking hard and fast with incredible reflexes in either mode. He was known to openly dare Predacons to challenge him and his laser-powered [[Quasar rifle|quasar cannon]]. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor Bio}}

In a swamp outside the [[Fusion Building]] genetics lab, a fleet of ferocious animals has gathered. Suddenly, the cheetah and his wild comrades are under attack by a massive crocodile! Surprise! This is a battle between [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his [[Maximal]]s and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]! Cheetor quickly transforms to attack [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], and the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] have begun! {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

After the [[quantum surge]], Cheetor acquired a [[Transmetal]] form that gave his robot mode the organic attributes that his beast mode once possessed. The upgrade gave Cheetor more power and agility than ever before, and this new body had flip-out cyber-thrust wings that gave him additional speed and limited flight. {{Storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetals Cheetor bio}}

Cheetor would later receive another upgrade from [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s cloning experiments, becoming a [[Transmetal 2]]. With this, he gained even more power and speed, but at the cost of bestial urges that he had to learn to control. With his new missile launcher and leap-thruster, Cheetor stirred fear in the Predacons he fought against. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM2|Transmetals 2 Cheetor bio}}

At some point, Cheetor acquired a highly advanced stealth armor and dubbed himself Night Slash Cheetor. This new armor granted Cheetor all sort of new abilities, including being undetectable to every known Vehicon radar and tracking systems and creating a negative psychological effects on [[Vehicon General]]s, rendering their drones useless in combat. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Machines|Night Slash Cheetor bio}}
{{--}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Mikhail Tihonov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Cássius Romero]] (Portuguese, Season 1), [[Tatá Guarnieri]] (Portuguese, Season 2 onwards), [[Bernard Métraux]] (French), [[Eberhard Haar]] (German), [[Mario Scarabelli]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Illescas]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Eduardo Jover]] (Casilian Spanish), [[Wonhyung Choi]] (Korean)}}

[[File:Cheetorbeast1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|What? Is it my breath?]]

The youthful 'bot who would become "Cheetor" was part of the Maximal exploration ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''; {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} unbeknownst to most members of the crew, its captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] had been secretly tasked with abandoning the murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]] far from Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} However, the ''Axalon'' would be diverted off-course to pursue [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, who'd stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and fled [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard a [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp]]-capable [[Darksyde (BW)|starship]].

After pursuing the Predacons across time and space, both sides crash-landed on a [[Earth|mysterious planet]] with abundant supplies of [[energon]]. To protect themselves from high levels of dangerous [[energon radiation]], the crew adopted [[beast mode]]s based on the native wildlife; upon reactivating in his new form, the youngest member of the crew renamed himself Cheetor. As Optimus, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] got to grips with their situation, Cheetor showed off his speed by racing some nearby cheetahs, but found himself outclassed when he opened fire on the airborne Predacon [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. When the other Maximals and Predacons turned up, Cheetor shot at Megatron in the middle of his speech, and his "underhanded sneak attack" sparked a full-fledged shootout. During the ensuing battle, Cheetor caught his foot in some rocks and Optimus had to rescue him. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

[[File:TheWeb-Cheetorcaptured.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Where is the RAT when you need him?]]

While returning to their ship, the rogue Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] barred their way and challenged Optimus to a duel. Although Cheetor was keen to fight in Primal's place, Rattrap restrained him; when the other Predacons interrupted the fight, the battle revealed a huge [[energon crystal]] in a nearby mountain, and the Maximals rushed to claim the bounty before the Predacons could take it for themselves. High amounts of energon radiation forced both sides to fight in their beast modes, and although Cheetor fared better against Waspinator the second time round the energon was all destroyed. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

Some time later, Cheetor enthusiastically volunteered to check out a new experimental comlink. Despite being under orders not to get into any combat situations, he unsuccessfully attempted to attack [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and was left heavily damaged. After a strange precognitive dream, he awoke back on the ''Axalon'', whether the other Maximals expressed their disappointment in his actions. After Rattrap dressed him down, Cheetor rushed out to make another attempt to capture the cannon that Scorponok was recovering, and was incapacitated by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Luckily for him, he was soon rescued by Rattrap, who also lied to Optimus to cover the young bot's hide. {{storylink|The Web}}

[[File:EqualMeasures Cheetor with gutgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Boy's got guts.]]

Though Cheetor was looking forward to another mission to install energon monitoring devices, Optimus delayed the mission due to a heavy storm. Dinobot managed to goad Cheetor into going out anyway, and, while placing one of the devices, a lightning bolt created a bizarre two-way teleportation effect between the Maximal and Predacon bases. Cheetor himself found himself in the ''Darksyde'', where he was able to hack the Predacon data files and discover that the two crashed ships lay on a common energon vein, meaning that an explosion at one base would destroy both. He managed to get the information back to Optimus, but Dinobot had already sent through a bomb—Cheetor was able to detach it from the console it was fixed to in time. He returned to the ''Axalon'', where he promised Optimus that he would pay more attention to orders... until the next time. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a decisive Maximal victory at the [[Standing Stones]], an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] swallowed Optimus Primal. The argument over who would lead turned into a secret ballot, during which, from Rhinox's reaction, Cheetor voted for Dinobot, suggesting he trusted the Predacon's leadership skills over those of Rattrap. As it turned out, the exercise was rendered pointless by the revelation that Optimus wasn't dead after all. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] discovered a [[flying mountain]] with a cache of super-powerful energon at the top, but he was spotted by Cheetor, who immediately dashed back to the ''Axalon'' to inform the other Maximals. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When one of the [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground and Optimus was damaged by a Predacon sneak attack, Cheetor, Rhinox and Rattrap set out to try to get to the pod, but were delayed by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. The Predacons beat them to the pod, but a last-minute gambit by Dinobot and Optimus meant that the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} A string of defeats led to Rattrap seemingly defecting to the Predacons after a falling-out with Optimus, much to Cheetor's disbelief. Eventually, however, the other Maximals learned that Primal and Rattrap had deliberately orchestrated everything to determine how the Predacons had been spying on the Maximals. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:Cheetor&badoptimus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Now I've got your power!]]

Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' when a fight caused Rhinox's new [[Sentinel (BW)|defense system]] to go out of control. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} Later, after Primal had been infected with a Predacon virus which caused uncontrollable rage, Optimus managed to persuade Cheetor to release him from his confinement, only for the Maximal leader to head off on a one-bot mission against the Predacons. After Primal had slagged most of the Predacons, Cheetor managed to get hold of the antivirus and administer it to Optimus. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a [[temporal probe]] from Cybertron came into range of the planet, the Maximals tried to set up a signal array to contact it. The Predacons had other idea though, and Tarantulas's [[Transformation Lock Lens|transformation lock lens]] trapped both Cheetor and Tigatron in their beast modes. The pair were captured and put in cages in the ''Darksyde'', but soon escaped and used the Predacon [[CR chamber]]s to fix themselves. They rejoined the fight in time to save Optimus and Rhinox from Megatron, but the Predacons prevented their signal from being sent. {{storylink|The Probe}}

After the apparent destruction of the Predacons in a bungled mutiny, the Maximals took the opportunity to ransack the abandoned ''Darksyde'' and use its parts to repair the ''Axalon'', although Cheetor remained cheerfully oblivious to Dinobot's internal conflict over the passing of his ex-comrades. The "mutiny" was revealed to be a ruse, and the Predacons revealed themselves as the Maximals prepared to launch. Cheetor provided cover fire for Optimus as his leader went to retrieve the injured Dinobot; when Terrorsaur hit a retreating Optimus from behind, Cheetor took down Terrorsaur before Megatron shot him. He managed to drag himself to the ''Axalon'' as it took off, and would've pulled Optimus onboard if not for Scorponok's parting shot. As he broke the sad news to his allies, he was ambushed by the stowaway Megatron and awoke to find the Axalon, too damaged to ever fly again, permanently grounded. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:The Spark Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"No!! Waspinator's come to steal the fanbase's affection!"]]

When Rhinox was twisted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], Cheetor was keen to rescue their friend. Eventually, however, Cheetor realized Optimus's plan was to simply let Rhinox run amok in the Predacon base, and once he'd weakened the dysfunctional Predacons the Maximals easily staged a rescue. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} On another occasion, Dinobot sent Cheetor and Optimus to search for the missing Rattrap, only to discover that the Dinobot who had sent them on the hunt was a [[Clone One|clone]] controlled by Megatron. By the time they got back to base, the clone had already been defeated—and devoured—by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

Rhinox and Cheetor got to another crashed stasis pod before anyone else, but the pod had sustained damage during its descent and high concentrations of energon radiation endangered the helpless [[protoform]] inside. Cheetor shut himself down to allow Rhinox to extract his [[locking chip]] to use in place of the damaged pod's one, and dreamed that Rhinox was telling him about [[spark]]s. After reawakening, Cheetor was forced to try to defend the pod against Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur without his [[robot mode]]. Though he managed to defeat the first two, Terrorsaur prevailed... only to be defeated by the newly activated [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Cheetor snake.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Featuring a scene from several fanfics.]]

During Tigatron's disappearance, Cheetor spotted Blackarachnia and Scorponok leaving the Predacon base on a mission. As it turned out, they were heading towards a [[Brigadoon|flying island]] which Tigatron had crashed on. Tigatron sent a [[Cyberbee]] containing footage of the island, which the Maximals were able to recover, despite Cheetor firing on it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Cheetor and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' after Blackarachnia took control of the island with the intent of using its weaponry to destroy the Maximal base. The spider's scheme was thwarted, but Cheetor bore witness to the island's final action: a beacon sent to its creators, who would most likely be very displeased with the island's demise. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Another Predacon gambit saw them stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} During a routine energy-harvesting run, an energon explosion caused a group of Maximals, of which Cheetor was a part, to be blinded far from base. As they attempted to journey home, Cheetor was attacked and severely damaged by a huge snake. He spent most of the rest of the journey on Rhinox's back, until they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide everyone in fending off the attack without the use of their sight, and they were soon found by Optimus. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, Cheetor shot down a cyberbee which was spying on them. Unfortunately the Predacons had gained enough information and the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body, enabling them to easily take over the ''Axalon''. The Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}} After Rattrap and Dinobot's bickering caused Rhinox to beome infected by a Predacon [[energon discharge virus]], Optimus insisted the pair go out alone to find the cure. Cheetor was part of the party which went to back them up when they located [[Tarantulas's lair]]. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

[[File:LawoftheJungle unhappy Tigatron and Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|”This is how my friend died Cheetor” ”Alright! Last one to the goal is Predacon Cheddar!”]]

Tigatron's comrade [[Snowstalker]] was killed by incidental fire during a battle, and Cheetor tried unsuccessfully to comfort Tigatron. However,the other Maximal announced he would no longer be a part of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} After Megatron called a truce and the Maximals needed to find out what he was up to, Cheetor suggested that Rattrap infiltrate the Predacon base unarmed, so as to not violate the truce. Rattrap was less than impressed with the suggestion. In the end, Tigatron did the infiltrating, and the other Maximals covered his escape as Rhinox and Cheetor "intercepted" Terrorsaur with a sheet of metal. {{storylink|Before the Storm}}

It soon became clear that the enigmatic aliens who'd seeded the planet with [[energon]] were unhappy with the Cybertronians contaminating the results of their experiments, and intended to them out by "sterizing" the entire planet. From the planet below, Tigatron and Cheetor observed the [[Planet Buster|moon splitting open]], but were called back to base by Optimus. They got back as the alien weapon began super-heating the planet's surface, and helped the damaged Dinobot and Rhinox into [[CR chamber]]s. Optimus intended to use a stasis pod Tarantulas had been working on to attack the Planet Buster, despite Cheetor, Tigatron and Airazor all volunteering to go in his stead. As the pod lifted off, Cheetor managed to tune the sensors in to follow its path until it destroyed the Planet Buster—and thanks to Megatron's meddling, Optimus Primal as well. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Aftermath Rattrap Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|INVISIBEL KEYBORD]]

When the [[quantum surge]] from the explosion engulfed the planet, Cheetor's exostructure was mutated into a [[Transmetal]] body. Along with a tougher metal hide and built-in weaponry, his beast mode gained the ability to fly via two powerful thrusters in his torso. Unfortunately, his first attempt at flying led him on a one-way trip into a bulkhead. His new flight mode allowed him to be particularly effective against Waspinator in a subsequent battle until Megatron blasted him into a cliff; while trying to fly to safety, he accidentally crashed into Rattrap. Rhinox fortunately interceded before the pair could be slagged. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Rhinox tried to project his [[core consciousness]] into the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] to retrieve the [[spark]] of their deceased commander, and Cheetor left the ''Axalon'' to look for Dinobot, but ran into the Predacons and their new recruit [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. Rattrap and Dinobot answered his distress call and prepared for a showdown with the Predacons. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Though outnumbered, the trio persisted in defending the ''Axalon'', eventually capturing Silverbolt and taking him back to the ship for repairs. As the Predacons pressed on with their attack, the Maximals found themselves out of ammo, but were saved at the eleventh hour by Optimus Primal, who'd been resurrected with a new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

As he monitored the sensor grid, Cheetor reported some strange signals. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Rhinox worked out that there was an alien site in [[Grid Zeiram]], the area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Cheetor was sent to warn them. He was moments too late to prevent them from being shot into space by the alien plants there, much to his anguish. Though Cheetor wanted to rescue Tigatron and Airazor, the priority was on stopping Megatron, and the Maximals returned to Grid Zeiram, where a [[Metal Hunter|spaceship]] grew from the plant life and released an energy surge which incapacitated all the Cybertronians. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} As the Transmetals and [[Fuzor]]s recovered quickly from its effects, Cheetor and Silverbolt took Dinobot and Rhinox back to base for repairs. After Megatron took control of the alien craft, the Maximals launched an attack on it and distracted Megatron long enough for Rattrap to undertake some sabotage. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:CodeOfHero-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|NEEEEOOOOWWWWWNNNNN]]

While flying on patrol, Cheetor spotted Protoform X's stasis pod and finally learned the true story behind the ''Axalon'''s mission. The Predacons arrived to try and take control of the pod, and weaponsfire caused the raw energon beneath the pod to explode. The damaged Optimus and Cheetor returned to base, and were repaired in time to help Silverbolt and Blackarachnia temporarily incapacitate Protoform X. However, when the Maximals left to consult Rhinox's expertise, Megatron seized the opening and forcibly conscripted X-now "Rampage"- into the Predacons. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} On another patrol, Cheetor encountered the Predacon forces and communicated their position to Dinobot. After Dinobot died defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons, Cheetor extinguished the flames in the valley and later joined the other Maximals in mourning their loss. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While out hunting for yet another Predacon jamming tower, Rattrap and Cheetor stumbled on a stasis pod containing a strangely mutated [[Transformer]], which became known as [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]]. Unfortunately the first thing it did was break up their fight with the Predacons using its sonic attack. As Rattrap later joked about the creature's appearance, Cheetor pointed out Transmutate was standing right behind him. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda1 Cheetor with tail club.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Kitten with a whip.]]

The Maximals were overjoyed when Rhinox revealed that the transwarp wavefront from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by Cybertron and a rescue mission sent. Cheetor was looking forward to going to [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]], much to Rattrap's embarrassment. Instead of the expected rescue mission, they got [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], a Predacon operative sent to apprehend Megatron. Joining forces, they mounted an attack on the ''Darksyde''. Cheetor was blasted by the defense systems. Twice. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't present when Megatron was finally captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

With the Maximals in control, Optimus order Cheetor to go out and look for Blackarachnia, whom Silverbolt had allowed to escape. Cheetor assured Silverbolt, who had developed feelings for the Predacon, that he would bring her in in one piece, only for Silverbolt to punch him out, leaving to find Blackarachnia himself. He and Optimus instead went to fetch some energon crystals stashed by Tarantulas, only to run into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and were forced to retreat when the crazed Predacon blew up the energon. The pair headed back for the ''Axalon'', only to be informed by Rattrap over the commlink that Ravage had switched sides—a fact made obvious by the [[transwarp cruiser]] bearing down on them with Megatron riding atop. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} Pinned down on the battlefield, Optimus and Cheetor were blasted flat by Megatron (although Cheetor managed to deal with Quickstrike first), but fortunately survived without too much damage. After Rattrap took out the transwarp cruiser, the Maximals set out in pursuit of the retreating Megatron.

[[File:Agenda3 Cheetor handblasters.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|KA-ME-HA-MEEEEEE...]]

As it turned out, the Predacon leader had set a course for the ark [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] buried in [[Mount St. Hilary]]. The Maximals worked frantically to dig out the cave in he'd created to block their passage, and then to evade the Ark's defenses, but were too late to prevent Megatron from shooting a stasis-locked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head and triggering a [[timestorm]] that threatened to wipe the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The Maximals managed to temporarily preserve the time by stabilizing Optimus Prime and allowing Optimus Primal to temporarily carry the [[spark]] of their Autobot ancestor. Cheetor and the newly "optimised" Optimus set out to stop the Predacons from attacking the ''Axalon'', with Cheetor taking out both Waspinator and Inferno, but the pair were helpless to stop them from destroying their base, and after saving Optimus Prime the Maximals set up a new headquarters in the cavern that housed the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Some time later, Cheetor was out on patrol when he saw a [[Starhopper|spaceship]] entering Earth's atmosphere. He was in the middle of a radio report when Rampage shot him down, and he was rescued by new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who left him on a small rock; with his jets damaged, Cheetor had to wait to be rescued by Optimus. The pair picked up Depth Charge, who'd lost his fight with Rampage, and took him back to base for repairs. Cheetor's attempt to thank the new Maximal resulted in Depth Charge insulting him and swatting him aside. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:Cheetort2.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Just standing in pieces of myself, no big deal.]]

When Rattrap was assigned to recover Sentinel from the underwater remains of the ''Axalon'', Cheetor was highly amused at the [[Subaquatic stealth vessel|jury-rigged submarine]] that would be used and imagined that it would be a swell kitty toy. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} While looking after [[Chak]] and [[Una]], after the pair had become separated from their tribe, Cheetor displayed the first hints of a crush on Blackarachnia, much to Silverbolt's displeasure. He volunteered to accompany her on a mission to return the children to their people, and took a liking to the two primitive humans. As soon as they were attacked by a [[Cyber raptor]], he was blasted off a cliff and his jets damaged. Then, during another battle with Tarantulas and a pack of Cyber raptors, he was blasted from behind by Waspinator. Primal and Silverbolt soon joined the battle, but Optimus was quickly incapacitated by a new [[cyber venom]]. They were all saved by [[Blix|the anthropoid leader]], who attacked the raptors with his club. Despite his newfound affection for Blackarachnia, the ex-Predacon rebuffed his advances and walked off with Silverbolt. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

Optimus and Cheetor were unsuccessful in preventing the Predacons stealing another stasis pod—amidst the chaos, Cheetor accidentally took out Optimus, much to his embarrassment. Ignoring Primal's orders to get some backup, Cheetor went on alone and assisted Depth Charge in battling the Predacons as they used the extraterrestrial [[Transmetal driver]] to create a [[Dinobot II|monstrous Dinobot clone]]. Despite seizing the Transmetal driver and throwing it to Depth Charge, Megatron knocked Cheetor into the cloning machine, overloading his body with alien energy and triggering an explosion that seemingly destroyed him. The Maximals assumed that Cheetor had perished, but after Depth Charge had been captured by Predacons, the group was attacked by a monstrous cybernetic feline. A short time later, a damaged Cheetor returned to the Maximal base and collapsed on their doorstep. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

Refusing use of the CR chamber, Cheetor had troubled dreams as he slept in his own quarters. As he dreamt about changing into a monstrous creature, the energy of his mutated [[spark]] changed him into his feral mutant form, whereupon he burst from the base and inadvertently attracted the attention of the Predacons. Some time later, Cheetor awoke in a cave, back in his Transmetal form and totally repaired, but with confused memories of what had happened. He returned to base and claimed to have disposed of the "cyber creature", but Optimus insisted on seeing the remains in an attempt to get the young bot to tell him the truth. While in the jungle, however, the pair were attacked by Dinobot and Waspinator, who'd been sent to capture Cheetor, and the sight of the two Predacons incapacitating Optimus was the jolt he needed to permanently mutate into his [[Transmetal 2]] form. With his new body, Cheetor made short work of the Predacons, but struggled to control his feral beast mode instincts and had to be coaxed into returning to robot mode. This "cyber-puberty" intensified his romantic attraction to Blackarachnia; upon returning to base, he was quite pleased when she admired his new form, unaware that she merely saw him as a means to secure Transmetal 2 technology for herself. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:Go with the Flow Cheetor kids.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|”And THAT is how we’ll steal Rhinox’s plant! Any questions?”]]

While the Maximals analyzed Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Cheetor drooled over the scans of her internal structure. Sick of Cheetor's romantic advances, she finally pulled her gun on him and warned him to back off before Optimus broke up the conflict by sending Cheetor out on patrol. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} Eventually, Cheetor began trying to teach Chak and Una some advanced concepts, including how to defend themselves against Predacons and some basic engineering concepts. The class was interrupted when the Predacons abducted Una, but the girl was able to put Cheetor's teachings to the test with favorable results. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

[[File:CrossingtheRubicon Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"U-G-L-Y - I ain't got no alibi!"]]

After Blackarachnia made an aborted attempt to upgrade herself with the Transmetal driver, Cheetor was concerned for her safety. He assisted in defending the base against a Predacon attack while Rhinox worked on removing the Predcaon shell program from Blackarachnia. As the Predacons retreated, their jubilation was cut short by the news that Blackarachnia didn't make it. As the Maximals eulogized her, Cheetor said she was something special. Fortunately, however, Blackarachnia was restored to life and transformed into a Transmetal 2 Maximal by the Transmetal driver. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] taking control of Optimus Primal. The first thing he did was punch out Cheetor and lock the young Maximal in a cage. All of the Maximals were released in time to fight off a newly upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

Cheetor was sent to stop [[Tigerhawk]] from destroying Megatron, an act which would also destroy the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark, but he was quickly incapacitated by Tarantulas, who had plans of his own. Cheetor dreamed of Tigatron, Airazor and the [[Vok]], before waking and breaking free of his bonds. The fused spark from his dream guided him to Tarantulas's lair, where he was able to pull Tigerhawk clear before the lair exploded. {{storylink|Other Victories}} Depth Charge soon spotted the fugitive Predacons, and Cheetor was part of the group that went after them, though he just ended up escorting Blackarachnia and a badly damaged Silverbolt back to base. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} With Megatron on the way in the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]], the Maximals hurried to try to get the Ark ready to be moved, but were unable to get the ship moving. Fortunately a last minute schematic download pointed them to a [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|shuttle]] stored in the Ark, and, after Rhinox used it to assault the Nemesis, the Maximals watched the warship crash in the distance. Convinced that they'd won the Beast Wars, Optimus, Cheetor, Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Rhinox, and Rattrap headed back for Cybertron aboard the shuttle with a defeated Megatron lashed to the ship's hull. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Hercules Fernando]] (Portuguese), [[Victor Covarrubias]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Julio Lorenzo]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Björn Schalla]] (German), [[Massimo De Ambrosis]] (Italian), [[Marc Weiss]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

While returning home from prehistoric Earth through [[unspace|transwarp]], Megatron successfully broke free from his restraints and somehow arrived on Cybertron before the Maximals. By the time that Cheetor and the other Maximals returned home, Megatron had infected the citizens of Cybertron with a debilitating [[transformation virus]] that allowed him to extract the [[spark]]s from their paralyzed bodies, then conquered the planet with an army of mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. Moments after the Maximals dropped out of transwarp and arrived in Cybertronian orbit, an automated defense grid shot down their ship; after landing on Cybertron the six Maximals were pursued by an army of [[Tank Drone]]s and exposed to the virus as they tried to escape. While Rhinox and Silverbolt were instantly incapacitated, their Transmetal upgrades allowed the four remaining Maximals to withstand the worst of the virus—however, they were forcibly "devolved" back into their original organic configurations and lost their short-term memories. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

Unable to transform or remember how he arrived on Cybertron, Cheetor began searching for a [[CR chamber]], but wound up inadvertently rescuing Optimus and Rattrap from a Tank Drone. Guided by Primal's mysterious flashes of intuition, the three headed underground, picking the equally disoriented Blackarachnia up along the way; as their symptoms worsened, they headed deeper and deeper into the planet's sublevels until they eventually discovered the mysterious [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] supercomputer. The Oracle [[reformatting|reformatted]] the four into new [[technorganic]] bodies, immune to Megatron's virus; when confronted with a swarm of [[Cycle Drone]]s, however, they discovered that their new bodies lacked [[onboard computer]]s and couldn't transform out of their beast modes. When Optimus finally transformed by finding his "emotional still point", Cheetor admired his new [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Cheetor deflects shots.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Trust us, in ''context'' this scene is really cool.]]

The Maximals established a temporary base in the underground as they attempted to remaster the art of transformation. Cheetor and Blackarachnia soon got the hang of the process, until a [[Mole Drone]] attack caused them to lose their focus and revert to beast mode. Although Blackarachnia and Cheetor argued in favor of going topside and searching for survivors, Primal ordered them to concentrate on training as they split up to find a new base. Blackarachnia persuaded Cheetor to travel to [[Cybertropolis]], only to find the city deserted and the [[Cybertron InfoCore]] erased. As they came under attack by [[Aero Drone]]s, Primal came to their rescue, and confronted Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] while Cheetor and Blackarachnia used their new robot modes in combat against the Vehicons. However, they were eventually forced to drag Primal to safety when the Maximal leader nearly gave in to his anger at losing the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

An attempt to access the [[Cybertron Archives]] didn't go much better, and when a shot knocked Blackarachnia unconscious Cheetor wound up having to carry her to safety. Later on, he and Optimus had to save Rattrap and Blackarachnia again when the pair broke into in the [[Central Spaceport]] and attempted to access the computer on their impounded shuttle. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits-Cheetorcrouch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

As Optimus Primal attempted to track the presence of a familiar spark, Rattrap and Cheetor broke into a secure laboratory and discovered samples of both the transformation virus and a transformation enhancing counter-virus. Despite Cheetor's misgivings, Rattrap swiped the enhancer while Cheetor's back was turned, and his uncontrolled transformations attracted the attention of the [[Vehicon General]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], who captured the group and brought them into Megatron. Although the Maximals escaped captivity and even briefly turned Tankor to their side, Megatron was able to remotely erase Tankor's recent memories and reprogram him back into a loyal Vehicon before he could be reformatted. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Cheetor and Blackarachnia continued to train with encouragement from Optimus, despite Cheetor's insistence that he relied on instinct, not blind faith. During one sparring session, the Maximals encountered what appeared to be an organic bat; in reality, this was the young Maximal [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who'd somehow survived Megatron's planetwise purge. Nightscream led the Maximals to a mysterious fruit tree which he'd been living off of, but Cheetor—insisting that they only processed energon—refused Optimus's suggestion that they try some. As it turned out, the fruit caused the Maximals to mentally devolve into primitives, which endangered their lives when [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] attacked with a squad of Aero Drones. As the only Maximal who hadn't eaten the fruit, Cheetor felled the tree, which instantly returned the others to normal. However, Optimus was forced to reformat the mortally wounded Nightscream into a technorganic body; the experience left him extremely weak, but he admitted that Cheetor had been correct in trusting his instincts. With Primal indisposed, Cheetor took over as his temporary replacement. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

While on a reconnaissance mission in a Tank Drone factory, Cheetor's orders went unheeded by Rattrap, who ended up wrecking the whole plan. Understandably angry at his comrade, Cheetor brushed off Rattrap's suggestions that they should attack Megatron while the Vehicon leader was weak. He did stick up for Rattrap when Blackarachnia and Nightscream suggested getting rid of their comrade; however, Rattrap overheard his suggestion that they cover for Rattrap until Optimus recovered, which briefly drove Rattrap to join Megatron. After Optimus had recovered and helped resolve the situation, Optimus reminded the others not to underestimate their fellow Maximal. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Revelations2 Cheetor looks wary.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was glad when Optimus retook command, and bluntly rebuked Nightscream's suggestion that he was still too weak to lead. Nonetheless, when Cheetor had to save Optimus's life during a battle in a factory, and Optimus became lost in his own regrets at what Megatron had done, Cheetor was forced to take command and lead the withdrawal. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Optimus grew increasingly withdrawn and spent more and more time communing with the Oracle, forcing Cheetor to handle the day-to-day tasks of leading the Maximals in their guerrilla war against the Vehicons. Armed with the knowledge that the Vehicon Generals housed Maximal sparks, Cheetor's plan was for Nightscream and Blackarachnia to distract [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and Jetstorm while he and Rattrap attempted to convert Tankor back into a Maximal. Cheetor was able to distract the Tank Drones while Rattrap hacked into Tankor, and discovering that the Vehicon was their old friend Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:TheKey-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Though Cheetor remained skeptical, the pair decided to try to reawaken their friend, but ended up fleeing from the enraged Vehicon. Optimus was able to restore Rhinox's personality by directly contacting his spark, but Rhinox announced that he would side with Megatron instead. Back at their headquarters, Optimus announced that he finally understood the Orcale's plan: to return organic life to Cybertron, although Cheetor wasn't convinced Cybertron had ever supported a biosphere. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} While trying to find Nightscream's tree again, the Maximals were ambushed by Vehicons, who abducted Nightscream. The Maximals were able to rescue him, and, in the process stumbled across a [[Fossil chamber|cavern full of ancient fossils]] that seemingly confirmed Optimus's assertion. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After relocating to the fossil chamber and planting a single seed from Nightscream's old fruit tree, the Maximals set about trying to find water—despite Cheetor's assertion that they should instead be attacking Megatron instead. An attempt to drill for water yielded a strange, [[organic goop|organic fluid]] which spontaneously sprouted plants before Tankor arrived used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn both Nightscream and the fledgling orchard into [[Living metal|technomatter]]. Despite Cheetor's attempts to save it, the drill was damaged by the drones extracting Tankor, and the Vehicon General seemingly overloaded himself and perished. Cheetor and Optimus disagreed over their next course of action, but Cheetor came up with a plan to use a Mole Drone to drill to the planet's [[organic core]] and get more goo to cure Nightscream. During the battle to get control of a factory, Rattrap again found himself in the middle of a leadership tug-of-war between Optimus and Cheetor. While the Maximals succeeded in getting control of a Mole Drone, Megatron promptly retook as they reached the orchard. Cheetor reluctantly followed Optimus's lead, and although the drone's passage unleashed an organic geyser that returned both Nightscream and Blackarachnia to normal, Cheetor snapped that he wasn't a kid anymore and demanded more respect. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:TheCatalyst irritated Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

The Maximals held a brief memorial service for Rhinox before concentrating on trying to make their orchard succeed. A catalyst Rattrap found caused the plants to grow ''too'' well, forcing the other Maximals to rescue him from the rapidly growing vines. Cheetor was keen to weaponize the vines against the Vehicons, but Optimus claimed the Oracle had other plans. When it turned out that Blackarachnia had left to try and turn Thrust back into Silverbolt, Cheetor took the opportunity to prove that his plan would work by rescuing her with a giant vine. However, the Vehicons zapped it into technomatter, and only Optimus's swift thinking saved the rest of the orchard from a second infection. Optimus was not pleased, but he knew that the Maximals had much bigger concerns. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

In search of information on who had tampered with the Oracle, Cheetor and Rattrap hacked into the central computer, but were forced to retreat before learning anything. They returned to the other Maximals, and Optimus—now thoroughly convinced that his mission was to restore Cybertron to its primordial, organic state—led them to the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which, if opened, would destroy all technology on the planet. Shocked, Cheetor talked him out of opening the chamber and came up with an alternate plan to get Rattrap to find a way to disable the duplicate Keys. The operation was curtailed when Rattrap was zapped into technomatter by Tankor, leading Optimus to confront Megatron in person. Cheetor and the other Maximals continued fighting, but were overcome by Vehicons and turned into technomatter, moments before Optimus made the ultimate gambit and mentally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber to counter the Key to Vector Sigma. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Cheetor's hopeful face.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

The two diametrically opposed energies unleashed by the two competing doomsday weapons managed to cancel each other out just long enough for Optimus to redirect the energy maelstrom into the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], at the cost of his own life. Restored to health by this sacrifice, the Maximals were shocked to find their leader dead; while Cheetor reacted violently to Nightstream's comment that Cheetor wanted him gone, he nevertheless stepped up as an interim leader and even negotiated a temporary ceasefire with the two remaining Vehicon Generals. Cheetor led the other Maximals back down to the Oracle chamber, where they discovered that Primal's consciousness still existed within the Oracle itself, guilt-ridden from nearly destroying Cybertron. However, Cheetor's impassioned speech helped Optimus realize his ''true'' mission—to bring the organic and technological together—and choose life over joining the Matrix. Cheetor suggested the next step should be to find the missing sparks, but when they approached the Council Citadel, a [[Grand Mal|giant floating head]] hovered into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}

[[File:WolfintheFold raging Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Low down scammers got me seein' red!]]

While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, Cheetor led the other Maximals in attempting to find Jetstorm and Thrust. However, they encountered [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]], whose transformation into the draconic "Savage" was uncontrollable. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Cheetor favored leniency in dealing with Noble, but the creature was soon revealed to be Megatron, who transferred his [[spark]] into the Grand Mal and reactivated the Vehicon drones, forcing the Maximals to flee underground once again. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

While trying to save Nightscream from a pack of drones, Optimus and Cheetor were drawn aboard the Grand Mal via a tractor beam and interrogated for information. They were soon rescued by Silverbolt, whom Blackarachnia had resurrected from Jetstorm. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, giving Cheetor a rather more forceful leadership style and causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. Though Cheetor seemed to fight it for a short period, he soon succumbed again, even taking his frustrations out on Optimus physically. Finally, they realized what was happening and managed to work together. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

With their new [[technorganic orchard]] failing, Cheetor tried to console Optimus. The news of a crashing ship led the Maximals to encounter [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal who'd adopted a plant-based [[alternate mode]], who lent her talents to tending their garden. {{storylink|Home Soil}} They would later encounter two new Vehicon Generals created by Megatron—[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} When the Maximals split up in their search for the missing sparks, Silverbolt revealed he still regarded Cheetor as a "kid", much to Cheetor's annoyance. Once Cheetor saved their lives by getting rid of the drones, Silverbolt developed more respect for him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Endgame2 sparkpower Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Vegeta! What does the scouter say about his power level?]]

The reappearance of Noble caused problems for the Maximals, leading Cheetor to suggest that Nightscream get rid of the creature before it got them all killed. Noble, however, did help them as Cheetor, Silverbolt and Nightscream distracted the drones so that Optimus could sneak into the Grand Mal and prevent Megatron from consuming any more of the captive sparks he'd imprisoned. The action cost Noble his life, and all of the Maximals mourned him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} With Megatron's spark seemingly destroyed thanks to Nightscream, the Maximals briefly celebrated. However, Megatron's spark lived on, albeit in a disembodied state, and Cheetor tangled with it when it possessed the corpse of an Aero Drone. Eventually, Rattrap trapped it in a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Maximals endofBMac.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Primal's dream comes true: the universe's largest cannabis garden.]]

Although the Maximals now held control of the Grand Mal and the captive sparks, they came under siege from a renewed army of Vehicons—made worse when Rattrap made a misguided attempt to save Botanica by shutting down the fortress's shield, and Optimus had to stop Cheetor telling off the rodent. Fortunately the three of them survived the Grand Mal crashing. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}}

Down but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. The Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Cheetor found himself facing the three Vehicon Generals on his own, but was able to use the anti-gravity generators to fire Obsidian and Strika into orbit. Cheetor struggled with Thrust, but finally used a [[spark extractor]] against him. He was unprepared to face his next foe—Megatron, newly installed into a duplicate of Primal's old "optimal" body—and finally had his own spark torn out by a Cycle Drone. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}} After a city-spanning battle, Optimus sacrificed himself to destroy Megatron and reformat Cybertron into a technorganic paradise. Cheetor and the other Maximals were restored to their bodies; as the captive sparks were reborn, Cheetor had a final vision from the Oracle, who told him that Optimus would always be with them. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Cheetor encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]] (after Cheetor initially believed Hot Rodimus was one of their ancestors). With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

=====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''=====
[[File:BWDS 3.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

At some point after Starscream left the Beast Wars, the Maximals and Predacons fought. During a battle against Waspinator, Cheetor used his speed to avoid the bug's Beebee Shot attack and nailed him in the face with his own Laser Shot. {{storylink|Cheetor Chapter}} The Laser Shot wasn't enough, though, and Waspinator countered with another round of his Beebee Shot. {{storylink|Waspinator Chapter}}

Later, after several [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from [[Transformers (film)|another dimension]] showed up, {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} the appropriate factions teamed up and charged one another in a massive clash of warriors. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

{{--}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Epiloge-MaximalCelebration.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Yub nub!]]

Following the [[Great Transformation]], Cheetor recalled learning from Optimus Primal that Rhinox was not gone for good, as his spark had gone adrift and ended up in an alternate world known as the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]]. When he shared this information with his friends, Rattrap and the wayward Waspinator volunteered to find Rhinox, prompting Cheetor to reformat them into their original Earth modes and send them through a portal to the Legends world. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He was elated to see the two return with Rhinox accompanying. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

Some time later, Cheetor, the other Maximals, and Waspinator were all relaxing by a campfire. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}

{{--}}

====3H comics====

[[File:CheetorBW-GroundZero.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|In which Cheetor has a rugged, dimpled chin.]]

Cheetor was originally a cadet at the [[Maximal Command Security Force]] academy. A huge fan of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], he styled his original [[alternate mode]] after Rodimus's vehicle form. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

One day, while on prehistoric Earth, Airazor and Rhinox were basking in the glow of a quiet Predacon-less day. In contrast, Cheetor was bored. Fortunately for Cheetor, he got his wish, and the sound of explosions alerted the three to a battle over the horizon. Unfortunately for Cheetor, he was quickly blasted into inaction by [[Packrat]], who'd become unstable after an encounter with [[Furmanite]]. Later, he was okay, and he accompanied his fellow Maximals home. {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Terminus-CheetorandRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]

Later, at a point after Cheetor had acquired his [[Transmetal 2]] form, he and the other Maximals set out to investigate a temporal anomaly detected by Rhinox. They encountered the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. After Megatron took off to reach the time-traveler that both teams had previously detected, Optimus was forced to pursue him, leaving his troops against insurmountable odds. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. As they encroached, an explosion hit Rhinox, knocking him offline. Then, suddenly, Predacon fire ceased entirely. Cheetor was the first to check over their cover, his concern for Rhinox overriding his sense of self-preservation. Cheetor looked on to see [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], the aforementioned time-traveler, flying above the disabled Predacons, and encircled with Unicron's dark essence. The possessed 'bot swooped down and seized Cheetor in his talons, causing excruciating pain to shoot through the young Maximal. Just as Cheetor began to wish for oblivion to escape the torture, Windrazor was able to expunge Unicron's essence from himself, and set Cheetor down. Then, Shokaract appeared... {{storylink|Paradox}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals faced the time-traveling warlord. Unfortunately, they were no match for the [[Unicron]]-powered juggernaut and Cheetor was crushed in Shokaract's claws. This battle, as well as Shokaract's existence itself, would soon be retroactively erased from Cheetor's timeline with the efforts of the legendary [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]]. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Sentinelcryotekwreckersfinale.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|So they ''have'' been seen in the same room together!]]

Shortly after Megatron's final defeat and the [[Great Transformation]] that reformatted Cybertron into a technorganic world, the [[Quintesson]]s seized the opportunity to attack in the belief that the sudden change would weaken and confuse the planet's inhabitants. Cheetor initially took part in repelling the [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] invasion, until the Oracle guided him underground, where he reunited with a resurrected Tigatron and worked alongside his idol Rodimus as they battled [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] deep underground, which revealed them both as [[Matrix Templar]]s. While Cheetor and Rodimus used their Matrix Templar abilities to help defeat Cryotek with the help of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], Rattrap, and Botanica, Rodimus ultimately perished. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

A year later, Cheetor and the rest of Cybertron eagerly awaited at [[Memorial Spaceport]] for the return of five Autobot heroes from the Great War: [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]. The event was covered by the famous journalist [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]], and when Cheetor had trouble communicating in front of a camera, Rattrap happily took over for him. Quickly thereafter, the Autobots' ship arrived, and its occupants were shocked at the changes Cybertron had gone through. Cheetor demonstrated to the older warriors that the planet's inhabitants had also gone through a metamorphosis by transforming into his technorganic cheetah mode. Unfortunately, the event's pleasantries were interrupted when the five Autobots, plus Blackarachnia and Silverbolt were all abducted by [[Unicron]] right before the gathered crowd's optics. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[File:Abduction-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

A short time later, however, Cheetor bore witness as the resurrected Optimus Primal returned with ten abducted Autobots and Maximals (though not Blackarachnia and Shadow Striker) plus a handful of other Transformers stranded in their universe. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Cheetor's techorganic Cybertron became a staging ground for the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] in the [[multiverse]]-spanning [[Universe War]], as a resurrected Optimus Primal, guided by Primus himself, led a campaign against the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. Cheetor accompanied the returnees to the [[Oasis Research and Development Facility]], where [[Ratchet (Universe)|Ratchet]] and [[Striker]] began research on Sideswipe to see if they could cure the [[Unicron virus|Unicron contamination]] they had all suffered while in the [[Pit (Universe)|Pit]]. Cheetor expressed his doubts about Optimus Primal's return, reasoneding that being dead may have changed Primal, and Silverbolt added that it could all be a Unicron trick. Rattrap, surprisingly, was the one who reminded the two that this was Optimus Primal they were talking about. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

The war continued as Optimus Primal led the Children of Primus against the forces of Unicron across the multiverse, but the conflict eventually took a toll on Cheetor and the others. Contaminated by constant exposure to Unicron's corrosive essence, Cheetor was afflicted with the nanotech "[[Unicron virus]]", which worsened with time. To keep from descending into madness or deactivation, Cheetor was rebuilt and purified by Primal's [[Matrix of Purification]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Optimus Primal profile}}
The Universe War ground on for an unspecified length of time until one raid on the Chaos Bringer, which included Primal, Cheetor, and several others, ended with Unicron suddenly dissolving beneath them thanks to the effects of the cross-dimensional [[Unicron Singularity]]. Cheetor, [[Ramulus|Longhorn]], and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] were carried away by Optimus Primal through a portal to safety. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{--}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
Cheetor was snoozing on the floor of the shuttle back to Cybertron when Rattrap fell asleep and dreamed about encountering other Maximals on Earth. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
He awoke, affected by a Transwarp agitator planted on the shuttle by a new team of Predacons hiding on Earth. This device caused Cheetor and the other Maximals aboard to act aggressively towards one-another, and they tried to force Rattrap into the ship's C.R. Chamber due to its influence. Rattrap resisted, managed to get away, and deactivated the ship's Transwarp drive. Though this restored the Maximals to their senses, it also returned them to prehistoric Earth. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology (1)====
Near the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], shortly after Megatron [[Master Blaster|combined his spark with that of the original Megatron's]], the newly reconfigured Predacon leader hatched a new plan. Quickstrike was ordered to sneak into the Maximal base and place a transmitter which would increase the aggression of Cheetor and the other Maximals. Quickstrike was successful, and soon Cheetor was fighting that annoying little jerk, Rattrap. Fortunately, Optimus Primal was able to detect something was wrong, despite the transmitter's effects on himself, and the Maximals deactivated the transmitter and defeated Quickstrike. Cheetor and the others raced into the Ark, where they found Megatron, confused after a mental battle with his namesake, attempting to control the lifeless body of Starscream. Megatron fled. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

Later on Cybertron, just before the [[Battle for the Spark]] was over, [[Spark of Darkness|Megatron's spark polarity had been inverted, and his tortured life force traveled all over Cybertropolis]]. As Megatron's spark approached Cheetor and Nightscream, he was consumed with hatred for the both of them: for Nightscream because his actions recently had put him in this very predicament, and for Cheetor "because... well, because he's Cheetor". {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:BWGatherCheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
As Magmatron observed the timeline wherein the Beast Wars were taking place, he witnessed Cheetor being blown away by Terrorsaur's projectiles. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Cheetor appeared outside the ''Ark'' alongside Optimus Primal and Rhinox. Showing concern for Optimus, as the big monkey seemed to sense a presence that Cheetor pointed out to be seemingly non-existent. Somewhat freaked-out by Optimus's odd behavior, both Cheetor and Rhinox convinced Optimus that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:CheetorBW-DawnofFuturesPast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|Fur is murder!]]
A former cadet of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], a Maximal who would later call himself Cheetor left the organization young after being recruited by Optimus Primal based on his leadership potential. "Cheetor" enthusiastically joined the crew of the ''Axalon'', hoping to see the furthest reaches of space. His [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] could reach 550 mph, making him the fastest Maximal aboard the ''Axalon'' even before landing on prehistoric Earth. Cheetor served as the ship's communications officer.

Cheetor and the rest of the Axalon crew were waylaid on a Maximal space station for weeks, waiting for their exploration mission to begin. Finally, after leaving the space station, Optimus Primal explained the reason for their delay: they were ordered by the [[Maximal High Council]] to deposit a [[Rampage (BW)|precious cargo]] on a barren moon. But before this could be achieved, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by [[Maximal Command]] with new orders. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a treasured Maximal artifact, had been stolen by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], and he and a band of Predacon criminals left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in a stolen ship. Since the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship, they were ordered to intercept.

But there were other ships en route. An [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|unknown Predacon ship]] appeared and attacked them. Their mysterious attacker was countered by another strange ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]''. Ultimately, the ''Axalon'' was able to destroy the Predacon ship but not before serious damage was dealt the ''Chromia 10''. The [[spark]]s of the two Maximals on board were beamed aboard the ''Axalon'' and [[Spark core transfer|placed]] inside [[blank]] [[protoform]]s to save their lives.

Just as the battle seemed to be over, Cheetor received an incoming transmission from Megatron's stolen ship. Megatron introduced himself and disappeared through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal. Cheetor and the rest of the ''Axalon'' crew followed blindly. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

After [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Cheetor fought the Predacons during a plot to launch an orbital weapon. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-notsuccessful.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right]]
His impetuous streak tamed by his time under Optimus Primal's leadership, Cheetor was able to use his departed teacher's lessons to interface with the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and this act allowed him to become the living embodiment of the ancient wisdom it contained. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} He would subsequently take the name of "'''Alpha Trizer'''", becoming the spiritual leader of Cybertron. With his political power, he reinstated the [[Wreckers]] to defend Cybertron's interests in the galaxy and appointed [[Primal Prime]] as leader, in part to separate him from [[Ginrai (robot)|Ginrai]]. To this end, Trizer recruited troublesome Cybertronians unable to deal with a peaceful Cybertron, especially from those who frequented the [[Cybertropolis Detention Center]]. Trizer also reinstated the [[Knights of Cybertron]] as the new [[Cybertronian Knight]]s and placed Ginrai as Knight Commander. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-Beastmode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
When the Knights lost contact with the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]] and received a scrambled warning from [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]], Ginrai insisted that the Knights take action, but Knight Grand Master Alpha Trizer countered with waiting for further word from Devcon, doubting that Cybertron was in danger after being at peace for so long. Soon after, Devcon called for help against the [[Star Seeker]]s: the pirates were inside [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head, trying to reactivate it in order to drain all of Cybertron's energon. Ginrai's team, including Alpha Trizer, space bridged straight there and promptly engaged the Star Seekers. The [[Dread Pirate Crew]]men tried to fight Trizer, but the ancient Maximal finally lost his cool and transformed into beast mode to deal with his attackers. Star Seeker Captain [[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball]] then fought Alpha Trizer to buy time for [[Ferak]] to activate Unicron's energon draining systems, but the sage easily overpowered Cannonball and gave him a crushing a revelation: his scheme was doomed to fail from the start because Cybertron in 2984 C.E. was [[technorganic|techno-organic]] and ''no longer ran on energon''. Trizer simply grinned at the pirate captain's misfortune while Ginrai grumbled about being left out of the loop. Thereafter, the Knights arrested the pirates and led them away. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals home from the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The shuttle was shunted to [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]], where [[Unicron]] destroyed it, scattering its crew into [[unspace|transwarp space]]. {{storylink|Outlier}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====''TransTech''====
The Megatron of Cheetor's native time and universe accidentally referred to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] as "Cheetor". {{storylink|Bee in the City}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Cheetor and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Cheetor's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]]. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:CheetasManga1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Off to go train with Piccolo or something, I'm sure.]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Cheetor was upgraded into a [[Transmetal]] but left stranded on [[Earth|Energoa]] far, far away from the other [[Maximal]]s and believed dead by [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. Following [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]'s return to life, Cheetor could be seen staring poetically at the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] from his distant location. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

After Megatron blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in an attempt to kill the slumbering Autobot, {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}} Cheetor would eventually find his way back to his comrades. There, he saved Optimus Prime's spark and fed it to Optimus Primal, turning him into Optimal Optimus. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology (2)===
Cheetor was involved in a conflict against the Predacons that affected the [[Natiltec]] tribe, who later immortalized him in cave inscriptions. The inscriptions were found several thousand years later by an archaeological team. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in manga===
[[File:HenkeiCheetorLionKing.jpg|thumb|The Cirrrcle of Liiiife...]]
After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] stole [[energon cube]]s from [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], Cheetor appeared on the scene, defeated both of them and got the cubes back, getting the adoration of Hound and random fauna. Cheetor then went to live in a safari park. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8}}
{{-}}
===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 10}}}}

===''The AllSpark Almanac''===
Cheetor liked pie. {{Storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===''Device Label''===
Under the command of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], Cheetor's mission was to search the network he was plugged into, and destroy the Decepticons' viral programs. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Device Label|Cheetor's Device Label Bio}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:Recordicons12-everyone.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Cheetor was among [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s minions when they teamed up with negative polarity [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 12|Recordicons #12}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Cheetor was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. Following the deaths of Rhinox and Silverbolt, and the apparent death of Rattrap after an explosion, Cheetor teamed up with Blackarachnia and Nightscream and some Predacons to take out their leader. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}} As like-minded Predacon dissidents joined with his comrades, Cheetor became the leader of the rebels and took part in a costly uprising against their [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]] oppressors, one that eventually rendered him badly damaged and close to stasis lock. With few other options, four of Cheetor's allies--[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Blackarachnia]], [[Nightscream (BM)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Nightscream]], [[Scavenger (BW)|Scavenger]], and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]]—fled for their lives via [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|another world]], leaving Cheetor behind. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}}

Most of the Maximals and Predacons believed that Cheetor had perished; he was posthumously honoured as the "First Resistor", the first proto-former who'd taken a stand against the tyrannical Builder regime. {{storylink|Derailment}} In reality, however, Cheetor had been captured and imprisoned within [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], where he remained for many years until [[Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance|forces]] eventually freed him and he was more than welcomed into their ranks as the "first resistor". {{storylink|Head Games}} Cheetor wanted nothing more than to march into the front lines, but Lio Convoy felt he served better as a propaganda hero, and over the next five years, he and [[Preditron]] were shuttled about the planet doing just that, hardly ever being told the reason for their going, just being sent where they were sent. Although he adopted a [[cybercat]] [[beast mode]] once the Maximals and Predacons adopted the Beast Upgrade, Cheetor figured he'd missed any chance to fight the good fight.

That changed on a visit to Safe Zone Alpha Two, a Resistance base outside [[Protihex]]. There, the two discovered captive Micromasters being forced to fight to the death in a new version of the [[Game]]s, and they were expected to open them. Cheetor and Preditron refused, threatening to inform Lio Convoy, until the base's manager Ikard informed them Lio knew all about what was going on. Outraged, Cheetor and Preditron made plans to stop the Games anyway, with Preditron telling Cheetor to get on the horn to Resistance command. Cheetor's efforts proved difficult, with nearly everyone being busy fighting the war, until he got through to Blackarachnia. However, the spider-bot was dismissive of Cheetor's ethical concerns, told him to suck it up, and then hung up on him. Reluctantly, Cheetor went back to Ikard and told him he was on board for the moment, but ''only'' if Preditron was as well, and that after everything cooled down, there would be a full inquiry.

The next day, with no sign of Preditron, Cheetor gave the Buzzsaw Memorial Games a half-sparked introduction. Then he learned where Preditron had gotten to, as he saw the Predacon founder being forced into the Games. Cheetor went looking for the Game's organiser, Ser-Ket, finding her nursing an engex. He told her about Preditron's predicament, and the two went to confront Ikard. When they did, he revealed why Preditron had been dragged into the Games; The Resistance were courting the Tripredacus Alliance, and they wanted the living legend to be a loss less alive. Then he set Gaidora on them, knocking Ser-Ket and Cheetor into the arena. Once there, they found bigger problems than dealing with realpolitik, in the form of [[Vehicon (BM)|strange drones]] and dead Micromasters. The two found Preditron as he was being attacked by one such drone, and after defeating it realized they were some kind of Builder weapon, troops infected by their superiors as a Trojan horse. By the time the trio reached the arena's walls, the drones had managed to break into the crowd, infecting the Maximals and Predacons there and turning them into more drones. The trio desperately led an evacuation of the arena, and managed to get most of the civilians to safety. It was only then Cheetor remembered to tell Preditron Lio Convoy wanted him dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

By the time that Cheetor, Ser-Ket, and Preditron escaped had aboard the ''[[Star Dasher]]'', they learned that the self-replicating "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s" had already broken through the Resistance rearguard entirely. With nowhere else to go, the three decided to seek refuge among the breakaway [[Maximal Nation]], and momentarily ran afoul of an airborne patrol over [[Tyrest]] before they were able to correct the misunderstanding. The three received an audience before the [[Maximal High Council]], where Cheetor and Preditron's respective testimonies successfully inspired the councillors to take decisive military action against the Vehicons. As the [[National Maximal Army]] prepared for war, Cheetor took a liking to Maximal statesman Tigatron. Eventually, Tigatron combined with his fellows into the mighty [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]; in conjunction with Cheetor, the two had come up with a plan to ford the [[Sonic Canyons]] and take the city of [[Plurex]] using their [[beast mode]]s and some jury-rigged [[energy projector]]s to create temporary bridges.

The Maximals successfully captured Plurex and advanced to [[Nova Cronum]], by which point the malevolent [[Lord Imperious Delirious]] had revealed himself as the true creator of the Vehicons and seized control of the [[Grand Mal]]. Pinned down by a Vehicon ambush, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] joined Cheetor and [[Snapper (BW)|Snapper]] as they cut around the battle with the intent of rigging a nearby building to collapse atop the drones, which ended with Grimlock seemingly sacrificing himself to ensure the explosives detonated. After the destruction of the Grand Mal and the end of the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]], Cheetor joined forces with [[Magmatron]] as the combined forces of Cybertron worked together to mop up the remaining stragglers.

Twenty days later, Cheetor attended the first of many diplomatic meetings on behalf of the Maximal Nation, part of an attempt to hash out a new peace agreement between Cybertron's new nation-states. As he spoke with his new friend Tigatron, Cheetor admitted that he was happier ''representing'' the Maximals instead of leading them; eventually, he became a Maximal representative on the [[Cybertronian Parliament]] alongside [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Optimal]]. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===Legends World===
[[File:Legends10-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was a salaryman at [[Axalon Trading Company]], where he greeted the newbie [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. While Rattrap introduced himself in an unorthodox way by naming his favorite cartoon, ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', Cheetor responded that he didn't watch cartoons. {{storylink|The Generation Gap#Part 1|The Generation Gap Part 1}} He later happily informed President [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that he was leaving on time and not working overtime. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}} When Primal went out for a bit, warning his employees not to touch his [[banana]]s, Cheetor and the others were so tempted by the forbidden fruit that they immediately began eating them. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}}

Cheetor loved to party and have fun all night, and as a result was often exhausted at work in the morning. Though the Axalon employees were expected to work in robot mode, he at one point was so tired that he forgot how to transform, turning into a mess of cheetah parts. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Head of Partying, Cheetor|Head of Partying, Cheetor}} Another time, he got so drunk he fell asleep on the train and ended up on the [[w:Takao Station (Tokyo)|final station]] of the line in the middle of night. On returning to work, he joked to Primal about paying for his travel expenses and room charges, to his boss's annoyance. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} One day, having overslept, Cheetor decided that since he was already late to begin with, he might as well take his time and have a long shower and breakfast before heading to work. Optimus Primal didn't agree with his thinking. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor in the Morning|Cheetor in the Morning}}

[[File:Legends15-BMCheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor listened to Rattrap deliver a report while stuck in the mouth of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} was confused when he arrived at work in the form of a real Transformer after being inflicted with [[Transformers sickness]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} and hung around when Optimus Primal was thinking about said sickness. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}} Transformers sickness later turned Cheetor into a tall and slender version of himself, which he didn't enjoy, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} and he was present when [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was getting jealous of everyone turning into Transformers. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} During Rhinox-turned-[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s rampage, Cheetor was hit by his '80s Transformation Beam and turned into a classic delinquent. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

During [[Christmas]], the Axalon employees threw a party during which Cheetor got drunk and sang karaoke. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} The height of Cheetor and everyone else at the company bothered Rattrap, who wanted to be big too. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} While returning home one morning after a night of partying, he ran into Rattrap, who was jogging in order to grow stronger. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Another morning, after yet another party, he found [[Tigatron]] praying at a shrine. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 11|Bonus Edition Vol. 11}} Cheetor was present when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] attempted to destroy [[Legends World|their world]] and was defeated by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and afterwards told Rattrap that Metroplex had transformed into city mode on top of the Axalon office building, destroying it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}}

[[File:LGExConvobat-CheetorStraxus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Mercy is not dispensed here, fools, only hairballs.]]

Cheetor was around when [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] decided not to fight her Transformers sickness but remain a giant robot. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}} After the Axalon employees accepted that Metroplex was their new office, Cheetor had some fun with the gun turrets on the city-bot's head. He was freaked out when their [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mysterious janitor]] claimed to know about Metroplex because he was from "the other world", thinking he'd meant the world of the dead. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} Cheetor was caught up in a [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] clone rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 15|Bonus Edition Vol. 15}} and was around the office when Rattrap and Tigatron tried to justify their lateness to Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}} When [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] appeared in their universe, Cheetor didn't recognize him and had to have his identity explained to him by Waspinator. He and the others were then temporarily sent to Deadlock's home dimension, [[Cloud World]], when [[SARA]] messed up. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[Grand Maximus|Grand]] showed the Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s an image of Cheetor and his friends as an example of what to expect from the Legends Universe. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} During a partnership between Axalon and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], Cheetor was annoyed by [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s music, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} briefly became a [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]-type Headmaster himself using mass-produced [[Master-Brace]]s, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} went to work with a hangover together with [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}} and applauded the completion of their new headquarters, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Maximus]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}} He then fled from an attacking [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} played [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in the ''[[Transformers: Convobat Amazon Showdown]]'' movie but got the line "Transform!" wrong, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Convobat)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} fled again from Mindwipe, [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}} and took up riding [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter train to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}}

Cheetor was among the victims gobbled up by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] during his rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} but was fine and continued to inhabit the rebuilt [[Akihabara|Neo Akihabara City]]. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} He then went on to witness [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] battle [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} get turned into a [[Beastformer]] by [[White Leo]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and watch as [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] arrived in the Legends World. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 53|Bonus Edition Vol. 53}} Cheetor had fallen asleep on the train again when he was awoken by the smell of silvervine. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}}

{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|''The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2'' #6]]}}

[[File:Windblade6-allofus.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
Cheetor of the [[Fur Walkers]] was forged on the colony world of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], emerging from the [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] of his world's [[Titan (group)|Titan]], [[Chela]]. As the "Talon of [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]", Chela championed his Prime's love of beast-formers over standard-formers, likely influencing the beast modes of his people. By modern times, the people of Eukaris had divided into four major tribes. Cheetor was representative of the Fur Walkers on the rare occasion the tribes met under a white flag for talks.

The arrival of "standard-formers" from Cybertron was a major development on Eukaris, and the Four Tribes met with both outsiders and the [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Fateweaver]] to understand the ramifications. Cheetor and the tribes met with [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chancellor Starscream]] of Cybertron and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] when they exited from the spacebridge. Initially reluctant to form relations with Cybertron, whose people persecuted the children of Onyx Prime, Cheetor opened to the idea when he learned that other colony worlds were involved as well. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Despite their differences, Cheetor and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] grudgingly exchanged gifts on Chosen One Day. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] arrived to consume Eukaris, [[Manta Ray (BW)|Manta Ray]] and Cheetor watched in horror as the planet-eater began devouring their homeworld, and were themselves presumably destroyed shortly thereafter. {{storylink|Our Darkest}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Cheetor-art.jpg|thumb|100px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Cheetor's function was a warrior, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a cheetah. His extreme speed and cheetah-like reflexes were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were him eagerness, hopefulness, and idealism. Cheetor's message from the future was that his idealism will pave the way for a valuable alliance. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Cheetor was part of the united Maximal-Predacon faction lead by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

{{--}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Joe Hernandez]] (English), [[Masaya Fukunishi]] (Japanese)|[[Sascha Oliver Bauer]] (German), [[Loïc Hourcastagnou]] (French), [[Pablo Rafael Moreno]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Vishal Menon]] (Hindi)}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Cheetor-maximizes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Cheetor was a Maximal from a future Cybertron where the AllSpark had been destroyed, a doomed timeline under constant threat from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].{{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}} When the ambitious Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] stole the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in an attempt to change the past and prevent this timeline from ever coming to pass, Cheetor joined [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and a crew of two hundred Maximals as they pursued the Predacons back through time aboard the ''Axalon'' to Mesozoic [[Earth]]. In the ensuing conflict, sides suffered heavy losses; by the time that the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' crashed on Earth, only a handful of Maximals remained. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} Shortly after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, the Maximals-in the mistaken belief that their tormentors had followed them through time-launched an attack on the Autobot vessel, and Cheetor saw through [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s holograms and came to blows with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] before [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] could salvage the situation by convincing their attackers that they meant them no harm. Upon learning that the Autobots had come to Earth to retrieve the [[AllSpark]], Rattrap pointed out that changing their past might very well wipe them from existence, but Cheetor argued that stopping Megatron was more important. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}}

When the Predacon-Decepticon alliance captured Cheetor's comrade [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], he and the other Maximals joined forces with the Autobots to rescue her. As part of this mission, Primal, Rattrap, Cheetor and Tigatron joined up with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s squad, although their beast modes allowed them to traverse the planet's wild terrain much more efficiently than the Autobots. Once Rattrap had helped rescue Airazor, Cheetor joined the rearguard action as he and Tigatron fired on their Megatron and some Decepticon soldiers until Optimus Primal arrived to turn the tide. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} During the search for the Allspark in a nearby forest, Cheetor easily outsped [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], but the Cybertronians realized that the "forest" was really a holographic illusion generated by the Allspark as it attempted to split them up using disorienting illusions. Eventually, Cheetor and the other heroes regrouped in time to attend the dying [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who'd sacrificed himself to retrieve the stolen [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 3}}

[[File:KingdomEp3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

While Optimus went onward to retrieve the Allspark, Cheetor and the Maximals disagreed with the Autobots over the importance of the Allspark and the nature of their own mission, until Rattrap pointed out that Primal had also gone missing. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 4}} Cheetor and the other Autobots and Maximals soon re-united with their respective leaders, but they brought bad news: the AllSpark, separated from Cybertron for too long, had begun to die. After a brief stand-off against the two Megatrons, the Maximals and Autobots returned to the repaired ''Ark'' and prepared to launch before the Predacon-Decepticon alliance launched a full-scale assault, and as the heroes besieged the enemy starship Cheetor and Tigatron faced off against [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Ultimately, however, the battle ended with the ''Ark'' itself assuming its new robot mode and toppling the Decepticon flagship, allowing the heroes to take the two Megatrons and their followers prisoner before blasting off. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 5}}

After passing through the [[Dead Universe]], the Autobots returned home to their Cybertron, but found that, without the Allspark's life-giving energies, the planet had already become a dead, frozen planet. In the ensuing battle against Galvatron and Nemesis, who'd followed them through time in an attempt to stop them from changing history, Cheetor, Airazor, and Tigatron used their beast modes to briefly incapacitate the villains, and joined forces with the remaining Cybertronians to make a unified stand against Unicron's minions. Soon, Bumblebee returned the AllSpark to its resting place and brought the planet back to life, and Cheetor and the other Maximals were present when the leaders of the four factions ratified a truce. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}}

{{--}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Cheetor was originally an athlete who idolized [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], the fastest Cybertronian ever to live. A fleet-footed Cybertronian in his own right, Cheetor soon made a name for himself on racetracks like the [[Afterburner Memorial Speedway]], scored numerous trophies and accolades thanks to tricks like his "Tiwaz maneuver", and rubbed elbows with racers and other adoring fans at watering holes like [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. Eventually, however, Cheetor grew tired of life in the spotlight; craving off-world adventure, he left racing behind and secured a new career as a member of the planet's [[Ministry of Science|Science Ministry]]. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

Cheetor's first post would be as a member of the skeleton crew aboard the Maximal research vessel ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', where he served as the ship's gunner under the auspices of his captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} Cheetor proposed bringing multiple [[stun beam]]s aboard their ship just in case, but Maximal command denied his request. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart4-Maximalbeastmodes.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Chi-tor's Sweet Home]]

While on a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to the planet [[H'nkshanaar-4]], the ''Axalon'' was diverted off-course to pursue a group of Predacon separatists who had stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and hijacked the Maximal warship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''. Despite his protests that the ''Axalon''{{'}}s weapons were for defensive purposes only, Cheetor did his best to shoot out the purloined starship's engines in the ensuing dogfight but was unable to stop their foes from spooling their [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]] and jumping across time and space. The ''Axalon'' pursued the ''Darksyde'' to an unknown time period and took the Predacons down with them in a last-ditch maneuver that stranded both ships on a primitive, energon-rich planet. To protect the crew from high levels of ambient [[energon radiation]], the ''Axalon'''s artificial intelligence scanned the local wildlife and reformatted the Maximals into [[technorganic|techno-organic]] [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

After reactivating in his new [[beast mode]], Cheetor helped [[Nyx]] repair their damaged ship before the high-flying pilot took off to explore the planet with her new wings. Cheetor was upset by this, as it meant that he'd have to turn to the notoriously unhygenic [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to reach into narrow components. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} When night fell and Nyx still didn't return, Cheetor grew restless and considered striking out on his own to find her before Optimus shot down the idea. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}}

Cheetor, Rattrap, and Rhinox worked through the night to rewire the ship's computer to better locate Nyx, and discovered a mysterious coded message to a Predacon laboratory dated to just before the ''Axalon'' departed Cybertron, just before Optimus announced that he'd tapped into the orbital [[stasis pod]] network to find her. As the Maximals waited for her to return, they saw [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] carrying her unconscious body and immediately assumed that he was the one responsible for harming her. When Cheetor lunged to attack, however, Dinobot transformed and easily outpowered his attacker before telling them that he wanted to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

While Optimus and Nyx interrogated Dinobot in a bid to gauge whether he'd truly had a change of heart, Cheetor stumbled across Rattrap spying on the group using the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s security camera network. When the ship's systems picked up more Predacons, Cheetor, Rhinox, and Primal were forced to buy time while Rattrap did what he could to get the starship's defenses back online. When the Predacons refused to come quietly and launched a full-scale attack, Cheetor battled [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] before Dinobot joined the fray on the side of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} Cheetor punched out Scorponok and held out long enough for Rattrap to reactivate the ship's shields—however, this also meant stranding Dinobot, whose spark signature prohibited from retreating to safety, outside with the Predacons. Fortunately, the Maximals were able to turn the ship's guns on the Predacons, intimidate them into making a full retreat, and rescue a critically injured Dinobot. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Some time later, Cheetor was playing cards with the other Maximals when he heard a noise in a nearby corridor. When he investigated, he found [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a newly programmed Predacon, who quickly paralyzed him with her [[cyber venom]] and got to work sabotaging the Maximal vessel. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After Optimus and the others freed him from a web cocoon, Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot, and Nyx worked together to search the ship and nearly blundered into a grenade booby trap before Blackarachnia, having sabotaged more than half of the ''Axalon''{{'}}s orbital stasis pods, blew a hole in the ship's hull and destroyed most of the ship's armory as she escaped. Cheetor chased her out into the jungle, but when she lied that she'd set a second booby trap, Cheetor made the mistake of returning to the ship to save his comrades while Blackarachnia retreated to the ''Darksyde''. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Razorbeast]] joined their team, Cheetor, eager for a rematch with Blackarachnia, joined in a preemptive strike on the ''Darksyde'' to retrieve the Golden Disk, using a jury-rigged escape pod as an improvised shuttlecraft before launching a bombing run against the downed Predacon ship. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Cheetor went up against Blackarachnia a second time, and distracted her long enough for Rattrap and Nyx to break into the ''Darksyde'' and accomplish the second part of their mission. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} After successfully dodging Blackarachnia's stun blasts, Cheetor closed the distance and successfully caused her to hit [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] instead. However, the sight of Optimus successfully taking out Megatron caused Blackarachnia to kick Cheetor in the face and scuttle off as she reconsidered her loyalty to the Predacon leader. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

Cheetor took part in a skirmish against the Predacons that ended with him getting injured in a catastrophic [[energon]] explosion. The Maximals rushed his unconscious body back to the ''Axalon'', where [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] successfully pieced him back together—but Cheetor's consciousness wouldn't come back online. Unbeknownst to the other Maximals, the [[Vok]] [[Pakak]] took the opportunity to infiltrate Cheetor's mind and probe its contents by constructing an elaborate dream world where Cheetor hadn't yet left Cybertron aboard the ''Axalon''. After a confusing conversation with his physician "[[CatSCAN]]", Cheetor headed to Maccadam's for a drink; when the conversation turned to how to best modify [[protoform]]s, however, Cheetor excused himself and went to the roof to clear his head.

[[File:TheSpeedwayOfCentralConsciousness-racing.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

It was there that Cheetor first encountered Pakak himself, who informed him that the Maximal-Predacon conflict jeopardized the Vok's delicate experiments. Cheetor quickly realized that, although he'd been trapped in a dream, the Vok couldn't kill him without losing the information they sought. Pakak cut a deal: they'd have a race, and if Cheetor won, he'd walk free. Cheetor agreed, and Pakak quickly wrongfooted the young Maximal by transforming his avatar into Blurr and taking off. Although Cheetor narrowly won, Pakak revealed that he'd deceived the Maximal: the race was a sham, and Pakak had gleaned all the information he needed just by racing his avatar through Cheetor's brain. Pakak held up his end of the bargain by allowing Cheetor to come back online, but wiped Cheetor's memory to ensure he'd tell no one else of his alien encounter. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When Optimus Primal suffered exposure to a sample of aggression-enhancing red energon, Cheetor tried and failed to restrain the berserk Maximal leader. Dinobot successfully dealt with the problem by convincing the Maximal leader to hunt Megatron in the jungle, knowing that the overexertion would help flush the infected energon from his systems. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} While waiting for Optimus to return, Cheetor set up a campfire outside the ''Axalon'' to pass the time. Inspired by Rattrap's complaints about spending the night in the jungle, Cheetor told a spooky story about a terrible war on a faraway world, but the other Maximals found the tale to be too depressing. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

[[File:TheEnd-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

A newly-lucid Primal returned with bad news: the Vok had used the knowledge they obtained from Cheetor's mind to alter a number of fallen protoforms into loyal minions and planned to eliminate both the Maximals and Predacons, necessitating a temporary alliance. Cheetor disliked the idea, but nevertheless wound up working alongside Blackarachnia to salvage whatever they could from the ''Axalon'''s armory and modify them into something capable of harming energy-based aliens. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}} Ultimately, however, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] undermined their alliance from within, sided with the Vok, and helped them to raise a massive army of Vok-loyal Cybertronians from every fallen stasis pod they could find. Cheetor and Blackarachnia both took part in the final battle against these "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]", where they fought side-by-side... although Blackarachnia denied Cheetor's assertion that she could grow into a better person. After the Vok had been destroyed for good, their remaining servants agreed to a truce and left to live in the wild as their creators had intended. In the aftermath, Cheetor and the other Maximals left aboard the repaired ''Axalon'' to search for Megatron, whom Rattrap had deliberately blasted into [[unspace]]. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
Cheetor opened a food delivery business, where he used his super speed to quickly cook and deliver meals to prospective customers. However, after receiving his order of energon-coated bananas, Optimus Primal was annoyed to discover that Cheetor was delivering food to the Predacons. {{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals were reading the collected edition of [[Transformers Go! Go!|their manga]] when Megatron barged in and demanded a chance to read the book. {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Go! Go! issue 28}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 29}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game comic====
[[File:Cheetor-beastmodescan.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.1|My eyes are up here!]]
Upon arriving on prehistoric Earth, the dangers of Energon radiation forced the Maximals and Predacons to take on beast alternate forms. "Cheetor" promptly grabbed a cheetah by its underbelly, hoisted it up to his optics, and scanned the creature's molecular structure. The indignant cheetah could do nothing but silently ask the robot "Do you mind?" Cheetor transformed into his new organic cheetah mode and darted into Predacon territory. Unfortunately, Cheetor was spotted by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and the two battled until they were forced to return to their beast modes to avoid Energon radiation damage. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars:Transformers'' video game====
Many Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Cheetor's own base was an Energon mining operation, located in a desert area. It featured sphinx-like statues bearing Cheetor's likeness and colour scheme. Cheetor joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal Campaign=====
[[File:Beastwarspsx-Cheetorstats.jpg|left|thumb|I lost weight! Can you tell?]]

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Cheetor was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace.
{{BW VG|Cheetor|M}}

=====Predacon Campaign=====
Cheetor's mining operation was deemed a threat to the Predacon agenda, and a Predacon was dispatched to eliminate him. In order to systematically dismantle Cheetor's mining operation, the Predacons first targeted his "[[Rock Blaster]]" drone unit for destruction. Subsequently, they planted a bomb within [[Cheetor's mining plant]], and annexed the territory. In order to ensure that their new conquest would be firmly under their control, the Predacons killed Cheetor himself, sending a lone Predacon agent to neutralize him in a firefight. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:N64Cheetors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SECRET COLORS CHEETOR and also Cheetor's Tigatron cosplay.]]
In an alternate timeline created when Megatron sent a message through Transwarp back to his past self, Cheetor participated in a series of all-out battles with the other beast warriors.

During a decisive battle, Cheetor witnessed Optimus being badly injured. Cheetor's reaction was to charge into battle with unmatched fury, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Maximals. Thanks to this victory, the Maximals eventually overpowered the Predacons, and established peace on the planet. Following the battle, Optimus and Cheetor had this heartwarming exchange;

Optimus: "You showed a lot of potential out there. Someday you might make one prime leader."
Cheetor replied: "Sorry Bigbot, but that's your department... But who knows? Maybe in another universe!" {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Sprint (does not do damage)
|-
|C-Up||Savage Pounce
|-
|C-Left||Savage Wave
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
[[File:Beastwarstransmetalsgame-cheetorstats.jpg|thumb|320px|Glitch, game stats!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Cheetor was eager to take the Preds head-on, ignoring Rattrap's mockery of him, and was fully on Board when Optimus proposed using this as an opening to retake the Golden Disk. He joined Primal's team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Cheetor and the others hurried back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Cheetor joined Optimus Primal in an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the Axalon before being left badly damaged on the ground. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses before the Predacons could finish them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Double Arm Shot
|Special attack||Golden Rocket
|-
|Super attack||Double Arm Blast
|Super attack||Savage Fury
|}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars''===
[[File:DuelFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Adolescence is so unstable.]]
Cheetor and Optimus Primal chased [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] through a portal, emerging on [[Gaia]] in the ruin where the super-powerful [[Energon Quartz]] had been discovered, which led him and several other Maximals and Predacons to engage in a series of one-on-one battles to attempt obtaining the Quartz's powers for their own gain.

Cheetor could also partake in various other tasks, such as a mission to break a boulder to reveal an energon crystal hidden within before sundown, using a block in a mission to defend himself against various incoming projectiles, and missions to run across a pit-riddled field, sometimes involving hideously large bacteria he had to fend off.

Cheetor eventually defeated Megatron, the last bot standing between the Quartz and himself. Once the crystal was in his possession, Cheetor absorbed its power, becoming the most powerful of the Maximals. This allowed him to soar through the ranks and become [[Supreme Commander]]. This position was more than he could handle, however, and he abandoned his post after only three days. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|GBC}}

====Move list====
{{note|This move list presumes the player is facing right; when facing left, reverse the left and right inputs.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Horizontal Sniper Shot||↓→+B
|Passing Sand||↓→B
|-
|Anti-Air Sniper Shot||↓←+B
|Phantom Arrow||↓←B
|-
|Sky Sniper Shot||↓→+B (in air)
|Surprise Threw||→↓→B
|-
|Rolling Assault||↓←A
|Surprise Attack||→↓→A
|-
|Last Resort (super)||↓→↓← B
|Delta End (super)||↓→↓← B
|-
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Cheetor, in his Transmetal 2 body, was one of Optimus's many allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s own army, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Cheetor and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}} On their return to Cybertron, the Maximals discovered that Megatron had conquered the planet, and they were forced to face his Vehicon Generals. {{storylink|Beast Machines (Legends)|Beast Machines}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|400px|That was a mercy kill and ya live in a...camper van!]]
Cheetor participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in three different bodies:
*''Cheetor'' — This Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars: Episode 1" event.
*''Cheetor Transmetal II'' — This Super Rare character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the "Transmetals: Episode 3" mini events.
*''Cheetor Transmetal'' — This Epic character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the third "Transmetals 2: Episode 1" mini event, and could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal-II.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Transmetal II as in Cheetor #2!]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Three modes, third Cheetor!]]
{{!}}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:CheetorEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*'''Ability: Bestial Fury - For 15 seconds, use melee attacks dealing 37.8 damage. Destroy buildings to increase your attack and movement speeds by 25% - the buff lasts 90 seconds and can stack 5 times.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:cheetor Cheetor at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:ForgedToFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|250px|"Oh! They fly now!" "They fly now?" "''They fly now!''"]]
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Cheetor was a feisty Maximal rookie who considered himself to be the fastest thing on land, and was good friends with fellow Maximal cat [[Tigatron]]. Although immature and sometimes reckless, Cheetor had the potential to become a great leader one day. At some point during the Beast Wars, Cheetor befriended some ancient ancestors of modern humans, although these ancient anthropoids did not yet possess the capacity for language. After returning to Cybertron, Cheetor and several other Maximals were reformatted into [[technorganic]] bodies and tasked with restoring a technorganic balance to Cybertron, battling Megatron's new army of [[Vehicon]] soldiers all the while.

At some point after returning to his own time period, Cheetor gave a lecture to the [[Confederated Terran Colonial Fleet|CTC Fleet]] academy on [[New Earth]] regarding the history of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:1999Transmetals2CheetorStock.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]
[[File:CheetorBMconcept.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Things usually do look more badass in concept art.]]
[[File:CheetorGameBoyColor1.jpg|thumb|upright=1|I wonder what ''Beast Machines'' Cheetor thinks of this artwork?]]

* Cheetor was initially developed as a panther with the name of "[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]", indicating that he was likely meant to be the Generation 1 character in a new form and providing the genesis of Cheetor's head design. A [[retool]] of the toy into a lion form of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (alternately an unrelated character) with a flocked mane was also planned, but ultimately dropped.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC-i7cgfHR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Hasbro concept presentation for McDonald's collaboration]</ref><ref>''[[Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Generations|Beast Generations]]''</ref> The 1996 [[McDonald's]] character [[Panther]] was also originally planned to be a version of Prowl/Cheetor, hence them sharing the same head design.
* [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s original plan for [[Transmetal]] Cheetor was to have his face mature over the course of the season, from a big-eared, wide-eyed, rounded face into one close to the toy. Also, he would have had a "Hero's Heart" which glowed after completing brave or heroic feats, somewhat akin to the classic anime character Astro Boy. Due to time and financial restrictions, none of these concepts panned out.
* [[Transmetal 2]] Cheetor's upper arms in both the cartoon and his card art have the shoulders swapped when compared to the toy due to a misassembled [[prototype]] of the toy being used as reference. In the art and his model, his left arm features a metallic shoulder and an organic forearm, while the right has an organic shoulder and a metallic forearm. This prototype can be found on the back of Deluxe Transmetal 2 packaging in the [[cross-sell]] section (image at right), and also features brown stripes, much like the card art. Evidence suggesting that this prototype was misassembled and that a last minute change didn't occur last-second before the toy's release comes from original toy concept art from Takara which has the arms in the exact same orientation as the final toy.<ref>[https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g1ezjNdHr4/XaUngnxDAJI/AAAAAAAA6jo/_qpMxGjbNVMiYNsR-WMeNntkfIdJSsJ9QCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/25.png Transmetal 2 Cheetor concept art] - on TFRAW.com</ref> If one ''really'' feels that strongly about having the arms on their toy in the same orientation as the prototype, both of the shoulders and the elbows are on ball joints and can easily be swapped to match.
* Though most early artwork for ''Beast Machines'' character designs were very different from the final product, Cheetor's design seems to have changed very little, with only the green being downplayed in his color scheme.
* ''[[Comic BomBom]]'' advertisements and the [[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|official guide]] for ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' feature Cheetor with a slightly different (and much happier) head than the version which appeared on the game's box and instruction manual. Both are sickeningly cute, though.
* In Japanese media, Cheetor has the quirk of ending sentences in a long, stressed "Jān", like a cute kitty growl. Cheetor also has the tendency to say "Woooow!" and speak English phrases (such as "beast mode") in a pronounced American accent to emphasize his cool, carefree attitude. In addition to all that, whenever firing his weapon, he would always shout "utsumashi!" ("fire!").
* A series of unusual decisions was made regarding Cheetor and Tigatron in the ''Beast Wars: Transmetals'' game's localization. In the Japanese version of the game, Cheetor has a red-tinged set of "Player 2" colors and an unlockable "Player 3" color scheme obviously based on Tigatron. The North American version of the game adds Tigatron as a playable character; instead of reassigning the pre-existing "Player 3" colors to him, a new color scheme that [[:File:N64Tigatron.jpg|looked less like Tigatron]] was created for him. Furthermore, Cheetor's Japanese "Player 2" colors were eliminated and his original Tigatron-themed colors were kept.
* According to ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'', Cheetor likes pie.
* In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Cheetor's Cybertronian body incorporates traits from his [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]] with the inclusion of the hooped wheels, visor, and vehicle mode from his canceled ''[[Transtech]]'' toy. Of course, the latter characteristics would eventually serve as the basis for [[Cheetor (Animated)|''Animated'' Cheetor]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Didn't base Nyx on anything in particular! Dinobot is much the same. I picture the orb on his chest as a nod to the spark gem gimmick but other than that I just wanted a samurai kinda look to his silhouette. The arm mounted blades kind of a nod the Gundam Spiegel|link=https://twitter.com/jcburcham/status/1357035373184962561|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* Cheetor is the first character to speak in ''Beast Wars'' and the last character to speak in ''Beast Machines''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cheetus'''<ref>The "Cheetus" [[Japanese language|Romanization]] is consistently used in Japanese media. An exception would be the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|Complete Manual]]'', the official strategy guide for the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' video game, which used "Cheetas".</ref> (チータス ''Chītasu''), '''Cheetor''' (チーター ''Chītā'')
*''French:'' '''Vélocitor''' (cartoon, "Speedor")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Sidor'''
*''Italian:'' '''Ghepard''' ("Cheet"), '''Metal Ghepard''' (Transmetal toy)
*''Korean:'' '''Cheeto''' (치토 ''Chito'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Bàozi''' (Taiwan, 豹子, "Leopard"), '''Huābào''' (Taiwan ''Beast Machines'', 花豹, "Leopard"), '''Huáng Bào''' (China ''Beast Wars'', 黄豹, "Yellow Leopard"), '''Bào Sīlìng''' (China ''Beast Machines'', 豹司令, "Commander Leopard")
*''Polish:'' '''Gepardon''' ("Cheetodon"), '''Kotor''' (Canal + Dubb, "Cattor")
*''Russian:'' '''Geptor'''
*''Spanish:'' '''Chitor''' (Spain), '''Chitah''' (America, "Cheetah")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Armada Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Cats]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Jungle Planet]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Maximal Command Security Force]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Resistance]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Law enforcement]]

Cheetor (BW)

2025-03-07T03:47:20Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon continuity */

{{disambig3|Cheetor}}
{{featured}}{{suite}}
{{factions|maximal|maximalbm|autobot|knight|jungleplanet}}
:''Cheetor is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Cheetor render.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|There he is, your little guy.]]

A young Maximal full to bursting with energy and exuberance, '''Cheetor''' is always ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. And, much to his colleagues' chagrin, he often does so without a moment's consideration or forethought. Nobody can fault his motives, just his methods. Sure, he's got a bit of cocky edge to him... after all, he is the fastest Maximal on four legs (and he knows it), making him an excellent advance scout and capable of running rings around opponents. And yeah, his enthusiasm often gets the better of him, and he doesn't seem to have much in the way of volume control. And he doesn't exactly handle people thinking he ''can't'' handle a job the best he could. But he's a kid with a good [[spark]] who just wants to do right. He just needs some guidance and experience... and a lot of luck, because this cat gets into a ''lot'' of scrapes.

Thankfully, [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], himself something of a young firebrand, keeps a steady eye on the young Maximal and tries to guide him, and in turn Cheetor affectionately calls him "Big Bot". And a friendship with his fellow "big cat" [[Tigatron]] is also helping the spotted speedster learn a little patience.

Who knows—maybe the lad is destined for [[Oracle (BM)|great things]] [[Matrix Templar|someday]].

{{bigquote|I'm not lookin' forward to the day they chronicle ''my'' early bonehead adventures onto a [[Data-Con|datacon]] for all the world to see.|Cheetor, about [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]|"[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
[[File:CheetorBW-2packcomic.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Whose tusks gleam in the night? Not his!]]

{{quote|Eyes of a '''stalker''' hunting its prey... The super-swift '''cheetah''' springs! But '''food''' is not on '''this''' hunter's mind...|[[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!]]}}

Cheetor was a quiet and confident warrior, who constantly stalked jungles in his search for Predacons. He was efficient, striking hard and fast with incredible reflexes in either mode. He was known to openly dare Predacons to challenge him and his laser-powered [[Quasar rifle|quasar cannon]]. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor Bio}}

In a swamp outside the [[Fusion Building]] genetics lab, a fleet of ferocious animals has gathered. Suddenly, the cheetah and his wild comrades are under attack by a massive crocodile! Surprise! This is a battle between [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his [[Maximal]]s and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]! Cheetor quickly transforms to attack [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], and the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] have begun! {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

After the [[quantum surge]], Cheetor acquired a [[Transmetal]] form that gave his robot mode the organic attributes that his beast mode once possessed. The upgrade gave Cheetor more power and agility than ever before, and this new body had flip-out cyber-thrust wings that gave him additional speed and limited flight. {{Storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetals Cheetor bio}}

Cheetor would later receive another upgrade from [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s cloning experiments, becoming a [[Transmetal 2]]. With this, he gained even more power and speed, but at the cost of bestial urges that he had to learn to control. With his new missile launcher and leap-thruster, Cheetor stirred fear in the Predacons he fought against. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM2|Transmetals 2 Cheetor bio}}

At some point, Cheetor acquired a highly advanced stealth armor and dubbed himself Night Slash Cheetor. This new armor granted Cheetor all sort of new abilities, including being undetectable to every known Vehicon radar and tracking systems and creating a negative psychological effects on [[Vehicon General]]s, rendering their drones useless in combat. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Machines|Night Slash Cheetor bio}}
{{--}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Mikhail Tihonov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Cássius Romero]] (Portuguese, Season 1), [[Tatá Guarnieri]] (Portuguese, Season 2 onwards), [[Bernard Métraux]] (French), [[Eberhard Haar]] (German), [[Mario Scarabelli]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Illescas]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Eduardo Jover]] (Casilian Spanish), [[Wonhyung Choi]] (Korean)}}

[[File:Cheetorbeast1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|What? Is it my breath?]]

The youthful 'bot who would become "Cheetor" was part of the Maximal exploration ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''; {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} unbeknownst to most members of the crew, its captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] had been secretly tasked with abandoning the murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]] far from Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} However, the ''Axalon'' would be diverted off-course to pursue [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, who'd stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and fled [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard a [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp]]-capable [[Darksyde (BW)|starship]].

After pursuing the Predacons across time and space, both sides crash-landed on a [[Earth|mysterious planet]] with abundant supplies of [[energon]]. To protect themselves from high levels of dangerous [[energon radiation]], the crew adopted [[beast mode]]s based on the native wildlife; upon reactivating in his new form, the youngest member of the crew renamed himself Cheetor. As Optimus, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] got to grips with their situation, Cheetor showed off his speed by racing some nearby cheetahs, but found himself outclassed when he opened fire on the airborne Predacon [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. When the other Maximals and Predacons turned up, Cheetor shot at Megatron in the middle of his speech, and his "underhanded sneak attack" sparked a full-fledged shootout. During the ensuing battle, Cheetor caught his foot in some rocks and Optimus had to rescue him. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

[[File:TheWeb-Cheetorcaptured.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Where is the RAT when you need him?]]

While returning to their ship, the rogue Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] barred their way and challenged Optimus to a duel. Although Cheetor was keen to fight in Primal's place, Rattrap restrained him; when the other Predacons interrupted the fight, the battle revealed a huge [[energon crystal]] in a nearby mountain, and the Maximals rushed to claim the bounty before the Predacons could take it for themselves. High amounts of energon radiation forced both sides to fight in their beast modes, and although Cheetor fared better against Waspinator the second time round the energon was all destroyed. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

Some time later, Cheetor enthusiastically volunteered to check out a new experimental comlink. Despite being under orders not to get into any combat situations, he unsuccessfully attempted to attack [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and was left heavily damaged. After a strange precognitive dream, he awoke back on the ''Axalon'', whether the other Maximals expressed their disappointment in his actions. After Rattrap dressed him down, Cheetor rushed out to make another attempt to capture the cannon that Scorponok was recovering, and was incapacitated by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Luckily for him, he was soon rescued by Rattrap, who also lied to Optimus to cover the young bot's hide. {{storylink|The Web}}

[[File:EqualMeasures Cheetor with gutgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Boy's got guts.]]

Though Cheetor was looking forward to another mission to install energon monitoring devices, Optimus delayed the mission due to a heavy storm. Dinobot managed to goad Cheetor into going out anyway, and, while placing one of the devices, a lightning bolt created a bizarre two-way teleportation effect between the Maximal and Predacon bases. Cheetor himself found himself in the ''Darksyde'', where he was able to hack the Predacon data files and discover that the two crashed ships lay on a common energon vein, meaning that an explosion at one base would destroy both. He managed to get the information back to Optimus, but Dinobot had already sent through a bomb—Cheetor was able to detach it from the console it was fixed to in time. He returned to the ''Axalon'', where he promised Optimus that he would pay more attention to orders... until the next time. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a decisive Maximal victory at the [[Standing Stones]], an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] swallowed Optimus Primal. The argument over who would lead turned into a secret ballot, during which, from Rhinox's reaction, Cheetor voted for Dinobot, suggesting he trusted the Predacon's leadership skills over those of Rattrap. As it turned out, the exercise was rendered pointless by the revelation that Optimus wasn't dead after all. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] discovered a [[flying mountain]] with a cache of super-powerful energon at the top, but he was spotted by Cheetor, who immediately dashed back to the ''Axalon'' to inform the other Maximals. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When one of the [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground and Optimus was damaged by a Predacon sneak attack, Cheetor, Rhinox and Rattrap set out to try to get to the pod, but were delayed by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. The Predacons beat them to the pod, but a last-minute gambit by Dinobot and Optimus meant that the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} A string of defeats led to Rattrap seemingly defecting to the Predacons after a falling-out with Optimus, much to Cheetor's disbelief. Eventually, however, the other Maximals learned that Primal and Rattrap had deliberately orchestrated everything to determine how the Predacons had been spying on the Maximals. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:Cheetor&badoptimus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Now I've got your power!]]

Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' when a fight caused Rhinox's new [[Sentinel (BW)|defense system]] to go out of control. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} Later, after Primal had been infected with a Predacon virus which caused uncontrollable rage, Optimus managed to persuade Cheetor to release him from his confinement, only for the Maximal leader to head off on a one-bot mission against the Predacons. After Primal had slagged most of the Predacons, Cheetor managed to get hold of the antivirus and administer it to Optimus. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a [[temporal probe]] from Cybertron came into range of the planet, the Maximals tried to set up a signal array to contact it. The Predacons had other idea though, and Tarantulas's [[Transformation Lock Lens|transformation lock lens]] trapped both Cheetor and Tigatron in their beast modes. The pair were captured and put in cages in the ''Darksyde'', but soon escaped and used the Predacon [[CR chamber]]s to fix themselves. They rejoined the fight in time to save Optimus and Rhinox from Megatron, but the Predacons prevented their signal from being sent. {{storylink|The Probe}}

After the apparent destruction of the Predacons in a bungled mutiny, the Maximals took the opportunity to ransack the abandoned ''Darksyde'' and use its parts to repair the ''Axalon'', although Cheetor remained cheerfully oblivious to Dinobot's internal conflict over the passing of his ex-comrades. The "mutiny" was revealed to be a ruse, and the Predacons revealed themselves as the Maximals prepared to launch. Cheetor provided cover fire for Optimus as his leader went to retrieve the injured Dinobot; when Terrorsaur hit a retreating Optimus from behind, Cheetor took down Terrorsaur before Megatron shot him. He managed to drag himself to the ''Axalon'' as it took off, and would've pulled Optimus onboard if not for Scorponok's parting shot. As he broke the sad news to his allies, he was ambushed by the stowaway Megatron and awoke to find the Axalon, too damaged to ever fly again, permanently grounded. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:The Spark Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"No!! Waspinator's come to steal the fanbase's affection!"]]

When Rhinox was twisted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], Cheetor was keen to rescue their friend. Eventually, however, Cheetor realized Optimus's plan was to simply let Rhinox run amok in the Predacon base, and once he'd weakened the dysfunctional Predacons the Maximals easily staged a rescue. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} On another occasion, Dinobot sent Cheetor and Optimus to search for the missing Rattrap, only to discover that the Dinobot who had sent them on the hunt was a [[Clone One|clone]] controlled by Megatron. By the time they got back to base, the clone had already been defeated—and devoured—by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

Rhinox and Cheetor got to another crashed stasis pod before anyone else, but the pod had sustained damage during its descent and high concentrations of energon radiation endangered the helpless [[protoform]] inside. Cheetor shut himself down to allow Rhinox to extract his [[locking chip]] to use in place of the damaged pod's one, and dreamed that Rhinox was telling him about [[spark]]s. After reawakening, Cheetor was forced to try to defend the pod against Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur without his [[robot mode]]. Though he managed to defeat the first two, Terrorsaur prevailed... only to be defeated by the newly activated [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Cheetor snake.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Featuring a scene from several fanfics.]]

During Tigatron's disappearance, Cheetor spotted Blackarachnia and Scorponok leaving the Predacon base on a mission. As it turned out, they were heading towards a [[Brigadoon|flying island]] which Tigatron had crashed on. Tigatron sent a [[Cyberbee]] containing footage of the island, which the Maximals were able to recover, despite Cheetor firing on it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Cheetor and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' after Blackarachnia took control of the island with the intent of using its weaponry to destroy the Maximal base. The spider's scheme was thwarted, but Cheetor bore witness to the island's final action: a beacon sent to its creators, who would most likely be very displeased with the island's demise. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Another Predacon gambit saw them stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} During a routine energy-harvesting run, an energon explosion caused a group of Maximals, of which Cheetor was a part, to be blinded far from base. As they attempted to journey home, Cheetor was attacked and severely damaged by a huge snake. He spent most of the rest of the journey on Rhinox's back, until they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide everyone in fending off the attack without the use of their sight, and they were soon found by Optimus. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, Cheetor shot down a cyberbee which was spying on them. Unfortunately the Predacons had gained enough information and the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body, enabling them to easily take over the ''Axalon''. The Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}} After Rattrap and Dinobot's bickering caused Rhinox to beome infected by a Predacon [[energon discharge virus]], Optimus insisted the pair go out alone to find the cure. Cheetor was part of the party which went to back them up when they located [[Tarantulas's lair]]. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

[[File:LawoftheJungle unhappy Tigatron and Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Tigatron's comrade [[Snowstalker]] was killed by incidental fire during a battle, and Cheetor tried unsuccessfully to comfort Tigatron. However,the other Maximal announced he would no longer be a part of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} After Megatron called a truce and the Maximals needed to find out what he was up to, Cheetor suggested that Rattrap infiltrate the Predacon base unarmed, so as to not violate the truce. Rattrap was less than impressed with the suggestion. In the end, Tigatron did the infiltrating, and the other Maximals covered his escape as Rhinox and Cheetor "intercepted" Terrorsaur with a sheet of metal. {{storylink|Before the Storm}}

It soon became clear that the enigmatic aliens who'd seeded the planet with [[energon]] were unhappy with the Cybertronians contaminating the results of their experiments, and intended to them out by "sterizing" the entire planet. From the planet below, Tigatron and Cheetor observed the [[Planet Buster|moon splitting open]], but were called back to base by Optimus. They got back as the alien weapon began super-heating the planet's surface, and helped the damaged Dinobot and Rhinox into [[CR chamber]]s. Optimus intended to use a stasis pod Tarantulas had been working on to attack the Planet Buster, despite Cheetor, Tigatron and Airazor all volunteering to go in his stead. As the pod lifted off, Cheetor managed to tune the sensors in to follow its path until it destroyed the Planet Buster—and thanks to Megatron's meddling, Optimus Primal as well. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Aftermath Rattrap Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|INVISIBEL KEYBORD]]

When the [[quantum surge]] from the explosion engulfed the planet, Cheetor's exostructure was mutated into a [[Transmetal]] body. Along with a tougher metal hide and built-in weaponry, his beast mode gained the ability to fly via two powerful thrusters in his torso. Unfortunately, his first attempt at flying led him on a one-way trip into a bulkhead. His new flight mode allowed him to be particularly effective against Waspinator in a subsequent battle until Megatron blasted him into a cliff; while trying to fly to safety, he accidentally crashed into Rattrap. Rhinox fortunately interceded before the pair could be slagged. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Rhinox tried to project his [[core consciousness]] into the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] to retrieve the [[spark]] of their deceased commander, and Cheetor left the ''Axalon'' to look for Dinobot, but ran into the Predacons and their new recruit [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. Rattrap and Dinobot answered his distress call and prepared for a showdown with the Predacons. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Though outnumbered, the trio persisted in defending the ''Axalon'', eventually capturing Silverbolt and taking him back to the ship for repairs. As the Predacons pressed on with their attack, the Maximals found themselves out of ammo, but were saved at the eleventh hour by Optimus Primal, who'd been resurrected with a new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

As he monitored the sensor grid, Cheetor reported some strange signals. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Rhinox worked out that there was an alien site in [[Grid Zeiram]], the area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Cheetor was sent to warn them. He was moments too late to prevent them from being shot into space by the alien plants there, much to his anguish. Though Cheetor wanted to rescue Tigatron and Airazor, the priority was on stopping Megatron, and the Maximals returned to Grid Zeiram, where a [[Metal Hunter|spaceship]] grew from the plant life and released an energy surge which incapacitated all the Cybertronians. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} As the Transmetals and [[Fuzor]]s recovered quickly from its effects, Cheetor and Silverbolt took Dinobot and Rhinox back to base for repairs. After Megatron took control of the alien craft, the Maximals launched an attack on it and distracted Megatron long enough for Rattrap to undertake some sabotage. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:CodeOfHero-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|NEEEEOOOOWWWWWNNNNN]]

While flying on patrol, Cheetor spotted Protoform X's stasis pod and finally learned the true story behind the ''Axalon'''s mission. The Predacons arrived to try and take control of the pod, and weaponsfire caused the raw energon beneath the pod to explode. The damaged Optimus and Cheetor returned to base, and were repaired in time to help Silverbolt and Blackarachnia temporarily incapacitate Protoform X. However, when the Maximals left to consult Rhinox's expertise, Megatron seized the opening and forcibly conscripted X-now "Rampage"- into the Predacons. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} On another patrol, Cheetor encountered the Predacon forces and communicated their position to Dinobot. After Dinobot died defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons, Cheetor extinguished the flames in the valley and later joined the other Maximals in mourning their loss. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While out hunting for yet another Predacon jamming tower, Rattrap and Cheetor stumbled on a stasis pod containing a strangely mutated [[Transformer]], which became known as [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]]. Unfortunately the first thing it did was break up their fight with the Predacons using its sonic attack. As Rattrap later joked about the creature's appearance, Cheetor pointed out Transmutate was standing right behind him. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda1 Cheetor with tail club.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Kitten with a whip.]]

The Maximals were overjoyed when Rhinox revealed that the transwarp wavefront from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by Cybertron and a rescue mission sent. Cheetor was looking forward to going to [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]], much to Rattrap's embarrassment. Instead of the expected rescue mission, they got [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], a Predacon operative sent to apprehend Megatron. Joining forces, they mounted an attack on the ''Darksyde''. Cheetor was blasted by the defense systems. Twice. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't present when Megatron was finally captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

With the Maximals in control, Optimus order Cheetor to go out and look for Blackarachnia, whom Silverbolt had allowed to escape. Cheetor assured Silverbolt, who had developed feelings for the Predacon, that he would bring her in in one piece, only for Silverbolt to punch him out, leaving to find Blackarachnia himself. He and Optimus instead went to fetch some energon crystals stashed by Tarantulas, only to run into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and were forced to retreat when the crazed Predacon blew up the energon. The pair headed back for the ''Axalon'', only to be informed by Rattrap over the commlink that Ravage had switched sides—a fact made obvious by the [[transwarp cruiser]] bearing down on them with Megatron riding atop. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} Pinned down on the battlefield, Optimus and Cheetor were blasted flat by Megatron (although Cheetor managed to deal with Quickstrike first), but fortunately survived without too much damage. After Rattrap took out the transwarp cruiser, the Maximals set out in pursuit of the retreating Megatron.

[[File:Agenda3 Cheetor handblasters.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|KA-ME-HA-MEEEEEE...]]

As it turned out, the Predacon leader had set a course for the ark [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] buried in [[Mount St. Hilary]]. The Maximals worked frantically to dig out the cave in he'd created to block their passage, and then to evade the Ark's defenses, but were too late to prevent Megatron from shooting a stasis-locked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head and triggering a [[timestorm]] that threatened to wipe the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The Maximals managed to temporarily preserve the time by stabilizing Optimus Prime and allowing Optimus Primal to temporarily carry the [[spark]] of their Autobot ancestor. Cheetor and the newly "optimised" Optimus set out to stop the Predacons from attacking the ''Axalon'', with Cheetor taking out both Waspinator and Inferno, but the pair were helpless to stop them from destroying their base, and after saving Optimus Prime the Maximals set up a new headquarters in the cavern that housed the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Some time later, Cheetor was out on patrol when he saw a [[Starhopper|spaceship]] entering Earth's atmosphere. He was in the middle of a radio report when Rampage shot him down, and he was rescued by new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who left him on a small rock; with his jets damaged, Cheetor had to wait to be rescued by Optimus. The pair picked up Depth Charge, who'd lost his fight with Rampage, and took him back to base for repairs. Cheetor's attempt to thank the new Maximal resulted in Depth Charge insulting him and swatting him aside. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:Cheetort2.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Just standing in pieces of myself, no big deal.]]

When Rattrap was assigned to recover Sentinel from the underwater remains of the ''Axalon'', Cheetor was highly amused at the [[Subaquatic stealth vessel|jury-rigged submarine]] that would be used and imagined that it would be a swell kitty toy. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} While looking after [[Chak]] and [[Una]], after the pair had become separated from their tribe, Cheetor displayed the first hints of a crush on Blackarachnia, much to Silverbolt's displeasure. He volunteered to accompany her on a mission to return the children to their people, and took a liking to the two primitive humans. As soon as they were attacked by a [[Cyber raptor]], he was blasted off a cliff and his jets damaged. Then, during another battle with Tarantulas and a pack of Cyber raptors, he was blasted from behind by Waspinator. Primal and Silverbolt soon joined the battle, but Optimus was quickly incapacitated by a new [[cyber venom]]. They were all saved by [[Blix|the anthropoid leader]], who attacked the raptors with his club. Despite his newfound affection for Blackarachnia, the ex-Predacon rebuffed his advances and walked off with Silverbolt. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

Optimus and Cheetor were unsuccessful in preventing the Predacons stealing another stasis pod—amidst the chaos, Cheetor accidentally took out Optimus, much to his embarrassment. Ignoring Primal's orders to get some backup, Cheetor went on alone and assisted Depth Charge in battling the Predacons as they used the extraterrestrial [[Transmetal driver]] to create a [[Dinobot II|monstrous Dinobot clone]]. Despite seizing the Transmetal driver and throwing it to Depth Charge, Megatron knocked Cheetor into the cloning machine, overloading his body with alien energy and triggering an explosion that seemingly destroyed him. The Maximals assumed that Cheetor had perished, but after Depth Charge had been captured by Predacons, the group was attacked by a monstrous cybernetic feline. A short time later, a damaged Cheetor returned to the Maximal base and collapsed on their doorstep. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

Refusing use of the CR chamber, Cheetor had troubled dreams as he slept in his own quarters. As he dreamt about changing into a monstrous creature, the energy of his mutated [[spark]] changed him into his feral mutant form, whereupon he burst from the base and inadvertently attracted the attention of the Predacons. Some time later, Cheetor awoke in a cave, back in his Transmetal form and totally repaired, but with confused memories of what had happened. He returned to base and claimed to have disposed of the "cyber creature", but Optimus insisted on seeing the remains in an attempt to get the young bot to tell him the truth. While in the jungle, however, the pair were attacked by Dinobot and Waspinator, who'd been sent to capture Cheetor, and the sight of the two Predacons incapacitating Optimus was the jolt he needed to permanently mutate into his [[Transmetal 2]] form. With his new body, Cheetor made short work of the Predacons, but struggled to control his feral beast mode instincts and had to be coaxed into returning to robot mode. This "cyber-puberty" intensified his romantic attraction to Blackarachnia; upon returning to base, he was quite pleased when she admired his new form, unaware that she merely saw him as a means to secure Transmetal 2 technology for herself. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:Go with the Flow Cheetor kids.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|”And THAT is how we’ll steal Rhinox’s plant! Any questions?”]]

While the Maximals analyzed Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Cheetor drooled over the scans of her internal structure. Sick of Cheetor's romantic advances, she finally pulled her gun on him and warned him to back off before Optimus broke up the conflict by sending Cheetor out on patrol. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} Eventually, Cheetor began trying to teach Chak and Una some advanced concepts, including how to defend themselves against Predacons and some basic engineering concepts. The class was interrupted when the Predacons abducted Una, but the girl was able to put Cheetor's teachings to the test with favorable results. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

[[File:CrossingtheRubicon Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"U-G-L-Y - I ain't got no alibi!"]]

After Blackarachnia made an aborted attempt to upgrade herself with the Transmetal driver, Cheetor was concerned for her safety. He assisted in defending the base against a Predacon attack while Rhinox worked on removing the Predcaon shell program from Blackarachnia. As the Predacons retreated, their jubilation was cut short by the news that Blackarachnia didn't make it. As the Maximals eulogized her, Cheetor said she was something special. Fortunately, however, Blackarachnia was restored to life and transformed into a Transmetal 2 Maximal by the Transmetal driver. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] taking control of Optimus Primal. The first thing he did was punch out Cheetor and lock the young Maximal in a cage. All of the Maximals were released in time to fight off a newly upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

Cheetor was sent to stop [[Tigerhawk]] from destroying Megatron, an act which would also destroy the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark, but he was quickly incapacitated by Tarantulas, who had plans of his own. Cheetor dreamed of Tigatron, Airazor and the [[Vok]], before waking and breaking free of his bonds. The fused spark from his dream guided him to Tarantulas's lair, where he was able to pull Tigerhawk clear before the lair exploded. {{storylink|Other Victories}} Depth Charge soon spotted the fugitive Predacons, and Cheetor was part of the group that went after them, though he just ended up escorting Blackarachnia and a badly damaged Silverbolt back to base. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} With Megatron on the way in the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]], the Maximals hurried to try to get the Ark ready to be moved, but were unable to get the ship moving. Fortunately a last minute schematic download pointed them to a [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|shuttle]] stored in the Ark, and, after Rhinox used it to assault the Nemesis, the Maximals watched the warship crash in the distance. Convinced that they'd won the Beast Wars, Optimus, Cheetor, Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Rhinox, and Rattrap headed back for Cybertron aboard the shuttle with a defeated Megatron lashed to the ship's hull. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Hercules Fernando]] (Portuguese), [[Victor Covarrubias]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Julio Lorenzo]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Björn Schalla]] (German), [[Massimo De Ambrosis]] (Italian), [[Marc Weiss]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

While returning home from prehistoric Earth through [[unspace|transwarp]], Megatron successfully broke free from his restraints and somehow arrived on Cybertron before the Maximals. By the time that Cheetor and the other Maximals returned home, Megatron had infected the citizens of Cybertron with a debilitating [[transformation virus]] that allowed him to extract the [[spark]]s from their paralyzed bodies, then conquered the planet with an army of mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. Moments after the Maximals dropped out of transwarp and arrived in Cybertronian orbit, an automated defense grid shot down their ship; after landing on Cybertron the six Maximals were pursued by an army of [[Tank Drone]]s and exposed to the virus as they tried to escape. While Rhinox and Silverbolt were instantly incapacitated, their Transmetal upgrades allowed the four remaining Maximals to withstand the worst of the virus—however, they were forcibly "devolved" back into their original organic configurations and lost their short-term memories. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

Unable to transform or remember how he arrived on Cybertron, Cheetor began searching for a [[CR chamber]], but wound up inadvertently rescuing Optimus and Rattrap from a Tank Drone. Guided by Primal's mysterious flashes of intuition, the three headed underground, picking the equally disoriented Blackarachnia up along the way; as their symptoms worsened, they headed deeper and deeper into the planet's sublevels until they eventually discovered the mysterious [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] supercomputer. The Oracle [[reformatting|reformatted]] the four into new [[technorganic]] bodies, immune to Megatron's virus; when confronted with a swarm of [[Cycle Drone]]s, however, they discovered that their new bodies lacked [[onboard computer]]s and couldn't transform out of their beast modes. When Optimus finally transformed by finding his "emotional still point", Cheetor admired his new [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Cheetor deflects shots.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Trust us, in ''context'' this scene is really cool.]]

The Maximals established a temporary base in the underground as they attempted to remaster the art of transformation. Cheetor and Blackarachnia soon got the hang of the process, until a [[Mole Drone]] attack caused them to lose their focus and revert to beast mode. Although Blackarachnia and Cheetor argued in favor of going topside and searching for survivors, Primal ordered them to concentrate on training as they split up to find a new base. Blackarachnia persuaded Cheetor to travel to [[Cybertropolis]], only to find the city deserted and the [[Cybertron InfoCore]] erased. As they came under attack by [[Aero Drone]]s, Primal came to their rescue, and confronted Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] while Cheetor and Blackarachnia used their new robot modes in combat against the Vehicons. However, they were eventually forced to drag Primal to safety when the Maximal leader nearly gave in to his anger at losing the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

An attempt to access the [[Cybertron Archives]] didn't go much better, and when a shot knocked Blackarachnia unconscious Cheetor wound up having to carry her to safety. Later on, he and Optimus had to save Rattrap and Blackarachnia again when the pair broke into in the [[Central Spaceport]] and attempted to access the computer on their impounded shuttle. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits-Cheetorcrouch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

As Optimus Primal attempted to track the presence of a familiar spark, Rattrap and Cheetor broke into a secure laboratory and discovered samples of both the transformation virus and a transformation enhancing counter-virus. Despite Cheetor's misgivings, Rattrap swiped the enhancer while Cheetor's back was turned, and his uncontrolled transformations attracted the attention of the [[Vehicon General]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], who captured the group and brought them into Megatron. Although the Maximals escaped captivity and even briefly turned Tankor to their side, Megatron was able to remotely erase Tankor's recent memories and reprogram him back into a loyal Vehicon before he could be reformatted. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Cheetor and Blackarachnia continued to train with encouragement from Optimus, despite Cheetor's insistence that he relied on instinct, not blind faith. During one sparring session, the Maximals encountered what appeared to be an organic bat; in reality, this was the young Maximal [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who'd somehow survived Megatron's planetwise purge. Nightscream led the Maximals to a mysterious fruit tree which he'd been living off of, but Cheetor—insisting that they only processed energon—refused Optimus's suggestion that they try some. As it turned out, the fruit caused the Maximals to mentally devolve into primitives, which endangered their lives when [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] attacked with a squad of Aero Drones. As the only Maximal who hadn't eaten the fruit, Cheetor felled the tree, which instantly returned the others to normal. However, Optimus was forced to reformat the mortally wounded Nightscream into a technorganic body; the experience left him extremely weak, but he admitted that Cheetor had been correct in trusting his instincts. With Primal indisposed, Cheetor took over as his temporary replacement. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

While on a reconnaissance mission in a Tank Drone factory, Cheetor's orders went unheeded by Rattrap, who ended up wrecking the whole plan. Understandably angry at his comrade, Cheetor brushed off Rattrap's suggestions that they should attack Megatron while the Vehicon leader was weak. He did stick up for Rattrap when Blackarachnia and Nightscream suggested getting rid of their comrade; however, Rattrap overheard his suggestion that they cover for Rattrap until Optimus recovered, which briefly drove Rattrap to join Megatron. After Optimus had recovered and helped resolve the situation, Optimus reminded the others not to underestimate their fellow Maximal. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Revelations2 Cheetor looks wary.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was glad when Optimus retook command, and bluntly rebuked Nightscream's suggestion that he was still too weak to lead. Nonetheless, when Cheetor had to save Optimus's life during a battle in a factory, and Optimus became lost in his own regrets at what Megatron had done, Cheetor was forced to take command and lead the withdrawal. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Optimus grew increasingly withdrawn and spent more and more time communing with the Oracle, forcing Cheetor to handle the day-to-day tasks of leading the Maximals in their guerrilla war against the Vehicons. Armed with the knowledge that the Vehicon Generals housed Maximal sparks, Cheetor's plan was for Nightscream and Blackarachnia to distract [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and Jetstorm while he and Rattrap attempted to convert Tankor back into a Maximal. Cheetor was able to distract the Tank Drones while Rattrap hacked into Tankor, and discovering that the Vehicon was their old friend Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:TheKey-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Though Cheetor remained skeptical, the pair decided to try to reawaken their friend, but ended up fleeing from the enraged Vehicon. Optimus was able to restore Rhinox's personality by directly contacting his spark, but Rhinox announced that he would side with Megatron instead. Back at their headquarters, Optimus announced that he finally understood the Orcale's plan: to return organic life to Cybertron, although Cheetor wasn't convinced Cybertron had ever supported a biosphere. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} While trying to find Nightscream's tree again, the Maximals were ambushed by Vehicons, who abducted Nightscream. The Maximals were able to rescue him, and, in the process stumbled across a [[Fossil chamber|cavern full of ancient fossils]] that seemingly confirmed Optimus's assertion. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After relocating to the fossil chamber and planting a single seed from Nightscream's old fruit tree, the Maximals set about trying to find water—despite Cheetor's assertion that they should instead be attacking Megatron instead. An attempt to drill for water yielded a strange, [[organic goop|organic fluid]] which spontaneously sprouted plants before Tankor arrived used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn both Nightscream and the fledgling orchard into [[Living metal|technomatter]]. Despite Cheetor's attempts to save it, the drill was damaged by the drones extracting Tankor, and the Vehicon General seemingly overloaded himself and perished. Cheetor and Optimus disagreed over their next course of action, but Cheetor came up with a plan to use a Mole Drone to drill to the planet's [[organic core]] and get more goo to cure Nightscream. During the battle to get control of a factory, Rattrap again found himself in the middle of a leadership tug-of-war between Optimus and Cheetor. While the Maximals succeeded in getting control of a Mole Drone, Megatron promptly retook as they reached the orchard. Cheetor reluctantly followed Optimus's lead, and although the drone's passage unleashed an organic geyser that returned both Nightscream and Blackarachnia to normal, Cheetor snapped that he wasn't a kid anymore and demanded more respect. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:TheCatalyst irritated Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

The Maximals held a brief memorial service for Rhinox before concentrating on trying to make their orchard succeed. A catalyst Rattrap found caused the plants to grow ''too'' well, forcing the other Maximals to rescue him from the rapidly growing vines. Cheetor was keen to weaponize the vines against the Vehicons, but Optimus claimed the Oracle had other plans. When it turned out that Blackarachnia had left to try and turn Thrust back into Silverbolt, Cheetor took the opportunity to prove that his plan would work by rescuing her with a giant vine. However, the Vehicons zapped it into technomatter, and only Optimus's swift thinking saved the rest of the orchard from a second infection. Optimus was not pleased, but he knew that the Maximals had much bigger concerns. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

In search of information on who had tampered with the Oracle, Cheetor and Rattrap hacked into the central computer, but were forced to retreat before learning anything. They returned to the other Maximals, and Optimus—now thoroughly convinced that his mission was to restore Cybertron to its primordial, organic state—led them to the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which, if opened, would destroy all technology on the planet. Shocked, Cheetor talked him out of opening the chamber and came up with an alternate plan to get Rattrap to find a way to disable the duplicate Keys. The operation was curtailed when Rattrap was zapped into technomatter by Tankor, leading Optimus to confront Megatron in person. Cheetor and the other Maximals continued fighting, but were overcome by Vehicons and turned into technomatter, moments before Optimus made the ultimate gambit and mentally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber to counter the Key to Vector Sigma. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Cheetor's hopeful face.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

The two diametrically opposed energies unleashed by the two competing doomsday weapons managed to cancel each other out just long enough for Optimus to redirect the energy maelstrom into the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], at the cost of his own life. Restored to health by this sacrifice, the Maximals were shocked to find their leader dead; while Cheetor reacted violently to Nightstream's comment that Cheetor wanted him gone, he nevertheless stepped up as an interim leader and even negotiated a temporary ceasefire with the two remaining Vehicon Generals. Cheetor led the other Maximals back down to the Oracle chamber, where they discovered that Primal's consciousness still existed within the Oracle itself, guilt-ridden from nearly destroying Cybertron. However, Cheetor's impassioned speech helped Optimus realize his ''true'' mission—to bring the organic and technological together—and choose life over joining the Matrix. Cheetor suggested the next step should be to find the missing sparks, but when they approached the Council Citadel, a [[Grand Mal|giant floating head]] hovered into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}

[[File:WolfintheFold raging Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Low down scammers got me seein' red!]]

While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, Cheetor led the other Maximals in attempting to find Jetstorm and Thrust. However, they encountered [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]], whose transformation into the draconic "Savage" was uncontrollable. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Cheetor favored leniency in dealing with Noble, but the creature was soon revealed to be Megatron, who transferred his [[spark]] into the Grand Mal and reactivated the Vehicon drones, forcing the Maximals to flee underground once again. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

While trying to save Nightscream from a pack of drones, Optimus and Cheetor were drawn aboard the Grand Mal via a tractor beam and interrogated for information. They were soon rescued by Silverbolt, whom Blackarachnia had resurrected from Jetstorm. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, giving Cheetor a rather more forceful leadership style and causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. Though Cheetor seemed to fight it for a short period, he soon succumbed again, even taking his frustrations out on Optimus physically. Finally, they realized what was happening and managed to work together. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

With their new [[technorganic orchard]] failing, Cheetor tried to console Optimus. The news of a crashing ship led the Maximals to encounter [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal who'd adopted a plant-based [[alternate mode]], who lent her talents to tending their garden. {{storylink|Home Soil}} They would later encounter two new Vehicon Generals created by Megatron—[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} When the Maximals split up in their search for the missing sparks, Silverbolt revealed he still regarded Cheetor as a "kid", much to Cheetor's annoyance. Once Cheetor saved their lives by getting rid of the drones, Silverbolt developed more respect for him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Endgame2 sparkpower Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Vegeta! What does the scouter say about his power level?]]

The reappearance of Noble caused problems for the Maximals, leading Cheetor to suggest that Nightscream get rid of the creature before it got them all killed. Noble, however, did help them as Cheetor, Silverbolt and Nightscream distracted the drones so that Optimus could sneak into the Grand Mal and prevent Megatron from consuming any more of the captive sparks he'd imprisoned. The action cost Noble his life, and all of the Maximals mourned him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} With Megatron's spark seemingly destroyed thanks to Nightscream, the Maximals briefly celebrated. However, Megatron's spark lived on, albeit in a disembodied state, and Cheetor tangled with it when it possessed the corpse of an Aero Drone. Eventually, Rattrap trapped it in a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Maximals endofBMac.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Primal's dream comes true: the universe's largest cannabis garden.]]

Although the Maximals now held control of the Grand Mal and the captive sparks, they came under siege from a renewed army of Vehicons—made worse when Rattrap made a misguided attempt to save Botanica by shutting down the fortress's shield, and Optimus had to stop Cheetor telling off the rodent. Fortunately the three of them survived the Grand Mal crashing. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}}

Down but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. The Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Cheetor found himself facing the three Vehicon Generals on his own, but was able to use the anti-gravity generators to fire Obsidian and Strika into orbit. Cheetor struggled with Thrust, but finally used a [[spark extractor]] against him. He was unprepared to face his next foe—Megatron, newly installed into a duplicate of Primal's old "optimal" body—and finally had his own spark torn out by a Cycle Drone. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}} After a city-spanning battle, Optimus sacrificed himself to destroy Megatron and reformat Cybertron into a technorganic paradise. Cheetor and the other Maximals were restored to their bodies; as the captive sparks were reborn, Cheetor had a final vision from the Oracle, who told him that Optimus would always be with them. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Cheetor encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]] (after Cheetor initially believed Hot Rodimus was one of their ancestors). With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

=====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''=====
[[File:BWDS 3.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

At some point after Starscream left the Beast Wars, the Maximals and Predacons fought. During a battle against Waspinator, Cheetor used his speed to avoid the bug's Beebee Shot attack and nailed him in the face with his own Laser Shot. {{storylink|Cheetor Chapter}} The Laser Shot wasn't enough, though, and Waspinator countered with another round of his Beebee Shot. {{storylink|Waspinator Chapter}}

Later, after several [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from [[Transformers (film)|another dimension]] showed up, {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} the appropriate factions teamed up and charged one another in a massive clash of warriors. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

{{--}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Epiloge-MaximalCelebration.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Yub nub!]]

Following the [[Great Transformation]], Cheetor recalled learning from Optimus Primal that Rhinox was not gone for good, as his spark had gone adrift and ended up in an alternate world known as the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]]. When he shared this information with his friends, Rattrap and the wayward Waspinator volunteered to find Rhinox, prompting Cheetor to reformat them into their original Earth modes and send them through a portal to the Legends world. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He was elated to see the two return with Rhinox accompanying. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

Some time later, Cheetor, the other Maximals, and Waspinator were all relaxing by a campfire. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}

{{--}}

====3H comics====

[[File:CheetorBW-GroundZero.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|In which Cheetor has a rugged, dimpled chin.]]

Cheetor was originally a cadet at the [[Maximal Command Security Force]] academy. A huge fan of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], he styled his original [[alternate mode]] after Rodimus's vehicle form. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

One day, while on prehistoric Earth, Airazor and Rhinox were basking in the glow of a quiet Predacon-less day. In contrast, Cheetor was bored. Fortunately for Cheetor, he got his wish, and the sound of explosions alerted the three to a battle over the horizon. Unfortunately for Cheetor, he was quickly blasted into inaction by [[Packrat]], who'd become unstable after an encounter with [[Furmanite]]. Later, he was okay, and he accompanied his fellow Maximals home. {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Terminus-CheetorandRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]

Later, at a point after Cheetor had acquired his [[Transmetal 2]] form, he and the other Maximals set out to investigate a temporal anomaly detected by Rhinox. They encountered the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. After Megatron took off to reach the time-traveler that both teams had previously detected, Optimus was forced to pursue him, leaving his troops against insurmountable odds. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. As they encroached, an explosion hit Rhinox, knocking him offline. Then, suddenly, Predacon fire ceased entirely. Cheetor was the first to check over their cover, his concern for Rhinox overriding his sense of self-preservation. Cheetor looked on to see [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], the aforementioned time-traveler, flying above the disabled Predacons, and encircled with Unicron's dark essence. The possessed 'bot swooped down and seized Cheetor in his talons, causing excruciating pain to shoot through the young Maximal. Just as Cheetor began to wish for oblivion to escape the torture, Windrazor was able to expunge Unicron's essence from himself, and set Cheetor down. Then, Shokaract appeared... {{storylink|Paradox}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals faced the time-traveling warlord. Unfortunately, they were no match for the [[Unicron]]-powered juggernaut and Cheetor was crushed in Shokaract's claws. This battle, as well as Shokaract's existence itself, would soon be retroactively erased from Cheetor's timeline with the efforts of the legendary [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]]. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Sentinelcryotekwreckersfinale.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|So they ''have'' been seen in the same room together!]]

Shortly after Megatron's final defeat and the [[Great Transformation]] that reformatted Cybertron into a technorganic world, the [[Quintesson]]s seized the opportunity to attack in the belief that the sudden change would weaken and confuse the planet's inhabitants. Cheetor initially took part in repelling the [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] invasion, until the Oracle guided him underground, where he reunited with a resurrected Tigatron and worked alongside his idol Rodimus as they battled [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] deep underground, which revealed them both as [[Matrix Templar]]s. While Cheetor and Rodimus used their Matrix Templar abilities to help defeat Cryotek with the help of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], Rattrap, and Botanica, Rodimus ultimately perished. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

A year later, Cheetor and the rest of Cybertron eagerly awaited at [[Memorial Spaceport]] for the return of five Autobot heroes from the Great War: [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]. The event was covered by the famous journalist [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]], and when Cheetor had trouble communicating in front of a camera, Rattrap happily took over for him. Quickly thereafter, the Autobots' ship arrived, and its occupants were shocked at the changes Cybertron had gone through. Cheetor demonstrated to the older warriors that the planet's inhabitants had also gone through a metamorphosis by transforming into his technorganic cheetah mode. Unfortunately, the event's pleasantries were interrupted when the five Autobots, plus Blackarachnia and Silverbolt were all abducted by [[Unicron]] right before the gathered crowd's optics. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[File:Abduction-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

A short time later, however, Cheetor bore witness as the resurrected Optimus Primal returned with ten abducted Autobots and Maximals (though not Blackarachnia and Shadow Striker) plus a handful of other Transformers stranded in their universe. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Cheetor's techorganic Cybertron became a staging ground for the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] in the [[multiverse]]-spanning [[Universe War]], as a resurrected Optimus Primal, guided by Primus himself, led a campaign against the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. Cheetor accompanied the returnees to the [[Oasis Research and Development Facility]], where [[Ratchet (Universe)|Ratchet]] and [[Striker]] began research on Sideswipe to see if they could cure the [[Unicron virus|Unicron contamination]] they had all suffered while in the [[Pit (Universe)|Pit]]. Cheetor expressed his doubts about Optimus Primal's return, reasoneding that being dead may have changed Primal, and Silverbolt added that it could all be a Unicron trick. Rattrap, surprisingly, was the one who reminded the two that this was Optimus Primal they were talking about. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

The war continued as Optimus Primal led the Children of Primus against the forces of Unicron across the multiverse, but the conflict eventually took a toll on Cheetor and the others. Contaminated by constant exposure to Unicron's corrosive essence, Cheetor was afflicted with the nanotech "[[Unicron virus]]", which worsened with time. To keep from descending into madness or deactivation, Cheetor was rebuilt and purified by Primal's [[Matrix of Purification]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Optimus Primal profile}}
The Universe War ground on for an unspecified length of time until one raid on the Chaos Bringer, which included Primal, Cheetor, and several others, ended with Unicron suddenly dissolving beneath them thanks to the effects of the cross-dimensional [[Unicron Singularity]]. Cheetor, [[Ramulus|Longhorn]], and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] were carried away by Optimus Primal through a portal to safety. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{--}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
Cheetor was snoozing on the floor of the shuttle back to Cybertron when Rattrap fell asleep and dreamed about encountering other Maximals on Earth. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
He awoke, affected by a Transwarp agitator planted on the shuttle by a new team of Predacons hiding on Earth. This device caused Cheetor and the other Maximals aboard to act aggressively towards one-another, and they tried to force Rattrap into the ship's C.R. Chamber due to its influence. Rattrap resisted, managed to get away, and deactivated the ship's Transwarp drive. Though this restored the Maximals to their senses, it also returned them to prehistoric Earth. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology (1)====
Near the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], shortly after Megatron [[Master Blaster|combined his spark with that of the original Megatron's]], the newly reconfigured Predacon leader hatched a new plan. Quickstrike was ordered to sneak into the Maximal base and place a transmitter which would increase the aggression of Cheetor and the other Maximals. Quickstrike was successful, and soon Cheetor was fighting that annoying little jerk, Rattrap. Fortunately, Optimus Primal was able to detect something was wrong, despite the transmitter's effects on himself, and the Maximals deactivated the transmitter and defeated Quickstrike. Cheetor and the others raced into the Ark, where they found Megatron, confused after a mental battle with his namesake, attempting to control the lifeless body of Starscream. Megatron fled. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

Later on Cybertron, just before the [[Battle for the Spark]] was over, [[Spark of Darkness|Megatron's spark polarity had been inverted, and his tortured life force traveled all over Cybertropolis]]. As Megatron's spark approached Cheetor and Nightscream, he was consumed with hatred for the both of them: for Nightscream because his actions recently had put him in this very predicament, and for Cheetor "because... well, because he's Cheetor". {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:BWGatherCheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
As Magmatron observed the timeline wherein the Beast Wars were taking place, he witnessed Cheetor being blown away by Terrorsaur's projectiles. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Cheetor appeared outside the ''Ark'' alongside Optimus Primal and Rhinox. Showing concern for Optimus, as the big monkey seemed to sense a presence that Cheetor pointed out to be seemingly non-existent. Somewhat freaked-out by Optimus's odd behavior, both Cheetor and Rhinox convinced Optimus that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:CheetorBW-DawnofFuturesPast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|Fur is murder!]]
A former cadet of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], a Maximal who would later call himself Cheetor left the organization young after being recruited by Optimus Primal based on his leadership potential. "Cheetor" enthusiastically joined the crew of the ''Axalon'', hoping to see the furthest reaches of space. His [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] could reach 550 mph, making him the fastest Maximal aboard the ''Axalon'' even before landing on prehistoric Earth. Cheetor served as the ship's communications officer.

Cheetor and the rest of the Axalon crew were waylaid on a Maximal space station for weeks, waiting for their exploration mission to begin. Finally, after leaving the space station, Optimus Primal explained the reason for their delay: they were ordered by the [[Maximal High Council]] to deposit a [[Rampage (BW)|precious cargo]] on a barren moon. But before this could be achieved, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by [[Maximal Command]] with new orders. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a treasured Maximal artifact, had been stolen by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], and he and a band of Predacon criminals left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in a stolen ship. Since the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship, they were ordered to intercept.

But there were other ships en route. An [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|unknown Predacon ship]] appeared and attacked them. Their mysterious attacker was countered by another strange ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]''. Ultimately, the ''Axalon'' was able to destroy the Predacon ship but not before serious damage was dealt the ''Chromia 10''. The [[spark]]s of the two Maximals on board were beamed aboard the ''Axalon'' and [[Spark core transfer|placed]] inside [[blank]] [[protoform]]s to save their lives.

Just as the battle seemed to be over, Cheetor received an incoming transmission from Megatron's stolen ship. Megatron introduced himself and disappeared through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal. Cheetor and the rest of the ''Axalon'' crew followed blindly. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

After [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Cheetor fought the Predacons during a plot to launch an orbital weapon. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-notsuccessful.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right]]
His impetuous streak tamed by his time under Optimus Primal's leadership, Cheetor was able to use his departed teacher's lessons to interface with the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and this act allowed him to become the living embodiment of the ancient wisdom it contained. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} He would subsequently take the name of "'''Alpha Trizer'''", becoming the spiritual leader of Cybertron. With his political power, he reinstated the [[Wreckers]] to defend Cybertron's interests in the galaxy and appointed [[Primal Prime]] as leader, in part to separate him from [[Ginrai (robot)|Ginrai]]. To this end, Trizer recruited troublesome Cybertronians unable to deal with a peaceful Cybertron, especially from those who frequented the [[Cybertropolis Detention Center]]. Trizer also reinstated the [[Knights of Cybertron]] as the new [[Cybertronian Knight]]s and placed Ginrai as Knight Commander. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-Beastmode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
When the Knights lost contact with the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]] and received a scrambled warning from [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]], Ginrai insisted that the Knights take action, but Knight Grand Master Alpha Trizer countered with waiting for further word from Devcon, doubting that Cybertron was in danger after being at peace for so long. Soon after, Devcon called for help against the [[Star Seeker]]s: the pirates were inside [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head, trying to reactivate it in order to drain all of Cybertron's energon. Ginrai's team, including Alpha Trizer, space bridged straight there and promptly engaged the Star Seekers. The [[Dread Pirate Crew]]men tried to fight Trizer, but the ancient Maximal finally lost his cool and transformed into beast mode to deal with his attackers. Star Seeker Captain [[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball]] then fought Alpha Trizer to buy time for [[Ferak]] to activate Unicron's energon draining systems, but the sage easily overpowered Cannonball and gave him a crushing a revelation: his scheme was doomed to fail from the start because Cybertron in 2984 C.E. was [[technorganic|techno-organic]] and ''no longer ran on energon''. Trizer simply grinned at the pirate captain's misfortune while Ginrai grumbled about being left out of the loop. Thereafter, the Knights arrested the pirates and led them away. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals home from the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The shuttle was shunted to [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]], where [[Unicron]] destroyed it, scattering its crew into [[unspace|transwarp space]]. {{storylink|Outlier}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====''TransTech''====
The Megatron of Cheetor's native time and universe accidentally referred to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] as "Cheetor". {{storylink|Bee in the City}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Cheetor and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Cheetor's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]]. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:CheetasManga1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Off to go train with Piccolo or something, I'm sure.]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Cheetor was upgraded into a [[Transmetal]] but left stranded on [[Earth|Energoa]] far, far away from the other [[Maximal]]s and believed dead by [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. Following [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]'s return to life, Cheetor could be seen staring poetically at the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] from his distant location. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

After Megatron blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in an attempt to kill the slumbering Autobot, {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}} Cheetor would eventually find his way back to his comrades. There, he saved Optimus Prime's spark and fed it to Optimus Primal, turning him into Optimal Optimus. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology (2)===
Cheetor was involved in a conflict against the Predacons that affected the [[Natiltec]] tribe, who later immortalized him in cave inscriptions. The inscriptions were found several thousand years later by an archaeological team. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in manga===
[[File:HenkeiCheetorLionKing.jpg|thumb|The Cirrrcle of Liiiife...]]
After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] stole [[energon cube]]s from [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], Cheetor appeared on the scene, defeated both of them and got the cubes back, getting the adoration of Hound and random fauna. Cheetor then went to live in a safari park. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8}}
{{-}}
===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 10}}}}

===''The AllSpark Almanac''===
Cheetor liked pie. {{Storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===''Device Label''===
Under the command of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], Cheetor's mission was to search the network he was plugged into, and destroy the Decepticons' viral programs. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Device Label|Cheetor's Device Label Bio}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:Recordicons12-everyone.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Cheetor was among [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s minions when they teamed up with negative polarity [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 12|Recordicons #12}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Cheetor was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. Following the deaths of Rhinox and Silverbolt, and the apparent death of Rattrap after an explosion, Cheetor teamed up with Blackarachnia and Nightscream and some Predacons to take out their leader. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}} As like-minded Predacon dissidents joined with his comrades, Cheetor became the leader of the rebels and took part in a costly uprising against their [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]] oppressors, one that eventually rendered him badly damaged and close to stasis lock. With few other options, four of Cheetor's allies--[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Blackarachnia]], [[Nightscream (BM)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Nightscream]], [[Scavenger (BW)|Scavenger]], and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]]—fled for their lives via [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|another world]], leaving Cheetor behind. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}}

Most of the Maximals and Predacons believed that Cheetor had perished; he was posthumously honoured as the "First Resistor", the first proto-former who'd taken a stand against the tyrannical Builder regime. {{storylink|Derailment}} In reality, however, Cheetor had been captured and imprisoned within [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], where he remained for many years until [[Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance|forces]] eventually freed him and he was more than welcomed into their ranks as the "first resistor". {{storylink|Head Games}} Cheetor wanted nothing more than to march into the front lines, but Lio Convoy felt he served better as a propaganda hero, and over the next five years, he and [[Preditron]] were shuttled about the planet doing just that, hardly ever being told the reason for their going, just being sent where they were sent. Although he adopted a [[cybercat]] [[beast mode]] once the Maximals and Predacons adopted the Beast Upgrade, Cheetor figured he'd missed any chance to fight the good fight.

That changed on a visit to Safe Zone Alpha Two, a Resistance base outside [[Protihex]]. There, the two discovered captive Micromasters being forced to fight to the death in a new version of the [[Game]]s, and they were expected to open them. Cheetor and Preditron refused, threatening to inform Lio Convoy, until the base's manager Ikard informed them Lio knew all about what was going on. Outraged, Cheetor and Preditron made plans to stop the Games anyway, with Preditron telling Cheetor to get on the horn to Resistance command. Cheetor's efforts proved difficult, with nearly everyone being busy fighting the war, until he got through to Blackarachnia. However, the spider-bot was dismissive of Cheetor's ethical concerns, told him to suck it up, and then hung up on him. Reluctantly, Cheetor went back to Ikard and told him he was on board for the moment, but ''only'' if Preditron was as well, and that after everything cooled down, there would be a full inquiry.

The next day, with no sign of Preditron, Cheetor gave the Buzzsaw Memorial Games a half-sparked introduction. Then he learned where Preditron had gotten to, as he saw the Predacon founder being forced into the Games. Cheetor went looking for the Game's organiser, Ser-Ket, finding her nursing an engex. He told her about Preditron's predicament, and the two went to confront Ikard. When they did, he revealed why Preditron had been dragged into the Games; The Resistance were courting the Tripredacus Alliance, and they wanted the living legend to be a loss less alive. Then he set Gaidora on them, knocking Ser-Ket and Cheetor into the arena. Once there, they found bigger problems than dealing with realpolitik, in the form of [[Vehicon (BM)|strange drones]] and dead Micromasters. The two found Preditron as he was being attacked by one such drone, and after defeating it realized they were some kind of Builder weapon, troops infected by their superiors as a Trojan horse. By the time the trio reached the arena's walls, the drones had managed to break into the crowd, infecting the Maximals and Predacons there and turning them into more drones. The trio desperately led an evacuation of the arena, and managed to get most of the civilians to safety. It was only then Cheetor remembered to tell Preditron Lio Convoy wanted him dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

By the time that Cheetor, Ser-Ket, and Preditron escaped had aboard the ''[[Star Dasher]]'', they learned that the self-replicating "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s" had already broken through the Resistance rearguard entirely. With nowhere else to go, the three decided to seek refuge among the breakaway [[Maximal Nation]], and momentarily ran afoul of an airborne patrol over [[Tyrest]] before they were able to correct the misunderstanding. The three received an audience before the [[Maximal High Council]], where Cheetor and Preditron's respective testimonies successfully inspired the councillors to take decisive military action against the Vehicons. As the [[National Maximal Army]] prepared for war, Cheetor took a liking to Maximal statesman Tigatron. Eventually, Tigatron combined with his fellows into the mighty [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]; in conjunction with Cheetor, the two had come up with a plan to ford the [[Sonic Canyons]] and take the city of [[Plurex]] using their [[beast mode]]s and some jury-rigged [[energy projector]]s to create temporary bridges.

The Maximals successfully captured Plurex and advanced to [[Nova Cronum]], by which point the malevolent [[Lord Imperious Delirious]] had revealed himself as the true creator of the Vehicons and seized control of the [[Grand Mal]]. Pinned down by a Vehicon ambush, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] joined Cheetor and [[Snapper (BW)|Snapper]] as they cut around the battle with the intent of rigging a nearby building to collapse atop the drones, which ended with Grimlock seemingly sacrificing himself to ensure the explosives detonated. After the destruction of the Grand Mal and the end of the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]], Cheetor joined forces with [[Magmatron]] as the combined forces of Cybertron worked together to mop up the remaining stragglers.

Twenty days later, Cheetor attended the first of many diplomatic meetings on behalf of the Maximal Nation, part of an attempt to hash out a new peace agreement between Cybertron's new nation-states. As he spoke with his new friend Tigatron, Cheetor admitted that he was happier ''representing'' the Maximals instead of leading them; eventually, he became a Maximal representative on the [[Cybertronian Parliament]] alongside [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Optimal]]. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===Legends World===
[[File:Legends10-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was a salaryman at [[Axalon Trading Company]], where he greeted the newbie [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. While Rattrap introduced himself in an unorthodox way by naming his favorite cartoon, ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', Cheetor responded that he didn't watch cartoons. {{storylink|The Generation Gap#Part 1|The Generation Gap Part 1}} He later happily informed President [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that he was leaving on time and not working overtime. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}} When Primal went out for a bit, warning his employees not to touch his [[banana]]s, Cheetor and the others were so tempted by the forbidden fruit that they immediately began eating them. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}}

Cheetor loved to party and have fun all night, and as a result was often exhausted at work in the morning. Though the Axalon employees were expected to work in robot mode, he at one point was so tired that he forgot how to transform, turning into a mess of cheetah parts. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Head of Partying, Cheetor|Head of Partying, Cheetor}} Another time, he got so drunk he fell asleep on the train and ended up on the [[w:Takao Station (Tokyo)|final station]] of the line in the middle of night. On returning to work, he joked to Primal about paying for his travel expenses and room charges, to his boss's annoyance. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} One day, having overslept, Cheetor decided that since he was already late to begin with, he might as well take his time and have a long shower and breakfast before heading to work. Optimus Primal didn't agree with his thinking. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor in the Morning|Cheetor in the Morning}}

[[File:Legends15-BMCheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor listened to Rattrap deliver a report while stuck in the mouth of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} was confused when he arrived at work in the form of a real Transformer after being inflicted with [[Transformers sickness]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} and hung around when Optimus Primal was thinking about said sickness. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}} Transformers sickness later turned Cheetor into a tall and slender version of himself, which he didn't enjoy, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} and he was present when [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was getting jealous of everyone turning into Transformers. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} During Rhinox-turned-[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s rampage, Cheetor was hit by his '80s Transformation Beam and turned into a classic delinquent. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

During [[Christmas]], the Axalon employees threw a party during which Cheetor got drunk and sang karaoke. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} The height of Cheetor and everyone else at the company bothered Rattrap, who wanted to be big too. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} While returning home one morning after a night of partying, he ran into Rattrap, who was jogging in order to grow stronger. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Another morning, after yet another party, he found [[Tigatron]] praying at a shrine. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 11|Bonus Edition Vol. 11}} Cheetor was present when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] attempted to destroy [[Legends World|their world]] and was defeated by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and afterwards told Rattrap that Metroplex had transformed into city mode on top of the Axalon office building, destroying it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}}

[[File:LGExConvobat-CheetorStraxus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Mercy is not dispensed here, fools, only hairballs.]]

Cheetor was around when [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] decided not to fight her Transformers sickness but remain a giant robot. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}} After the Axalon employees accepted that Metroplex was their new office, Cheetor had some fun with the gun turrets on the city-bot's head. He was freaked out when their [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mysterious janitor]] claimed to know about Metroplex because he was from "the other world", thinking he'd meant the world of the dead. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} Cheetor was caught up in a [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] clone rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 15|Bonus Edition Vol. 15}} and was around the office when Rattrap and Tigatron tried to justify their lateness to Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}} When [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] appeared in their universe, Cheetor didn't recognize him and had to have his identity explained to him by Waspinator. He and the others were then temporarily sent to Deadlock's home dimension, [[Cloud World]], when [[SARA]] messed up. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[Grand Maximus|Grand]] showed the Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s an image of Cheetor and his friends as an example of what to expect from the Legends Universe. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} During a partnership between Axalon and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], Cheetor was annoyed by [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s music, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} briefly became a [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]-type Headmaster himself using mass-produced [[Master-Brace]]s, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} went to work with a hangover together with [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}} and applauded the completion of their new headquarters, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Maximus]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}} He then fled from an attacking [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} played [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in the ''[[Transformers: Convobat Amazon Showdown]]'' movie but got the line "Transform!" wrong, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Convobat)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} fled again from Mindwipe, [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}} and took up riding [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter train to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}}

Cheetor was among the victims gobbled up by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] during his rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} but was fine and continued to inhabit the rebuilt [[Akihabara|Neo Akihabara City]]. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} He then went on to witness [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] battle [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} get turned into a [[Beastformer]] by [[White Leo]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and watch as [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] arrived in the Legends World. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 53|Bonus Edition Vol. 53}} Cheetor had fallen asleep on the train again when he was awoken by the smell of silvervine. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}}

{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|''The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2'' #6]]}}

[[File:Windblade6-allofus.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
Cheetor of the [[Fur Walkers]] was forged on the colony world of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], emerging from the [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] of his world's [[Titan (group)|Titan]], [[Chela]]. As the "Talon of [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]", Chela championed his Prime's love of beast-formers over standard-formers, likely influencing the beast modes of his people. By modern times, the people of Eukaris had divided into four major tribes. Cheetor was representative of the Fur Walkers on the rare occasion the tribes met under a white flag for talks.

The arrival of "standard-formers" from Cybertron was a major development on Eukaris, and the Four Tribes met with both outsiders and the [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Fateweaver]] to understand the ramifications. Cheetor and the tribes met with [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chancellor Starscream]] of Cybertron and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] when they exited from the spacebridge. Initially reluctant to form relations with Cybertron, whose people persecuted the children of Onyx Prime, Cheetor opened to the idea when he learned that other colony worlds were involved as well. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Despite their differences, Cheetor and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] grudgingly exchanged gifts on Chosen One Day. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] arrived to consume Eukaris, [[Manta Ray (BW)|Manta Ray]] and Cheetor watched in horror as the planet-eater began devouring their homeworld, and were themselves presumably destroyed shortly thereafter. {{storylink|Our Darkest}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Cheetor-art.jpg|thumb|100px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Cheetor's function was a warrior, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a cheetah. His extreme speed and cheetah-like reflexes were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were him eagerness, hopefulness, and idealism. Cheetor's message from the future was that his idealism will pave the way for a valuable alliance. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Cheetor was part of the united Maximal-Predacon faction lead by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

{{--}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Joe Hernandez]] (English), [[Masaya Fukunishi]] (Japanese)|[[Sascha Oliver Bauer]] (German), [[Loïc Hourcastagnou]] (French), [[Pablo Rafael Moreno]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Vishal Menon]] (Hindi)}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Cheetor-maximizes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Cheetor was a Maximal from a future Cybertron where the AllSpark had been destroyed, a doomed timeline under constant threat from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].{{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}} When the ambitious Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] stole the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in an attempt to change the past and prevent this timeline from ever coming to pass, Cheetor joined [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and a crew of two hundred Maximals as they pursued the Predacons back through time aboard the ''Axalon'' to Mesozoic [[Earth]]. In the ensuing conflict, sides suffered heavy losses; by the time that the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' crashed on Earth, only a handful of Maximals remained. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} Shortly after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, the Maximals-in the mistaken belief that their tormentors had followed them through time-launched an attack on the Autobot vessel, and Cheetor saw through [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s holograms and came to blows with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] before [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] could salvage the situation by convincing their attackers that they meant them no harm. Upon learning that the Autobots had come to Earth to retrieve the [[AllSpark]], Rattrap pointed out that changing their past might very well wipe them from existence, but Cheetor argued that stopping Megatron was more important. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}}

When the Predacon-Decepticon alliance captured Cheetor's comrade [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], he and the other Maximals joined forces with the Autobots to rescue her. As part of this mission, Primal, Rattrap, Cheetor and Tigatron joined up with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s squad, although their beast modes allowed them to traverse the planet's wild terrain much more efficiently than the Autobots. Once Rattrap had helped rescue Airazor, Cheetor joined the rearguard action as he and Tigatron fired on their Megatron and some Decepticon soldiers until Optimus Primal arrived to turn the tide. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} During the search for the Allspark in a nearby forest, Cheetor easily outsped [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], but the Cybertronians realized that the "forest" was really a holographic illusion generated by the Allspark as it attempted to split them up using disorienting illusions. Eventually, Cheetor and the other heroes regrouped in time to attend the dying [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who'd sacrificed himself to retrieve the stolen [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 3}}

[[File:KingdomEp3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

While Optimus went onward to retrieve the Allspark, Cheetor and the Maximals disagreed with the Autobots over the importance of the Allspark and the nature of their own mission, until Rattrap pointed out that Primal had also gone missing. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 4}} Cheetor and the other Autobots and Maximals soon re-united with their respective leaders, but they brought bad news: the AllSpark, separated from Cybertron for too long, had begun to die. After a brief stand-off against the two Megatrons, the Maximals and Autobots returned to the repaired ''Ark'' and prepared to launch before the Predacon-Decepticon alliance launched a full-scale assault, and as the heroes besieged the enemy starship Cheetor and Tigatron faced off against [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Ultimately, however, the battle ended with the ''Ark'' itself assuming its new robot mode and toppling the Decepticon flagship, allowing the heroes to take the two Megatrons and their followers prisoner before blasting off. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 5}}

After passing through the [[Dead Universe]], the Autobots returned home to their Cybertron, but found that, without the Allspark's life-giving energies, the planet had already become a dead, frozen planet. In the ensuing battle against Galvatron and Nemesis, who'd followed them through time in an attempt to stop them from changing history, Cheetor, Airazor, and Tigatron used their beast modes to briefly incapacitate the villains, and joined forces with the remaining Cybertronians to make a unified stand against Unicron's minions. Soon, Bumblebee returned the AllSpark to its resting place and brought the planet back to life, and Cheetor and the other Maximals were present when the leaders of the four factions ratified a truce. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}}

{{--}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Cheetor was originally an athlete who idolized [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], the fastest Cybertronian ever to live. A fleet-footed Cybertronian in his own right, Cheetor soon made a name for himself on racetracks like the [[Afterburner Memorial Speedway]], scored numerous trophies and accolades thanks to tricks like his "Tiwaz maneuver", and rubbed elbows with racers and other adoring fans at watering holes like [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. Eventually, however, Cheetor grew tired of life in the spotlight; craving off-world adventure, he left racing behind and secured a new career as a member of the planet's [[Ministry of Science|Science Ministry]]. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

Cheetor's first post would be as a member of the skeleton crew aboard the Maximal research vessel ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', where he served as the ship's gunner under the auspices of his captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} Cheetor proposed bringing multiple [[stun beam]]s aboard their ship just in case, but Maximal command denied his request. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart4-Maximalbeastmodes.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Chi-tor's Sweet Home]]

While on a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to the planet [[H'nkshanaar-4]], the ''Axalon'' was diverted off-course to pursue a group of Predacon separatists who had stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and hijacked the Maximal warship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''. Despite his protests that the ''Axalon''{{'}}s weapons were for defensive purposes only, Cheetor did his best to shoot out the purloined starship's engines in the ensuing dogfight but was unable to stop their foes from spooling their [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]] and jumping across time and space. The ''Axalon'' pursued the ''Darksyde'' to an unknown time period and took the Predacons down with them in a last-ditch maneuver that stranded both ships on a primitive, energon-rich planet. To protect the crew from high levels of ambient [[energon radiation]], the ''Axalon'''s artificial intelligence scanned the local wildlife and reformatted the Maximals into [[technorganic|techno-organic]] [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

After reactivating in his new [[beast mode]], Cheetor helped [[Nyx]] repair their damaged ship before the high-flying pilot took off to explore the planet with her new wings. Cheetor was upset by this, as it meant that he'd have to turn to the notoriously unhygenic [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to reach into narrow components. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} When night fell and Nyx still didn't return, Cheetor grew restless and considered striking out on his own to find her before Optimus shot down the idea. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}}

Cheetor, Rattrap, and Rhinox worked through the night to rewire the ship's computer to better locate Nyx, and discovered a mysterious coded message to a Predacon laboratory dated to just before the ''Axalon'' departed Cybertron, just before Optimus announced that he'd tapped into the orbital [[stasis pod]] network to find her. As the Maximals waited for her to return, they saw [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] carrying her unconscious body and immediately assumed that he was the one responsible for harming her. When Cheetor lunged to attack, however, Dinobot transformed and easily outpowered his attacker before telling them that he wanted to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

While Optimus and Nyx interrogated Dinobot in a bid to gauge whether he'd truly had a change of heart, Cheetor stumbled across Rattrap spying on the group using the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s security camera network. When the ship's systems picked up more Predacons, Cheetor, Rhinox, and Primal were forced to buy time while Rattrap did what he could to get the starship's defenses back online. When the Predacons refused to come quietly and launched a full-scale attack, Cheetor battled [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] before Dinobot joined the fray on the side of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} Cheetor punched out Scorponok and held out long enough for Rattrap to reactivate the ship's shields—however, this also meant stranding Dinobot, whose spark signature prohibited from retreating to safety, outside with the Predacons. Fortunately, the Maximals were able to turn the ship's guns on the Predacons, intimidate them into making a full retreat, and rescue a critically injured Dinobot. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Some time later, Cheetor was playing cards with the other Maximals when he heard a noise in a nearby corridor. When he investigated, he found [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a newly programmed Predacon, who quickly paralyzed him with her [[cyber venom]] and got to work sabotaging the Maximal vessel. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After Optimus and the others freed him from a web cocoon, Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot, and Nyx worked together to search the ship and nearly blundered into a grenade booby trap before Blackarachnia, having sabotaged more than half of the ''Axalon''{{'}}s orbital stasis pods, blew a hole in the ship's hull and destroyed most of the ship's armory as she escaped. Cheetor chased her out into the jungle, but when she lied that she'd set a second booby trap, Cheetor made the mistake of returning to the ship to save his comrades while Blackarachnia retreated to the ''Darksyde''. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Razorbeast]] joined their team, Cheetor, eager for a rematch with Blackarachnia, joined in a preemptive strike on the ''Darksyde'' to retrieve the Golden Disk, using a jury-rigged escape pod as an improvised shuttlecraft before launching a bombing run against the downed Predacon ship. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Cheetor went up against Blackarachnia a second time, and distracted her long enough for Rattrap and Nyx to break into the ''Darksyde'' and accomplish the second part of their mission. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} After successfully dodging Blackarachnia's stun blasts, Cheetor closed the distance and successfully caused her to hit [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] instead. However, the sight of Optimus successfully taking out Megatron caused Blackarachnia to kick Cheetor in the face and scuttle off as she reconsidered her loyalty to the Predacon leader. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

Cheetor took part in a skirmish against the Predacons that ended with him getting injured in a catastrophic [[energon]] explosion. The Maximals rushed his unconscious body back to the ''Axalon'', where [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] successfully pieced him back together—but Cheetor's consciousness wouldn't come back online. Unbeknownst to the other Maximals, the [[Vok]] [[Pakak]] took the opportunity to infiltrate Cheetor's mind and probe its contents by constructing an elaborate dream world where Cheetor hadn't yet left Cybertron aboard the ''Axalon''. After a confusing conversation with his physician "[[CatSCAN]]", Cheetor headed to Maccadam's for a drink; when the conversation turned to how to best modify [[protoform]]s, however, Cheetor excused himself and went to the roof to clear his head.

[[File:TheSpeedwayOfCentralConsciousness-racing.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

It was there that Cheetor first encountered Pakak himself, who informed him that the Maximal-Predacon conflict jeopardized the Vok's delicate experiments. Cheetor quickly realized that, although he'd been trapped in a dream, the Vok couldn't kill him without losing the information they sought. Pakak cut a deal: they'd have a race, and if Cheetor won, he'd walk free. Cheetor agreed, and Pakak quickly wrongfooted the young Maximal by transforming his avatar into Blurr and taking off. Although Cheetor narrowly won, Pakak revealed that he'd deceived the Maximal: the race was a sham, and Pakak had gleaned all the information he needed just by racing his avatar through Cheetor's brain. Pakak held up his end of the bargain by allowing Cheetor to come back online, but wiped Cheetor's memory to ensure he'd tell no one else of his alien encounter. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When Optimus Primal suffered exposure to a sample of aggression-enhancing red energon, Cheetor tried and failed to restrain the berserk Maximal leader. Dinobot successfully dealt with the problem by convincing the Maximal leader to hunt Megatron in the jungle, knowing that the overexertion would help flush the infected energon from his systems. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} While waiting for Optimus to return, Cheetor set up a campfire outside the ''Axalon'' to pass the time. Inspired by Rattrap's complaints about spending the night in the jungle, Cheetor told a spooky story about a terrible war on a faraway world, but the other Maximals found the tale to be too depressing. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

[[File:TheEnd-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

A newly-lucid Primal returned with bad news: the Vok had used the knowledge they obtained from Cheetor's mind to alter a number of fallen protoforms into loyal minions and planned to eliminate both the Maximals and Predacons, necessitating a temporary alliance. Cheetor disliked the idea, but nevertheless wound up working alongside Blackarachnia to salvage whatever they could from the ''Axalon'''s armory and modify them into something capable of harming energy-based aliens. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}} Ultimately, however, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] undermined their alliance from within, sided with the Vok, and helped them to raise a massive army of Vok-loyal Cybertronians from every fallen stasis pod they could find. Cheetor and Blackarachnia both took part in the final battle against these "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]", where they fought side-by-side... although Blackarachnia denied Cheetor's assertion that she could grow into a better person. After the Vok had been destroyed for good, their remaining servants agreed to a truce and left to live in the wild as their creators had intended. In the aftermath, Cheetor and the other Maximals left aboard the repaired ''Axalon'' to search for Megatron, whom Rattrap had deliberately blasted into [[unspace]]. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
Cheetor opened a food delivery business, where he used his super speed to quickly cook and deliver meals to prospective customers. However, after receiving his order of energon-coated bananas, Optimus Primal was annoyed to discover that Cheetor was delivering food to the Predacons. {{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals were reading the collected edition of [[Transformers Go! Go!|their manga]] when Megatron barged in and demanded a chance to read the book. {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Go! Go! issue 28}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 29}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game comic====
[[File:Cheetor-beastmodescan.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.1|My eyes are up here!]]
Upon arriving on prehistoric Earth, the dangers of Energon radiation forced the Maximals and Predacons to take on beast alternate forms. "Cheetor" promptly grabbed a cheetah by its underbelly, hoisted it up to his optics, and scanned the creature's molecular structure. The indignant cheetah could do nothing but silently ask the robot "Do you mind?" Cheetor transformed into his new organic cheetah mode and darted into Predacon territory. Unfortunately, Cheetor was spotted by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and the two battled until they were forced to return to their beast modes to avoid Energon radiation damage. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars:Transformers'' video game====
Many Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Cheetor's own base was an Energon mining operation, located in a desert area. It featured sphinx-like statues bearing Cheetor's likeness and colour scheme. Cheetor joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal Campaign=====
[[File:Beastwarspsx-Cheetorstats.jpg|left|thumb|I lost weight! Can you tell?]]

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Cheetor was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace.
{{BW VG|Cheetor|M}}

=====Predacon Campaign=====
Cheetor's mining operation was deemed a threat to the Predacon agenda, and a Predacon was dispatched to eliminate him. In order to systematically dismantle Cheetor's mining operation, the Predacons first targeted his "[[Rock Blaster]]" drone unit for destruction. Subsequently, they planted a bomb within [[Cheetor's mining plant]], and annexed the territory. In order to ensure that their new conquest would be firmly under their control, the Predacons killed Cheetor himself, sending a lone Predacon agent to neutralize him in a firefight. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:N64Cheetors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SECRET COLORS CHEETOR and also Cheetor's Tigatron cosplay.]]
In an alternate timeline created when Megatron sent a message through Transwarp back to his past self, Cheetor participated in a series of all-out battles with the other beast warriors.

During a decisive battle, Cheetor witnessed Optimus being badly injured. Cheetor's reaction was to charge into battle with unmatched fury, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Maximals. Thanks to this victory, the Maximals eventually overpowered the Predacons, and established peace on the planet. Following the battle, Optimus and Cheetor had this heartwarming exchange;

Optimus: "You showed a lot of potential out there. Someday you might make one prime leader."
Cheetor replied: "Sorry Bigbot, but that's your department... But who knows? Maybe in another universe!" {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Sprint (does not do damage)
|-
|C-Up||Savage Pounce
|-
|C-Left||Savage Wave
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
[[File:Beastwarstransmetalsgame-cheetorstats.jpg|thumb|320px|Glitch, game stats!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Cheetor was eager to take the Preds head-on, ignoring Rattrap's mockery of him, and was fully on Board when Optimus proposed using this as an opening to retake the Golden Disk. He joined Primal's team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Cheetor and the others hurried back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Cheetor joined Optimus Primal in an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the Axalon before being left badly damaged on the ground. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses before the Predacons could finish them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Double Arm Shot
|Special attack||Golden Rocket
|-
|Super attack||Double Arm Blast
|Super attack||Savage Fury
|}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars''===
[[File:DuelFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Adolescence is so unstable.]]
Cheetor and Optimus Primal chased [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] through a portal, emerging on [[Gaia]] in the ruin where the super-powerful [[Energon Quartz]] had been discovered, which led him and several other Maximals and Predacons to engage in a series of one-on-one battles to attempt obtaining the Quartz's powers for their own gain.

Cheetor could also partake in various other tasks, such as a mission to break a boulder to reveal an energon crystal hidden within before sundown, using a block in a mission to defend himself against various incoming projectiles, and missions to run across a pit-riddled field, sometimes involving hideously large bacteria he had to fend off.

Cheetor eventually defeated Megatron, the last bot standing between the Quartz and himself. Once the crystal was in his possession, Cheetor absorbed its power, becoming the most powerful of the Maximals. This allowed him to soar through the ranks and become [[Supreme Commander]]. This position was more than he could handle, however, and he abandoned his post after only three days. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|GBC}}

====Move list====
{{note|This move list presumes the player is facing right; when facing left, reverse the left and right inputs.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Horizontal Sniper Shot||↓→+B
|Passing Sand||↓→B
|-
|Anti-Air Sniper Shot||↓←+B
|Phantom Arrow||↓←B
|-
|Sky Sniper Shot||↓→+B (in air)
|Surprise Threw||→↓→B
|-
|Rolling Assault||↓←A
|Surprise Attack||→↓→A
|-
|Last Resort (super)||↓→↓← B
|Delta End (super)||↓→↓← B
|-
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Cheetor, in his Transmetal 2 body, was one of Optimus's many allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s own army, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Cheetor and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}} On their return to Cybertron, the Maximals discovered that Megatron had conquered the planet, and they were forced to face his Vehicon Generals. {{storylink|Beast Machines (Legends)|Beast Machines}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|400px|That was a mercy kill and ya live in a...camper van!]]
Cheetor participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in three different bodies:
*''Cheetor'' — This Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars: Episode 1" event.
*''Cheetor Transmetal II'' — This Super Rare character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the "Transmetals: Episode 3" mini events.
*''Cheetor Transmetal'' — This Epic character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the third "Transmetals 2: Episode 1" mini event, and could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal-II.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Transmetal II as in Cheetor #2!]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Three modes, third Cheetor!]]
{{!}}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:CheetorEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*'''Ability: Bestial Fury - For 15 seconds, use melee attacks dealing 37.8 damage. Destroy buildings to increase your attack and movement speeds by 25% - the buff lasts 90 seconds and can stack 5 times.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:cheetor Cheetor at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:ForgedToFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|250px|"Oh! They fly now!" "They fly now?" "''They fly now!''"]]
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Cheetor was a feisty Maximal rookie who considered himself to be the fastest thing on land, and was good friends with fellow Maximal cat [[Tigatron]]. Although immature and sometimes reckless, Cheetor had the potential to become a great leader one day. At some point during the Beast Wars, Cheetor befriended some ancient ancestors of modern humans, although these ancient anthropoids did not yet possess the capacity for language. After returning to Cybertron, Cheetor and several other Maximals were reformatted into [[technorganic]] bodies and tasked with restoring a technorganic balance to Cybertron, battling Megatron's new army of [[Vehicon]] soldiers all the while.

At some point after returning to his own time period, Cheetor gave a lecture to the [[Confederated Terran Colonial Fleet|CTC Fleet]] academy on [[New Earth]] regarding the history of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:1999Transmetals2CheetorStock.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]
[[File:CheetorBMconcept.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Things usually do look more badass in concept art.]]
[[File:CheetorGameBoyColor1.jpg|thumb|upright=1|I wonder what ''Beast Machines'' Cheetor thinks of this artwork?]]

* Cheetor was initially developed as a panther with the name of "[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]", indicating that he was likely meant to be the Generation 1 character in a new form and providing the genesis of Cheetor's head design. A [[retool]] of the toy into a lion form of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (alternately an unrelated character) with a flocked mane was also planned, but ultimately dropped.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC-i7cgfHR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Hasbro concept presentation for McDonald's collaboration]</ref><ref>''[[Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Generations|Beast Generations]]''</ref> The 1996 [[McDonald's]] character [[Panther]] was also originally planned to be a version of Prowl/Cheetor, hence them sharing the same head design.
* [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s original plan for [[Transmetal]] Cheetor was to have his face mature over the course of the season, from a big-eared, wide-eyed, rounded face into one close to the toy. Also, he would have had a "Hero's Heart" which glowed after completing brave or heroic feats, somewhat akin to the classic anime character Astro Boy. Due to time and financial restrictions, none of these concepts panned out.
* [[Transmetal 2]] Cheetor's upper arms in both the cartoon and his card art have the shoulders swapped when compared to the toy due to a misassembled [[prototype]] of the toy being used as reference. In the art and his model, his left arm features a metallic shoulder and an organic forearm, while the right has an organic shoulder and a metallic forearm. This prototype can be found on the back of Deluxe Transmetal 2 packaging in the [[cross-sell]] section (image at right), and also features brown stripes, much like the card art. Evidence suggesting that this prototype was misassembled and that a last minute change didn't occur last-second before the toy's release comes from original toy concept art from Takara which has the arms in the exact same orientation as the final toy.<ref>[https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g1ezjNdHr4/XaUngnxDAJI/AAAAAAAA6jo/_qpMxGjbNVMiYNsR-WMeNntkfIdJSsJ9QCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/25.png Transmetal 2 Cheetor concept art] - on TFRAW.com</ref> If one ''really'' feels that strongly about having the arms on their toy in the same orientation as the prototype, both of the shoulders and the elbows are on ball joints and can easily be swapped to match.
* Though most early artwork for ''Beast Machines'' character designs were very different from the final product, Cheetor's design seems to have changed very little, with only the green being downplayed in his color scheme.
* ''[[Comic BomBom]]'' advertisements and the [[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|official guide]] for ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' feature Cheetor with a slightly different (and much happier) head than the version which appeared on the game's box and instruction manual. Both are sickeningly cute, though.
* In Japanese media, Cheetor has the quirk of ending sentences in a long, stressed "Jān", like a cute kitty growl. Cheetor also has the tendency to say "Woooow!" and speak English phrases (such as "beast mode") in a pronounced American accent to emphasize his cool, carefree attitude. In addition to all that, whenever firing his weapon, he would always shout "utsumashi!" ("fire!").
* A series of unusual decisions was made regarding Cheetor and Tigatron in the ''Beast Wars: Transmetals'' game's localization. In the Japanese version of the game, Cheetor has a red-tinged set of "Player 2" colors and an unlockable "Player 3" color scheme obviously based on Tigatron. The North American version of the game adds Tigatron as a playable character; instead of reassigning the pre-existing "Player 3" colors to him, a new color scheme that [[:File:N64Tigatron.jpg|looked less like Tigatron]] was created for him. Furthermore, Cheetor's Japanese "Player 2" colors were eliminated and his original Tigatron-themed colors were kept.
* According to ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'', Cheetor likes pie.
* In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Cheetor's Cybertronian body incorporates traits from his [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]] with the inclusion of the hooped wheels, visor, and vehicle mode from his canceled ''[[Transtech]]'' toy. Of course, the latter characteristics would eventually serve as the basis for [[Cheetor (Animated)|''Animated'' Cheetor]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Didn't base Nyx on anything in particular! Dinobot is much the same. I picture the orb on his chest as a nod to the spark gem gimmick but other than that I just wanted a samurai kinda look to his silhouette. The arm mounted blades kind of a nod the Gundam Spiegel|link=https://twitter.com/jcburcham/status/1357035373184962561|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* Cheetor is the first character to speak in ''Beast Wars'' and the last character to speak in ''Beast Machines''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cheetus'''<ref>The "Cheetus" [[Japanese language|Romanization]] is consistently used in Japanese media. An exception would be the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|Complete Manual]]'', the official strategy guide for the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' video game, which used "Cheetas".</ref> (チータス ''Chītasu''), '''Cheetor''' (チーター ''Chītā'')
*''French:'' '''Vélocitor''' (cartoon, "Speedor")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Sidor'''
*''Italian:'' '''Ghepard''' ("Cheet"), '''Metal Ghepard''' (Transmetal toy)
*''Korean:'' '''Cheeto''' (치토 ''Chito'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Bàozi''' (Taiwan, 豹子, "Leopard"), '''Huābào''' (Taiwan ''Beast Machines'', 花豹, "Leopard"), '''Huáng Bào''' (China ''Beast Wars'', 黄豹, "Yellow Leopard"), '''Bào Sīlìng''' (China ''Beast Machines'', 豹司令, "Commander Leopard")
*''Polish:'' '''Gepardon''' ("Cheetodon"), '''Kotor''' (Canal + Dubb, "Cattor")
*''Russian:'' '''Geptor'''
*''Spanish:'' '''Chitor''' (Spain), '''Chitah''' (America, "Cheetah")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Armada Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Cats]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Jungle Planet]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Maximal Command Security Force]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Resistance]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Law enforcement]]

Cheetor (BW)

2025-03-07T03:46:41Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon continuity */

{{disambig3|Cheetor}}
{{featured}}{{suite}}
{{factions|maximal|maximalbm|autobot|knight|jungleplanet}}
:''Cheetor is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Cheetor render.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|There he is, your little guy.]]

A young Maximal full to bursting with energy and exuberance, '''Cheetor''' is always ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. And, much to his colleagues' chagrin, he often does so without a moment's consideration or forethought. Nobody can fault his motives, just his methods. Sure, he's got a bit of cocky edge to him... after all, he is the fastest Maximal on four legs (and he knows it), making him an excellent advance scout and capable of running rings around opponents. And yeah, his enthusiasm often gets the better of him, and he doesn't seem to have much in the way of volume control. And he doesn't exactly handle people thinking he ''can't'' handle a job the best he could. But he's a kid with a good [[spark]] who just wants to do right. He just needs some guidance and experience... and a lot of luck, because this cat gets into a ''lot'' of scrapes.

Thankfully, [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], himself something of a young firebrand, keeps a steady eye on the young Maximal and tries to guide him, and in turn Cheetor affectionately calls him "Big Bot". And a friendship with his fellow "big cat" [[Tigatron]] is also helping the spotted speedster learn a little patience.

Who knows—maybe the lad is destined for [[Oracle (BM)|great things]] [[Matrix Templar|someday]].

{{bigquote|I'm not lookin' forward to the day they chronicle ''my'' early bonehead adventures onto a [[Data-Con|datacon]] for all the world to see.|Cheetor, about [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]|"[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
[[File:CheetorBW-2packcomic.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Whose tusks gleam in the night? Not his!]]

{{quote|Eyes of a '''stalker''' hunting its prey... The super-swift '''cheetah''' springs! But '''food''' is not on '''this''' hunter's mind...|[[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!]]}}

Cheetor was a quiet and confident warrior, who constantly stalked jungles in his search for Predacons. He was efficient, striking hard and fast with incredible reflexes in either mode. He was known to openly dare Predacons to challenge him and his laser-powered [[Quasar rifle|quasar cannon]]. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor Bio}}

In a swamp outside the [[Fusion Building]] genetics lab, a fleet of ferocious animals has gathered. Suddenly, the cheetah and his wild comrades are under attack by a massive crocodile! Surprise! This is a battle between [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his [[Maximal]]s and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]! Cheetor quickly transforms to attack [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], and the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] have begun! {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

After the [[quantum surge]], Cheetor acquired a [[Transmetal]] form that gave his robot mode the organic attributes that his beast mode once possessed. The upgrade gave Cheetor more power and agility than ever before, and this new body had flip-out cyber-thrust wings that gave him additional speed and limited flight. {{Storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetals Cheetor bio}}

Cheetor would later receive another upgrade from [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s cloning experiments, becoming a [[Transmetal 2]]. With this, he gained even more power and speed, but at the cost of bestial urges that he had to learn to control. With his new missile launcher and leap-thruster, Cheetor stirred fear in the Predacons he fought against. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM2|Transmetals 2 Cheetor bio}}

At some point, Cheetor acquired a highly advanced stealth armor and dubbed himself Night Slash Cheetor. This new armor granted Cheetor all sort of new abilities, including being undetectable to every known Vehicon radar and tracking systems and creating a negative psychological effects on [[Vehicon General]]s, rendering their drones useless in combat. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Machines|Night Slash Cheetor bio}}
{{--}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Mikhail Tihonov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Cássius Romero]] (Portuguese, Season 1), [[Tatá Guarnieri]] (Portuguese, Season 2 onwards), [[Bernard Métraux]] (French), [[Eberhard Haar]] (German), [[Mario Scarabelli]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Illescas]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Eduardo Jover]] (Casilian Spanish), [[Wonhyung Choi]] (Korean)}}

[[File:Cheetorbeast1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|What? Is it my breath?]]

The youthful 'bot who would become "Cheetor" was part of the Maximal exploration ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''; {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} unbeknownst to most members of the crew, its captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] had been secretly tasked with abandoning the murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]] far from Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} However, the ''Axalon'' would be diverted off-course to pursue [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, who'd stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and fled [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard a [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp]]-capable [[Darksyde (BW)|starship]].

After pursuing the Predacons across time and space, both sides crash-landed on a [[Earth|mysterious planet]] with abundant supplies of [[energon]]. To protect themselves from high levels of dangerous [[energon radiation]], the crew adopted [[beast mode]]s based on the native wildlife; upon reactivating in his new form, the youngest member of the crew renamed himself Cheetor. As Optimus, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] got to grips with their situation, Cheetor showed off his speed by racing some nearby cheetahs, but found himself outclassed when he opened fire on the airborne Predacon [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. When the other Maximals and Predacons turned up, Cheetor shot at Megatron in the middle of his speech, and his "underhanded sneak attack" sparked a full-fledged shootout. During the ensuing battle, Cheetor caught his foot in some rocks and Optimus had to rescue him. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

[[File:TheWeb-Cheetorcaptured.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Where is the RAT when you need him?]]

While returning to their ship, the rogue Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] barred their way and challenged Optimus to a duel. Although Cheetor was keen to fight in Primal's place, Rattrap restrained him; when the other Predacons interrupted the fight, the battle revealed a huge [[energon crystal]] in a nearby mountain, and the Maximals rushed to claim the bounty before the Predacons could take it for themselves. High amounts of energon radiation forced both sides to fight in their beast modes, and although Cheetor fared better against Waspinator the second time round the energon was all destroyed. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

Some time later, Cheetor enthusiastically volunteered to check out a new experimental comlink. Despite being under orders not to get into any combat situations, he unsuccessfully attempted to attack [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and was left heavily damaged. After a strange precognitive dream, he awoke back on the ''Axalon'', whether the other Maximals expressed their disappointment in his actions. After Rattrap dressed him down, Cheetor rushed out to make another attempt to capture the cannon that Scorponok was recovering, and was incapacitated by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Luckily for him, he was soon rescued by Rattrap, who also lied to Optimus to cover the young bot's hide. {{storylink|The Web}}

[[File:EqualMeasures Cheetor with gutgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Boy's got guts.]]

Though Cheetor was looking forward to another mission to install energon monitoring devices, Optimus delayed the mission due to a heavy storm. Dinobot managed to goad Cheetor into going out anyway, and, while placing one of the devices, a lightning bolt created a bizarre two-way teleportation effect between the Maximal and Predacon bases. Cheetor himself found himself in the ''Darksyde'', where he was able to hack the Predacon data files and discover that the two crashed ships lay on a common energon vein, meaning that an explosion at one base would destroy both. He managed to get the information back to Optimus, but Dinobot had already sent through a bomb—Cheetor was able to detach it from the console it was fixed to in time. He returned to the ''Axalon'', where he promised Optimus that he would pay more attention to orders... until the next time. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a decisive Maximal victory at the [[Standing Stones]], an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] swallowed Optimus Primal. The argument over who would lead turned into a secret ballot, during which, from Rhinox's reaction, Cheetor voted for Dinobot, suggesting he trusted the Predacon's leadership skills over those of Rattrap. As it turned out, the exercise was rendered pointless by the revelation that Optimus wasn't dead after all. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] discovered a [[flying mountain]] with a cache of super-powerful energon at the top, but he was spotted by Cheetor, who immediately dashed back to the ''Axalon'' to inform the other Maximals. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When one of the [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground and Optimus was damaged by a Predacon sneak attack, Cheetor, Rhinox and Rattrap set out to try to get to the pod, but were delayed by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. The Predacons beat them to the pod, but a last-minute gambit by Dinobot and Optimus meant that the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} A string of defeats led to Rattrap seemingly defecting to the Predacons after a falling-out with Optimus, much to Cheetor's disbelief. Eventually, however, the other Maximals learned that Primal and Rattrap had deliberately orchestrated everything to determine how the Predacons had been spying on the Maximals. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:Cheetor&badoptimus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Now I've got your power!]]

Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' when a fight caused Rhinox's new [[Sentinel (BW)|defense system]] to go out of control. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} Later, after Primal had been infected with a Predacon virus which caused uncontrollable rage, Optimus managed to persuade Cheetor to release him from his confinement, only for the Maximal leader to head off on a one-bot mission against the Predacons. After Primal had slagged most of the Predacons, Cheetor managed to get hold of the antivirus and administer it to Optimus. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a [[temporal probe]] from Cybertron came into range of the planet, the Maximals tried to set up a signal array to contact it. The Predacons had other idea though, and Tarantulas's [[Transformation Lock Lens|transformation lock lens]] trapped both Cheetor and Tigatron in their beast modes. The pair were captured and put in cages in the ''Darksyde'', but soon escaped and used the Predacon [[CR chamber]]s to fix themselves. They rejoined the fight in time to save Optimus and Rhinox from Megatron, but the Predacons prevented their signal from being sent. {{storylink|The Probe}}

After the apparent destruction of the Predacons in a bungled mutiny, the Maximals took the opportunity to ransack the abandoned ''Darksyde'' and use its parts to repair the ''Axalon'', although Cheetor remained cheerfully oblivious to Dinobot's internal conflict over the passing of his ex-comrades. The "mutiny" was revealed to be a ruse, and the Predacons revealed themselves as the Maximals prepared to launch. Cheetor provided cover fire for Optimus as his leader went to retrieve the injured Dinobot; when Terrorsaur hit a retreating Optimus from behind, Cheetor took down Terrorsaur before Megatron shot him. He managed to drag himself to the ''Axalon'' as it took off, and would've pulled Optimus onboard if not for Scorponok's parting shot. As he broke the sad news to his allies, he was ambushed by the stowaway Megatron and awoke to find the Axalon, too damaged to ever fly again, permanently grounded. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:The Spark Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"No!! Waspinator's come to steal the fanbase's affection!"]]

When Rhinox was twisted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], Cheetor was keen to rescue their friend. Eventually, however, Cheetor realized Optimus's plan was to simply let Rhinox run amok in the Predacon base, and once he'd weakened the dysfunctional Predacons the Maximals easily staged a rescue. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} On another occasion, Dinobot sent Cheetor and Optimus to search for the missing Rattrap, only to discover that the Dinobot who had sent them on the hunt was a [[Clone One|clone]] controlled by Megatron. By the time they got back to base, the clone had already been defeated—and devoured—by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

Rhinox and Cheetor got to another crashed stasis pod before anyone else, but the pod had sustained damage during its descent and high concentrations of energon radiation endangered the helpless [[protoform]] inside. Cheetor shut himself down to allow Rhinox to extract his [[locking chip]] to use in place of the damaged pod's one, and dreamed that Rhinox was telling him about [[spark]]s. After reawakening, Cheetor was forced to try to defend the pod against Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur without his [[robot mode]]. Though he managed to defeat the first two, Terrorsaur prevailed... only to be defeated by the newly activated [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Cheetor snake.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Featuring a scene from several fanfics.]]

During Tigatron's disappearance, Cheetor spotted Blackarachnia and Scorponok leaving the Predacon base on a mission. As it turned out, they were heading towards a [[Brigadoon|flying island]] which Tigatron had crashed on. Tigatron sent a [[Cyberbee]] containing footage of the island, which the Maximals were able to recover, despite Cheetor firing on it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Cheetor and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' after Blackarachnia took control of the island with the intent of using its weaponry to destroy the Maximal base. The spider's scheme was thwarted, but Cheetor bore witness to the island's final action: a beacon sent to its creators, who would most likely be very displeased with the island's demise. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Another Predacon gambit saw them stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} During a routine energy-harvesting run, an energon explosion caused a group of Maximals, of which Cheetor was a part, to be blinded far from base. As they attempted to journey home, Cheetor was attacked and severely damaged by a huge snake. He spent most of the rest of the journey on Rhinox's back, until they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide everyone in fending off the attack without the use of their sight, and they were soon found by Optimus. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, Cheetor shot down a cyberbee which was spying on them. Unfortunately the Predacons had gained enough information and the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body, enabling them to easily take over the ''Axalon''. The Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}} After Rattrap and Dinobot's bickering caused Rhinox to beome infected by a Predacon [[energon discharge virus]], Optimus insisted the pair go out alone to find the cure. Cheetor was part of the party which went to back them up when they located [[Tarantulas's lair]]. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

[[File:LawoftheJungle unhappy Tigatron and Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Tigatron's comrade [[Snowstalker]] was killed by incidental fire during a battle, and Cheetor tried unsuccessfully to comfort Tigatron. However,the other Maximal announced he would no longer be a part of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} After Megatron called a truce and the Maximals needed to find out what he was up to, Cheetor suggested that Rattrap infiltrate the Predacon base unarmed, so as to not violate the truce. Rattrap was less than impressed with the suggestion. In the end, Tigatron did the infiltrating, and the other Maximals covered his escape as Rhinox and Cheetor "intercepted" Terrorsaur with a sheet of metal. {{storylink|Before the Storm}}

It soon became clear that the enigmatic aliens who'd seeded the planet with [[energon]] were unhappy with the Cybertronians contaminating the results of their experiments, and intended to them out by "sterizing" the entire planet. From the planet below, Tigatron and Cheetor observed the [[Planet Buster|moon splitting open]], but were called back to base by Optimus. They got back as the alien weapon began super-heating the planet's surface, and helped the damaged Dinobot and Rhinox into [[CR chamber]]s. Optimus intended to use a stasis pod Tarantulas had been working on to attack the Planet Buster, despite Cheetor, Tigatron and Airazor all volunteering to go in his stead. As the pod lifted off, Cheetor managed to tune the sensors in to follow its path until it destroyed the Planet Buster—and thanks to Megatron's meddling, Optimus Primal as well. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Aftermath Rattrap Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|INVISIBEL KEYBORD]]

When the [[quantum surge]] from the explosion engulfed the planet, Cheetor's exostructure was mutated into a [[Transmetal]] body. Along with a tougher metal hide and built-in weaponry, his beast mode gained the ability to fly via two powerful thrusters in his torso. Unfortunately, his first attempt at flying led him on a one-way trip into a bulkhead. His new flight mode allowed him to be particularly effective against Waspinator in a subsequent battle until Megatron blasted him into a cliff; while trying to fly to safety, he accidentally crashed into Rattrap. Rhinox fortunately interceded before the pair could be slagged. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Rhinox tried to project his [[core consciousness]] into the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] to retrieve the [[spark]] of their deceased commander, and Cheetor left the ''Axalon'' to look for Dinobot, but ran into the Predacons and their new recruit [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. Rattrap and Dinobot answered his distress call and prepared for a showdown with the Predacons. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Though outnumbered, the trio persisted in defending the ''Axalon'', eventually capturing Silverbolt and taking him back to the ship for repairs. As the Predacons pressed on with their attack, the Maximals found themselves out of ammo, but were saved at the eleventh hour by Optimus Primal, who'd been resurrected with a new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

As he monitored the sensor grid, Cheetor reported some strange signals. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Rhinox worked out that there was an alien site in [[Grid Zeiram]], the area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Cheetor was sent to warn them. He was moments too late to prevent them from being shot into space by the alien plants there, much to his anguish. Though Cheetor wanted to rescue Tigatron and Airazor, the priority was on stopping Megatron, and the Maximals returned to Grid Zeiram, where a [[Metal Hunter|spaceship]] grew from the plant life and released an energy surge which incapacitated all the Cybertronians. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} As the Transmetals and [[Fuzor]]s recovered quickly from its effects, Cheetor and Silverbolt took Dinobot and Rhinox back to base for repairs. After Megatron took control of the alien craft, the Maximals launched an attack on it and distracted Megatron long enough for Rattrap to undertake some sabotage. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:CodeOfHero-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|NEEEEOOOOWWWWWNNNNN]]

While flying on patrol, Cheetor spotted Protoform X's stasis pod and finally learned the true story behind the ''Axalon'''s mission. The Predacons arrived to try and take control of the pod, and weaponsfire caused the raw energon beneath the pod to explode. The damaged Optimus and Cheetor returned to base, and were repaired in time to help Silverbolt and Blackarachnia temporarily incapacitate Protoform X. However, when the Maximals left to consult Rhinox's expertise, Megatron seized the opening and forcibly conscripted X-now "Rampage"- into the Predacons. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} On another patrol, Cheetor encountered the Predacon forces and communicated their position to Dinobot. After Dinobot died defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons, Cheetor extinguished the flames in the valley and later joined the other Maximals in mourning their loss. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While out hunting for yet another Predacon jamming tower, Rattrap and Cheetor stumbled on a stasis pod containing a strangely mutated [[Transformer]], which became known as [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]]. Unfortunately the first thing it did was break up their fight with the Predacons using its sonic attack. As Rattrap later joked about the creature's appearance, Cheetor pointed out Transmutate was standing right behind him. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda1 Cheetor with tail club.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Kitten with a whip.]]

The Maximals were overjoyed when Rhinox revealed that the transwarp wavefront from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by Cybertron and a rescue mission sent. Cheetor was looking forward to going to [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]], much to Rattrap's embarrassment. Instead of the expected rescue mission, they got [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], a Predacon operative sent to apprehend Megatron. Joining forces, they mounted an attack on the ''Darksyde''. Cheetor was blasted by the defense systems. Twice. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't present when Megatron was finally captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

With the Maximals in control, Optimus order Cheetor to go out and look for Blackarachnia, whom Silverbolt had allowed to escape. Cheetor assured Silverbolt, who had developed feelings for the Predacon, that he would bring her in in one piece, only for Silverbolt to punch him out, leaving to find Blackarachnia himself. He and Optimus instead went to fetch some energon crystals stashed by Tarantulas, only to run into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and were forced to retreat when the crazed Predacon blew up the energon. The pair headed back for the ''Axalon'', only to be informed by Rattrap over the commlink that Ravage had switched sides—a fact made obvious by the [[transwarp cruiser]] bearing down on them with Megatron riding atop. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} Pinned down on the battlefield, Optimus and Cheetor were blasted flat by Megatron (although Cheetor managed to deal with Quickstrike first), but fortunately survived without too much damage. After Rattrap took out the transwarp cruiser, the Maximals set out in pursuit of the retreating Megatron.

[[File:Agenda3 Cheetor handblasters.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|KA-ME-HA-MEEEEEE...]]

As it turned out, the Predacon leader had set a course for the ark [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] buried in [[Mount St. Hilary]]. The Maximals worked frantically to dig out the cave in he'd created to block their passage, and then to evade the Ark's defenses, but were too late to prevent Megatron from shooting a stasis-locked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head and triggering a [[timestorm]] that threatened to wipe the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The Maximals managed to temporarily preserve the time by stabilizing Optimus Prime and allowing Optimus Primal to temporarily carry the [[spark]] of their Autobot ancestor. Cheetor and the newly "optimised" Optimus set out to stop the Predacons from attacking the ''Axalon'', with Cheetor taking out both Waspinator and Inferno, but the pair were helpless to stop them from destroying their base, and after saving Optimus Prime the Maximals set up a new headquarters in the cavern that housed the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Some time later, Cheetor was out on patrol when he saw a [[Starhopper|spaceship]] entering Earth's atmosphere. He was in the middle of a radio report when Rampage shot him down, and he was rescued by new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who left him on a small rock; with his jets damaged, Cheetor had to wait to be rescued by Optimus. The pair picked up Depth Charge, who'd lost his fight with Rampage, and took him back to base for repairs. Cheetor's attempt to thank the new Maximal resulted in Depth Charge insulting him and swatting him aside. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:Cheetort2.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Just standing in pieces of myself, no big deal.]]

When Rattrap was assigned to recover Sentinel from the underwater remains of the ''Axalon'', Cheetor was highly amused at the [[Subaquatic stealth vessel|jury-rigged submarine]] that would be used and imagined that it would be a swell kitty toy. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} While looking after [[Chak]] and [[Una]], after the pair had become separated from their tribe, Cheetor displayed the first hints of a crush on Blackarachnia, much to Silverbolt's displeasure. He volunteered to accompany her on a mission to return the children to their people, and took a liking to the two primitive humans. As soon as they were attacked by a [[Cyber raptor]], he was blasted off a cliff and his jets damaged. Then, during another battle with Tarantulas and a pack of Cyber raptors, he was blasted from behind by Waspinator. Primal and Silverbolt soon joined the battle, but Optimus was quickly incapacitated by a new [[cyber venom]]. They were all saved by [[Blix|the anthropoid leader]], who attacked the raptors with his club. Despite his newfound affection for Blackarachnia, the ex-Predacon rebuffed his advances and walked off with Silverbolt. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

Optimus and Cheetor were unsuccessful in preventing the Predacons stealing another stasis pod—amidst the chaos, Cheetor accidentally took out Optimus, much to his embarrassment. Ignoring Primal's orders to get some backup, Cheetor went on alone and assisted Depth Charge in battling the Predacons as they used the extraterrestrial [[Transmetal driver]] to create a [[Dinobot II|monstrous Dinobot clone]]. Despite seizing the Transmetal driver and throwing it to Depth Charge, Megatron knocked Cheetor into the cloning machine, overloading his body with alien energy and triggering an explosion that seemingly destroyed him. The Maximals assumed that Cheetor had perished, but after Depth Charge had been captured by Predacons, the group was attacked by a monstrous cybernetic feline. A short time later, a damaged Cheetor returned to the Maximal base and collapsed on their doorstep. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

Refusing use of the CR chamber, Cheetor had troubled dreams as he slept in his own quarters. As he dreamt about changing into a monstrous creature, the energy of his mutated [[spark]] changed him into his feral mutant form, whereupon he burst from the base and inadvertently attracted the attention of the Predacons. Some time later, Cheetor awoke in a cave, back in his Transmetal form and totally repaired, but with confused memories of what had happened. He returned to base and claimed to have disposed of the "cyber creature", but Optimus insisted on seeing the remains in an attempt to get the young bot to tell him the truth. While in the jungle, however, the pair were attacked by Dinobot and Waspinator, who'd been sent to capture Cheetor, and the sight of the two Predacons incapacitating Optimus was the jolt he needed to permanently mutate into his [[Transmetal 2]] form. With his new body, Cheetor made short work of the Predacons, but struggled to control his feral beast mode instincts and had to be coaxed into returning to robot mode. This "cyber-puberty" intensified his romantic attraction to Blackarachnia; upon returning to base, he was quite pleased when she admired his new form, unaware that she merely saw him as a means to secure Transmetal 2 technology for herself. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:Go with the Flow Cheetor kids.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|”And THAT is how we’ll steal Rhinox’s plant! Any questions?”

While the Maximals analyzed Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Cheetor drooled over the scans of her internal structure. Sick of Cheetor's romantic advances, she finally pulled her gun on him and warned him to back off before Optimus broke up the conflict by sending Cheetor out on patrol. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} Eventually, Cheetor began trying to teach Chak and Una some advanced concepts, including how to defend themselves against Predacons and some basic engineering concepts. The class was interrupted when the Predacons abducted Una, but the girl was able to put Cheetor's teachings to the test with favorable results. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

[[File:CrossingtheRubicon Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"U-G-L-Y - I ain't got no alibi!"]]

After Blackarachnia made an aborted attempt to upgrade herself with the Transmetal driver, Cheetor was concerned for her safety. He assisted in defending the base against a Predacon attack while Rhinox worked on removing the Predcaon shell program from Blackarachnia. As the Predacons retreated, their jubilation was cut short by the news that Blackarachnia didn't make it. As the Maximals eulogized her, Cheetor said she was something special. Fortunately, however, Blackarachnia was restored to life and transformed into a Transmetal 2 Maximal by the Transmetal driver. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] taking control of Optimus Primal. The first thing he did was punch out Cheetor and lock the young Maximal in a cage. All of the Maximals were released in time to fight off a newly upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

Cheetor was sent to stop [[Tigerhawk]] from destroying Megatron, an act which would also destroy the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark, but he was quickly incapacitated by Tarantulas, who had plans of his own. Cheetor dreamed of Tigatron, Airazor and the [[Vok]], before waking and breaking free of his bonds. The fused spark from his dream guided him to Tarantulas's lair, where he was able to pull Tigerhawk clear before the lair exploded. {{storylink|Other Victories}} Depth Charge soon spotted the fugitive Predacons, and Cheetor was part of the group that went after them, though he just ended up escorting Blackarachnia and a badly damaged Silverbolt back to base. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} With Megatron on the way in the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]], the Maximals hurried to try to get the Ark ready to be moved, but were unable to get the ship moving. Fortunately a last minute schematic download pointed them to a [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|shuttle]] stored in the Ark, and, after Rhinox used it to assault the Nemesis, the Maximals watched the warship crash in the distance. Convinced that they'd won the Beast Wars, Optimus, Cheetor, Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Rhinox, and Rattrap headed back for Cybertron aboard the shuttle with a defeated Megatron lashed to the ship's hull. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Hercules Fernando]] (Portuguese), [[Victor Covarrubias]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Julio Lorenzo]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Björn Schalla]] (German), [[Massimo De Ambrosis]] (Italian), [[Marc Weiss]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

While returning home from prehistoric Earth through [[unspace|transwarp]], Megatron successfully broke free from his restraints and somehow arrived on Cybertron before the Maximals. By the time that Cheetor and the other Maximals returned home, Megatron had infected the citizens of Cybertron with a debilitating [[transformation virus]] that allowed him to extract the [[spark]]s from their paralyzed bodies, then conquered the planet with an army of mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. Moments after the Maximals dropped out of transwarp and arrived in Cybertronian orbit, an automated defense grid shot down their ship; after landing on Cybertron the six Maximals were pursued by an army of [[Tank Drone]]s and exposed to the virus as they tried to escape. While Rhinox and Silverbolt were instantly incapacitated, their Transmetal upgrades allowed the four remaining Maximals to withstand the worst of the virus—however, they were forcibly "devolved" back into their original organic configurations and lost their short-term memories. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

Unable to transform or remember how he arrived on Cybertron, Cheetor began searching for a [[CR chamber]], but wound up inadvertently rescuing Optimus and Rattrap from a Tank Drone. Guided by Primal's mysterious flashes of intuition, the three headed underground, picking the equally disoriented Blackarachnia up along the way; as their symptoms worsened, they headed deeper and deeper into the planet's sublevels until they eventually discovered the mysterious [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] supercomputer. The Oracle [[reformatting|reformatted]] the four into new [[technorganic]] bodies, immune to Megatron's virus; when confronted with a swarm of [[Cycle Drone]]s, however, they discovered that their new bodies lacked [[onboard computer]]s and couldn't transform out of their beast modes. When Optimus finally transformed by finding his "emotional still point", Cheetor admired his new [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Cheetor deflects shots.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Trust us, in ''context'' this scene is really cool.]]

The Maximals established a temporary base in the underground as they attempted to remaster the art of transformation. Cheetor and Blackarachnia soon got the hang of the process, until a [[Mole Drone]] attack caused them to lose their focus and revert to beast mode. Although Blackarachnia and Cheetor argued in favor of going topside and searching for survivors, Primal ordered them to concentrate on training as they split up to find a new base. Blackarachnia persuaded Cheetor to travel to [[Cybertropolis]], only to find the city deserted and the [[Cybertron InfoCore]] erased. As they came under attack by [[Aero Drone]]s, Primal came to their rescue, and confronted Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] while Cheetor and Blackarachnia used their new robot modes in combat against the Vehicons. However, they were eventually forced to drag Primal to safety when the Maximal leader nearly gave in to his anger at losing the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

An attempt to access the [[Cybertron Archives]] didn't go much better, and when a shot knocked Blackarachnia unconscious Cheetor wound up having to carry her to safety. Later on, he and Optimus had to save Rattrap and Blackarachnia again when the pair broke into in the [[Central Spaceport]] and attempted to access the computer on their impounded shuttle. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits-Cheetorcrouch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

As Optimus Primal attempted to track the presence of a familiar spark, Rattrap and Cheetor broke into a secure laboratory and discovered samples of both the transformation virus and a transformation enhancing counter-virus. Despite Cheetor's misgivings, Rattrap swiped the enhancer while Cheetor's back was turned, and his uncontrolled transformations attracted the attention of the [[Vehicon General]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], who captured the group and brought them into Megatron. Although the Maximals escaped captivity and even briefly turned Tankor to their side, Megatron was able to remotely erase Tankor's recent memories and reprogram him back into a loyal Vehicon before he could be reformatted. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Cheetor and Blackarachnia continued to train with encouragement from Optimus, despite Cheetor's insistence that he relied on instinct, not blind faith. During one sparring session, the Maximals encountered what appeared to be an organic bat; in reality, this was the young Maximal [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who'd somehow survived Megatron's planetwise purge. Nightscream led the Maximals to a mysterious fruit tree which he'd been living off of, but Cheetor—insisting that they only processed energon—refused Optimus's suggestion that they try some. As it turned out, the fruit caused the Maximals to mentally devolve into primitives, which endangered their lives when [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] attacked with a squad of Aero Drones. As the only Maximal who hadn't eaten the fruit, Cheetor felled the tree, which instantly returned the others to normal. However, Optimus was forced to reformat the mortally wounded Nightscream into a technorganic body; the experience left him extremely weak, but he admitted that Cheetor had been correct in trusting his instincts. With Primal indisposed, Cheetor took over as his temporary replacement. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

While on a reconnaissance mission in a Tank Drone factory, Cheetor's orders went unheeded by Rattrap, who ended up wrecking the whole plan. Understandably angry at his comrade, Cheetor brushed off Rattrap's suggestions that they should attack Megatron while the Vehicon leader was weak. He did stick up for Rattrap when Blackarachnia and Nightscream suggested getting rid of their comrade; however, Rattrap overheard his suggestion that they cover for Rattrap until Optimus recovered, which briefly drove Rattrap to join Megatron. After Optimus had recovered and helped resolve the situation, Optimus reminded the others not to underestimate their fellow Maximal. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Revelations2 Cheetor looks wary.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was glad when Optimus retook command, and bluntly rebuked Nightscream's suggestion that he was still too weak to lead. Nonetheless, when Cheetor had to save Optimus's life during a battle in a factory, and Optimus became lost in his own regrets at what Megatron had done, Cheetor was forced to take command and lead the withdrawal. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Optimus grew increasingly withdrawn and spent more and more time communing with the Oracle, forcing Cheetor to handle the day-to-day tasks of leading the Maximals in their guerrilla war against the Vehicons. Armed with the knowledge that the Vehicon Generals housed Maximal sparks, Cheetor's plan was for Nightscream and Blackarachnia to distract [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and Jetstorm while he and Rattrap attempted to convert Tankor back into a Maximal. Cheetor was able to distract the Tank Drones while Rattrap hacked into Tankor, and discovering that the Vehicon was their old friend Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:TheKey-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Though Cheetor remained skeptical, the pair decided to try to reawaken their friend, but ended up fleeing from the enraged Vehicon. Optimus was able to restore Rhinox's personality by directly contacting his spark, but Rhinox announced that he would side with Megatron instead. Back at their headquarters, Optimus announced that he finally understood the Orcale's plan: to return organic life to Cybertron, although Cheetor wasn't convinced Cybertron had ever supported a biosphere. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} While trying to find Nightscream's tree again, the Maximals were ambushed by Vehicons, who abducted Nightscream. The Maximals were able to rescue him, and, in the process stumbled across a [[Fossil chamber|cavern full of ancient fossils]] that seemingly confirmed Optimus's assertion. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After relocating to the fossil chamber and planting a single seed from Nightscream's old fruit tree, the Maximals set about trying to find water—despite Cheetor's assertion that they should instead be attacking Megatron instead. An attempt to drill for water yielded a strange, [[organic goop|organic fluid]] which spontaneously sprouted plants before Tankor arrived used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn both Nightscream and the fledgling orchard into [[Living metal|technomatter]]. Despite Cheetor's attempts to save it, the drill was damaged by the drones extracting Tankor, and the Vehicon General seemingly overloaded himself and perished. Cheetor and Optimus disagreed over their next course of action, but Cheetor came up with a plan to use a Mole Drone to drill to the planet's [[organic core]] and get more goo to cure Nightscream. During the battle to get control of a factory, Rattrap again found himself in the middle of a leadership tug-of-war between Optimus and Cheetor. While the Maximals succeeded in getting control of a Mole Drone, Megatron promptly retook as they reached the orchard. Cheetor reluctantly followed Optimus's lead, and although the drone's passage unleashed an organic geyser that returned both Nightscream and Blackarachnia to normal, Cheetor snapped that he wasn't a kid anymore and demanded more respect. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:TheCatalyst irritated Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

The Maximals held a brief memorial service for Rhinox before concentrating on trying to make their orchard succeed. A catalyst Rattrap found caused the plants to grow ''too'' well, forcing the other Maximals to rescue him from the rapidly growing vines. Cheetor was keen to weaponize the vines against the Vehicons, but Optimus claimed the Oracle had other plans. When it turned out that Blackarachnia had left to try and turn Thrust back into Silverbolt, Cheetor took the opportunity to prove that his plan would work by rescuing her with a giant vine. However, the Vehicons zapped it into technomatter, and only Optimus's swift thinking saved the rest of the orchard from a second infection. Optimus was not pleased, but he knew that the Maximals had much bigger concerns. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

In search of information on who had tampered with the Oracle, Cheetor and Rattrap hacked into the central computer, but were forced to retreat before learning anything. They returned to the other Maximals, and Optimus—now thoroughly convinced that his mission was to restore Cybertron to its primordial, organic state—led them to the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which, if opened, would destroy all technology on the planet. Shocked, Cheetor talked him out of opening the chamber and came up with an alternate plan to get Rattrap to find a way to disable the duplicate Keys. The operation was curtailed when Rattrap was zapped into technomatter by Tankor, leading Optimus to confront Megatron in person. Cheetor and the other Maximals continued fighting, but were overcome by Vehicons and turned into technomatter, moments before Optimus made the ultimate gambit and mentally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber to counter the Key to Vector Sigma. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Cheetor's hopeful face.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

The two diametrically opposed energies unleashed by the two competing doomsday weapons managed to cancel each other out just long enough for Optimus to redirect the energy maelstrom into the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], at the cost of his own life. Restored to health by this sacrifice, the Maximals were shocked to find their leader dead; while Cheetor reacted violently to Nightstream's comment that Cheetor wanted him gone, he nevertheless stepped up as an interim leader and even negotiated a temporary ceasefire with the two remaining Vehicon Generals. Cheetor led the other Maximals back down to the Oracle chamber, where they discovered that Primal's consciousness still existed within the Oracle itself, guilt-ridden from nearly destroying Cybertron. However, Cheetor's impassioned speech helped Optimus realize his ''true'' mission—to bring the organic and technological together—and choose life over joining the Matrix. Cheetor suggested the next step should be to find the missing sparks, but when they approached the Council Citadel, a [[Grand Mal|giant floating head]] hovered into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}

[[File:WolfintheFold raging Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Low down scammers got me seein' red!]]

While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, Cheetor led the other Maximals in attempting to find Jetstorm and Thrust. However, they encountered [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]], whose transformation into the draconic "Savage" was uncontrollable. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Cheetor favored leniency in dealing with Noble, but the creature was soon revealed to be Megatron, who transferred his [[spark]] into the Grand Mal and reactivated the Vehicon drones, forcing the Maximals to flee underground once again. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

While trying to save Nightscream from a pack of drones, Optimus and Cheetor were drawn aboard the Grand Mal via a tractor beam and interrogated for information. They were soon rescued by Silverbolt, whom Blackarachnia had resurrected from Jetstorm. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, giving Cheetor a rather more forceful leadership style and causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. Though Cheetor seemed to fight it for a short period, he soon succumbed again, even taking his frustrations out on Optimus physically. Finally, they realized what was happening and managed to work together. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

With their new [[technorganic orchard]] failing, Cheetor tried to console Optimus. The news of a crashing ship led the Maximals to encounter [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal who'd adopted a plant-based [[alternate mode]], who lent her talents to tending their garden. {{storylink|Home Soil}} They would later encounter two new Vehicon Generals created by Megatron—[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} When the Maximals split up in their search for the missing sparks, Silverbolt revealed he still regarded Cheetor as a "kid", much to Cheetor's annoyance. Once Cheetor saved their lives by getting rid of the drones, Silverbolt developed more respect for him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Endgame2 sparkpower Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Vegeta! What does the scouter say about his power level?]]

The reappearance of Noble caused problems for the Maximals, leading Cheetor to suggest that Nightscream get rid of the creature before it got them all killed. Noble, however, did help them as Cheetor, Silverbolt and Nightscream distracted the drones so that Optimus could sneak into the Grand Mal and prevent Megatron from consuming any more of the captive sparks he'd imprisoned. The action cost Noble his life, and all of the Maximals mourned him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} With Megatron's spark seemingly destroyed thanks to Nightscream, the Maximals briefly celebrated. However, Megatron's spark lived on, albeit in a disembodied state, and Cheetor tangled with it when it possessed the corpse of an Aero Drone. Eventually, Rattrap trapped it in a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Maximals endofBMac.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Primal's dream comes true: the universe's largest cannabis garden.]]

Although the Maximals now held control of the Grand Mal and the captive sparks, they came under siege from a renewed army of Vehicons—made worse when Rattrap made a misguided attempt to save Botanica by shutting down the fortress's shield, and Optimus had to stop Cheetor telling off the rodent. Fortunately the three of them survived the Grand Mal crashing. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}}

Down but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. The Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Cheetor found himself facing the three Vehicon Generals on his own, but was able to use the anti-gravity generators to fire Obsidian and Strika into orbit. Cheetor struggled with Thrust, but finally used a [[spark extractor]] against him. He was unprepared to face his next foe—Megatron, newly installed into a duplicate of Primal's old "optimal" body—and finally had his own spark torn out by a Cycle Drone. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}} After a city-spanning battle, Optimus sacrificed himself to destroy Megatron and reformat Cybertron into a technorganic paradise. Cheetor and the other Maximals were restored to their bodies; as the captive sparks were reborn, Cheetor had a final vision from the Oracle, who told him that Optimus would always be with them. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Cheetor encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]] (after Cheetor initially believed Hot Rodimus was one of their ancestors). With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

=====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''=====
[[File:BWDS 3.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

At some point after Starscream left the Beast Wars, the Maximals and Predacons fought. During a battle against Waspinator, Cheetor used his speed to avoid the bug's Beebee Shot attack and nailed him in the face with his own Laser Shot. {{storylink|Cheetor Chapter}} The Laser Shot wasn't enough, though, and Waspinator countered with another round of his Beebee Shot. {{storylink|Waspinator Chapter}}

Later, after several [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from [[Transformers (film)|another dimension]] showed up, {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} the appropriate factions teamed up and charged one another in a massive clash of warriors. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

{{--}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Epiloge-MaximalCelebration.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Yub nub!]]

Following the [[Great Transformation]], Cheetor recalled learning from Optimus Primal that Rhinox was not gone for good, as his spark had gone adrift and ended up in an alternate world known as the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]]. When he shared this information with his friends, Rattrap and the wayward Waspinator volunteered to find Rhinox, prompting Cheetor to reformat them into their original Earth modes and send them through a portal to the Legends world. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He was elated to see the two return with Rhinox accompanying. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

Some time later, Cheetor, the other Maximals, and Waspinator were all relaxing by a campfire. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}

{{--}}

====3H comics====

[[File:CheetorBW-GroundZero.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|In which Cheetor has a rugged, dimpled chin.]]

Cheetor was originally a cadet at the [[Maximal Command Security Force]] academy. A huge fan of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], he styled his original [[alternate mode]] after Rodimus's vehicle form. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

One day, while on prehistoric Earth, Airazor and Rhinox were basking in the glow of a quiet Predacon-less day. In contrast, Cheetor was bored. Fortunately for Cheetor, he got his wish, and the sound of explosions alerted the three to a battle over the horizon. Unfortunately for Cheetor, he was quickly blasted into inaction by [[Packrat]], who'd become unstable after an encounter with [[Furmanite]]. Later, he was okay, and he accompanied his fellow Maximals home. {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Terminus-CheetorandRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]

Later, at a point after Cheetor had acquired his [[Transmetal 2]] form, he and the other Maximals set out to investigate a temporal anomaly detected by Rhinox. They encountered the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. After Megatron took off to reach the time-traveler that both teams had previously detected, Optimus was forced to pursue him, leaving his troops against insurmountable odds. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. As they encroached, an explosion hit Rhinox, knocking him offline. Then, suddenly, Predacon fire ceased entirely. Cheetor was the first to check over their cover, his concern for Rhinox overriding his sense of self-preservation. Cheetor looked on to see [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], the aforementioned time-traveler, flying above the disabled Predacons, and encircled with Unicron's dark essence. The possessed 'bot swooped down and seized Cheetor in his talons, causing excruciating pain to shoot through the young Maximal. Just as Cheetor began to wish for oblivion to escape the torture, Windrazor was able to expunge Unicron's essence from himself, and set Cheetor down. Then, Shokaract appeared... {{storylink|Paradox}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals faced the time-traveling warlord. Unfortunately, they were no match for the [[Unicron]]-powered juggernaut and Cheetor was crushed in Shokaract's claws. This battle, as well as Shokaract's existence itself, would soon be retroactively erased from Cheetor's timeline with the efforts of the legendary [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]]. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Sentinelcryotekwreckersfinale.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|So they ''have'' been seen in the same room together!]]

Shortly after Megatron's final defeat and the [[Great Transformation]] that reformatted Cybertron into a technorganic world, the [[Quintesson]]s seized the opportunity to attack in the belief that the sudden change would weaken and confuse the planet's inhabitants. Cheetor initially took part in repelling the [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] invasion, until the Oracle guided him underground, where he reunited with a resurrected Tigatron and worked alongside his idol Rodimus as they battled [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] deep underground, which revealed them both as [[Matrix Templar]]s. While Cheetor and Rodimus used their Matrix Templar abilities to help defeat Cryotek with the help of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], Rattrap, and Botanica, Rodimus ultimately perished. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

A year later, Cheetor and the rest of Cybertron eagerly awaited at [[Memorial Spaceport]] for the return of five Autobot heroes from the Great War: [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]. The event was covered by the famous journalist [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]], and when Cheetor had trouble communicating in front of a camera, Rattrap happily took over for him. Quickly thereafter, the Autobots' ship arrived, and its occupants were shocked at the changes Cybertron had gone through. Cheetor demonstrated to the older warriors that the planet's inhabitants had also gone through a metamorphosis by transforming into his technorganic cheetah mode. Unfortunately, the event's pleasantries were interrupted when the five Autobots, plus Blackarachnia and Silverbolt were all abducted by [[Unicron]] right before the gathered crowd's optics. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[File:Abduction-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

A short time later, however, Cheetor bore witness as the resurrected Optimus Primal returned with ten abducted Autobots and Maximals (though not Blackarachnia and Shadow Striker) plus a handful of other Transformers stranded in their universe. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Cheetor's techorganic Cybertron became a staging ground for the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] in the [[multiverse]]-spanning [[Universe War]], as a resurrected Optimus Primal, guided by Primus himself, led a campaign against the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. Cheetor accompanied the returnees to the [[Oasis Research and Development Facility]], where [[Ratchet (Universe)|Ratchet]] and [[Striker]] began research on Sideswipe to see if they could cure the [[Unicron virus|Unicron contamination]] they had all suffered while in the [[Pit (Universe)|Pit]]. Cheetor expressed his doubts about Optimus Primal's return, reasoneding that being dead may have changed Primal, and Silverbolt added that it could all be a Unicron trick. Rattrap, surprisingly, was the one who reminded the two that this was Optimus Primal they were talking about. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

The war continued as Optimus Primal led the Children of Primus against the forces of Unicron across the multiverse, but the conflict eventually took a toll on Cheetor and the others. Contaminated by constant exposure to Unicron's corrosive essence, Cheetor was afflicted with the nanotech "[[Unicron virus]]", which worsened with time. To keep from descending into madness or deactivation, Cheetor was rebuilt and purified by Primal's [[Matrix of Purification]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Optimus Primal profile}}
The Universe War ground on for an unspecified length of time until one raid on the Chaos Bringer, which included Primal, Cheetor, and several others, ended with Unicron suddenly dissolving beneath them thanks to the effects of the cross-dimensional [[Unicron Singularity]]. Cheetor, [[Ramulus|Longhorn]], and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] were carried away by Optimus Primal through a portal to safety. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{--}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
Cheetor was snoozing on the floor of the shuttle back to Cybertron when Rattrap fell asleep and dreamed about encountering other Maximals on Earth. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
He awoke, affected by a Transwarp agitator planted on the shuttle by a new team of Predacons hiding on Earth. This device caused Cheetor and the other Maximals aboard to act aggressively towards one-another, and they tried to force Rattrap into the ship's C.R. Chamber due to its influence. Rattrap resisted, managed to get away, and deactivated the ship's Transwarp drive. Though this restored the Maximals to their senses, it also returned them to prehistoric Earth. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology (1)====
Near the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], shortly after Megatron [[Master Blaster|combined his spark with that of the original Megatron's]], the newly reconfigured Predacon leader hatched a new plan. Quickstrike was ordered to sneak into the Maximal base and place a transmitter which would increase the aggression of Cheetor and the other Maximals. Quickstrike was successful, and soon Cheetor was fighting that annoying little jerk, Rattrap. Fortunately, Optimus Primal was able to detect something was wrong, despite the transmitter's effects on himself, and the Maximals deactivated the transmitter and defeated Quickstrike. Cheetor and the others raced into the Ark, where they found Megatron, confused after a mental battle with his namesake, attempting to control the lifeless body of Starscream. Megatron fled. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

Later on Cybertron, just before the [[Battle for the Spark]] was over, [[Spark of Darkness|Megatron's spark polarity had been inverted, and his tortured life force traveled all over Cybertropolis]]. As Megatron's spark approached Cheetor and Nightscream, he was consumed with hatred for the both of them: for Nightscream because his actions recently had put him in this very predicament, and for Cheetor "because... well, because he's Cheetor". {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:BWGatherCheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
As Magmatron observed the timeline wherein the Beast Wars were taking place, he witnessed Cheetor being blown away by Terrorsaur's projectiles. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Cheetor appeared outside the ''Ark'' alongside Optimus Primal and Rhinox. Showing concern for Optimus, as the big monkey seemed to sense a presence that Cheetor pointed out to be seemingly non-existent. Somewhat freaked-out by Optimus's odd behavior, both Cheetor and Rhinox convinced Optimus that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:CheetorBW-DawnofFuturesPast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|Fur is murder!]]
A former cadet of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], a Maximal who would later call himself Cheetor left the organization young after being recruited by Optimus Primal based on his leadership potential. "Cheetor" enthusiastically joined the crew of the ''Axalon'', hoping to see the furthest reaches of space. His [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] could reach 550 mph, making him the fastest Maximal aboard the ''Axalon'' even before landing on prehistoric Earth. Cheetor served as the ship's communications officer.

Cheetor and the rest of the Axalon crew were waylaid on a Maximal space station for weeks, waiting for their exploration mission to begin. Finally, after leaving the space station, Optimus Primal explained the reason for their delay: they were ordered by the [[Maximal High Council]] to deposit a [[Rampage (BW)|precious cargo]] on a barren moon. But before this could be achieved, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by [[Maximal Command]] with new orders. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a treasured Maximal artifact, had been stolen by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], and he and a band of Predacon criminals left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in a stolen ship. Since the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship, they were ordered to intercept.

But there were other ships en route. An [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|unknown Predacon ship]] appeared and attacked them. Their mysterious attacker was countered by another strange ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]''. Ultimately, the ''Axalon'' was able to destroy the Predacon ship but not before serious damage was dealt the ''Chromia 10''. The [[spark]]s of the two Maximals on board were beamed aboard the ''Axalon'' and [[Spark core transfer|placed]] inside [[blank]] [[protoform]]s to save their lives.

Just as the battle seemed to be over, Cheetor received an incoming transmission from Megatron's stolen ship. Megatron introduced himself and disappeared through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal. Cheetor and the rest of the ''Axalon'' crew followed blindly. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

After [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Cheetor fought the Predacons during a plot to launch an orbital weapon. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-notsuccessful.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right]]
His impetuous streak tamed by his time under Optimus Primal's leadership, Cheetor was able to use his departed teacher's lessons to interface with the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and this act allowed him to become the living embodiment of the ancient wisdom it contained. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} He would subsequently take the name of "'''Alpha Trizer'''", becoming the spiritual leader of Cybertron. With his political power, he reinstated the [[Wreckers]] to defend Cybertron's interests in the galaxy and appointed [[Primal Prime]] as leader, in part to separate him from [[Ginrai (robot)|Ginrai]]. To this end, Trizer recruited troublesome Cybertronians unable to deal with a peaceful Cybertron, especially from those who frequented the [[Cybertropolis Detention Center]]. Trizer also reinstated the [[Knights of Cybertron]] as the new [[Cybertronian Knight]]s and placed Ginrai as Knight Commander. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-Beastmode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
When the Knights lost contact with the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]] and received a scrambled warning from [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]], Ginrai insisted that the Knights take action, but Knight Grand Master Alpha Trizer countered with waiting for further word from Devcon, doubting that Cybertron was in danger after being at peace for so long. Soon after, Devcon called for help against the [[Star Seeker]]s: the pirates were inside [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head, trying to reactivate it in order to drain all of Cybertron's energon. Ginrai's team, including Alpha Trizer, space bridged straight there and promptly engaged the Star Seekers. The [[Dread Pirate Crew]]men tried to fight Trizer, but the ancient Maximal finally lost his cool and transformed into beast mode to deal with his attackers. Star Seeker Captain [[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball]] then fought Alpha Trizer to buy time for [[Ferak]] to activate Unicron's energon draining systems, but the sage easily overpowered Cannonball and gave him a crushing a revelation: his scheme was doomed to fail from the start because Cybertron in 2984 C.E. was [[technorganic|techno-organic]] and ''no longer ran on energon''. Trizer simply grinned at the pirate captain's misfortune while Ginrai grumbled about being left out of the loop. Thereafter, the Knights arrested the pirates and led them away. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals home from the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The shuttle was shunted to [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]], where [[Unicron]] destroyed it, scattering its crew into [[unspace|transwarp space]]. {{storylink|Outlier}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====''TransTech''====
The Megatron of Cheetor's native time and universe accidentally referred to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] as "Cheetor". {{storylink|Bee in the City}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Cheetor and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Cheetor's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]]. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:CheetasManga1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Off to go train with Piccolo or something, I'm sure.]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Cheetor was upgraded into a [[Transmetal]] but left stranded on [[Earth|Energoa]] far, far away from the other [[Maximal]]s and believed dead by [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. Following [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]'s return to life, Cheetor could be seen staring poetically at the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] from his distant location. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

After Megatron blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in an attempt to kill the slumbering Autobot, {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}} Cheetor would eventually find his way back to his comrades. There, he saved Optimus Prime's spark and fed it to Optimus Primal, turning him into Optimal Optimus. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology (2)===
Cheetor was involved in a conflict against the Predacons that affected the [[Natiltec]] tribe, who later immortalized him in cave inscriptions. The inscriptions were found several thousand years later by an archaeological team. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in manga===
[[File:HenkeiCheetorLionKing.jpg|thumb|The Cirrrcle of Liiiife...]]
After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] stole [[energon cube]]s from [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], Cheetor appeared on the scene, defeated both of them and got the cubes back, getting the adoration of Hound and random fauna. Cheetor then went to live in a safari park. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8}}
{{-}}
===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 10}}}}

===''The AllSpark Almanac''===
Cheetor liked pie. {{Storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===''Device Label''===
Under the command of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], Cheetor's mission was to search the network he was plugged into, and destroy the Decepticons' viral programs. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Device Label|Cheetor's Device Label Bio}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:Recordicons12-everyone.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Cheetor was among [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s minions when they teamed up with negative polarity [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 12|Recordicons #12}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Cheetor was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. Following the deaths of Rhinox and Silverbolt, and the apparent death of Rattrap after an explosion, Cheetor teamed up with Blackarachnia and Nightscream and some Predacons to take out their leader. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}} As like-minded Predacon dissidents joined with his comrades, Cheetor became the leader of the rebels and took part in a costly uprising against their [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]] oppressors, one that eventually rendered him badly damaged and close to stasis lock. With few other options, four of Cheetor's allies--[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Blackarachnia]], [[Nightscream (BM)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Nightscream]], [[Scavenger (BW)|Scavenger]], and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]]—fled for their lives via [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|another world]], leaving Cheetor behind. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}}

Most of the Maximals and Predacons believed that Cheetor had perished; he was posthumously honoured as the "First Resistor", the first proto-former who'd taken a stand against the tyrannical Builder regime. {{storylink|Derailment}} In reality, however, Cheetor had been captured and imprisoned within [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], where he remained for many years until [[Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance|forces]] eventually freed him and he was more than welcomed into their ranks as the "first resistor". {{storylink|Head Games}} Cheetor wanted nothing more than to march into the front lines, but Lio Convoy felt he served better as a propaganda hero, and over the next five years, he and [[Preditron]] were shuttled about the planet doing just that, hardly ever being told the reason for their going, just being sent where they were sent. Although he adopted a [[cybercat]] [[beast mode]] once the Maximals and Predacons adopted the Beast Upgrade, Cheetor figured he'd missed any chance to fight the good fight.

That changed on a visit to Safe Zone Alpha Two, a Resistance base outside [[Protihex]]. There, the two discovered captive Micromasters being forced to fight to the death in a new version of the [[Game]]s, and they were expected to open them. Cheetor and Preditron refused, threatening to inform Lio Convoy, until the base's manager Ikard informed them Lio knew all about what was going on. Outraged, Cheetor and Preditron made plans to stop the Games anyway, with Preditron telling Cheetor to get on the horn to Resistance command. Cheetor's efforts proved difficult, with nearly everyone being busy fighting the war, until he got through to Blackarachnia. However, the spider-bot was dismissive of Cheetor's ethical concerns, told him to suck it up, and then hung up on him. Reluctantly, Cheetor went back to Ikard and told him he was on board for the moment, but ''only'' if Preditron was as well, and that after everything cooled down, there would be a full inquiry.

The next day, with no sign of Preditron, Cheetor gave the Buzzsaw Memorial Games a half-sparked introduction. Then he learned where Preditron had gotten to, as he saw the Predacon founder being forced into the Games. Cheetor went looking for the Game's organiser, Ser-Ket, finding her nursing an engex. He told her about Preditron's predicament, and the two went to confront Ikard. When they did, he revealed why Preditron had been dragged into the Games; The Resistance were courting the Tripredacus Alliance, and they wanted the living legend to be a loss less alive. Then he set Gaidora on them, knocking Ser-Ket and Cheetor into the arena. Once there, they found bigger problems than dealing with realpolitik, in the form of [[Vehicon (BM)|strange drones]] and dead Micromasters. The two found Preditron as he was being attacked by one such drone, and after defeating it realized they were some kind of Builder weapon, troops infected by their superiors as a Trojan horse. By the time the trio reached the arena's walls, the drones had managed to break into the crowd, infecting the Maximals and Predacons there and turning them into more drones. The trio desperately led an evacuation of the arena, and managed to get most of the civilians to safety. It was only then Cheetor remembered to tell Preditron Lio Convoy wanted him dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

By the time that Cheetor, Ser-Ket, and Preditron escaped had aboard the ''[[Star Dasher]]'', they learned that the self-replicating "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s" had already broken through the Resistance rearguard entirely. With nowhere else to go, the three decided to seek refuge among the breakaway [[Maximal Nation]], and momentarily ran afoul of an airborne patrol over [[Tyrest]] before they were able to correct the misunderstanding. The three received an audience before the [[Maximal High Council]], where Cheetor and Preditron's respective testimonies successfully inspired the councillors to take decisive military action against the Vehicons. As the [[National Maximal Army]] prepared for war, Cheetor took a liking to Maximal statesman Tigatron. Eventually, Tigatron combined with his fellows into the mighty [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]; in conjunction with Cheetor, the two had come up with a plan to ford the [[Sonic Canyons]] and take the city of [[Plurex]] using their [[beast mode]]s and some jury-rigged [[energy projector]]s to create temporary bridges.

The Maximals successfully captured Plurex and advanced to [[Nova Cronum]], by which point the malevolent [[Lord Imperious Delirious]] had revealed himself as the true creator of the Vehicons and seized control of the [[Grand Mal]]. Pinned down by a Vehicon ambush, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] joined Cheetor and [[Snapper (BW)|Snapper]] as they cut around the battle with the intent of rigging a nearby building to collapse atop the drones, which ended with Grimlock seemingly sacrificing himself to ensure the explosives detonated. After the destruction of the Grand Mal and the end of the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]], Cheetor joined forces with [[Magmatron]] as the combined forces of Cybertron worked together to mop up the remaining stragglers.

Twenty days later, Cheetor attended the first of many diplomatic meetings on behalf of the Maximal Nation, part of an attempt to hash out a new peace agreement between Cybertron's new nation-states. As he spoke with his new friend Tigatron, Cheetor admitted that he was happier ''representing'' the Maximals instead of leading them; eventually, he became a Maximal representative on the [[Cybertronian Parliament]] alongside [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Optimal]]. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===Legends World===
[[File:Legends10-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was a salaryman at [[Axalon Trading Company]], where he greeted the newbie [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. While Rattrap introduced himself in an unorthodox way by naming his favorite cartoon, ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', Cheetor responded that he didn't watch cartoons. {{storylink|The Generation Gap#Part 1|The Generation Gap Part 1}} He later happily informed President [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that he was leaving on time and not working overtime. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}} When Primal went out for a bit, warning his employees not to touch his [[banana]]s, Cheetor and the others were so tempted by the forbidden fruit that they immediately began eating them. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}}

Cheetor loved to party and have fun all night, and as a result was often exhausted at work in the morning. Though the Axalon employees were expected to work in robot mode, he at one point was so tired that he forgot how to transform, turning into a mess of cheetah parts. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Head of Partying, Cheetor|Head of Partying, Cheetor}} Another time, he got so drunk he fell asleep on the train and ended up on the [[w:Takao Station (Tokyo)|final station]] of the line in the middle of night. On returning to work, he joked to Primal about paying for his travel expenses and room charges, to his boss's annoyance. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} One day, having overslept, Cheetor decided that since he was already late to begin with, he might as well take his time and have a long shower and breakfast before heading to work. Optimus Primal didn't agree with his thinking. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor in the Morning|Cheetor in the Morning}}

[[File:Legends15-BMCheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor listened to Rattrap deliver a report while stuck in the mouth of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} was confused when he arrived at work in the form of a real Transformer after being inflicted with [[Transformers sickness]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} and hung around when Optimus Primal was thinking about said sickness. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}} Transformers sickness later turned Cheetor into a tall and slender version of himself, which he didn't enjoy, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} and he was present when [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was getting jealous of everyone turning into Transformers. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} During Rhinox-turned-[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s rampage, Cheetor was hit by his '80s Transformation Beam and turned into a classic delinquent. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

During [[Christmas]], the Axalon employees threw a party during which Cheetor got drunk and sang karaoke. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} The height of Cheetor and everyone else at the company bothered Rattrap, who wanted to be big too. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} While returning home one morning after a night of partying, he ran into Rattrap, who was jogging in order to grow stronger. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Another morning, after yet another party, he found [[Tigatron]] praying at a shrine. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 11|Bonus Edition Vol. 11}} Cheetor was present when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] attempted to destroy [[Legends World|their world]] and was defeated by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and afterwards told Rattrap that Metroplex had transformed into city mode on top of the Axalon office building, destroying it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}}

[[File:LGExConvobat-CheetorStraxus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Mercy is not dispensed here, fools, only hairballs.]]

Cheetor was around when [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] decided not to fight her Transformers sickness but remain a giant robot. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}} After the Axalon employees accepted that Metroplex was their new office, Cheetor had some fun with the gun turrets on the city-bot's head. He was freaked out when their [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mysterious janitor]] claimed to know about Metroplex because he was from "the other world", thinking he'd meant the world of the dead. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} Cheetor was caught up in a [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] clone rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 15|Bonus Edition Vol. 15}} and was around the office when Rattrap and Tigatron tried to justify their lateness to Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}} When [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] appeared in their universe, Cheetor didn't recognize him and had to have his identity explained to him by Waspinator. He and the others were then temporarily sent to Deadlock's home dimension, [[Cloud World]], when [[SARA]] messed up. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[Grand Maximus|Grand]] showed the Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s an image of Cheetor and his friends as an example of what to expect from the Legends Universe. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} During a partnership between Axalon and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], Cheetor was annoyed by [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s music, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} briefly became a [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]-type Headmaster himself using mass-produced [[Master-Brace]]s, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} went to work with a hangover together with [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}} and applauded the completion of their new headquarters, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Maximus]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}} He then fled from an attacking [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} played [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in the ''[[Transformers: Convobat Amazon Showdown]]'' movie but got the line "Transform!" wrong, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Convobat)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} fled again from Mindwipe, [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}} and took up riding [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter train to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}}

Cheetor was among the victims gobbled up by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] during his rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} but was fine and continued to inhabit the rebuilt [[Akihabara|Neo Akihabara City]]. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} He then went on to witness [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] battle [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} get turned into a [[Beastformer]] by [[White Leo]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and watch as [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] arrived in the Legends World. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 53|Bonus Edition Vol. 53}} Cheetor had fallen asleep on the train again when he was awoken by the smell of silvervine. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}}

{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|''The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2'' #6]]}}

[[File:Windblade6-allofus.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
Cheetor of the [[Fur Walkers]] was forged on the colony world of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], emerging from the [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] of his world's [[Titan (group)|Titan]], [[Chela]]. As the "Talon of [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]", Chela championed his Prime's love of beast-formers over standard-formers, likely influencing the beast modes of his people. By modern times, the people of Eukaris had divided into four major tribes. Cheetor was representative of the Fur Walkers on the rare occasion the tribes met under a white flag for talks.

The arrival of "standard-formers" from Cybertron was a major development on Eukaris, and the Four Tribes met with both outsiders and the [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Fateweaver]] to understand the ramifications. Cheetor and the tribes met with [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chancellor Starscream]] of Cybertron and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] when they exited from the spacebridge. Initially reluctant to form relations with Cybertron, whose people persecuted the children of Onyx Prime, Cheetor opened to the idea when he learned that other colony worlds were involved as well. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Despite their differences, Cheetor and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] grudgingly exchanged gifts on Chosen One Day. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] arrived to consume Eukaris, [[Manta Ray (BW)|Manta Ray]] and Cheetor watched in horror as the planet-eater began devouring their homeworld, and were themselves presumably destroyed shortly thereafter. {{storylink|Our Darkest}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Cheetor-art.jpg|thumb|100px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Cheetor's function was a warrior, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a cheetah. His extreme speed and cheetah-like reflexes were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were him eagerness, hopefulness, and idealism. Cheetor's message from the future was that his idealism will pave the way for a valuable alliance. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Cheetor was part of the united Maximal-Predacon faction lead by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

{{--}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Joe Hernandez]] (English), [[Masaya Fukunishi]] (Japanese)|[[Sascha Oliver Bauer]] (German), [[Loïc Hourcastagnou]] (French), [[Pablo Rafael Moreno]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Vishal Menon]] (Hindi)}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Cheetor-maximizes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Cheetor was a Maximal from a future Cybertron where the AllSpark had been destroyed, a doomed timeline under constant threat from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].{{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}} When the ambitious Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] stole the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in an attempt to change the past and prevent this timeline from ever coming to pass, Cheetor joined [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and a crew of two hundred Maximals as they pursued the Predacons back through time aboard the ''Axalon'' to Mesozoic [[Earth]]. In the ensuing conflict, sides suffered heavy losses; by the time that the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' crashed on Earth, only a handful of Maximals remained. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} Shortly after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, the Maximals-in the mistaken belief that their tormentors had followed them through time-launched an attack on the Autobot vessel, and Cheetor saw through [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s holograms and came to blows with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] before [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] could salvage the situation by convincing their attackers that they meant them no harm. Upon learning that the Autobots had come to Earth to retrieve the [[AllSpark]], Rattrap pointed out that changing their past might very well wipe them from existence, but Cheetor argued that stopping Megatron was more important. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}}

When the Predacon-Decepticon alliance captured Cheetor's comrade [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], he and the other Maximals joined forces with the Autobots to rescue her. As part of this mission, Primal, Rattrap, Cheetor and Tigatron joined up with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s squad, although their beast modes allowed them to traverse the planet's wild terrain much more efficiently than the Autobots. Once Rattrap had helped rescue Airazor, Cheetor joined the rearguard action as he and Tigatron fired on their Megatron and some Decepticon soldiers until Optimus Primal arrived to turn the tide. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} During the search for the Allspark in a nearby forest, Cheetor easily outsped [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], but the Cybertronians realized that the "forest" was really a holographic illusion generated by the Allspark as it attempted to split them up using disorienting illusions. Eventually, Cheetor and the other heroes regrouped in time to attend the dying [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who'd sacrificed himself to retrieve the stolen [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 3}}

[[File:KingdomEp3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

While Optimus went onward to retrieve the Allspark, Cheetor and the Maximals disagreed with the Autobots over the importance of the Allspark and the nature of their own mission, until Rattrap pointed out that Primal had also gone missing. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 4}} Cheetor and the other Autobots and Maximals soon re-united with their respective leaders, but they brought bad news: the AllSpark, separated from Cybertron for too long, had begun to die. After a brief stand-off against the two Megatrons, the Maximals and Autobots returned to the repaired ''Ark'' and prepared to launch before the Predacon-Decepticon alliance launched a full-scale assault, and as the heroes besieged the enemy starship Cheetor and Tigatron faced off against [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Ultimately, however, the battle ended with the ''Ark'' itself assuming its new robot mode and toppling the Decepticon flagship, allowing the heroes to take the two Megatrons and their followers prisoner before blasting off. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 5}}

After passing through the [[Dead Universe]], the Autobots returned home to their Cybertron, but found that, without the Allspark's life-giving energies, the planet had already become a dead, frozen planet. In the ensuing battle against Galvatron and Nemesis, who'd followed them through time in an attempt to stop them from changing history, Cheetor, Airazor, and Tigatron used their beast modes to briefly incapacitate the villains, and joined forces with the remaining Cybertronians to make a unified stand against Unicron's minions. Soon, Bumblebee returned the AllSpark to its resting place and brought the planet back to life, and Cheetor and the other Maximals were present when the leaders of the four factions ratified a truce. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}}

{{--}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Cheetor was originally an athlete who idolized [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], the fastest Cybertronian ever to live. A fleet-footed Cybertronian in his own right, Cheetor soon made a name for himself on racetracks like the [[Afterburner Memorial Speedway]], scored numerous trophies and accolades thanks to tricks like his "Tiwaz maneuver", and rubbed elbows with racers and other adoring fans at watering holes like [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. Eventually, however, Cheetor grew tired of life in the spotlight; craving off-world adventure, he left racing behind and secured a new career as a member of the planet's [[Ministry of Science|Science Ministry]]. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

Cheetor's first post would be as a member of the skeleton crew aboard the Maximal research vessel ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', where he served as the ship's gunner under the auspices of his captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} Cheetor proposed bringing multiple [[stun beam]]s aboard their ship just in case, but Maximal command denied his request. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart4-Maximalbeastmodes.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Chi-tor's Sweet Home]]

While on a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to the planet [[H'nkshanaar-4]], the ''Axalon'' was diverted off-course to pursue a group of Predacon separatists who had stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and hijacked the Maximal warship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''. Despite his protests that the ''Axalon''{{'}}s weapons were for defensive purposes only, Cheetor did his best to shoot out the purloined starship's engines in the ensuing dogfight but was unable to stop their foes from spooling their [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]] and jumping across time and space. The ''Axalon'' pursued the ''Darksyde'' to an unknown time period and took the Predacons down with them in a last-ditch maneuver that stranded both ships on a primitive, energon-rich planet. To protect the crew from high levels of ambient [[energon radiation]], the ''Axalon'''s artificial intelligence scanned the local wildlife and reformatted the Maximals into [[technorganic|techno-organic]] [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

After reactivating in his new [[beast mode]], Cheetor helped [[Nyx]] repair their damaged ship before the high-flying pilot took off to explore the planet with her new wings. Cheetor was upset by this, as it meant that he'd have to turn to the notoriously unhygenic [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to reach into narrow components. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} When night fell and Nyx still didn't return, Cheetor grew restless and considered striking out on his own to find her before Optimus shot down the idea. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}}

Cheetor, Rattrap, and Rhinox worked through the night to rewire the ship's computer to better locate Nyx, and discovered a mysterious coded message to a Predacon laboratory dated to just before the ''Axalon'' departed Cybertron, just before Optimus announced that he'd tapped into the orbital [[stasis pod]] network to find her. As the Maximals waited for her to return, they saw [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] carrying her unconscious body and immediately assumed that he was the one responsible for harming her. When Cheetor lunged to attack, however, Dinobot transformed and easily outpowered his attacker before telling them that he wanted to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

While Optimus and Nyx interrogated Dinobot in a bid to gauge whether he'd truly had a change of heart, Cheetor stumbled across Rattrap spying on the group using the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s security camera network. When the ship's systems picked up more Predacons, Cheetor, Rhinox, and Primal were forced to buy time while Rattrap did what he could to get the starship's defenses back online. When the Predacons refused to come quietly and launched a full-scale attack, Cheetor battled [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] before Dinobot joined the fray on the side of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} Cheetor punched out Scorponok and held out long enough for Rattrap to reactivate the ship's shields—however, this also meant stranding Dinobot, whose spark signature prohibited from retreating to safety, outside with the Predacons. Fortunately, the Maximals were able to turn the ship's guns on the Predacons, intimidate them into making a full retreat, and rescue a critically injured Dinobot. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Some time later, Cheetor was playing cards with the other Maximals when he heard a noise in a nearby corridor. When he investigated, he found [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a newly programmed Predacon, who quickly paralyzed him with her [[cyber venom]] and got to work sabotaging the Maximal vessel. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After Optimus and the others freed him from a web cocoon, Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot, and Nyx worked together to search the ship and nearly blundered into a grenade booby trap before Blackarachnia, having sabotaged more than half of the ''Axalon''{{'}}s orbital stasis pods, blew a hole in the ship's hull and destroyed most of the ship's armory as she escaped. Cheetor chased her out into the jungle, but when she lied that she'd set a second booby trap, Cheetor made the mistake of returning to the ship to save his comrades while Blackarachnia retreated to the ''Darksyde''. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Razorbeast]] joined their team, Cheetor, eager for a rematch with Blackarachnia, joined in a preemptive strike on the ''Darksyde'' to retrieve the Golden Disk, using a jury-rigged escape pod as an improvised shuttlecraft before launching a bombing run against the downed Predacon ship. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Cheetor went up against Blackarachnia a second time, and distracted her long enough for Rattrap and Nyx to break into the ''Darksyde'' and accomplish the second part of their mission. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} After successfully dodging Blackarachnia's stun blasts, Cheetor closed the distance and successfully caused her to hit [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] instead. However, the sight of Optimus successfully taking out Megatron caused Blackarachnia to kick Cheetor in the face and scuttle off as she reconsidered her loyalty to the Predacon leader. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

Cheetor took part in a skirmish against the Predacons that ended with him getting injured in a catastrophic [[energon]] explosion. The Maximals rushed his unconscious body back to the ''Axalon'', where [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] successfully pieced him back together—but Cheetor's consciousness wouldn't come back online. Unbeknownst to the other Maximals, the [[Vok]] [[Pakak]] took the opportunity to infiltrate Cheetor's mind and probe its contents by constructing an elaborate dream world where Cheetor hadn't yet left Cybertron aboard the ''Axalon''. After a confusing conversation with his physician "[[CatSCAN]]", Cheetor headed to Maccadam's for a drink; when the conversation turned to how to best modify [[protoform]]s, however, Cheetor excused himself and went to the roof to clear his head.

[[File:TheSpeedwayOfCentralConsciousness-racing.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

It was there that Cheetor first encountered Pakak himself, who informed him that the Maximal-Predacon conflict jeopardized the Vok's delicate experiments. Cheetor quickly realized that, although he'd been trapped in a dream, the Vok couldn't kill him without losing the information they sought. Pakak cut a deal: they'd have a race, and if Cheetor won, he'd walk free. Cheetor agreed, and Pakak quickly wrongfooted the young Maximal by transforming his avatar into Blurr and taking off. Although Cheetor narrowly won, Pakak revealed that he'd deceived the Maximal: the race was a sham, and Pakak had gleaned all the information he needed just by racing his avatar through Cheetor's brain. Pakak held up his end of the bargain by allowing Cheetor to come back online, but wiped Cheetor's memory to ensure he'd tell no one else of his alien encounter. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When Optimus Primal suffered exposure to a sample of aggression-enhancing red energon, Cheetor tried and failed to restrain the berserk Maximal leader. Dinobot successfully dealt with the problem by convincing the Maximal leader to hunt Megatron in the jungle, knowing that the overexertion would help flush the infected energon from his systems. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} While waiting for Optimus to return, Cheetor set up a campfire outside the ''Axalon'' to pass the time. Inspired by Rattrap's complaints about spending the night in the jungle, Cheetor told a spooky story about a terrible war on a faraway world, but the other Maximals found the tale to be too depressing. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

[[File:TheEnd-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

A newly-lucid Primal returned with bad news: the Vok had used the knowledge they obtained from Cheetor's mind to alter a number of fallen protoforms into loyal minions and planned to eliminate both the Maximals and Predacons, necessitating a temporary alliance. Cheetor disliked the idea, but nevertheless wound up working alongside Blackarachnia to salvage whatever they could from the ''Axalon'''s armory and modify them into something capable of harming energy-based aliens. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}} Ultimately, however, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] undermined their alliance from within, sided with the Vok, and helped them to raise a massive army of Vok-loyal Cybertronians from every fallen stasis pod they could find. Cheetor and Blackarachnia both took part in the final battle against these "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]", where they fought side-by-side... although Blackarachnia denied Cheetor's assertion that she could grow into a better person. After the Vok had been destroyed for good, their remaining servants agreed to a truce and left to live in the wild as their creators had intended. In the aftermath, Cheetor and the other Maximals left aboard the repaired ''Axalon'' to search for Megatron, whom Rattrap had deliberately blasted into [[unspace]]. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
Cheetor opened a food delivery business, where he used his super speed to quickly cook and deliver meals to prospective customers. However, after receiving his order of energon-coated bananas, Optimus Primal was annoyed to discover that Cheetor was delivering food to the Predacons. {{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals were reading the collected edition of [[Transformers Go! Go!|their manga]] when Megatron barged in and demanded a chance to read the book. {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Go! Go! issue 28}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 29}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game comic====
[[File:Cheetor-beastmodescan.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.1|My eyes are up here!]]
Upon arriving on prehistoric Earth, the dangers of Energon radiation forced the Maximals and Predacons to take on beast alternate forms. "Cheetor" promptly grabbed a cheetah by its underbelly, hoisted it up to his optics, and scanned the creature's molecular structure. The indignant cheetah could do nothing but silently ask the robot "Do you mind?" Cheetor transformed into his new organic cheetah mode and darted into Predacon territory. Unfortunately, Cheetor was spotted by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and the two battled until they were forced to return to their beast modes to avoid Energon radiation damage. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars:Transformers'' video game====
Many Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Cheetor's own base was an Energon mining operation, located in a desert area. It featured sphinx-like statues bearing Cheetor's likeness and colour scheme. Cheetor joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal Campaign=====
[[File:Beastwarspsx-Cheetorstats.jpg|left|thumb|I lost weight! Can you tell?]]

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Cheetor was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace.
{{BW VG|Cheetor|M}}

=====Predacon Campaign=====
Cheetor's mining operation was deemed a threat to the Predacon agenda, and a Predacon was dispatched to eliminate him. In order to systematically dismantle Cheetor's mining operation, the Predacons first targeted his "[[Rock Blaster]]" drone unit for destruction. Subsequently, they planted a bomb within [[Cheetor's mining plant]], and annexed the territory. In order to ensure that their new conquest would be firmly under their control, the Predacons killed Cheetor himself, sending a lone Predacon agent to neutralize him in a firefight. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:N64Cheetors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SECRET COLORS CHEETOR and also Cheetor's Tigatron cosplay.]]
In an alternate timeline created when Megatron sent a message through Transwarp back to his past self, Cheetor participated in a series of all-out battles with the other beast warriors.

During a decisive battle, Cheetor witnessed Optimus being badly injured. Cheetor's reaction was to charge into battle with unmatched fury, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Maximals. Thanks to this victory, the Maximals eventually overpowered the Predacons, and established peace on the planet. Following the battle, Optimus and Cheetor had this heartwarming exchange;

Optimus: "You showed a lot of potential out there. Someday you might make one prime leader."
Cheetor replied: "Sorry Bigbot, but that's your department... But who knows? Maybe in another universe!" {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Sprint (does not do damage)
|-
|C-Up||Savage Pounce
|-
|C-Left||Savage Wave
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
[[File:Beastwarstransmetalsgame-cheetorstats.jpg|thumb|320px|Glitch, game stats!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Cheetor was eager to take the Preds head-on, ignoring Rattrap's mockery of him, and was fully on Board when Optimus proposed using this as an opening to retake the Golden Disk. He joined Primal's team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Cheetor and the others hurried back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Cheetor joined Optimus Primal in an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the Axalon before being left badly damaged on the ground. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses before the Predacons could finish them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Double Arm Shot
|Special attack||Golden Rocket
|-
|Super attack||Double Arm Blast
|Super attack||Savage Fury
|}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars''===
[[File:DuelFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Adolescence is so unstable.]]
Cheetor and Optimus Primal chased [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] through a portal, emerging on [[Gaia]] in the ruin where the super-powerful [[Energon Quartz]] had been discovered, which led him and several other Maximals and Predacons to engage in a series of one-on-one battles to attempt obtaining the Quartz's powers for their own gain.

Cheetor could also partake in various other tasks, such as a mission to break a boulder to reveal an energon crystal hidden within before sundown, using a block in a mission to defend himself against various incoming projectiles, and missions to run across a pit-riddled field, sometimes involving hideously large bacteria he had to fend off.

Cheetor eventually defeated Megatron, the last bot standing between the Quartz and himself. Once the crystal was in his possession, Cheetor absorbed its power, becoming the most powerful of the Maximals. This allowed him to soar through the ranks and become [[Supreme Commander]]. This position was more than he could handle, however, and he abandoned his post after only three days. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|GBC}}

====Move list====
{{note|This move list presumes the player is facing right; when facing left, reverse the left and right inputs.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Horizontal Sniper Shot||↓→+B
|Passing Sand||↓→B
|-
|Anti-Air Sniper Shot||↓←+B
|Phantom Arrow||↓←B
|-
|Sky Sniper Shot||↓→+B (in air)
|Surprise Threw||→↓→B
|-
|Rolling Assault||↓←A
|Surprise Attack||→↓→A
|-
|Last Resort (super)||↓→↓← B
|Delta End (super)||↓→↓← B
|-
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Cheetor, in his Transmetal 2 body, was one of Optimus's many allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s own army, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Cheetor and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}} On their return to Cybertron, the Maximals discovered that Megatron had conquered the planet, and they were forced to face his Vehicon Generals. {{storylink|Beast Machines (Legends)|Beast Machines}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|400px|That was a mercy kill and ya live in a...camper van!]]
Cheetor participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in three different bodies:
*''Cheetor'' — This Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars: Episode 1" event.
*''Cheetor Transmetal II'' — This Super Rare character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the "Transmetals: Episode 3" mini events.
*''Cheetor Transmetal'' — This Epic character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the third "Transmetals 2: Episode 1" mini event, and could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal-II.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Transmetal II as in Cheetor #2!]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Three modes, third Cheetor!]]
{{!}}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:CheetorEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*'''Ability: Bestial Fury - For 15 seconds, use melee attacks dealing 37.8 damage. Destroy buildings to increase your attack and movement speeds by 25% - the buff lasts 90 seconds and can stack 5 times.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:cheetor Cheetor at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:ForgedToFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|250px|"Oh! They fly now!" "They fly now?" "''They fly now!''"]]
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Cheetor was a feisty Maximal rookie who considered himself to be the fastest thing on land, and was good friends with fellow Maximal cat [[Tigatron]]. Although immature and sometimes reckless, Cheetor had the potential to become a great leader one day. At some point during the Beast Wars, Cheetor befriended some ancient ancestors of modern humans, although these ancient anthropoids did not yet possess the capacity for language. After returning to Cybertron, Cheetor and several other Maximals were reformatted into [[technorganic]] bodies and tasked with restoring a technorganic balance to Cybertron, battling Megatron's new army of [[Vehicon]] soldiers all the while.

At some point after returning to his own time period, Cheetor gave a lecture to the [[Confederated Terran Colonial Fleet|CTC Fleet]] academy on [[New Earth]] regarding the history of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:1999Transmetals2CheetorStock.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]
[[File:CheetorBMconcept.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Things usually do look more badass in concept art.]]
[[File:CheetorGameBoyColor1.jpg|thumb|upright=1|I wonder what ''Beast Machines'' Cheetor thinks of this artwork?]]

* Cheetor was initially developed as a panther with the name of "[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]", indicating that he was likely meant to be the Generation 1 character in a new form and providing the genesis of Cheetor's head design. A [[retool]] of the toy into a lion form of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (alternately an unrelated character) with a flocked mane was also planned, but ultimately dropped.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC-i7cgfHR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Hasbro concept presentation for McDonald's collaboration]</ref><ref>''[[Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Generations|Beast Generations]]''</ref> The 1996 [[McDonald's]] character [[Panther]] was also originally planned to be a version of Prowl/Cheetor, hence them sharing the same head design.
* [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s original plan for [[Transmetal]] Cheetor was to have his face mature over the course of the season, from a big-eared, wide-eyed, rounded face into one close to the toy. Also, he would have had a "Hero's Heart" which glowed after completing brave or heroic feats, somewhat akin to the classic anime character Astro Boy. Due to time and financial restrictions, none of these concepts panned out.
* [[Transmetal 2]] Cheetor's upper arms in both the cartoon and his card art have the shoulders swapped when compared to the toy due to a misassembled [[prototype]] of the toy being used as reference. In the art and his model, his left arm features a metallic shoulder and an organic forearm, while the right has an organic shoulder and a metallic forearm. This prototype can be found on the back of Deluxe Transmetal 2 packaging in the [[cross-sell]] section (image at right), and also features brown stripes, much like the card art. Evidence suggesting that this prototype was misassembled and that a last minute change didn't occur last-second before the toy's release comes from original toy concept art from Takara which has the arms in the exact same orientation as the final toy.<ref>[https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g1ezjNdHr4/XaUngnxDAJI/AAAAAAAA6jo/_qpMxGjbNVMiYNsR-WMeNntkfIdJSsJ9QCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/25.png Transmetal 2 Cheetor concept art] - on TFRAW.com</ref> If one ''really'' feels that strongly about having the arms on their toy in the same orientation as the prototype, both of the shoulders and the elbows are on ball joints and can easily be swapped to match.
* Though most early artwork for ''Beast Machines'' character designs were very different from the final product, Cheetor's design seems to have changed very little, with only the green being downplayed in his color scheme.
* ''[[Comic BomBom]]'' advertisements and the [[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|official guide]] for ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' feature Cheetor with a slightly different (and much happier) head than the version which appeared on the game's box and instruction manual. Both are sickeningly cute, though.
* In Japanese media, Cheetor has the quirk of ending sentences in a long, stressed "Jān", like a cute kitty growl. Cheetor also has the tendency to say "Woooow!" and speak English phrases (such as "beast mode") in a pronounced American accent to emphasize his cool, carefree attitude. In addition to all that, whenever firing his weapon, he would always shout "utsumashi!" ("fire!").
* A series of unusual decisions was made regarding Cheetor and Tigatron in the ''Beast Wars: Transmetals'' game's localization. In the Japanese version of the game, Cheetor has a red-tinged set of "Player 2" colors and an unlockable "Player 3" color scheme obviously based on Tigatron. The North American version of the game adds Tigatron as a playable character; instead of reassigning the pre-existing "Player 3" colors to him, a new color scheme that [[:File:N64Tigatron.jpg|looked less like Tigatron]] was created for him. Furthermore, Cheetor's Japanese "Player 2" colors were eliminated and his original Tigatron-themed colors were kept.
* According to ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'', Cheetor likes pie.
* In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Cheetor's Cybertronian body incorporates traits from his [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]] with the inclusion of the hooped wheels, visor, and vehicle mode from his canceled ''[[Transtech]]'' toy. Of course, the latter characteristics would eventually serve as the basis for [[Cheetor (Animated)|''Animated'' Cheetor]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Didn't base Nyx on anything in particular! Dinobot is much the same. I picture the orb on his chest as a nod to the spark gem gimmick but other than that I just wanted a samurai kinda look to his silhouette. The arm mounted blades kind of a nod the Gundam Spiegel|link=https://twitter.com/jcburcham/status/1357035373184962561|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* Cheetor is the first character to speak in ''Beast Wars'' and the last character to speak in ''Beast Machines''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cheetus'''<ref>The "Cheetus" [[Japanese language|Romanization]] is consistently used in Japanese media. An exception would be the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|Complete Manual]]'', the official strategy guide for the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' video game, which used "Cheetas".</ref> (チータス ''Chītasu''), '''Cheetor''' (チーター ''Chītā'')
*''French:'' '''Vélocitor''' (cartoon, "Speedor")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Sidor'''
*''Italian:'' '''Ghepard''' ("Cheet"), '''Metal Ghepard''' (Transmetal toy)
*''Korean:'' '''Cheeto''' (치토 ''Chito'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Bàozi''' (Taiwan, 豹子, "Leopard"), '''Huābào''' (Taiwan ''Beast Machines'', 花豹, "Leopard"), '''Huáng Bào''' (China ''Beast Wars'', 黄豹, "Yellow Leopard"), '''Bào Sīlìng''' (China ''Beast Machines'', 豹司令, "Commander Leopard")
*''Polish:'' '''Gepardon''' ("Cheetodon"), '''Kotor''' (Canal + Dubb, "Cattor")
*''Russian:'' '''Geptor'''
*''Spanish:'' '''Chitor''' (Spain), '''Chitah''' (America, "Cheetah")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Armada Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Cats]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Jungle Planet]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Maximal Command Security Force]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Resistance]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Law enforcement]]

Cheetor (BW)

2025-03-07T03:43:17Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon continuity */

{{disambig3|Cheetor}}
{{featured}}{{suite}}
{{factions|maximal|maximalbm|autobot|knight|jungleplanet}}
:''Cheetor is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Cheetor render.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|There he is, your little guy.]]

A young Maximal full to bursting with energy and exuberance, '''Cheetor''' is always ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. And, much to his colleagues' chagrin, he often does so without a moment's consideration or forethought. Nobody can fault his motives, just his methods. Sure, he's got a bit of cocky edge to him... after all, he is the fastest Maximal on four legs (and he knows it), making him an excellent advance scout and capable of running rings around opponents. And yeah, his enthusiasm often gets the better of him, and he doesn't seem to have much in the way of volume control. And he doesn't exactly handle people thinking he ''can't'' handle a job the best he could. But he's a kid with a good [[spark]] who just wants to do right. He just needs some guidance and experience... and a lot of luck, because this cat gets into a ''lot'' of scrapes.

Thankfully, [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], himself something of a young firebrand, keeps a steady eye on the young Maximal and tries to guide him, and in turn Cheetor affectionately calls him "Big Bot". And a friendship with his fellow "big cat" [[Tigatron]] is also helping the spotted speedster learn a little patience.

Who knows—maybe the lad is destined for [[Oracle (BM)|great things]] [[Matrix Templar|someday]].

{{bigquote|I'm not lookin' forward to the day they chronicle ''my'' early bonehead adventures onto a [[Data-Con|datacon]] for all the world to see.|Cheetor, about [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]|"[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
[[File:CheetorBW-2packcomic.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Whose tusks gleam in the night? Not his!]]

{{quote|Eyes of a '''stalker''' hunting its prey... The super-swift '''cheetah''' springs! But '''food''' is not on '''this''' hunter's mind...|[[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!]]}}

Cheetor was a quiet and confident warrior, who constantly stalked jungles in his search for Predacons. He was efficient, striking hard and fast with incredible reflexes in either mode. He was known to openly dare Predacons to challenge him and his laser-powered [[Quasar rifle|quasar cannon]]. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor Bio}}

In a swamp outside the [[Fusion Building]] genetics lab, a fleet of ferocious animals has gathered. Suddenly, the cheetah and his wild comrades are under attack by a massive crocodile! Surprise! This is a battle between [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his [[Maximal]]s and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]! Cheetor quickly transforms to attack [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], and the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] have begun! {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

After the [[quantum surge]], Cheetor acquired a [[Transmetal]] form that gave his robot mode the organic attributes that his beast mode once possessed. The upgrade gave Cheetor more power and agility than ever before, and this new body had flip-out cyber-thrust wings that gave him additional speed and limited flight. {{Storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetals Cheetor bio}}

Cheetor would later receive another upgrade from [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s cloning experiments, becoming a [[Transmetal 2]]. With this, he gained even more power and speed, but at the cost of bestial urges that he had to learn to control. With his new missile launcher and leap-thruster, Cheetor stirred fear in the Predacons he fought against. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#TM2|Transmetals 2 Cheetor bio}}

At some point, Cheetor acquired a highly advanced stealth armor and dubbed himself Night Slash Cheetor. This new armor granted Cheetor all sort of new abilities, including being undetectable to every known Vehicon radar and tracking systems and creating a negative psychological effects on [[Vehicon General]]s, rendering their drones useless in combat. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Machines|Night Slash Cheetor bio}}
{{--}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Mikhail Tihonov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Cássius Romero]] (Portuguese, Season 1), [[Tatá Guarnieri]] (Portuguese, Season 2 onwards), [[Bernard Métraux]] (French), [[Eberhard Haar]] (German), [[Mario Scarabelli]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Illescas]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Eduardo Jover]] (Casilian Spanish), [[Wonhyung Choi]] (Korean)}}

[[File:Cheetorbeast1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|What? Is it my breath?]]

The youthful 'bot who would become "Cheetor" was part of the Maximal exploration ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''; {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} unbeknownst to most members of the crew, its captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] had been secretly tasked with abandoning the murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]] far from Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} However, the ''Axalon'' would be diverted off-course to pursue [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, who'd stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and fled [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard a [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp]]-capable [[Darksyde (BW)|starship]].

After pursuing the Predacons across time and space, both sides crash-landed on a [[Earth|mysterious planet]] with abundant supplies of [[energon]]. To protect themselves from high levels of dangerous [[energon radiation]], the crew adopted [[beast mode]]s based on the native wildlife; upon reactivating in his new form, the youngest member of the crew renamed himself Cheetor. As Optimus, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] got to grips with their situation, Cheetor showed off his speed by racing some nearby cheetahs, but found himself outclassed when he opened fire on the airborne Predacon [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. When the other Maximals and Predacons turned up, Cheetor shot at Megatron in the middle of his speech, and his "underhanded sneak attack" sparked a full-fledged shootout. During the ensuing battle, Cheetor caught his foot in some rocks and Optimus had to rescue him. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

[[File:TheWeb-Cheetorcaptured.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Where is the RAT when you need him?]]

While returning to their ship, the rogue Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] barred their way and challenged Optimus to a duel. Although Cheetor was keen to fight in Primal's place, Rattrap restrained him; when the other Predacons interrupted the fight, the battle revealed a huge [[energon crystal]] in a nearby mountain, and the Maximals rushed to claim the bounty before the Predacons could take it for themselves. High amounts of energon radiation forced both sides to fight in their beast modes, and although Cheetor fared better against Waspinator the second time round the energon was all destroyed. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

Some time later, Cheetor enthusiastically volunteered to check out a new experimental comlink. Despite being under orders not to get into any combat situations, he unsuccessfully attempted to attack [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and was left heavily damaged. After a strange precognitive dream, he awoke back on the ''Axalon'', whether the other Maximals expressed their disappointment in his actions. After Rattrap dressed him down, Cheetor rushed out to make another attempt to capture the cannon that Scorponok was recovering, and was incapacitated by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Luckily for him, he was soon rescued by Rattrap, who also lied to Optimus to cover the young bot's hide. {{storylink|The Web}}

[[File:EqualMeasures Cheetor with gutgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Boy's got guts.]]

Though Cheetor was looking forward to another mission to install energon monitoring devices, Optimus delayed the mission due to a heavy storm. Dinobot managed to goad Cheetor into going out anyway, and, while placing one of the devices, a lightning bolt created a bizarre two-way teleportation effect between the Maximal and Predacon bases. Cheetor himself found himself in the ''Darksyde'', where he was able to hack the Predacon data files and discover that the two crashed ships lay on a common energon vein, meaning that an explosion at one base would destroy both. He managed to get the information back to Optimus, but Dinobot had already sent through a bomb—Cheetor was able to detach it from the console it was fixed to in time. He returned to the ''Axalon'', where he promised Optimus that he would pay more attention to orders... until the next time. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a decisive Maximal victory at the [[Standing Stones]], an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] swallowed Optimus Primal. The argument over who would lead turned into a secret ballot, during which, from Rhinox's reaction, Cheetor voted for Dinobot, suggesting he trusted the Predacon's leadership skills over those of Rattrap. As it turned out, the exercise was rendered pointless by the revelation that Optimus wasn't dead after all. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] discovered a [[flying mountain]] with a cache of super-powerful energon at the top, but he was spotted by Cheetor, who immediately dashed back to the ''Axalon'' to inform the other Maximals. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When one of the [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground and Optimus was damaged by a Predacon sneak attack, Cheetor, Rhinox and Rattrap set out to try to get to the pod, but were delayed by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. The Predacons beat them to the pod, but a last-minute gambit by Dinobot and Optimus meant that the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} A string of defeats led to Rattrap seemingly defecting to the Predacons after a falling-out with Optimus, much to Cheetor's disbelief. Eventually, however, the other Maximals learned that Primal and Rattrap had deliberately orchestrated everything to determine how the Predacons had been spying on the Maximals. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:Cheetor&badoptimus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Now I've got your power!]]

Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' when a fight caused Rhinox's new [[Sentinel (BW)|defense system]] to go out of control. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} Later, after Primal had been infected with a Predacon virus which caused uncontrollable rage, Optimus managed to persuade Cheetor to release him from his confinement, only for the Maximal leader to head off on a one-bot mission against the Predacons. After Primal had slagged most of the Predacons, Cheetor managed to get hold of the antivirus and administer it to Optimus. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a [[temporal probe]] from Cybertron came into range of the planet, the Maximals tried to set up a signal array to contact it. The Predacons had other idea though, and Tarantulas's [[Transformation Lock Lens|transformation lock lens]] trapped both Cheetor and Tigatron in their beast modes. The pair were captured and put in cages in the ''Darksyde'', but soon escaped and used the Predacon [[CR chamber]]s to fix themselves. They rejoined the fight in time to save Optimus and Rhinox from Megatron, but the Predacons prevented their signal from being sent. {{storylink|The Probe}}

After the apparent destruction of the Predacons in a bungled mutiny, the Maximals took the opportunity to ransack the abandoned ''Darksyde'' and use its parts to repair the ''Axalon'', although Cheetor remained cheerfully oblivious to Dinobot's internal conflict over the passing of his ex-comrades. The "mutiny" was revealed to be a ruse, and the Predacons revealed themselves as the Maximals prepared to launch. Cheetor provided cover fire for Optimus as his leader went to retrieve the injured Dinobot; when Terrorsaur hit a retreating Optimus from behind, Cheetor took down Terrorsaur before Megatron shot him. He managed to drag himself to the ''Axalon'' as it took off, and would've pulled Optimus onboard if not for Scorponok's parting shot. As he broke the sad news to his allies, he was ambushed by the stowaway Megatron and awoke to find the Axalon, too damaged to ever fly again, permanently grounded. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:The Spark Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"No!! Waspinator's come to steal the fanbase's affection!"]]

When Rhinox was twisted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], Cheetor was keen to rescue their friend. Eventually, however, Cheetor realized Optimus's plan was to simply let Rhinox run amok in the Predacon base, and once he'd weakened the dysfunctional Predacons the Maximals easily staged a rescue. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} On another occasion, Dinobot sent Cheetor and Optimus to search for the missing Rattrap, only to discover that the Dinobot who had sent them on the hunt was a [[Clone One|clone]] controlled by Megatron. By the time they got back to base, the clone had already been defeated—and devoured—by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

Rhinox and Cheetor got to another crashed stasis pod before anyone else, but the pod had sustained damage during its descent and high concentrations of energon radiation endangered the helpless [[protoform]] inside. Cheetor shut himself down to allow Rhinox to extract his [[locking chip]] to use in place of the damaged pod's one, and dreamed that Rhinox was telling him about [[spark]]s. After reawakening, Cheetor was forced to try to defend the pod against Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur without his [[robot mode]]. Though he managed to defeat the first two, Terrorsaur prevailed... only to be defeated by the newly activated [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Cheetor snake.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Featuring a scene from several fanfics.]]

During Tigatron's disappearance, Cheetor spotted Blackarachnia and Scorponok leaving the Predacon base on a mission. As it turned out, they were heading towards a [[Brigadoon|flying island]] which Tigatron had crashed on. Tigatron sent a [[Cyberbee]] containing footage of the island, which the Maximals were able to recover, despite Cheetor firing on it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Cheetor and Rhinox were forced to evacuate the ''Axalon'' after Blackarachnia took control of the island with the intent of using its weaponry to destroy the Maximal base. The spider's scheme was thwarted, but Cheetor bore witness to the island's final action: a beacon sent to its creators, who would most likely be very displeased with the island's demise. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Another Predacon gambit saw them stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} During a routine energy-harvesting run, an energon explosion caused a group of Maximals, of which Cheetor was a part, to be blinded far from base. As they attempted to journey home, Cheetor was attacked and severely damaged by a huge snake. He spent most of the rest of the journey on Rhinox's back, until they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide everyone in fending off the attack without the use of their sight, and they were soon found by Optimus. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, Cheetor shot down a cyberbee which was spying on them. Unfortunately the Predacons had gained enough information and the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body, enabling them to easily take over the ''Axalon''. The Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}} After Rattrap and Dinobot's bickering caused Rhinox to beome infected by a Predacon [[energon discharge virus]], Optimus insisted the pair go out alone to find the cure. Cheetor was part of the party which went to back them up when they located [[Tarantulas's lair]]. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

[[File:LawoftheJungle unhappy Tigatron and Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Tigatron's comrade [[Snowstalker]] was killed by incidental fire during a battle, and Cheetor tried unsuccessfully to comfort Tigatron. However,the other Maximal announced he would no longer be a part of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} After Megatron called a truce and the Maximals needed to find out what he was up to, Cheetor suggested that Rattrap infiltrate the Predacon base unarmed, so as to not violate the truce. Rattrap was less than impressed with the suggestion. In the end, Tigatron did the infiltrating, and the other Maximals covered his escape as Rhinox and Cheetor "intercepted" Terrorsaur with a sheet of metal. {{storylink|Before the Storm}}

It soon became clear that the enigmatic aliens who'd seeded the planet with [[energon]] were unhappy with the Cybertronians contaminating the results of their experiments, and intended to them out by "sterizing" the entire planet. From the planet below, Tigatron and Cheetor observed the [[Planet Buster|moon splitting open]], but were called back to base by Optimus. They got back as the alien weapon began super-heating the planet's surface, and helped the damaged Dinobot and Rhinox into [[CR chamber]]s. Optimus intended to use a stasis pod Tarantulas had been working on to attack the Planet Buster, despite Cheetor, Tigatron and Airazor all volunteering to go in his stead. As the pod lifted off, Cheetor managed to tune the sensors in to follow its path until it destroyed the Planet Buster—and thanks to Megatron's meddling, Optimus Primal as well. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Aftermath Rattrap Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|INVISIBEL KEYBORD]]

When the [[quantum surge]] from the explosion engulfed the planet, Cheetor's exostructure was mutated into a [[Transmetal]] body. Along with a tougher metal hide and built-in weaponry, his beast mode gained the ability to fly via two powerful thrusters in his torso. Unfortunately, his first attempt at flying led him on a one-way trip into a bulkhead. His new flight mode allowed him to be particularly effective against Waspinator in a subsequent battle until Megatron blasted him into a cliff; while trying to fly to safety, he accidentally crashed into Rattrap. Rhinox fortunately interceded before the pair could be slagged. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Rhinox tried to project his [[core consciousness]] into the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] to retrieve the [[spark]] of their deceased commander, and Cheetor left the ''Axalon'' to look for Dinobot, but ran into the Predacons and their new recruit [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. Rattrap and Dinobot answered his distress call and prepared for a showdown with the Predacons. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Though outnumbered, the trio persisted in defending the ''Axalon'', eventually capturing Silverbolt and taking him back to the ship for repairs. As the Predacons pressed on with their attack, the Maximals found themselves out of ammo, but were saved at the eleventh hour by Optimus Primal, who'd been resurrected with a new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

As he monitored the sensor grid, Cheetor reported some strange signals. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Rhinox worked out that there was an alien site in [[Grid Zeiram]], the area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Cheetor was sent to warn them. He was moments too late to prevent them from being shot into space by the alien plants there, much to his anguish. Though Cheetor wanted to rescue Tigatron and Airazor, the priority was on stopping Megatron, and the Maximals returned to Grid Zeiram, where a [[Metal Hunter|spaceship]] grew from the plant life and released an energy surge which incapacitated all the Cybertronians. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} As the Transmetals and [[Fuzor]]s recovered quickly from its effects, Cheetor and Silverbolt took Dinobot and Rhinox back to base for repairs. After Megatron took control of the alien craft, the Maximals launched an attack on it and distracted Megatron long enough for Rattrap to undertake some sabotage. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:CodeOfHero-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|NEEEEOOOOWWWWWNNNNN]]

While flying on patrol, Cheetor spotted Protoform X's stasis pod and finally learned the true story behind the ''Axalon'''s mission. The Predacons arrived to try and take control of the pod, and weaponsfire caused the raw energon beneath the pod to explode. The damaged Optimus and Cheetor returned to base, and were repaired in time to help Silverbolt and Blackarachnia temporarily incapacitate Protoform X. However, when the Maximals left to consult Rhinox's expertise, Megatron seized the opening and forcibly conscripted X-now "Rampage"- into the Predacons. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} On another patrol, Cheetor encountered the Predacon forces and communicated their position to Dinobot. After Dinobot died defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons, Cheetor extinguished the flames in the valley and later joined the other Maximals in mourning their loss. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While out hunting for yet another Predacon jamming tower, Rattrap and Cheetor stumbled on a stasis pod containing a strangely mutated [[Transformer]], which became known as [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]]. Unfortunately the first thing it did was break up their fight with the Predacons using its sonic attack. As Rattrap later joked about the creature's appearance, Cheetor pointed out Transmutate was standing right behind him. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda1 Cheetor with tail club.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Kitten with a whip.]]

The Maximals were overjoyed when Rhinox revealed that the transwarp wavefront from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by Cybertron and a rescue mission sent. Cheetor was looking forward to going to [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]], much to Rattrap's embarrassment. Instead of the expected rescue mission, they got [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], a Predacon operative sent to apprehend Megatron. Joining forces, they mounted an attack on the ''Darksyde''. Cheetor was blasted by the defense systems. Twice. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't present when Megatron was finally captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

With the Maximals in control, Optimus order Cheetor to go out and look for Blackarachnia, whom Silverbolt had allowed to escape. Cheetor assured Silverbolt, who had developed feelings for the Predacon, that he would bring her in in one piece, only for Silverbolt to punch him out, leaving to find Blackarachnia himself. He and Optimus instead went to fetch some energon crystals stashed by Tarantulas, only to run into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and were forced to retreat when the crazed Predacon blew up the energon. The pair headed back for the ''Axalon'', only to be informed by Rattrap over the commlink that Ravage had switched sides—a fact made obvious by the [[transwarp cruiser]] bearing down on them with Megatron riding atop. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} Pinned down on the battlefield, Optimus and Cheetor were blasted flat by Megatron (although Cheetor managed to deal with Quickstrike first), but fortunately survived without too much damage. After Rattrap took out the transwarp cruiser, the Maximals set out in pursuit of the retreating Megatron.

[[File:Agenda3 Cheetor handblasters.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|KA-ME-HA-MEEEEEE...]]

As it turned out, the Predacon leader had set a course for the ark [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] buried in [[Mount St. Hilary]]. The Maximals worked frantically to dig out the cave in he'd created to block their passage, and then to evade the Ark's defenses, but were too late to prevent Megatron from shooting a stasis-locked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head and triggering a [[timestorm]] that threatened to wipe the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The Maximals managed to temporarily preserve the time by stabilizing Optimus Prime and allowing Optimus Primal to temporarily carry the [[spark]] of their Autobot ancestor. Cheetor and the newly "optimised" Optimus set out to stop the Predacons from attacking the ''Axalon'', with Cheetor taking out both Waspinator and Inferno, but the pair were helpless to stop them from destroying their base, and after saving Optimus Prime the Maximals set up a new headquarters in the cavern that housed the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Some time later, Cheetor was out on patrol when he saw a [[Starhopper|spaceship]] entering Earth's atmosphere. He was in the middle of a radio report when Rampage shot him down, and he was rescued by new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who left him on a small rock; with his jets damaged, Cheetor had to wait to be rescued by Optimus. The pair picked up Depth Charge, who'd lost his fight with Rampage, and took him back to base for repairs. Cheetor's attempt to thank the new Maximal resulted in Depth Charge insulting him and swatting him aside. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:Cheetort2.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Just standing in pieces of myself, no big deal.]]

When Rattrap was assigned to recover Sentinel from the underwater remains of the ''Axalon'', Cheetor was highly amused at the [[Subaquatic stealth vessel|jury-rigged submarine]] that would be used and imagined that it would be a swell kitty toy. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} While looking after [[Chak]] and [[Una]], after the pair had become separated from their tribe, Cheetor displayed the first hints of a crush on Blackarachnia, much to Silverbolt's displeasure. He volunteered to accompany her on a mission to return the children to their people, and took a liking to the two primitive humans. As soon as they were attacked by a [[Cyber raptor]], he was blasted off a cliff and his jets damaged. Then, during another battle with Tarantulas and a pack of Cyber raptors, he was blasted from behind by Waspinator. Primal and Silverbolt soon joined the battle, but Optimus was quickly incapacitated by a new [[cyber venom]]. They were all saved by [[Blix|the anthropoid leader]], who attacked the raptors with his club. Despite his newfound affection for Blackarachnia, the ex-Predacon rebuffed his advances and walked off with Silverbolt. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

Optimus and Cheetor were unsuccessful in preventing the Predacons stealing another stasis pod—amidst the chaos, Cheetor accidentally took out Optimus, much to his embarrassment. Ignoring Primal's orders to get some backup, Cheetor went on alone and assisted Depth Charge in battling the Predacons as they used the extraterrestrial [[Transmetal driver]] to create a [[Dinobot II|monstrous Dinobot clone]]. Despite seizing the Transmetal driver and throwing it to Depth Charge, Megatron knocked Cheetor into the cloning machine, overloading his body with alien energy and triggering an explosion that seemingly destroyed him. The Maximals assumed that Cheetor had perished, but after Depth Charge had been captured by Predacons, the group was attacked by a monstrous cybernetic feline. A short time later, a damaged Cheetor returned to the Maximal base and collapsed on their doorstep. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

Refusing use of the CR chamber, Cheetor had troubled dreams as he slept in his own quarters. As he dreamt about changing into a monstrous creature, the energy of his mutated [[spark]] changed him into his feral mutant form, whereupon he burst from the base and inadvertently attracted the attention of the Predacons. Some time later, Cheetor awoke in a cave, back in his Transmetal form and totally repaired, but with confused memories of what had happened. He returned to base and claimed to have disposed of the "cyber creature", but Optimus insisted on seeing the remains in an attempt to get the young bot to tell him the truth. While in the jungle, however, the pair were attacked by Dinobot and Waspinator, who'd been sent to capture Cheetor, and the sight of the two Predacons incapacitating Optimus was the jolt he needed to permanently mutate into his [[Transmetal 2]] form. With his new body, Cheetor made short work of the Predacons, but struggled to control his feral beast mode instincts and had to be coaxed into returning to robot mode. This "cyber-puberty" intensified his romantic attraction to Blackarachnia; upon returning to base, he was quite pleased when she admired his new form, unaware that she merely saw him as a means to secure Transmetal 2 technology for herself. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:Go with the Flow Cheetor kids.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

While the Maximals analyzed Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Cheetor drooled over the scans of her internal structure. Sick of Cheetor's romantic advances, she finally pulled her gun on him and warned him to back off before Optimus broke up the conflict by sending Cheetor out on patrol. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} Eventually, Cheetor began trying to teach Chak and Una some advanced concepts, including how to defend themselves against Predacons and some basic engineering concepts. The class was interrupted when the Predacons abducted Una, but the girl was able to put Cheetor's teachings to the test with favorable results. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

[[File:CrossingtheRubicon Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"U-G-L-Y - I ain't got no alibi!"]]

After Blackarachnia made an aborted attempt to upgrade herself with the Transmetal driver, Cheetor was concerned for her safety. He assisted in defending the base against a Predacon attack while Rhinox worked on removing the Predcaon shell program from Blackarachnia. As the Predacons retreated, their jubilation was cut short by the news that Blackarachnia didn't make it. As the Maximals eulogized her, Cheetor said she was something special. Fortunately, however, Blackarachnia was restored to life and transformed into a Transmetal 2 Maximal by the Transmetal driver. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] taking control of Optimus Primal. The first thing he did was punch out Cheetor and lock the young Maximal in a cage. All of the Maximals were released in time to fight off a newly upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

Cheetor was sent to stop [[Tigerhawk]] from destroying Megatron, an act which would also destroy the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark, but he was quickly incapacitated by Tarantulas, who had plans of his own. Cheetor dreamed of Tigatron, Airazor and the [[Vok]], before waking and breaking free of his bonds. The fused spark from his dream guided him to Tarantulas's lair, where he was able to pull Tigerhawk clear before the lair exploded. {{storylink|Other Victories}} Depth Charge soon spotted the fugitive Predacons, and Cheetor was part of the group that went after them, though he just ended up escorting Blackarachnia and a badly damaged Silverbolt back to base. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} With Megatron on the way in the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]], the Maximals hurried to try to get the Ark ready to be moved, but were unable to get the ship moving. Fortunately a last minute schematic download pointed them to a [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|shuttle]] stored in the Ark, and, after Rhinox used it to assault the Nemesis, the Maximals watched the warship crash in the distance. Convinced that they'd won the Beast Wars, Optimus, Cheetor, Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Rhinox, and Rattrap headed back for Cybertron aboard the shuttle with a defeated Megatron lashed to the ship's hull. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)|[[Yao Jude]] (Chinese), [[Hercules Fernando]] (Portuguese), [[Victor Covarrubias]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Julio Lorenzo]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Björn Schalla]] (German), [[Massimo De Ambrosis]] (Italian), [[Marc Weiss]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Cheetor beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

While returning home from prehistoric Earth through [[unspace|transwarp]], Megatron successfully broke free from his restraints and somehow arrived on Cybertron before the Maximals. By the time that Cheetor and the other Maximals returned home, Megatron had infected the citizens of Cybertron with a debilitating [[transformation virus]] that allowed him to extract the [[spark]]s from their paralyzed bodies, then conquered the planet with an army of mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. Moments after the Maximals dropped out of transwarp and arrived in Cybertronian orbit, an automated defense grid shot down their ship; after landing on Cybertron the six Maximals were pursued by an army of [[Tank Drone]]s and exposed to the virus as they tried to escape. While Rhinox and Silverbolt were instantly incapacitated, their Transmetal upgrades allowed the four remaining Maximals to withstand the worst of the virus—however, they were forcibly "devolved" back into their original organic configurations and lost their short-term memories. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

Unable to transform or remember how he arrived on Cybertron, Cheetor began searching for a [[CR chamber]], but wound up inadvertently rescuing Optimus and Rattrap from a Tank Drone. Guided by Primal's mysterious flashes of intuition, the three headed underground, picking the equally disoriented Blackarachnia up along the way; as their symptoms worsened, they headed deeper and deeper into the planet's sublevels until they eventually discovered the mysterious [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] supercomputer. The Oracle [[reformatting|reformatted]] the four into new [[technorganic]] bodies, immune to Megatron's virus; when confronted with a swarm of [[Cycle Drone]]s, however, they discovered that their new bodies lacked [[onboard computer]]s and couldn't transform out of their beast modes. When Optimus finally transformed by finding his "emotional still point", Cheetor admired his new [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Cheetor deflects shots.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Trust us, in ''context'' this scene is really cool.]]

The Maximals established a temporary base in the underground as they attempted to remaster the art of transformation. Cheetor and Blackarachnia soon got the hang of the process, until a [[Mole Drone]] attack caused them to lose their focus and revert to beast mode. Although Blackarachnia and Cheetor argued in favor of going topside and searching for survivors, Primal ordered them to concentrate on training as they split up to find a new base. Blackarachnia persuaded Cheetor to travel to [[Cybertropolis]], only to find the city deserted and the [[Cybertron InfoCore]] erased. As they came under attack by [[Aero Drone]]s, Primal came to their rescue, and confronted Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] while Cheetor and Blackarachnia used their new robot modes in combat against the Vehicons. However, they were eventually forced to drag Primal to safety when the Maximal leader nearly gave in to his anger at losing the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

An attempt to access the [[Cybertron Archives]] didn't go much better, and when a shot knocked Blackarachnia unconscious Cheetor wound up having to carry her to safety. Later on, he and Optimus had to save Rattrap and Blackarachnia again when the pair broke into in the [[Central Spaceport]] and attempted to access the computer on their impounded shuttle. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits-Cheetorcrouch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

As Optimus Primal attempted to track the presence of a familiar spark, Rattrap and Cheetor broke into a secure laboratory and discovered samples of both the transformation virus and a transformation enhancing counter-virus. Despite Cheetor's misgivings, Rattrap swiped the enhancer while Cheetor's back was turned, and his uncontrolled transformations attracted the attention of the [[Vehicon General]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], who captured the group and brought them into Megatron. Although the Maximals escaped captivity and even briefly turned Tankor to their side, Megatron was able to remotely erase Tankor's recent memories and reprogram him back into a loyal Vehicon before he could be reformatted. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Cheetor and Blackarachnia continued to train with encouragement from Optimus, despite Cheetor's insistence that he relied on instinct, not blind faith. During one sparring session, the Maximals encountered what appeared to be an organic bat; in reality, this was the young Maximal [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who'd somehow survived Megatron's planetwise purge. Nightscream led the Maximals to a mysterious fruit tree which he'd been living off of, but Cheetor—insisting that they only processed energon—refused Optimus's suggestion that they try some. As it turned out, the fruit caused the Maximals to mentally devolve into primitives, which endangered their lives when [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] attacked with a squad of Aero Drones. As the only Maximal who hadn't eaten the fruit, Cheetor felled the tree, which instantly returned the others to normal. However, Optimus was forced to reformat the mortally wounded Nightscream into a technorganic body; the experience left him extremely weak, but he admitted that Cheetor had been correct in trusting his instincts. With Primal indisposed, Cheetor took over as his temporary replacement. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

While on a reconnaissance mission in a Tank Drone factory, Cheetor's orders went unheeded by Rattrap, who ended up wrecking the whole plan. Understandably angry at his comrade, Cheetor brushed off Rattrap's suggestions that they should attack Megatron while the Vehicon leader was weak. He did stick up for Rattrap when Blackarachnia and Nightscream suggested getting rid of their comrade; however, Rattrap overheard his suggestion that they cover for Rattrap until Optimus recovered, which briefly drove Rattrap to join Megatron. After Optimus had recovered and helped resolve the situation, Optimus reminded the others not to underestimate their fellow Maximal. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Revelations2 Cheetor looks wary.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was glad when Optimus retook command, and bluntly rebuked Nightscream's suggestion that he was still too weak to lead. Nonetheless, when Cheetor had to save Optimus's life during a battle in a factory, and Optimus became lost in his own regrets at what Megatron had done, Cheetor was forced to take command and lead the withdrawal. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Optimus grew increasingly withdrawn and spent more and more time communing with the Oracle, forcing Cheetor to handle the day-to-day tasks of leading the Maximals in their guerrilla war against the Vehicons. Armed with the knowledge that the Vehicon Generals housed Maximal sparks, Cheetor's plan was for Nightscream and Blackarachnia to distract [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and Jetstorm while he and Rattrap attempted to convert Tankor back into a Maximal. Cheetor was able to distract the Tank Drones while Rattrap hacked into Tankor, and discovering that the Vehicon was their old friend Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:TheKey-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Though Cheetor remained skeptical, the pair decided to try to reawaken their friend, but ended up fleeing from the enraged Vehicon. Optimus was able to restore Rhinox's personality by directly contacting his spark, but Rhinox announced that he would side with Megatron instead. Back at their headquarters, Optimus announced that he finally understood the Orcale's plan: to return organic life to Cybertron, although Cheetor wasn't convinced Cybertron had ever supported a biosphere. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} While trying to find Nightscream's tree again, the Maximals were ambushed by Vehicons, who abducted Nightscream. The Maximals were able to rescue him, and, in the process stumbled across a [[Fossil chamber|cavern full of ancient fossils]] that seemingly confirmed Optimus's assertion. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After relocating to the fossil chamber and planting a single seed from Nightscream's old fruit tree, the Maximals set about trying to find water—despite Cheetor's assertion that they should instead be attacking Megatron instead. An attempt to drill for water yielded a strange, [[organic goop|organic fluid]] which spontaneously sprouted plants before Tankor arrived used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn both Nightscream and the fledgling orchard into [[Living metal|technomatter]]. Despite Cheetor's attempts to save it, the drill was damaged by the drones extracting Tankor, and the Vehicon General seemingly overloaded himself and perished. Cheetor and Optimus disagreed over their next course of action, but Cheetor came up with a plan to use a Mole Drone to drill to the planet's [[organic core]] and get more goo to cure Nightscream. During the battle to get control of a factory, Rattrap again found himself in the middle of a leadership tug-of-war between Optimus and Cheetor. While the Maximals succeeded in getting control of a Mole Drone, Megatron promptly retook as they reached the orchard. Cheetor reluctantly followed Optimus's lead, and although the drone's passage unleashed an organic geyser that returned both Nightscream and Blackarachnia to normal, Cheetor snapped that he wasn't a kid anymore and demanded more respect. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:TheCatalyst irritated Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

The Maximals held a brief memorial service for Rhinox before concentrating on trying to make their orchard succeed. A catalyst Rattrap found caused the plants to grow ''too'' well, forcing the other Maximals to rescue him from the rapidly growing vines. Cheetor was keen to weaponize the vines against the Vehicons, but Optimus claimed the Oracle had other plans. When it turned out that Blackarachnia had left to try and turn Thrust back into Silverbolt, Cheetor took the opportunity to prove that his plan would work by rescuing her with a giant vine. However, the Vehicons zapped it into technomatter, and only Optimus's swift thinking saved the rest of the orchard from a second infection. Optimus was not pleased, but he knew that the Maximals had much bigger concerns. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

In search of information on who had tampered with the Oracle, Cheetor and Rattrap hacked into the central computer, but were forced to retreat before learning anything. They returned to the other Maximals, and Optimus—now thoroughly convinced that his mission was to restore Cybertron to its primordial, organic state—led them to the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which, if opened, would destroy all technology on the planet. Shocked, Cheetor talked him out of opening the chamber and came up with an alternate plan to get Rattrap to find a way to disable the duplicate Keys. The operation was curtailed when Rattrap was zapped into technomatter by Tankor, leading Optimus to confront Megatron in person. Cheetor and the other Maximals continued fighting, but were overcome by Vehicons and turned into technomatter, moments before Optimus made the ultimate gambit and mentally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber to counter the Key to Vector Sigma. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Cheetor's hopeful face.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

The two diametrically opposed energies unleashed by the two competing doomsday weapons managed to cancel each other out just long enough for Optimus to redirect the energy maelstrom into the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], at the cost of his own life. Restored to health by this sacrifice, the Maximals were shocked to find their leader dead; while Cheetor reacted violently to Nightstream's comment that Cheetor wanted him gone, he nevertheless stepped up as an interim leader and even negotiated a temporary ceasefire with the two remaining Vehicon Generals. Cheetor led the other Maximals back down to the Oracle chamber, where they discovered that Primal's consciousness still existed within the Oracle itself, guilt-ridden from nearly destroying Cybertron. However, Cheetor's impassioned speech helped Optimus realize his ''true'' mission—to bring the organic and technological together—and choose life over joining the Matrix. Cheetor suggested the next step should be to find the missing sparks, but when they approached the Council Citadel, a [[Grand Mal|giant floating head]] hovered into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}

[[File:WolfintheFold raging Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Low down scammers got me seein' red!]]

While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, Cheetor led the other Maximals in attempting to find Jetstorm and Thrust. However, they encountered [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]], whose transformation into the draconic "Savage" was uncontrollable. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Cheetor favored leniency in dealing with Noble, but the creature was soon revealed to be Megatron, who transferred his [[spark]] into the Grand Mal and reactivated the Vehicon drones, forcing the Maximals to flee underground once again. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

While trying to save Nightscream from a pack of drones, Optimus and Cheetor were drawn aboard the Grand Mal via a tractor beam and interrogated for information. They were soon rescued by Silverbolt, whom Blackarachnia had resurrected from Jetstorm. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, giving Cheetor a rather more forceful leadership style and causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. Though Cheetor seemed to fight it for a short period, he soon succumbed again, even taking his frustrations out on Optimus physically. Finally, they realized what was happening and managed to work together. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

With their new [[technorganic orchard]] failing, Cheetor tried to console Optimus. The news of a crashing ship led the Maximals to encounter [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal who'd adopted a plant-based [[alternate mode]], who lent her talents to tending their garden. {{storylink|Home Soil}} They would later encounter two new Vehicon Generals created by Megatron—[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} When the Maximals split up in their search for the missing sparks, Silverbolt revealed he still regarded Cheetor as a "kid", much to Cheetor's annoyance. Once Cheetor saved their lives by getting rid of the drones, Silverbolt developed more respect for him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Endgame2 sparkpower Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Vegeta! What does the scouter say about his power level?]]

The reappearance of Noble caused problems for the Maximals, leading Cheetor to suggest that Nightscream get rid of the creature before it got them all killed. Noble, however, did help them as Cheetor, Silverbolt and Nightscream distracted the drones so that Optimus could sneak into the Grand Mal and prevent Megatron from consuming any more of the captive sparks he'd imprisoned. The action cost Noble his life, and all of the Maximals mourned him. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} With Megatron's spark seemingly destroyed thanks to Nightscream, the Maximals briefly celebrated. However, Megatron's spark lived on, albeit in a disembodied state, and Cheetor tangled with it when it possessed the corpse of an Aero Drone. Eventually, Rattrap trapped it in a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Maximals endofBMac.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Primal's dream comes true: the universe's largest cannabis garden.]]

Although the Maximals now held control of the Grand Mal and the captive sparks, they came under siege from a renewed army of Vehicons—made worse when Rattrap made a misguided attempt to save Botanica by shutting down the fortress's shield, and Optimus had to stop Cheetor telling off the rodent. Fortunately the three of them survived the Grand Mal crashing. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}}

Down but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. The Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Cheetor found himself facing the three Vehicon Generals on his own, but was able to use the anti-gravity generators to fire Obsidian and Strika into orbit. Cheetor struggled with Thrust, but finally used a [[spark extractor]] against him. He was unprepared to face his next foe—Megatron, newly installed into a duplicate of Primal's old "optimal" body—and finally had his own spark torn out by a Cycle Drone. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}} After a city-spanning battle, Optimus sacrificed himself to destroy Megatron and reformat Cybertron into a technorganic paradise. Cheetor and the other Maximals were restored to their bodies; as the captive sparks were reborn, Cheetor had a final vision from the Oracle, who told him that Optimus would always be with them. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Cheetor encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]] (after Cheetor initially believed Hot Rodimus was one of their ancestors). With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

=====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''=====
[[File:BWDS 3.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

At some point after Starscream left the Beast Wars, the Maximals and Predacons fought. During a battle against Waspinator, Cheetor used his speed to avoid the bug's Beebee Shot attack and nailed him in the face with his own Laser Shot. {{storylink|Cheetor Chapter}} The Laser Shot wasn't enough, though, and Waspinator countered with another round of his Beebee Shot. {{storylink|Waspinator Chapter}}

Later, after several [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from [[Transformers (film)|another dimension]] showed up, {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} the appropriate factions teamed up and charged one another in a massive clash of warriors. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

{{--}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Epiloge-MaximalCelebration.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Yub nub!]]

Following the [[Great Transformation]], Cheetor recalled learning from Optimus Primal that Rhinox was not gone for good, as his spark had gone adrift and ended up in an alternate world known as the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]]. When he shared this information with his friends, Rattrap and the wayward Waspinator volunteered to find Rhinox, prompting Cheetor to reformat them into their original Earth modes and send them through a portal to the Legends world. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He was elated to see the two return with Rhinox accompanying. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

Some time later, Cheetor, the other Maximals, and Waspinator were all relaxing by a campfire. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}

{{--}}

====3H comics====

[[File:CheetorBW-GroundZero.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|In which Cheetor has a rugged, dimpled chin.]]

Cheetor was originally a cadet at the [[Maximal Command Security Force]] academy. A huge fan of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], he styled his original [[alternate mode]] after Rodimus's vehicle form. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

One day, while on prehistoric Earth, Airazor and Rhinox were basking in the glow of a quiet Predacon-less day. In contrast, Cheetor was bored. Fortunately for Cheetor, he got his wish, and the sound of explosions alerted the three to a battle over the horizon. Unfortunately for Cheetor, he was quickly blasted into inaction by [[Packrat]], who'd become unstable after an encounter with [[Furmanite]]. Later, he was okay, and he accompanied his fellow Maximals home. {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Terminus-CheetorandRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]

Later, at a point after Cheetor had acquired his [[Transmetal 2]] form, he and the other Maximals set out to investigate a temporal anomaly detected by Rhinox. They encountered the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. After Megatron took off to reach the time-traveler that both teams had previously detected, Optimus was forced to pursue him, leaving his troops against insurmountable odds. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. As they encroached, an explosion hit Rhinox, knocking him offline. Then, suddenly, Predacon fire ceased entirely. Cheetor was the first to check over their cover, his concern for Rhinox overriding his sense of self-preservation. Cheetor looked on to see [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], the aforementioned time-traveler, flying above the disabled Predacons, and encircled with Unicron's dark essence. The possessed 'bot swooped down and seized Cheetor in his talons, causing excruciating pain to shoot through the young Maximal. Just as Cheetor began to wish for oblivion to escape the torture, Windrazor was able to expunge Unicron's essence from himself, and set Cheetor down. Then, Shokaract appeared... {{storylink|Paradox}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals faced the time-traveling warlord. Unfortunately, they were no match for the [[Unicron]]-powered juggernaut and Cheetor was crushed in Shokaract's claws. This battle, as well as Shokaract's existence itself, would soon be retroactively erased from Cheetor's timeline with the efforts of the legendary [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]]. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Sentinelcryotekwreckersfinale.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|So they ''have'' been seen in the same room together!]]

Shortly after Megatron's final defeat and the [[Great Transformation]] that reformatted Cybertron into a technorganic world, the [[Quintesson]]s seized the opportunity to attack in the belief that the sudden change would weaken and confuse the planet's inhabitants. Cheetor initially took part in repelling the [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] invasion, until the Oracle guided him underground, where he reunited with a resurrected Tigatron and worked alongside his idol Rodimus as they battled [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] deep underground, which revealed them both as [[Matrix Templar]]s. While Cheetor and Rodimus used their Matrix Templar abilities to help defeat Cryotek with the help of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], Rattrap, and Botanica, Rodimus ultimately perished. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

A year later, Cheetor and the rest of Cybertron eagerly awaited at [[Memorial Spaceport]] for the return of five Autobot heroes from the Great War: [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]. The event was covered by the famous journalist [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]], and when Cheetor had trouble communicating in front of a camera, Rattrap happily took over for him. Quickly thereafter, the Autobots' ship arrived, and its occupants were shocked at the changes Cybertron had gone through. Cheetor demonstrated to the older warriors that the planet's inhabitants had also gone through a metamorphosis by transforming into his technorganic cheetah mode. Unfortunately, the event's pleasantries were interrupted when the five Autobots, plus Blackarachnia and Silverbolt were all abducted by [[Unicron]] right before the gathered crowd's optics. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[File:Abduction-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

A short time later, however, Cheetor bore witness as the resurrected Optimus Primal returned with ten abducted Autobots and Maximals (though not Blackarachnia and Shadow Striker) plus a handful of other Transformers stranded in their universe. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Cheetor's techorganic Cybertron became a staging ground for the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] in the [[multiverse]]-spanning [[Universe War]], as a resurrected Optimus Primal, guided by Primus himself, led a campaign against the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. Cheetor accompanied the returnees to the [[Oasis Research and Development Facility]], where [[Ratchet (Universe)|Ratchet]] and [[Striker]] began research on Sideswipe to see if they could cure the [[Unicron virus|Unicron contamination]] they had all suffered while in the [[Pit (Universe)|Pit]]. Cheetor expressed his doubts about Optimus Primal's return, reasoneding that being dead may have changed Primal, and Silverbolt added that it could all be a Unicron trick. Rattrap, surprisingly, was the one who reminded the two that this was Optimus Primal they were talking about. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

The war continued as Optimus Primal led the Children of Primus against the forces of Unicron across the multiverse, but the conflict eventually took a toll on Cheetor and the others. Contaminated by constant exposure to Unicron's corrosive essence, Cheetor was afflicted with the nanotech "[[Unicron virus]]", which worsened with time. To keep from descending into madness or deactivation, Cheetor was rebuilt and purified by Primal's [[Matrix of Purification]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Optimus Primal profile}}
The Universe War ground on for an unspecified length of time until one raid on the Chaos Bringer, which included Primal, Cheetor, and several others, ended with Unicron suddenly dissolving beneath them thanks to the effects of the cross-dimensional [[Unicron Singularity]]. Cheetor, [[Ramulus|Longhorn]], and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] were carried away by Optimus Primal through a portal to safety. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{--}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
Cheetor was snoozing on the floor of the shuttle back to Cybertron when Rattrap fell asleep and dreamed about encountering other Maximals on Earth. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
He awoke, affected by a Transwarp agitator planted on the shuttle by a new team of Predacons hiding on Earth. This device caused Cheetor and the other Maximals aboard to act aggressively towards one-another, and they tried to force Rattrap into the ship's C.R. Chamber due to its influence. Rattrap resisted, managed to get away, and deactivated the ship's Transwarp drive. Though this restored the Maximals to their senses, it also returned them to prehistoric Earth. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology (1)====
Near the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], shortly after Megatron [[Master Blaster|combined his spark with that of the original Megatron's]], the newly reconfigured Predacon leader hatched a new plan. Quickstrike was ordered to sneak into the Maximal base and place a transmitter which would increase the aggression of Cheetor and the other Maximals. Quickstrike was successful, and soon Cheetor was fighting that annoying little jerk, Rattrap. Fortunately, Optimus Primal was able to detect something was wrong, despite the transmitter's effects on himself, and the Maximals deactivated the transmitter and defeated Quickstrike. Cheetor and the others raced into the Ark, where they found Megatron, confused after a mental battle with his namesake, attempting to control the lifeless body of Starscream. Megatron fled. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

Later on Cybertron, just before the [[Battle for the Spark]] was over, [[Spark of Darkness|Megatron's spark polarity had been inverted, and his tortured life force traveled all over Cybertropolis]]. As Megatron's spark approached Cheetor and Nightscream, he was consumed with hatred for the both of them: for Nightscream because his actions recently had put him in this very predicament, and for Cheetor "because... well, because he's Cheetor". {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:BWGatherCheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
As Magmatron observed the timeline wherein the Beast Wars were taking place, he witnessed Cheetor being blown away by Terrorsaur's projectiles. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Cheetor appeared outside the ''Ark'' alongside Optimus Primal and Rhinox. Showing concern for Optimus, as the big monkey seemed to sense a presence that Cheetor pointed out to be seemingly non-existent. Somewhat freaked-out by Optimus's odd behavior, both Cheetor and Rhinox convinced Optimus that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:CheetorBW-DawnofFuturesPast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|Fur is murder!]]
A former cadet of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], a Maximal who would later call himself Cheetor left the organization young after being recruited by Optimus Primal based on his leadership potential. "Cheetor" enthusiastically joined the crew of the ''Axalon'', hoping to see the furthest reaches of space. His [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] could reach 550 mph, making him the fastest Maximal aboard the ''Axalon'' even before landing on prehistoric Earth. Cheetor served as the ship's communications officer.

Cheetor and the rest of the Axalon crew were waylaid on a Maximal space station for weeks, waiting for their exploration mission to begin. Finally, after leaving the space station, Optimus Primal explained the reason for their delay: they were ordered by the [[Maximal High Council]] to deposit a [[Rampage (BW)|precious cargo]] on a barren moon. But before this could be achieved, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by [[Maximal Command]] with new orders. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a treasured Maximal artifact, had been stolen by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], and he and a band of Predacon criminals left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in a stolen ship. Since the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship, they were ordered to intercept.

But there were other ships en route. An [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|unknown Predacon ship]] appeared and attacked them. Their mysterious attacker was countered by another strange ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]''. Ultimately, the ''Axalon'' was able to destroy the Predacon ship but not before serious damage was dealt the ''Chromia 10''. The [[spark]]s of the two Maximals on board were beamed aboard the ''Axalon'' and [[Spark core transfer|placed]] inside [[blank]] [[protoform]]s to save their lives.

Just as the battle seemed to be over, Cheetor received an incoming transmission from Megatron's stolen ship. Megatron introduced himself and disappeared through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal. Cheetor and the rest of the ''Axalon'' crew followed blindly. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

After [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Cheetor fought the Predacons during a plot to launch an orbital weapon. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-notsuccessful.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right]]
His impetuous streak tamed by his time under Optimus Primal's leadership, Cheetor was able to use his departed teacher's lessons to interface with the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and this act allowed him to become the living embodiment of the ancient wisdom it contained. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} He would subsequently take the name of "'''Alpha Trizer'''", becoming the spiritual leader of Cybertron. With his political power, he reinstated the [[Wreckers]] to defend Cybertron's interests in the galaxy and appointed [[Primal Prime]] as leader, in part to separate him from [[Ginrai (robot)|Ginrai]]. To this end, Trizer recruited troublesome Cybertronians unable to deal with a peaceful Cybertron, especially from those who frequented the [[Cybertropolis Detention Center]]. Trizer also reinstated the [[Knights of Cybertron]] as the new [[Cybertronian Knight]]s and placed Ginrai as Knight Commander. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

[[File:HtF-AlphaTrizer-Beastmode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
When the Knights lost contact with the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]] and received a scrambled warning from [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]], Ginrai insisted that the Knights take action, but Knight Grand Master Alpha Trizer countered with waiting for further word from Devcon, doubting that Cybertron was in danger after being at peace for so long. Soon after, Devcon called for help against the [[Star Seeker]]s: the pirates were inside [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head, trying to reactivate it in order to drain all of Cybertron's energon. Ginrai's team, including Alpha Trizer, space bridged straight there and promptly engaged the Star Seekers. The [[Dread Pirate Crew]]men tried to fight Trizer, but the ancient Maximal finally lost his cool and transformed into beast mode to deal with his attackers. Star Seeker Captain [[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball]] then fought Alpha Trizer to buy time for [[Ferak]] to activate Unicron's energon draining systems, but the sage easily overpowered Cannonball and gave him a crushing a revelation: his scheme was doomed to fail from the start because Cybertron in 2984 C.E. was [[technorganic|techno-organic]] and ''no longer ran on energon''. Trizer simply grinned at the pirate captain's misfortune while Ginrai grumbled about being left out of the loop. Thereafter, the Knights arrested the pirates and led them away. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals home from the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The shuttle was shunted to [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]], where [[Unicron]] destroyed it, scattering its crew into [[unspace|transwarp space]]. {{storylink|Outlier}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====''TransTech''====
The Megatron of Cheetor's native time and universe accidentally referred to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] as "Cheetor". {{storylink|Bee in the City}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Cheetor and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Cheetor's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]]. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:CheetasManga1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Off to go train with Piccolo or something, I'm sure.]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Cheetor was upgraded into a [[Transmetal]] but left stranded on [[Earth|Energoa]] far, far away from the other [[Maximal]]s and believed dead by [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. Following [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]'s return to life, Cheetor could be seen staring poetically at the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] from his distant location. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

After Megatron blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in an attempt to kill the slumbering Autobot, {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}} Cheetor would eventually find his way back to his comrades. There, he saved Optimus Prime's spark and fed it to Optimus Primal, turning him into Optimal Optimus. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology (2)===
Cheetor was involved in a conflict against the Predacons that affected the [[Natiltec]] tribe, who later immortalized him in cave inscriptions. The inscriptions were found several thousand years later by an archaeological team. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in manga===
[[File:HenkeiCheetorLionKing.jpg|thumb|The Cirrrcle of Liiiife...]]
After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] stole [[energon cube]]s from [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], Cheetor appeared on the scene, defeated both of them and got the cubes back, getting the adoration of Hound and random fauna. Cheetor then went to live in a safari park. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8}}
{{-}}
===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 10}}}}

===''The AllSpark Almanac''===
Cheetor liked pie. {{Storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===''Device Label''===
Under the command of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], Cheetor's mission was to search the network he was plugged into, and destroy the Decepticons' viral programs. {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Device Label|Cheetor's Device Label Bio}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:Recordicons12-everyone.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Cheetor was among [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s minions when they teamed up with negative polarity [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 12|Recordicons #12}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Cheetor was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. Following the deaths of Rhinox and Silverbolt, and the apparent death of Rattrap after an explosion, Cheetor teamed up with Blackarachnia and Nightscream and some Predacons to take out their leader. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}} As like-minded Predacon dissidents joined with his comrades, Cheetor became the leader of the rebels and took part in a costly uprising against their [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]] oppressors, one that eventually rendered him badly damaged and close to stasis lock. With few other options, four of Cheetor's allies--[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Blackarachnia]], [[Nightscream (BM)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Nightscream]], [[Scavenger (BW)|Scavenger]], and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]]—fled for their lives via [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|another world]], leaving Cheetor behind. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}}

Most of the Maximals and Predacons believed that Cheetor had perished; he was posthumously honoured as the "First Resistor", the first proto-former who'd taken a stand against the tyrannical Builder regime. {{storylink|Derailment}} In reality, however, Cheetor had been captured and imprisoned within [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], where he remained for many years until [[Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance|forces]] eventually freed him and he was more than welcomed into their ranks as the "first resistor". {{storylink|Head Games}} Cheetor wanted nothing more than to march into the front lines, but Lio Convoy felt he served better as a propaganda hero, and over the next five years, he and [[Preditron]] were shuttled about the planet doing just that, hardly ever being told the reason for their going, just being sent where they were sent. Although he adopted a [[cybercat]] [[beast mode]] once the Maximals and Predacons adopted the Beast Upgrade, Cheetor figured he'd missed any chance to fight the good fight.

That changed on a visit to Safe Zone Alpha Two, a Resistance base outside [[Protihex]]. There, the two discovered captive Micromasters being forced to fight to the death in a new version of the [[Game]]s, and they were expected to open them. Cheetor and Preditron refused, threatening to inform Lio Convoy, until the base's manager Ikard informed them Lio knew all about what was going on. Outraged, Cheetor and Preditron made plans to stop the Games anyway, with Preditron telling Cheetor to get on the horn to Resistance command. Cheetor's efforts proved difficult, with nearly everyone being busy fighting the war, until he got through to Blackarachnia. However, the spider-bot was dismissive of Cheetor's ethical concerns, told him to suck it up, and then hung up on him. Reluctantly, Cheetor went back to Ikard and told him he was on board for the moment, but ''only'' if Preditron was as well, and that after everything cooled down, there would be a full inquiry.

The next day, with no sign of Preditron, Cheetor gave the Buzzsaw Memorial Games a half-sparked introduction. Then he learned where Preditron had gotten to, as he saw the Predacon founder being forced into the Games. Cheetor went looking for the Game's organiser, Ser-Ket, finding her nursing an engex. He told her about Preditron's predicament, and the two went to confront Ikard. When they did, he revealed why Preditron had been dragged into the Games; The Resistance were courting the Tripredacus Alliance, and they wanted the living legend to be a loss less alive. Then he set Gaidora on them, knocking Ser-Ket and Cheetor into the arena. Once there, they found bigger problems than dealing with realpolitik, in the form of [[Vehicon (BM)|strange drones]] and dead Micromasters. The two found Preditron as he was being attacked by one such drone, and after defeating it realized they were some kind of Builder weapon, troops infected by their superiors as a Trojan horse. By the time the trio reached the arena's walls, the drones had managed to break into the crowd, infecting the Maximals and Predacons there and turning them into more drones. The trio desperately led an evacuation of the arena, and managed to get most of the civilians to safety. It was only then Cheetor remembered to tell Preditron Lio Convoy wanted him dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

By the time that Cheetor, Ser-Ket, and Preditron escaped had aboard the ''[[Star Dasher]]'', they learned that the self-replicating "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s" had already broken through the Resistance rearguard entirely. With nowhere else to go, the three decided to seek refuge among the breakaway [[Maximal Nation]], and momentarily ran afoul of an airborne patrol over [[Tyrest]] before they were able to correct the misunderstanding. The three received an audience before the [[Maximal High Council]], where Cheetor and Preditron's respective testimonies successfully inspired the councillors to take decisive military action against the Vehicons. As the [[National Maximal Army]] prepared for war, Cheetor took a liking to Maximal statesman Tigatron. Eventually, Tigatron combined with his fellows into the mighty [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]; in conjunction with Cheetor, the two had come up with a plan to ford the [[Sonic Canyons]] and take the city of [[Plurex]] using their [[beast mode]]s and some jury-rigged [[energy projector]]s to create temporary bridges.

The Maximals successfully captured Plurex and advanced to [[Nova Cronum]], by which point the malevolent [[Lord Imperious Delirious]] had revealed himself as the true creator of the Vehicons and seized control of the [[Grand Mal]]. Pinned down by a Vehicon ambush, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] joined Cheetor and [[Snapper (BW)|Snapper]] as they cut around the battle with the intent of rigging a nearby building to collapse atop the drones, which ended with Grimlock seemingly sacrificing himself to ensure the explosives detonated. After the destruction of the Grand Mal and the end of the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]], Cheetor joined forces with [[Magmatron]] as the combined forces of Cybertron worked together to mop up the remaining stragglers.

Twenty days later, Cheetor attended the first of many diplomatic meetings on behalf of the Maximal Nation, part of an attempt to hash out a new peace agreement between Cybertron's new nation-states. As he spoke with his new friend Tigatron, Cheetor admitted that he was happier ''representing'' the Maximals instead of leading them; eventually, he became a Maximal representative on the [[Cybertronian Parliament]] alongside [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Optimal]]. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===Legends World===
[[File:Legends10-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor was a salaryman at [[Axalon Trading Company]], where he greeted the newbie [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. While Rattrap introduced himself in an unorthodox way by naming his favorite cartoon, ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', Cheetor responded that he didn't watch cartoons. {{storylink|The Generation Gap#Part 1|The Generation Gap Part 1}} He later happily informed President [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that he was leaving on time and not working overtime. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}} When Primal went out for a bit, warning his employees not to touch his [[banana]]s, Cheetor and the others were so tempted by the forbidden fruit that they immediately began eating them. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}}

Cheetor loved to party and have fun all night, and as a result was often exhausted at work in the morning. Though the Axalon employees were expected to work in robot mode, he at one point was so tired that he forgot how to transform, turning into a mess of cheetah parts. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Head of Partying, Cheetor|Head of Partying, Cheetor}} Another time, he got so drunk he fell asleep on the train and ended up on the [[w:Takao Station (Tokyo)|final station]] of the line in the middle of night. On returning to work, he joked to Primal about paying for his travel expenses and room charges, to his boss's annoyance. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} One day, having overslept, Cheetor decided that since he was already late to begin with, he might as well take his time and have a long shower and breakfast before heading to work. Optimus Primal didn't agree with his thinking. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor in the Morning|Cheetor in the Morning}}

[[File:Legends15-BMCheetor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Cheetor listened to Rattrap deliver a report while stuck in the mouth of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} was confused when he arrived at work in the form of a real Transformer after being inflicted with [[Transformers sickness]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} and hung around when Optimus Primal was thinking about said sickness. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}} Transformers sickness later turned Cheetor into a tall and slender version of himself, which he didn't enjoy, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} and he was present when [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was getting jealous of everyone turning into Transformers. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} During Rhinox-turned-[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s rampage, Cheetor was hit by his '80s Transformation Beam and turned into a classic delinquent. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

During [[Christmas]], the Axalon employees threw a party during which Cheetor got drunk and sang karaoke. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} The height of Cheetor and everyone else at the company bothered Rattrap, who wanted to be big too. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} While returning home one morning after a night of partying, he ran into Rattrap, who was jogging in order to grow stronger. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Another morning, after yet another party, he found [[Tigatron]] praying at a shrine. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 11|Bonus Edition Vol. 11}} Cheetor was present when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] attempted to destroy [[Legends World|their world]] and was defeated by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and afterwards told Rattrap that Metroplex had transformed into city mode on top of the Axalon office building, destroying it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}}

[[File:LGExConvobat-CheetorStraxus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Mercy is not dispensed here, fools, only hairballs.]]

Cheetor was around when [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] decided not to fight her Transformers sickness but remain a giant robot. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}} After the Axalon employees accepted that Metroplex was their new office, Cheetor had some fun with the gun turrets on the city-bot's head. He was freaked out when their [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mysterious janitor]] claimed to know about Metroplex because he was from "the other world", thinking he'd meant the world of the dead. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} Cheetor was caught up in a [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] clone rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 15|Bonus Edition Vol. 15}} and was around the office when Rattrap and Tigatron tried to justify their lateness to Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}} When [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] appeared in their universe, Cheetor didn't recognize him and had to have his identity explained to him by Waspinator. He and the others were then temporarily sent to Deadlock's home dimension, [[Cloud World]], when [[SARA]] messed up. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[Grand Maximus|Grand]] showed the Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s an image of Cheetor and his friends as an example of what to expect from the Legends Universe. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} During a partnership between Axalon and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], Cheetor was annoyed by [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s music, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} briefly became a [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]-type Headmaster himself using mass-produced [[Master-Brace]]s, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} went to work with a hangover together with [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}} and applauded the completion of their new headquarters, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Maximus]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}} He then fled from an attacking [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} played [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in the ''[[Transformers: Convobat Amazon Showdown]]'' movie but got the line "Transform!" wrong, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Convobat)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} fled again from Mindwipe, [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}} and took up riding [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter train to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}}

Cheetor was among the victims gobbled up by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] during his rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} but was fine and continued to inhabit the rebuilt [[Akihabara|Neo Akihabara City]]. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} He then went on to witness [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] battle [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} get turned into a [[Beastformer]] by [[White Leo]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and watch as [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] arrived in the Legends World. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 53|Bonus Edition Vol. 53}} Cheetor had fallen asleep on the train again when he was awoken by the smell of silvervine. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}}

{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|''The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2'' #6]]}}

[[File:Windblade6-allofus.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
Cheetor of the [[Fur Walkers]] was forged on the colony world of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], emerging from the [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] of his world's [[Titan (group)|Titan]], [[Chela]]. As the "Talon of [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]", Chela championed his Prime's love of beast-formers over standard-formers, likely influencing the beast modes of his people. By modern times, the people of Eukaris had divided into four major tribes. Cheetor was representative of the Fur Walkers on the rare occasion the tribes met under a white flag for talks.

The arrival of "standard-formers" from Cybertron was a major development on Eukaris, and the Four Tribes met with both outsiders and the [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Fateweaver]] to understand the ramifications. Cheetor and the tribes met with [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chancellor Starscream]] of Cybertron and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] when they exited from the spacebridge. Initially reluctant to form relations with Cybertron, whose people persecuted the children of Onyx Prime, Cheetor opened to the idea when he learned that other colony worlds were involved as well. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Despite their differences, Cheetor and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] grudgingly exchanged gifts on Chosen One Day. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] arrived to consume Eukaris, [[Manta Ray (BW)|Manta Ray]] and Cheetor watched in horror as the planet-eater began devouring their homeworld, and were themselves presumably destroyed shortly thereafter. {{storylink|Our Darkest}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Cheetor-art.jpg|thumb|100px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Cheetor's function was a warrior, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a cheetah. His extreme speed and cheetah-like reflexes were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were him eagerness, hopefulness, and idealism. Cheetor's message from the future was that his idealism will pave the way for a valuable alliance. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Cheetor was part of the united Maximal-Predacon faction lead by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

{{--}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Joe Hernandez]] (English), [[Masaya Fukunishi]] (Japanese)|[[Sascha Oliver Bauer]] (German), [[Loïc Hourcastagnou]] (French), [[Pablo Rafael Moreno]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Vishal Menon]] (Hindi)}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Cheetor-maximizes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Cheetor was a Maximal from a future Cybertron where the AllSpark had been destroyed, a doomed timeline under constant threat from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].{{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}} When the ambitious Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] stole the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in an attempt to change the past and prevent this timeline from ever coming to pass, Cheetor joined [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and a crew of two hundred Maximals as they pursued the Predacons back through time aboard the ''Axalon'' to Mesozoic [[Earth]]. In the ensuing conflict, sides suffered heavy losses; by the time that the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' crashed on Earth, only a handful of Maximals remained. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} Shortly after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, the Maximals-in the mistaken belief that their tormentors had followed them through time-launched an attack on the Autobot vessel, and Cheetor saw through [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s holograms and came to blows with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] before [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] could salvage the situation by convincing their attackers that they meant them no harm. Upon learning that the Autobots had come to Earth to retrieve the [[AllSpark]], Rattrap pointed out that changing their past might very well wipe them from existence, but Cheetor argued that stopping Megatron was more important. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}}

When the Predacon-Decepticon alliance captured Cheetor's comrade [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], he and the other Maximals joined forces with the Autobots to rescue her. As part of this mission, Primal, Rattrap, Cheetor and Tigatron joined up with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s squad, although their beast modes allowed them to traverse the planet's wild terrain much more efficiently than the Autobots. Once Rattrap had helped rescue Airazor, Cheetor joined the rearguard action as he and Tigatron fired on their Megatron and some Decepticon soldiers until Optimus Primal arrived to turn the tide. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} During the search for the Allspark in a nearby forest, Cheetor easily outsped [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], but the Cybertronians realized that the "forest" was really a holographic illusion generated by the Allspark as it attempted to split them up using disorienting illusions. Eventually, Cheetor and the other heroes regrouped in time to attend the dying [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who'd sacrificed himself to retrieve the stolen [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 3}}

[[File:KingdomEp3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

While Optimus went onward to retrieve the Allspark, Cheetor and the Maximals disagreed with the Autobots over the importance of the Allspark and the nature of their own mission, until Rattrap pointed out that Primal had also gone missing. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 4}} Cheetor and the other Autobots and Maximals soon re-united with their respective leaders, but they brought bad news: the AllSpark, separated from Cybertron for too long, had begun to die. After a brief stand-off against the two Megatrons, the Maximals and Autobots returned to the repaired ''Ark'' and prepared to launch before the Predacon-Decepticon alliance launched a full-scale assault, and as the heroes besieged the enemy starship Cheetor and Tigatron faced off against [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Ultimately, however, the battle ended with the ''Ark'' itself assuming its new robot mode and toppling the Decepticon flagship, allowing the heroes to take the two Megatrons and their followers prisoner before blasting off. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 5}}

After passing through the [[Dead Universe]], the Autobots returned home to their Cybertron, but found that, without the Allspark's life-giving energies, the planet had already become a dead, frozen planet. In the ensuing battle against Galvatron and Nemesis, who'd followed them through time in an attempt to stop them from changing history, Cheetor, Airazor, and Tigatron used their beast modes to briefly incapacitate the villains, and joined forces with the remaining Cybertronians to make a unified stand against Unicron's minions. Soon, Bumblebee returned the AllSpark to its resting place and brought the planet back to life, and Cheetor and the other Maximals were present when the leaders of the four factions ratified a truce. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}}

{{--}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Cheetor was originally an athlete who idolized [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], the fastest Cybertronian ever to live. A fleet-footed Cybertronian in his own right, Cheetor soon made a name for himself on racetracks like the [[Afterburner Memorial Speedway]], scored numerous trophies and accolades thanks to tricks like his "Tiwaz maneuver", and rubbed elbows with racers and other adoring fans at watering holes like [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. Eventually, however, Cheetor grew tired of life in the spotlight; craving off-world adventure, he left racing behind and secured a new career as a member of the planet's [[Ministry of Science|Science Ministry]]. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

Cheetor's first post would be as a member of the skeleton crew aboard the Maximal research vessel ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', where he served as the ship's gunner under the auspices of his captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} Cheetor proposed bringing multiple [[stun beam]]s aboard their ship just in case, but Maximal command denied his request. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart4-Maximalbeastmodes.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Chi-tor's Sweet Home]]

While on a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to the planet [[H'nkshanaar-4]], the ''Axalon'' was diverted off-course to pursue a group of Predacon separatists who had stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] and hijacked the Maximal warship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''. Despite his protests that the ''Axalon''{{'}}s weapons were for defensive purposes only, Cheetor did his best to shoot out the purloined starship's engines in the ensuing dogfight but was unable to stop their foes from spooling their [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]] and jumping across time and space. The ''Axalon'' pursued the ''Darksyde'' to an unknown time period and took the Predacons down with them in a last-ditch maneuver that stranded both ships on a primitive, energon-rich planet. To protect the crew from high levels of ambient [[energon radiation]], the ''Axalon'''s artificial intelligence scanned the local wildlife and reformatted the Maximals into [[technorganic|techno-organic]] [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

After reactivating in his new [[beast mode]], Cheetor helped [[Nyx]] repair their damaged ship before the high-flying pilot took off to explore the planet with her new wings. Cheetor was upset by this, as it meant that he'd have to turn to the notoriously unhygenic [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to reach into narrow components. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} When night fell and Nyx still didn't return, Cheetor grew restless and considered striking out on his own to find her before Optimus shot down the idea. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}}

Cheetor, Rattrap, and Rhinox worked through the night to rewire the ship's computer to better locate Nyx, and discovered a mysterious coded message to a Predacon laboratory dated to just before the ''Axalon'' departed Cybertron, just before Optimus announced that he'd tapped into the orbital [[stasis pod]] network to find her. As the Maximals waited for her to return, they saw [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] carrying her unconscious body and immediately assumed that he was the one responsible for harming her. When Cheetor lunged to attack, however, Dinobot transformed and easily outpowered his attacker before telling them that he wanted to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

While Optimus and Nyx interrogated Dinobot in a bid to gauge whether he'd truly had a change of heart, Cheetor stumbled across Rattrap spying on the group using the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s security camera network. When the ship's systems picked up more Predacons, Cheetor, Rhinox, and Primal were forced to buy time while Rattrap did what he could to get the starship's defenses back online. When the Predacons refused to come quietly and launched a full-scale attack, Cheetor battled [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] before Dinobot joined the fray on the side of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} Cheetor punched out Scorponok and held out long enough for Rattrap to reactivate the ship's shields—however, this also meant stranding Dinobot, whose spark signature prohibited from retreating to safety, outside with the Predacons. Fortunately, the Maximals were able to turn the ship's guns on the Predacons, intimidate them into making a full retreat, and rescue a critically injured Dinobot. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Some time later, Cheetor was playing cards with the other Maximals when he heard a noise in a nearby corridor. When he investigated, he found [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a newly programmed Predacon, who quickly paralyzed him with her [[cyber venom]] and got to work sabotaging the Maximal vessel. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After Optimus and the others freed him from a web cocoon, Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot, and Nyx worked together to search the ship and nearly blundered into a grenade booby trap before Blackarachnia, having sabotaged more than half of the ''Axalon''{{'}}s orbital stasis pods, blew a hole in the ship's hull and destroyed most of the ship's armory as she escaped. Cheetor chased her out into the jungle, but when she lied that she'd set a second booby trap, Cheetor made the mistake of returning to the ship to save his comrades while Blackarachnia retreated to the ''Darksyde''. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart3-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Razorbeast]] joined their team, Cheetor, eager for a rematch with Blackarachnia, joined in a preemptive strike on the ''Darksyde'' to retrieve the Golden Disk, using a jury-rigged escape pod as an improvised shuttlecraft before launching a bombing run against the downed Predacon ship. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Cheetor went up against Blackarachnia a second time, and distracted her long enough for Rattrap and Nyx to break into the ''Darksyde'' and accomplish the second part of their mission. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} After successfully dodging Blackarachnia's stun blasts, Cheetor closed the distance and successfully caused her to hit [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] instead. However, the sight of Optimus successfully taking out Megatron caused Blackarachnia to kick Cheetor in the face and scuttle off as she reconsidered her loyalty to the Predacon leader. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

Cheetor took part in a skirmish against the Predacons that ended with him getting injured in a catastrophic [[energon]] explosion. The Maximals rushed his unconscious body back to the ''Axalon'', where [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] successfully pieced him back together—but Cheetor's consciousness wouldn't come back online. Unbeknownst to the other Maximals, the [[Vok]] [[Pakak]] took the opportunity to infiltrate Cheetor's mind and probe its contents by constructing an elaborate dream world where Cheetor hadn't yet left Cybertron aboard the ''Axalon''. After a confusing conversation with his physician "[[CatSCAN]]", Cheetor headed to Maccadam's for a drink; when the conversation turned to how to best modify [[protoform]]s, however, Cheetor excused himself and went to the roof to clear his head.

[[File:TheSpeedwayOfCentralConsciousness-racing.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

It was there that Cheetor first encountered Pakak himself, who informed him that the Maximal-Predacon conflict jeopardized the Vok's delicate experiments. Cheetor quickly realized that, although he'd been trapped in a dream, the Vok couldn't kill him without losing the information they sought. Pakak cut a deal: they'd have a race, and if Cheetor won, he'd walk free. Cheetor agreed, and Pakak quickly wrongfooted the young Maximal by transforming his avatar into Blurr and taking off. Although Cheetor narrowly won, Pakak revealed that he'd deceived the Maximal: the race was a sham, and Pakak had gleaned all the information he needed just by racing his avatar through Cheetor's brain. Pakak held up his end of the bargain by allowing Cheetor to come back online, but wiped Cheetor's memory to ensure he'd tell no one else of his alien encounter. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When Optimus Primal suffered exposure to a sample of aggression-enhancing red energon, Cheetor tried and failed to restrain the berserk Maximal leader. Dinobot successfully dealt with the problem by convincing the Maximal leader to hunt Megatron in the jungle, knowing that the overexertion would help flush the infected energon from his systems. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} While waiting for Optimus to return, Cheetor set up a campfire outside the ''Axalon'' to pass the time. Inspired by Rattrap's complaints about spending the night in the jungle, Cheetor told a spooky story about a terrible war on a faraway world, but the other Maximals found the tale to be too depressing. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

[[File:TheEnd-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

A newly-lucid Primal returned with bad news: the Vok had used the knowledge they obtained from Cheetor's mind to alter a number of fallen protoforms into loyal minions and planned to eliminate both the Maximals and Predacons, necessitating a temporary alliance. Cheetor disliked the idea, but nevertheless wound up working alongside Blackarachnia to salvage whatever they could from the ''Axalon'''s armory and modify them into something capable of harming energy-based aliens. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}} Ultimately, however, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] undermined their alliance from within, sided with the Vok, and helped them to raise a massive army of Vok-loyal Cybertronians from every fallen stasis pod they could find. Cheetor and Blackarachnia both took part in the final battle against these "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]", where they fought side-by-side... although Blackarachnia denied Cheetor's assertion that she could grow into a better person. After the Vok had been destroyed for good, their remaining servants agreed to a truce and left to live in the wild as their creators had intended. In the aftermath, Cheetor and the other Maximals left aboard the repaired ''Axalon'' to search for Megatron, whom Rattrap had deliberately blasted into [[unspace]]. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
Cheetor opened a food delivery business, where he used his super speed to quickly cook and deliver meals to prospective customers. However, after receiving his order of energon-coated bananas, Optimus Primal was annoyed to discover that Cheetor was delivering food to the Predacons. {{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}}

Cheetor and the other Maximals were reading the collected edition of [[Transformers Go! Go!|their manga]] when Megatron barged in and demanded a chance to read the book. {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Go! Go! issue 28}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 29}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game comic====
[[File:Cheetor-beastmodescan.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.1|My eyes are up here!]]
Upon arriving on prehistoric Earth, the dangers of Energon radiation forced the Maximals and Predacons to take on beast alternate forms. "Cheetor" promptly grabbed a cheetah by its underbelly, hoisted it up to his optics, and scanned the creature's molecular structure. The indignant cheetah could do nothing but silently ask the robot "Do you mind?" Cheetor transformed into his new organic cheetah mode and darted into Predacon territory. Unfortunately, Cheetor was spotted by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and the two battled until they were forced to return to their beast modes to avoid Energon radiation damage. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars:Transformers'' video game====
Many Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Cheetor's own base was an Energon mining operation, located in a desert area. It featured sphinx-like statues bearing Cheetor's likeness and colour scheme. Cheetor joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal Campaign=====
[[File:Beastwarspsx-Cheetorstats.jpg|left|thumb|I lost weight! Can you tell?]]

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Cheetor was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace.
{{BW VG|Cheetor|M}}

=====Predacon Campaign=====
Cheetor's mining operation was deemed a threat to the Predacon agenda, and a Predacon was dispatched to eliminate him. In order to systematically dismantle Cheetor's mining operation, the Predacons first targeted his "[[Rock Blaster]]" drone unit for destruction. Subsequently, they planted a bomb within [[Cheetor's mining plant]], and annexed the territory. In order to ensure that their new conquest would be firmly under their control, the Predacons killed Cheetor himself, sending a lone Predacon agent to neutralize him in a firefight. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:N64Cheetors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SECRET COLORS CHEETOR and also Cheetor's Tigatron cosplay.]]
In an alternate timeline created when Megatron sent a message through Transwarp back to his past self, Cheetor participated in a series of all-out battles with the other beast warriors.

During a decisive battle, Cheetor witnessed Optimus being badly injured. Cheetor's reaction was to charge into battle with unmatched fury, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Maximals. Thanks to this victory, the Maximals eventually overpowered the Predacons, and established peace on the planet. Following the battle, Optimus and Cheetor had this heartwarming exchange;

Optimus: "You showed a lot of potential out there. Someday you might make one prime leader."
Cheetor replied: "Sorry Bigbot, but that's your department... But who knows? Maybe in another universe!" {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Sprint (does not do damage)
|-
|C-Up||Savage Pounce
|-
|C-Left||Savage Wave
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
[[File:Beastwarstransmetalsgame-cheetorstats.jpg|thumb|320px|Glitch, game stats!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Ian James Corlett]] (English), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Cheetor was eager to take the Preds head-on, ignoring Rattrap's mockery of him, and was fully on Board when Optimus proposed using this as an opening to retake the Golden Disk. He joined Primal's team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Cheetor and the others hurried back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Cheetor joined Optimus Primal in an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the Axalon before being left badly damaged on the ground. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses before the Predacons could finish them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Double Arm Shot
|Special attack||Golden Rocket
|-
|Super attack||Double Arm Blast
|Super attack||Savage Fury
|}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars''===
[[File:DuelFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Adolescence is so unstable.]]
Cheetor and Optimus Primal chased [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] through a portal, emerging on [[Gaia]] in the ruin where the super-powerful [[Energon Quartz]] had been discovered, which led him and several other Maximals and Predacons to engage in a series of one-on-one battles to attempt obtaining the Quartz's powers for their own gain.

Cheetor could also partake in various other tasks, such as a mission to break a boulder to reveal an energon crystal hidden within before sundown, using a block in a mission to defend himself against various incoming projectiles, and missions to run across a pit-riddled field, sometimes involving hideously large bacteria he had to fend off.

Cheetor eventually defeated Megatron, the last bot standing between the Quartz and himself. Once the crystal was in his possession, Cheetor absorbed its power, becoming the most powerful of the Maximals. This allowed him to soar through the ranks and become [[Supreme Commander]]. This position was more than he could handle, however, and he abandoned his post after only three days. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars}}

{{BW fighter ending|Cheetor|GBC}}

====Move list====
{{note|This move list presumes the player is facing right; when facing left, reverse the left and right inputs.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Horizontal Sniper Shot||↓→+B
|Passing Sand||↓→B
|-
|Anti-Air Sniper Shot||↓←+B
|Phantom Arrow||↓←B
|-
|Sky Sniper Shot||↓→+B (in air)
|Surprise Threw||→↓→B
|-
|Rolling Assault||↓←A
|Surprise Attack||→↓→A
|-
|Last Resort (super)||↓→↓← B
|Delta End (super)||↓→↓← B
|-
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|Take This! (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Cheetor, in his Transmetal 2 body, was one of Optimus's many allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s own army, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Cheetor and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}} On their return to Cybertron, the Maximals discovered that Megatron had conquered the planet, and they were forced to face his Vehicon Generals. {{storylink|Beast Machines (Legends)|Beast Machines}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|400px|That was a mercy kill and ya live in a...camper van!]]
Cheetor participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in three different bodies:
*''Cheetor'' — This Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars: Episode 1" event.
*''Cheetor Transmetal II'' — This Super Rare character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the "Transmetals: Episode 3" mini events.
*''Cheetor Transmetal'' — This Epic character was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the third "Transmetals 2: Episode 1" mini event, and could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal-II.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Transmetal II as in Cheetor #2!]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cheetor-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Three modes, third Cheetor!]]
{{!}}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:CheetorEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*'''Ability: Bestial Fury - For 15 seconds, use melee attacks dealing 37.8 damage. Destroy buildings to increase your attack and movement speeds by 25% - the buff lasts 90 seconds and can stack 5 times.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:cheetor Cheetor at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:ForgedToFight-Cheetor.jpg|thumb|250px|"Oh! They fly now!" "They fly now?" "''They fly now!''"]]
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Cheetor was a feisty Maximal rookie who considered himself to be the fastest thing on land, and was good friends with fellow Maximal cat [[Tigatron]]. Although immature and sometimes reckless, Cheetor had the potential to become a great leader one day. At some point during the Beast Wars, Cheetor befriended some ancient ancestors of modern humans, although these ancient anthropoids did not yet possess the capacity for language. After returning to Cybertron, Cheetor and several other Maximals were reformatted into [[technorganic]] bodies and tasked with restoring a technorganic balance to Cybertron, battling Megatron's new army of [[Vehicon]] soldiers all the while.

At some point after returning to his own time period, Cheetor gave a lecture to the [[Confederated Terran Colonial Fleet|CTC Fleet]] academy on [[New Earth]] regarding the history of the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:1999Transmetals2CheetorStock.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]
[[File:CheetorBMconcept.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Things usually do look more badass in concept art.]]
[[File:CheetorGameBoyColor1.jpg|thumb|upright=1|I wonder what ''Beast Machines'' Cheetor thinks of this artwork?]]

* Cheetor was initially developed as a panther with the name of "[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]", indicating that he was likely meant to be the Generation 1 character in a new form and providing the genesis of Cheetor's head design. A [[retool]] of the toy into a lion form of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (alternately an unrelated character) with a flocked mane was also planned, but ultimately dropped.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC-i7cgfHR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Hasbro concept presentation for McDonald's collaboration]</ref><ref>''[[Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Generations|Beast Generations]]''</ref> The 1996 [[McDonald's]] character [[Panther]] was also originally planned to be a version of Prowl/Cheetor, hence them sharing the same head design.
* [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s original plan for [[Transmetal]] Cheetor was to have his face mature over the course of the season, from a big-eared, wide-eyed, rounded face into one close to the toy. Also, he would have had a "Hero's Heart" which glowed after completing brave or heroic feats, somewhat akin to the classic anime character Astro Boy. Due to time and financial restrictions, none of these concepts panned out.
* [[Transmetal 2]] Cheetor's upper arms in both the cartoon and his card art have the shoulders swapped when compared to the toy due to a misassembled [[prototype]] of the toy being used as reference. In the art and his model, his left arm features a metallic shoulder and an organic forearm, while the right has an organic shoulder and a metallic forearm. This prototype can be found on the back of Deluxe Transmetal 2 packaging in the [[cross-sell]] section (image at right), and also features brown stripes, much like the card art. Evidence suggesting that this prototype was misassembled and that a last minute change didn't occur last-second before the toy's release comes from original toy concept art from Takara which has the arms in the exact same orientation as the final toy.<ref>[https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g1ezjNdHr4/XaUngnxDAJI/AAAAAAAA6jo/_qpMxGjbNVMiYNsR-WMeNntkfIdJSsJ9QCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/25.png Transmetal 2 Cheetor concept art] - on TFRAW.com</ref> If one ''really'' feels that strongly about having the arms on their toy in the same orientation as the prototype, both of the shoulders and the elbows are on ball joints and can easily be swapped to match.
* Though most early artwork for ''Beast Machines'' character designs were very different from the final product, Cheetor's design seems to have changed very little, with only the green being downplayed in his color scheme.
* ''[[Comic BomBom]]'' advertisements and the [[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|official guide]] for ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' feature Cheetor with a slightly different (and much happier) head than the version which appeared on the game's box and instruction manual. Both are sickeningly cute, though.
* In Japanese media, Cheetor has the quirk of ending sentences in a long, stressed "Jān", like a cute kitty growl. Cheetor also has the tendency to say "Woooow!" and speak English phrases (such as "beast mode") in a pronounced American accent to emphasize his cool, carefree attitude. In addition to all that, whenever firing his weapon, he would always shout "utsumashi!" ("fire!").
* A series of unusual decisions was made regarding Cheetor and Tigatron in the ''Beast Wars: Transmetals'' game's localization. In the Japanese version of the game, Cheetor has a red-tinged set of "Player 2" colors and an unlockable "Player 3" color scheme obviously based on Tigatron. The North American version of the game adds Tigatron as a playable character; instead of reassigning the pre-existing "Player 3" colors to him, a new color scheme that [[:File:N64Tigatron.jpg|looked less like Tigatron]] was created for him. Furthermore, Cheetor's Japanese "Player 2" colors were eliminated and his original Tigatron-themed colors were kept.
* According to ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'', Cheetor likes pie.
* In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Cheetor's Cybertronian body incorporates traits from his [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]] with the inclusion of the hooped wheels, visor, and vehicle mode from his canceled ''[[Transtech]]'' toy. Of course, the latter characteristics would eventually serve as the basis for [[Cheetor (Animated)|''Animated'' Cheetor]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Didn't base Nyx on anything in particular! Dinobot is much the same. I picture the orb on his chest as a nod to the spark gem gimmick but other than that I just wanted a samurai kinda look to his silhouette. The arm mounted blades kind of a nod the Gundam Spiegel|link=https://twitter.com/jcburcham/status/1357035373184962561|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* Cheetor is the first character to speak in ''Beast Wars'' and the last character to speak in ''Beast Machines''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cheetus'''<ref>The "Cheetus" [[Japanese language|Romanization]] is consistently used in Japanese media. An exception would be the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle Complete Manual|Complete Manual]]'', the official strategy guide for the ''[[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Beast Wars]]'' video game, which used "Cheetas".</ref> (チータス ''Chītasu''), '''Cheetor''' (チーター ''Chītā'')
*''French:'' '''Vélocitor''' (cartoon, "Speedor")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Sidor'''
*''Italian:'' '''Ghepard''' ("Cheet"), '''Metal Ghepard''' (Transmetal toy)
*''Korean:'' '''Cheeto''' (치토 ''Chito'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Bàozi''' (Taiwan, 豹子, "Leopard"), '''Huābào''' (Taiwan ''Beast Machines'', 花豹, "Leopard"), '''Huáng Bào''' (China ''Beast Wars'', 黄豹, "Yellow Leopard"), '''Bào Sīlìng''' (China ''Beast Machines'', 豹司令, "Commander Leopard")
*''Polish:'' '''Gepardon''' ("Cheetodon"), '''Kotor''' (Canal + Dubb, "Cattor")
*''Russian:'' '''Geptor'''
*''Spanish:'' '''Chitor''' (Spain), '''Chitah''' (America, "Cheetah")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Armada Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Cats]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Jungle Planet]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Maximal Command Security Force]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Resistance]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Law enforcement]]

Rattrap (BW)

2025-03-07T03:35:34Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{faction|maximal|predacon|maximalbm|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Rattrap}}
{{suite}}
:''Rattrap is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:Rattrap-S1.jpg|upright=1.8|thumb|He's like Bugs Bunny if he were a rat. And a robot. And had more lethal weapons than a Die Hard movie.]]

It's not so much that '''Rattrap''' is a coward... he just doesn't want to die. He's seen enough battles to know the score, so he's not afraid to tell his commanding officer to shove it if he's not fond of the odds. He prefers to sneak around unseen, in gutters or trenches or trash barges or what have you—whatever keeps him out of harm's way. He shouldn't be so worried. When he does encounter conflict, he deals with it masterfully with the arsenal of guns and bombs he keeps on himself at all times. He feels naked without them.

Of course, it's hard to like Rattrap, especially if you're his commanding officer, because he's sarcastic, irreverent and rude. Plus he doesn't exactly smell the greatest, what with the whole garbage-eating thing. He's also not the most trusting or forgiving sort, so he's not the best choice to take on a diplomatic run. He'd sooner shoot a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] or [[Decepticon]] than talk to them. Despite his tough-as-nails attitude, he has a [[Transformer romance|strong affection]] for his fellow Maximal [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]].

{{quote|Y'know, I feel just ''heaps'' better knowing that our lives are in your ''capable'' hands. [sighs] ''We're all gonna die.''|Rattrap lays on the sarcasm|"[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
Rattrap was a highly respected, top-notch soldier who was used mostly for reconnaissance, continually prowling the city streets for any Predacon activities. In order to keep up his strength, he was always eating "grunge and grime and any wretched refuse he may encounter along the way". Eeeeewwww... {{storylink|#Toys|Rattrap bio}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese)|[[Teng Kuixing]] (Chinese), [[Pierre Laurent]] (French), [[Robert Missler]] (German), [[Claudio Moneta]] (Italian), [[Hwan Jin Kim]] (Korean), [[Orlando Viggiani]] (Portuguese), [[Paulo Porto]] (Portuguese, in some episodes), [[Martín María Soto Portilla|Martín Soto]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Jesús Rodríguez (Rolo)]] (Castilian Spanish)}}

[[File:BeastWars1-Rattrapprebeast.jpg|left|thumb|200px|He's Rattrap, but naked.]]

The 'bot who would become "Rattrap" was once the best miner in the [[Vespa System]]. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

[[File:BWPart1 coverfire.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|That's what friends are for!]]

After following the Predacons through a transwarp portal and appearing above a mysterious planet, both ships were damaged in the ensuing space battle, and before both ships crashed into the planet's surface below, the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of "Rattrap's" crew were ejected into orbit.

The planet was rich with [[energon]]—so much so that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies. The Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from the local creatures; Rattrap took the form of a ([[Scale|very oversized]]) rat, and was dismayed to find that they were going to have to use the disguises to avoid the energon radiation. Forced into battle, he refused [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s order to rescue [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] on the grounds he'd get shot up. When Optimus went to do the job himself, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] had to hold up Rattrap to get the rat to provide covering fire. Afterwards, Rattrap was unrepentant, pointing out that they'd all come out of it alive.

[[File:BeastWars2 Dinobot Rattrap glaring.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|How's the weather up there?]]

On the way back to base, the Maximals ran into the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] who challenged Primal to a fight over leadership. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Rattrap objected to Primal's decision to subsequently let Dinobot join their group, accusing Dinobot of trying to kill Rhinox when the Predacon accidentally caused a rock fall. Primal had some harsh words with him. During a battle atop a mountain laced with energon, Rattrap found himself having a [[beast mode]] fight against [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:TheWeb-Rattrapapple.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|right|Rattrapple.]]
After Cheetor got himself blasted by Scorponok and got Rhinox's new comlink trashed, Rattrap didn't hesitate to mock the cat for his mistakes. When Cheetor ran off to fix it, though, Rattrap found himself going after him to stop him from doing anything stupid - which failed miserably, as Cheetor was captured by Tarantulas long before Rattrap reached him. The rat and the spider engaged in a heated duel in Tarantulas' underground lair, with Rattrap gaining the upper hand by using a heat box to fool the spider's thermal scanner. After rescuing Cheetor, Rattrap gave an alibi to Optimus about their whereabouts, but then chewed out the cat for almost getting them both scrapped. He left to munch some garbage, but earned a new friend when Cheetor thanked him for saving his life. {{storylink|The Web}}

[[File:ChainofCommand-Rattrapcontemplates.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Good ol' Rattrap contemplating war crimes.]]
During an energon storm, Rattrap tried fruitlessly to raise Optimus, only for their leader to arrive and scrub the mission Cheetor was due to go out on. At least this time it was Dinobot who goaded Cheetor into going out, but all of the Maximals were later thanking the cat for saving their lives later on. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} When Optimus went semi-missing in action, swallowed by a [[Vok probe|alien probe]], Rattrap objected strenuously to Dinobot nominating himself as new leader. A vote was left stalemated until Optimus managed to get a signal to the base and named Rattrap group commander in his absence. After a moment of initial indecision, Rattrap commanded capably while Primal was missing (even earning Dinobot's grudging respect). When Primal returned, he offered his compliments as well. Rattrap's response: "Eh, command's a pain in the tail, especially with this pack of hyenas. You can keep it!" {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

Over time, Rattrap grew to respect his commander grudgingly, with the earliest glimmers showing through when Primal and Rattrap infiltrated a flying mountain that was loaded with supercharged Energon. Primal bravely distracted a super-powered Terrorsaur while Rattrap planted explosives to destroy the mountain (and had a brief tussle with Tarantulas). Optimus then got them both off of the exploding mountain with a fearless beast mode leap off the edge, which ended with them dangling in the treetops far below. Rattrap commented that Primal "did pretty good up there—but don't tell anyone I said so". {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} Rattrap was a member of the party sent out to attempt to capture a stasis pod after Optimus Primal was taken out as soon as he left the base. The group was cut off from the pod when [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and Terrorsaur took out a snow bridge, and Rattrap radioed base to break the bad news. Fortunately Dinobot and Primal were able to set up a transmitter, and by the time Rattrap and the others got to the pod, the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]], who was able to help them fight the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[File:TerrorsaurcagedRT.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Despite all of Terrorsaur's rage, Rattrap is still just a rat in a cage.]]

Suspicious of why the Predacons had managed to ambush three straight Maximal operations, Optimus sent Rattrap on an undercover mission into the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', under the guise of not trusting Rattrap and him defecting to the Predacons. Captured by Terrorsaur as part of the mission, Rattrap pleaded his loyalty to him and was taken to the base, where he knocked out [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] with a transformation-disabling device, allowing Terrorsaur to seize power. After he was locked in the lower chambers and Megatron made his escape, Rattrap broke out and continued his mission, discovering that the Predacons had acquired a Maximal decoder chip which allowed them to hack the Maximals' communications. He was almost caught by Tarantulas but disabled him and signaled Optimus, who attacked the Predacon base with the other Maximals. In the firefight, Rattrap was forced to fire on Optimus, blasting him from the sky and seemingly confirming his traitorous ways. Dinobot almost destroyed him, but two timely breaks allowed Rattrap and the Maximals to escape. Back on the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus congratulated Rattrap on a job well done, adding that he didn't need to make his "defection" that believable (as he rubbed where Rattrap had shot him). Rattrap's response was "Eh, what can I say? I was trying to miss." {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:Better Mousetrap Rattrap.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|”Sentinel, scrap Chooper-Face!”]]

Rattrap distrusted Dinobot and insulted him at every turn. Dinobot wantonly returned in kind, constantly bickering with the "vermin". Dinobot and Rattrap's arguments ranged from being a minor irritation at times to causing serious chaos in the Maximal ranks at others. Rattrap's taunts caused a berserk Dinobot to damage the control module of the newly activated Sentinel defense system, which promptly drove the Maximals out of their own base. Under the circumstances, Rattrap's rarely seen sense of nobility and fair play came to the fore; recognizing the predicament as his own fault, he immediately volunteered to stay inside the base and deactivate Sentinel. His considerable skills at infiltration and demolition allowed him to reach the central computer core and order Sentinel to stand down, though very nearly at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}}

When Primal was hit by one of [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]'s [[Cyberbee]]s, injecting a virus and turning Primal into a berserker, Rattrap unexpectedly became the voice of reason, telling Cheetor and Dinobot to settle down. He objected to Dinobot's idea to set their enraged leader on the Predacons, but it became academic when Primal escaped and headed for the ''Darksyde'' anyway. Rattrap and the other Maximals provided cover fire for Cheetor, as the young Maximal mounted a rescue. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}} During an attempt by the Maximals to build a communications tower to contact a [[temporal probe]], which the [[Maximal Elder]]s had sent to search for the ''Axalon'', Rattrap managed to save Dinobot's life by blasting [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] over a cliff. Unfortunately he was promptly hit by the same [[Transformation Lock Lens]] which had disabled Dinobot's [[robot mode]]. Ultimately the tower was destroyed by Megatron. {{storylink|The Probe}}

[[File:Victory Megatron crushes Rattrap.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|[[Rubber Ducky]] isn't his ''only'' squeaky toy.]]

Rattrap planted a spy cam in the ''Darksyde'', and the Maximals were surprised to watch the Predacons apparently manage to blow themselves up. He proceeded to try to push as many of Dinobot's buttons as possible, but without getting a rise. The Maximals managed to salvage enough to get their own ship working. As Rattrap was telling Tigatron about a "sweet little hole-in-the-wall", it was revealed that the Predacons weren't slagged after all. Megatron managed to get on board and blasted everyone but Rattrap, attempting to crush the Maximal with his bare hands (or at least his beast mode jaws). Fortunately Rhinox came around in time to come to Rattrap's rescue, though the ship still crashed. Afterwards, Rattrap and Dinobot resumed their usual bickering. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

After Rhinox was captured by the Predacons, Rattrap managed to tap into his friend's comlink, and the Maximals listened in horror as Rhinox was converted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]. Though Rattrap was determined that they should go in there immediately, Primal held them back, allowing the evil-ized Rhinox to wreak havoc in the Predacon base. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} Tricked by a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]], Primal sent Rattrap with the clone to investigate a possible Predacon base. Instead, while Rattrap was crossing a log over a lava flow, the clone kicked the log out from under him. Rattrap survived, landing on a rock and using a grenade to get himself out of the chasm. He swiftly warned Primal and Cheetor, but by the time they reached base, Dinobot had already... dealt with the clone. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[File:The Trigger Rattrap optimus.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|You call it "hi-jacking". I call it "forced donation".]]

Rattrap and the other Maximals later welcomed [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] to the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|The Spark}} During a contact with Tigatron, Rattrap was alarmed to hear his comrade was under Predacon attack. After news came in by Cyberbee that Tigatron had discovered an alien-built [[Brigadoon|flying island]], the Maximals were alarmed to hear that Blackarachnia and Scorponok were trying to take control of it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Rattrap and Primal headed for the island, tangling with Terrorsaur and Waspinator on the way, Rattrap commandeering Terrorsaur as his new ride. After they reached the island, Blackarachnia took control of it. Rattrap's leg became trapped, and he told Tigatron to go on, dealing with the problem himself by using the island's own defense system. This also provided a crucial distraction, allowing Tigatron to destroy the island's power source. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Megatron's latest gambit involved the Predacons stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to remain in their beast modes at all time. The Maximals soon succumbed to their base animal insincts, wandering out into the jungle, but were aided by Tigatron, who helped them to delete the block between their instincts and Maximal programming. Rhinox and Rattrap improvised a ratball special during the ensuing battle. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

Rattrap was part of the group of Maximals who were searching for energon when Scorponok triggered an explosion, blinding them all. Lead by Rhinox, they attempted to make their way back to the ''Axalon'', but were attacked by a snake. Though Rattrap failed to rescue Cheetor, he did manage to save his companion in a way, by proving a more attractive meal. Luckily for him, Rhinox got rid of the snake. They continued on, managing to nearly reach the Maximal base when they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide the other Maximals in fighting the Predacons off while blinded. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, the Predacons mounted an attack with the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body. The Predacons triumphed, expelling the Maximals into the wilderness, however the Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[File:Low Road Rattrap Dinobot fight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|YOU THERE! STFU!]]

Another costly incident resulted when Rattrap and Dinobot were ordered to clear rampant wild bean vines growing outside the Maximal base. A prank by Rattrap quickly turned into a brawl between the two. Their struggle continued even when the Predacons launched a sneak attack, requiring Rhinox to exit the base to provide covering fire for them. Tarantulas used the distraction to inject Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], which eventually wore down his systems to the point of near-deactivation. Primal ordered Rattrap and Dinobot to find Tarantulas's lair and retrieve an antidote, commenting: "They'll either learn to work together or they'll destroy each other...right now, I don't care which." Despite continuing their argument the whole time, Rattrap and Dinobot managed to find [[Tarantulas's lair]], and retrieve the counter-virus. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

After Megatron called for a truce, Rattrap was sent with Airazor to infiltrate the ''Darksyde'' to find out what was going on. They were immediately detected and asked to leave, but they'd provided the necessary distraction for Tigatron to get into the Predacon base. Rattrap later took part in a (non-violent) operation to aid Tigatron's escape, and Tigatron reported that Megatron had discovered that the aliens were coming. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Rattrap and Airazor were first to reach the alien landing site, but Rattrap was blasted, while Airazor became trapped in the [[Bio-Dome|"nutty alien bungalow"]] which sprouted up. After dealing with Waspinator in a not at all non-violent manner, Rattrap attempted to cut into the structure using a laser, but was unsuccessful. fortunately Scorponok's sting allowed him to enter the construct with Optimus, and he was able to pull Airazor out, only to find the truce was over and he was at Predacon gunpoint.

[[File:OtherVoices1 Rattrap beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|RataTOING!!!]]

Rattrap and Airazor were subsequently able to overpower the Predacons and make a retreat when Optimus's escape from the bungalow provided a distraction. High above, one of the moons opened up, revealing what Rattrap would later dub the "[[Planet Buster]]". {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Returning to base, the Maximals discovered it had been compromised, and Rattrap and Airazor found Blackarachnia in the hold with a spacecraft Tarantulas had constructed from a stasis pod. Optimus would later pilot the stasis pod, using it to destroy the Planet Buster and save the Maximals, though at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Aftermath-Rattrapbeastmode.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Buy me!]]

The destruction of the Planet Buster caused a [[quantum surge]], mutating Cheetor and Rattrap into new [[Transmetal]] forms (which Rattrap decided were "gorgeous"). Rattrap gained a new wheeled mode which afforded him more speed. Almost immediately, Megatron, who had also received an upgrade, attacked, and the two Maximals found their new forms being tested in battle. Rattrap was able to use his wiles to trip Megatron, but ended up being crashed into by Cheetor. {{storylink|Aftermath}} After finding a stasis pod containing a [[blank]], Rhinox put himself into some sort of trance-like state. With everyone else out in the field, Rattrap was left alone in the base, and Cheetor naturally soon radioed to warn him that the Predacons were on their way. Naturally any use of the base defenses would interfere with what Rhinox was doing, so, joined by Dinobot, Rattrap set out to defend the base with Cheetor. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}}

[[File:Coming of the Fuzors 2 Dinobot Rattrap.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|They should make a kart game for the [[Wii]] out of this scene.]]

Outnumbered two to one, the trio fought on, capturing [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], one of the two [[Fuzor]]s who had revived and been co-opted into the Predacon forces by Megatron. Though Dinobot favored termination, Rattrap and Cheetor had Silverbolt put in a [[CR chamber]]. The Maximals continued to defend the base, and were on the verge of defeat, until Optimal Primal appeared, reborn in a Transmetal body, and fought the Predacons off. Resuming command, Optimus asked Rattrap to remove his junk from the commander's quarters. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

With Silverbolt now a Maximal, he and Rattrap were out patrolling when they were sent to investigate a Predacon signal and tangled with Blackarachnia, Tarantulas and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. To Rattrap's chagrin, his comrade refused to strike Blackarachnia because of her gender. When the cave the Predacons were protecting exploded, Rattrap congratulated Silverbolt on his shot, but Silverbolt denied doing anything. {{storylink|Tangled Web}}

Rattrap's relationship with Dinobot was sorely tested when Dinobot temporarily returned to the Predacon side. For one long moment, as Dinobot was faced with a test of Predacon loyalty at Megatron's behest, Rattrap truly believed that Dinobot was about to slag him. But Dinobot proved unable to kill his erstwhile teammate; he instead turned on Megatron. Optimus left the final decision over whether Dinobot could stay a Maximal to Rattrap, who reluctantly agreed. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[File:OtherVisits2-RattrapTarantulas.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|"We're gonna do an unlikely teamup episode!" ''*Tarantulas disappears*'' "Gaddangit!"]]

Rattrap and Dinobot were assigned to knock out a Predacon jamming tower. They eventually managed it, but by then Tigatron and Airazor had been shot into space by an alien device. After rendezvousing back at base, the Maximals headed out to the site, where the alien device sprouted into a huge [[Metal Hunter|construct]] and blasted everyone with an energy wave. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} The Transmetals and Fuzors recovered quickly, and Primal and Rattrap worked to drop the [[refractive web]] which Tarantulas had placed over the machine. Unfortunately they were too late to prevent Megatron taking control of ship, and Primal was taken prisoner. Rattrap was able to take Tarantulas captive, returning the Predacon to the ''Axalon'', where they formulated a plan of attack. While the other Maximals provided a distraction, Tarantulas and Rattrap got on board the ship, and Rattrap was able to rescue Optimus. The craft itself was destroyed when Tarantulas sabotaged the transwarp drive, but luckily Primal and Rattrap got clear in time. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:CodeofHero Rattrap salutes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Like I said, you're just a blasted, slag-spouting saurian, but... it's nice to know where ya stand.]]
Rattrap still give Dinobot grief about his recent betrayal—not the usual flippant insults, either, but genuine barbs that cut Dinobot to the quick. Rattrap's words helped motivate Dinobot into what would ultimately be his heroic final sacrifice to save the future of the human race. Rattrap arrived at the battlefield along with the other Maximals to find Dinobot damaged beyond recovery. His reaction was perhaps the strongest of any of the team. The two shared final words of both insult and reconciliation, Rattrap gingerly holding Dinobot's hand as he died. As Dinobot's spark left his body, Rattrap was the first to stand and, with utter sincerity, salute the fallen hero. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While searching for a jamming tower, Rattrap, Cheetor and Silverbolt discovered a crashed stasis pod containing a [[Transmutate (BW)|strangely mutated Transformer]]. As they fought the Predacons over, it, it let out a sonic cry which shorted out the Maximals. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

When Rhinox's calculations suggested that the [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Maximals celebrated their impending rescue. Instead they got Predacon secret agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who Rattrap trusted only slightly less than he initially did Dinobot. Despite his misgivings, Rattrap took part in the assault on the ''Darksyde'', and was present for Megatron's apprehension. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Rattrap raised the alarm when Cheetor was knocked out by Silverbolt, who wanted to go capture Blackarachnia himself. A while later, Rattrap's distrust of Ravage proved well founded—Ravage was turned against them by Megatron, and Rattrap had to radio a warning to Primal. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

[[File:Rattrap-slimpickins5.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Rattrap fights to prevent Predacon infiltration, subversion, and pollution of the Maximals' precious bodily fluids.]]

As Ravage's [[Transwarp cruiser]] attacked the ''Axalon'', Rattrap used his wheeled beast mode to launch himself out of the base and onto Ravage's ship. Tearing his way through its hull, he tossed a pair of [[Fusion weaponry#Fusion grenade|fusion grenade]]s right into the hands of the startled Tarantulas, who could do nothing but scream as they blew him to bits and destroyed the cruiser's engines. Rattrap bailed out as the Transwarp cruiser crashed its destructive way to earth, having pretty much single-handedly saved the Maximals and their base from destruction.

The next day, as the Maximals tried to infiltrate the Autobot vessel the Ark, Rattrap fired the shot that brought down the Ark's shields and—almost—gave the Maximals a chance to stop Megatron's last-ditch scheme to alter history. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-Rattrapviolin.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rattrap fiddled while Inferno burned.]]

Though Blackarachnia turned against Megatron and assisted the Maximals in starting to repair the damage Megatron had done to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Rattrap was not particularly sympathetic, threatening to shoot her, even on pain of injury by Silverbolt. When Optimus hesitated in shooting Megatron, Rattrap volunteered to do it himself, and Primal batted him aside. Later still, Rattrap spared no sarcasm in mocking Silverbolt, after the other Maximal gave a long melodramatic speech over Blackarachnia, offering the services of his invisible violin. The Maximals were forced to move in to the cavern housing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] after [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] destroyed the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[File:Rattrap-subaquatic2.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|right|"Scientist, super spy, gardener, construction worker, and now marine explorer. Maybe I should try tap dancing."]]

Rattrap wasn't impressed with new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], declaring him rude and joking the Predacons would make fish sticks out of him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Rattrap was picked for a mission to enter the submerged remains of the ''Axalon'' and retrieve Sentinel, mostly because he was the only one small enough to fit in the [[subaquatic stealth vessel]] which Blackarachnia had built. Attacked by Rampage, he was glad to see Depth Charge coming to the rescue, though Depth Charge was more interested in fighting Rampage than helping with the mission. Extracting the Sentinel module, Rattrap returned to the surface where Silverbolt was waiting, however the pair quickly ran into a group of Predacons whole stole Sentinel. Though Rattrap and Silverbolt got it back, they collided with Depth Charge, resulting in Sentinel falling into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]'s hands. Rattrap later had some uncomplimentary things to say about Depth Charge, but was forced to admit the other Maximal ''had'' saved his life. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

Rattrap's suspicions of Blackarachnia continued when he spotted her lurking around restricted areas. When later telling Rhinox about it, Rattrap made it clear he still didn't trust the ex-Predacon. He and Rhinox found themselves defending the base alone against a Predacon incursion, when the others were all out battling a group of [[Cyber raptor]]s. Just as it seemed the Predacons would triumph, Depth Charge arrived to lend a hand, and saved Rattrap's bacon. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Rattrap monitored Cheetor, after the latter had turned up, having been missing presumed killed. He was startled by noises coming from Cheetor's quarters, and was even more shocked when a strange feral beast burst through the door, apparently spiriting away Cheetor. A while later, Cheetor once again returned, but it was clear all wasn't right, and Rattrap was surprised to discover that the young bot had been mutated by the strange properties of the [[transmetal driver]]. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

Blackarachnia didn't appreciate Rattrap's insinuations about her loyalty when the Maximals were investigating the possibility of removing her Predacon shell program. His suspicions were seemingly confirmed a while later, when Silverbolt's scan detected Blackarachnia heading for Predacon territory. Although Rattrap's first instinct was to tell Optimus, Silverbolt managed to talk him out of it by bringing up Rattrap's friendship with Dinobot. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}}

[[File:GoWithTheFlow-RattrapUnaDepthCharge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|left|Bring it on.]]

Rattrap was amused by Cheetor's attempts to educate [[Chak]] and [[Una]], two young [[anthropoid]]s. When Una was kidnapped by the Preds in order to complete Megatron's [[disruptor cannon]], Rattrap was teamed up with Depth Charge to go rescue the kid. During the flight, they were shot down by Megatron's cannon, disabling Depth Charge and leaving Rattrap to go on alone. Though outnumbered by the Predacons, Rattrap was aided by Una herself, and the pair made their escape, using Depth Charge as a raft. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} When Blackarachnia's shell program began to degrade, and she downloaded the Ark's access codes into Optimus, Rattrap commented "You couldn't pay me to let that spider inside my processor", which prompted Cheetor and Silverbolt to tell him to keep his opinions to himself. He still defended the base to try and prevent the operation to save Blackarachnia from failing, even if it did fail in the end (she got better). {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw Quickstrike taking control of Optimus Primal, disabling the other Maximals and locking them in a cage. Blackarachnia released them all in time to fight off a newly upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

When the Predacon base was destroyed by the arrival of [[Tigerhawk]], Rattrap was the first, and only Maximal prepared to celebrate, but was puzzled when anyone failed to return his high-five. {{storylink|Other Victories}} He was skeptical that Tigerhawk's arrival had anything to do with the [[Covenant of Primus]], and was later dismayed to learn that Megatron had pulled an ace out of his sleeve, in the form of the ancient [[Decepticon]] warship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', and they were going to have to defend the Ark against the oncoming attack. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

[[File:Nemesis2-Maximals.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
With the ''Nemesis'' airborne, the Maximals were forced to try to implement [[Operation Eternity]]. Rattrap found himself having to pack up his collection of Predacon parts, which has particularly full of Waspinator bits, as Rhinox explained that they might need to move the Ark. The Maximals struggled to get the ship working, and Blackarachnia found that Rattrap's [[sword]]-tail made a perfect power conduit... once she snipped off the tip. OW. Of course, it quickly melted when they tried and failed to fire up the engines.

As the victorious Maximals left Earth in a refitted Autobot shuttle, Rattrap was more than surprised to learn that [[Dinobot II|old chopper face's clone]] was responsible for saving them, but very happy—they were going home, and they wouldn't have to see Megatron until after they got there, as he was strapped to the roof of their shuttle. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese)|[[Ignacio Castaño]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Alexandre Moreno]] (Portuguese), [[Daniel Abundis]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Gerald Schaale]] (German), [[Nicolas Dubois]] (French), [[Fabrizio Manfredi]] (Italian)}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Rattrap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|Look, if you're not going to keep your technorganic body clean, it'll be taken away from you.]]

As the Maximals sailed back to Cybertron, Megatron shook himself free of the shuttle, disappearing into the time vortex. Though Rattrap initially rejoiced at the sight, especially when they then exited into Cybertron's orbit, the shuttle was quickly shot down. Upon emerging, the Maximals found themselves overwhelmed by the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] [[Tank Drone]]s who unleashed a [[Transformation virus|gaseous virus]] on them. As a [[Transmetal]], Rattrap was able to resist the full effects of the virus, though at the cost of his upgrades and being locked in beast mode. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Unable to remember anything since boarding the shuttle, Rattrap hid in a [[Monorail transport|monorail car]] where [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Primal]] stumbled upon him. Although Rattrap wanted to hide in the train car, Primal snatched him up and escaped just as the tank drones fired upon him. Primal's newfound intuition soon reunited the pair with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Primal then led them to the ancient [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] computer, which reformatted them into new, techno-organic bodies, curing the virus.

In his new form, Rattrap became a large green rat with a "toolkit" on his back, containing such things as flashlights and computer ports. When they first faced a platoon of [[Cycle Drone]]s, the Maximals discovered that they were unable to transform. Rattrap asked if maybe they could return the upgrade, but Optimus soon stumbled on the fact that they needed to focus their inner selves in order to transform. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

Optimus set about teaching the other Maximals how to transform, but Rattrap had an immense amount of trouble, unable to get anything to happen. Their base discovered, the Maximals split up to find a new one, Rattrap accompanying Optimus on his search. When they later tried to gain entry to the [[Council Citadel]], Rattrap found his inability to transform caused him to be pretty much useless in battle. He was only saved from some Tank drones by Optimus interrupting [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s concentration. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

The other Maximals kept the Vehicons busy while Rattrap broke into the [[Cybertron Archives]], only to find the ancient library had been wiped clean. After a disorderly retreat, Rattrap followed Blackarachnia to the spaceport, where they encountered three new [[Vehicon General]]s. They managed to evade the trio and accessed the spaceport records of their arrival, discovering that there had been six of them on the shuttle. Blackarachnia headed for the shuttle's location, and Rattrap overheard a communication from Megatron indicating that he was going to access her mind when she accessed the shuttle computer. Rattrap dashed to the shuttle and cut the connection in time, and the pair were subsequently rescued from the three generals by Optimus and Cheetor. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:Mercenary Pursuits Rattrap 2heads.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|left|"My grandmother was caught snogging with Star Upper in a private zoo in 1919, so now I have a talking boil on my neck."]]

The discovery of information about [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] reawakened memories of them in the Maximals, who set out to find the missing pair. During the search, Rattrap found a transformation enhancer in a laboratory and, frustrated at his inability to transform, used it. Unfortunately it caused unpredictable effects, resulting in the four Maximals being captured by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. Taken to Megatron, the Maximals were in danger of having their sparks extracted, however Rattrap's spontaneous random transformations broke him free of the energon bonds, and he was able to free everyone. With the help of Tankor, who Optimus temporarily convinced to help them, the Maximals escaped. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Rattrap's failure to master transforming continued to frustrate him, causing him to snap at Primal and bluntly suggest the Maximal leader save his concern for Rhinox and Silverbolt. The Maximals subsequently encountered another Maximal, [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who had survived Megatron's purge. After a brief battle with [[Aero Drone]]s, during which Rattrap was forced to hide, Nightscream took the Maximals to the tree he had been living off. Rattrap, Blackarachnia and Optimus ate fruit from the tree, causing their beast instincts to overcome them, until Cheetor blasted the tree. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

[[File:Rattrap bm robotmode.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|right|They see me rollin', they hatin'.]]

With Optimus Primal weakened after reformatting Nightscream, Cheetor was left in charge, and he, Rattrap and Blackarachnia went on a mission to a Vehicon factory in search of information. While under orders to access the computer, Rattrap saw Nightscream in what looked like deadly peril... and finally found that his concern for others allowed him to transform. Though he realised straight away that his new [[robot mode]] lacked weapons, he attempted to save Nightscream anyway, only to discover he'd bungled an ambush his friends were planning. While trying to stop the factory operating, he managed to send a massive surge through the computer system, destroying the factory- at the same time temporarily crippling Megatron and putting his drone armies out of commission.

Back at base, Cheetor chewed out his behaviour. To make matters worse, he compounded the problem by transforming to robot mode within the base to prove that he could- something that potentially allowed the Vehicons to track their position. Though he suddenly realised that the power surge he'd caused had made Megatron weak, the other Maximals refused to follow his suggestion that pressing to the attack might be a good idea, and he would later overhear them discussing what to do about him. Upset, he left the base and went to Megatron, offering to protect the Vehicon leader overnight in return for "noisemakers", and was provided with a massive armored suit. As the other Maximals arrived, accusing him of being a traitor, tensions mounted between the two. Indeed, this controversial decision almost brought him to blows with the other Maximals, until Primal arrived and talked him down, telling the other Maximals that Rattrap was stronger than they knew. As a result, Rattrap abandoned the armored suit and walked into the sunlight with the other four Maximals. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

Not long afterwards, the Maximals found a factory full of empty Transformer bodies, which Rattrap examined. and discovered that the sparks had been forcibly ripped out. After another skirmish with the Vehicons, Blackarachnia revealed she'd discovered that the three generals held the sparks of their missing friends. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} While Nightscream and Blackarachnia kept the other Vehicon Generals busy, Rattrap and Cheetor went on a special mission. Rattrap hacked into Tankor's processor, unlocking memories about what had happened when they reached Cybertron. It didn't take long before he realised that Tankor was actually Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Though Cheetor was skeptical, they revived Tankor, only to find themselves being chased across the city by the enraged Vehicon. Eventually, Primal was able to reawaken Rhinox's personality, only for the Maximals to discover their friend had turned against him. Though Rattrap was about to reprogram Tankor, he was prevented by Optimus, and could only watch as their friend left. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}}

[[File:Survivor Rattrap takes cover.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Cowering away from Zoisite.]]

While Rattrap was trying to extract memories from Nightscream, the young Maximal's snide comments about the fact they had lost the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] angered him. The Maximals attempted to find the chamber containing the fruit tree again, leading to a fight with the Vehicons during which everyone was knocked out, and Nightscream abducted. The Maximals managed to find him, leading them to battle more Vehicons, and the discovery of a [[fossil chamber|fossil cave]] which they would use for their base. {{storylink|Survivor}} With Optimus and Cheetor now constantly coming to blows over leadership decisions, Rattrap would often find himself in the middle of their arguments. The latest such argument was cut short when the Maximals discovered a quantity of [[organic goop]], which was followed by the appearance of Tankor, who used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn Nightscream into [[Living metal|technomatter]] before himself overloading. As they'd discovered that the organic goop would cure the technomatter sickness, Rattrap accompanied Primal and Cheetor in trying to obtain a [[Mole Drone]] in order to drill for more goo. Having commandeered one and cured the technomatter, Rattrap found himself in the middle of another argument, and this time left them to it, forcing them to talk about their disagreement. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:Catalyst Rattrap vine uhoh.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|He hurt it through the grapevine.]]
Searching the computers for more locations to find the organic goop, Rattrap stumbled on a catalyst planted there by Tankor. He used it to superaccelerate the plant growth, only to find himself literally carried away by the vines, and having to be rescued by the other Maximals. They would later use the fast-growing vines to rescue Blackarachnia, against Optimus's wishes, an act that almost spelled doom for the orchard. {{storylink|The Catalyst}} Nonetheless, Rattrap used the catalyst to create plant-bombs that ensnared Vehicons in instant-growth vines. When Optimus discovered the location of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which would end all technological life on Cybertron, the other Maximals persuaded him not to use it. Instead, they had Rattrap attempt to hack into the computers to found a way to disable the Keys. Unfortunately Tankor had other plans, and disabled Rattrap by zapping him into technomatter. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

Restored to technorganic health when the conflicting energies of the Keys and the Plasma Energy Chamber cancelled each other out, the Maximals visited the Council Citadel, where they discovered the remains of Optimus, Megatron and Tankor. Rattrap checked out the city's central core and reported it was flat-lining. Though he was greatly discouraged, Cheetor announced they had to find the lost sparks. After an altercation with the two remaining Vehicon Generals, the Maximals went to the Oracle chamber, where they found Primal floating with in the Oracle. Though he asked for them to forgive him, Rattrap told him there was nothing to forgive. With some encouragement from the Maximals and an encounter with the Matrix, Optimus chose life, returning to them.

[[File:PrometheusUnbound Rattrap harness.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|left|"''I'' was Number One all along!!"]]
Returning to the surface, the Maximals were startled when a giant [[Grand Mal|likeness of Megatron]] floated into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, the other Maximals went to look for the Vehicon Generals, and found [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]] who had seemingly no control over his transformations into a huge beast dubbed Savage. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Noble made Rattrap extremely uneasy and he had little sympathy for Nightscream's friendship with the beast. The Maximals broke into the Council Citadel, eventually reaching the throne room, where Rattrap tapped into Megatron's [[control harness]] and attempted to access the encrypted data. He was pulled from the harness by Noble, who it turned out was Megatron himself, trapped in his own organic half. Megatron used [[spark extractor]]s to remove his spark, and soon took up residence in the giant floating head, reactivating the Vehicon drones. After the Maximals retreated to a safe place, Rattrap expressed his sorrow to Nightscream that Noble had turned out to be a con job. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

Rattrap developed a new device, combining a spark extractor with a [[DNA scanner]], which he hoped to use to reformat the Vehicon Generals back into their friends. While searching for Nightscream, he spotted the young Maximal being dragged away by Savage, who was by then sparkless and operating completely on instinct. Believing the worst, Rattrap attempted to quietly rescue Nightscream, but accidentally alerted Savage. The pair fled, and managed to lose Savage by diverting his attention to [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]. They found that Blackarachnia had used Rattrap's device to turn [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] back into [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and Rattrap was overjoyed to have at least one of their friends back. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. With Optimus's help, they realized what was happening and managed to work together to overcome the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

A spaceship crash led the Maximals to discover [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal formatted as a plant-based life form, who was able to lend a hand with the failing technorganic crops. {{storylink|Home Soil}} Though the Maximals were finding they had an easier time dealing with just Thrust, Megatron soon introduced two new Vehicon generals—[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]—who almost got the better of the Maximals until a vision prompted Botanica to lend a hand. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}}

[[File:Sparkwar2 Rattrap generators.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"All right, it's a jammy dodger but I was promised tea!"]]
Searching for a way to evade the Vehicons, Rattrap developed [[scrambled field generator]]s, which hid their life signs. Rattrap and Botanica were paired up to search for the lost sparks, but spent most of their search bickering, only to encounter Strika. Fleeing, they hid in a handy building which turned out to contain a [[Holo-chip|holographic entertainment unit]], much to Rattrap's delight. While he was immersed in an illusion, Strika attacked. Botanica yanked him out of the holographic world, and he subsequently used the device to keep Strika occupied. Though he was inordinately pleased with himself, Botanica dragged him from the building, saying the hologram wouldn't hold Strika for long. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

As the Maximals intended to infiltrate the floating head in search of the missing sparks, Rattrap provided upgraded versions of his scrambled field generators. They were used to great effect, as Rattrap, Primal, Blackarachnia and Botanica snuck aboard the flying head, only to discover that Megatron had begun to devour the missing sparks as part of his ascension. After Megatron made the mistake of killing Noble, Nightscream used his sonic attack to blast and apparently dissipate Megatron's spark. With the floating head plummeting, Rattrap managed to activate the manual controls so that Optimus could take control of it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

After the Maximals had celebrated their foe's demise, Optimus assigned Botanica and Rattrap to tend to the [[technorganic orchard]], much to Rattrap's dismay. He continued to complain, even as he worked on the orchard, and got into an intense argument with Botanica, which abruptly ended when they accidentally [[Kiss|locked lips]]. Startled and embarrassed, they both decided to delete their memories of the incident. As it turned out, Megatron wasn't gone after all, and his spark possessed a Cycle Drone, which wreaked havoc in the orchard until Botanica destroyed it. Rattrap swiftly found a way to track the spark, and managed to repolarize it, allowing it to finally possess a body for good—that of a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:BMEndgame1 Rattrap Botanica dying.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"See?! Botanica's no longer GOING to be in the show! ''I HOPE YOU'RE SATISFIED, FANDOM.''"]]
Soon the Maximals found themselves sieged aboard the giant head. The ship's shields cut Botanica from Cybertron's organic core, slowly starving her. Desperate to save her, Rattrap loaded her into a lifepod and used a device to eject her through the shields. Unfortunately this also allowed Megatron to learn the shield harmonics, enabling the Vehicons to bypass the shields as well. Rattrap defended his actions, but the ship was doomed. He erected a stasis field around the [[spark containment unit]] as the ship plunged to the ground. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} With the ship completely depowered, Botanica showed up with a power cable, and Rattrap was extremely happy to see her, though he clumsily hid it. As they prepared to defend the ship, Botanica thanked Rattrap for saving her life. Optimus was able to get the Oracle to provide them with spark powerups.

[[File:Rattrap bm treehugger.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|A little man and a big plant.]]
During the battle against the Vehicon drones, Botanica sensed Mole Drones attacking the orchard, and took Rattrap and Nightscream down to fight them off. The Moles moved in on Botanica, but Rattrap used his spark power to whisk her out of danger. Megatron was able to use his access to the Oracle to cut off the Maximals' spark power, and, overcome by the Moles, Rattrap and Botanica had their sparks ripped out by Cycle Drones. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

Though no longer able to physically help, the Maximals were able to offer brief words of encouragement to Primal during his final battle with Megatron. When Primal's sacrifice triggered the reformatting of Cybertron, their sparks were freed and quickly returned to their bodies. As they witnessed the newly greened Cybertron and the restored population, Rattrap leapt joyfully into Botanica's arms. So he's a tree hugger. Deal with it. His and Botanica's romantic moment was interrupted by [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (now regular wasp size and with his [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] head) complaining about how he never gets what he wants, Rattrap just swatted him away. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Rattrap encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]]. (SARA took some fondness with Rattrap, riding the giant rat.) With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Legends Rattrap fanboy.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Following the [[Great Transformation]], the Maximals learned that Rhinox's spirit had crossed over into the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]], an alternate dimension where they were all fictional characters. Intrigued, Rattrap volunteered to go search for Rhinox, and was reformatted into his original Earth body for the trip. On arrival, he found to his surprise that he and his friends existed in the Legends world as small, cute versions of themselves, and ended up signing an autograph for his own alternate self, who was a huge ''Beast Wars'' fan. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Rattrap}} When Waspinator, who had come with him to this universe, started causing trouble, Rattrap set out to stop him. He rebuffed the other Rattrap's offer to help, believing him too small and weak, but his other self revealed that he could transform into a proper Transformer nigh-identical to the original Rattrap. The two teamed up against Waspinator, only to find he was possessed by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who was too strong for them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Waspinator)|Bonus Edition Waspinator}} In the end, Starscream was defeated by the ghost of Rhinox, who Rattrap was overjoyed to see again. After Rhinox had been provided with a new body, Rattrap returned with him to their [[Primax 1097.01 Alpha|home dimension]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Rhinox}}
{{--}}

====3H comics====
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English)}}

[[File:Terminus-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]
Silverbolt and Rattrap came upon [[Packrat]] and [[Onyx Primal]] battling the Predacons [[Vice Grip]] and [[Fractyl]]. Although Silverbolt was gung-ho as always when it came to rescue fellow Maximals, Rattrap didn't want to bother, them being "repaints" and all. Silverbolt disregarded Rattrap's commentary and charged right in. Apparently, their phenomenal entrance took out half the landscape. It must have really been something to see. After the Predacons were driven off, Rattrap asked the two "promotional items" if they had gotten around to acquiring the "episode's McGuffin". The others admitted that they had lost the item. The Maximals were then attacked by [[Antagony (BW)|mysterious shadowy figure]]. Thankfully, Optimus Primal soon came around to help out with the situation. {{storylink|Visitations}}

Later, Rattrap and the other Maximals set out to investigate a temporal anomaly detected by Rhinox. They encountered the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. Rattrap, as always, made his displeasure over the situation vocal. After Megatron took off to reach the time-traveller that both teams had previously detected, Optimus was forced to pursue him, leaving his troops against insurmountable odds. This, of course, prompted Rattrap to make more smart-ass comments about the Maximals' situation. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. Then, suddenly, Predacon fire ceased entirely. The situation had not become any safer however, the Maximals now had to contend with [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], the aforementioned time-traveler, possessed by Unicron's dark essence. Though Windrazor was able to expunge Unicron from his systems, the much more powerful Shokaract appeared immediately aftwerwards... {{storylink|Paradox}}

Shokaract grabbed hold of Optimus in an attempt to rip his spark from his body. Simultaneously, the evil overlord unleashed a torrent of projectiles, which Rattrap desperately attempt to avoid, with only semi-success. Once Shokaract was defeated space-time rebooted itself with the disappearance of the Dark Essence from the past, and these events were erased from Rattrap's timeline. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

During the [[Quintesson]] invasion of the newly techno-organic Cybertron, Rattrap was with Botanica when she sensed a disturbance in the earth. He and Nightscream joined her in tracing her feelings underground, where they encountered a Quintesson named [[Al-badur]]. After Al-badur proved his good intentions (for the moment) by disabling a large number of the invading [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s, Rattrap and his friends agreed to follow the Quint to the site of the [[Wreckers]]' battle.

The combined Autobots and Maximals were drafted to assist [[Sentinel Maximus]] in his conflict with [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]]. Naturally, Al-badur betrayed them when he saw a chance, trapping Sentinel and Cryotek behind a force field over a spatial portal, and nearly snaring Rattrap and the others as well. Worse still, the unique composition of the Quintesson portal chamber resisted the effects of the reformatting, and was completely blocked off from the planet's organic core. Without that link, Botanica was fading fast. Rattrap and Nightscream got her to safety and returned to help, but ultimately there was nothing to be done. Sentinel Maximus grabbed hold of Cryotek and pulled him into the yawning portal, sacrificing himself to remove the Predacon gangster from Cybertron.

Afterwards, Rattrap and the others mourned their losses, including the fabled Autobot leader [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]. They were nearly caught up in [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]]'s media coverage on the way out of the underground, but Rattrap side-stepped the camera-bot. He offered the Wreckers' ally [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] a restored commission as [[Imperial Peace Marshal|Peace Marshall]] in the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] territories, but the hunter declined. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

[[File:Rattrap legs.jpg|left|thumb|Legs! Precious, beautiful legs!]]
Approximately one year later, Rattrap was among the Maximals gathered at the [[Memorial Spaceport]] to greet the wayward [[Autobot]]s [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] back to Cybertron. He welcomed Trailbreaker back in his own unique fashion (involving intoxicants, naturally). Seconds later, Rattrap bore witness as the five travelers were abducted by Unicron. {{storylink|Abduction}}

When Optimus Primal was restored to life and returned to Cybertron with the abductees, Rattrap was there to witness their arrival. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Despite Primal's miraculous return, some of the Maximals voiced concerns that he might not be the same 'bot they once knew, but Rattrap vowed that this time, he was with Primal all the way.

Not long after, needing to blow off steam, Rattrap headed down to the [[Undercity]]. While firing off a blaster at nothing in particular, he was attacked on Cybertron by Blackarachnia, who had been abducted and [[Unicron virus|corrupted]] by the Chaos-Bringer. Rattrap noted that he had never trusted Blackarachnia, and she replied that he was right not to do so. She was seconds away from delivering a killing strike, but Rattrap was saved by the recently resurrected [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. After the spider was driven off, Depth Charge started to leave. Rattrap pleaded with him that there was obviously something big afoot, but Depth Charge would not be swayed, taking his leave as the injured Rattrap passed out. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

Later in the [[Universe War]], Rattrap was part of a team sent to rescue several would-be abductees of Unicron from a barren, icy planetoid. Rattrap was left upset that it was becoming increasingly hard to insult people, not sure why they bothered keeping ex-enemy [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] around, and wishing he had bought a copy of ''Universe 1/2'' so he could understand the plot. When [[Sunstorm (Universe)|Sunstorm]] attacked, the Beast Warriors were luckily warped to the passing Autobot ship ''[[OTFCC (ship)|OTFCC]]'' before being wiped out. {{storylink|Voice Actor Drama}}

====''Universe'' comic====
[[File:Escape-extraRattrap.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|THERE. ARE. TWO. RATTRAPS.]]
The technorganic Rattrap of [[Primax 1103.12-R Gamma]] was abducted by [[Unicron]], as was [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and, from earlier in their reality's timeline, [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. Unlike Terrorsaur, Rattrap and Thrust held out against Unicron's corrupting influence, arguably becoming [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/20}} Rattrap was freed along with many other abductees in a jailbreak engineered by [[Primax 797.18 Epsilon|another universe]]'s [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and presumably returned to his home universe. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}}

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
When the [[Herald of Unicron|Heralds of Unicron]] destabilized the Decepticon [[space bridge nexus]], causing the space bridges to become windows to other dimensions, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] caught a glimpse of Tigatron and Rattrap in one of the portals. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
[[File:AintNoRat Rattrap target.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|There is a checkbook in the left pocket of my fatigues! I will pay you all of my money to stop!]]
As Rattrap piloted the Autobot shuttle back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he observed his companions sleeping in back, and drifted off himself, beginning to dream...

:''Out testing an experimental vehicle built by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Rattrap ran into [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]], who yanked him out of the small craft. Rattrap's appeals to the Predacon's honor appeared to have an effect, and Dinobot halted his blow for a few moments, before appearing to resume his attack. They were interrupted when a [[Bonecrusher (BW)|bison]] knocked them both from a cliff, and Rattrap was saved from falling to his death by a [[Optimus Minor|monkey]]. Bonecrusher, Optimus Minor and [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] introduced themselves to a startled Rattrap, but Optimus Minor asked him not to tell Primal, as the three Maximals did not wish to fight in the Beast Wars.''

Rattrap was woken up by Primal, but wouldn't elaborate on what he had been dreaming. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
After being shaken out of his nap, Rattrap found his comrades acting unusually hostile. Strange still, he was plagued by visions of Optimus Minor, Bonecrusher, and Wolfang, but couldn't recall who these three were anymore. Rattrap's confused reaction to phantoms no one else could see prompted Optimus to suggest the rodent spent som time in the C.R. Chamber. Rattrap insisted he was fine, but a Transwarp agitator previously planted on the shuttlecraft's exterior by the Predacons upped his crew-mates' aggressiveness, causing them to openly attack Rattrap after he refused to comply to their suggestion. Rattrap fled to the shuttle's cockpit while the rest of his team started turning on one-another. There, he was once more accosted by visions of the three Maximals. Being urged to "turn back" by these apparitions, Rattrap deactivated the ship's transwarp drive, returning it to prehistoric Earth. Though this also caused the other Maximals to return to normal, Megatron took advantage of the situation to escape from his bonds atop of the ship! {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
Not long after Megatron combined his spark with that of the original Megatron, he had Quickstrike plant a device in the Maximal base. The device magnified the Maximals' aggression. For Rattrap, this simply meant that his complaining became even more incessant until Cheetor started chasing him around. Eventually Optimus Primal was able to help them overcome the device's effects, and they fought off Megatron instead. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

Much later, While [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]] and Rattrap were bickering in the [[technorganic orchard]], Megatron's spark animated a [[Cycle Drone|Cycle drone]] and attacked them. After a brief scuffle, the thing exploded, sending the pair diving for cover. Rattrap later worked out that Megatron's spark had become depolarised and attempted to repolarise it. Unfortunately his attempts clued Megatron in to what had happened, and before Rattrap ultimately succeeded, Megatron used the knowledge to destroy Rhinox. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
The 'bot that would one day call himself "Rattrap" was aboard the Axalon, along with the rest of its original crew, tasked with performing orbital scans of Cybertron. He managed to annoy his [[Optimus Primal (BW)|superior]] the whole time by teasing the 'bot about his "Optimus Primey" look and behavior. The crew's survey yielded transmatter energy signatures coming from the head of [[Unicron]], in orbit around the planet. But upon their approach, a Transmatter bomb erupted out of the satellite, and the Axalon accidentally came to meet its path. The ship avoided damage thanks to its shields, and the bomb was deflected away from the planet. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed the events that began the Beast Wars, he witnessed Rattrap looking distressed and suffering from Energon overexposure. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:Timelines-rattrap.jpg|thumb|Remember kids, always wear your helmet when you transform into a bicycle.]]

While preparing for an exploration mission on board the [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], the Maximal who would later be called Rattrap and [[Cheetor (BW)|his young companion]] were stuck aboard a space station for weeks, running various errands before their mission could officially begin. Rattrap made no secret of his desire to be [[O'Malley's|somewhere else]]. After acquiring additional [[Energon]] for their trip, they returned to the ''Axalon'' where their captain, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], notified his crew they had to travel first to the [[Alpha Quadrant]] to rid themselves of [[Rampage (BW)|some mysterious cargo]].

In the middle of Rattrap's objections, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by [[Maximal Command]] with new orders from the [[Maximal High Council|High Council]]. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a historic Maximal artifact, had been stolen by a rogue group of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] led by a Predacon criminal who had dubbed himself [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship with the capabilities to take down the [[Darksyde (BW)|Predacons' stolen ship]], Rattrap and his team were ordered to pursue.

However, before long, their ship was attacked by a [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|mysterious Predacon ship]]. After taking some damage, Rattrap was elated to see the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', a second Maximal ship, arrive and help deter their unknown attackers. However, the ''Chromia 10'' and its pilots were severely damaged in the scuffle before Rattrap was able to destroy the unknown Predacon ship with the ''Axalon''{{'}}s forward guns.

The battle over momentarily, Rattrap's ship was hailed by Megatron's, and the Predacon criminal introduced himself quickly to them before his ship opened fire on the Maximals. The ''Darksyde'' disappeared through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal, and Rattrap and the Maximals followed. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}
{{-}}
====''Wings Universe''====
Following the Great Transformation of Cybertron, Rattrap and his friends stood guard over Cheetor as their leader attempted to commune with the Oracle. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)|Jaguar]] and the subsequent response by the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of Rattrap from just after the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The Autobot shuttle carrying him was shunted into [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]], where Unicron destroyed the ship, scattering the crew into [[unspace|transwarp space]]. The Alternity shepherded the "shipwrecked" Primal, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to [[Viron 102.0 Beta]] in order to fight the similarly shipwrecked Megatron, who schemed to take over this reality's Cybertron by capturing the populace's sparks and converting their bodies into Vehicons. Guided by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Primal's forces fought the long and arduous "Allspark Battles", eventually triumphing over Megatron's Vehicon hordes. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Rattrap and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Rattrap's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:RattrapMetalsMangaIssue1Fre.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Well, at least he's still in character, anyway.]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] was dead and the [[Maximal]]s were left scattered all over [[Earth|Energoa]]. Now a [[Transmetal]], Rattrap proceeded to freak out all over the Maximal base as [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] attacked in force with his [[Cobra Corps]] and [[Scorpion Corps]]. With [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]]'s defenses gradually depleting, Rattrap remarked that they were all going to die.

Suddenly, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] appeared above the base, only to be attacked by Sentinel. [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] moved to shut Sentinel down and let her in, but Rattrap stopped him, saying that if he shut it down, they'd die for sure. Rhinox angrily reminded him that Maximals don't turn their backs on one another and shut Sentinel down. Feeling a bit guilty, Rattrap proceeded to use himself to cushion Airazor's crash-landing.

With the defenses down, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was able to sneak in and attack. Ripping off Rattrap's arm, Blackarachnia was only spurred to leave after seeing what she thought was Rhinox committing suicide. As the base collapsed, Rattrap, Airazor, and Rhinox were kept safe by a small force field, protecting a machine Rhinox hoped would return Optimus Primal to his old body. As Rhinox brought Primal's spark out of [[unspace|Transwarp space]], Rattrap blasted it from a laser cannon toward a dish positioned by Airazor, allowing Primal to return to his new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

Rattrap later joined Primal and Airazor in investigating the remains of the ''Axalon''. He had his tail eaten by Rampage, who was lying in wait for the Maximals. He and Airazor were ultimately able to defeat the monster by using the ship's missiles to activate undersea volcanos, that blasted the crab sky high. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 2|Beast Wars Metals #2}}

Rattrap was later thrilled to see that his buddy Dinobot was alive, albeit recovering from injuries in an [[anthropoid]] village. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 3|Beast Wars Metals #3}}

And after that, Rattrap and Rhinox used their monitors to see Airazor struggling with a mind-controlled Tigatron. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 4|Beast Wars Metals #4}}

And after ''that'', Rattrap's and Rhinox's monitoring skills came in handy again, as they hacked into the security cameras of the ''Ark'' and saw that Megatron was planning to kill [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}}

He and Rhinox raced to the ''Ark'' in their vehicle modes, but were too slow to arrive in time to help. They made it there after Primal had taken care of business and were reunited with all the other Maximals who had been separated. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|''Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye'' #9]] (cameo); [[Three Monologues|''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' #20]] (full appearance)

{{quote|I like to '''do''' good more than '''be''' good.|Rattrap|"[[The Chosen One]]"}}

[[File:PostHoc-Rattrap.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|In IDW continuity, Rattrap goes through his bodies backwards.]]

Rattrap was [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|forged]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} During the [[Clampdown (event)|Clampdown]], he stood on a street corner outside [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's New Oil House]]. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:ThreeMonologues-Rattrapbeastmode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|Rats are the as dogs... right?]]

When the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] began, Rattrap joined the Autobots and was deployed to the backwater planet of [[Z'verei]]. While there, he adopted a new alternate mode based off the native [[Z'verein mole-rat]]s and fought Decepticons for millions of years. {{storylink|Three Monologues}} When the war ended and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was once more habitable, Rattrap returned home with other Transformers, both combatants and non-combatants. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}}

Tensions eventually boiled over, leading to a brief conflict in postwar Iacon that ended after [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], supposedly the "Chosen One", {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}} renounced his Decepticon allegiance and exiled the Autobots and Decepticons from the city, prompting several Autobots and Decepticons, including Rattrap, to abandon their old factions. Jealous of [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]'s growing popularity on the very first night of his rulership, Rattrap approached him and offered his aid to the new ruler of Iacon. Rattrap knew Scoop from before and had never trusted him, even calling him jealous of the more successful bots. Rattrap had the damaged power coupling responsible for the blackout, and called Starscream's attention to the phosphex burn that indicated the power loss was sabotage, and not the result of an overload.

Later that night, Starscream met Scoop while the former Autobot was repairing Iacon's communications array. Rattrap pointed at Scoop's toolbox, indicating it had some dark secret inside. When Scoop descended from the tower, Rattrap got under his feet and caused him to drop his toolbox. The toolbox opened and revealed its contents, including a canister of phosphex. Starscream took advantage of the situation and indicated that Scoop orchestrated the blackout for his own benefit, then ordered him to be incarcerated.

[[File:ThreeMonologues-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]

Later still, Rattrap arrived home, where Starscream was already waiting for him, complaining about the dirt and smell of Rattrap's flat. Easily realizing that Rattrap—always evious of the luckier 'bots—had planted the phosphex and caused the blackout in the first place. Amused by Rattrap's opportunism, the Seeker offered Rattrap a job in his new government. {{storylink|Three Monologues}} Shortly afterwards, Starscream was affected by [[Solomus|Tyrest]]'s [[universal killswitch]], sending Rattrap scurrying for cover from this unknown attacker. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

As morning came, Rattrap's "ninth sense" started to twitch, warning him of danger. He brought to Starscream's attention the "sunrise" coming over the horizon...and the fact that sunrise was still a few hours away. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} As the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]] emerged from the former site of [[Crystal City]] outside of Iacon, the natives started getting restless. Rattrap brought Starscream down to see Scoop at the detention facility. Scoop informed them of the legends in the [[Covenant of Primes]] about a false prophet and the black titan that would herald him. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}}

[[File:IntoTheAbyss-nobodysperfect.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]

Rattrap began to see the tide of public opinion turning against Starscream in the wake of the "lost prophecy" (which ''somehow'' made its way from Scoop's cell to the general public). After overhearing Starscream admit to killing [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] as well, Rattrap started to plan for a...different future. He released Scoop from confinement just as Starscream confronted the Necrotitan and seemingly ushered forth a blast of "death plague" that devastated New Iacon and its inhabitants. {{storylink|Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Winners & Losers}} Rattrap remained at Starscream's side during the clean up efforts, but continued to sow discord against the boss in his own way at the same time. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

As the Necrotitan marched on New Iacon, Rattrap contacted [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s factions, bringing them back into the city to defend the population where Starscream could not. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} He began working to evacuate civilians to the Autobot camp on the outskirts of the city. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} When the arrival of the ''Lost Light'' and Metroplex (at Starscream's bidding) turned the tide and saved New Iacon from complete destruction, Rattrap quietly reaffirmed his loyalty to Starscream over Scoop or the others. Starscream, always amused to see another schemer at work, seemingly welcomed Rattrap back with open arms... and a watchful eye. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

Starscream and Rattrap joined the Autobots and Decepticons in defense of Cybertron against the billions of [[Ammonite]]s summoned by Shockwave for the final stages of his plan. They teleported into Crystal City with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s help, and assaulted the chronal drive along with the resurrected Metalhawk. The trio were opposed by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]], however, and his ever-changing reactive armor. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} They succeeded, though, with Metalhawk destroying the drive and Starscream killing Jhiaxus in combat. As the Ammonite army self-destructed, Rattrap tried to get into Starscream's head and play on his doubts on his part in everything that happened, but Starscream firmly warned him not to even try. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

[[File:ABotAndHerCity-she.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.7|Guest written by [[Simon Furman]].]]

In the aftermath, Megatron - now affiliated with the Autobots- agreed to stand trial for his crimes. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} Over the next six months, Starscream began rebuilding his power base in Metroplex, who had integrated himself with the ruins of Iacon. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}} Rattrap kept Starscream up to date on his polls and was present for Megatron's trial on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]]. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}}

As the Titan struggled to recuperate from his injuries, Starscream and Rattrap began a new project: illicitly tapping into the Titan's filtration systems to try and retrieve samples of Shockwave's ores. {{storylink|Windblade issue 3|Windblade vol. 1 #3}} At the same time, however, the [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] [[Cityspeaker]] [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] began investigating a series of blackouts that plagued the city; at a subsequent meeting between Windblade and Starscream, Rattrap was confused as to why everyone referred to Windblade and her bodyguard [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] as "[[Female Transformer|she]]". {{storylink|A 'Bot and Her City}} After Windblade was injured by a mysterious explosion, Rattrap and Starscream paid her a visit to try and intimidate her into cutting off her investigation into Metroplex's inner workings. {{storylink|A Long Way Down}}

Their warnings didn't have much effect; after Starscream and his [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] apprehended her and her co-conspirators in the bowels of the Titan, Rattrap tortured the Camien for information regarding Chromia's whereabouts and the "real" reason why the two colonists had come to Cybertron. Though she uncovered their skullduggery, Windblade also accused the two of arranging the explosion that had temporarily sidelined her, which confused Rattrap. {{storylink|Windblade issue 3|Windblade vol. 1 #3}}

[[File:TheWorldOfTomorrow-RattrapAndWheeljack.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]

Some time later, Rattrap stopped the recently revived [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] from seeing Starscream, as his boss as in the throes of a particularly violent nervous breakdown. Among Starscream's many concerns was the not-unfounded fear that Rattrap wanted him dead because then he'd get his job. {{storylink|The World of Tomorrow}} Growing increasingly wary of Starscream's endless ambitions and his worsening mental health, the ex-Autobot began building up a clandestine network of allies to keep his boss in check, starting with [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]], the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, and Wheeljack. {{storylink|The Possible Light}}

Rattrap's fears would come to pass some months after Windblade's arrival on Cybertron; with the help of Wheeljack, the pair were able to repair Metroplex's [[space bridge]] and use it to reestablish contact with Windblade's homeworld: the ailing colony of Caminus. Rattrap was present as Windblade and Optimus debated foreign policy with Starscream. {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} Correctly guessing that his boss would annex Caminus and turn it into a puppet state, Rattrap informed Prowl of the situation, and, after watching Starscream indict and imprison his patsy [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], slipped back to Metroplex to summon Prowl and the Constructicons to Cybertron... {{storylink|The Possible Light}} but wasn't pleased to learn that Prowl's plan amounted to becoming [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and smashing the space bridge to cut Cybertron off from the galaxy. {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}}

[[File:AllThatRemains-youtookittoofar.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]

Prowl's first plan was easily foiled by Starscream's combiners; after watching Starscream use the [[Enigma of Combination]] to incorporate Scoop and make Devastator loyal to him, Rattrap stole the artifact when Starscream's back was turned, sprang Swindle from his cell, and asked him to create a diversion while Prowl put his backup plan into play. As Swindle and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] started a Decepticon riot inside Metroplex, Rattrap took the Enigma to the imprisoned Prowl, who used it on himself and some bystanders to create [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}} As Starscream struggled to control the Decepticon uprising, Rattrap witnessed him shoot Swindle—who had been a willing coconspirator in Starscream's imperialist aims—in the back to silence him. Before he passed out however, Swindle informed Rattrap that he had proof of the deal he made with Starscream to attack Caminus. When Starscream asked if Swindle still lived, Rattrap claimed that Swindle had died. {{storylink|All That Remains}} In the aftermath, Rattrap had Wheeljack help him move Swindle's body so that they could try to save his life and obtain evidence against Starscream. Though he and Wheeljack were able to stabilize Swindle, the Combaticon was brain-dead, and so the pair hid him away instead. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}}

With both Starscream's and Prowl's machinations in pieces, Rattrap was appointed the first delegate for Cybertron on the new [[Council of Worlds]]. {{storylink|All That Remains}} Rattrap still wasn't ready to count himself out of the game: after a disastrous reconciliation attempt between Prowl and Optimus Prime, Rattrap spirited Prowl's broken body away, noting that the former tactician had promised Rattrap a victory... {{storylink|Now and On Earth}}

[[File:Windblade6-rattraponeukaris.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

The formation of the Council led to both Starscream and Windblade travelling off-planet to form new alliances with the various [[Titan (group)|Titan]] colonies. While they were occupied, Rattrap made a jaunt of his own to the colony of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], populated by xenophobic [[beast mode]] Transformers. The inhabitants were surprised to find a beast-bot claiming to represent Cybertron; though [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] wasn't interested in listening to the "vermin", Rattrap managed to win support for his cause from [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] the [[Fateweaver]] and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], leader of the [[Fur Walkers|Fur Walker]] tribe. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Back at Starscream's side, Rattrap was present when Cybertron opened negotiations with the planet [[Velocitron]], though neither Windblade or Starscream appreciated his comments about Velocitronian society. He later went behind Starscream's back to help Windblade and a small contingent of Autobots use the space bridge to get to Velocitron. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|Windblade vol. 2 #4}} After Starscream and Windblade agreed to travel to Eukaris together, Rattrap slipped Windblade some information on how to get the Eukarians to join the Council of Worlds. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}} Rattrap got on Chromia's nerves as the pair waited on Cybertron, and was present when the two fliers departed for [[Vigilem|Carcer]]. {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} With Starscream in a bad mood, Rattrap went along with his boss's harebrained scheme to found a [[Chosen One Day|new holiday]], and although it didn't go according to plan he nevertheless gave Starscream the gift of friendship for a night. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

Continuing to ostensibly serve Starscream, Rattrap later informed his boss that the other four [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s wanted to have a word with him. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} The rest of the team - left rudderless and disaffected after [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]'s failed invasion of [[Earth]]—would factor into Rattrap's growing power plays; using the pseudonym of "DC-357", he lied to them that Swindle was still alive, being held prisoner by Starscream, and this rumor would go on to take hold in the majority of Iacon's Decepticon population. {{storylink|07:00:00}}

When Optimus used his growing political clout among the colonists to unilaterally declare Earth a member of the Council of Worlds, Rattrap participated in the emergency meeting that followed. {{storylink|New Worlds Order}} The Council later met with Optimus to hear his side of the story; although Prime insisted that his intentions were pure, its members unanimously voted against allowing Earth a seat on the Council. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}}

[[File:ApplicableSkills-rattraponthecouncil.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]

As Starscream tried to find the source of the rumors, he hired the exiled Eukarian [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] to covertly trace the rumors to its source, which, to the citizens of Iacon, appeared to be a string of random mnemosurgical murders. [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] brought this issue to the Council, and Rattrap took the same line as Starscream: this was a purely ''domestic'' issue and thus not Council business.

As "DC-357", Rattrap sent another communique to the Combaticons, providing them with a suit of Badgeless armor to help destabilize the increasingly fraught peace; following the murder of [[Drunkatron|another Decepticon]], anti-Badgeless riots and protests broke out. At the next Council meeting, Rattrap suggested, and Starscream rejected, that they called Earth to get [[Victorion]] sent over to enforce the law as nobody on Cybertron had an issue with her. Instead, Starscream got pushed into putting Ironhide in charge of the Badgeless, and Rattrap pushed him to make a response as the protesters marched on the [[Spire]]. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

[[File:WhatWeSaidWedNeverDo-rattrapandonslaught.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]

After the Combaticons learned that Rattrap had been responsible for abducting the braindead Swindle, they stormed his apartment to find their erstwhile comrade. After some convincing by [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], Rattrap retrieved the Enigma and, alongside Wheeljack and Chromia, escorted them to the secret chamber that they stored Swindle in; Onslaught hoped to use the Enigma to probe Swindle's brain for dirt on Starscream. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}} The Combaticons duly activated the Enigma and transformed into the gigantic [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], prompting Rattrap and the others to make a run for it. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

As Optimus' plans on Earth slowly spiralled out of control, Rattrap joined Starscream as they watched the Autobot leader try to deflect the Cybertronian press while fending off an [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] assault; he commemorated the occasion by preparing a bag of Energon goodies. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} He was less excited to see Optimus raise a slumbering Titan from beneath [[Monument Valley]], {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}}, and recognized it as the same [[Metrotitan (G1)|Titan]] that had proclaimed Starscream as the Chosen One. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}}

Following Bruticus' rampage, Rattrap and Starscream met with Ironhide to discuss moving the Enigma into his custody. Shortly afterwards, Rattrap attended a Council meeting regarding a fleet of [[zombie]] Titans approaching Cybertron. {{storylink|Ping}} The battle ended with the [[Liege Maximo]] released from the bowels of [[Vigilem]], and, as Starscream struggled to keep his fragmented government together, Rattrap brought him news of Carcerian leader [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]'s growing popularity. {{storylink|Heavy}} Not long afterwards, Rattrap bothered Starscream with a stack of urgent briefs, though his boss had more important business on his mind. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

A spectral image of Rattrap was one of the many figures summoned by Windblade during a battle against Vigilem in Starscream's consciousness. {{storylink|Your First Mistake}} In the wake of the defeat of the [[Iron Ring]], Rattrap watched Windblade almost return to her duties as a representative before she was banished from the Council and exiled from Caminus for blaspheming the [[Way of Flame]]. {{storylink|The Chosen One}} Seeking to win the adulation of his constituents, Starscream watched ''[[The Birth of Cybertron]]'' with Rattrap, giving Starscream the idea to commission a biopic based off his life. {{storylink|Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie}}

[[File:TheChosenOne-RattrapsBriefcase.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|"So, [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] thinks he has the most destructive briefcase on Cybertron? ''I'll'' be the judge of that!"]]

Eventually, Starscream decided to call an open election that eventually narrowed down to three contenders: himself, Windblade, and Elita-One. As Windblade gathered support at Maccadam's, Rattrap—unable to tell if this new behavior from his boss was genuine or another trick—made plans to cash out and escape to Eukaris, and thus met with Windblade to reveal his hand in recent events, explaining that ''he'' was "DC-357" and handing her a briefcase full of kompromat on her political rival.

Ultimately, Starscream confessed to his own crimes in the first debate; as a result, he, Airachnid, the Combaticons, and Starscream were all given life sentences after Windblade triumphed in the election and became the next leader of Cybertron. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
[[File:AloneTogetherPrologue Rattrap.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Rattrap was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. As things quickly went south, he realized the futility of the war, and went on to become part of a resistance cell fighting against the status quo. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}} At one point he even went so far as to fake his own death, encouraging reports that he'd died on the road to [[Damaxus]]. Hoping to free [[Dinobot (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Dynobot]], he and his cell infiltrated the [[Ferromax Detention Center]] and managed to find and liberate ol' Chopperface. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}}
{{--}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
When [[Metroplex (G1)|Metrotitan]] fell apart, some of the bricks fell on a stunned Rattrap. {{Storylink|Two Giant Bases! Everybody Getting Along, Come On, Fight!}}

Rattrap was part of the Autobot troops guarding [[Metroplex (G1)|Autobot City]]. When Earth's most wanted criminals attacked the city, [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] ordered Rattrap and [[Fractyl]] to take the flanks. After the villains were defeated, he made a joke at the beheaded [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]]'s expense. {{storylink|The Brick List: Earth's Most Wanted}}

===Legends World===
[[File:Legends 1 Rattrap.jpg|thumb]]
Rattrap of the [[Legends World]] was a rookie salaryman at [[Axalon Trading Company]] who'd grown up with ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and loved collecting the accompanying toys. At one point he set his sights on a [[BotCon 2006|Dawn of Future's Past]] boxset, but his attempts to telepathically force the [[Ravage (G1)|toy store owner]] to put the toys aside until he could afford them ended in failure. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 1}} On his first day at work, he introduced himself by telling everyone of his love for ''Beast Wars'', though most of his co-workers had never heard of it and president [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] thought he was talking about the [[live-action film series]], to Rattrap's annoyance. Manager [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], on the other hand, was also a Transformers fan, and the two hit it off quite well until Rattrap realized the older man was talking about [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]], not ''Beast Wars''. {{storylink|The Generation Gap}} A similar gap grew between him and young part-timer [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], a fan of the live-action movies who thought Rattrap's beast toys looked gross. In response, Rattrap showed Silverbolt updated toys from the ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Telemocha]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars Reborn|Reborn]]'' series, but accidentally let slip that these remakes didn't sell very well. {{storylink|The Youth Gap}}

[[File:Legends Rattrap robot mode.jpg|thumb|left]]
While it was expected that Axalon employees use their robot modes while working, it being their "serious adult" mode, Rattrap instead worked in beast mode then transformed to go toy shopping when the workday was over. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Transformation Gap|The Transformation Gap}} He was smitten by co-workers [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], and left confused when Rhinox told him there were no women employed at Axalon. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Gender Gap|The Gender Gap}} [[Tigatron]] approached Rattrap to talk about Transformers, but Rattrap quickly realized he only liked series with cute girls in them and asked if Tigatron knew anything about ''Beast Wars''. To his exasperation, all Tigatron could remember was the [[Blackarachnia (BW)#TM2|Transmetal Blackarachnia]] toy's removable chest armor. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 5#The Bishōjo Fan Gap|The Bishōjo Fan Gap}} Rattrap and Rhinox later watched Airazor serving tea and wished he wasn't a man. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 5#The Gender Gap Part 2|The Gender Gap Part 2}}

[[File:Legends AOE toy get.jpg|thumb|]]
Together with his fellow fans, Rattrap visited the [[Transformers Celebration 2014]], where he bought ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)|Age of Extinction]]'' [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] toys and was elated to get one signed by [[Hisashi Yuki]], designer of [[Lio Convoy]] and [[Big Convoy]]. {{storylink|Legends Bonus Vol.}} As they looked over the toys they'd bought, Rattrap poked fun at Silverbolt's [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#AOELeader|Optimus Prime]], saying its [[kibble|backpack]] made it look like Prime was going hiking. When Silverbolt transformed Rhinox's [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#EvasionMode|Classic Optimus Prime]], Rhinox got violently upset at its movie-based robot mode and Rattrap had to physically restrain him. Rattrap himself showed off his [[Grimlock (AOE)#Voyager|Grimlock]] and [[Slug (AOE)#Generations|Slug]] toys, and the three cracked jokes about their weapons' resemblance to food and utensils until they all got hungry. {{storylink|TF4 Toy Party}}

[[File:Legends Optimus Primal grow up.jpg|thumb|left]]
Rattrap and his pals also went to [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2014, but were left discouraged after running into Optimus Primal, who questioned what a bunch of adults were doing at a toy show. They regained their faith in their hobby upon seeing ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Star Saber (G1)#Masterpiece|Star Saber]], aimed at adult fans like them, though Rattrap was left appalled by Rhinox's attempts at dancing to an ''Age of Extinction'' song for kids. He had a fangasm upon seeing ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' characters at the show, gushing to the others about all the ''Beast Wars'' references had been in it. After watching Primal and [[Optimus Minor|his son]] play with a Transformer together, Rattrap and the others warmed up to the idea that the franchise was definitely for children after all. {{storylink|Tokyo Toy Show 2014 Report}} Rattrap and Silverbolt later listened to Rhinox sing the praises of his beloved 1980s, and though they had no nostalgia for that century and were ready to leave, they ended up being interested by the fact that Japan had no consumption tax back then. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Era Gap|The Era Gap}} Intending to solve the mystery of Airazor and Nightscream's genders, Rattrap checked which restroom they used, only to find, to his confusion, that their company had an {{w|otokonoko|"otokonoko"}} restroom in place of a women's one. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}}

[[File:Legends OP Rattrap bananas.jpg|thumb]]
When Optimus Primal headed out, leaving his employees with strict orders not to touch his [[banana]]s, Rattrap and the others found his warning so tempting that they immediately hosted a banana party and gobbled them up. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}} As punishment, Primal assigned [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] as Rattrap's trainer, and the frightened rat quickly found ''himself'' a target for someone's appetite. He managed to make the best of it, though, and continued working even when he was stuck in Dinobot's jaws. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} Dinobot also mocked his interest in kids' toys, so Rattrap challenged him to transform a [[Mach Kick]] as proof that Transformers could be hard to figure out for adults too, but to his horror, the hungry and impatient raptor ended up eating the toy instead. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#When We Have Been Social|When We Have Been Social}} Having found his trainer's weakness for figuring out Transformers, Rattrap continued to prank him by replacing his office supplies with ''[[Transformers Device Label|Device Label]]'' toys, only for these to end up in Dinobot's belly as well. When Dinobot wanted an ice cream, Rattrap tried again by giving him a plastic [[Gari Robo-kun]], but was left lamenting his own stupidity when Dinobot inevitably ate it anyway. {{storylink|Prank}}

[[File:Transformers Legends LG01 comic Rattle.jpg|thumb|left]]
One day, Rattrap woke up in the body of an actual realistic Transformer, which he naturally thought was awesome. His co-workers didn't agree, especially after he brought out his weapons at work, and Primal forced him to go to the hospital where he was diagnosed with [[Transformers sickness]], caused by being surrounded by Transformers toys for a prolonged period of time. He refused to get rid of his toys, however, preferring to live life with a Transformer body rather than lose his collection. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} Becoming something of a superhero, Rattrap intervened when Optimus Primal was also turned into a Transformer and lost control of his weapons, using his knowledge of Primal toys to transform him into his harmless gorilla mode. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}} At another point, Rattrap woke up in a [[technorganic]] body that he thought looked weird, like some sort of modern art. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}}

[[File:Legends 80s Rattrap Ai.jpg|thumb|]]
When Rhinox was turned into [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and began using his "80s Transformation Beam" to turn stuff around him into their 80s counterparts, Rattrap was offended to see his precious ''Beast Wars'' DVD set turned into ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' on VHS. Having learned to transform between his normal and Transformer forms by now, he turned into a Transformer and defeated Tankor and his [[Tank Drone]]s with a bomb. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} Tankor resumed his attacks after creating two new minions, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 4|Bonus Edition Vol. 4}} and the latter used the 80s Beam to turn Rattrap into a ''[[Choro-Q]]'' mode. In an attempt to stop Tankor, Rattrap delivered an impassioned speech about how the old days were never forgotten and how new generations of Transformers exist ''thanks'' to the 80s, causing Tankor to reflect on his lifelong enough for Rattrap and the defected Whirl to defeat Roadbuster and send the villains fleeing. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}} That [[Christmas]], Rattrap partied with his co-workers and confused Dinobot by gifting him a [[Heinrad (BW)|Heinrad]] toy. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}}

[[File:Legends Mini-Con Rattrap.jpg|thumb|left]]
Rattrap later met the interdimensional visitor [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], explaining to him that Transformers were fictional in their world and that he wasn't super popular compared to the big-name characters (though Rattrap himself liked him). {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 6|Bonus Edition Vol. 6}} He later watched in awe as [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] defeated Tankor, turning him back into Rhinox. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 7|Bonus Edition Vol. 7}} Being a small guy, Rattrap harbored regrets over his stature that led to his traveling to [[G1 World|another dimension]] in a dream and encountering the two [[Mini-Vehicles|Minibots]] [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]. As he watched them get defeated by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], he wondered why they'd even try to take on such a huge enemy, and was told by the optimistic Swerve that brains and guts are more important than size. After meeting the two's [[Mini-Con]] partners, which were as small as him but still valued allies, Rattrap felt better about himself and cheered the Autobots on. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} Rattrap went on to ask Swerve some questions regarding his few appearances in the cartoon and new name, and was really impressed by Swerve's cool, laid-back answers that those things weren't important to him. He then watched Swerve try to hit Trypticon with Phaser's weapon mode, commenting that Phaser's attempts to correct his aim was also warning Trypticon where he was aiming. {{storylink|2015's Swerve}} He had a chat with Tailgate, who taught him about the history of the Mini-Cons. Wanting try out being a Mini-Con, Rattrap acted as a weapon for the Autobot and defeated Trypticon with a mighty ribbon bomb. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter|Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter}} He was present when Trypticon was brought down by Swerve and Tailgate. {{storylink|LG-43 Trypticon Project Chapter}}

[[File:LegendsManga BonusEdition9 BrainstormAndRattle.jpg|thumb]]
Rattrap also dreamt about [[Brainstorm (G1)|Cana]], who taught him about [[Transtector]]s as an example of growing larger and stronger through practice, a lesson that inspired Rattrap to work out more. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Rattrap asked a question about his new appearance that caused an argument to break out among the Autobot Headmasters, though as a strict ''Beast Wars'' fan he didn't understand what they were talking about. Having learned the wrong lesson from Cana, he later stole the Brainstorm Transtector and smugly claimed to have "worked hard" to grow large, prompting an angry Cana to combine with it and trap Rattrap with the flip-down [[Tech Spec]] plate. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Brainstorm Chapter|Brainstorm Chapter}}

[[File:Legends Rattrap drives Arcee.jpg|thumb|left]]
To Rattrap's shock, his aunt and caretaker [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] was later afflicted by Transformers sickness as well, turning into a giant robot who personally drove him to work when he was late one morning. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 10|Bonus Edition Vol. 10}} Rattrap was present when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] came to the Legends Universe on a mission to destroy it. Learning from her that their world was one where wishes could come true, he was able to wish [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] into the Legends world to stop the invader. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}} {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Metroplex}} He later told Rhinox and Tigatron about his close relationship to Arcee, having slept and bathed together with her while growing up, causing them to become increasingly jealous until he explained that that was ''before'' she became a Transformer. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}}

[[File:Deckss SD Beasties.jpg|thumb|]]
Together with Optimus Primal and rival company president [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], Rattrap visited a ''[[Q-Transformers]]'' event where they tried out food and drink, bought merchandise, watched a show with [[Ryōhei Kimura]], and all along collected stamps to trade in for snacks. {{storylink|Deckss × Q-Transformers Collaboration Event Report|Deckss × Q-Transformers}} When the Transformer [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] arrived in the Legends world, Rattrap was quick to recognize him. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 23#Lord Megatron Goes to the Legends World|Lord Megatron Goes to the Legends World}}

Finding his collection of beast [[Mini-Con]]s stolen by the [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Megatron]], Rattrap took revenge by taking [[Dragoyell]]'s place when Megatron tried to powerlinx with the Mini-Con. His presence caused Megatron to power ''down'' instead of up, and he fled, leaving Rattrap to squabble with Waspinator over whose Dragoyell it was. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Armada Megatron)|Bonus Edition Armada Megatron}} Rattrap was visiting Tokyo Toy Show 2015 when [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]] showed up to cause trouble. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Scourge)|Bonus Edition Scourge}} Enjoying the new ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers Adventure]]'' series thanks to its many beast-like characters, Rattrap had a dream about meeting [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], who told him all about his [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Adventure|latest toy]]. He thought Prime was cool and had a great time playing around in his trailer and inventing a base mode for him. {{storylink|TAV21 Optimus Prime Now on Sale!}} After moving offices to Metroplex, who had crushed the original Axalon building, Rattrap and Rhinox listened to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|the company janitor]]'s explanation of the city-bot's backstory. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}}

[[File:LG17 Megatrons.jpg|thumb|left]]
Rattrap was caught in the chaos when the original Megatron and Armada Megatron formed an alliance to conquer the world, {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Autumn Megatron Festival Chapter|The Autumn Megatron Festival Chapter}} but to his amazement, Alpha Trion had foreseen this and put a stop to them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 14|Bonus Edition Vol. 14}} He then asked Trion to show off his Mini-Con body's weapon mode, having learned from Tailgate that all Mini-Cons had one, and was taken aback when the sage transformed into a car and claimed it was a shield. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Sequel#Alpha Trion Chapter|Alpha Trion Chapter}} After getting caught up in a rampage of [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] clones, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 15|Bonus Edition Vol. 15}} Rattrap learned from Trion that [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]] would be coming to their world to cause trouble, and used his Transformer body to help greet her with a barrage of firepower. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 16|Bonus Edition Vol. 16}} That [[Halloween]], Rattrap was held at gunpoint by Megatron, who had misunderstood the point of "trick or treat". {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 17|Bonus Edition Vol. 17}}

[[File:Legends Adventure Rattrap.jpg|thumb]]
After enjoying an episode of ''Adventure'' with Tigatron, Rattrap had the idea of using the wish-granting power of the Legends Universe to travel the ''Adventure'' world through their dreams. It worked, but while he was explaining to [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] who they were, Tigatron upset [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]], who locked them both up in [[stasis pod|stasis cells]]. Because of this, Rattrap was late for work that morning, to President Primal's annoyance. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}} Reading up on [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]'s origin, Rattrap asked the ninja why she transformed into a car, and was unimpressed with her non sequitur about acquiring a "swan mode" after training with the [[Six Clan]]. {{Storylink|LG-15 Nightbird Shadow Sequel}} He was later curious about Slipstream coming from the ''Animated'' world, and she explained that she'd remodeled her body to include dimension-crossing technology and also to look younger. This caused Arcee to grow jealous, and Rattrap had to tell her she looked plenty young already. He also asked about Slipstream's origin as a clone of [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], and mistakenly pointed her in the direction of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Starscream]]. {{storylink|LG-16 Slipstream Sequel}}

[[File:Legends Cloud World Rattrap.jpg|thumb|left]]
Rattrap and his pals were later menaced by Armada Megatron once more, who was now out to steal ''all'' their toys. {{storylink|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue}} This led to Windblade attempting to destroy the world again, and Rattrap despaired when Armada Starscream tried to sacrifice himself to destroy her. Everything ended peacefully, though, prompting him to celebrate with Waspinator and attempt to claim Armada Megatron's abandoned [[Unicron of Light]] toy. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 18|Bonus Edition Vol. 18}} Rattrap was present when [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] entered the Legends world and had his body remodeled, {{storylink|LG19 Sprung Prologue}} and corrected the newcomer after he mistook Aunt Arcee for the Arcee of his home universe. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 19|Bonus Edition Vol. 19}} Rattrap and a couple others were later temporarily sent to [[Cloud World]] after getting caught up in [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] and [[SARA]]'s return. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Deadlock}}

[[File:Legends Double Rattrap.jpg|thumb]]
While visiting the Transformers Fes2016 event, Rattrap bore witness to an unbelievable sight: the appearance of the "real" Rattrap from ''Beast Wars''! Shaking with the simultaneous panic and joy of a fan meeting their idol, he proceeded to ask his alternate self for an autograph. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Rattrap}} When the Starscream-possessed Waspinator of the ''Beast Wars'' world attacked Metroplex, Rattrap offered to help his other self fight by transforming into his Transformer mode, but even together they couldn't beat him. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Waspinator)|Bonus Edition Waspinator}} Starscream was vanquished by ''Beast Wars'' Rhinox, who both Rattraps were equally happy to see. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Rhinox}} Rattrap was aghast when [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] set out to send all his friends from other dimensions back to where they came from, and when this struggle led to the apparent death of G1 Megatron, he mustered up the courage to place himself in the line of fire and tell Skids to leave their peaceful world alone. His words caused the self-proclaimed peacekeeper to give up his plans on realizing he was the one causing conflict. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 20}}

When the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] visited to get Axalon Co.'s help in making [[transtector]]s, Rattrap and Optimus Primal protested that they wanted payment, which led to the Autobots and Axalon merging into one company. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 21|Bonus Edition Vol. 21}} He was then silently present for a bunch of occurrences, including [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 23|Bonus Edition Vol. 23}} the [[Headmaster Junior]]s' arrival in the Legends world, {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} [[Cancer (G1)|Cancer]]'s first concert, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 24|Bonus Edition Vol. 24}} Galvatron's return and defeat of [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 25|Bonus Edition Vol. 25}} and [[T-AI|Ai]]'s attempt at arresting the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 26|Bonus Edition Vol. 26}} and was among those subjected to [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s loud music. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}}

When his company began producing [[Master-Brace]]s that could turn anyone into a Headmaster, Rattrap was thrilled to receive a pair. Thirsting for giant robot bodies of their own, he and the other were convinced by [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] to invade Tera-Kura Co. and steal the Decepticon [[transtector]]s, but combining with the Galvatron body caused Rattrap to be affected by its brainwashing mask and attack Rewind. Fortunately, the braces stopped working and he reverted to his normal self before he could do any harm. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} He went on to get upset at [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s harassment of Arcee at a soccer game, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 29|Bonus Edition Vol. 29}} witness [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] lose and find his living transtector, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}} and be present for Weirdwolf's attempt to steal the Autobot company HQ, the newly finished Battleship Maximus. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}}

Next, Rattrap warned [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] when Weirdwolf was attacking, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 32|Bonus Edition Vol. 32}} witnessed a defeated Weirdwolf return for revenge on Chromedome, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 33|Bonus Edition Vol. 33}} and was hypnotized by [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] into his loyal servant. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} He was accidentally drawn into [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]]'s body when the Autobot activated his [[Getmaster]] power, which by a stroke of luck allowed Ginrai to access the power of [[Beast Power|Jūchōkon]] and transform into a base mode. Together, he and Rattrap unleashed a barrage that won that day's battle. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}} While partying at the [[Dancitron]], Rattrap was among those brainwashed by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] into attacking Blaster, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 36|Bonus Edition Vol. 36}} and later he was present for the defeat of [[Apeface]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 38|Bonus Edition Vol. 38}}

Encountering Cana/Brainstorm again in another dream trip to his world, Rattrap learned that his inherent "[[Beast Power]]" had powered the Autobot up during their last meeting and lent him the same power again in another battle. To his joy, Brainstorm then came to live in the Legends Universe the next morning. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 39|Bonus Edition Vol. 39}} He was present when the [[Astrotrain Transport Company]] delivered a package to his home, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}} notified his Headmaster friends when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] attacked the city, {{storylink|LGEX Headmaster Set Chapter}} was caught up in a battle between [[Lio Convoy]] and [[Katsu Don]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 41|Bonus Edition Vol. 41}} and received another package from Ginrai. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 42|Bonus Edition Vol. 42}} When Black Convoy returned to dole out some [[Dimensional Patrol]] justice, Rattrap and his friends didn't want any and helped [[Dark Ai]] restore him. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Scourge 2)|Bonus Edition Scourge 2}} He lamented the [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s devastation of [[Akihabara]], but was told by Alpha Trion to use Trypticon's base mode as a temporary replacement. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} He was overjoyed when Akihabara was rebuilt and renamed Neo Akihabara City. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}}

Rattrap was present when [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] was causing a ruckus on the streets, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} was covered in bugs when [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] clones swarmed the city, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 47|Bonus Edition Vol. 47}} panicked when [[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] in a [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] suit was breaking everything around him, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 48|Bonus Edition Vol. 48}} and had his latest toy purchase destroyed by [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]]'s [[plasma energy]] emissions. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 49|Bonus Edition Vol. 49}} When [[Kreon]]s showed up in their world, Rattrap had to have them explained to him by Waspinator before convincing them to leave. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Special Chapter|Special Chapter}} [[White Leo]] later turned the people of the Legends World into [[Beastformer]]s to become his new army, transforming Rattrap into "Enthu Warrior Otaku Rattrap". After the situation was dealt with, Rattrap chastised him for not considering their feelings on the matter. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} He was surprised to see the buildings of Akihabara be bought up by [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 52|Bonus Edition Vol. 52}} was around when [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] came to the Legends World, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 54|Bonus Edition Vol. 54}} and got confused by Waspinator's explanation of there being a [[Minerva (human)|human Minerva]] and [[Minerva (G1 robot)|robot Minerva]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 56|Bonus Edition Vol. 56}} Towards the end of the year he was caught by surprise by the [[No. 7 Clone Corps]] searching the city. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}}

When the Autobot [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]] came visiting, Rattrap had Waspinator explain who they were and found that while they looked the same, their personalities were very different. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 58|Bonus Edition Vol. 58}} He watched as a [[Quintesson]] army retreated following a failed invasion. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 59|Bonus Edition Vol. 59}} Ginrai called upon Rattrap to grant him Getmaster powers during a duel with [[Giga]] and [[Mega]], though he still lost to his opponents' [[spirit energy|Shinchōkon]]. Fortunately, Rattrap's wish for Ginrai to keep fighting exuded its own Shinchōkon, allowing him to use draw both Jūchōkon and Shinchōkon from the rat and claim victory. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 60|Bonus Edition Vol. 60}} When the world came under attack from rampaging [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], Rattrap huddled behind [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s force field. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 62|Bonus Edition Vol. 62}} Next the city was flooded by [[Tigerburn]] who turned Rattrap and his friends into [[Laser Beast]]s and left them floating on rafts, which really annoyed him and had him demanding to know why people from [[Beast (planet)|Beast]] kept coming over. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 64|Bonus Edition Vol. 64}} He was caught up in the devastation when Windblade returned to being evil and attacked the Legends World a second time, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 65|Bonus Edition Vol. 65}} but to his joy, [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] repaired all the damage. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 66|Bonus Edition Vol. 66}} He watched [[Grand Maximus]] and the world's [[Masterforce (technology)|Masterforce]] warriors battle [[Devil Z]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Grand Maximus)|Bonus Edition Grand Maximus}}

====The Beast Wars Road Map====
Rattrap was scampering atop of Rhinox's monitor when the latter was contacted by his [[Rhinox (TransTech)|counterpart]] from [[Axiom Nexus]]. {{storylink|The Beast Wars Road Map}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Rattrap-art.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Rattrap's function was covert ops, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a rat. His stealth, tail whip, and "street smahts" were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were his wisecracking, toughness, and frankness. Rattrap's message from the future was that a new alliance may threaten his existence. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Rattrap was part of the united Maximal-Predacon faction lead by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Frank Todaro]] (English), [[Echigoya Kosuke]] (Japanese)|[[Rainer Fritzsche]] (German), [[Guillaume Lebon]] (French), [[Thiago Fagundes]] (Portuguese), [[Tommy Rojas]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Abhijit Chitre]] (Hindi)}}
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Rattrap-chews-up-wires.jpg|thumb|300px]]
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep2-Rattrap-standing.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
{{charfictionstub}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

On Cybertron, Rattrap had a friend named [[Box]] who transformed into a shuttlecraft. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}}

Rattrap was the data analyst aboard the Maximal starship ''Axalon'', under the command of captain Optimus Primal. While on a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to [[H'nkshanaar-4]], the ship was pulled off-course to intercept the hijacked starship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'' and apprehend the Predacon separatists who had stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]]. Despite [[Nyx]]'s evasive maneuvers throwing him around, their ship was able to catch up with the ''Darksyde'' and establish a transwarp lock that pulled their vessel along with the Predacon ship when it entered [[unspace]]. After crashing on a mysterious, untamed planet, the ship's computers fitted them with [[beast mode]]s that would protect them from [[energon radiation]]. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} Rattrap broke in his new body by testing its abilities to digest organic material and metabolize it into fuel while Rhinox ran a survey of the planet's unnatural biosphere. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}}

When Nyx went out on a scouting expedition and didn't return before nightfall, Rattrap told Cheetor that it'd be wiser to wait until morning to organize a search party. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}} The next morning, Rattrap helped Cheetor and Rhinox rig up an improvised signal lock device before Optimus announced that he'd found Nyx's signal near their crash site. The Maximals raced out to intercept their wayward scout and discovered [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who informed them that he wished to become a Maximal. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart6-GCMGFive.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Get away from my cheese, you bitch!]]

While Optimus confined Dinobot to the ship's brig, Rattrap used the ship's security systems to spy on the ex-Predacon until the ship's proximity sensors detected multiple Predacons on approach. While Optimus, Cheetor, and Rhinox did what they could to hold off the attackers, the Maximal commnder ordered Rattrap to get the damaged ship's defence systems back online. However, while the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s shields were down, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] invaded the ship, attacked Rattrap, and forced him to flee while warning that he would destroy the entire ship. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} While hiding out in his [[beast mode]], Rattrap watched as Tarantulas broke into one of the ''Axalon''{{'}}s labs and attempted to sabotage the ship's [[stasis pod]] network. While Tarantulas tried to hack the computers, Rattrap commandeered a [[GCMG-Five|cargo-loading exoskeleton]] stored in the ship's hold and used it to easily overpower Tarantulas and toss him out the nearest window before restoring the ship's shields. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

After Dinobot joined the Maximals, the distrustful Rattrap took an instant dislike to the newcomer, which proved mutual. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} Some time later, Rattrap and the other Maximals were playing cards when the recently activated [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] penetrated their shields and broke into their base without their knowing. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] went off to investigate a noise and didn't return, Rattrap and the others found that he'd lost a fight against the newcomer and wound up trapped in a web cocoon. Optimus ordered the Maximals to split up and sweep the ship to find the intruder, but while searching Rattrap and Cheetor nearly blundered into an explosive booby trap that would've killed them had Dinobot not intervened. Although Blackarachnia escaped unharmed, Primal vowed that they would have to go on the offensive and take the fight to the Predacons. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart1-DinobotRattrap.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

One evening, Rattrap was on monitor duty when he noticed [[Skold]] delivering the wounded [[Razorbeast]] to the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Thicker Skin}} Bolstered by this new recruit, Rattrap and the other Maximals joined Primal in the ship's hangar, where Primal and Dinobot had turned an escape pod into an improvised shuttlecraft, to plan a full-scale attack on the crashed ''Darksyde'' in the hopes of retrieving the Golden Disk and sabotaging the vessel's [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]]. Although a nervous Rattrap, skeptical of both Primal's plan and the capabilities of his fellow Maximals, doubted that they could pull off the heist, {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} he and Nyx successfully breached the ship while the other Maximals distracted the brunt of Megatron's forces. Once inside, Rattrap broke into Megatron's quarters and successfully disarmed the security system responsible for protecting the Golden Disk. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

However, removing the disc from its housing triggered a shipwide lockdown; when Optimus broke into the vessel to rescue both Rattrap and Nyx, the three triggered a force field that trapped them in the ship and allowed Megatron to corner the trio. Ultimately, however, Primal threatened Megatron into letting them go by threatening to destroy the Golden Disk and sabotage their own starship to keep him stranded on this planet forever. As the three returned to their improvised shuttle, however, Rattrap revealed that he'd taken the liberty of copying the encrypted files on the disk onto his own systems, and was grudgingly impressed by Primal's ability to bluff his way out of a bad situation. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

At some point, Rattrap took part in a skirmish over energon that ended with Cheetor getting injured. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When the Predacons poisoned Optimus Primal with a sample of aggression-enhancing energon, the berserk Maximal stormed through the ship and threatened everyone aboard until Dinobot convinced him to take out Megatron instead. Rattrap had his doubts, but Rhinox pointed out that overexerting himself would help flush the toxic energon from his systems faster. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} When night fell, and Primal still hadn't returned, Rattrap and most of the other Maximals set up a campfire outside to keep watch. To pass the time, Cheetor told a scary story about a guerrilla war on a faraway world, but Rattrap complained that the ending was too depressing. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Believe in the Bananas!!}} {{storylink|A Hunch of a Good Duo!}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 38}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
Rattrap once shot [[Jonny Quest]]'s rope, sending him plummeting to his demise in a fiery pit. {{storylink|Commercial/Beast Wars#toonami|Beast Wars on Toonami}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game advertising comic====
Upon arriving on "[[Earth|Planet Energon]]", the dangers of Energon radiation forced the six surviving Maximals and their Predacon adversaries to take on beast alternate forms. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game====
{{voiceactor|??? (English), ??? (Japanese)}}

Rattrap joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal campaign=====
Rattrap was not one of the active members of the ''Axalon'' when it crashed, but rather a dormant protoform. When the stasis pod landed in the "Polluted Area" of the planet, he was rescued by the Maximals and subsequently joined them.

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Rattrap was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace. Rattrap also commented that the Maximals "survived" and were "the baddest! Yyyyeeeeeaaaah!" {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

{{BW VG|Rattrap|M}}

=====Predacon campaign=====
{{note|In the Predacon campaign, the stasis pod that would contain Rattrap is instead rescued by the Predacons, producing [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]].}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Rattrap.jpg|frame|Use the cheat codes or he's not in character!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese)}}
In an alternate timeline created when Megatron sent a message through Transwarp back to his past self, Rattrap participated in a series of all-out battles with the other beast warriors.

The Beast Wars were ultimately won thanks to a spy mission successfully completed by Rattrap. The resulting sneak attack meant the end of Megatron, who perished in the battle's explosive finale. The remaining Predacon troops were subsequently taken prisoner. The Beast warriors then boarded the ancient Autobot shuttle, and returned to Cybertron. Back on his home planet, Rattrap can finally enjoy peace and tranquility, as he relaxes at restaurants, taverns and bars, proclaiming: "Ahh... Ya know, we're all gonna di... dine!" {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Rattrap|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Tunnel Rat (does not do damage)
|-
|C-Up||Rabid Tackle
|-
|C-Left||Tail Whip
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Rattrap mocked Cheetor for wanting to go out and fight them on his own. This quickly came back to bite him when Optimus declared they would not only do so together, but would use the opportunity to retake the Golden Disk. Having no say in the matter, Rattrap reluctantly joined Primal's team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside''. After cornering Megatron, Rattrap flaunted the Golden Disk they now once again possessed in his face, but the celebration was short-lived as the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Rattrap and the others hurried back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Rattrap joined Optimus Primal in an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the Axalon before being left badly damaged on the ground. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses before the Predacons could finish them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Trap Blaster
|Special attack||Sand Kicker
|-
|Super attack||Nuke Bombs
|Super attack||Scratching Fury
|}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Rattrap and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|400px]]
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Rattrap-(TM).jpg|thumb|400px]]
Rattrap participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in two different bodies:
*''Rattrap''—This Super Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars Episode 3" event.
*''Rattrap (TM)''—This Epic character first appeared in the "Beast Wars: Episode 4" event, and could be recruited by collecting 500 units of Cybermetal, 250 units of Transmetal, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
{{gamestub}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
According to one account, Rattrap was an untrustworthy Decepticon. His fellow Decepticons rarely put their trust in him, knowing that he’d put his own self-preservation above all else. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

According to another account, Rattrap was one of the best Maximal marksmen and a talented demolitions expert, which made up for his abrasive attitude and tendency to eat garbage. Despite this off-putting demeanor, he had a close relationship with Botanica. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Rattrap (BW)/toys}}

==Notes==
[[File:Concept-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|Handi-capable!]]
[[File:RattrapScooter.jpg|thumb|He got this idea from his [[Arcee (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Great Aunt]].]]
*He likes plundering, insulting, gambling, and cheese.<ref>Page 10, "Character Profile" in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>
*In precursor of things to come in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', Mainframe's original concept for Rattrap during ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' was to capitalize on the exposed "brain" of the toy and make Rattrap a deeply flawed character. Originally, Rattrap's scanning and transformation technology was to fail, leaving him basically half-formed, with an exposed brain, wiring, "veins", an asymmetrical body, arms of uneven lengths, and malformed organic sections in [[robot mode]]. On top of all that, he was hooked up to a "colostomy bag-like heating cable" to stress his need for life support. Rattrap's overall story arc would have been about him accepting and overcoming his near-fatal flaws. This approach was nixed by the limits of CGI in rendering convincing organic innards at the time... and the fact that his model would have been massively far off from the actual toy probably also factored into it. The idea of a defective Transformer was later revisited in season 2 with [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]].
*[[:File:BWRattrapEarlyCGIColorModel.jpg|An early Mainframe color model]] for season 1 Rattrap shows his beast mode as brown. Whether his toy was ever intended to be these colors is unknown.
*Rattrap's Transmetal models by Mainframe include an unused model of Rattrap riding his detached kibble (see right). The purpose of this model is unknown, though [[Jim Sorenson]] (who [https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/unofficial-beast-wars-scale-chart.1075068/page-9#post-14371538 originally posted the model]) suggests that it's a "scooter mode".
*At one point in the series, Rattrap says, "What in the name of my [[Relatives|great-aunt]] [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is going on!?" This is an in-joke referring to [[Susan Blu]], who was not only voice director on ''Beast Wars'', but the voice of Arcee in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]] and Transmutate in the ''Beast Wars'' episode [[Transmutate (episode)|of the same name]]. He was originally going to say the line again when he saw Transmetal 2 [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (and she was to reply, "Not your great-aunt Arcee!") in the early script of "[[Crossing the Rubicon]]", but the lines went unused.<ref>Page 96, "Beast Wars Glossary" in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>
*According to [[3H Productions|3H]], they were on the phone discussing exclusives with their at-the-time Hasbro contact, when he realized that the not-yet-released blue Walmart Rattrap could have been named Packrat. However, it was a few days too late to make the change without a massive production delay. Had he simply been looking at the right wall of his office a few days earlier, which had the Packrat/[[Fractyl]] box-set on it...{{fact}}
*In the jovial Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', one of Rattrap's character tics was that he would constantly break the fourth wall by "smelling" what the audience was eating. For instance, in "[[Tangled Web]]", he randomly announces while sniffing the air "Sato-san's having curry today" and "Tanaka-san's having ramen". Like all characters in the dub, Rattrap was also given a vocal tic that he would mutter and wheeze all the time; in his case it was a high-pitched, protracted, "kyū" (キュー) noise. This vocal tic carried over into the habit of making a "pikyū" (ピキュー) sound whenever he fired his gun.
*To piggyback on the popularity of the ''[[Pokeformers|Pokémon]]'' phenomenon of the late '90s, or perhaps just to parody it, Rattrap's [[:File:BeastWarsMetals1 Rattrap beast mode.jpg|beast mode]] in the ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals (manga)|Beast Wars Metals]]'' manga was redesigned to resemble ''Pikachu'' heavily.
*Rattrap makes a cameo appearance in "Nor Iron Bars a Cage", an episode of Mainframe's ''War Planets'' (AKA ''Shadow Raiders''). He's standing next to Emperor Sternum in a long shot, but sneakily turns into a different animation model entirely for the close-up. The scamp! His season 1 rat mode also appears several times throughout the second season.
*In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Rattrap's Cybertronian body is a stylized version of his [[Rattrap (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Optimus bot mode is based on 10th anniversary toy. Alt mode is botcon but as a pickup instead of a racer. Spot on with the rest (though ironhide takes some slight inspiration from TFA lugnut in head/extreme proportions)|link=https://x.com/jcburcham/status/1357005100124827648|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03}}</ref>
*When Hasbro's official ''Transformers'' website made the ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'' webpage public in 2021, Rattrap's name was [[:File:Kingdom-Rattrap-error.jpg|misspelled "'''Rap'''trap"]] for the first few weeks before being corrected.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Rattle''' (ラットル ''Rattoru''), '''Rattrap''' (ラットトラップ ''Ratotorappu'')
*''French:'' '''Rattrape''' (Canada), '''Rattrap''' (Canada, Transmetal)
*''Italian:'' '''Rattilus''' (original toy), '''Metal Rattilus''' (Transmetal)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Patkányfogó''' ("Ratcatcher", ''Kingdom'' sub)
*''Korean:'' '''Rattrap''' (래트렙 ''Raeteuleb'', 래트랩 ''Raeteulaeb'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Huī Shǔ''' (Taiwan, 大灰鼠, "Big Grey Rat"), '''Jīnglíng Shǔ''' (China, 精灵鼠, "Clever Rat")
*''Polish:'' '''Szczurotrop''' ("Rat Trail")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Ratoeira'''
*''Russian:'' '''Krysohvat''' (Крысохват, "Rats Grip")
*''Spanish:'' '''Rattrap''' (Spain), '''Ratatrampa''' (Latin America)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Council members]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) characters]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Surveillance specialists]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe Maximals]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Maximals]]

Rattrap (BW)

2025-03-07T03:28:15Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{faction|maximal|predacon|maximalbm|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Rattrap}}
{{suite}}
:''Rattrap is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:Rattrap-S1.jpg|upright=1.8|thumb|He's like Bugs Bunny if he were a rat. And a robot. And had more lethal weapons than a Die Hard movie.]]

It's not so much that '''Rattrap''' is a coward... he just doesn't want to die. He's seen enough battles to know the score, so he's not afraid to tell his commanding officer to shove it if he's not fond of the odds. He prefers to sneak around unseen, in gutters or trenches or trash barges or what have you—whatever keeps him out of harm's way. He shouldn't be so worried. When he does encounter conflict, he deals with it masterfully with the arsenal of guns and bombs he keeps on himself at all times. He feels naked without them.

Of course, it's hard to like Rattrap, especially if you're his commanding officer, because he's sarcastic, irreverent and rude. Plus he doesn't exactly smell the greatest, what with the whole garbage-eating thing. He's also not the most trusting or forgiving sort, so he's not the best choice to take on a diplomatic run. He'd sooner shoot a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] or [[Decepticon]] than talk to them. Despite his tough-as-nails attitude, he has a [[Transformer romance|strong affection]] for his fellow Maximal [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]].

{{quote|Y'know, I feel just ''heaps'' better knowing that our lives are in your ''capable'' hands. [sighs] ''We're all gonna die.''|Rattrap lays on the sarcasm|"[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
Rattrap was a highly respected, top-notch soldier who was used mostly for reconnaissance, continually prowling the city streets for any Predacon activities. In order to keep up his strength, he was always eating "grunge and grime and any wretched refuse he may encounter along the way". Eeeeewwww... {{storylink|#Toys|Rattrap bio}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese)|[[Teng Kuixing]] (Chinese), [[Pierre Laurent]] (French), [[Robert Missler]] (German), [[Claudio Moneta]] (Italian), [[Hwan Jin Kim]] (Korean), [[Orlando Viggiani]] (Portuguese), [[Paulo Porto]] (Portuguese, in some episodes), [[Martín María Soto Portilla|Martín Soto]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Jesús Rodríguez (Rolo)]] (Castilian Spanish)}}

[[File:BeastWars1-Rattrapprebeast.jpg|left|thumb|200px|He's Rattrap, but naked.]]

The 'bot who would become "Rattrap" was once the best miner in the [[Vespa System]]. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

[[File:BWPart1 coverfire.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|That's what friends are for!]]

After following the Predacons through a transwarp portal and appearing above a mysterious planet, both ships were damaged in the ensuing space battle, and before both ships crashed into the planet's surface below, the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of "Rattrap's" crew were ejected into orbit.

The planet was rich with [[energon]]—so much so that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies. The Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from the local creatures; Rattrap took the form of a ([[Scale|very oversized]]) rat, and was dismayed to find that they were going to have to use the disguises to avoid the energon radiation. Forced into battle, he refused [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s order to rescue [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] on the grounds he'd get shot up. When Optimus went to do the job himself, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] had to hold up Rattrap to get the rat to provide covering fire. Afterwards, Rattrap was unrepentant, pointing out that they'd all come out of it alive.

[[File:BeastWars2 Dinobot Rattrap glaring.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|How's the weather up there?]]

On the way back to base, the Maximals ran into the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] who challenged Primal to a fight over leadership. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Rattrap objected to Primal's decision to subsequently let Dinobot join their group, accusing Dinobot of trying to kill Rhinox when the Predacon accidentally caused a rock fall. Primal had some harsh words with him. During a battle atop a mountain laced with energon, Rattrap found himself having a [[beast mode]] fight against [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:TheWeb-Rattrapapple.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|right|Rattrapple.]]
After Cheetor got himself blasted by Scorponok and got Rhinox's new comlink trashed, Rattrap didn't hesitate to mock the cat for his mistakes. When Cheetor ran off to fix it, though, Rattrap found himself going after him to stop him from doing anything stupid - which failed miserably, as Cheetor was captured by Tarantulas long before Rattrap reached him. The rat and the spider engaged in a heated duel in Tarantulas' underground lair, with Rattrap gaining the upper hand by using a heat box to fool the spider's thermal scanner. After rescuing Cheetor, Rattrap gave an alibi to Optimus about their whereabouts, but then chewed out the cat for almost getting them both scrapped. He left to munch some garbage, but earned a new friend when Cheetor thanked him for saving his life. {{storylink|The Web}}

[[File:ChainofCommand-Rattrapcontemplates.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Good ol' Rattrap contemplating war crimes.]]
During an energon storm, Rattrap tried fruitlessly to raise Optimus, only for their leader to arrive and scrub the mission Cheetor was due to go out on. At least this time it was Dinobot who goaded Cheetor into going out, but all of the Maximals were later thanking the cat for saving their lives later on. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} When Optimus went semi-missing in action, swallowed by a [[Vok probe|alien probe]], Rattrap objected strenuously to Dinobot nominating himself as new leader. A vote was left stalemated until Optimus managed to get a signal to the base and named Rattrap group commander in his absence. After a moment of initial indecision, Rattrap commanded capably while Primal was missing (even earning Dinobot's grudging respect). When Primal returned, he offered his compliments as well. Rattrap's response: "Eh, command's a pain in the tail, especially with this pack of hyenas. You can keep it!" {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

Over time, Rattrap grew to respect his commander grudgingly, with the earliest glimmers showing through when Primal and Rattrap infiltrated a flying mountain that was loaded with supercharged Energon. Primal bravely distracted a super-powered Terrorsaur while Rattrap planted explosives to destroy the mountain (and had a brief tussle with Tarantulas). Optimus then got them both off of the exploding mountain with a fearless beast mode leap off the edge, which ended with them dangling in the treetops far below. Rattrap commented that Primal "did pretty good up there—but don't tell anyone I said so". {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} Rattrap was a member of the party sent out to attempt to capture a stasis pod after Optimus Primal was taken out as soon as he left the base. The group was cut off from the pod when [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and Terrorsaur took out a snow bridge, and Rattrap radioed base to break the bad news. Fortunately Dinobot and Primal were able to set up a transmitter, and by the time Rattrap and the others got to the pod, the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]], who was able to help them fight the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[File:TerrorsaurcagedRT.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Despite all of Terrorsaur's rage, Rattrap is still just a rat in a cage.]]

Suspicious of why the Predacons had managed to ambush three straight Maximal operations, Optimus sent Rattrap on an undercover mission into the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', under the guise of not trusting Rattrap and him defecting to the Predacons. Captured by Terrorsaur as part of the mission, Rattrap pleaded his loyalty to him and was taken to the base, where he knocked out [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] with a transformation-disabling device, allowing Terrorsaur to seize power. After he was locked in the lower chambers and Megatron made his escape, Rattrap broke out and continued his mission, discovering that the Predacons had acquired a Maximal decoder chip which allowed them to hack the Maximals' communications. He was almost caught by Tarantulas but disabled him and signaled Optimus, who attacked the Predacon base with the other Maximals. In the firefight, Rattrap was forced to fire on Optimus, blasting him from the sky and seemingly confirming his traitorous ways. Dinobot almost destroyed him, but two timely breaks allowed Rattrap and the Maximals to escape. Back on the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus congratulated Rattrap on a job well done, adding that he didn't need to make his "defection" that believable (as he rubbed where Rattrap had shot him). Rattrap's response was "Eh, what can I say? I was trying to miss." {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:Better Mousetrap Rattrap.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|”Now where is my Cyber-Violin? Wait, what do you mean I’m not supposed to say that until Season 3? That It! Sentinel, scrap Chooper-Face!”]]

Rattrap distrusted Dinobot and insulted him at every turn. Dinobot wantonly returned in kind, constantly bickering with the "vermin". Dinobot and Rattrap's arguments ranged from being a minor irritation at times to causing serious chaos in the Maximal ranks at others. Rattrap's taunts caused a berserk Dinobot to damage the control module of the newly activated Sentinel defense system, which promptly drove the Maximals out of their own base. Under the circumstances, Rattrap's rarely seen sense of nobility and fair play came to the fore; recognizing the predicament as his own fault, he immediately volunteered to stay inside the base and deactivate Sentinel. His considerable skills at infiltration and demolition allowed him to reach the central computer core and order Sentinel to stand down, though very nearly at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}}

When Primal was hit by one of [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]'s [[Cyberbee]]s, injecting a virus and turning Primal into a berserker, Rattrap unexpectedly became the voice of reason, telling Cheetor and Dinobot to settle down. He objected to Dinobot's idea to set their enraged leader on the Predacons, but it became academic when Primal escaped and headed for the ''Darksyde'' anyway. Rattrap and the other Maximals provided cover fire for Cheetor, as the young Maximal mounted a rescue. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}} During an attempt by the Maximals to build a communications tower to contact a [[temporal probe]], which the [[Maximal Elder]]s had sent to search for the ''Axalon'', Rattrap managed to save Dinobot's life by blasting [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] over a cliff. Unfortunately he was promptly hit by the same [[Transformation Lock Lens]] which had disabled Dinobot's [[robot mode]]. Ultimately the tower was destroyed by Megatron. {{storylink|The Probe}}

[[File:Victory Megatron crushes Rattrap.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|[[Rubber Ducky]] isn't his ''only'' squeaky toy.]]

Rattrap planted a spy cam in the ''Darksyde'', and the Maximals were surprised to watch the Predacons apparently manage to blow themselves up. He proceeded to try to push as many of Dinobot's buttons as possible, but without getting a rise. The Maximals managed to salvage enough to get their own ship working. As Rattrap was telling Tigatron about a "sweet little hole-in-the-wall", it was revealed that the Predacons weren't slagged after all. Megatron managed to get on board and blasted everyone but Rattrap, attempting to crush the Maximal with his bare hands (or at least his beast mode jaws). Fortunately Rhinox came around in time to come to Rattrap's rescue, though the ship still crashed. Afterwards, Rattrap and Dinobot resumed their usual bickering. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

After Rhinox was captured by the Predacons, Rattrap managed to tap into his friend's comlink, and the Maximals listened in horror as Rhinox was converted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]. Though Rattrap was determined that they should go in there immediately, Primal held them back, allowing the evil-ized Rhinox to wreak havoc in the Predacon base. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} Tricked by a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]], Primal sent Rattrap with the clone to investigate a possible Predacon base. Instead, while Rattrap was crossing a log over a lava flow, the clone kicked the log out from under him. Rattrap survived, landing on a rock and using a grenade to get himself out of the chasm. He swiftly warned Primal and Cheetor, but by the time they reached base, Dinobot had already... dealt with the clone. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[File:The Trigger Rattrap optimus.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|You call it "hi-jacking". I call it "forced donation".]]

Rattrap and the other Maximals later welcomed [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] to the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|The Spark}} During a contact with Tigatron, Rattrap was alarmed to hear his comrade was under Predacon attack. After news came in by Cyberbee that Tigatron had discovered an alien-built [[Brigadoon|flying island]], the Maximals were alarmed to hear that Blackarachnia and Scorponok were trying to take control of it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Rattrap and Primal headed for the island, tangling with Terrorsaur and Waspinator on the way, Rattrap commandeering Terrorsaur as his new ride. After they reached the island, Blackarachnia took control of it. Rattrap's leg became trapped, and he told Tigatron to go on, dealing with the problem himself by using the island's own defense system. This also provided a crucial distraction, allowing Tigatron to destroy the island's power source. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Megatron's latest gambit involved the Predacons stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to remain in their beast modes at all time. The Maximals soon succumbed to their base animal insincts, wandering out into the jungle, but were aided by Tigatron, who helped them to delete the block between their instincts and Maximal programming. Rhinox and Rattrap improvised a ratball special during the ensuing battle. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

Rattrap was part of the group of Maximals who were searching for energon when Scorponok triggered an explosion, blinding them all. Lead by Rhinox, they attempted to make their way back to the ''Axalon'', but were attacked by a snake. Though Rattrap failed to rescue Cheetor, he did manage to save his companion in a way, by proving a more attractive meal. Luckily for him, Rhinox got rid of the snake. They continued on, managing to nearly reach the Maximal base when they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide the other Maximals in fighting the Predacons off while blinded. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, the Predacons mounted an attack with the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body. The Predacons triumphed, expelling the Maximals into the wilderness, however the Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[File:Low Road Rattrap Dinobot fight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|YOU THERE! STFU!]]

Another costly incident resulted when Rattrap and Dinobot were ordered to clear rampant wild bean vines growing outside the Maximal base. A prank by Rattrap quickly turned into a brawl between the two. Their struggle continued even when the Predacons launched a sneak attack, requiring Rhinox to exit the base to provide covering fire for them. Tarantulas used the distraction to inject Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], which eventually wore down his systems to the point of near-deactivation. Primal ordered Rattrap and Dinobot to find Tarantulas's lair and retrieve an antidote, commenting: "They'll either learn to work together or they'll destroy each other...right now, I don't care which." Despite continuing their argument the whole time, Rattrap and Dinobot managed to find [[Tarantulas's lair]], and retrieve the counter-virus. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

After Megatron called for a truce, Rattrap was sent with Airazor to infiltrate the ''Darksyde'' to find out what was going on. They were immediately detected and asked to leave, but they'd provided the necessary distraction for Tigatron to get into the Predacon base. Rattrap later took part in a (non-violent) operation to aid Tigatron's escape, and Tigatron reported that Megatron had discovered that the aliens were coming. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Rattrap and Airazor were first to reach the alien landing site, but Rattrap was blasted, while Airazor became trapped in the [[Bio-Dome|"nutty alien bungalow"]] which sprouted up. After dealing with Waspinator in a not at all non-violent manner, Rattrap attempted to cut into the structure using a laser, but was unsuccessful. fortunately Scorponok's sting allowed him to enter the construct with Optimus, and he was able to pull Airazor out, only to find the truce was over and he was at Predacon gunpoint.

[[File:OtherVoices1 Rattrap beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|RataTOING!!!]]

Rattrap and Airazor were subsequently able to overpower the Predacons and make a retreat when Optimus's escape from the bungalow provided a distraction. High above, one of the moons opened up, revealing what Rattrap would later dub the "[[Planet Buster]]". {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Returning to base, the Maximals discovered it had been compromised, and Rattrap and Airazor found Blackarachnia in the hold with a spacecraft Tarantulas had constructed from a stasis pod. Optimus would later pilot the stasis pod, using it to destroy the Planet Buster and save the Maximals, though at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Aftermath-Rattrapbeastmode.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Buy me!]]

The destruction of the Planet Buster caused a [[quantum surge]], mutating Cheetor and Rattrap into new [[Transmetal]] forms (which Rattrap decided were "gorgeous"). Rattrap gained a new wheeled mode which afforded him more speed. Almost immediately, Megatron, who had also received an upgrade, attacked, and the two Maximals found their new forms being tested in battle. Rattrap was able to use his wiles to trip Megatron, but ended up being crashed into by Cheetor. {{storylink|Aftermath}} After finding a stasis pod containing a [[blank]], Rhinox put himself into some sort of trance-like state. With everyone else out in the field, Rattrap was left alone in the base, and Cheetor naturally soon radioed to warn him that the Predacons were on their way. Naturally any use of the base defenses would interfere with what Rhinox was doing, so, joined by Dinobot, Rattrap set out to defend the base with Cheetor. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}}

[[File:Coming of the Fuzors 2 Dinobot Rattrap.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|They should make a kart game for the [[Wii]] out of this scene.]]

Outnumbered two to one, the trio fought on, capturing [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], one of the two [[Fuzor]]s who had revived and been co-opted into the Predacon forces by Megatron. Though Dinobot favored termination, Rattrap and Cheetor had Silverbolt put in a [[CR chamber]]. The Maximals continued to defend the base, and were on the verge of defeat, until Optimal Primal appeared, reborn in a Transmetal body, and fought the Predacons off. Resuming command, Optimus asked Rattrap to remove his junk from the commander's quarters. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

With Silverbolt now a Maximal, he and Rattrap were out patrolling when they were sent to investigate a Predacon signal and tangled with Blackarachnia, Tarantulas and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. To Rattrap's chagrin, his comrade refused to strike Blackarachnia because of her gender. When the cave the Predacons were protecting exploded, Rattrap congratulated Silverbolt on his shot, but Silverbolt denied doing anything. {{storylink|Tangled Web}}

Rattrap's relationship with Dinobot was sorely tested when Dinobot temporarily returned to the Predacon side. For one long moment, as Dinobot was faced with a test of Predacon loyalty at Megatron's behest, Rattrap truly believed that Dinobot was about to slag him. But Dinobot proved unable to kill his erstwhile teammate; he instead turned on Megatron. Optimus left the final decision over whether Dinobot could stay a Maximal to Rattrap, who reluctantly agreed. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[File:OtherVisits2-RattrapTarantulas.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|"We're gonna do an unlikely teamup episode!" ''*Tarantulas disappears*'' "Gaddangit!"]]

Rattrap and Dinobot were assigned to knock out a Predacon jamming tower. They eventually managed it, but by then Tigatron and Airazor had been shot into space by an alien device. After rendezvousing back at base, the Maximals headed out to the site, where the alien device sprouted into a huge [[Metal Hunter|construct]] and blasted everyone with an energy wave. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} The Transmetals and Fuzors recovered quickly, and Primal and Rattrap worked to drop the [[refractive web]] which Tarantulas had placed over the machine. Unfortunately they were too late to prevent Megatron taking control of ship, and Primal was taken prisoner. Rattrap was able to take Tarantulas captive, returning the Predacon to the ''Axalon'', where they formulated a plan of attack. While the other Maximals provided a distraction, Tarantulas and Rattrap got on board the ship, and Rattrap was able to rescue Optimus. The craft itself was destroyed when Tarantulas sabotaged the transwarp drive, but luckily Primal and Rattrap got clear in time. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:CodeofHero Rattrap salutes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Like I said, you're just a blasted, slag-spouting saurian, but... it's nice to know where ya stand.]]
Rattrap still give Dinobot grief about his recent betrayal—not the usual flippant insults, either, but genuine barbs that cut Dinobot to the quick. Rattrap's words helped motivate Dinobot into what would ultimately be his heroic final sacrifice to save the future of the human race. Rattrap arrived at the battlefield along with the other Maximals to find Dinobot damaged beyond recovery. His reaction was perhaps the strongest of any of the team. The two shared final words of both insult and reconciliation, Rattrap gingerly holding Dinobot's hand as he died. As Dinobot's spark left his body, Rattrap was the first to stand and, with utter sincerity, salute the fallen hero. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While searching for a jamming tower, Rattrap, Cheetor and Silverbolt discovered a crashed stasis pod containing a [[Transmutate (BW)|strangely mutated Transformer]]. As they fought the Predacons over, it, it let out a sonic cry which shorted out the Maximals. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

When Rhinox's calculations suggested that the [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Maximals celebrated their impending rescue. Instead they got Predacon secret agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who Rattrap trusted only slightly less than he initially did Dinobot. Despite his misgivings, Rattrap took part in the assault on the ''Darksyde'', and was present for Megatron's apprehension. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Rattrap raised the alarm when Cheetor was knocked out by Silverbolt, who wanted to go capture Blackarachnia himself. A while later, Rattrap's distrust of Ravage proved well founded—Ravage was turned against them by Megatron, and Rattrap had to radio a warning to Primal. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

[[File:Rattrap-slimpickins5.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Rattrap fights to prevent Predacon infiltration, subversion, and pollution of the Maximals' precious bodily fluids.]]

As Ravage's [[Transwarp cruiser]] attacked the ''Axalon'', Rattrap used his wheeled beast mode to launch himself out of the base and onto Ravage's ship. Tearing his way through its hull, he tossed a pair of [[Fusion weaponry#Fusion grenade|fusion grenade]]s right into the hands of the startled Tarantulas, who could do nothing but scream as they blew him to bits and destroyed the cruiser's engines. Rattrap bailed out as the Transwarp cruiser crashed its destructive way to earth, having pretty much single-handedly saved the Maximals and their base from destruction.

The next day, as the Maximals tried to infiltrate the Autobot vessel the Ark, Rattrap fired the shot that brought down the Ark's shields and—almost—gave the Maximals a chance to stop Megatron's last-ditch scheme to alter history. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-Rattrapviolin.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rattrap fiddled while Inferno burned.]]

Though Blackarachnia turned against Megatron and assisted the Maximals in starting to repair the damage Megatron had done to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Rattrap was not particularly sympathetic, threatening to shoot her, even on pain of injury by Silverbolt. When Optimus hesitated in shooting Megatron, Rattrap volunteered to do it himself, and Primal batted him aside. Later still, Rattrap spared no sarcasm in mocking Silverbolt, after the other Maximal gave a long melodramatic speech over Blackarachnia, offering the services of his invisible violin. The Maximals were forced to move in to the cavern housing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] after [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] destroyed the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[File:Rattrap-subaquatic2.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|right|"Scientist, super spy, gardener, construction worker, and now marine explorer. Maybe I should try tap dancing."]]

Rattrap wasn't impressed with new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], declaring him rude and joking the Predacons would make fish sticks out of him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Rattrap was picked for a mission to enter the submerged remains of the ''Axalon'' and retrieve Sentinel, mostly because he was the only one small enough to fit in the [[subaquatic stealth vessel]] which Blackarachnia had built. Attacked by Rampage, he was glad to see Depth Charge coming to the rescue, though Depth Charge was more interested in fighting Rampage than helping with the mission. Extracting the Sentinel module, Rattrap returned to the surface where Silverbolt was waiting, however the pair quickly ran into a group of Predacons whole stole Sentinel. Though Rattrap and Silverbolt got it back, they collided with Depth Charge, resulting in Sentinel falling into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]'s hands. Rattrap later had some uncomplimentary things to say about Depth Charge, but was forced to admit the other Maximal ''had'' saved his life. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

Rattrap's suspicions of Blackarachnia continued when he spotted her lurking around restricted areas. When later telling Rhinox about it, Rattrap made it clear he still didn't trust the ex-Predacon. He and Rhinox found themselves defending the base alone against a Predacon incursion, when the others were all out battling a group of [[Cyber raptor]]s. Just as it seemed the Predacons would triumph, Depth Charge arrived to lend a hand, and saved Rattrap's bacon. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Rattrap monitored Cheetor, after the latter had turned up, having been missing presumed killed. He was startled by noises coming from Cheetor's quarters, and was even more shocked when a strange feral beast burst through the door, apparently spiriting away Cheetor. A while later, Cheetor once again returned, but it was clear all wasn't right, and Rattrap was surprised to discover that the young bot had been mutated by the strange properties of the [[transmetal driver]]. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

Blackarachnia didn't appreciate Rattrap's insinuations about her loyalty when the Maximals were investigating the possibility of removing her Predacon shell program. His suspicions were seemingly confirmed a while later, when Silverbolt's scan detected Blackarachnia heading for Predacon territory. Although Rattrap's first instinct was to tell Optimus, Silverbolt managed to talk him out of it by bringing up Rattrap's friendship with Dinobot. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}}

[[File:GoWithTheFlow-RattrapUnaDepthCharge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|left|Bring it on.]]

Rattrap was amused by Cheetor's attempts to educate [[Chak]] and [[Una]], two young [[anthropoid]]s. When Una was kidnapped by the Preds in order to complete Megatron's [[disruptor cannon]], Rattrap was teamed up with Depth Charge to go rescue the kid. During the flight, they were shot down by Megatron's cannon, disabling Depth Charge and leaving Rattrap to go on alone. Though outnumbered by the Predacons, Rattrap was aided by Una herself, and the pair made their escape, using Depth Charge as a raft. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} When Blackarachnia's shell program began to degrade, and she downloaded the Ark's access codes into Optimus, Rattrap commented "You couldn't pay me to let that spider inside my processor", which prompted Cheetor and Silverbolt to tell him to keep his opinions to himself. He still defended the base to try and prevent the operation to save Blackarachnia from failing, even if it did fail in the end (she got better). {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw Quickstrike taking control of Optimus Primal, disabling the other Maximals and locking them in a cage. Blackarachnia released them all in time to fight off a newly upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

When the Predacon base was destroyed by the arrival of [[Tigerhawk]], Rattrap was the first, and only Maximal prepared to celebrate, but was puzzled when anyone failed to return his high-five. {{storylink|Other Victories}} He was skeptical that Tigerhawk's arrival had anything to do with the [[Covenant of Primus]], and was later dismayed to learn that Megatron had pulled an ace out of his sleeve, in the form of the ancient [[Decepticon]] warship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', and they were going to have to defend the Ark against the oncoming attack. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

[[File:Nemesis2-Maximals.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
With the ''Nemesis'' airborne, the Maximals were forced to try to implement [[Operation Eternity]]. Rattrap found himself having to pack up his collection of Predacon parts, which has particularly full of Waspinator bits, as Rhinox explained that they might need to move the Ark. The Maximals struggled to get the ship working, and Blackarachnia found that Rattrap's [[sword]]-tail made a perfect power conduit... once she snipped off the tip. OW. Of course, it quickly melted when they tried and failed to fire up the engines.

As the victorious Maximals left Earth in a refitted Autobot shuttle, Rattrap was more than surprised to learn that [[Dinobot II|old chopper face's clone]] was responsible for saving them, but very happy—they were going home, and they wouldn't have to see Megatron until after they got there, as he was strapped to the roof of their shuttle. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese)|[[Ignacio Castaño]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Alexandre Moreno]] (Portuguese), [[Daniel Abundis]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Gerald Schaale]] (German), [[Nicolas Dubois]] (French), [[Fabrizio Manfredi]] (Italian)}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Rattrap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|Look, if you're not going to keep your technorganic body clean, it'll be taken away from you.]]

As the Maximals sailed back to Cybertron, Megatron shook himself free of the shuttle, disappearing into the time vortex. Though Rattrap initially rejoiced at the sight, especially when they then exited into Cybertron's orbit, the shuttle was quickly shot down. Upon emerging, the Maximals found themselves overwhelmed by the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] [[Tank Drone]]s who unleashed a [[Transformation virus|gaseous virus]] on them. As a [[Transmetal]], Rattrap was able to resist the full effects of the virus, though at the cost of his upgrades and being locked in beast mode. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Unable to remember anything since boarding the shuttle, Rattrap hid in a [[Monorail transport|monorail car]] where [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Primal]] stumbled upon him. Although Rattrap wanted to hide in the train car, Primal snatched him up and escaped just as the tank drones fired upon him. Primal's newfound intuition soon reunited the pair with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Primal then led them to the ancient [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] computer, which reformatted them into new, techno-organic bodies, curing the virus.

In his new form, Rattrap became a large green rat with a "toolkit" on his back, containing such things as flashlights and computer ports. When they first faced a platoon of [[Cycle Drone]]s, the Maximals discovered that they were unable to transform. Rattrap asked if maybe they could return the upgrade, but Optimus soon stumbled on the fact that they needed to focus their inner selves in order to transform. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

Optimus set about teaching the other Maximals how to transform, but Rattrap had an immense amount of trouble, unable to get anything to happen. Their base discovered, the Maximals split up to find a new one, Rattrap accompanying Optimus on his search. When they later tried to gain entry to the [[Council Citadel]], Rattrap found his inability to transform caused him to be pretty much useless in battle. He was only saved from some Tank drones by Optimus interrupting [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s concentration. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

The other Maximals kept the Vehicons busy while Rattrap broke into the [[Cybertron Archives]], only to find the ancient library had been wiped clean. After a disorderly retreat, Rattrap followed Blackarachnia to the spaceport, where they encountered three new [[Vehicon General]]s. They managed to evade the trio and accessed the spaceport records of their arrival, discovering that there had been six of them on the shuttle. Blackarachnia headed for the shuttle's location, and Rattrap overheard a communication from Megatron indicating that he was going to access her mind when she accessed the shuttle computer. Rattrap dashed to the shuttle and cut the connection in time, and the pair were subsequently rescued from the three generals by Optimus and Cheetor. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:Mercenary Pursuits Rattrap 2heads.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|left|"My grandmother was caught snogging with Star Upper in a private zoo in 1919, so now I have a talking boil on my neck."]]

The discovery of information about [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] reawakened memories of them in the Maximals, who set out to find the missing pair. During the search, Rattrap found a transformation enhancer in a laboratory and, frustrated at his inability to transform, used it. Unfortunately it caused unpredictable effects, resulting in the four Maximals being captured by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. Taken to Megatron, the Maximals were in danger of having their sparks extracted, however Rattrap's spontaneous random transformations broke him free of the energon bonds, and he was able to free everyone. With the help of Tankor, who Optimus temporarily convinced to help them, the Maximals escaped. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Rattrap's failure to master transforming continued to frustrate him, causing him to snap at Primal and bluntly suggest the Maximal leader save his concern for Rhinox and Silverbolt. The Maximals subsequently encountered another Maximal, [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who had survived Megatron's purge. After a brief battle with [[Aero Drone]]s, during which Rattrap was forced to hide, Nightscream took the Maximals to the tree he had been living off. Rattrap, Blackarachnia and Optimus ate fruit from the tree, causing their beast instincts to overcome them, until Cheetor blasted the tree. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

[[File:Rattrap bm robotmode.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|right|They see me rollin', they hatin'.]]

With Optimus Primal weakened after reformatting Nightscream, Cheetor was left in charge, and he, Rattrap and Blackarachnia went on a mission to a Vehicon factory in search of information. While under orders to access the computer, Rattrap saw Nightscream in what looked like deadly peril... and finally found that his concern for others allowed him to transform. Though he realised straight away that his new [[robot mode]] lacked weapons, he attempted to save Nightscream anyway, only to discover he'd bungled an ambush his friends were planning. While trying to stop the factory operating, he managed to send a massive surge through the computer system, destroying the factory- at the same time temporarily crippling Megatron and putting his drone armies out of commission.

Back at base, Cheetor chewed out his behaviour. To make matters worse, he compounded the problem by transforming to robot mode within the base to prove that he could- something that potentially allowed the Vehicons to track their position. Though he suddenly realised that the power surge he'd caused had made Megatron weak, the other Maximals refused to follow his suggestion that pressing to the attack might be a good idea, and he would later overhear them discussing what to do about him. Upset, he left the base and went to Megatron, offering to protect the Vehicon leader overnight in return for "noisemakers", and was provided with a massive armored suit. As the other Maximals arrived, accusing him of being a traitor, tensions mounted between the two. Indeed, this controversial decision almost brought him to blows with the other Maximals, until Primal arrived and talked him down, telling the other Maximals that Rattrap was stronger than they knew. As a result, Rattrap abandoned the armored suit and walked into the sunlight with the other four Maximals. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

Not long afterwards, the Maximals found a factory full of empty Transformer bodies, which Rattrap examined. and discovered that the sparks had been forcibly ripped out. After another skirmish with the Vehicons, Blackarachnia revealed she'd discovered that the three generals held the sparks of their missing friends. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} While Nightscream and Blackarachnia kept the other Vehicon Generals busy, Rattrap and Cheetor went on a special mission. Rattrap hacked into Tankor's processor, unlocking memories about what had happened when they reached Cybertron. It didn't take long before he realised that Tankor was actually Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Though Cheetor was skeptical, they revived Tankor, only to find themselves being chased across the city by the enraged Vehicon. Eventually, Primal was able to reawaken Rhinox's personality, only for the Maximals to discover their friend had turned against him. Though Rattrap was about to reprogram Tankor, he was prevented by Optimus, and could only watch as their friend left. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}}

[[File:Survivor Rattrap takes cover.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Cowering away from Zoisite.]]

While Rattrap was trying to extract memories from Nightscream, the young Maximal's snide comments about the fact they had lost the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] angered him. The Maximals attempted to find the chamber containing the fruit tree again, leading to a fight with the Vehicons during which everyone was knocked out, and Nightscream abducted. The Maximals managed to find him, leading them to battle more Vehicons, and the discovery of a [[fossil chamber|fossil cave]] which they would use for their base. {{storylink|Survivor}} With Optimus and Cheetor now constantly coming to blows over leadership decisions, Rattrap would often find himself in the middle of their arguments. The latest such argument was cut short when the Maximals discovered a quantity of [[organic goop]], which was followed by the appearance of Tankor, who used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn Nightscream into [[Living metal|technomatter]] before himself overloading. As they'd discovered that the organic goop would cure the technomatter sickness, Rattrap accompanied Primal and Cheetor in trying to obtain a [[Mole Drone]] in order to drill for more goo. Having commandeered one and cured the technomatter, Rattrap found himself in the middle of another argument, and this time left them to it, forcing them to talk about their disagreement. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:Catalyst Rattrap vine uhoh.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|He hurt it through the grapevine.]]
Searching the computers for more locations to find the organic goop, Rattrap stumbled on a catalyst planted there by Tankor. He used it to superaccelerate the plant growth, only to find himself literally carried away by the vines, and having to be rescued by the other Maximals. They would later use the fast-growing vines to rescue Blackarachnia, against Optimus's wishes, an act that almost spelled doom for the orchard. {{storylink|The Catalyst}} Nonetheless, Rattrap used the catalyst to create plant-bombs that ensnared Vehicons in instant-growth vines. When Optimus discovered the location of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which would end all technological life on Cybertron, the other Maximals persuaded him not to use it. Instead, they had Rattrap attempt to hack into the computers to found a way to disable the Keys. Unfortunately Tankor had other plans, and disabled Rattrap by zapping him into technomatter. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

Restored to technorganic health when the conflicting energies of the Keys and the Plasma Energy Chamber cancelled each other out, the Maximals visited the Council Citadel, where they discovered the remains of Optimus, Megatron and Tankor. Rattrap checked out the city's central core and reported it was flat-lining. Though he was greatly discouraged, Cheetor announced they had to find the lost sparks. After an altercation with the two remaining Vehicon Generals, the Maximals went to the Oracle chamber, where they found Primal floating with in the Oracle. Though he asked for them to forgive him, Rattrap told him there was nothing to forgive. With some encouragement from the Maximals and an encounter with the Matrix, Optimus chose life, returning to them.

[[File:PrometheusUnbound Rattrap harness.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|left|"''I'' was Number One all along!!"]]
Returning to the surface, the Maximals were startled when a giant [[Grand Mal|likeness of Megatron]] floated into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, the other Maximals went to look for the Vehicon Generals, and found [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]] who had seemingly no control over his transformations into a huge beast dubbed Savage. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Noble made Rattrap extremely uneasy and he had little sympathy for Nightscream's friendship with the beast. The Maximals broke into the Council Citadel, eventually reaching the throne room, where Rattrap tapped into Megatron's [[control harness]] and attempted to access the encrypted data. He was pulled from the harness by Noble, who it turned out was Megatron himself, trapped in his own organic half. Megatron used [[spark extractor]]s to remove his spark, and soon took up residence in the giant floating head, reactivating the Vehicon drones. After the Maximals retreated to a safe place, Rattrap expressed his sorrow to Nightscream that Noble had turned out to be a con job. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

Rattrap developed a new device, combining a spark extractor with a [[DNA scanner]], which he hoped to use to reformat the Vehicon Generals back into their friends. While searching for Nightscream, he spotted the young Maximal being dragged away by Savage, who was by then sparkless and operating completely on instinct. Believing the worst, Rattrap attempted to quietly rescue Nightscream, but accidentally alerted Savage. The pair fled, and managed to lose Savage by diverting his attention to [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]. They found that Blackarachnia had used Rattrap's device to turn [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] back into [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and Rattrap was overjoyed to have at least one of their friends back. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. With Optimus's help, they realized what was happening and managed to work together to overcome the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

A spaceship crash led the Maximals to discover [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal formatted as a plant-based life form, who was able to lend a hand with the failing technorganic crops. {{storylink|Home Soil}} Though the Maximals were finding they had an easier time dealing with just Thrust, Megatron soon introduced two new Vehicon generals—[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]—who almost got the better of the Maximals until a vision prompted Botanica to lend a hand. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}}

[[File:Sparkwar2 Rattrap generators.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"All right, it's a jammy dodger but I was promised tea!"]]
Searching for a way to evade the Vehicons, Rattrap developed [[scrambled field generator]]s, which hid their life signs. Rattrap and Botanica were paired up to search for the lost sparks, but spent most of their search bickering, only to encounter Strika. Fleeing, they hid in a handy building which turned out to contain a [[Holo-chip|holographic entertainment unit]], much to Rattrap's delight. While he was immersed in an illusion, Strika attacked. Botanica yanked him out of the holographic world, and he subsequently used the device to keep Strika occupied. Though he was inordinately pleased with himself, Botanica dragged him from the building, saying the hologram wouldn't hold Strika for long. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

As the Maximals intended to infiltrate the floating head in search of the missing sparks, Rattrap provided upgraded versions of his scrambled field generators. They were used to great effect, as Rattrap, Primal, Blackarachnia and Botanica snuck aboard the flying head, only to discover that Megatron had begun to devour the missing sparks as part of his ascension. After Megatron made the mistake of killing Noble, Nightscream used his sonic attack to blast and apparently dissipate Megatron's spark. With the floating head plummeting, Rattrap managed to activate the manual controls so that Optimus could take control of it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

After the Maximals had celebrated their foe's demise, Optimus assigned Botanica and Rattrap to tend to the [[technorganic orchard]], much to Rattrap's dismay. He continued to complain, even as he worked on the orchard, and got into an intense argument with Botanica, which abruptly ended when they accidentally [[Kiss|locked lips]]. Startled and embarrassed, they both decided to delete their memories of the incident. As it turned out, Megatron wasn't gone after all, and his spark possessed a Cycle Drone, which wreaked havoc in the orchard until Botanica destroyed it. Rattrap swiftly found a way to track the spark, and managed to repolarize it, allowing it to finally possess a body for good—that of a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:BMEndgame1 Rattrap Botanica dying.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"See?! Botanica's no longer GOING to be in the show! ''I HOPE YOU'RE SATISFIED, FANDOM.''"]]
Soon the Maximals found themselves sieged aboard the giant head. The ship's shields cut Botanica from Cybertron's organic core, slowly starving her. Desperate to save her, Rattrap loaded her into a lifepod and used a device to eject her through the shields. Unfortunately this also allowed Megatron to learn the shield harmonics, enabling the Vehicons to bypass the shields as well. Rattrap defended his actions, but the ship was doomed. He erected a stasis field around the [[spark containment unit]] as the ship plunged to the ground. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} With the ship completely depowered, Botanica showed up with a power cable, and Rattrap was extremely happy to see her, though he clumsily hid it. As they prepared to defend the ship, Botanica thanked Rattrap for saving her life. Optimus was able to get the Oracle to provide them with spark powerups.

[[File:Rattrap bm treehugger.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|A little man and a big plant.]]
During the battle against the Vehicon drones, Botanica sensed Mole Drones attacking the orchard, and took Rattrap and Nightscream down to fight them off. The Moles moved in on Botanica, but Rattrap used his spark power to whisk her out of danger. Megatron was able to use his access to the Oracle to cut off the Maximals' spark power, and, overcome by the Moles, Rattrap and Botanica had their sparks ripped out by Cycle Drones. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

Though no longer able to physically help, the Maximals were able to offer brief words of encouragement to Primal during his final battle with Megatron. When Primal's sacrifice triggered the reformatting of Cybertron, their sparks were freed and quickly returned to their bodies. As they witnessed the newly greened Cybertron and the restored population, Rattrap leapt joyfully into Botanica's arms. So he's a tree hugger. Deal with it. His and Botanica's romantic moment was interrupted by [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (now regular wasp size and with his [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] head) complaining about how he never gets what he wants, Rattrap just swatted him away. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Rattrap encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]]. (SARA took some fondness with Rattrap, riding the giant rat.) With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Legends Rattrap fanboy.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Following the [[Great Transformation]], the Maximals learned that Rhinox's spirit had crossed over into the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]], an alternate dimension where they were all fictional characters. Intrigued, Rattrap volunteered to go search for Rhinox, and was reformatted into his original Earth body for the trip. On arrival, he found to his surprise that he and his friends existed in the Legends world as small, cute versions of themselves, and ended up signing an autograph for his own alternate self, who was a huge ''Beast Wars'' fan. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Rattrap}} When Waspinator, who had come with him to this universe, started causing trouble, Rattrap set out to stop him. He rebuffed the other Rattrap's offer to help, believing him too small and weak, but his other self revealed that he could transform into a proper Transformer nigh-identical to the original Rattrap. The two teamed up against Waspinator, only to find he was possessed by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who was too strong for them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Waspinator)|Bonus Edition Waspinator}} In the end, Starscream was defeated by the ghost of Rhinox, who Rattrap was overjoyed to see again. After Rhinox had been provided with a new body, Rattrap returned with him to their [[Primax 1097.01 Alpha|home dimension]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Rhinox}}
{{--}}

====3H comics====
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English)}}

[[File:Terminus-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]
Silverbolt and Rattrap came upon [[Packrat]] and [[Onyx Primal]] battling the Predacons [[Vice Grip]] and [[Fractyl]]. Although Silverbolt was gung-ho as always when it came to rescue fellow Maximals, Rattrap didn't want to bother, them being "repaints" and all. Silverbolt disregarded Rattrap's commentary and charged right in. Apparently, their phenomenal entrance took out half the landscape. It must have really been something to see. After the Predacons were driven off, Rattrap asked the two "promotional items" if they had gotten around to acquiring the "episode's McGuffin". The others admitted that they had lost the item. The Maximals were then attacked by [[Antagony (BW)|mysterious shadowy figure]]. Thankfully, Optimus Primal soon came around to help out with the situation. {{storylink|Visitations}}

Later, Rattrap and the other Maximals set out to investigate a temporal anomaly detected by Rhinox. They encountered the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. Rattrap, as always, made his displeasure over the situation vocal. After Megatron took off to reach the time-traveller that both teams had previously detected, Optimus was forced to pursue him, leaving his troops against insurmountable odds. This, of course, prompted Rattrap to make more smart-ass comments about the Maximals' situation. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. Then, suddenly, Predacon fire ceased entirely. The situation had not become any safer however, the Maximals now had to contend with [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], the aforementioned time-traveler, possessed by Unicron's dark essence. Though Windrazor was able to expunge Unicron from his systems, the much more powerful Shokaract appeared immediately aftwerwards... {{storylink|Paradox}}

Shokaract grabbed hold of Optimus in an attempt to rip his spark from his body. Simultaneously, the evil overlord unleashed a torrent of projectiles, which Rattrap desperately attempt to avoid, with only semi-success. Once Shokaract was defeated space-time rebooted itself with the disappearance of the Dark Essence from the past, and these events were erased from Rattrap's timeline. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

During the [[Quintesson]] invasion of the newly techno-organic Cybertron, Rattrap was with Botanica when she sensed a disturbance in the earth. He and Nightscream joined her in tracing her feelings underground, where they encountered a Quintesson named [[Al-badur]]. After Al-badur proved his good intentions (for the moment) by disabling a large number of the invading [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s, Rattrap and his friends agreed to follow the Quint to the site of the [[Wreckers]]' battle.

The combined Autobots and Maximals were drafted to assist [[Sentinel Maximus]] in his conflict with [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]]. Naturally, Al-badur betrayed them when he saw a chance, trapping Sentinel and Cryotek behind a force field over a spatial portal, and nearly snaring Rattrap and the others as well. Worse still, the unique composition of the Quintesson portal chamber resisted the effects of the reformatting, and was completely blocked off from the planet's organic core. Without that link, Botanica was fading fast. Rattrap and Nightscream got her to safety and returned to help, but ultimately there was nothing to be done. Sentinel Maximus grabbed hold of Cryotek and pulled him into the yawning portal, sacrificing himself to remove the Predacon gangster from Cybertron.

Afterwards, Rattrap and the others mourned their losses, including the fabled Autobot leader [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]. They were nearly caught up in [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]]'s media coverage on the way out of the underground, but Rattrap side-stepped the camera-bot. He offered the Wreckers' ally [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] a restored commission as [[Imperial Peace Marshal|Peace Marshall]] in the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] territories, but the hunter declined. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

[[File:Rattrap legs.jpg|left|thumb|Legs! Precious, beautiful legs!]]
Approximately one year later, Rattrap was among the Maximals gathered at the [[Memorial Spaceport]] to greet the wayward [[Autobot]]s [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] back to Cybertron. He welcomed Trailbreaker back in his own unique fashion (involving intoxicants, naturally). Seconds later, Rattrap bore witness as the five travelers were abducted by Unicron. {{storylink|Abduction}}

When Optimus Primal was restored to life and returned to Cybertron with the abductees, Rattrap was there to witness their arrival. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Despite Primal's miraculous return, some of the Maximals voiced concerns that he might not be the same 'bot they once knew, but Rattrap vowed that this time, he was with Primal all the way.

Not long after, needing to blow off steam, Rattrap headed down to the [[Undercity]]. While firing off a blaster at nothing in particular, he was attacked on Cybertron by Blackarachnia, who had been abducted and [[Unicron virus|corrupted]] by the Chaos-Bringer. Rattrap noted that he had never trusted Blackarachnia, and she replied that he was right not to do so. She was seconds away from delivering a killing strike, but Rattrap was saved by the recently resurrected [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. After the spider was driven off, Depth Charge started to leave. Rattrap pleaded with him that there was obviously something big afoot, but Depth Charge would not be swayed, taking his leave as the injured Rattrap passed out. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

Later in the [[Universe War]], Rattrap was part of a team sent to rescue several would-be abductees of Unicron from a barren, icy planetoid. Rattrap was left upset that it was becoming increasingly hard to insult people, not sure why they bothered keeping ex-enemy [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] around, and wishing he had bought a copy of ''Universe 1/2'' so he could understand the plot. When [[Sunstorm (Universe)|Sunstorm]] attacked, the Beast Warriors were luckily warped to the passing Autobot ship ''[[OTFCC (ship)|OTFCC]]'' before being wiped out. {{storylink|Voice Actor Drama}}

====''Universe'' comic====
[[File:Escape-extraRattrap.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|THERE. ARE. TWO. RATTRAPS.]]
The technorganic Rattrap of [[Primax 1103.12-R Gamma]] was abducted by [[Unicron]], as was [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and, from earlier in their reality's timeline, [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. Unlike Terrorsaur, Rattrap and Thrust held out against Unicron's corrupting influence, arguably becoming [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/20}} Rattrap was freed along with many other abductees in a jailbreak engineered by [[Primax 797.18 Epsilon|another universe]]'s [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and presumably returned to his home universe. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}}

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
When the [[Herald of Unicron|Heralds of Unicron]] destabilized the Decepticon [[space bridge nexus]], causing the space bridges to become windows to other dimensions, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] caught a glimpse of Tigatron and Rattrap in one of the portals. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
[[File:AintNoRat Rattrap target.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|There is a checkbook in the left pocket of my fatigues! I will pay you all of my money to stop!]]
As Rattrap piloted the Autobot shuttle back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he observed his companions sleeping in back, and drifted off himself, beginning to dream...

:''Out testing an experimental vehicle built by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Rattrap ran into [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]], who yanked him out of the small craft. Rattrap's appeals to the Predacon's honor appeared to have an effect, and Dinobot halted his blow for a few moments, before appearing to resume his attack. They were interrupted when a [[Bonecrusher (BW)|bison]] knocked them both from a cliff, and Rattrap was saved from falling to his death by a [[Optimus Minor|monkey]]. Bonecrusher, Optimus Minor and [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] introduced themselves to a startled Rattrap, but Optimus Minor asked him not to tell Primal, as the three Maximals did not wish to fight in the Beast Wars.''

Rattrap was woken up by Primal, but wouldn't elaborate on what he had been dreaming. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
After being shaken out of his nap, Rattrap found his comrades acting unusually hostile. Strange still, he was plagued by visions of Optimus Minor, Bonecrusher, and Wolfang, but couldn't recall who these three were anymore. Rattrap's confused reaction to phantoms no one else could see prompted Optimus to suggest the rodent spent som time in the C.R. Chamber. Rattrap insisted he was fine, but a Transwarp agitator previously planted on the shuttlecraft's exterior by the Predacons upped his crew-mates' aggressiveness, causing them to openly attack Rattrap after he refused to comply to their suggestion. Rattrap fled to the shuttle's cockpit while the rest of his team started turning on one-another. There, he was once more accosted by visions of the three Maximals. Being urged to "turn back" by these apparitions, Rattrap deactivated the ship's transwarp drive, returning it to prehistoric Earth. Though this also caused the other Maximals to return to normal, Megatron took advantage of the situation to escape from his bonds atop of the ship! {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
Not long after Megatron combined his spark with that of the original Megatron, he had Quickstrike plant a device in the Maximal base. The device magnified the Maximals' aggression. For Rattrap, this simply meant that his complaining became even more incessant until Cheetor started chasing him around. Eventually Optimus Primal was able to help them overcome the device's effects, and they fought off Megatron instead. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

Much later, While [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]] and Rattrap were bickering in the [[technorganic orchard]], Megatron's spark animated a [[Cycle Drone|Cycle drone]] and attacked them. After a brief scuffle, the thing exploded, sending the pair diving for cover. Rattrap later worked out that Megatron's spark had become depolarised and attempted to repolarise it. Unfortunately his attempts clued Megatron in to what had happened, and before Rattrap ultimately succeeded, Megatron used the knowledge to destroy Rhinox. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
The 'bot that would one day call himself "Rattrap" was aboard the Axalon, along with the rest of its original crew, tasked with performing orbital scans of Cybertron. He managed to annoy his [[Optimus Primal (BW)|superior]] the whole time by teasing the 'bot about his "Optimus Primey" look and behavior. The crew's survey yielded transmatter energy signatures coming from the head of [[Unicron]], in orbit around the planet. But upon their approach, a Transmatter bomb erupted out of the satellite, and the Axalon accidentally came to meet its path. The ship avoided damage thanks to its shields, and the bomb was deflected away from the planet. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed the events that began the Beast Wars, he witnessed Rattrap looking distressed and suffering from Energon overexposure. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:Timelines-rattrap.jpg|thumb|Remember kids, always wear your helmet when you transform into a bicycle.]]

While preparing for an exploration mission on board the [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], the Maximal who would later be called Rattrap and [[Cheetor (BW)|his young companion]] were stuck aboard a space station for weeks, running various errands before their mission could officially begin. Rattrap made no secret of his desire to be [[O'Malley's|somewhere else]]. After acquiring additional [[Energon]] for their trip, they returned to the ''Axalon'' where their captain, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], notified his crew they had to travel first to the [[Alpha Quadrant]] to rid themselves of [[Rampage (BW)|some mysterious cargo]].

In the middle of Rattrap's objections, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by [[Maximal Command]] with new orders from the [[Maximal High Council|High Council]]. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a historic Maximal artifact, had been stolen by a rogue group of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] led by a Predacon criminal who had dubbed himself [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship with the capabilities to take down the [[Darksyde (BW)|Predacons' stolen ship]], Rattrap and his team were ordered to pursue.

However, before long, their ship was attacked by a [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|mysterious Predacon ship]]. After taking some damage, Rattrap was elated to see the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', a second Maximal ship, arrive and help deter their unknown attackers. However, the ''Chromia 10'' and its pilots were severely damaged in the scuffle before Rattrap was able to destroy the unknown Predacon ship with the ''Axalon''{{'}}s forward guns.

The battle over momentarily, Rattrap's ship was hailed by Megatron's, and the Predacon criminal introduced himself quickly to them before his ship opened fire on the Maximals. The ''Darksyde'' disappeared through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal, and Rattrap and the Maximals followed. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}
{{-}}
====''Wings Universe''====
Following the Great Transformation of Cybertron, Rattrap and his friends stood guard over Cheetor as their leader attempted to commune with the Oracle. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)|Jaguar]] and the subsequent response by the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of Rattrap from just after the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The Autobot shuttle carrying him was shunted into [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]], where Unicron destroyed the ship, scattering the crew into [[unspace|transwarp space]]. The Alternity shepherded the "shipwrecked" Primal, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to [[Viron 102.0 Beta]] in order to fight the similarly shipwrecked Megatron, who schemed to take over this reality's Cybertron by capturing the populace's sparks and converting their bodies into Vehicons. Guided by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Primal's forces fought the long and arduous "Allspark Battles", eventually triumphing over Megatron's Vehicon hordes. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Rattrap and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Rattrap's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:RattrapMetalsMangaIssue1Fre.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Well, at least he's still in character, anyway.]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] was dead and the [[Maximal]]s were left scattered all over [[Earth|Energoa]]. Now a [[Transmetal]], Rattrap proceeded to freak out all over the Maximal base as [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] attacked in force with his [[Cobra Corps]] and [[Scorpion Corps]]. With [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]]'s defenses gradually depleting, Rattrap remarked that they were all going to die.

Suddenly, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] appeared above the base, only to be attacked by Sentinel. [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] moved to shut Sentinel down and let her in, but Rattrap stopped him, saying that if he shut it down, they'd die for sure. Rhinox angrily reminded him that Maximals don't turn their backs on one another and shut Sentinel down. Feeling a bit guilty, Rattrap proceeded to use himself to cushion Airazor's crash-landing.

With the defenses down, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was able to sneak in and attack. Ripping off Rattrap's arm, Blackarachnia was only spurred to leave after seeing what she thought was Rhinox committing suicide. As the base collapsed, Rattrap, Airazor, and Rhinox were kept safe by a small force field, protecting a machine Rhinox hoped would return Optimus Primal to his old body. As Rhinox brought Primal's spark out of [[unspace|Transwarp space]], Rattrap blasted it from a laser cannon toward a dish positioned by Airazor, allowing Primal to return to his new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

Rattrap later joined Primal and Airazor in investigating the remains of the ''Axalon''. He had his tail eaten by Rampage, who was lying in wait for the Maximals. He and Airazor were ultimately able to defeat the monster by using the ship's missiles to activate undersea volcanos, that blasted the crab sky high. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 2|Beast Wars Metals #2}}

Rattrap was later thrilled to see that his buddy Dinobot was alive, albeit recovering from injuries in an [[anthropoid]] village. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 3|Beast Wars Metals #3}}

And after that, Rattrap and Rhinox used their monitors to see Airazor struggling with a mind-controlled Tigatron. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 4|Beast Wars Metals #4}}

And after ''that'', Rattrap's and Rhinox's monitoring skills came in handy again, as they hacked into the security cameras of the ''Ark'' and saw that Megatron was planning to kill [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}}

He and Rhinox raced to the ''Ark'' in their vehicle modes, but were too slow to arrive in time to help. They made it there after Primal had taken care of business and were reunited with all the other Maximals who had been separated. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|''Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye'' #9]] (cameo); [[Three Monologues|''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' #20]] (full appearance)

{{quote|I like to '''do''' good more than '''be''' good.|Rattrap|"[[The Chosen One]]"}}

[[File:PostHoc-Rattrap.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|In IDW continuity, Rattrap goes through his bodies backwards.]]

Rattrap was [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|forged]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} During the [[Clampdown (event)|Clampdown]], he stood on a street corner outside [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's New Oil House]]. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:ThreeMonologues-Rattrapbeastmode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|Rats are the as dogs... right?]]

When the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] began, Rattrap joined the Autobots and was deployed to the backwater planet of [[Z'verei]]. While there, he adopted a new alternate mode based off the native [[Z'verein mole-rat]]s and fought Decepticons for millions of years. {{storylink|Three Monologues}} When the war ended and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was once more habitable, Rattrap returned home with other Transformers, both combatants and non-combatants. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}}

Tensions eventually boiled over, leading to a brief conflict in postwar Iacon that ended after [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], supposedly the "Chosen One", {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}} renounced his Decepticon allegiance and exiled the Autobots and Decepticons from the city, prompting several Autobots and Decepticons, including Rattrap, to abandon their old factions. Jealous of [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]'s growing popularity on the very first night of his rulership, Rattrap approached him and offered his aid to the new ruler of Iacon. Rattrap knew Scoop from before and had never trusted him, even calling him jealous of the more successful bots. Rattrap had the damaged power coupling responsible for the blackout, and called Starscream's attention to the phosphex burn that indicated the power loss was sabotage, and not the result of an overload.

Later that night, Starscream met Scoop while the former Autobot was repairing Iacon's communications array. Rattrap pointed at Scoop's toolbox, indicating it had some dark secret inside. When Scoop descended from the tower, Rattrap got under his feet and caused him to drop his toolbox. The toolbox opened and revealed its contents, including a canister of phosphex. Starscream took advantage of the situation and indicated that Scoop orchestrated the blackout for his own benefit, then ordered him to be incarcerated.

[[File:ThreeMonologues-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]

Later still, Rattrap arrived home, where Starscream was already waiting for him, complaining about the dirt and smell of Rattrap's flat. Easily realizing that Rattrap—always evious of the luckier 'bots—had planted the phosphex and caused the blackout in the first place. Amused by Rattrap's opportunism, the Seeker offered Rattrap a job in his new government. {{storylink|Three Monologues}} Shortly afterwards, Starscream was affected by [[Solomus|Tyrest]]'s [[universal killswitch]], sending Rattrap scurrying for cover from this unknown attacker. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

As morning came, Rattrap's "ninth sense" started to twitch, warning him of danger. He brought to Starscream's attention the "sunrise" coming over the horizon...and the fact that sunrise was still a few hours away. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} As the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]] emerged from the former site of [[Crystal City]] outside of Iacon, the natives started getting restless. Rattrap brought Starscream down to see Scoop at the detention facility. Scoop informed them of the legends in the [[Covenant of Primes]] about a false prophet and the black titan that would herald him. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}}

[[File:IntoTheAbyss-nobodysperfect.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]

Rattrap began to see the tide of public opinion turning against Starscream in the wake of the "lost prophecy" (which ''somehow'' made its way from Scoop's cell to the general public). After overhearing Starscream admit to killing [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] as well, Rattrap started to plan for a...different future. He released Scoop from confinement just as Starscream confronted the Necrotitan and seemingly ushered forth a blast of "death plague" that devastated New Iacon and its inhabitants. {{storylink|Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Winners & Losers}} Rattrap remained at Starscream's side during the clean up efforts, but continued to sow discord against the boss in his own way at the same time. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

As the Necrotitan marched on New Iacon, Rattrap contacted [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s factions, bringing them back into the city to defend the population where Starscream could not. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} He began working to evacuate civilians to the Autobot camp on the outskirts of the city. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} When the arrival of the ''Lost Light'' and Metroplex (at Starscream's bidding) turned the tide and saved New Iacon from complete destruction, Rattrap quietly reaffirmed his loyalty to Starscream over Scoop or the others. Starscream, always amused to see another schemer at work, seemingly welcomed Rattrap back with open arms... and a watchful eye. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

Starscream and Rattrap joined the Autobots and Decepticons in defense of Cybertron against the billions of [[Ammonite]]s summoned by Shockwave for the final stages of his plan. They teleported into Crystal City with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s help, and assaulted the chronal drive along with the resurrected Metalhawk. The trio were opposed by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]], however, and his ever-changing reactive armor. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} They succeeded, though, with Metalhawk destroying the drive and Starscream killing Jhiaxus in combat. As the Ammonite army self-destructed, Rattrap tried to get into Starscream's head and play on his doubts on his part in everything that happened, but Starscream firmly warned him not to even try. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

[[File:ABotAndHerCity-she.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.7|Guest written by [[Simon Furman]].]]

In the aftermath, Megatron - now affiliated with the Autobots- agreed to stand trial for his crimes. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} Over the next six months, Starscream began rebuilding his power base in Metroplex, who had integrated himself with the ruins of Iacon. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}} Rattrap kept Starscream up to date on his polls and was present for Megatron's trial on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]]. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}}

As the Titan struggled to recuperate from his injuries, Starscream and Rattrap began a new project: illicitly tapping into the Titan's filtration systems to try and retrieve samples of Shockwave's ores. {{storylink|Windblade issue 3|Windblade vol. 1 #3}} At the same time, however, the [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] [[Cityspeaker]] [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] began investigating a series of blackouts that plagued the city; at a subsequent meeting between Windblade and Starscream, Rattrap was confused as to why everyone referred to Windblade and her bodyguard [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] as "[[Female Transformer|she]]". {{storylink|A 'Bot and Her City}} After Windblade was injured by a mysterious explosion, Rattrap and Starscream paid her a visit to try and intimidate her into cutting off her investigation into Metroplex's inner workings. {{storylink|A Long Way Down}}

Their warnings didn't have much effect; after Starscream and his [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] apprehended her and her co-conspirators in the bowels of the Titan, Rattrap tortured the Camien for information regarding Chromia's whereabouts and the "real" reason why the two colonists had come to Cybertron. Though she uncovered their skullduggery, Windblade also accused the two of arranging the explosion that had temporarily sidelined her, which confused Rattrap. {{storylink|Windblade issue 3|Windblade vol. 1 #3}}

[[File:TheWorldOfTomorrow-RattrapAndWheeljack.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]

Some time later, Rattrap stopped the recently revived [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] from seeing Starscream, as his boss as in the throes of a particularly violent nervous breakdown. Among Starscream's many concerns was the not-unfounded fear that Rattrap wanted him dead because then he'd get his job. {{storylink|The World of Tomorrow}} Growing increasingly wary of Starscream's endless ambitions and his worsening mental health, the ex-Autobot began building up a clandestine network of allies to keep his boss in check, starting with [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]], the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, and Wheeljack. {{storylink|The Possible Light}}

Rattrap's fears would come to pass some months after Windblade's arrival on Cybertron; with the help of Wheeljack, the pair were able to repair Metroplex's [[space bridge]] and use it to reestablish contact with Windblade's homeworld: the ailing colony of Caminus. Rattrap was present as Windblade and Optimus debated foreign policy with Starscream. {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} Correctly guessing that his boss would annex Caminus and turn it into a puppet state, Rattrap informed Prowl of the situation, and, after watching Starscream indict and imprison his patsy [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], slipped back to Metroplex to summon Prowl and the Constructicons to Cybertron... {{storylink|The Possible Light}} but wasn't pleased to learn that Prowl's plan amounted to becoming [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and smashing the space bridge to cut Cybertron off from the galaxy. {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}}

[[File:AllThatRemains-youtookittoofar.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]

Prowl's first plan was easily foiled by Starscream's combiners; after watching Starscream use the [[Enigma of Combination]] to incorporate Scoop and make Devastator loyal to him, Rattrap stole the artifact when Starscream's back was turned, sprang Swindle from his cell, and asked him to create a diversion while Prowl put his backup plan into play. As Swindle and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] started a Decepticon riot inside Metroplex, Rattrap took the Enigma to the imprisoned Prowl, who used it on himself and some bystanders to create [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}} As Starscream struggled to control the Decepticon uprising, Rattrap witnessed him shoot Swindle—who had been a willing coconspirator in Starscream's imperialist aims—in the back to silence him. Before he passed out however, Swindle informed Rattrap that he had proof of the deal he made with Starscream to attack Caminus. When Starscream asked if Swindle still lived, Rattrap claimed that Swindle had died. {{storylink|All That Remains}} In the aftermath, Rattrap had Wheeljack help him move Swindle's body so that they could try to save his life and obtain evidence against Starscream. Though he and Wheeljack were able to stabilize Swindle, the Combaticon was brain-dead, and so the pair hid him away instead. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}}

With both Starscream's and Prowl's machinations in pieces, Rattrap was appointed the first delegate for Cybertron on the new [[Council of Worlds]]. {{storylink|All That Remains}} Rattrap still wasn't ready to count himself out of the game: after a disastrous reconciliation attempt between Prowl and Optimus Prime, Rattrap spirited Prowl's broken body away, noting that the former tactician had promised Rattrap a victory... {{storylink|Now and On Earth}}

[[File:Windblade6-rattraponeukaris.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

The formation of the Council led to both Starscream and Windblade travelling off-planet to form new alliances with the various [[Titan (group)|Titan]] colonies. While they were occupied, Rattrap made a jaunt of his own to the colony of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], populated by xenophobic [[beast mode]] Transformers. The inhabitants were surprised to find a beast-bot claiming to represent Cybertron; though [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] wasn't interested in listening to the "vermin", Rattrap managed to win support for his cause from [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] the [[Fateweaver]] and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], leader of the [[Fur Walkers|Fur Walker]] tribe. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Back at Starscream's side, Rattrap was present when Cybertron opened negotiations with the planet [[Velocitron]], though neither Windblade or Starscream appreciated his comments about Velocitronian society. He later went behind Starscream's back to help Windblade and a small contingent of Autobots use the space bridge to get to Velocitron. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|Windblade vol. 2 #4}} After Starscream and Windblade agreed to travel to Eukaris together, Rattrap slipped Windblade some information on how to get the Eukarians to join the Council of Worlds. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}} Rattrap got on Chromia's nerves as the pair waited on Cybertron, and was present when the two fliers departed for [[Vigilem|Carcer]]. {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} With Starscream in a bad mood, Rattrap went along with his boss's harebrained scheme to found a [[Chosen One Day|new holiday]], and although it didn't go according to plan he nevertheless gave Starscream the gift of friendship for a night. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

Continuing to ostensibly serve Starscream, Rattrap later informed his boss that the other four [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s wanted to have a word with him. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} The rest of the team - left rudderless and disaffected after [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]'s failed invasion of [[Earth]]—would factor into Rattrap's growing power plays; using the pseudonym of "DC-357", he lied to them that Swindle was still alive, being held prisoner by Starscream, and this rumor would go on to take hold in the majority of Iacon's Decepticon population. {{storylink|07:00:00}}

When Optimus used his growing political clout among the colonists to unilaterally declare Earth a member of the Council of Worlds, Rattrap participated in the emergency meeting that followed. {{storylink|New Worlds Order}} The Council later met with Optimus to hear his side of the story; although Prime insisted that his intentions were pure, its members unanimously voted against allowing Earth a seat on the Council. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}}

[[File:ApplicableSkills-rattraponthecouncil.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]

As Starscream tried to find the source of the rumors, he hired the exiled Eukarian [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] to covertly trace the rumors to its source, which, to the citizens of Iacon, appeared to be a string of random mnemosurgical murders. [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] brought this issue to the Council, and Rattrap took the same line as Starscream: this was a purely ''domestic'' issue and thus not Council business.

As "DC-357", Rattrap sent another communique to the Combaticons, providing them with a suit of Badgeless armor to help destabilize the increasingly fraught peace; following the murder of [[Drunkatron|another Decepticon]], anti-Badgeless riots and protests broke out. At the next Council meeting, Rattrap suggested, and Starscream rejected, that they called Earth to get [[Victorion]] sent over to enforce the law as nobody on Cybertron had an issue with her. Instead, Starscream got pushed into putting Ironhide in charge of the Badgeless, and Rattrap pushed him to make a response as the protesters marched on the [[Spire]]. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

[[File:WhatWeSaidWedNeverDo-rattrapandonslaught.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]

After the Combaticons learned that Rattrap had been responsible for abducting the braindead Swindle, they stormed his apartment to find their erstwhile comrade. After some convincing by [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], Rattrap retrieved the Enigma and, alongside Wheeljack and Chromia, escorted them to the secret chamber that they stored Swindle in; Onslaught hoped to use the Enigma to probe Swindle's brain for dirt on Starscream. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}} The Combaticons duly activated the Enigma and transformed into the gigantic [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], prompting Rattrap and the others to make a run for it. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

As Optimus' plans on Earth slowly spiralled out of control, Rattrap joined Starscream as they watched the Autobot leader try to deflect the Cybertronian press while fending off an [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] assault; he commemorated the occasion by preparing a bag of Energon goodies. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} He was less excited to see Optimus raise a slumbering Titan from beneath [[Monument Valley]], {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}}, and recognized it as the same [[Metrotitan (G1)|Titan]] that had proclaimed Starscream as the Chosen One. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}}

Following Bruticus' rampage, Rattrap and Starscream met with Ironhide to discuss moving the Enigma into his custody. Shortly afterwards, Rattrap attended a Council meeting regarding a fleet of [[zombie]] Titans approaching Cybertron. {{storylink|Ping}} The battle ended with the [[Liege Maximo]] released from the bowels of [[Vigilem]], and, as Starscream struggled to keep his fragmented government together, Rattrap brought him news of Carcerian leader [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]'s growing popularity. {{storylink|Heavy}} Not long afterwards, Rattrap bothered Starscream with a stack of urgent briefs, though his boss had more important business on his mind. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

A spectral image of Rattrap was one of the many figures summoned by Windblade during a battle against Vigilem in Starscream's consciousness. {{storylink|Your First Mistake}} In the wake of the defeat of the [[Iron Ring]], Rattrap watched Windblade almost return to her duties as a representative before she was banished from the Council and exiled from Caminus for blaspheming the [[Way of Flame]]. {{storylink|The Chosen One}} Seeking to win the adulation of his constituents, Starscream watched ''[[The Birth of Cybertron]]'' with Rattrap, giving Starscream the idea to commission a biopic based off his life. {{storylink|Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie}}

[[File:TheChosenOne-RattrapsBriefcase.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|"So, [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] thinks he has the most destructive briefcase on Cybertron? ''I'll'' be the judge of that!"]]

Eventually, Starscream decided to call an open election that eventually narrowed down to three contenders: himself, Windblade, and Elita-One. As Windblade gathered support at Maccadam's, Rattrap—unable to tell if this new behavior from his boss was genuine or another trick—made plans to cash out and escape to Eukaris, and thus met with Windblade to reveal his hand in recent events, explaining that ''he'' was "DC-357" and handing her a briefcase full of kompromat on her political rival.

Ultimately, Starscream confessed to his own crimes in the first debate; as a result, he, Airachnid, the Combaticons, and Starscream were all given life sentences after Windblade triumphed in the election and became the next leader of Cybertron. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
[[File:AloneTogetherPrologue Rattrap.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Rattrap was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. As things quickly went south, he realized the futility of the war, and went on to become part of a resistance cell fighting against the status quo. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}} At one point he even went so far as to fake his own death, encouraging reports that he'd died on the road to [[Damaxus]]. Hoping to free [[Dinobot (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Dynobot]], he and his cell infiltrated the [[Ferromax Detention Center]] and managed to find and liberate ol' Chopperface. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}}
{{--}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
When [[Metroplex (G1)|Metrotitan]] fell apart, some of the bricks fell on a stunned Rattrap. {{Storylink|Two Giant Bases! Everybody Getting Along, Come On, Fight!}}

Rattrap was part of the Autobot troops guarding [[Metroplex (G1)|Autobot City]]. When Earth's most wanted criminals attacked the city, [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] ordered Rattrap and [[Fractyl]] to take the flanks. After the villains were defeated, he made a joke at the beheaded [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]]'s expense. {{storylink|The Brick List: Earth's Most Wanted}}

===Legends World===
[[File:Legends 1 Rattrap.jpg|thumb]]
Rattrap of the [[Legends World]] was a rookie salaryman at [[Axalon Trading Company]] who'd grown up with ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and loved collecting the accompanying toys. At one point he set his sights on a [[BotCon 2006|Dawn of Future's Past]] boxset, but his attempts to telepathically force the [[Ravage (G1)|toy store owner]] to put the toys aside until he could afford them ended in failure. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 1}} On his first day at work, he introduced himself by telling everyone of his love for ''Beast Wars'', though most of his co-workers had never heard of it and president [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] thought he was talking about the [[live-action film series]], to Rattrap's annoyance. Manager [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], on the other hand, was also a Transformers fan, and the two hit it off quite well until Rattrap realized the older man was talking about [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]], not ''Beast Wars''. {{storylink|The Generation Gap}} A similar gap grew between him and young part-timer [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], a fan of the live-action movies who thought Rattrap's beast toys looked gross. In response, Rattrap showed Silverbolt updated toys from the ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Telemocha]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars Reborn|Reborn]]'' series, but accidentally let slip that these remakes didn't sell very well. {{storylink|The Youth Gap}}

[[File:Legends Rattrap robot mode.jpg|thumb|left]]
While it was expected that Axalon employees use their robot modes while working, it being their "serious adult" mode, Rattrap instead worked in beast mode then transformed to go toy shopping when the workday was over. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Transformation Gap|The Transformation Gap}} He was smitten by co-workers [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], and left confused when Rhinox told him there were no women employed at Axalon. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Gender Gap|The Gender Gap}} [[Tigatron]] approached Rattrap to talk about Transformers, but Rattrap quickly realized he only liked series with cute girls in them and asked if Tigatron knew anything about ''Beast Wars''. To his exasperation, all Tigatron could remember was the [[Blackarachnia (BW)#TM2|Transmetal Blackarachnia]] toy's removable chest armor. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 5#The Bishōjo Fan Gap|The Bishōjo Fan Gap}} Rattrap and Rhinox later watched Airazor serving tea and wished he wasn't a man. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 5#The Gender Gap Part 2|The Gender Gap Part 2}}

[[File:Legends AOE toy get.jpg|thumb|]]
Together with his fellow fans, Rattrap visited the [[Transformers Celebration 2014]], where he bought ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)|Age of Extinction]]'' [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] toys and was elated to get one signed by [[Hisashi Yuki]], designer of [[Lio Convoy]] and [[Big Convoy]]. {{storylink|Legends Bonus Vol.}} As they looked over the toys they'd bought, Rattrap poked fun at Silverbolt's [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#AOELeader|Optimus Prime]], saying its [[kibble|backpack]] made it look like Prime was going hiking. When Silverbolt transformed Rhinox's [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#EvasionMode|Classic Optimus Prime]], Rhinox got violently upset at its movie-based robot mode and Rattrap had to physically restrain him. Rattrap himself showed off his [[Grimlock (AOE)#Voyager|Grimlock]] and [[Slug (AOE)#Generations|Slug]] toys, and the three cracked jokes about their weapons' resemblance to food and utensils until they all got hungry. {{storylink|TF4 Toy Party}}

[[File:Legends Optimus Primal grow up.jpg|thumb|left]]
Rattrap and his pals also went to [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2014, but were left discouraged after running into Optimus Primal, who questioned what a bunch of adults were doing at a toy show. They regained their faith in their hobby upon seeing ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Star Saber (G1)#Masterpiece|Star Saber]], aimed at adult fans like them, though Rattrap was left appalled by Rhinox's attempts at dancing to an ''Age of Extinction'' song for kids. He had a fangasm upon seeing ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' characters at the show, gushing to the others about all the ''Beast Wars'' references had been in it. After watching Primal and [[Optimus Minor|his son]] play with a Transformer together, Rattrap and the others warmed up to the idea that the franchise was definitely for children after all. {{storylink|Tokyo Toy Show 2014 Report}} Rattrap and Silverbolt later listened to Rhinox sing the praises of his beloved 1980s, and though they had no nostalgia for that century and were ready to leave, they ended up being interested by the fact that Japan had no consumption tax back then. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Era Gap|The Era Gap}} Intending to solve the mystery of Airazor and Nightscream's genders, Rattrap checked which restroom they used, only to find, to his confusion, that their company had an {{w|otokonoko|"otokonoko"}} restroom in place of a women's one. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}}

[[File:Legends OP Rattrap bananas.jpg|thumb]]
When Optimus Primal headed out, leaving his employees with strict orders not to touch his [[banana]]s, Rattrap and the others found his warning so tempting that they immediately hosted a banana party and gobbled them up. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}} As punishment, Primal assigned [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] as Rattrap's trainer, and the frightened rat quickly found ''himself'' a target for someone's appetite. He managed to make the best of it, though, and continued working even when he was stuck in Dinobot's jaws. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} Dinobot also mocked his interest in kids' toys, so Rattrap challenged him to transform a [[Mach Kick]] as proof that Transformers could be hard to figure out for adults too, but to his horror, the hungry and impatient raptor ended up eating the toy instead. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#When We Have Been Social|When We Have Been Social}} Having found his trainer's weakness for figuring out Transformers, Rattrap continued to prank him by replacing his office supplies with ''[[Transformers Device Label|Device Label]]'' toys, only for these to end up in Dinobot's belly as well. When Dinobot wanted an ice cream, Rattrap tried again by giving him a plastic [[Gari Robo-kun]], but was left lamenting his own stupidity when Dinobot inevitably ate it anyway. {{storylink|Prank}}

[[File:Transformers Legends LG01 comic Rattle.jpg|thumb|left]]
One day, Rattrap woke up in the body of an actual realistic Transformer, which he naturally thought was awesome. His co-workers didn't agree, especially after he brought out his weapons at work, and Primal forced him to go to the hospital where he was diagnosed with [[Transformers sickness]], caused by being surrounded by Transformers toys for a prolonged period of time. He refused to get rid of his toys, however, preferring to live life with a Transformer body rather than lose his collection. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} Becoming something of a superhero, Rattrap intervened when Optimus Primal was also turned into a Transformer and lost control of his weapons, using his knowledge of Primal toys to transform him into his harmless gorilla mode. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}} At another point, Rattrap woke up in a [[technorganic]] body that he thought looked weird, like some sort of modern art. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}}

[[File:Legends 80s Rattrap Ai.jpg|thumb|]]
When Rhinox was turned into [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and began using his "80s Transformation Beam" to turn stuff around him into their 80s counterparts, Rattrap was offended to see his precious ''Beast Wars'' DVD set turned into ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' on VHS. Having learned to transform between his normal and Transformer forms by now, he turned into a Transformer and defeated Tankor and his [[Tank Drone]]s with a bomb. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} Tankor resumed his attacks after creating two new minions, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 4|Bonus Edition Vol. 4}} and the latter used the 80s Beam to turn Rattrap into a ''[[Choro-Q]]'' mode. In an attempt to stop Tankor, Rattrap delivered an impassioned speech about how the old days were never forgotten and how new generations of Transformers exist ''thanks'' to the 80s, causing Tankor to reflect on his lifelong enough for Rattrap and the defected Whirl to defeat Roadbuster and send the villains fleeing. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}} That [[Christmas]], Rattrap partied with his co-workers and confused Dinobot by gifting him a [[Heinrad (BW)|Heinrad]] toy. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}}

[[File:Legends Mini-Con Rattrap.jpg|thumb|left]]
Rattrap later met the interdimensional visitor [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], explaining to him that Transformers were fictional in their world and that he wasn't super popular compared to the big-name characters (though Rattrap himself liked him). {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 6|Bonus Edition Vol. 6}} He later watched in awe as [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] defeated Tankor, turning him back into Rhinox. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 7|Bonus Edition Vol. 7}} Being a small guy, Rattrap harbored regrets over his stature that led to his traveling to [[G1 World|another dimension]] in a dream and encountering the two [[Mini-Vehicles|Minibots]] [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]. As he watched them get defeated by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], he wondered why they'd even try to take on such a huge enemy, and was told by the optimistic Swerve that brains and guts are more important than size. After meeting the two's [[Mini-Con]] partners, which were as small as him but still valued allies, Rattrap felt better about himself and cheered the Autobots on. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} Rattrap went on to ask Swerve some questions regarding his few appearances in the cartoon and new name, and was really impressed by Swerve's cool, laid-back answers that those things weren't important to him. He then watched Swerve try to hit Trypticon with Phaser's weapon mode, commenting that Phaser's attempts to correct his aim was also warning Trypticon where he was aiming. {{storylink|2015's Swerve}} He had a chat with Tailgate, who taught him about the history of the Mini-Cons. Wanting try out being a Mini-Con, Rattrap acted as a weapon for the Autobot and defeated Trypticon with a mighty ribbon bomb. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter|Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter}} He was present when Trypticon was brought down by Swerve and Tailgate. {{storylink|LG-43 Trypticon Project Chapter}}

[[File:LegendsManga BonusEdition9 BrainstormAndRattle.jpg|thumb]]
Rattrap also dreamt about [[Brainstorm (G1)|Cana]], who taught him about [[Transtector]]s as an example of growing larger and stronger through practice, a lesson that inspired Rattrap to work out more. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Rattrap asked a question about his new appearance that caused an argument to break out among the Autobot Headmasters, though as a strict ''Beast Wars'' fan he didn't understand what they were talking about. Having learned the wrong lesson from Cana, he later stole the Brainstorm Transtector and smugly claimed to have "worked hard" to grow large, prompting an angry Cana to combine with it and trap Rattrap with the flip-down [[Tech Spec]] plate. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Brainstorm Chapter|Brainstorm Chapter}}

[[File:Legends Rattrap drives Arcee.jpg|thumb|left]]
To Rattrap's shock, his aunt and caretaker [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] was later afflicted by Transformers sickness as well, turning into a giant robot who personally drove him to work when he was late one morning. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 10|Bonus Edition Vol. 10}} Rattrap was present when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] came to the Legends Universe on a mission to destroy it. Learning from her that their world was one where wishes could come true, he was able to wish [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] into the Legends world to stop the invader. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}} {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Metroplex}} He later told Rhinox and Tigatron about his close relationship to Arcee, having slept and bathed together with her while growing up, causing them to become increasingly jealous until he explained that that was ''before'' she became a Transformer. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}}

[[File:Deckss SD Beasties.jpg|thumb|]]
Together with Optimus Primal and rival company president [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], Rattrap visited a ''[[Q-Transformers]]'' event where they tried out food and drink, bought merchandise, watched a show with [[Ryōhei Kimura]], and all along collected stamps to trade in for snacks. {{storylink|Deckss × Q-Transformers Collaboration Event Report|Deckss × Q-Transformers}} When the Transformer [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] arrived in the Legends world, Rattrap was quick to recognize him. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 23#Lord Megatron Goes to the Legends World|Lord Megatron Goes to the Legends World}}

Finding his collection of beast [[Mini-Con]]s stolen by the [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Megatron]], Rattrap took revenge by taking [[Dragoyell]]'s place when Megatron tried to powerlinx with the Mini-Con. His presence caused Megatron to power ''down'' instead of up, and he fled, leaving Rattrap to squabble with Waspinator over whose Dragoyell it was. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Armada Megatron)|Bonus Edition Armada Megatron}} Rattrap was visiting Tokyo Toy Show 2015 when [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]] showed up to cause trouble. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Scourge)|Bonus Edition Scourge}} Enjoying the new ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers Adventure]]'' series thanks to its many beast-like characters, Rattrap had a dream about meeting [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], who told him all about his [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Adventure|latest toy]]. He thought Prime was cool and had a great time playing around in his trailer and inventing a base mode for him. {{storylink|TAV21 Optimus Prime Now on Sale!}} After moving offices to Metroplex, who had crushed the original Axalon building, Rattrap and Rhinox listened to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|the company janitor]]'s explanation of the city-bot's backstory. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}}

[[File:LG17 Megatrons.jpg|thumb|left]]
Rattrap was caught in the chaos when the original Megatron and Armada Megatron formed an alliance to conquer the world, {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Autumn Megatron Festival Chapter|The Autumn Megatron Festival Chapter}} but to his amazement, Alpha Trion had foreseen this and put a stop to them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 14|Bonus Edition Vol. 14}} He then asked Trion to show off his Mini-Con body's weapon mode, having learned from Tailgate that all Mini-Cons had one, and was taken aback when the sage transformed into a car and claimed it was a shield. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Sequel#Alpha Trion Chapter|Alpha Trion Chapter}} After getting caught up in a rampage of [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] clones, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 15|Bonus Edition Vol. 15}} Rattrap learned from Trion that [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]] would be coming to their world to cause trouble, and used his Transformer body to help greet her with a barrage of firepower. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 16|Bonus Edition Vol. 16}} That [[Halloween]], Rattrap was held at gunpoint by Megatron, who had misunderstood the point of "trick or treat". {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 17|Bonus Edition Vol. 17}}

[[File:Legends Adventure Rattrap.jpg|thumb]]
After enjoying an episode of ''Adventure'' with Tigatron, Rattrap had the idea of using the wish-granting power of the Legends Universe to travel the ''Adventure'' world through their dreams. It worked, but while he was explaining to [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] who they were, Tigatron upset [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]], who locked them both up in [[stasis pod|stasis cells]]. Because of this, Rattrap was late for work that morning, to President Primal's annoyance. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}} Reading up on [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]'s origin, Rattrap asked the ninja why she transformed into a car, and was unimpressed with her non sequitur about acquiring a "swan mode" after training with the [[Six Clan]]. {{Storylink|LG-15 Nightbird Shadow Sequel}} He was later curious about Slipstream coming from the ''Animated'' world, and she explained that she'd remodeled her body to include dimension-crossing technology and also to look younger. This caused Arcee to grow jealous, and Rattrap had to tell her she looked plenty young already. He also asked about Slipstream's origin as a clone of [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], and mistakenly pointed her in the direction of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Starscream]]. {{storylink|LG-16 Slipstream Sequel}}

[[File:Legends Cloud World Rattrap.jpg|thumb|left]]
Rattrap and his pals were later menaced by Armada Megatron once more, who was now out to steal ''all'' their toys. {{storylink|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue}} This led to Windblade attempting to destroy the world again, and Rattrap despaired when Armada Starscream tried to sacrifice himself to destroy her. Everything ended peacefully, though, prompting him to celebrate with Waspinator and attempt to claim Armada Megatron's abandoned [[Unicron of Light]] toy. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 18|Bonus Edition Vol. 18}} Rattrap was present when [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] entered the Legends world and had his body remodeled, {{storylink|LG19 Sprung Prologue}} and corrected the newcomer after he mistook Aunt Arcee for the Arcee of his home universe. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 19|Bonus Edition Vol. 19}} Rattrap and a couple others were later temporarily sent to [[Cloud World]] after getting caught up in [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] and [[SARA]]'s return. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Deadlock}}

[[File:Legends Double Rattrap.jpg|thumb]]
While visiting the Transformers Fes2016 event, Rattrap bore witness to an unbelievable sight: the appearance of the "real" Rattrap from ''Beast Wars''! Shaking with the simultaneous panic and joy of a fan meeting their idol, he proceeded to ask his alternate self for an autograph. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Rattrap}} When the Starscream-possessed Waspinator of the ''Beast Wars'' world attacked Metroplex, Rattrap offered to help his other self fight by transforming into his Transformer mode, but even together they couldn't beat him. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Waspinator)|Bonus Edition Waspinator}} Starscream was vanquished by ''Beast Wars'' Rhinox, who both Rattraps were equally happy to see. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Rhinox}} Rattrap was aghast when [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] set out to send all his friends from other dimensions back to where they came from, and when this struggle led to the apparent death of G1 Megatron, he mustered up the courage to place himself in the line of fire and tell Skids to leave their peaceful world alone. His words caused the self-proclaimed peacekeeper to give up his plans on realizing he was the one causing conflict. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 20}}

When the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] visited to get Axalon Co.'s help in making [[transtector]]s, Rattrap and Optimus Primal protested that they wanted payment, which led to the Autobots and Axalon merging into one company. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 21|Bonus Edition Vol. 21}} He was then silently present for a bunch of occurrences, including [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s rampage, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 23|Bonus Edition Vol. 23}} the [[Headmaster Junior]]s' arrival in the Legends world, {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} [[Cancer (G1)|Cancer]]'s first concert, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 24|Bonus Edition Vol. 24}} Galvatron's return and defeat of [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 25|Bonus Edition Vol. 25}} and [[T-AI|Ai]]'s attempt at arresting the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 26|Bonus Edition Vol. 26}} and was among those subjected to [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s loud music. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}}

When his company began producing [[Master-Brace]]s that could turn anyone into a Headmaster, Rattrap was thrilled to receive a pair. Thirsting for giant robot bodies of their own, he and the other were convinced by [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] to invade Tera-Kura Co. and steal the Decepticon [[transtector]]s, but combining with the Galvatron body caused Rattrap to be affected by its brainwashing mask and attack Rewind. Fortunately, the braces stopped working and he reverted to his normal self before he could do any harm. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} He went on to get upset at [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s harassment of Arcee at a soccer game, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 29|Bonus Edition Vol. 29}} witness [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] lose and find his living transtector, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}} and be present for Weirdwolf's attempt to steal the Autobot company HQ, the newly finished Battleship Maximus. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}}

Next, Rattrap warned [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] when Weirdwolf was attacking, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 32|Bonus Edition Vol. 32}} witnessed a defeated Weirdwolf return for revenge on Chromedome, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 33|Bonus Edition Vol. 33}} and was hypnotized by [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] into his loyal servant. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} He was accidentally drawn into [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]]'s body when the Autobot activated his [[Getmaster]] power, which by a stroke of luck allowed Ginrai to access the power of [[Beast Power|Jūchōkon]] and transform into a base mode. Together, he and Rattrap unleashed a barrage that won that day's battle. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}} While partying at the [[Dancitron]], Rattrap was among those brainwashed by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] into attacking Blaster, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 36|Bonus Edition Vol. 36}} and later he was present for the defeat of [[Apeface]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 38|Bonus Edition Vol. 38}}

Encountering Cana/Brainstorm again in another dream trip to his world, Rattrap learned that his inherent "[[Beast Power]]" had powered the Autobot up during their last meeting and lent him the same power again in another battle. To his joy, Brainstorm then came to live in the Legends Universe the next morning. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 39|Bonus Edition Vol. 39}} He was present when the [[Astrotrain Transport Company]] delivered a package to his home, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}} notified his Headmaster friends when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] attacked the city, {{storylink|LGEX Headmaster Set Chapter}} was caught up in a battle between [[Lio Convoy]] and [[Katsu Don]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 41|Bonus Edition Vol. 41}} and received another package from Ginrai. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 42|Bonus Edition Vol. 42}} When Black Convoy returned to dole out some [[Dimensional Patrol]] justice, Rattrap and his friends didn't want any and helped [[Dark Ai]] restore him. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Scourge 2)|Bonus Edition Scourge 2}} He lamented the [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s devastation of [[Akihabara]], but was told by Alpha Trion to use Trypticon's base mode as a temporary replacement. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} He was overjoyed when Akihabara was rebuilt and renamed Neo Akihabara City. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}}

Rattrap was present when [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] was causing a ruckus on the streets, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} was covered in bugs when [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] clones swarmed the city, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 47|Bonus Edition Vol. 47}} panicked when [[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] in a [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] suit was breaking everything around him, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 48|Bonus Edition Vol. 48}} and had his latest toy purchase destroyed by [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]]'s [[plasma energy]] emissions. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 49|Bonus Edition Vol. 49}} When [[Kreon]]s showed up in their world, Rattrap had to have them explained to him by Waspinator before convincing them to leave. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Special Chapter|Special Chapter}} [[White Leo]] later turned the people of the Legends World into [[Beastformer]]s to become his new army, transforming Rattrap into "Enthu Warrior Otaku Rattrap". After the situation was dealt with, Rattrap chastised him for not considering their feelings on the matter. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} He was surprised to see the buildings of Akihabara be bought up by [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 52|Bonus Edition Vol. 52}} was around when [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] came to the Legends World, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 54|Bonus Edition Vol. 54}} and got confused by Waspinator's explanation of there being a [[Minerva (human)|human Minerva]] and [[Minerva (G1 robot)|robot Minerva]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 56|Bonus Edition Vol. 56}} Towards the end of the year he was caught by surprise by the [[No. 7 Clone Corps]] searching the city. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}}

When the Autobot [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]] came visiting, Rattrap had Waspinator explain who they were and found that while they looked the same, their personalities were very different. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 58|Bonus Edition Vol. 58}} He watched as a [[Quintesson]] army retreated following a failed invasion. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 59|Bonus Edition Vol. 59}} Ginrai called upon Rattrap to grant him Getmaster powers during a duel with [[Giga]] and [[Mega]], though he still lost to his opponents' [[spirit energy|Shinchōkon]]. Fortunately, Rattrap's wish for Ginrai to keep fighting exuded its own Shinchōkon, allowing him to use draw both Jūchōkon and Shinchōkon from the rat and claim victory. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 60|Bonus Edition Vol. 60}} When the world came under attack from rampaging [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], Rattrap huddled behind [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s force field. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 62|Bonus Edition Vol. 62}} Next the city was flooded by [[Tigerburn]] who turned Rattrap and his friends into [[Laser Beast]]s and left them floating on rafts, which really annoyed him and had him demanding to know why people from [[Beast (planet)|Beast]] kept coming over. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 64|Bonus Edition Vol. 64}} He was caught up in the devastation when Windblade returned to being evil and attacked the Legends World a second time, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 65|Bonus Edition Vol. 65}} but to his joy, [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] repaired all the damage. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 66|Bonus Edition Vol. 66}} He watched [[Grand Maximus]] and the world's [[Masterforce (technology)|Masterforce]] warriors battle [[Devil Z]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Grand Maximus)|Bonus Edition Grand Maximus}}

====The Beast Wars Road Map====
Rattrap was scampering atop of Rhinox's monitor when the latter was contacted by his [[Rhinox (TransTech)|counterpart]] from [[Axiom Nexus]]. {{storylink|The Beast Wars Road Map}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Rattrap-art.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Rattrap's function was covert ops, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a rat. His stealth, tail whip, and "street smahts" were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were his wisecracking, toughness, and frankness. Rattrap's message from the future was that a new alliance may threaten his existence. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Rattrap was part of the united Maximal-Predacon faction lead by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Frank Todaro]] (English), [[Echigoya Kosuke]] (Japanese)|[[Rainer Fritzsche]] (German), [[Guillaume Lebon]] (French), [[Thiago Fagundes]] (Portuguese), [[Tommy Rojas]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Abhijit Chitre]] (Hindi)}}
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Rattrap-chews-up-wires.jpg|thumb|300px]]
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep2-Rattrap-standing.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
{{charfictionstub}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

On Cybertron, Rattrap had a friend named [[Box]] who transformed into a shuttlecraft. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}}

Rattrap was the data analyst aboard the Maximal starship ''Axalon'', under the command of captain Optimus Primal. While on a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to [[H'nkshanaar-4]], the ship was pulled off-course to intercept the hijacked starship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'' and apprehend the Predacon separatists who had stolen a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]]. Despite [[Nyx]]'s evasive maneuvers throwing him around, their ship was able to catch up with the ''Darksyde'' and establish a transwarp lock that pulled their vessel along with the Predacon ship when it entered [[unspace]]. After crashing on a mysterious, untamed planet, the ship's computers fitted them with [[beast mode]]s that would protect them from [[energon radiation]]. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} Rattrap broke in his new body by testing its abilities to digest organic material and metabolize it into fuel while Rhinox ran a survey of the planet's unnatural biosphere. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}}

When Nyx went out on a scouting expedition and didn't return before nightfall, Rattrap told Cheetor that it'd be wiser to wait until morning to organize a search party. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}} The next morning, Rattrap helped Cheetor and Rhinox rig up an improvised signal lock device before Optimus announced that he'd found Nyx's signal near their crash site. The Maximals raced out to intercept their wayward scout and discovered [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who informed them that he wished to become a Maximal. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart6-GCMGFive.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Get away from my cheese, you bitch!]]

While Optimus confined Dinobot to the ship's brig, Rattrap used the ship's security systems to spy on the ex-Predacon until the ship's proximity sensors detected multiple Predacons on approach. While Optimus, Cheetor, and Rhinox did what they could to hold off the attackers, the Maximal commnder ordered Rattrap to get the damaged ship's defence systems back online. However, while the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s shields were down, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] invaded the ship, attacked Rattrap, and forced him to flee while warning that he would destroy the entire ship. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} While hiding out in his [[beast mode]], Rattrap watched as Tarantulas broke into one of the ''Axalon''{{'}}s labs and attempted to sabotage the ship's [[stasis pod]] network. While Tarantulas tried to hack the computers, Rattrap commandeered a [[GCMG-Five|cargo-loading exoskeleton]] stored in the ship's hold and used it to easily overpower Tarantulas and toss him out the nearest window before restoring the ship's shields. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

After Dinobot joined the Maximals, the distrustful Rattrap took an instant dislike to the newcomer, which proved mutual. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} Some time later, Rattrap and the other Maximals were playing cards when the recently activated [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] penetrated their shields and broke into their base without their knowing. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] went off to investigate a noise and didn't return, Rattrap and the others found that he'd lost a fight against the newcomer and wound up trapped in a web cocoon. Optimus ordered the Maximals to split up and sweep the ship to find the intruder, but while searching Rattrap and Cheetor nearly blundered into an explosive booby trap that would've killed them had Dinobot not intervened. Although Blackarachnia escaped unharmed, Primal vowed that they would have to go on the offensive and take the fight to the Predacons. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart1-DinobotRattrap.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

One evening, Rattrap was on monitor duty when he noticed [[Skold]] delivering the wounded [[Razorbeast]] to the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Thicker Skin}} Bolstered by this new recruit, Rattrap and the other Maximals joined Primal in the ship's hangar, where Primal and Dinobot had turned an escape pod into an improvised shuttlecraft, to plan a full-scale attack on the crashed ''Darksyde'' in the hopes of retrieving the Golden Disk and sabotaging the vessel's [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]]. Although a nervous Rattrap, skeptical of both Primal's plan and the capabilities of his fellow Maximals, doubted that they could pull off the heist, {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} he and Nyx successfully breached the ship while the other Maximals distracted the brunt of Megatron's forces. Once inside, Rattrap broke into Megatron's quarters and successfully disarmed the security system responsible for protecting the Golden Disk. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

However, removing the disc from its housing triggered a shipwide lockdown; when Optimus broke into the vessel to rescue both Rattrap and Nyx, the three triggered a force field that trapped them in the ship and allowed Megatron to corner the trio. Ultimately, however, Primal threatened Megatron into letting them go by threatening to destroy the Golden Disk and sabotage their own starship to keep him stranded on this planet forever. As the three returned to their improvised shuttle, however, Rattrap revealed that he'd taken the liberty of copying the encrypted files on the disk onto his own systems, and was grudgingly impressed by Primal's ability to bluff his way out of a bad situation. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

At some point, Rattrap took part in a skirmish over energon that ended with Cheetor getting injured. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When the Predacons poisoned Optimus Primal with a sample of aggression-enhancing energon, the berserk Maximal stormed through the ship and threatened everyone aboard until Dinobot convinced him to take out Megatron instead. Rattrap had his doubts, but Rhinox pointed out that overexerting himself would help flush the toxic energon from his systems faster. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} When night fell, and Primal still hadn't returned, Rattrap and most of the other Maximals set up a campfire outside to keep watch. To pass the time, Cheetor told a scary story about a guerrilla war on a faraway world, but Rattrap complained that the ending was too depressing. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Believe in the Bananas!!}} {{storylink|A Hunch of a Good Duo!}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 38}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
Rattrap once shot [[Jonny Quest]]'s rope, sending him plummeting to his demise in a fiery pit. {{storylink|Commercial/Beast Wars#toonami|Beast Wars on Toonami}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game advertising comic====
Upon arriving on "[[Earth|Planet Energon]]", the dangers of Energon radiation forced the six surviving Maximals and their Predacon adversaries to take on beast alternate forms. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game====
{{voiceactor|??? (English), ??? (Japanese)}}

Rattrap joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal campaign=====
Rattrap was not one of the active members of the ''Axalon'' when it crashed, but rather a dormant protoform. When the stasis pod landed in the "Polluted Area" of the planet, he was rescued by the Maximals and subsequently joined them.

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Rattrap was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace. Rattrap also commented that the Maximals "survived" and were "the baddest! Yyyyeeeeeaaaah!" {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

{{BW VG|Rattrap|M}}

=====Predacon campaign=====
{{note|In the Predacon campaign, the stasis pod that would contain Rattrap is instead rescued by the Predacons, producing [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]].}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Rattrap.jpg|frame|Use the cheat codes or he's not in character!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese)}}
In an alternate timeline created when Megatron sent a message through Transwarp back to his past self, Rattrap participated in a series of all-out battles with the other beast warriors.

The Beast Wars were ultimately won thanks to a spy mission successfully completed by Rattrap. The resulting sneak attack meant the end of Megatron, who perished in the battle's explosive finale. The remaining Predacon troops were subsequently taken prisoner. The Beast warriors then boarded the ancient Autobot shuttle, and returned to Cybertron. Back on his home planet, Rattrap can finally enjoy peace and tranquility, as he relaxes at restaurants, taverns and bars, proclaiming: "Ahh... Ya know, we're all gonna di... dine!" {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Rattrap|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Tunnel Rat (does not do damage)
|-
|C-Up||Rabid Tackle
|-
|C-Left||Tail Whip
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Rattrap mocked Cheetor for wanting to go out and fight them on his own. This quickly came back to bite him when Optimus declared they would not only do so together, but would use the opportunity to retake the Golden Disk. Having no say in the matter, Rattrap reluctantly joined Primal's team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside''. After cornering Megatron, Rattrap flaunted the Golden Disk they now once again possessed in his face, but the celebration was short-lived as the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Rattrap and the others hurried back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Rattrap joined Optimus Primal in an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the Axalon before being left badly damaged on the ground. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses before the Predacons could finish them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Trap Blaster
|Special attack||Sand Kicker
|-
|Super attack||Nuke Bombs
|Super attack||Scratching Fury
|}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Rattrap and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|400px]]
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Rattrap-(TM).jpg|thumb|400px]]
Rattrap participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in two different bodies:
*''Rattrap''—This Super Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars Episode 3" event.
*''Rattrap (TM)''—This Epic character first appeared in the "Beast Wars: Episode 4" event, and could be recruited by collecting 500 units of Cybermetal, 250 units of Transmetal, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
{{gamestub}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
According to one account, Rattrap was an untrustworthy Decepticon. His fellow Decepticons rarely put their trust in him, knowing that he’d put his own self-preservation above all else. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

According to another account, Rattrap was one of the best Maximal marksmen and a talented demolitions expert, which made up for his abrasive attitude and tendency to eat garbage. Despite this off-putting demeanor, he had a close relationship with Botanica. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Rattrap (BW)/toys}}

==Notes==
[[File:Concept-Rattrap.jpg|thumb|Handi-capable!]]
[[File:RattrapScooter.jpg|thumb|He got this idea from his [[Arcee (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Great Aunt]].]]
*He likes plundering, insulting, gambling, and cheese.<ref>Page 10, "Character Profile" in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>
*In precursor of things to come in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', Mainframe's original concept for Rattrap during ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' was to capitalize on the exposed "brain" of the toy and make Rattrap a deeply flawed character. Originally, Rattrap's scanning and transformation technology was to fail, leaving him basically half-formed, with an exposed brain, wiring, "veins", an asymmetrical body, arms of uneven lengths, and malformed organic sections in [[robot mode]]. On top of all that, he was hooked up to a "colostomy bag-like heating cable" to stress his need for life support. Rattrap's overall story arc would have been about him accepting and overcoming his near-fatal flaws. This approach was nixed by the limits of CGI in rendering convincing organic innards at the time... and the fact that his model would have been massively far off from the actual toy probably also factored into it. The idea of a defective Transformer was later revisited in season 2 with [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]].
*[[:File:BWRattrapEarlyCGIColorModel.jpg|An early Mainframe color model]] for season 1 Rattrap shows his beast mode as brown. Whether his toy was ever intended to be these colors is unknown.
*Rattrap's Transmetal models by Mainframe include an unused model of Rattrap riding his detached kibble (see right). The purpose of this model is unknown, though [[Jim Sorenson]] (who [https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/unofficial-beast-wars-scale-chart.1075068/page-9#post-14371538 originally posted the model]) suggests that it's a "scooter mode".
*At one point in the series, Rattrap says, "What in the name of my [[Relatives|great-aunt]] [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is going on!?" This is an in-joke referring to [[Susan Blu]], who was not only voice director on ''Beast Wars'', but the voice of Arcee in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]] and Transmutate in the ''Beast Wars'' episode [[Transmutate (episode)|of the same name]]. He was originally going to say the line again when he saw Transmetal 2 [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (and she was to reply, "Not your great-aunt Arcee!") in the early script of "[[Crossing the Rubicon]]", but the lines went unused.<ref>Page 96, "Beast Wars Glossary" in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>
*According to [[3H Productions|3H]], they were on the phone discussing exclusives with their at-the-time Hasbro contact, when he realized that the not-yet-released blue Walmart Rattrap could have been named Packrat. However, it was a few days too late to make the change without a massive production delay. Had he simply been looking at the right wall of his office a few days earlier, which had the Packrat/[[Fractyl]] box-set on it...{{fact}}
*In the jovial Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', one of Rattrap's character tics was that he would constantly break the fourth wall by "smelling" what the audience was eating. For instance, in "[[Tangled Web]]", he randomly announces while sniffing the air "Sato-san's having curry today" and "Tanaka-san's having ramen". Like all characters in the dub, Rattrap was also given a vocal tic that he would mutter and wheeze all the time; in his case it was a high-pitched, protracted, "kyū" (キュー) noise. This vocal tic carried over into the habit of making a "pikyū" (ピキュー) sound whenever he fired his gun.
*To piggyback on the popularity of the ''[[Pokeformers|Pokémon]]'' phenomenon of the late '90s, or perhaps just to parody it, Rattrap's [[:File:BeastWarsMetals1 Rattrap beast mode.jpg|beast mode]] in the ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals (manga)|Beast Wars Metals]]'' manga was redesigned to resemble ''Pikachu'' heavily.
*Rattrap makes a cameo appearance in "Nor Iron Bars a Cage", an episode of Mainframe's ''War Planets'' (AKA ''Shadow Raiders''). He's standing next to Emperor Sternum in a long shot, but sneakily turns into a different animation model entirely for the close-up. The scamp! His season 1 rat mode also appears several times throughout the second season.
*In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Rattrap's Cybertronian body is a stylized version of his [[Rattrap (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Optimus bot mode is based on 10th anniversary toy. Alt mode is botcon but as a pickup instead of a racer. Spot on with the rest (though ironhide takes some slight inspiration from TFA lugnut in head/extreme proportions)|link=https://x.com/jcburcham/status/1357005100124827648|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03}}</ref>
*When Hasbro's official ''Transformers'' website made the ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'' webpage public in 2021, Rattrap's name was [[:File:Kingdom-Rattrap-error.jpg|misspelled "'''Rap'''trap"]] for the first few weeks before being corrected.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Rattle''' (ラットル ''Rattoru''), '''Rattrap''' (ラットトラップ ''Ratotorappu'')
*''French:'' '''Rattrape''' (Canada), '''Rattrap''' (Canada, Transmetal)
*''Italian:'' '''Rattilus''' (original toy), '''Metal Rattilus''' (Transmetal)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Patkányfogó''' ("Ratcatcher", ''Kingdom'' sub)
*''Korean:'' '''Rattrap''' (래트렙 ''Raeteuleb'', 래트랩 ''Raeteulaeb'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Huī Shǔ''' (Taiwan, 大灰鼠, "Big Grey Rat"), '''Jīnglíng Shǔ''' (China, 精灵鼠, "Clever Rat")
*''Polish:'' '''Szczurotrop''' ("Rat Trail")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Ratoeira'''
*''Russian:'' '''Krysohvat''' (Крысохват, "Rats Grip")
*''Spanish:'' '''Rattrap''' (Spain), '''Ratatrampa''' (Latin America)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Council members]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) characters]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Surveillance specialists]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe Maximals]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Maximals]]

Rhinox (BW)

2025-03-07T03:20:02Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{featured}}

{{factions|maximal|predacon|vehicon|autobot|onyxprime|liegemaximo|unicron}}
{{disambig3|Rhinox}}
{{suite}}
:''Rhinox is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Rhinoxbw.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"I will usher in a new age of technological perfecti—er, I mean, yay, pretty flowers."]]
[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] was on the mark when he said that '''Rhinox''' was the best of them. He's a Renaissance Bot. Intelligent, massive, strong, and stalwart, there are few Maximals one could depend on more. Rhinox is of a rare breed—he's incredibly tech savvy, but mystically inclined... without coming off as a burnt-out technohippie. He's quick and decisive in a crisis, with spectacular results, but is slow and steady. He loves to sniff the flowers. A behind-the-scenes charismatic and an on-his-feet strategist, he could lead the Maximals if he wanted to, but he doesn't.

If he sounds too good to be true, it's because he just might be. At times he can be borderline obsessive and single-minded, but his strong moral center keeps it from getting out of hand. The Maximals are glad for that, because if he ever lost his ethical restraint, woe be to them. No, woe be to the ''galaxy''.

Still, you can't help but love a bot who can fight [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] to a standstill without breaking a sweat, yet would rather take a nap in a patch of daisies. Rhinox considers [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to be his best friend, though he also has a close friendship with [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. He appears to have some "older sibling/parental" emotions toward [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] due to his role in bringing her online.

Rhinox's only weapons—besides his intimidating strength and brilliant mind—are his twin chainguns.

Rhinox's [[Spark]] was an integral part of the evil [[Vehicon General]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]].

{{bigquote|Make a device to extract molecular structure from an alien probe... man, I gotta be a miracle worker!|Rhinox|"[[Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
Rhinox was a territorial warrior who stampeded his way through the jungle whenever Predacons drew near, crushing everything in his path. Although he was known to be courageous and cunning, what mades him stand out from other warriors was that he had never been injured. EVER. Even though he had never backed down from a fight, his triple-thick, steel-plated skin protected him from all harm, even double-barreled laser cannons (which were presumably very powerful weapons). {{storylink|Rhinox (BW)#Toys|Rhinox bio}}

Following the [[quantum surge]], Rhinox found himself in a new Transmetal body, and couldn't be happier; thanks to his new [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], his new body is a lot faster then his previous one. One of his new battle moves involves pulling off wheelies on the battlefield. Furthermore, the semi-organic nature of his [[robot mode]] granted him additional fluidity and skill in combat. {{storylink|Rhinox (BW)#TM1|Transmetal Rhinox Bio}}

While collecting the exploded spark of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], Rhinox became a [[Transmetal|Metals]] as well. His knowledge and inner serenity were still intact. {{storylink|#TM1|Metals Rhinox bio}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Richard Newman]] (English), [[Daiki Nakamura]] (Japanese)|[[Yang Guang]] (Chinese), [[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Felipe di Nardo]] (Portuguese), [[Hervé Jolly]] (French), [[Maurizio Trombini]] (Italian), [[Gerhard Marcel]] (German), [[Miguel Ángel Ghigliazza]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Vicente Gisbert]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Byeong-sig Lee]] (Korean), [[Yu Hae-mu]] (Korean, VHS dub)}}
[[File:BeastWarsPt1 Primal and Rattrap ride Rhinox.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|The new ''Donkey Kong Country'' game went in a bit of a weird direction.]]

Rhinox was a crewmember of the exploration ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' when captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] got word that the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] criminal [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] had stolen the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and a [[Darksyde (BW)|ship]] with [[unspace|transwarp]] capabilities. The ''Axalon'' was the closest vessel that also possessed a transwarp drive, so Rhinox's ship was sent to engage them. After following the Predacons through a transwarp portal and appearing above a mysterious planet, both ships were damaged in the ensuing space battle, and before both ships crashed into the planet's surface below, the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of Rhinox's crew were ejected into orbit.

The planet was rich with [[energon]]—so much so that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies, so the Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from the local creatures. Rhinox took the form of a rhinoceros. He soon took part in a rescue mission to retrieve [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] after the young Maximal ran into the Predacons, and forced [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to give Primal cover. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

During Optimus's battle with [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], Rhinox pulled the pair to safety after they almost plunged off a ledge. The Maximals subsequently were forced to tail the Predacons, and when Dinobot almost accidentally slagged Rhinox, it caused the ex-Predacon and Rattrap to come to blows. The two factions eventually reached the mountain topped with energon and fought over it while in their [[beast mode]]s, until Megatron ended up destroying it. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:TheWeb Rhinox closeup.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|"Bah, stuck in the base ''again''! To get more scenes, I need some sort of ''weapon''... a really ''impressive'' one...]]
Being the handyman of the crew, Rhinox quickly developed a new comlink to overcome the problems with energon interference. After Cheetor got into trouble while testing it, Rattrap gave the cat a hard time, causing him to race off, and Rhinox pointed out that Cheetor was about to do something stupid. He ordered Rattrap to go after Cheetor. {{storylink|The Web}} Rhinox's next developments were some energon monitoring devices, though Optimus initially scrubbed the mission to install them. After Cheetor went anyway, and a series of events almost destroyed the Maximal base, Rhinox and the other Maximals thanked Cheetor for preventing the explosion. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

[[File:ChainofCommand Rhinox with chaingun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.34|"-OF DOOM."]]
Rhinox had to dive for safety during a battle at the [[Standing Stones]], after [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] blew up the energon cache at its center. After Primal went missing, Rhinox had to break up a fight between Dinobot and Rattrap over who would lead, insisting on a secret ballot. The ballot ended in a deadlock, but they were then contacted by Primal, who'd become trapped in an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] at the Standing Stones. Rattrap was placed in charge during the bossmonkey's absence, and his command to Rhinox was to build a device to extract Optimus from the probe. Whether or not this device would actually have worked is unknown, as shortly before he had a chance to use it, Rhinox was ambushed by [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], but turned the tables by blasting the Predacon with his chaingun. Waspinator stumbled into a stone, and Rhinox realized the whole structure was a mechanism as it caused the probe to disgorge Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

When Cheetor reported that [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] had found a [[flying mountain]], Rhinox theorized that the high concentration of energon on the top of it might be responsible for the strange gravity-warping effect. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} After Primal was taken out by a Predacon sneak attack, Rhinox, Cheetor and Rattrap headed for a crashed stasis pod. The trio were delayed further, and beaten to the pod, however the [[protoform]] had already been awakened as [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} Like the other Maximals, Rhinox was shocked by Rattrap's apparent defection to the Predacons, but as it turned out, it was a ploy to discover how the Predacons had been spying on the Maximals, and they were soon rescuing their comrade. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

Rhinox later developed [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]], a hi-tech security system for the Axalon, which unfortunately went berserk when its control panel was damaged in a struggle between Dinobot and Rattrap, forcing the Maximals from their own base. Rattrap however, was able to infiltrate the now-heavily guarded ship and deactivate Sentinel, which was then repaired and made fully-functional by Rhinox. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} The Maximals were forced to restrain Optimus after he was infected by a rage virus in a [[cyberbee]] developed by [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and Rhinox was unable to work out how to remove it. After Primal undertook a one-bot assault on the Predacon base, Rhinox took part in the mission to rescue their leader, laying down suppressing fire to allow Cheetor to slip inside the base. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

[[File:Victory Rhinox sit down.jpg|thumb|260px|Rhinox Asked Calmly]]
He was unsuccessful in contacting a Maximal [[temporal probe]] which flew past the planet. Though he blamed himself, he and the other Maximals rallied themselves to build a communications array on Predacon soil. Unfortunately while they were doing so, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s latest invention the [[Transformation Lock Lens]], prevented them from sending the signal before Megatron destroyed the array. {{storylink|The Probe}} When a Predacon plan to fake a Maximal victory was exposed, Rhinox was dismayed when Optimus and Cheetor insisted on leaving the ''Axalon'' with liftoff imminent in order to rescue Dinobot. Tigatron attempted to go as well, leading Rhinox to order him to sit down. Liftoff eventually occurred without Primal, however Megatron got on board and damaged the controls. Rhinox attempted to control the ship and, with some assistance from Optimus, managed to get it down at least in one piece, though it would never fly again. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:DarkDesigns Rhinox monologues.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Evil has silver detailing. Who knew?]]
Some time later, when the Maximals found themselves cornered by a Predacon ambush, Rhinox was able to take out their attackers with a carefully aimed spray of chaingun fire. Megatron was so impressed that he decided to make Rhinox a member of his merry band of thieves, by force. Rhinox was captured by Tarantulas and then reprogrammed into a Predacon by a device designed by Megatron called a "[[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]". However, the newly malevolent Rhinox proved to be too much for Megatron to handle, as Optimus Primal had correctly predicted. He quickly dispatched most of the Predacons, working his way up to Megatron himself in an attempted coup. Rhinox very nearly succeeded, but fortunately, Megatron was able to revert him back into a Maximal using the Transmuter, and Rhinox escaped to rejoin his Maximal comrades and smell some flowers. {{storylink|Dark Designs}}

The Maximals arrived back at base after being sent on wild goose chases by Megatron's [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]], only to find that the clone had already been dealt with by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}} Later, a stasis pod crash landed in a barren wasteland. Rhinox intercepted it and, with the help of [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s [[locking chip]], managed to save the protoform Maximal's [[spark]]. The protoform then became [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], who repaid the favor by saving the weakened Rhinox from Terrorsaur. {{storylink|The Spark}}

While Rhinox was communicating long distance with Tigatron, his fellow Maximal was attacked by Waspinator and Terrorsaur, leading the Maximals to discover the existence of a [[Brigadoon|flying island]]. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] took control of the island and piloted it towards the ''Axalon'', forcing Rhinox, Cheetor and Dinobot to evacuate the base. The only thing Rhinox took with him was a potted plant. When the island's destruction sent a beam into space, the Maximals wondered who received the signal and what they'd do next. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

At one point, a [[magna pulse]] triggered by Tarantulas knocked out the power in the Maximal base, and Optimus Primal left Rhinox struggling to get things working again. {{storylink|Spider's Game}} The loss of the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]] forced the Maximals to stay in their beast forms at all times, which resulted in their beast instincts taking over and sending them off to wander the jungle. It was only with Tigatron's help that they deleted the programming blocks separating their core programming, and they were able to fight the Predacons who were hunting them. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Rhinox listening.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Rhinox's Yoga phase]]
When Scorponok detonated a pile of energon near a group of Maximals, rendering them blind, it was Rhinox who led the group on the dangerous trek back to the Axalon, teaching them how to use their other senses. They were able to overcome the obstacles both nature and the Predacons could throw at them, and succeeded in reaching safety. Afterwards, Rhinox again went off to smell some flowers. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After the Maximals were ousted from their base by the Predacons assisted by a [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]-possessed Waspinator, they attempted a ruse to get the ''Axalon'' back, resulting in Rhinox and the others mounting an assault on the Predacon base. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[File:TheLowRoad-fartonpreds.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|I'm dummy thicc and the clap from my butt cheeks keeps alerting the Preds.]]
Later, Tarantulas infected Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], which made him expel his energon reserves via his nasal passages in bursts powerful enough to tear through the hull of the Axalon, threatening both to destroy the Maximals' base and completely drain Rhinox of energy. Rattrap and Dinobot were dispatched to acquire a countervirus, while Rhinox ate some wild bean vines to keep his strength up. When the bickering duo nearly failed in their mission, the other Maximals, including Rhinox, showed up, and the rhinoceros blew away the Predacons with a massive energon... *ahem*"derriere-based"... discharge which was caused by his ingestion of wild beans; Megatron would remember this moment as the most humiliating defeat in his entire career. Rhinox was later cured by the countervirus via a Cybertronic beer hat. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

After Megatron called a truce, Rhinox assisted "non-violently" in helping Tigatron escape after infiltrating the Predacon base to find out more information. He non-violently held up a sheet of metal for Terrorsaur to crash into, and then non-violently sat on him. Tigatron reported that the aliens were coming. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Indeed, an alien construct appeared and, while the other Maximals were investigating it, Rhinox and Dinobot were bushwhacked in the Maximal base by Tarantulas and Blackarachnia. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} The rest of the Maximals found their two comrades webbed to the ceiling, and placed them in [[CR chamber]]s. Rhinox stirred in his chamber as he sensed Primal's impending destruction. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:ComingFuzors2 Rhinox searches for Primal.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.34|They warned us to not to take the brown acid!]]
Protected by the CR chamber, Rhinox avoided being upgraded into a [[Transmetal]] by the [[quantum surge]]. After recovering, he took leadership of the Maximals to forestall any bickering and sent Rattrap and Cheetor out to protect the base against Megatron. Unfortunately Inferno was already loose in the base, and managed to blast Rhinox before fighting Dinobot. Rhinox quickly recovered, throwing a badly-battered Inferno out and forcing Megatron to retreat. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Rhinox later initiated a dangerous plan to bring the recently deceased Optimus Primal back to life by using the hole in space-time caused by the destruction of the Planet Buster to astrally project his spark into the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]]. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Rhinox followed the transition left by Primal's spark and led it back to the land of the living, where it was reborn as Transmetal Optimus Primal. Primal was able to come to the aid of the Maximals right when they were on the verge of defeat. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

[[File:OtherVisits1-Rhinoxdisarmed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Quick, if we graphically deglove his arm super quickly, maybe the censors won't notice.]]
Rhinox conducted tests on Optimus Primal to attempt to determine what the new Transmetal forms were capable of, with limited results. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} His research into the alien sites predicted that there would be one located in an area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, however a Predacon jamming tower prevented the Maximals from warning the pair, who were shot into space by some sort of alien planet device. While the others were off the base, Rhinox was attacked by Megatron, Blackarachnia and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]], who made off with the [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]]. After repairs, Rhinox and the other Maximals went to the alien site, only to be blasted by the alien construct that appeared. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} The Transmetaled Maximals recovered quickly, and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and Cheetor took Rhinox and Dinobot back to base for repairs. Rhinox was barely recovered when he was again pressed into action, attacking the [[Metal Hunter|alien construct]] which Megatron had taken over, to allow Rattrap and Tarantulas to slip inside. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

When [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]]'s stasis pod was discovered, Rhinox worried that its contents had survived the crash. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Rhinox calculated that the [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be reaching [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], though the good news was tempered a short time later when Dinobot perished saving a group of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} Rhinox's tests on [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]] were not promising, and he suggested putting the creature in stasis. Silverbolt wasn't happy with the suggestion. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda3 Rhinox forcing door.jpg|right|upright=1.3|thumb|"Hey Rhinox, we just found the garage door opener after all... never mind."]]
Continuing to track the transwarp wavefront, Rhinox and the other Maximals celebrated their impending rescue, however instead they got Predacon agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. After fighting off the Predacons, Ravage helped the Maximals storm the ''Darksyde'' and arrest Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} With Ravage's defection, Rhinox and Rattrap found themselves under heavy assault in the ''Axalon''. Some daring-do on Rattrap's part saved the day, but the Maximals had to chase Megatron. Rhinox was forced to ride on Primal's surfboard, much to his visible discomfort at the height. They tracked Megatron to [[Mount St. Hilary]], where the Predacon leader had located the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and attempted to reach the ship first. Though Rhinox physically forced the ship's doors open, they were too late—Megatron had blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], causing a [[timestorm]] as history began to change. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

With Blackarachnia's help, the Maximals stabilized Prime ad Rhinox stayed to supervise the repairs while the others went to defend the ''Axalon''. His work was interrupted by Silverbolt's "situation"—Blackarachnia had been shot by Megatron during the conflict, but as Rhinox pointed out, she just needed repairs. The ''Axalon'', on the other hand, was lost, and the Maximals were forced to set up base in the cavern housing the Ark. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Rhinox would largely spend the remainder of the Beast Wars off the front lines attempting to interface Maximal and [[Autobot]] technology to bolster their defenses, to very little success. He would express doubts that help was still on the way, though it did turn up in the form of [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who'd come looking for [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} An attempt by Rhinox to rig up [[Teletraan I]]'s force field to protect the base failed, forcing the Maximals to attempt to salvage Sentinel. He later had to restrain Rattrap from trying to attack Depth Charge, who had caused the mission to fail. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

[[File:CuttingEdge Rhinox chainguns.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|You wouldn't like him when he's angry.]]
Analysing the [[cyber raptor]] which Primal had encountered, Rhinox reported that it was fused with Transmetal technology. Once the others had all left the base, he and Rattrap found themselves under siege from Megatron and a group of Predacons. Rhinox finally made a desperate attempt to see them off with a barrage of chaingun fire, only to be blasted backwards. Depth Charge fortunately came to the rescue and saved them both. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

When the Maximals thought that Cheetor had been killed, Rhinox told Primal not to give up hope, and went to get the long-range sensors online. As it turned out, his optimism was correct, as Cheetor later turned up outside the base. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} After Cheetor was apparently spirited away overnight by a strange creature, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia went out looking, but to Rhinox's surprise, didn't find anything. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:CrossingtheRubicon Rhinox operating.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.34|"Everyone, shut up! I'm finally gonna beat the first level of ''[[Transformers: Mystery of Convoy|Mystery of Convoy]]!''"]]
Rhinox scanned Blackarachnia's internals, with a view to extracting her Predacon [[shell program]] and restoring her to a Maximal state. Some time later, he and Primal discovered that she had overheard their conversation about the concept, and fled in the belief they'd force her to go through with it. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} A huge buildup of energy on a mountain top caused alarm for the Maximals, who braced for a possible attack, but all that happened was that the top of the mountain exploded. How odd. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

When Blackarachnia's attempts to become a Transmetal caused her shell program to deteriorate, threatening to erase her [[core consciousness]], Rhinox carried out a very delicate procedure to surgically remove the shell program directly. Unfortunately, certain failsafes installed by Tarantulas, combined with a Predacon attack, caused the operation to fail. Fortunately, Blackarachnia was mysteriously resurrected anyway by the [[Transmetal driver]]. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next gambit involved [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] remote controlling Optimus Primal. Once this was achieved, the subverted Primal's first order was for Rhinox to order everyone back to base, where Quickstrike was able to knock them out and stick them in a cage. Fortunately Blackarachnia was able to free Primal and the others and they fought off Megatron, who had upgraded himself using the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

[[File:Nemesis2-Rhinoxinshuttle.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Couldn't they have found the booster seat the Autobots brought for Bumblebee?]]
Detecting an alien signature inbound to Earth, Rhinox realised that it meant that Tigatron and Airazor were coming back. Indeed, the Predacon base was soon destroyed by [[Tigerhawk]], the emissary the [[Vok]] had created using the two Maximal sparks, though Rhinox wasn't in the mood for celebrating. {{storylink|Other Victories}} Once the situation was sorted out, the Maximals began searching for Megatron and his scattered forces. Rhinox monitored the situation from base, as the others discovered that Megatron was attempting to raise the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]. He and Rattrap were overjoyed when Primal reported that Depth Charge had taken out the warship, but it turned out the news was a little too premature. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

Rhinox was ordered by Optimus Primal to execute [[Operation Eternity]], which apparently only Primal and he knew about. The purpose of the operation was to "move the Ark" by activating its engines and taking off; little is know beyond that, because the Maximals failed when the Ark's engines proved beyond repair. However, [[Dinobot II]] downloaded emergency data to the Ark about an [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|Autobot shuttle]] hidden within the Ark. Rhinox piloted the shuttle and flew it directly into the bridge of the Nemesis, taking down Megatron and causing the warship to spiral out of control and crash somewhere beyond the horizon. Thus, the Beast Wars were won. Rhinox and the other Maximals left prehistoric Earth aboard the aforementioned Autobot shuttle and began the voyage home to Cybertron. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Richard Newman]] (English), [[Daiki Nakamura]] (Japanese)|[[Yang Guang]] (Chinese), [[Gerald Paradies]] (German), [[Bruno Bulté]] (French)}}

{{see|Tankor (BM)}}
[[File:Revelations3 Rhinox vision.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Rhinox suffers the horrors of symbolism.]]

Rhinox returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with the surviving Maximals to discover the entire population had been replaced by mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]] created by Megatron. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

Rhinox, like the other Maximals, was exposed to Megatron's [[Transformation virus|virus]] at this point. Although the [[Transmetal]] Maximals merely reverted to their original shapes, the Maximals who were still ''in'' their original shapes were instantly paralyzed. As a result, Rhinox and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] were captured, stripped of their organic bodies and placed in the new bodies of [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Much later on, Rhinox's mind was freed by Optimus' spark connection with him, and he watched and observed, eventually turning his back on his Maximals to go along with Megatron's cause of a purely technological, one-mind Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}}

Rhinox pretended to still be Tankor and sneaked around Megatron's ranks, reprogramming the [[Diagnostic Drone]] as his agent. He'd decided Megatron's ''cause'' was right, but it needed a different, more efficient person at the helm... someone like ''him''. He went off to fulfill this new mission, in a highly malevolent and sadistic manner. {{storylink|Survivor}}

[[File:Catalyst Optimus eulogizes Rhinox.jpg|left|thumb|Optimus struggles with the "make-your-own Transformer" toy.]]

Rhinox went looking for the legendary [[Key to Vector Sigma]] that was supposed to turn organic life into technomatter. He found it, took control of it, and then faked his death. {{storylink|The Key}} Now on the underground and spying on both sides, he used the Diagnostic Drone to reveal the Key had been discovered, intending for Megatron to use it on himself (to eradicate his [[beast mode]]) and go insane in the process. When this didn't work, he set it up so Rattrap would find and use a catalyst program that would cause mutant plant life to erupt in [[Cybertropolis]], scaring Megatron into arming the [[Tank Drone]]s with copies of the Key... {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:TankorRhinox Spark.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb]]

...only to find he no longer had remote control of the drones, and would need to trick Megatron into using them instead. By this point, he'd already been tampering with the Oracle (an interface for Vector Sigma) and used it to trick Optimus into finding the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]] that could destroy all technology. While he (wrongly) thought Primal would never use it, he knew Megatron would never take the chance! Unfortunately for him, he overplayed his hand: Megatron thought Optimus wouldn't use it either, grew suspicious with the Diagnostic Drone pushing him to strike first, and disabled it. Rhinox decided to launch an ambush assault and take out both enemy leaders while they were fighting... only to find, whoops, Megatron had programmed his generals to be ''incapable'' of shooting him. Rhinox was swiftly offlined, his plan stolen by Megatron, and then killed by plasma energy: a humiliating demise. {{storylink|End of the Line|End of the Line}}

Rhinox's spiritual form appeared once more with Optimus in the Matrix, bidding his friend farewell and to telling him to embrace his Spark. For his sins, he told Optimus, he himself would be remaining in the Matrix; he expressed regret for his actions. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
When [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]] of the [[Cloud World]] ended up in the 9-BW Spacetime, they spoke about the [[multiverse|Spacetime World]] while an unassuming Rhinox in beast mode stood by and listened. He noted that it was interesting information and transformed into robot mode, to the shock of the two visitors. {{storylink|Shock (Cloud)|Shock}} Rhinox introduced himself and explained that he was a [[Maximal]] investigating a nearby energon mine. The other Maximals soon revealed themselves and Rhinox, promising not to reveal the two's true nature, allowed the Maximals to believe that they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]]. As they all neared the energon mine, they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] and the two sides battled as Hot Rodimus took his leave to hunt down [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]]. The two's battle caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

During a later battle with the Decepticons, Hot Rodimus thought back to his time with the Maximals, including Rhinox. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

=====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''=====
After Starscream's leave from the Beast Wars, a battle broke out between the Maximals and Predacons. {{Storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Rhinox found himself challenged by the mysterious new Predacon [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]]. {{storylink|Rhinox Chapter}} {{storylink|Wolfang Chapter}} Eventually, [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from another dimension joined the battle, with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and his troops joining the Maximals. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} The combined Maximal-Autobot and Predacon-Decepticon forces eventually faced off against one other, with the Maximals and Autobots unleashing their fused energies on their foes first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
Following his death as Tankor, the remorseful Rhinox's spark traveled to the [[Legends World]], sensing that there was an alternate Rhinox there who had similar regrets and could use some counseling. Thanks to this universe's unique wish-granting "spirit power", he manifested as a ghost identical to his form on Earth. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He proceeded to go find his counterpart, introducing himself as another Rhinox. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Waspinator)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

The two talked about their regrets as their respective Tankors, and Rhinox explained that though he'd accepted death as his penance, his alternate self was still alive and had a future during which he could change for the better. They were interrupted by the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] attacking the [[Axalon Trading Company]] using the body of Waspinator, prompting Rhinox to use his own ghostly form to exorcise and defeat the Decepticon in defense of Legends Rhinox's friends. He was then reunited with Rattrap, who had been sent to find him and bring him back to their own world, but said that he'd done what he came for and that his fate was to was move on to the afterlife. To his surprise, however, Legends Rhinox was a skilled roboticist and whipped up a new body for his spark to inhabit, granting him a future as well. Thus alive once more, Rhinox returned with Rattrap to post-[[Great Transformation]] Cybertron, where he was reunited with his friends. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

====3H comics====
[[File:Groundzero-rhinoxandfractyl.jpg|thumb|upright=0.55|left]]
Rhinox was trying to teach Cheetor the value of peace and quiet when a firefight broke out in the Badlands. Finding the normally skittish [[Packrat]] trading heavy firepower with Inferno, Rhinox realized something was up. Although cautious at first, he listened to the Predacon geologist [[Fractyl]]'s explanation that Packrat had stolen some experimental energon armor, which was slowly degenerating into the unstable anti-energon. Rhinox convinced Packrat that the respect he craved would not come from power, but from giving up power when it was necessary. After Fractyl neutralized the armor, Rhinox threw the geeky Predacon scientist a bone and pretened to run in terror from the "might of Fractyl" so that the arriving Megatron would give his underling some respect. {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Terminus-CheetorandRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right|Good thing he's wearing that cushy parka.]]
By the time the Maximals were operating out of the Ark, Rhinox had taken it upon himself to make regular planetary sweeps with the base's scanners. After one such scan, he detected a Transwarp disruption, and a trail of chronal particles left behind by a newly arrived time-traveler. He informed Optimus Primal of his find, hoping that it was finally a means to return to their place in space-time. Rhinox and the rest of the Maximals set out to investigate the temporal trail, encountering the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. Megatron then took off to reach the time-traveller, and Rhinox insisted that Optimus go after him, while he and the other Maximals held back Megatron's troops. Though hesitant to do so, Optimus followed Rhinox's advice, and the Maximals were left behind against overwhelming odds. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. As they encroached, an explosion hit Rhinox, and he was knocked offline. {{storylink|Paradox}}

Rhinox recovered just in time to watch as the newly arrived Shokaract attempted to rip Optimus's spark from his body. He helped his fellow Maximals fight back against the tyrant, but was knocked back when Shokaract threw Cheetor at him. Once Shokaract was defeated, space-time rebooted itself with the disappearance of the Dark Essence from the past, and these events were erased from Rhinox's timeline. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Tankorrhinoxrevelations.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself!]]

When [[Primus]] gave [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] the ability to choose any Transformer, living or dead, from the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] to assist him in the [[Universe War|multiversal war]] against [[Unicron]], Primal chose [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depthcharge]] and Rhinox. Depthcharge was bitter about being brought back from the dead, but Rhinox was thankful for the chance to atone for his actions as Tankor. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

During the Universe War, Rhinox built a device to counteract Unicron's attempts to abduct Transformers. Two such attempts at deflection were only partially successful, necessitating the deployment of a rescue team. {{storylink|Voice Actor Drama}}

In the final battle of the war, Rhinox defeated the Minion general [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], presumably redeeming his actions as his own universe's Tankor. He presumably escaped [[Unicron]] with Optimus Primal and the other Children. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}
{{-}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
During the Beast Wars, Rhinox designed a crawler vehicle, and sent Rattrap out into the wilderness to test it. On the way back to Cybertron after the end of the Beast Wars, Rhinox dozed off to sleep while Rattrap recalled his test run of the vehicle in a dream. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
He awoke, affected by a Transwarp agitator planted on the shuttle by a new team of Predacons hiding on Earth. This device caused him and the other Maximals aboard to act aggressively towards one-another, and Rhinox tried to force Rattrap into the ship's C.R. Chamber due to its influence. Rattrap resisted, managed to get away, and deactivated the ship's Transwarp drive. Though this restored the Maximals to their senses, it also returned them to prehistoric Earth. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology (1)====
Not long after Megatron stole the spark of the original Megatron, he had Quickstrike plant a device in the Maximal base. The device magnified the Maximals' aggression, resulting in Rhinox trying to kill Blackarachnia while Silverbolt attempted to stop him. While Silverbolt failed, Optimus Primal arrived in time to pin Rhinox down, only to succumb to the device's effects himself. Primal was soon able to overcome the effect, and freed the rest of the Maximals who then fought off Megatron. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

After Tankor's death, Rhinox's spark and consciousness were cleansed and rejoined the Matrix. When Megatron was defeated by Nightscream, Rhinox saw an opportunity to redeem the fallen tyrant, and attempted to act as a spirit guide. Rhinox led Megatron through the ascending layers of Transformer afterlife, urging him to leave behind his fixation on worldly power. Megatron was briefly tempted, but his repeated returns to Cybertron convinced him that godhood was still within his reach. Tapping into the power of the Oracle, Megatron erased Rhinox's spark, killing him utterly. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:BWGatherRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Realising that he is functionally invisible to those around him, Razorbeast takes a moment to moon Rhinox.]]
The 'bot that would one day call himself "Rhinox" was aboard the ''Axalon'', along with the rest of its original crew, tasked with performing orbital scans of Cybertron. The crew's survey yielded Transmatter energy signatures coming from the head of [[Unicron]], in orbit around the planet. Upon their approach, they detected a whole lot of activity within the satellite; several units evacuating a concealed base. The ship's crew activated their shield just in time for a Transmatter bomb to erupt out of the satellite, and the Axalon to accidentally come to meet its path. The ship avoided any damage, and the bomb was deflected away from the planet. Some Transmatter debris did reach Cybertron however, and all those touched by it were reduced to protoforms. A few of these unfortunates were later entrusted to the crew of the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

As Magmatron surveyed the timeline, he witnessed Rhinox standing over a stasis pod, while Cheetor and Terrorsaur battled some distance away. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Rhinox stood outside the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' as [[Razorbeast]]'s [[Chronal phase|chronically displaced]] Maximals passed by. Although Optimus Primal could vaguely sense their presence, Rhinox theorized that the sensation was just a side-effect of Primal's recent upgrades. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}

After his (very) later death, Rhinox was reborn by the [[Vok]] and traveled the multiverse. He was supposedly fighting [[Unicron]]'s chaos, but knew the Vok really wanted him to manipulate Cybertronian history; however, out of guilt for his actions as Tankor, he still helped any Cybertronian he came across. He was probably [[Rhinox (Armada)|some other guy]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #3}}
{{-}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:DawnOfFuturesPast RhinoxCheetorRattrap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left]]
During the prep for the ''Axalon''{{'}}s launch, the crew spent weeks on a space station getting everything ready. Rhinox assisted with the loading process as Protoform X's stasis pod was brought on board and told Cheetor and Rattrap to quit slacking off. As they launched, the bridge crew received word from Maximal High Command about the theft of the Golden Disk.

Mere moments after receiving their mission directive, the ''Axalon'' was attacked by a small assault craft piloted by [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. Rhinox attempted some emergency repairs of their damaged systems, but they would have been destroyed if the ''[[Chromia 10]]'' had not appeared in time to draw fire. Tragically, their rescuers were heavily damaged before Rhinox got everything back on-line in time to help. With leave from Optimus, he brought the two-mech crew's damaged bodies inside and stowed their sparks in blank protoforms to preserve them for later.

In pursuit of the ''Darksyde'', the ''Axalon'' came under fire from the Predacon ship. Rhinox kept the ship together as they pursued the ''Darksyde'' through transwarp space and then... {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

After [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Rhinox fought the Predacons during a plot to launch an orbital weapon. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and the response by the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of Rhinox from just after the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The Alternity shepherded the "shipwrecked" Primal, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to [[Viron 102.0 Beta]] in order to fight the similarly shipwrecked Megatron, who schemed to take over this reality's Cybertron by capturing the populace's sparks and converting their bodies into Vehicons. Guided by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Primal's forces fought the long and arduous "Allspark Battles", eventually triumphing over Megatron's Vehicon hordes. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Rhinox and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Rhinox's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:RhinoxSuicideManga01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Rhinox takes his ''Persona 3'' fandom a step too far.]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] was dead and the [[Maximal]]s were left scattered all over [[Earth|Energoa]], with only [[Transmetal]] Rhinox and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] holed up in the Maximal base. The [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] were in much better condition, having also been mutated into Transmetals but with their numbers still intact. As the Maximal base came under attack from [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and his forces, Rhinox casually worked on a new machine while Rattrap freaked the hell out. Suddenly, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] appeared and was attacked by [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]]. Much to Rattrap's chagrin, Rhinox shut Sentinel down to allow Airazor to get inside the base, though it considerably weakened their defenses.

Seeing an opening, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] infiltrated the base and effortlessly took out Rattrap and Airazor. Rhinox proceeded to pull out a strange "gun," but instead of pointing it at ''her'', he pointed it at ''himself'' and proceeded to "blow his brains out." With the job well done, Blackarachnia left the base as it exploded.

As it turned out, the "gun" was part of Rhinox's machine, which was being kept safe from the explosion (along with Rattrap and Airazor) by a small force field. The "gun" allowed Rhinox to travel into [[unspace|Transwarp space]], where he found the [[spark]] of Optimus Primal, about to move on to his deathly reward. Reminding Primal of his duty to his Maximals, he helped Primal's spark escape Transwarp space and return to his body, turning it into a Transmetal. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

When Rampage became too much for Optimus Primal, he contacted Rhinox and asked for a map of undersea volcanic activity in their vicinity. Rhinox sent the data, which helped Primal set off a chain reaction that blasted Rampage into space. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 2|Beast Wars Metals #2}}

Rhinox later received a transmission from Dinobot, who was recovering from injuries in an [[anthropoid]] village. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 3|Beast Wars Metals #3}}

He next watched the battle between Airazor and the mind-controlled Tigatron on a monitor and sent Optimus to help them. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 4|Beast Wars Metals #4}}

His monitoring skills came in handy again when he hacked into the security cameras of the ''Ark'' and found that Megatron was plotting to kill [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}}

Rhinox and Rattrap followed Primal in their vehicle modes, but were too slow to keep up. They arrived after the final battle was finished and Rhinox pondered how they were going to fix history. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology (2)===
The Maximals crashed in [[Mexico]] around 1,000 B.C.E., near where the [[Natiltec]] tribe lived. Their war with the Predacons eventually involved the local humans, and after the situation had been resolved, Rhinox recorded and encoded a message onto a cave wall alongside a Natiltec warrior's writings. Some three thousand years later, it was discovered by an archaeology team, who were able to use [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to play back an audio recording of Rhinox. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Rhinox was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. He and Silverbolt were both killed early in the conflict, spurring the others to rebel against Primal and the status quo. The Maximals later made use of the [[impercepton shield]] he had built, using it to infiltrate the [[Ferromax Detention Center]] so they could rescue Dynobot. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[The Crucible|''The Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' #34]]}}
[[File:TheCrucible RhinoxofMournsong.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Sure hope they don't keep using this ''Forged to Fight'' design everywhere! ''*finger to ear*'' oh no]]

One of many beast-type Cybertronians serving under [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]] ten million years ago, '''Rhinox of the Mournsong''' was guarding his master's citadel in [[Kalis]] when [[Nova Prime|Nova Major]], [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]], and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] appeared and demanded entry. Unwilling to fight, he let the three into the citadel, where they confirmed that Onyx had already departed from Cybertron. As Rhinox wondered aloud what would happen to him next, Nova Major promised him he and the other beasts would [[Functionism|have a place]] in the new united Cybertronian society. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

Millions of years later, Rhinox was still in the service of Onyx/Shockwave, and watched as his master was paraded through the streets in chains after his recent capture. Rhinox sought out [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] at Shockwave's request and extended an invitation to the former chancellor for a private chat with his master. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

[[File:Unicron6 RhinoxVShockwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px|He's three gigabytes of attitude on a two-gig hard drive.]]

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] had begun his attack on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Rhinox had already traveled to [[Earth]] to meet with his master, presenting him with a replacement gun-arm when the [[Decepticon]] materialized in the streets of [[Toronto]]. At Shockwave's command, the Maximals then began razing the city to make way for the future. {{storylink|Road's End}} [[Snake-Eyes]], [[Agent Helix]], [[Tempest (G.I. Joe)|Tempest]], and the [[Red Shadows]] arrived to engage them, as well as [[Stardrive]], whom Rhinox briefly faced off against. {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}}

Rhinox returned to Shockwave's side in the [[CN Tower]] as his master attempted to compensate for the disruptions to the plan caused by the [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]]'s removal from Cybertron and Unicron's continued survival. Shockwave tried to have [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] bring his ship down for an evacuation, only for the mad scientist to unveil himself as an acolyte of Unicron and servant of chaos, much to Shockwave's disbelief. Rhinox chose that moment to reveal that ''all'' the [[Maximal]]s now served Unicron. The Decepticon easily overpowered Rhinox and attempted to execute him, only to find Rhinox had rigged the cannon so it could not fire on any Maximals. Tearing off the weapon, Rhinox coldly denounced Shockwave's lies, manipulations and mockery of faith, citing it as why the Maximals had turned against "Onyx Prime". Before Rhinox could execute his former master, he was slain from behind by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]], who blew up his head with a [[vamparc ribbon]] shot. {{storylink|Ceremony}}
{{-}}

===Legends World===
The middle-aged section manager of [[Axalon Trading Company]], Rhinox was present when the company hired Rattrap. After Rattrap began talking about ''Transformers'', Rhinox revealed he was a fan as well, and though the two hit it off well at first with their shared fan vocabulary, they hit a snag when it turned out Rhinox only liked [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] while the younger Rattrap preferred ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]''. {{storylink|The Generation Gap}} Like the other employees, he transformed into robot mode to do office work. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Transformation Gap|The Transformation Gap}} When Rattrap was ogling Airazor and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], Rhinox let him know the two weren't actually female, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Gender Gap|The Gender Gap}} a fact the two later lamented together. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 5#The Gender Gap Part 2|The Gender Gap Part 2}}

Together with the other toy nerds of Axalon, Rhinox visited the [[Transformers Celebration 2014]] event, where he got cried tears of happiness and nostalgia over a Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]-inspired truck with a Prime bust in its trailer, a recorded message from [[Tesshō Genda]], and a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Lost Age|clear Prime toy]] he got. When the truck left, however, he was forced to comment that its single windshield wasn't accurate to Prime's design. {{storylink|Transformers Legends (comic)#Transformers Celebration 2014|Bonus Chapter: Transformers Celebration 2014}} As he and the others looked over the toys they'd bought at the event, Rhinox joked that Silverbolt's [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#AOELeader|movie Optimus Prime]] looked ready to go to school with the [[kibble|backpack]] he was wearing. He was very pleased with his own [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#EvasionMode|Classic Optimus Prime]] and its vehicle mode's resemblance to G1 Prime, but got violently upset when Silverbolt transformed it into its movie-based robot mode and had it ride [[Grimlock (AOE)#Voyager|Grimlock]]. When it came to Rattrap's [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]], the three joked about the toy weapons' resemblance to food and utensils until they all got hungry. {{storylink|TF4 Toy Party}}

While visiting [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2014, Rhinox and the others were reminded of the unsightliness of their hobby when they ran into company president [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], who was only there for [[Optimus Minor|his son]]. As the oldest of the group and by proxy the most embarrassing, Rhinox took it upon himself to reassure the others there was nothing wrong with their liking toys by dancing to an ''Age of Extinction''-themed song for kids, which didn't help. Their discovery of ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Star Saber (G1)#Masterpiece|Star Saber]], a toy aimed at adults like them, ended up cheering everyone up, after which Rhinox continued dancing. After witnessing Primal and his son bond over a Transformers toy, they softened up and admitted that Transformers was most certainly for kids. {{storylink|Tokyo Toy Show 2014 Report}} At work, Rhinox went on a tirade about why the '80s of his youth had been so great, almost scaring off Rattrap and Silverbolt until he caught their interest with the fact that Japan had no consumption tax back then. After looking it up, Silverbolt burst his bubble by telling him the tax was implemented in '89. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Era Gap|The Era Gap}}

[[File:LG03 comic Tankor.jpg|thumb|left]]

One day, Primal left the office with a warning not to touch his [[banana]]s, which naturally prompted Rhinox and the others to eat them all as quickly as possible. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}} Rhinox later said goodbye to [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] after a night on the town. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} When his his co-workers were turned into techno-organic robots, Rhinox was jealous and wished ''he'' could be a cool robot, imagining he'd look like Tankor. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} His wish came true when he was affected by [[Transformers sickness]] and turned into Tankor overnight. Devoted to restoring the world to how it was in the '80s when he was young, Tankor used his newfound power to terrorize [[Tokyo]] with his [[Tankor Drone]]s and '80s Transformation Beam, inconveniencing his co-workers by turning their modern electronics into their 30-year old counterparts. Opposing his ambition, [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] used a bomb to send Tankor and his drones flying in an explosion, though he appreciated the fact that it was at least an '''80s-like'' explosion. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}}

Tankor did not give up, however, but went on to build two robot soldiers, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], to aid him in his plans. He brought them to the city to continue his attack, but was annoyed that [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] claimed his new underlings were ''Transformers'' characters when Tankor had in fact based them on an [[w:Special Armored Battalion Dorvack|unrelated robot anime]] from the '80s. To his surprise, Whirl then developed a desire to be a hero and turned on him. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 4|Bonus Edition Vol. 4}} Having lost a soldier, Tankor decided to enact his "Total Humanity '80s Transformation Plan" and entrusted the '80s Transformation Beam to the loyal Roadbuster, who blasted everyone who opposed them into '80s forms. An impassioned plea by Rattrap not to get hung up on the past brought Tankor to a halt, and though he couldn't bring himself to renounce his nostalgia, the opening let Whirl and Rattrap counterattack and defeat Roadbuster. Tankor retreated with his underling and later settled down to run an '80s-themed café in [[Akihabara]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

At one point, Tankor ran into [[Waspinator (BW)|Thrust]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Jetstorm]] and, seeing them as kindred spirits, tried to convert them into '80s fans as well. They both refused, causing him to grow angry and attack them. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 17#I'm Tankor, dana!|I'm Tankor, dana!}} During [[Christmas]], Tankor dressed up like [[Santa Claus]] and handed out [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1 toys]]. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} He eventually relapsed and started attacking Tokyo with Roadbuster and a returned Whirl again, only to be defeated by the dimensionally displaced [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and revert to the harmless Rhinox. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 7|Bonus Edition Vol. 7}}

[[File:G1 Megatron Legends manga.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
The tall statures of Rhinox and the others at Axalon Co. was a source of grief for Rattrap, who disliked his small size. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} When Rattrap's aunt [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] showed up at Axalon after being afflicted with Transformers sickness, Rhinox and Tigatron recognized her from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and defended her from suspicious police officer [[T-AI|Ai]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 10|Bonus Edition Vol. 10}} The two were jealous of Rattrap's close relationship with Arcee as a child until they realized she hadn't been a giant robot back then. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}} Rhinox was among the adoring fans who welcomed [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] when he arrived in the Legends World, happily chanting "All hail Megatron!" at the bewildered Decepticon. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 23#Lord Megatron Goes to the Legends World|Lord Megatron Goes to the Legends World}} While attending Tokyo Toy Show 2015, Rhinox and friends witnessed [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]] hostile takeover of a stage play. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Black Convoy)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

After [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] crushed their office, the employees of Axalon took up residence in his city mode, where they listened to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|their janitor]] tell them about Metroplex's backstory. To Rhinox's surprise, the old man's knowledge of G1 stories was even greater than his own. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} He later watched in awe when the janitor revealed himself to be Alpha Trion and summoned [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] into their universe. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 14|Bonus Edition Vol. 14}} After getting caught up in [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Megatron]]'s toy thefts, {{storylink|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue#2|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue 2}} Rhinox was used as an example of those Legends natives whose desires served to power up the [[Zamojin (species)|Zamojin]], and he ''very much'' desired the rare [[Unicron of Light]] toy left behind by Armada Megatron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 18|Bonus Edition Vol. 18}}

[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], created by Rhinox during his time as Tankor, returned to him with a request that he work his magic again to build a new body for their leader [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], which he did. {{storylink|LG19 Sprung Prologue}} When the visiting [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] was sent back to his native [[Cloud World]], Rhinox and several others were accidentally dragged along with him and had to be returned home by [[SARA]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} Rhinox was later approached by the ghost of an [[#Beast Wars cartoon continuity|alternate version of himself]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Waspinator)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} who had sensed his regrets over how he'd fought his friends during his time as Tankor. Explaining that he'd experienced something similar but died in the process, the other Rhinox tried cheering Legends Rhinox up with the fact that he was still alive and able to make up for his mistakes in the future. Grateful for his counsel, Rhinox repaid his counterpart by building him a new body to inhabit, thus giving him a future as well. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} Rhinox later joined his pals in stopping [[Skids (G1)#Quantum Operative|Skids]] from sending all their interdimensional friends back to their home universes. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 20|Bonus Edition Vol. 20}}

Rhinox put his robot building skills to work once more when Axalon Co. partnered with the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], lending a hand in creating a new [[transtector]] and [[Tankette|partner drone]] for [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 21|Bonus Edition Vol. 21}} Before sending the former Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s to the Legends World, [[Grand Maximus|Grand]] showed them what to expect in the form of an image of Rhinox and his friends. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} He was alter among those tormented by the volume of [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s music, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} and had a hand in mass-producing [[Master-Brace]]s after [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] provided the company with blueprints. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} The Autobot Axalon partnership went on to build a new HQ in the form of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] transtectors, though Rhinox and Primal regretted that they had to sell Metroplex to make up for the costs. He treated Fortress after he suddenly collapsed from the side effects of controlling Maximus. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}}

Rhinox went on to build a transtector for [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 32|Bonus Edition Vol. 32}} as well as [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 33|Bonus Edition Vol. 33}} He was seen taking [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter service to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}} While assisting in the construction of a new [[Godbomber]], Rhinox was tricked into showing its blueprints to [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], disguised as [[Minerva (human)|Minerva]], allowing her to copy the data. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 42|Bonus Edition Vol. 42}} He later watched as the [[Dimensional Patrol]] placed the Legends World under martial law. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Black Convoy 2)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} Having learned nothing from earlier, he was so taken with Nightbeat's '80s anime aesthetic that he joined her in helping the Decepticons build [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|LG43 Trypticon Mobilization Chapter: Decepticon Civil War|Decepticon Civil War}} Alongside many others, he was then eaten whole by Trypticon and used as a power source. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}}

Following Trypticon's defeat, Rhinox was among those who voted G1 Megatron in as mayor of the rebuilt [[Akihabara|Neo Akihabara City]], {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} and witnessed [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] battle [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} He was granted [[Beastformer]] armor and the name "'80s King Punch Rhino" when [[White Leo]] tried to turn the locals into a Beastformer army, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and was caught up in the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]]' city-wide search for [[White Lune]]. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}} Following the destruction of the city during another incident, he watched with joy as [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] repaired it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 66|Bonus Edition Vol. 66}}

====The Beast Wars Road Map====
At some point before the [[Shroud]]ing cut off the [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s completely from the rest of the [[multiverse]], TransTech [[Rhinox (TransTech)|Rhinox]] contacted his counterpart in the "Legendsverse" to share information about the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] and its impact on the multiverse. "Legends" Rhinox wondered aloud why the TransTechs couldn't simply ask their [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] to open up some inter-dimensional gates for them, and asked if the source of their troubles didn't stem from Quantum Operative [[Skids (G1)#Japanese cartoon continuity|Skids]] isolating their universe with his "[[Quantum Keep-Out Seal]]." {{storylink|The Beast Wars Road Map}}
{{-}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

In spite of his imposing proportions and powerful weaponry, Rhinox was a pacifist who preferred diplomacy to fighting, and was able to appreciate the rules to much greater degree than his friend Optimus Primal. Unlike many other Maximals, he willingly cooperated with his [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] colleagues, and claimed to have even loved one once. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} In the past, he'd once dissected a [[kremzeek]] while working for the Maximal [[Ministry of Science|Science Ministry]]. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}}

Rhinox was part of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'''s skeleton crew during a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to [[H'nkshanaar-4]], and spent most of his off-hours in the ship's gymnasium sparring with Optimus. However, their ship was diverted off-course to intercept a warship stolen by Predacon rebels. To Rhinox's displeasure, Primal forewent diplomacy in favour of direct attack but the ''Axalon'' quickly found itself outmatched. When the Predacons managed to open a transwarp conduit, [[Nyx]] managed to follow them through time, though both ships soon crashed on an unknown planet. With a high level of [[energon radiation]], the ''Axalon'' reconstructed the crew with protective [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

Busying himself with the topographical scanners, Rhinox observed that the planet was patchwork of landscapes and the anomalously potent [[energon crystal]]s before he scolded Rattrap for consuming the local fruit. As the two debated the benefits of organic nutrients, they were covertly observed by a trio of [[Vok]]. When the invisible aliens departed, Rattrap noted a feeling of being watched, something Rhinox sardonically blamed on the fruit. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} After Nyx went missing, Rhinox praised his commander keeping a cool head; although he agreed that they should wait until morning to act, he also noted that there were too many unknowns to come up with a theory on what had become of their pilot. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-mynameisoptimusprimal.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Rhinox, Rattrap and Cheetor worked through the night trying to rewire the ship's computer, but it would be Primal who found a way to triangulate Nyx's position by tapping into the orbital stasis pod network. When the four Maximals went to intercept Nyx, however, they found an injured Nyx and her unexpected savior: [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who announced he'd come to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}} When the rest of the Predacons closed in on their base, Rhinox, Optimus, and Cheetor went to buy time while Rattrap brought the rest of the damaged ship's defence systems back online. In the battle, Rhinox traded blows with [[Skold]], who, despite her diminutive size, hit as hard as him. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}}

By the time that Dinobot joined the battle on the side of the Maximals, Rhinox used his beast mode to push Skold back; after Rattrap brought the ship's shields back online, Rhinox and the other Maximals retreated under the cover of the ''Axalon'''s deflector shield... all except Dinobot, whose Predacon spark signature wouldn't allow him to pass. As the other Predacons laid Dinobot low and nearly beat him to death, the Maximals rescued their new comrade by turning their guns on the Predacons and intimidating them into a retreat. Rhinox brought Dinobot's gravely wounded body back to the ''Axalon'' and did what he could to repair him, but Dinobot's spark remained weak and Rhinox couldn't tell if the damage would prove fatal. Several days later, during another sparring match, Optimus confided in Optimus that his recent mistakes had nearly cost them dearly, but Rhinox reminded Optimus that there was no room for him to start second-guessing his own orders. When the conversation turned to Dinobot, the pair found that Dinobot had survived, but wouldn't fight at full strength again. Despite this handicap, Optimus Primal invited Rhinox to stay with them, an offer that Dinobot ultimately accepted. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

[[File:PodPart2-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Rhinox and the other Maximals were playing cards when the recently activated [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] penetrated their shields and broke into their base without their knowing. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] went off to investigate a noise and didn't return, Rhinox and the others found that he'd lost a fight against the newcomer and wound up trapped in a web cocoon. Optimus ordered the Maximals to split up and sweep the ship to find the intruder, and while searching Rhinox found Blackarachnia hacking the ''Axalon'''s systems and sabotaging the rest of the stasis pods by uploading a [[shell program]] to the network and forcibly de-orbiting the pods. Rhinox attempted to stop her, but the nimble Predacon evaded his grasp and made her escape. Rhinox reported that more than half of the protoforms within stasis pods would emerge as Predacons, and Primal angrily vowed that they would have to go on the offensive by taking the fight to the Predacons. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

While searching for a stasis pod in the jungle, Rhinox blundered into one of [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s booby traps and wound up stranded in an enormous labyrinth. There, he found [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], whom Tarantulas and Blackarachnia had used used to test their maze before they abandoned him. The pair formed an unlikely alliance to escape the maze, but when the two found a way out Waspinator quickly abandoned Rhinox. {{storylink|Rhinox's Amaze-ing Adventure}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart3-SkoldVsRhinox.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Razorbeast]] joined their team, Rhinox stood by with the other Maximals as Optimus and Dinobot laid out their plan to take back the Golden Disk and take out the Predacon's [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]] with the help of one of the ''Axalon'''s escape ships, which they'd turned into an improvised shuttlecraft. While travelling to the Predacon base, Rhinox admitted that he didn't like the idea of fighting, but understood that Megatron's actions left them no other choice. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Rhinox fought [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]], {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} then went up against Skold once more, who'd been driven mad with grief after Terrorsaur killed her only friend Razorbeast. In Spite of Skold's fury, Rhinox calmly explained that he understood her pain; Skold, briefly moved by this show of empathy, coldly ordered him to walk away before she changed her mind. Ultimately, however, the Maximals failed to retrieve the Golden Disk, although Rattrap took the liberty of downloading most of the information stored on the disk into his own systems. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

[[File:PrimalRage-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

When Cheetor was injured in an energon explosion, Rhinox brought the wounded Maximal back to the ''Axalon'' for repairs. He and Optimus did what they could for their young comrade, but despite mending his body Cheetor refused to wake up. When he finally came to, however, he warned them of a strange dream involving the Vok, before his systems triggered a hard reboot that wiped all memories of his mental encounter with the aliens. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

Rhinox's medical skills were again called upon when Dinobot and Optimus were both exposed to an unusual energon bomb after a run-in with Blackarachnia and Tarantulas. However, he discovered that samples of aggression-enhancing "red energon" had turned Optimus into an out-of-control berserker, who rampaged through the ship until Rhinox forcibly restrained him. Dinobot convinced Primal to try and use this extra aggression to take out Megatron once and for all; though Rattrap criticized this course of action, Rhinox pointed out that the over-exertion would help flush the contaminated energon from Primal's systems and return him to lucidity faster than otherwise. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} When night fell and Primal still hadn't returned, Rhinox, Cheetor, Rattrap, and Nyx set up a campfire outside the ''Axalon'' to keep watch. Inspired by the spooky nighttime ambience, Cheetor told a ghost story about a terrible war on an alien planet, which caused Rhinox to wonder if a similar fate could befall Cybertron. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

[[File:TheEnd-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Primal returned from the jungle with bad news: the Vok were real, and planned to wipe out all the Cybertronians on the planet. With no other options, the two sides agreed to a temporary truce, and Rhinox went to work on the ''Darksyde'' with Scorponok, where the pair hit upon using the ''Darksyde'''s damaged transawrp drive to send a distress message home to Cybertron. However, before they could put this plan into play, the group realized that Tarantulas had cut a deal with the Vok and sabotaged their efforts to coordinate a defense against the aliens. Captured and cornered, Tarantulas unleashed a monstrous [[zombie]] Terrorsaur that freed Tarantulas and knocked Rhinox unconscious. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}}

Rhinox came to just as the "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]" began a full-scale assault on the crashed ''Darksyde''. Amidst the chaos, he rescued a terrified Skold from the zombie Terrorsaur using a combination of his [[beast mode]] strength and his own and chainguns. After the Vok had been destroyed for good, their remaining servants agreed to a truce and left to live in the wild as their creators had intended, while Rhinox and the other Maximals left aboard the repaired ''Axalon'' to search for Megatron, whom Rattrap had deliberately blasted into [[unspace]]. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}

{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|right]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Rhinox's function was a scientist, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a rhinoceros. His rotating doom blasters were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were his tech-savviness, dependability, and strategic mind. Rhinox's message from the future was that he possesses both the brains and brawn to get back to Cybertron. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Rhinox bore witness to Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] leading Cybertron to a new golden age. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Rhinox-and-Hound.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
{{voiceactor|[[Andy Barnett]] (English), [[Taisuke Nakano]] (Japanese)|[[Stephan Baumecker]] (German), [[Frédéric Souterelle]] (French), [[Luis Hurtado]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Ashok Verma]] (Hindi)}}
{{charfictionstub}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 28}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game advertising comic====
Upon arriving on "[[Earth|Planet Energon]]," the dangers of Energon radiation forced the six surviving Maximals and their Predacon adversaries to take on beast alternate forms. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game====
{{voiceactor|??? (English), ??? (Japanese)}}

Many Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Rhinox's own base was a sprawling Metropolis. Rhinox joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal campaign=====
Rhinox eventually expanded his "Urban Zone" base to within reach of [[Tarantulas's lair]]. Rhinox's base was judged a threat by the Predacons, who successfully took control of it. Tarantulas then personally took over operations of the annexed territory, until his demise.

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Rhinox was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace.

{{BW VG|Rhinox|M}}

=====Predacon campaign=====
Rhinox's "Urban Zone" base encroached too closely onto Tarantulas's territory, and had to be dealt with. Upon infiltrating the base however, the Predacons had to contend with Rhinox's giant Mech unit, styled after the Maximal scientist. Once Rhinox's defences were conquered by the Predacons, Rhinox himself met an untimely death by Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
[[File:TMRhinox-Render.jpg|upright=1|thumb|"Ayyyyyyy!"]]
{{voiceactor|[[Alec Willows]] (English), [[Daiki Nakamura]] (Japanese)}}

[[Transmetal]] Rhinox stayed behind at the ''Axalon'' as his fellow Maximals went to battle the Predacons. When the Predacons managed to infiltrate the Maximal base, Rhinox activated its internal defenses and drove them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Rhinox and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}}
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Rhinox-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|left|400px| In this game, Transmetal Rhinox comes first.]]
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Rhinox-(BW).jpg|thumb|left|400px|Which is probably why this Rhinox has more health.]]
Rhinox participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in two different bodies:
*''Rhinox Transmetal''—This Super Rare character first appeared in the "Transmetals: Beast Wars - Episode 1" event, and could be recruited by collecting 250 units of Cybermetal, 75 units of Transmetal, 35 event cores, and 10 cores of this character.
*''Rhinox (BW)''—This Super Rare character first appeared in the "Beast Wars: Episode 4" event, and could be recruited by collecting 250 units of Cybermetal, 75 units of Transmetal, 35 event cores, and 10 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:Rhinox-Forged-to-Fight.jpg|thumb|300px|Techno-organic gone scarier combat-rhino techno-organic.]]
Rhinox was one of the Maximals pulled from [[Beast Era|his universe]] by the [[Quintesson]]s and forced to fight. He eventually joins the [[You|Commander]]. There are at least a few of him running around! As a Tech bot, he has a stack of Shields that Overclock Shock damage if removed with force. His rhino horn can Power Lock enemies and his Chainguns of Doom Bleed them from afar and up close for Specials.
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}

Optimus Prime encountered Rhinox, and he tried to reason that he was just on a mission to gather resources. But Rhinox explained that resources are scarce and everyone wants them. He then introduced him to his "friends", the Chainguns of Doom! {{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight#Chapter 1:Realities Collide|A Beast to Start}}
{{chargamestub}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
'''Rhinox'''
{{charstubgames|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}

[[File:Rhinox EarthWars.jpg|right|thumb|upright=2.00]]

*'''Class:''' Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 stars
*'''Ability: Life Stealing Charge''' - Rush into combat imprisoning buildings on your path for 7 seconds. The vines deal damage per second, slow down defences by 70% and heal your nearby allies by a percentage of the defence's damage value per second.
**'''Cost''': 5 ability points, +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:rhinox Rhinox at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{--}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
While peaceful at Spark, Rhinox was a frighteningly powerful warrior and an expert technician and repairman, capable of improvising in the field when things went awry. When roused to battle, his dual chainguns could easily mow down his adversaries. When the ''Axalon'' first crashed on prehistoric Earth, Rhinox helped refit the ship’s facilities to accommodate the biological functions of their new [[beast mode]]s.

Upon returning to Cybertron, Rhinox’s spark was used to create the Vehicon General Tankor. However, when Rhinox’s true personality reawakened, he attempted to manipulate both Optimus and Megatron into destroying each other using ancient superweapons. However, Tankor’s body was still hardwired to serve Megatron, and the combined Rhinox/Tankor entity met his end soon afterwards. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Rhinox (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Rhinox (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
*[[Rhino (BW)|Rhino]] most likely derives from early concepts for Rhinox, but 2006 IDW Publishing material decided to roll with the packaging name "Rhino" to characterize the McDonald's toy as a separate individual.
*Rhinox is the only member of the ''Beast Wars'' Maximal lineup who was there from the beginning and remains both alive and unchanged for the entire course of the show.
*Rhinox spends all of season 3 in [[robot mode]] without transforming into his [[beast mode]] at any point. He is the only ''Beast Wars'' character to do this for an entire season.
*Skir's original intention was that Rhinox had "seen all sides of the argument, and chose to go more in Megatron's direction" in ''Beast Machines'', and that after a quiet chat, he and Optimus would part company. As Richard Newman played that scene with growling and shouting, Rhinox instead sounded not quite in his right mind after his experiences. The big storm in the background certainly didn't help either.<ref>
[http://web.archive.org/web/20071202095033/http://bigbot.com/beast-machines-transformers-bob-skir/Beast-Machines-FAQ/Fri_03_Dec_1999.html Q&A from Bigbot's "bobskir.com"] (archive copy)</ref>
*According to the ''Beast Machines'' series bible, Rhinox would have returned along with the restored Cybertron in the final episode. <ref>[https://www.tfraw.com/p/transformers-series-bible.html Beast Machines show bible @TFRaw]</ref>
*In the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', Rhinox received the vocal tic of ending his sentences with the phrase ''-dana'', or chanting it to himself incessantly while firing his chainguns or running or doing just about ''anything''. He was also prone to using the phrase ''dosukoi'', a nonsense word generally associated with sumo wrestlers and typically applied to large, dumb, bruiser characters in shows ([[Bulkhead (Animated)|''Animated'' Bulkhead]] would also use the phrase). The verbal tic of chanting ''-dana'' would be passed onto Tankor and the Tank drones in ''Beast Wars Returns'', where it was played-up to manic excess.
*Rhinox's Polish market name inspired the name [[nosoron]] for Cybertronian rhinoceroses in ''Animated'' and ''Beast Wars: Uprising''.
*In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Rhinox's Cybertronian body is a stylized version of his [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Optimus bot mode is based on 10th anniversary toy. Alt mode is botcon but as a pickup instead of a racer. Spot on with the rest (though ironhide takes some slight inspiration from TFA lugnut in head/extreme proportions)|link=https://x.com/jcburcham/status/1357005100124827648|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03}}</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Rhinox''' (ライノックス ''Rainokkusu'')
*''Italian:'' '''Rinox''', '''Metal Rinox''' (Transmetal)
*''Korean:'' '''Rhinox''' (라이녹스 ''Rainogseu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Xīniú''' (犀牛, "Rhinoceros")
*''Polish:'' '''Nosoron''' ("Lector,Rhinon"), '''Rogor''' (Canal + Dubb, "Hornor")
*''Russian:'' '''Rogonos''' (first dub, Рогонос, "Horned"), '''Rinox''' (second dub, Ринокс ''Rinoks'')
*''Spanish:'' '''Rinox'''

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Armada Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Vehicons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Defense specialists]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) characters]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Universe Maximals]]
[[Category:Vok]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]

Rhinox (BW)

2025-03-07T03:12:14Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{featured}}

{{factions|maximal|predacon|vehicon|autobot|onyxprime|liegemaximo|unicron}}
{{disambig3|Rhinox}}
{{suite}}
:''Rhinox is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Rhinoxbw.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"I will usher in a new age of technological perfecti—er, I mean, yay, pretty flowers."]]
[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] was on the mark when he said that '''Rhinox''' was the best of them. He's a Renaissance Bot. Intelligent, massive, strong, and stalwart, there are few Maximals one could depend on more. Rhinox is of a rare breed—he's incredibly tech savvy, but mystically inclined... without coming off as a burnt-out technohippie. He's quick and decisive in a crisis, with spectacular results, but is slow and steady. He loves to sniff the flowers. A behind-the-scenes charismatic and an on-his-feet strategist, he could lead the Maximals if he wanted to, but he doesn't.

If he sounds too good to be true, it's because he just might be. At times he can be borderline obsessive and single-minded, but his strong moral center keeps it from getting out of hand. The Maximals are glad for that, because if he ever lost his ethical restraint, woe be to them. No, woe be to the ''galaxy''.

Still, you can't help but love a bot who can fight [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] to a standstill without breaking a sweat, yet would rather take a nap in a patch of daisies. Rhinox considers [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to be his best friend, though he also has a close friendship with [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. He appears to have some "older sibling/parental" emotions toward [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] due to his role in bringing her online.

Rhinox's only weapons—besides his intimidating strength and brilliant mind—are his twin chainguns.

Rhinox's [[Spark]] was an integral part of the evil [[Vehicon General]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]].

{{bigquote|Make a device to extract molecular structure from an alien probe... man, I gotta be a miracle worker!|Rhinox|"[[Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
Rhinox was a territorial warrior who stampeded his way through the jungle whenever Predacons drew near, crushing everything in his path. Although he was known to be courageous and cunning, what mades him stand out from other warriors was that he had never been injured. EVER. Even though he had never backed down from a fight, his triple-thick, steel-plated skin protected him from all harm, even double-barreled laser cannons (which were presumably very powerful weapons). {{storylink|Rhinox (BW)#Toys|Rhinox bio}}

Following the [[quantum surge]], Rhinox found himself in a new Transmetal body, and couldn't be happier; thanks to his new [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], his new body is a lot faster then his previous one. One of his new battle moves involves pulling off wheelies on the battlefield. Furthermore, the semi-organic nature of his [[robot mode]] granted him additional fluidity and skill in combat. {{storylink|Rhinox (BW)#TM1|Transmetal Rhinox Bio}}

While collecting the exploded spark of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], Rhinox became a [[Transmetal|Metals]] as well. His knowledge and inner serenity were still intact. {{storylink|#TM1|Metals Rhinox bio}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Richard Newman]] (English), [[Daiki Nakamura]] (Japanese)|[[Yang Guang]] (Chinese), [[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Felipe di Nardo]] (Portuguese), [[Hervé Jolly]] (French), [[Maurizio Trombini]] (Italian), [[Gerhard Marcel]] (German), [[Miguel Ángel Ghigliazza]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Vicente Gisbert]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Byeong-sig Lee]] (Korean), [[Yu Hae-mu]] (Korean, VHS dub)}}
[[File:BeastWarsPt1 Primal and Rattrap ride Rhinox.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|The new ''Donkey Kong Country'' game went in a bit of a weird direction.]]

Rhinox was a crewmember of the exploration ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' when captain [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] got word that the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] criminal [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] had stolen the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and a [[Darksyde (BW)|ship]] with [[unspace|transwarp]] capabilities. The ''Axalon'' was the closest vessel that also possessed a transwarp drive, so Rhinox's ship was sent to engage them. After following the Predacons through a transwarp portal and appearing above a mysterious planet, both ships were damaged in the ensuing space battle, and before both ships crashed into the planet's surface below, the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of Rhinox's crew were ejected into orbit.

The planet was rich with [[energon]]—so much so that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies, so the Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from the local creatures. Rhinox took the form of a rhinoceros. He soon took part in a rescue mission to retrieve [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] after the young Maximal ran into the Predacons, and forced [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to give Primal cover. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

During Optimus's battle with [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], Rhinox pulled the pair to safety after they almost plunged off a ledge. The Maximals subsequently were forced to tail the Predacons, and when Dinobot almost accidentally slagged Rhinox, it caused the ex-Predacon and Rattrap to come to blows. The two factions eventually reached the mountain topped with energon and fought over it while in their [[beast mode]]s, until Megatron ended up destroying it. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:TheWeb Rhinox closeup.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|"Bah, stuck in the base ''again''! To get more scenes, I need some sort of ''weapon''... a really ''impressive'' one...]]
Being the handyman of the crew, Rhinox quickly developed a new comlink to overcome the problems with energon interference. After Cheetor got into trouble while testing it, Rattrap gave the cat a hard time, causing him to race off, and Rhinox pointed out that Cheetor was about to do something stupid. He ordered Rattrap to go after Cheetor. {{storylink|The Web}} Rhinox's next developments were some energon monitoring devices, though Optimus initially scrubbed the mission to install them. After Cheetor went anyway, and a series of events almost destroyed the Maximal base, Rhinox and the other Maximals thanked Cheetor for preventing the explosion. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

[[File:ChainofCommand Rhinox with chaingun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.34|"-OF DOOM."]]
Rhinox had to dive for safety during a battle at the [[Standing Stones]], after [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] blew up the energon cache at its center. After Primal went missing, Rhinox had to break up a fight between Dinobot and Rattrap over who would lead, insisting on a secret ballot. The ballot ended in a deadlock, but they were then contacted by Primal, who'd become trapped in an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] at the Standing Stones. Rattrap was placed in charge during the bossmonkey's absence, and his command to Rhinox was to build a device to extract Optimus from the probe. Whether or not this device would actually have worked is unknown, as shortly before he had a chance to use it, Rhinox was ambushed by [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], but turned the tables by blasting the Predacon with his chaingun. Waspinator stumbled into a stone, and Rhinox realized the whole structure was a mechanism as it caused the probe to disgorge Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

When Cheetor reported that [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] had found a [[flying mountain]], Rhinox theorized that the high concentration of energon on the top of it might be responsible for the strange gravity-warping effect. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} After Primal was taken out by a Predacon sneak attack, Rhinox, Cheetor and Rattrap headed for a crashed stasis pod. The trio were delayed further, and beaten to the pod, however the [[protoform]] had already been awakened as [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} Like the other Maximals, Rhinox was shocked by Rattrap's apparent defection to the Predacons, but as it turned out, it was a ploy to discover how the Predacons had been spying on the Maximals, and they were soon rescuing their comrade. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

Rhinox later developed [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]], a hi-tech security system for the Axalon, which unfortunately went berserk when its control panel was damaged in a struggle between Dinobot and Rattrap, forcing the Maximals from their own base. Rattrap however, was able to infiltrate the now-heavily guarded ship and deactivate Sentinel, which was then repaired and made fully-functional by Rhinox. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} The Maximals were forced to restrain Optimus after he was infected by a rage virus in a [[cyberbee]] developed by [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and Rhinox was unable to work out how to remove it. After Primal undertook a one-bot assault on the Predacon base, Rhinox took part in the mission to rescue their leader, laying down suppressing fire to allow Cheetor to slip inside the base. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

[[File:Victory Rhinox sit down.jpg|thumb|260px|Now who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy? Now SIT!]]
He was unsuccessful in contacting a Maximal [[temporal probe]] which flew past the planet. Though he blamed himself, he and the other Maximals rallied themselves to build a communications array on Predacon soil. Unfortunately while they were doing so, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s latest invention the [[Transformation Lock Lens]], prevented them from sending the signal before Megatron destroyed the array. {{storylink|The Probe}} When a Predacon plan to fake a Maximal victory was exposed, Rhinox was dismayed when Optimus and Cheetor insisted on leaving the ''Axalon'' with liftoff imminent in order to rescue Dinobot. Tigatron attempted to go as well, leading Rhinox to order him to sit down. Liftoff eventually occurred without Primal, however Megatron got on board and damaged the controls. Rhinox attempted to control the ship and, with some assistance from Optimus, managed to get it down at least in one piece, though it would never fly again. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:DarkDesigns Rhinox monologues.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Evil has silver detailing. Who knew?]]
Some time later, when the Maximals found themselves cornered by a Predacon ambush, Rhinox was able to take out their attackers with a carefully aimed spray of chaingun fire. Megatron was so impressed that he decided to make Rhinox a member of his merry band of thieves, by force. Rhinox was captured by Tarantulas and then reprogrammed into a Predacon by a device designed by Megatron called a "[[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]". However, the newly malevolent Rhinox proved to be too much for Megatron to handle, as Optimus Primal had correctly predicted. He quickly dispatched most of the Predacons, working his way up to Megatron himself in an attempted coup. Rhinox very nearly succeeded, but fortunately, Megatron was able to revert him back into a Maximal using the Transmuter, and Rhinox escaped to rejoin his Maximal comrades and smell some flowers. {{storylink|Dark Designs}}

The Maximals arrived back at base after being sent on wild goose chases by Megatron's [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]], only to find that the clone had already been dealt with by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}} Later, a stasis pod crash landed in a barren wasteland. Rhinox intercepted it and, with the help of [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s [[locking chip]], managed to save the protoform Maximal's [[spark]]. The protoform then became [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], who repaid the favor by saving the weakened Rhinox from Terrorsaur. {{storylink|The Spark}}

While Rhinox was communicating long distance with Tigatron, his fellow Maximal was attacked by Waspinator and Terrorsaur, leading the Maximals to discover the existence of a [[Brigadoon|flying island]]. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] took control of the island and piloted it towards the ''Axalon'', forcing Rhinox, Cheetor and Dinobot to evacuate the base. The only thing Rhinox took with him was a potted plant. When the island's destruction sent a beam into space, the Maximals wondered who received the signal and what they'd do next. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

At one point, a [[magna pulse]] triggered by Tarantulas knocked out the power in the Maximal base, and Optimus Primal left Rhinox struggling to get things working again. {{storylink|Spider's Game}} The loss of the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]] forced the Maximals to stay in their beast forms at all times, which resulted in their beast instincts taking over and sending them off to wander the jungle. It was only with Tigatron's help that they deleted the programming blocks separating their core programming, and they were able to fight the Predacons who were hunting them. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Rhinox listening.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Rhinox's Yoga phase]]
When Scorponok detonated a pile of energon near a group of Maximals, rendering them blind, it was Rhinox who led the group on the dangerous trek back to the Axalon, teaching them how to use their other senses. They were able to overcome the obstacles both nature and the Predacons could throw at them, and succeeded in reaching safety. Afterwards, Rhinox again went off to smell some flowers. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After the Maximals were ousted from their base by the Predacons assisted by a [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]-possessed Waspinator, they attempted a ruse to get the ''Axalon'' back, resulting in Rhinox and the others mounting an assault on the Predacon base. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[File:TheLowRoad-fartonpreds.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|I'm dummy thicc and the clap from my butt cheeks keeps alerting the Preds.]]
Later, Tarantulas infected Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], which made him expel his energon reserves via his nasal passages in bursts powerful enough to tear through the hull of the Axalon, threatening both to destroy the Maximals' base and completely drain Rhinox of energy. Rattrap and Dinobot were dispatched to acquire a countervirus, while Rhinox ate some wild bean vines to keep his strength up. When the bickering duo nearly failed in their mission, the other Maximals, including Rhinox, showed up, and the rhinoceros blew away the Predacons with a massive energon... *ahem*"derriere-based"... discharge which was caused by his ingestion of wild beans; Megatron would remember this moment as the most humiliating defeat in his entire career. Rhinox was later cured by the countervirus via a Cybertronic beer hat. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

After Megatron called a truce, Rhinox assisted "non-violently" in helping Tigatron escape after infiltrating the Predacon base to find out more information. He non-violently held up a sheet of metal for Terrorsaur to crash into, and then non-violently sat on him. Tigatron reported that the aliens were coming. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Indeed, an alien construct appeared and, while the other Maximals were investigating it, Rhinox and Dinobot were bushwhacked in the Maximal base by Tarantulas and Blackarachnia. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} The rest of the Maximals found their two comrades webbed to the ceiling, and placed them in [[CR chamber]]s. Rhinox stirred in his chamber as he sensed Primal's impending destruction. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:ComingFuzors2 Rhinox searches for Primal.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.34|They warned us to not to take the brown acid!]]
Protected by the CR chamber, Rhinox avoided being upgraded into a [[Transmetal]] by the [[quantum surge]]. After recovering, he took leadership of the Maximals to forestall any bickering and sent Rattrap and Cheetor out to protect the base against Megatron. Unfortunately Inferno was already loose in the base, and managed to blast Rhinox before fighting Dinobot. Rhinox quickly recovered, throwing a badly-battered Inferno out and forcing Megatron to retreat. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Rhinox later initiated a dangerous plan to bring the recently deceased Optimus Primal back to life by using the hole in space-time caused by the destruction of the Planet Buster to astrally project his spark into the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]]. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Rhinox followed the transition left by Primal's spark and led it back to the land of the living, where it was reborn as Transmetal Optimus Primal. Primal was able to come to the aid of the Maximals right when they were on the verge of defeat. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

[[File:OtherVisits1-Rhinoxdisarmed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Quick, if we graphically deglove his arm super quickly, maybe the censors won't notice.]]
Rhinox conducted tests on Optimus Primal to attempt to determine what the new Transmetal forms were capable of, with limited results. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} His research into the alien sites predicted that there would be one located in an area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, however a Predacon jamming tower prevented the Maximals from warning the pair, who were shot into space by some sort of alien planet device. While the others were off the base, Rhinox was attacked by Megatron, Blackarachnia and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]], who made off with the [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]]. After repairs, Rhinox and the other Maximals went to the alien site, only to be blasted by the alien construct that appeared. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} The Transmetaled Maximals recovered quickly, and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and Cheetor took Rhinox and Dinobot back to base for repairs. Rhinox was barely recovered when he was again pressed into action, attacking the [[Metal Hunter|alien construct]] which Megatron had taken over, to allow Rattrap and Tarantulas to slip inside. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

When [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]]'s stasis pod was discovered, Rhinox worried that its contents had survived the crash. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Rhinox calculated that the [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be reaching [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], though the good news was tempered a short time later when Dinobot perished saving a group of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} Rhinox's tests on [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]] were not promising, and he suggested putting the creature in stasis. Silverbolt wasn't happy with the suggestion. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda3 Rhinox forcing door.jpg|right|upright=1.3|thumb|"Hey Rhinox, we just found the garage door opener after all... never mind."]]
Continuing to track the transwarp wavefront, Rhinox and the other Maximals celebrated their impending rescue, however instead they got Predacon agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. After fighting off the Predacons, Ravage helped the Maximals storm the ''Darksyde'' and arrest Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} With Ravage's defection, Rhinox and Rattrap found themselves under heavy assault in the ''Axalon''. Some daring-do on Rattrap's part saved the day, but the Maximals had to chase Megatron. Rhinox was forced to ride on Primal's surfboard, much to his visible discomfort at the height. They tracked Megatron to [[Mount St. Hilary]], where the Predacon leader had located the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and attempted to reach the ship first. Though Rhinox physically forced the ship's doors open, they were too late—Megatron had blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], causing a [[timestorm]] as history began to change. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

With Blackarachnia's help, the Maximals stabilized Prime ad Rhinox stayed to supervise the repairs while the others went to defend the ''Axalon''. His work was interrupted by Silverbolt's "situation"—Blackarachnia had been shot by Megatron during the conflict, but as Rhinox pointed out, she just needed repairs. The ''Axalon'', on the other hand, was lost, and the Maximals were forced to set up base in the cavern housing the Ark. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Rhinox would largely spend the remainder of the Beast Wars off the front lines attempting to interface Maximal and [[Autobot]] technology to bolster their defenses, to very little success. He would express doubts that help was still on the way, though it did turn up in the form of [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who'd come looking for [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} An attempt by Rhinox to rig up [[Teletraan I]]'s force field to protect the base failed, forcing the Maximals to attempt to salvage Sentinel. He later had to restrain Rattrap from trying to attack Depth Charge, who had caused the mission to fail. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

[[File:CuttingEdge Rhinox chainguns.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|You wouldn't like him when he's angry.]]
Analysing the [[cyber raptor]] which Primal had encountered, Rhinox reported that it was fused with Transmetal technology. Once the others had all left the base, he and Rattrap found themselves under siege from Megatron and a group of Predacons. Rhinox finally made a desperate attempt to see them off with a barrage of chaingun fire, only to be blasted backwards. Depth Charge fortunately came to the rescue and saved them both. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

When the Maximals thought that Cheetor had been killed, Rhinox told Primal not to give up hope, and went to get the long-range sensors online. As it turned out, his optimism was correct, as Cheetor later turned up outside the base. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} After Cheetor was apparently spirited away overnight by a strange creature, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia went out looking, but to Rhinox's surprise, didn't find anything. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:CrossingtheRubicon Rhinox operating.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.34|"Everyone, shut up! I'm finally gonna beat the first level of ''[[Transformers: Mystery of Convoy|Mystery of Convoy]]!''"]]
Rhinox scanned Blackarachnia's internals, with a view to extracting her Predacon [[shell program]] and restoring her to a Maximal state. Some time later, he and Primal discovered that she had overheard their conversation about the concept, and fled in the belief they'd force her to go through with it. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} A huge buildup of energy on a mountain top caused alarm for the Maximals, who braced for a possible attack, but all that happened was that the top of the mountain exploded. How odd. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

When Blackarachnia's attempts to become a Transmetal caused her shell program to deteriorate, threatening to erase her [[core consciousness]], Rhinox carried out a very delicate procedure to surgically remove the shell program directly. Unfortunately, certain failsafes installed by Tarantulas, combined with a Predacon attack, caused the operation to fail. Fortunately, Blackarachnia was mysteriously resurrected anyway by the [[Transmetal driver]]. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next gambit involved [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] remote controlling Optimus Primal. Once this was achieved, the subverted Primal's first order was for Rhinox to order everyone back to base, where Quickstrike was able to knock them out and stick them in a cage. Fortunately Blackarachnia was able to free Primal and the others and they fought off Megatron, who had upgraded himself using the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

[[File:Nemesis2-Rhinoxinshuttle.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Couldn't they have found the booster seat the Autobots brought for Bumblebee?]]
Detecting an alien signature inbound to Earth, Rhinox realised that it meant that Tigatron and Airazor were coming back. Indeed, the Predacon base was soon destroyed by [[Tigerhawk]], the emissary the [[Vok]] had created using the two Maximal sparks, though Rhinox wasn't in the mood for celebrating. {{storylink|Other Victories}} Once the situation was sorted out, the Maximals began searching for Megatron and his scattered forces. Rhinox monitored the situation from base, as the others discovered that Megatron was attempting to raise the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]. He and Rattrap were overjoyed when Primal reported that Depth Charge had taken out the warship, but it turned out the news was a little too premature. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

Rhinox was ordered by Optimus Primal to execute [[Operation Eternity]], which apparently only Primal and he knew about. The purpose of the operation was to "move the Ark" by activating its engines and taking off; little is know beyond that, because the Maximals failed when the Ark's engines proved beyond repair. However, [[Dinobot II]] downloaded emergency data to the Ark about an [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|Autobot shuttle]] hidden within the Ark. Rhinox piloted the shuttle and flew it directly into the bridge of the Nemesis, taking down Megatron and causing the warship to spiral out of control and crash somewhere beyond the horizon. Thus, the Beast Wars were won. Rhinox and the other Maximals left prehistoric Earth aboard the aforementioned Autobot shuttle and began the voyage home to Cybertron. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Richard Newman]] (English), [[Daiki Nakamura]] (Japanese)|[[Yang Guang]] (Chinese), [[Gerald Paradies]] (German), [[Bruno Bulté]] (French)}}

{{see|Tankor (BM)}}
[[File:Revelations3 Rhinox vision.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Rhinox suffers the horrors of symbolism.]]

Rhinox returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with the surviving Maximals to discover the entire population had been replaced by mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]] created by Megatron. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

Rhinox, like the other Maximals, was exposed to Megatron's [[Transformation virus|virus]] at this point. Although the [[Transmetal]] Maximals merely reverted to their original shapes, the Maximals who were still ''in'' their original shapes were instantly paralyzed. As a result, Rhinox and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] were captured, stripped of their organic bodies and placed in the new bodies of [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Much later on, Rhinox's mind was freed by Optimus' spark connection with him, and he watched and observed, eventually turning his back on his Maximals to go along with Megatron's cause of a purely technological, one-mind Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}}

Rhinox pretended to still be Tankor and sneaked around Megatron's ranks, reprogramming the [[Diagnostic Drone]] as his agent. He'd decided Megatron's ''cause'' was right, but it needed a different, more efficient person at the helm... someone like ''him''. He went off to fulfill this new mission, in a highly malevolent and sadistic manner. {{storylink|Survivor}}

[[File:Catalyst Optimus eulogizes Rhinox.jpg|left|thumb|Optimus struggles with the "make-your-own Transformer" toy.]]

Rhinox went looking for the legendary [[Key to Vector Sigma]] that was supposed to turn organic life into technomatter. He found it, took control of it, and then faked his death. {{storylink|The Key}} Now on the underground and spying on both sides, he used the Diagnostic Drone to reveal the Key had been discovered, intending for Megatron to use it on himself (to eradicate his [[beast mode]]) and go insane in the process. When this didn't work, he set it up so Rattrap would find and use a catalyst program that would cause mutant plant life to erupt in [[Cybertropolis]], scaring Megatron into arming the [[Tank Drone]]s with copies of the Key... {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:TankorRhinox Spark.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb]]

...only to find he no longer had remote control of the drones, and would need to trick Megatron into using them instead. By this point, he'd already been tampering with the Oracle (an interface for Vector Sigma) and used it to trick Optimus into finding the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]] that could destroy all technology. While he (wrongly) thought Primal would never use it, he knew Megatron would never take the chance! Unfortunately for him, he overplayed his hand: Megatron thought Optimus wouldn't use it either, grew suspicious with the Diagnostic Drone pushing him to strike first, and disabled it. Rhinox decided to launch an ambush assault and take out both enemy leaders while they were fighting... only to find, whoops, Megatron had programmed his generals to be ''incapable'' of shooting him. Rhinox was swiftly offlined, his plan stolen by Megatron, and then killed by plasma energy: a humiliating demise. {{storylink|End of the Line|End of the Line}}

Rhinox's spiritual form appeared once more with Optimus in the Matrix, bidding his friend farewell and to telling him to embrace his Spark. For his sins, he told Optimus, he himself would be remaining in the Matrix; he expressed regret for his actions. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''Cloud''=====
When [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]] of the [[Cloud World]] ended up in the 9-BW Spacetime, they spoke about the [[multiverse|Spacetime World]] while an unassuming Rhinox in beast mode stood by and listened. He noted that it was interesting information and transformed into robot mode, to the shock of the two visitors. {{storylink|Shock (Cloud)|Shock}} Rhinox introduced himself and explained that he was a [[Maximal]] investigating a nearby energon mine. The other Maximals soon revealed themselves and Rhinox, promising not to reveal the two's true nature, allowed the Maximals to believe that they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]]. As they all neared the energon mine, they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] and the two sides battled as Hot Rodimus took his leave to hunt down [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]]. The two's battle caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

During a later battle with the Decepticons, Hot Rodimus thought back to his time with the Maximals, including Rhinox. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

=====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''=====
After Starscream's leave from the Beast Wars, a battle broke out between the Maximals and Predacons. {{Storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Rhinox found himself challenged by the mysterious new Predacon [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]]. {{storylink|Rhinox Chapter}} {{storylink|Wolfang Chapter}} Eventually, [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from another dimension joined the battle, with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and his troops joining the Maximals. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} The combined Maximal-Autobot and Predacon-Decepticon forces eventually faced off against one other, with the Maximals and Autobots unleashing their fused energies on their foes first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
Following his death as Tankor, the remorseful Rhinox's spark traveled to the [[Legends World]], sensing that there was an alternate Rhinox there who had similar regrets and could use some counseling. Thanks to this universe's unique wish-granting "spirit power", he manifested as a ghost identical to his form on Earth. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He proceeded to go find his counterpart, introducing himself as another Rhinox. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Waspinator)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

The two talked about their regrets as their respective Tankors, and Rhinox explained that though he'd accepted death as his penance, his alternate self was still alive and had a future during which he could change for the better. They were interrupted by the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] attacking the [[Axalon Trading Company]] using the body of Waspinator, prompting Rhinox to use his own ghostly form to exorcise and defeat the Decepticon in defense of Legends Rhinox's friends. He was then reunited with Rattrap, who had been sent to find him and bring him back to their own world, but said that he'd done what he came for and that his fate was to was move on to the afterlife. To his surprise, however, Legends Rhinox was a skilled roboticist and whipped up a new body for his spark to inhabit, granting him a future as well. Thus alive once more, Rhinox returned with Rattrap to post-[[Great Transformation]] Cybertron, where he was reunited with his friends. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

====3H comics====
[[File:Groundzero-rhinoxandfractyl.jpg|thumb|upright=0.55|left]]
Rhinox was trying to teach Cheetor the value of peace and quiet when a firefight broke out in the Badlands. Finding the normally skittish [[Packrat]] trading heavy firepower with Inferno, Rhinox realized something was up. Although cautious at first, he listened to the Predacon geologist [[Fractyl]]'s explanation that Packrat had stolen some experimental energon armor, which was slowly degenerating into the unstable anti-energon. Rhinox convinced Packrat that the respect he craved would not come from power, but from giving up power when it was necessary. After Fractyl neutralized the armor, Rhinox threw the geeky Predacon scientist a bone and pretened to run in terror from the "might of Fractyl" so that the arriving Megatron would give his underling some respect. {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Terminus-CheetorandRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right|Good thing he's wearing that cushy parka.]]
By the time the Maximals were operating out of the Ark, Rhinox had taken it upon himself to make regular planetary sweeps with the base's scanners. After one such scan, he detected a Transwarp disruption, and a trail of chronal particles left behind by a newly arrived time-traveler. He informed Optimus Primal of his find, hoping that it was finally a means to return to their place in space-time. Rhinox and the rest of the Maximals set out to investigate the temporal trail, encountering the Predacons en route. The two factions were locked in a firefight, though the advantage lay with the Predacons. Megatron then took off to reach the time-traveller, and Rhinox insisted that Optimus go after him, while he and the other Maximals held back Megatron's troops. Though hesitant to do so, Optimus followed Rhinox's advice, and the Maximals were left behind against overwhelming odds. The Predacons eventually began to push the Maximals back towards a cliffside. As they encroached, an explosion hit Rhinox, and he was knocked offline. {{storylink|Paradox}}

Rhinox recovered just in time to watch as the newly arrived Shokaract attempted to rip Optimus's spark from his body. He helped his fellow Maximals fight back against the tyrant, but was knocked back when Shokaract threw Cheetor at him. Once Shokaract was defeated, space-time rebooted itself with the disappearance of the Dark Essence from the past, and these events were erased from Rhinox's timeline. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Tankorrhinoxrevelations.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself!]]

When [[Primus]] gave [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] the ability to choose any Transformer, living or dead, from the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] to assist him in the [[Universe War|multiversal war]] against [[Unicron]], Primal chose [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depthcharge]] and Rhinox. Depthcharge was bitter about being brought back from the dead, but Rhinox was thankful for the chance to atone for his actions as Tankor. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

During the Universe War, Rhinox built a device to counteract Unicron's attempts to abduct Transformers. Two such attempts at deflection were only partially successful, necessitating the deployment of a rescue team. {{storylink|Voice Actor Drama}}

In the final battle of the war, Rhinox defeated the Minion general [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], presumably redeeming his actions as his own universe's Tankor. He presumably escaped [[Unicron]] with Optimus Primal and the other Children. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}
{{-}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
During the Beast Wars, Rhinox designed a crawler vehicle, and sent Rattrap out into the wilderness to test it. On the way back to Cybertron after the end of the Beast Wars, Rhinox dozed off to sleep while Rattrap recalled his test run of the vehicle in a dream. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
He awoke, affected by a Transwarp agitator planted on the shuttle by a new team of Predacons hiding on Earth. This device caused him and the other Maximals aboard to act aggressively towards one-another, and Rhinox tried to force Rattrap into the ship's C.R. Chamber due to its influence. Rattrap resisted, managed to get away, and deactivated the ship's Transwarp drive. Though this restored the Maximals to their senses, it also returned them to prehistoric Earth. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology (1)====
Not long after Megatron stole the spark of the original Megatron, he had Quickstrike plant a device in the Maximal base. The device magnified the Maximals' aggression, resulting in Rhinox trying to kill Blackarachnia while Silverbolt attempted to stop him. While Silverbolt failed, Optimus Primal arrived in time to pin Rhinox down, only to succumb to the device's effects himself. Primal was soon able to overcome the effect, and freed the rest of the Maximals who then fought off Megatron. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

After Tankor's death, Rhinox's spark and consciousness were cleansed and rejoined the Matrix. When Megatron was defeated by Nightscream, Rhinox saw an opportunity to redeem the fallen tyrant, and attempted to act as a spirit guide. Rhinox led Megatron through the ascending layers of Transformer afterlife, urging him to leave behind his fixation on worldly power. Megatron was briefly tempted, but his repeated returns to Cybertron convinced him that godhood was still within his reach. Tapping into the power of the Oracle, Megatron erased Rhinox's spark, killing him utterly. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:BWGatherRhinox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Realising that he is functionally invisible to those around him, Razorbeast takes a moment to moon Rhinox.]]
The 'bot that would one day call himself "Rhinox" was aboard the ''Axalon'', along with the rest of its original crew, tasked with performing orbital scans of Cybertron. The crew's survey yielded Transmatter energy signatures coming from the head of [[Unicron]], in orbit around the planet. Upon their approach, they detected a whole lot of activity within the satellite; several units evacuating a concealed base. The ship's crew activated their shield just in time for a Transmatter bomb to erupt out of the satellite, and the Axalon to accidentally come to meet its path. The ship avoided any damage, and the bomb was deflected away from the planet. Some Transmatter debris did reach Cybertron however, and all those touched by it were reduced to protoforms. A few of these unfortunates were later entrusted to the crew of the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

As Magmatron surveyed the timeline, he witnessed Rhinox standing over a stasis pod, while Cheetor and Terrorsaur battled some distance away. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Rhinox stood outside the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' as [[Razorbeast]]'s [[Chronal phase|chronically displaced]] Maximals passed by. Although Optimus Primal could vaguely sense their presence, Rhinox theorized that the sensation was just a side-effect of Primal's recent upgrades. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}

After his (very) later death, Rhinox was reborn by the [[Vok]] and traveled the multiverse. He was supposedly fighting [[Unicron]]'s chaos, but knew the Vok really wanted him to manipulate Cybertronian history; however, out of guilt for his actions as Tankor, he still helped any Cybertronian he came across. He was probably [[Rhinox (Armada)|some other guy]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #3}}
{{-}}

====''Timelines''====
[[File:DawnOfFuturesPast RhinoxCheetorRattrap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left]]
During the prep for the ''Axalon''{{'}}s launch, the crew spent weeks on a space station getting everything ready. Rhinox assisted with the loading process as Protoform X's stasis pod was brought on board and told Cheetor and Rattrap to quit slacking off. As they launched, the bridge crew received word from Maximal High Command about the theft of the Golden Disk.

Mere moments after receiving their mission directive, the ''Axalon'' was attacked by a small assault craft piloted by [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. Rhinox attempted some emergency repairs of their damaged systems, but they would have been destroyed if the ''[[Chromia 10]]'' had not appeared in time to draw fire. Tragically, their rescuers were heavily damaged before Rhinox got everything back on-line in time to help. With leave from Optimus, he brought the two-mech crew's damaged bodies inside and stowed their sparks in blank protoforms to preserve them for later.

In pursuit of the ''Darksyde'', the ''Axalon'' came under fire from the Predacon ship. Rhinox kept the ship together as they pursued the ''Darksyde'' through transwarp space and then... {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

After [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Rhinox fought the Predacons during a plot to launch an orbital weapon. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

====Razorclaw continuity====
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], minor atmospheric perturbations caused [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]'s stasis pod to crash on the far side of Earth, and due to his absence, Megatron slaughtered all the remaining Maximals except [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
Due to the temporal machinations of [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and the response by the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of Rhinox from just after the end of the Beast Wars in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned. The Alternity shepherded the "shipwrecked" Primal, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to [[Viron 102.0 Beta]] in order to fight the similarly shipwrecked Megatron, who schemed to take over this reality's Cybertron by capturing the populace's sparks and converting their bodies into Vehicons. Guided by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Primal's forces fought the long and arduous "Allspark Battles", eventually triumphing over Megatron's Vehicon hordes. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

====A Change to the Agenda====
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Rhinox and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Rhinox's life would take [[#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga===
[[File:RhinoxSuicideManga01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Rhinox takes his ''Persona 3'' fandom a step too far.]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] was dead and the [[Maximal]]s were left scattered all over [[Earth|Energoa]], with only [[Transmetal]] Rhinox and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] holed up in the Maximal base. The [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] were in much better condition, having also been mutated into Transmetals but with their numbers still intact. As the Maximal base came under attack from [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and his forces, Rhinox casually worked on a new machine while Rattrap freaked the hell out. Suddenly, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] appeared and was attacked by [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]]. Much to Rattrap's chagrin, Rhinox shut Sentinel down to allow Airazor to get inside the base, though it considerably weakened their defenses.

Seeing an opening, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] infiltrated the base and effortlessly took out Rattrap and Airazor. Rhinox proceeded to pull out a strange "gun," but instead of pointing it at ''her'', he pointed it at ''himself'' and proceeded to "blow his brains out." With the job well done, Blackarachnia left the base as it exploded.

As it turned out, the "gun" was part of Rhinox's machine, which was being kept safe from the explosion (along with Rattrap and Airazor) by a small force field. The "gun" allowed Rhinox to travel into [[unspace|Transwarp space]], where he found the [[spark]] of Optimus Primal, about to move on to his deathly reward. Reminding Primal of his duty to his Maximals, he helped Primal's spark escape Transwarp space and return to his body, turning it into a Transmetal. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

When Rampage became too much for Optimus Primal, he contacted Rhinox and asked for a map of undersea volcanic activity in their vicinity. Rhinox sent the data, which helped Primal set off a chain reaction that blasted Rampage into space. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 2|Beast Wars Metals #2}}

Rhinox later received a transmission from Dinobot, who was recovering from injuries in an [[anthropoid]] village. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 3|Beast Wars Metals #3}}

He next watched the battle between Airazor and the mind-controlled Tigatron on a monitor and sent Optimus to help them. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 4|Beast Wars Metals #4}}

His monitoring skills came in handy again when he hacked into the security cameras of the ''Ark'' and found that Megatron was plotting to kill [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}}

Rhinox and Rattrap followed Primal in their vehicle modes, but were too slow to keep up. They arrived after the final battle was finished and Rhinox pondered how they were going to fix history. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology (2)===
The Maximals crashed in [[Mexico]] around 1,000 B.C.E., near where the [[Natiltec]] tribe lived. Their war with the Predacons eventually involved the local humans, and after the situation had been resolved, Rhinox recorded and encoded a message onto a cave wall alongside a Natiltec warrior's writings. Some three thousand years later, it was discovered by an archaeology team, who were able to use [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to play back an audio recording of Rhinox. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As one of the Maximals forced to continue the war which the Autobots were no longer able to fight, Rhinox was part of a small team under the command of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] that went up against the [[Darksyder]]s. He and Silverbolt were both killed early in the conflict, spurring the others to rebel against Primal and the status quo. The Maximals later made use of the [[impercepton shield]] he had built, using it to infiltrate the [[Ferromax Detention Center]] so they could rescue Dynobot. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[The Crucible|''The Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' #34]]}}
[[File:TheCrucible RhinoxofMournsong.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Sure hope they don't keep using this ''Forged to Fight'' design everywhere! ''*finger to ear*'' oh no]]

One of many beast-type Cybertronians serving under [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]] ten million years ago, '''Rhinox of the Mournsong''' was guarding his master's citadel in [[Kalis]] when [[Nova Prime|Nova Major]], [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]], and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] appeared and demanded entry. Unwilling to fight, he let the three into the citadel, where they confirmed that Onyx had already departed from Cybertron. As Rhinox wondered aloud what would happen to him next, Nova Major promised him he and the other beasts would [[Functionism|have a place]] in the new united Cybertronian society. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

Millions of years later, Rhinox was still in the service of Onyx/Shockwave, and watched as his master was paraded through the streets in chains after his recent capture. Rhinox sought out [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] at Shockwave's request and extended an invitation to the former chancellor for a private chat with his master. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

[[File:Unicron6 RhinoxVShockwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px|He's three gigabytes of attitude on a two-gig hard drive.]]

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] had begun his attack on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Rhinox had already traveled to [[Earth]] to meet with his master, presenting him with a replacement gun-arm when the [[Decepticon]] materialized in the streets of [[Toronto]]. At Shockwave's command, the Maximals then began razing the city to make way for the future. {{storylink|Road's End}} [[Snake-Eyes]], [[Agent Helix]], [[Tempest (G.I. Joe)|Tempest]], and the [[Red Shadows]] arrived to engage them, as well as [[Stardrive]], whom Rhinox briefly faced off against. {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}}

Rhinox returned to Shockwave's side in the [[CN Tower]] as his master attempted to compensate for the disruptions to the plan caused by the [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]]'s removal from Cybertron and Unicron's continued survival. Shockwave tried to have [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] bring his ship down for an evacuation, only for the mad scientist to unveil himself as an acolyte of Unicron and servant of chaos, much to Shockwave's disbelief. Rhinox chose that moment to reveal that ''all'' the [[Maximal]]s now served Unicron. The Decepticon easily overpowered Rhinox and attempted to execute him, only to find Rhinox had rigged the cannon so it could not fire on any Maximals. Tearing off the weapon, Rhinox coldly denounced Shockwave's lies, manipulations and mockery of faith, citing it as why the Maximals had turned against "Onyx Prime". Before Rhinox could execute his former master, he was slain from behind by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]], who blew up his head with a [[vamparc ribbon]] shot. {{storylink|Ceremony}}
{{-}}

===Legends World===
The middle-aged section manager of [[Axalon Trading Company]], Rhinox was present when the company hired Rattrap. After Rattrap began talking about ''Transformers'', Rhinox revealed he was a fan as well, and though the two hit it off well at first with their shared fan vocabulary, they hit a snag when it turned out Rhinox only liked [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] while the younger Rattrap preferred ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]''. {{storylink|The Generation Gap}} Like the other employees, he transformed into robot mode to do office work. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Transformation Gap|The Transformation Gap}} When Rattrap was ogling Airazor and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], Rhinox let him know the two weren't actually female, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Gender Gap|The Gender Gap}} a fact the two later lamented together. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 5#The Gender Gap Part 2|The Gender Gap Part 2}}

Together with the other toy nerds of Axalon, Rhinox visited the [[Transformers Celebration 2014]] event, where he got cried tears of happiness and nostalgia over a Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]-inspired truck with a Prime bust in its trailer, a recorded message from [[Tesshō Genda]], and a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Lost Age|clear Prime toy]] he got. When the truck left, however, he was forced to comment that its single windshield wasn't accurate to Prime's design. {{storylink|Transformers Legends (comic)#Transformers Celebration 2014|Bonus Chapter: Transformers Celebration 2014}} As he and the others looked over the toys they'd bought at the event, Rhinox joked that Silverbolt's [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#AOELeader|movie Optimus Prime]] looked ready to go to school with the [[kibble|backpack]] he was wearing. He was very pleased with his own [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#EvasionMode|Classic Optimus Prime]] and its vehicle mode's resemblance to G1 Prime, but got violently upset when Silverbolt transformed it into its movie-based robot mode and had it ride [[Grimlock (AOE)#Voyager|Grimlock]]. When it came to Rattrap's [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]], the three joked about the toy weapons' resemblance to food and utensils until they all got hungry. {{storylink|TF4 Toy Party}}

While visiting [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2014, Rhinox and the others were reminded of the unsightliness of their hobby when they ran into company president [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], who was only there for [[Optimus Minor|his son]]. As the oldest of the group and by proxy the most embarrassing, Rhinox took it upon himself to reassure the others there was nothing wrong with their liking toys by dancing to an ''Age of Extinction''-themed song for kids, which didn't help. Their discovery of ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Star Saber (G1)#Masterpiece|Star Saber]], a toy aimed at adults like them, ended up cheering everyone up, after which Rhinox continued dancing. After witnessing Primal and his son bond over a Transformers toy, they softened up and admitted that Transformers was most certainly for kids. {{storylink|Tokyo Toy Show 2014 Report}} At work, Rhinox went on a tirade about why the '80s of his youth had been so great, almost scaring off Rattrap and Silverbolt until he caught their interest with the fact that Japan had no consumption tax back then. After looking it up, Silverbolt burst his bubble by telling him the tax was implemented in '89. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Era Gap|The Era Gap}}

[[File:LG03 comic Tankor.jpg|thumb|left]]

One day, Primal left the office with a warning not to touch his [[banana]]s, which naturally prompted Rhinox and the others to eat them all as quickly as possible. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}} Rhinox later said goodbye to [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] after a night on the town. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} When his his co-workers were turned into techno-organic robots, Rhinox was jealous and wished ''he'' could be a cool robot, imagining he'd look like Tankor. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} His wish came true when he was affected by [[Transformers sickness]] and turned into Tankor overnight. Devoted to restoring the world to how it was in the '80s when he was young, Tankor used his newfound power to terrorize [[Tokyo]] with his [[Tankor Drone]]s and '80s Transformation Beam, inconveniencing his co-workers by turning their modern electronics into their 30-year old counterparts. Opposing his ambition, [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] used a bomb to send Tankor and his drones flying in an explosion, though he appreciated the fact that it was at least an '''80s-like'' explosion. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}}

Tankor did not give up, however, but went on to build two robot soldiers, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], to aid him in his plans. He brought them to the city to continue his attack, but was annoyed that [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] claimed his new underlings were ''Transformers'' characters when Tankor had in fact based them on an [[w:Special Armored Battalion Dorvack|unrelated robot anime]] from the '80s. To his surprise, Whirl then developed a desire to be a hero and turned on him. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 4|Bonus Edition Vol. 4}} Having lost a soldier, Tankor decided to enact his "Total Humanity '80s Transformation Plan" and entrusted the '80s Transformation Beam to the loyal Roadbuster, who blasted everyone who opposed them into '80s forms. An impassioned plea by Rattrap not to get hung up on the past brought Tankor to a halt, and though he couldn't bring himself to renounce his nostalgia, the opening let Whirl and Rattrap counterattack and defeat Roadbuster. Tankor retreated with his underling and later settled down to run an '80s-themed café in [[Akihabara]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

At one point, Tankor ran into [[Waspinator (BW)|Thrust]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Jetstorm]] and, seeing them as kindred spirits, tried to convert them into '80s fans as well. They both refused, causing him to grow angry and attack them. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 17#I'm Tankor, dana!|I'm Tankor, dana!}} During [[Christmas]], Tankor dressed up like [[Santa Claus]] and handed out [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1 toys]]. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} He eventually relapsed and started attacking Tokyo with Roadbuster and a returned Whirl again, only to be defeated by the dimensionally displaced [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and revert to the harmless Rhinox. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 7|Bonus Edition Vol. 7}}

[[File:G1 Megatron Legends manga.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
The tall statures of Rhinox and the others at Axalon Co. was a source of grief for Rattrap, who disliked his small size. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} When Rattrap's aunt [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] showed up at Axalon after being afflicted with Transformers sickness, Rhinox and Tigatron recognized her from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and defended her from suspicious police officer [[T-AI|Ai]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 10|Bonus Edition Vol. 10}} The two were jealous of Rattrap's close relationship with Arcee as a child until they realized she hadn't been a giant robot back then. {{storylink|Transformers Legends: Arcee Chapter|Arcee Chapter}} Rhinox was among the adoring fans who welcomed [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] when he arrived in the Legends World, happily chanting "All hail Megatron!" at the bewildered Decepticon. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 23#Lord Megatron Goes to the Legends World|Lord Megatron Goes to the Legends World}} While attending Tokyo Toy Show 2015, Rhinox and friends witnessed [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]] hostile takeover of a stage play. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Black Convoy)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

After [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] crushed their office, the employees of Axalon took up residence in his city mode, where they listened to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|their janitor]] tell them about Metroplex's backstory. To Rhinox's surprise, the old man's knowledge of G1 stories was even greater than his own. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} He later watched in awe when the janitor revealed himself to be Alpha Trion and summoned [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] into their universe. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 14|Bonus Edition Vol. 14}} After getting caught up in [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Megatron]]'s toy thefts, {{storylink|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue#2|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue 2}} Rhinox was used as an example of those Legends natives whose desires served to power up the [[Zamojin (species)|Zamojin]], and he ''very much'' desired the rare [[Unicron of Light]] toy left behind by Armada Megatron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 18|Bonus Edition Vol. 18}}

[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], created by Rhinox during his time as Tankor, returned to him with a request that he work his magic again to build a new body for their leader [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], which he did. {{storylink|LG19 Sprung Prologue}} When the visiting [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] was sent back to his native [[Cloud World]], Rhinox and several others were accidentally dragged along with him and had to be returned home by [[SARA]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} Rhinox was later approached by the ghost of an [[#Beast Wars cartoon continuity|alternate version of himself]], {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Waspinator)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} who had sensed his regrets over how he'd fought his friends during his time as Tankor. Explaining that he'd experienced something similar but died in the process, the other Rhinox tried cheering Legends Rhinox up with the fact that he was still alive and able to make up for his mistakes in the future. Grateful for his counsel, Rhinox repaid his counterpart by building him a new body to inhabit, thus giving him a future as well. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rhinox)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} Rhinox later joined his pals in stopping [[Skids (G1)#Quantum Operative|Skids]] from sending all their interdimensional friends back to their home universes. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 20|Bonus Edition Vol. 20}}

Rhinox put his robot building skills to work once more when Axalon Co. partnered with the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], lending a hand in creating a new [[transtector]] and [[Tankette|partner drone]] for [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 21|Bonus Edition Vol. 21}} Before sending the former Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s to the Legends World, [[Grand Maximus|Grand]] showed them what to expect in the form of an image of Rhinox and his friends. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} He was alter among those tormented by the volume of [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s music, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} and had a hand in mass-producing [[Master-Brace]]s after [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] provided the company with blueprints. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} The Autobot Axalon partnership went on to build a new HQ in the form of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] transtectors, though Rhinox and Primal regretted that they had to sell Metroplex to make up for the costs. He treated Fortress after he suddenly collapsed from the side effects of controlling Maximus. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}}

Rhinox went on to build a transtector for [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 32|Bonus Edition Vol. 32}} as well as [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 33|Bonus Edition Vol. 33}} He was seen taking [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter service to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}} While assisting in the construction of a new [[Godbomber]], Rhinox was tricked into showing its blueprints to [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], disguised as [[Minerva (human)|Minerva]], allowing her to copy the data. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 42|Bonus Edition Vol. 42}} He later watched as the [[Dimensional Patrol]] placed the Legends World under martial law. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Black Convoy 2)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} Having learned nothing from earlier, he was so taken with Nightbeat's '80s anime aesthetic that he joined her in helping the Decepticons build [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|LG43 Trypticon Mobilization Chapter: Decepticon Civil War|Decepticon Civil War}} Alongside many others, he was then eaten whole by Trypticon and used as a power source. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}}

Following Trypticon's defeat, Rhinox was among those who voted G1 Megatron in as mayor of the rebuilt [[Akihabara|Neo Akihabara City]], {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} and witnessed [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] battle [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 45|Bonus Edition Vol. 45}} He was granted [[Beastformer]] armor and the name "'80s King Punch Rhino" when [[White Leo]] tried to turn the locals into a Beastformer army, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and was caught up in the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]]' city-wide search for [[White Lune]]. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}} Following the destruction of the city during another incident, he watched with joy as [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] repaired it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 66|Bonus Edition Vol. 66}}

====The Beast Wars Road Map====
At some point before the [[Shroud]]ing cut off the [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s completely from the rest of the [[multiverse]], TransTech [[Rhinox (TransTech)|Rhinox]] contacted his counterpart in the "Legendsverse" to share information about the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] and its impact on the multiverse. "Legends" Rhinox wondered aloud why the TransTechs couldn't simply ask their [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] to open up some inter-dimensional gates for them, and asked if the source of their troubles didn't stem from Quantum Operative [[Skids (G1)#Japanese cartoon continuity|Skids]] isolating their universe with his "[[Quantum Keep-Out Seal]]." {{storylink|The Beast Wars Road Map}}
{{-}}

===2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

In spite of his imposing proportions and powerful weaponry, Rhinox was a pacifist who preferred diplomacy to fighting, and was able to appreciate the rules to much greater degree than his friend Optimus Primal. Unlike many other Maximals, he willingly cooperated with his [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] colleagues, and claimed to have even loved one once. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} In the past, he'd once dissected a [[kremzeek]] while working for the Maximal [[Ministry of Science|Science Ministry]]. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}}

Rhinox was part of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'''s skeleton crew during a routine [[protoform]] delivery mission to [[H'nkshanaar-4]], and spent most of his off-hours in the ship's gymnasium sparring with Optimus. However, their ship was diverted off-course to intercept a warship stolen by Predacon rebels. To Rhinox's displeasure, Primal forewent diplomacy in favour of direct attack but the ''Axalon'' quickly found itself outmatched. When the Predacons managed to open a transwarp conduit, [[Nyx]] managed to follow them through time, though both ships soon crashed on an unknown planet. With a high level of [[energon radiation]], the ''Axalon'' reconstructed the crew with protective [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

Busying himself with the topographical scanners, Rhinox observed that the planet was patchwork of landscapes and the anomalously potent [[energon crystal]]s before he scolded Rattrap for consuming the local fruit. As the two debated the benefits of organic nutrients, they were covertly observed by a trio of [[Vok]]. When the invisible aliens departed, Rattrap noted a feeling of being watched, something Rhinox sardonically blamed on the fruit. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} After Nyx went missing, Rhinox praised his commander keeping a cool head; although he agreed that they should wait until morning to act, he also noted that there were too many unknowns to come up with a theory on what had become of their pilot. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-mynameisoptimusprimal.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Rhinox, Rattrap and Cheetor worked through the night trying to rewire the ship's computer, but it would be Primal who found a way to triangulate Nyx's position by tapping into the orbital stasis pod network. When the four Maximals went to intercept Nyx, however, they found an injured Nyx and her unexpected savior: [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who announced he'd come to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}} When the rest of the Predacons closed in on their base, Rhinox, Optimus, and Cheetor went to buy time while Rattrap brought the rest of the damaged ship's defence systems back online. In the battle, Rhinox traded blows with [[Skold]], who, despite her diminutive size, hit as hard as him. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}}

By the time that Dinobot joined the battle on the side of the Maximals, Rhinox used his beast mode to push Skold back; after Rattrap brought the ship's shields back online, Rhinox and the other Maximals retreated under the cover of the ''Axalon'''s deflector shield... all except Dinobot, whose Predacon spark signature wouldn't allow him to pass. As the other Predacons laid Dinobot low and nearly beat him to death, the Maximals rescued their new comrade by turning their guns on the Predacons and intimidating them into a retreat. Rhinox brought Dinobot's gravely wounded body back to the ''Axalon'' and did what he could to repair him, but Dinobot's spark remained weak and Rhinox couldn't tell if the damage would prove fatal. Several days later, during another sparring match, Optimus confided in Optimus that his recent mistakes had nearly cost them dearly, but Rhinox reminded Optimus that there was no room for him to start second-guessing his own orders. When the conversation turned to Dinobot, the pair found that Dinobot had survived, but wouldn't fight at full strength again. Despite this handicap, Optimus Primal invited Rhinox to stay with them, an offer that Dinobot ultimately accepted. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

[[File:PodPart2-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Rhinox and the other Maximals were playing cards when the recently activated [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] penetrated their shields and broke into their base without their knowing. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} After [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] went off to investigate a noise and didn't return, Rhinox and the others found that he'd lost a fight against the newcomer and wound up trapped in a web cocoon. Optimus ordered the Maximals to split up and sweep the ship to find the intruder, and while searching Rhinox found Blackarachnia hacking the ''Axalon'''s systems and sabotaging the rest of the stasis pods by uploading a [[shell program]] to the network and forcibly de-orbiting the pods. Rhinox attempted to stop her, but the nimble Predacon evaded his grasp and made her escape. Rhinox reported that more than half of the protoforms within stasis pods would emerge as Predacons, and Primal angrily vowed that they would have to go on the offensive by taking the fight to the Predacons. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

While searching for a stasis pod in the jungle, Rhinox blundered into one of [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s booby traps and wound up stranded in an enormous labyrinth. There, he found [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], whom Tarantulas and Blackarachnia had used used to test their maze before they abandoned him. The pair formed an unlikely alliance to escape the maze, but when the two found a way out Waspinator quickly abandoned Rhinox. {{storylink|Rhinox's Amaze-ing Adventure}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart3-SkoldVsRhinox.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Razorbeast]] joined their team, Rhinox stood by with the other Maximals as Optimus and Dinobot laid out their plan to take back the Golden Disk and take out the Predacon's [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]] with the help of one of the ''Axalon'''s escape ships, which they'd turned into an improvised shuttlecraft. While travelling to the Predacon base, Rhinox admitted that he didn't like the idea of fighting, but understood that Megatron's actions left them no other choice. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Rhinox fought [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]], {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} then went up against Skold once more, who'd been driven mad with grief after Terrorsaur killed her only friend Razorbeast. In Spite of Skold's fury, Rhinox calmly explained that he understood her pain; Skold, briefly moved by this show of empathy, coldly ordered him to walk away before she changed her mind. Ultimately, however, the Maximals failed to retrieve the Golden Disk, although Rattrap took the liberty of downloading most of the information stored on the disk into his own systems. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

[[File:PrimalRage-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

When Cheetor was injured in an energon explosion, Rhinox brought the wounded Maximal back to the ''Axalon'' for repairs. He and Optimus did what they could for their young comrade, but despite mending his body Cheetor refused to wake up. When he finally came to, however, he warned them of a strange dream involving the Vok, before his systems triggered a hard reboot that wiped all memories of his mental encounter with the aliens. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

Rhinox's medical skills were again called upon when Dinobot and Optimus were both exposed to an unusual energon bomb after a run-in with Blackarachnia and Tarantulas. However, he discovered that samples of aggression-enhancing "red energon" had turned Optimus into an out-of-control berserker, who rampaged through the ship until Rhinox forcibly restrained him. Dinobot convinced Primal to try and use this extra aggression to take out Megatron once and for all; though Rattrap criticized this course of action, Rhinox pointed out that the over-exertion would help flush the contaminated energon from Primal's systems and return him to lucidity faster than otherwise. {{storylink|Primal Rage}} When night fell and Primal still hadn't returned, Rhinox, Cheetor, Rattrap, and Nyx set up a campfire outside the ''Axalon'' to keep watch. Inspired by the spooky nighttime ambience, Cheetor told a ghost story about a terrible war on an alien planet, which caused Rhinox to wonder if a similar fate could befall Cybertron. {{storylink|The Morphlings}}

[[File:TheEnd-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Primal returned from the jungle with bad news: the Vok were real, and planned to wipe out all the Cybertronians on the planet. With no other options, the two sides agreed to a temporary truce, and Rhinox went to work on the ''Darksyde'' with Scorponok, where the pair hit upon using the ''Darksyde'''s damaged transawrp drive to send a distress message home to Cybertron. However, before they could put this plan into play, the group realized that Tarantulas had cut a deal with the Vok and sabotaged their efforts to coordinate a defense against the aliens. Captured and cornered, Tarantulas unleashed a monstrous [[zombie]] Terrorsaur that freed Tarantulas and knocked Rhinox unconscious. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}}

Rhinox came to just as the "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]" began a full-scale assault on the crashed ''Darksyde''. Amidst the chaos, he rescued a terrified Skold from the zombie Terrorsaur using a combination of his [[beast mode]] strength and his own and chainguns. After the Vok had been destroyed for good, their remaining servants agreed to a truce and left to live in the wild as their creators had intended, while Rhinox and the other Maximals left aboard the repaired ''Axalon'' to search for Megatron, whom Rattrap had deliberately blasted into [[unspace]]. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}

{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Rhinox.jpg|thumb|right]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Rhinox's function was a scientist, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a rhinoceros. His rotating doom blasters were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were his tech-savviness, dependability, and strategic mind. Rhinox's message from the future was that he possesses both the brains and brawn to get back to Cybertron. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Rhinox bore witness to Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] leading Cybertron to a new golden age. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Rhinox-and-Hound.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
{{voiceactor|[[Andy Barnett]] (English), [[Taisuke Nakano]] (Japanese)|[[Stephan Baumecker]] (German), [[Frédéric Souterelle]] (French), [[Luis Hurtado]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Ashok Verma]] (Hindi)}}
{{charfictionstub}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 26}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 28}} {{storylink|The Transformers Gather on the Snowy Mountain!|Search Quiz 2}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game advertising comic====
Upon arriving on "[[Earth|Planet Energon]]," the dangers of Energon radiation forced the six surviving Maximals and their Predacon adversaries to take on beast alternate forms. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game====
{{voiceactor|??? (English), ??? (Japanese)}}

Many Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Rhinox's own base was a sprawling Metropolis. Rhinox joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal campaign=====
Rhinox eventually expanded his "Urban Zone" base to within reach of [[Tarantulas's lair]]. Rhinox's base was judged a threat by the Predacons, who successfully took control of it. Tarantulas then personally took over operations of the annexed territory, until his demise.

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Rhinox was part of Optimus Primal's roll call when he announced that the galaxy was now at peace.

{{BW VG|Rhinox|M}}

=====Predacon campaign=====
Rhinox's "Urban Zone" base encroached too closely onto Tarantulas's territory, and had to be dealt with. Upon infiltrating the base however, the Predacons had to contend with Rhinox's giant Mech unit, styled after the Maximal scientist. Once Rhinox's defences were conquered by the Predacons, Rhinox himself met an untimely death by Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
[[File:TMRhinox-Render.jpg|upright=1|thumb|"Ayyyyyyy!"]]
{{voiceactor|[[Alec Willows]] (English), [[Daiki Nakamura]] (Japanese)}}

[[Transmetal]] Rhinox stayed behind at the ''Axalon'' as his fellow Maximals went to battle the Predacons. When the Predacons managed to infiltrate the Maximal base, Rhinox activated its internal defenses and drove them off. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. Rhinox and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}}
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Rhinox-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|left|400px| In this game, Transmetal Rhinox comes first.]]
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Rhinox-(BW).jpg|thumb|left|400px|Which is probably why this Rhinox has more health.]]
Rhinox participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in two different bodies:
*''Rhinox Transmetal''—This Super Rare character first appeared in the "Transmetals: Beast Wars - Episode 1" event, and could be recruited by collecting 250 units of Cybermetal, 75 units of Transmetal, 35 event cores, and 10 cores of this character.
*''Rhinox (BW)''—This Super Rare character first appeared in the "Beast Wars: Episode 4" event, and could be recruited by collecting 250 units of Cybermetal, 75 units of Transmetal, 35 event cores, and 10 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:Rhinox-Forged-to-Fight.jpg|thumb|300px|Techno-organic gone scarier combat-rhino techno-organic.]]
Rhinox was one of the Maximals pulled from [[Beast Era|his universe]] by the [[Quintesson]]s and forced to fight. He eventually joins the [[You|Commander]]. There are at least a few of him running around! As a Tech bot, he has a stack of Shields that Overclock Shock damage if removed with force. His rhino horn can Power Lock enemies and his Chainguns of Doom Bleed them from afar and up close for Specials.
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}

Optimus Prime encountered Rhinox, and he tried to reason that he was just on a mission to gather resources. But Rhinox explained that resources are scarce and everyone wants them. He then introduced him to his "friends", the Chainguns of Doom! {{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight#Chapter 1:Realities Collide|A Beast to Start}}
{{chargamestub}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
'''Rhinox'''
{{charstubgames|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}

[[File:Rhinox EarthWars.jpg|right|thumb|upright=2.00]]

*'''Class:''' Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 stars
*'''Ability: Life Stealing Charge''' - Rush into combat imprisoning buildings on your path for 7 seconds. The vines deal damage per second, slow down defences by 70% and heal your nearby allies by a percentage of the defence's damage value per second.
**'''Cost''': 5 ability points, +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:rhinox Rhinox at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{--}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
While peaceful at Spark, Rhinox was a frighteningly powerful warrior and an expert technician and repairman, capable of improvising in the field when things went awry. When roused to battle, his dual chainguns could easily mow down his adversaries. When the ''Axalon'' first crashed on prehistoric Earth, Rhinox helped refit the ship’s facilities to accommodate the biological functions of their new [[beast mode]]s.

Upon returning to Cybertron, Rhinox’s spark was used to create the Vehicon General Tankor. However, when Rhinox’s true personality reawakened, he attempted to manipulate both Optimus and Megatron into destroying each other using ancient superweapons. However, Tankor’s body was still hardwired to serve Megatron, and the combined Rhinox/Tankor entity met his end soon afterwards. {{storylink|Technorganic Secrets}}

==Toys==
{{main|Rhinox (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Rhinox (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
*[[Rhino (BW)|Rhino]] most likely derives from early concepts for Rhinox, but 2006 IDW Publishing material decided to roll with the packaging name "Rhino" to characterize the McDonald's toy as a separate individual.
*Rhinox is the only member of the ''Beast Wars'' Maximal lineup who was there from the beginning and remains both alive and unchanged for the entire course of the show.
*Rhinox spends all of season 3 in [[robot mode]] without transforming into his [[beast mode]] at any point. He is the only ''Beast Wars'' character to do this for an entire season.
*Skir's original intention was that Rhinox had "seen all sides of the argument, and chose to go more in Megatron's direction" in ''Beast Machines'', and that after a quiet chat, he and Optimus would part company. As Richard Newman played that scene with growling and shouting, Rhinox instead sounded not quite in his right mind after his experiences. The big storm in the background certainly didn't help either.<ref>
[http://web.archive.org/web/20071202095033/http://bigbot.com/beast-machines-transformers-bob-skir/Beast-Machines-FAQ/Fri_03_Dec_1999.html Q&A from Bigbot's "bobskir.com"] (archive copy)</ref>
*According to the ''Beast Machines'' series bible, Rhinox would have returned along with the restored Cybertron in the final episode. <ref>[https://www.tfraw.com/p/transformers-series-bible.html Beast Machines show bible @TFRaw]</ref>
*In the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', Rhinox received the vocal tic of ending his sentences with the phrase ''-dana'', or chanting it to himself incessantly while firing his chainguns or running or doing just about ''anything''. He was also prone to using the phrase ''dosukoi'', a nonsense word generally associated with sumo wrestlers and typically applied to large, dumb, bruiser characters in shows ([[Bulkhead (Animated)|''Animated'' Bulkhead]] would also use the phrase). The verbal tic of chanting ''-dana'' would be passed onto Tankor and the Tank drones in ''Beast Wars Returns'', where it was played-up to manic excess.
*Rhinox's Polish market name inspired the name [[nosoron]] for Cybertronian rhinoceroses in ''Animated'' and ''Beast Wars: Uprising''.
*In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Rhinox's Cybertronian body is a stylized version of his [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#Timelines|2006 ''Timelines'' toy]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Optimus bot mode is based on 10th anniversary toy. Alt mode is botcon but as a pickup instead of a racer. Spot on with the rest (though ironhide takes some slight inspiration from TFA lugnut in head/extreme proportions)|link=https://x.com/jcburcham/status/1357005100124827648|name=Josh Burcham|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=02|day=03}}</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Rhinox''' (ライノックス ''Rainokkusu'')
*''Italian:'' '''Rinox''', '''Metal Rinox''' (Transmetal)
*''Korean:'' '''Rhinox''' (라이녹스 ''Rainogseu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Xīniú''' (犀牛, "Rhinoceros")
*''Polish:'' '''Nosoron''' ("Lector,Rhinon"), '''Rogor''' (Canal + Dubb, "Hornor")
*''Russian:'' '''Rogonos''' (first dub, Рогонос, "Horned"), '''Rinox''' (second dub, Ринокс ''Rinoks'')
*''Spanish:'' '''Rinox'''

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Armada Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Vehicons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Defense specialists]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Maximals]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Legends World natives]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) characters]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Maximals]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Universe Maximals]]
[[Category:Vok]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Maximals]]

Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity

2025-03-07T03:03:00Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{factions|predacon|vehicon|decepticon}}
{{suite}}
[[File:Megatronbw.jpg|thumb|350px|Best. Megatron. EVER. ''Yeeeeess''.]]
'''Megatron''' has had many plots, yes.

{{quote|Why do you always talk to yourself?}}
{{quote|Ah, I simply have a penchant for... ''intelligent conversation.''|[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and Megatron|"[[The Low Road]]"}}

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Han Li]] (Chinese), [[Antônio Moreno]] (Portuguese), [[Hans Sievers]] (German) [[Tony Fuochi]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Villeli]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Claudio Rodríguez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[François Siener]] (French, season 1), [[Pierre Forest]] (French, season 2), [[Yu Hae-mu]] (Korean, MBC dub)}}
[[File:BWPart1 preformatting Megatron.jpg|left|thumb|Priority one: finding out where the light switch is.]]
The original name of the Predacon known as "Megatron" is unknown; upon reading the [[Covenant of Primus]], the grandiose and dramatic young criminal chose to rename himself after the great destroyer the book mentioned. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}} Megatron found life on Cybertron intolerable, as he and his fellow Predacons lived as second-class citizens underneath the [[Maximal]]s—a situation that could be traced back to the defeat of their [[Decepticon]] ancestors in the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] centuries beforehand. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The ruling triumvirate of the Predacons, the [[Tripredacus Council]], were slowly biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike, but Megatron was impatient, and had his own plan to ensure Predacon rule over Cybertron. The Council knew of Megatron, seeing him as brilliant but dangerous, and too much trouble for their liking. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

Gathering a gang of criminals into his service, Megatron stole the Maximal relic known as the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. The disk contained the location data of the planet [[Earth]], {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} but more than that, it also hid a secret message inscribed upon it centuries earlier by the [[Megatron (G1)|Decepticon Megatron]]—a daring contingency plan to prevent Decepticon defeat that directed whoever found the message to use [[unspace|transwarp]] technology to travel back through time to ''prehistoric'' Earth, to a point in time when the Autobot spacecraft [[Ark (G1)|the Ark]] lay hidden on the planet. By finding and killing the Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] as he lay in stasis aboard the craft, a 'bot could alter history in favor of the Decepticons, ensuring their victory in the war, and Predacon rule in the present. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:Megatronbwtrex.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Today is a beautiful day to be stomping on things!]]

Stealing [[Darksyde (BW)|a ship]], Megatron and his crew departed through a transwarp portal, but were pursued by the Maximal starship [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], captained by [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. The two ships emerged from transwarp over an unknown planet, where they promptly crash-landed. The presence of two [[Moon (moon)|moons]] in the sky suggested that the world on which they found themselves was ''not'' Earth—but it ''was'' rich in [[energon]], which Megatron could use to fuel his conquest of the Maximals one way or the other. So rich, in fact, that the Maximals and Predacons had to adopt organic beast forms to protect themselves against the massive amount of energon radiation, with Megatron taking the shape of a purple ''Tyrannosaurus rex''.

[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] chastised Megatron, accusing him of leading the Predacons to the wrong planet and challenged Megatron for leadership of the Predacons. Megatron simply ignored the challenge and had [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] dispose of him. A short time later, [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] tangled with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], allowing Megatron to deliver his first speech to the Maximals, though it was cut short by a "sneaky, underhanded" attack by Cheetor, which impressed Megatron greatly. Though the Predacons appeared to have the Maximals on the run, they began to suffer from energon build up, and were forced to return to their [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} They followed the Maximals, catching up with them as Dinobot was dueling with Optimus Primal for leadership. Megatron took the opportunity for a sneak attack of his own, and during the destruction, some Predacon missiles uncovered a large quantity of energon located on a nearby mountain. Both teams reached the mountaintop at around the same time, but the ambient energon radiation forced them to fight in their beast modes. Despite biting a chunk out of Primal's leg, Megatron found himself on the losing end of the engagement, and out of desperation transformed to [[robot mode]] to fire a missile. The missile was deflected from its path by Dinobot, causing the energon to explode and hurling Megatron from the mountain. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:EqualMeasures-Megatronface.jpg|left|thumb|300px|”YESS… I was wondering where I left my rubber ducky.”]]

All involved believed that Megatron had been seeking Earth purely for its energon, unaware of his greater scheme. Secretly, however, Megatron was able to confirm that the planet they were on ''was indeed'' Earth. At some point, using the information on the Golden Disk, he located the Ark buried within a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]]... but when faced with the enormity of the task that lay before him, and the innumerable unpredictable and dangerous possibilities that were inherent to altering history itself, he faltered. Megatron blasted the tunnel he had dug into the volcano shut to keep the Ark hidden, and resolved instead to focus on acquiring other means of power to conquer Cybertron in the present. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

Megatron and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] cornered Cheetor when the Maximal was transported into their base by a freak sequence of events, but were forced to cooperate with him when the other Maximals sent a bomb through. After the bomb was successfully disposed of, Megatron attempted to do the same to Cheetor, but only succeeded in destroying the teleport effect between the two bases. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} After the discovery of a cache of energon in the [[Standing Stones]], Megatron led his men in an attempt to gain it, but was furious when Terrorsaur intentionally blasted the energon mid-battle, destroying it. The Standing Stones triggered the arrival of an [[Vok probe|alien probe]], but when Megatron and Waspinator attempted to claim it, it zapped them and absorbed Optimus Primal. Believing Primal to be dead, Megatron mounted an attack on the Maximal base, but after a lengthy fight with Dinobot, Megatron was forced to call a retreat. The Predacons pursued the Maximals to the stone circle, but retreated once more when Primal was freed from the probe. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[File:Power Surge Megatron down.jpg|right|thumb|"...Waspinator! I've got a role to delegate!"]]

While Megatron was demonstrating the Predacons' new defense systems, Terrorsaur discovered a [[flying mountain]] topped with a cache of super-energon. The power this afforded Terrorsaur allowed him to challenge Megatron and blast the Predacon leader clear off a cliff, leaving him in several pieces. Scorponok and Waspinator set about repairing Megatron behind Terrorsaur's back, and by the time the usurper returned, defeated, an outraged Megatron was waiting for him. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}}

When the first of the Maximal [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground, Megatron had Waspinator and Terrorsaur ambush Optimus with only limited success. Though annoyed at their failure, he dispatched them to reach the pod while he and Scorponok headed for the Maximal base. There, he was able to distract Dinobot long enough for Scorponok to administer a slagging, before the [[autogun]]s drove them off. Megatron proceeded to the pod and held the Maximals at bay by threatening a couple of nearby white tigers, only to discover that the stasis pod was already empty. As it turned out, one of white tigers was the new Maximal, [[Tigatron]], who transformed and fought the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

The Predacons finally managed a victory in stealing a stasis pod and creating [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. However, again Terrorsaur tried to usurp Megatron, this time using an apparently-turned [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], who used a device to paralyze Megatron. The Predacons argued over who would be leader, but agreed to put Rattrap and Megatron away for the time being. Megatron was able to easily escape using his secret voice commands, leaving Rattrap to his fate. Revealing himself to have escaped, Megatron allowed Terrorsaur to lead the Predacons in battle with the Maximals. Terrorsaur failed miserably, showing his ineptitude to the Predacons, which was Megatron's plan all along. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:GorillaWarfare Megatron's bomb problem.jpg|left|thumb|Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb.]]

Megatron sent Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur on a plan to blow a hole in the bottom of the ''Axalon''. They failed. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} On another occasion, Scorponok used a [[Cyberbee]] to infect Optimus Primal with a venom to turn the Maximal leader into a coward. The first Megatron knew of its failure was when Cheetor radioed the Predacon base to warn them that an enraged Optimus was on his way; in response, Megatron kicked Scorponok to the floor for his incompetence. Confronted by Primal, he offered to give him the cure if he submitted to Predacon rule. Optimus responded by ripping the Cyberbee from his own chest and sticking it on Megatron's beast mode back. Unable to reach the device, Megatron managed to have Scorponok remove it, but it promptly exploded in their faces. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a Maximal [[temporal probe]] neared the planet, Megatron and his Predacons successfully destroyed a communications tower which the Maximals were setting up to try to signal it. {{storylink|The Probe}} Formulating a new plan to get off the planet, Megatron had the other Predacons act dissatisfied with his leadership, causing a battle that apparently destroyed the Predacons, using a Maximal spy camera that he was aware of to play out the trick. Then, the Maximals scavenged the ''Darksyde'' for parts to repair the ''Axalon''{{'}}s stardrive. At the eleventh hour, Dinobot discovered the deception and rushed to warn the leaving Maximals. In the scuffle, Megatron snuck aboard. In the ''Axalon'', he managed to knock out every Maximal on the ship but Rattrap, who he started crushing to death. An angered [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] woke up and threw Megatron off the ''Axalon''. However, Megatron's tail weapon was stuck in the console, causing the ''Axalon'' to crash. Again. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

Following a Predacon defeat attributed mostly to [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Megatron had [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] capture the Maximal and used his latest invention, the [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], to turn Rhinox into a Predacon. Unbeknownst to Megatron, evil Rhinox was a schemer and disrupted the other Predacons. Megatron eventually found out the truth, which was the signal for the Maximals to mount an attack to rescue their friend. Megatron fought at length with Optimus, losing an arm. Ultimately Rhinox was returned to normal, and an errant shot from Waspinator destroyed the Transmuter, so that was the end of that. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} Yet another plan had Megatron create a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]] which he sent to infiltrate the Maximal base. It backfired when the real Dinobot first defeated the clone, then masqueraded as it and used the bases defenses on Megatron. Megatron was at least happy that it turned out his clone hadn't betrayed him, as the real Dinobot had. The other Maximals turned up to chase Megatron off. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[File:Megatronbwspidersgame.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|right|I thought I told you NO MORE BARNEY JOKES.]]

Detecting another stasis pod crash, Megatron sent Scorponok and Blackarachnia to capture it. They failed. {{storylink|The Spark}} After a skirmish with Tigatron, Terrorsaur and Waspinator reported back to Megatron that they'd found a [[Brigadoon|flying island]], and Megatron sent Blackarachnia and Scorponok to claim it. Before they left, Megatron whispered something into Scorponok out of Blackarachnia's hearing range. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} It was revealed that Megatron had anticipated the possibility of Blackarachnia's treachery, so he had Scorponok watch her very closely and make sure she didn't use the island against him; he had been right to use that precaution. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}} Tarantulas used a [[magna pulse]] to knock out power in both the Maximal and Predacon bases to allow him to recover a stasis pod himself. By the time Megatron caught up, a new Predacon was online—[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]. Megatron was impressed with Inferno's fighting spirit, helping him to attack Tigatron, until Primal arrived and ruined things again. Megatron ordered Scorponok to salvage Inferno. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

The next cunning plan Megatron would come up with involved stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to stay in their beast modes at all time. Once the Maximals had succumbed to their beast instincts and wandered into the jungle, Megatron assembled a hunting party, complete with drums. Despite shooting at some of the Maximals, they were unable to make any kills before Tigatron helped the Maximals integrate their beast instincts with their programming. The Maximals subsequently easily fought back, Optimus even lifting Megatron over his head. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} After Scorponok and Waspinator reported destroying four of the Maximals, Tarantulas reported that he'd detected walking energon. Megatron concluded that the Maximals had survived the energon explosion and were contaminated, and sent Terrorsaur out to deal with them. Terrorsaur failed. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

During a violent storm, Waspinator was possessed by the immortal [[spark]] of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and ingratiated himself into Megatron's good books. With Starscream's help, Megatron led the Predacons to victory and captured the ''Axalon''. He left Starscream in charge, returning to the ''Darksyde'' with Terrorsaur and Tarantulas. Before leaving, he consulted with Scorponok in private; while impressed with Starscream so far, it would be wise to keep a close eye on him. Once again, that caution served Megatron well; Starscream later used the Maximals to attack the Predacon base in a double cross. In the aftermath of Starscream's defeat, Megatron put Waspinator back together and was only mildly convinced by Blackarachnia's explanation for her supposed betrayal. {{storylink|Possession}} Yet another plan backfired badly. After Tarantulas infected Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], Megatron attempted to use the counter virus as a bargaining chip, only for a massive fart from Rhinox to blow all of the Predacons away and leave them dangling from a tree. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

{{quote|This is certainly the most humiliating defeat of my entire career. Yess...|Megatron|"The Low Road"}}

[[File:Before the Storm Megatron disc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|Yeessss...]]
Later, Megatron detected a strange energy pulse and sent Inferno to investigate. The result was the discovery of a second [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]], resulting in Megatron calling a ceasefire between the two factions, realizing he had more important things to worry about. Tigatron broke into the ''Darksyde'', learning about the new Golden Disk, and escaped, however this was merely part of Megatron's plan, which required the Maximals to learn about the approach of the [[Vok]]. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} After the arrival of an alien artifact—an [[Bio-Dome|organic dome]]—Megatron allowed Optimus to go in first, later listening to the sounds of the Maximal being tortured and wishing he had a recording of it to lull him to sleep at night. The beginning of an ignition sequence provided the distraction the other Maximals needed to fight Megatron and his goons off. One of the planet's moons revealed itself to be an artificial alien construct, and as it opened into a [[Planet Buster|planet-killing weapon]], Megatron mused to himself that there was still another hand to be played. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Retiring to the Predacon base, he monitored events within the ''Axalon'' via the scanners, learning that Optimus intended to use a stasis pod turned into a spaceship by Tarantulas to destroy the Planet Buster. Megatron was able to override some of the pod's systems, preventing Primal from ejecting before the pod and the Planet Buster exploded. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Megs transmetal.JPG|upright=1.5|thumb|left|Gimme fuel Gimme fire Gimme that which I desire BOOM!]]

After a quick celebration over his vanquishing of Primal, the [[quantum surge]] from the Planet Buster's destruction bathed Megatron in quantum energies, upgrading him into a [[Transmetal]] and giving him the ability to fly. Megatron quickly rallied his forces and attempted an all-out attack on the leader-less Maximals. He unfortunately had to retreat once he realized most of his troops were incapacitated. {{storylink|Aftermath}} The discovery of two more downed stasis pods provided Megatron with two new men, the [[Fuzor]]s [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. Megatron immediately led them into combat against Cheetor, and they headed for the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} [[File:ComingoftheFuzors2-finishit.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Quick! It's the golden hour! Kill the Maximals!]] Battling their way to the Maximal ship, the Predacons were confronted by a resurrected and upgraded Optimus Primal, who drove them all off. Returning to base, Megatron discovered that in his absence, the two golden disks had been stolen by Dinobot, and the backup copy of their data he kept on his personal system had been destroyed. Though Blackarachnia blamed Dinobot for the backup's destruction, Megatron clearly suspected the truth: that she herself was responsible, having downloaded a copy of the backup for herself first. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

Megatron sent Tarantulas, Blackarachnia and Quickstrike to secure a cave full of energon. They later reported back that it had been [[Tarantulas's lair|destroyed in a fight]] with the Maximals. Megatron was not pleased. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} Captured by the Predacons, Dinobot opted to defect back to their side. Megatron forced him to prove himself by staging a fight between him and Quickstrike, and the original [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] was soon back in Megatron's hands. Unfortunately, Dinobot ultimately opted to remain a Maximal. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[File:Other Visits 2 Megatron chair.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Rule number one of ruling the universe: find a good chair]]

The discovery of another alien site gave Megatron the opportunity to take a shot at retrieving the alien Golden Disk. He distracted Rhinox long enough for Inferno and Blackarachnia to incapacitate the Maximal, and managed to take the disk back into his possession. Returning to base, Megatron encountered Tarantulas, who declared himself no longer under Megatron's command, but was willing to cooperate. As the Predacons put their new plan into effect at the alien site, the Maximals arrived, only for a [[Metal Hunter|domed spaceship]] to appear. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} After using a force field to prevent the Maximals getting in, Megatron ventured into the spacecraft and was able to use the alien Golden Disk to take control of it. His first act was to bring aboard the other Predacons (bar Tarantulas, with whom the alliance was terminated) and Optimus Primal, the latter as a prisoner. Installing [[Transwarp cell]]s into the ship, Megatron intended to take it back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and conquer the world. Tarantulas arranged for a Maximal attack, infiltrating the ship and causing it to self-destruct. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

After another stasis pod was found, Megatron bugged Blackarachnia and sent her and Waspinator out to find it. He soon learned that the pod contained Protoform X, a powerful [[Transformer]] with an indestructible spark, made during a Maximal experiment. With this information, he used an energon blade to cut out a piece of the creature's spark using it to control the beast, which he renamed [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]. {{storylink|Bad Spark}}

[[File:CodeofHero-oldtechnology.jpg|upright=1.15|thumb|right|hoooo!!!Dinobot!!!!How nice to meet you!!!!]]

His options growing limited, Megatron chose to test alternative, "safer" means of altering history. Using the Golden Disk, he discovered the location of a valley full of [[anthropoid|early humans]], who would someday evolve into the humans who helped the [[Autobot]]s defeat the [[Decepticon]]s in the great war. Determining by empirical experimentation that the future could be altered, Megatron mounted an attack on the valley. The Predacons were prevented from razing it entirely by the interference of Dinobot. After defeating all of the Predacon troops singlehandedly, Dinobot knocked the disk from Megatron's hand, and destroyed it. Megatron ordered a retreat as the rest of the Maximals arrived. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} Though fascinated at the discovery of a [[Transmutate (BW)|badly-mutated Transformer]], Megatron wasn't impressed when it failed to transform, and ordered it destroyed, but Rampage successfully convinced him to let Transmutate prove itself. It didn't go so well. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda2-underarrestmeow.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|I want a lawyer!]]

Calculating that the [[Transwarp wavefront]] would soon reach Cybertron, alerting the [[Maximal High Council]] and resulting in a rescue ship being sent, Megatron realised he would have to implement a potentially final gambit. The Predacons attacked the Maximal base, but were fought off when help arrived in the form of Predacon covert agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], sent by the Predacon [[Tripredacus Council]] to apprehend Megatron. Returning to the Predacon base, Megatron sent Waspinator on a secret mission, while the other Predacons attempted to increase the fortifications. The impending attack went off without a hitch, however, and Megatron was captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Megatron was placed in a cell, and was informed by Ravage that Tarantulas was a member of the [[Predacon Secret Police]]. Megatron didn't seem too surprised by the news, and still had a hand to play—using a fragment of the Golden Disk which Dinobot had destroyed, he played back a portion of the original Megatron's hidden message, convincing Ravage to side with him. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}
[[File:Agenda3 MegatronOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.4|right|thumb|A little off the top, sir?]]
Megatron and Ravage subsequently led an assault on the ''Axalon'', which only failed through some extremely daring work by Rattrap.
Megatron fled, not back to the Predacon base, but to the Ark, prepared at last to enact his namesake's plan to change the course of history by killing Optimus Prime. At the ship, he discovered Blackarachnia and her paramour Silverbolt, the former having deduced Megatron's plans by studying the stolen backup of Golden Disk data. This proved fortuitous for Megatron, as he was to coerce Blackarachnia into helping him by threatening Silverbolt. The she-spider provided the access codes necessary to shut down the Ark's security grid and grant Megatron access to the ship. After delivering a powerful speech to the unconscious figure of Optimus Prime, Megatron blasted the Autobot in the face at full power, triggering a timestorm that began to unravel history. As reality whirled around him, he confronted the Maximals outside the Ark to gloat that, by slaying Prime, he has erased them from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} Unfortunately, he failed to account for Blackarachnia; having been created from a Maximal protoform, she too would cease to exist if Megatron's plan succeeded, so she used her access codes to reactivate the Ark's security, causing Megatron to be hurled from the fact. With Blackachnia's help the Maximals were able to use [[Teletraan I]] to repair Optimus Prime, while Primal took the Autobot's spark into his own structure to protect it, in the process transforming his body into a more powerful form. Confronted by the new "Optimal Optimus", Megatron beat a retreat, but not before shooting Blackarachnia. Heading for the ''Axalon'', he, Inferno and Waspinator were attacked and downed by Primal and Cheetor, however Megatron radioed ahead to Rampage, who was able to destroy the Maximal ship. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-sizedifference.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This better not awaken anything in me.]]

Rampage disappeared while supposedly on a mission to attack the Ark with Inferno, and Megatron's scanners were unable to locate him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Monitoring the Maximal attempt to salvage [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]], Megatron sent his men out to retrieve the device. The mission was surprisingly a success, and Megatron later installed Sentinel in the Predacon ship. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} Megatron had also developed [[Cyber raptor]]s, which were sent out occasionally to harass the early humans. When he spotted Blackarachnia and Cheetor accompanying two of the humans, he sent Waspinator and Tarantulas out with three of the raptors to attack them. It didn't go too well for the Predacons, but Megatron was brewing a new plan. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}
[[File:FeralScream1 Megatron greets clone.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Ah, there's always time for a speech.]]
Having obtained a [[Transmetal driver]] through unknown means, he embarked upon an experiment, the fruition of which was the creation of a [[Transmetal 2]] [[Dinobot II|clone of Dinobot]]. However, thanks to the interference of [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] and Cheetor during the experiment, the Transmetal driver was lost, and the Predacons captured Depth Charge in order to interrogate him. Before they could extract the information, they were attacked by a strange feral beast, which eliminated them one by one. Megatron accidentally slagged Waspinator before being attacked by the creature himself, and sent flying off a cliff. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} Returning to base, Megatron detected the beast roaming in the night, and realized that Cheetor had been exposed to the Transmetal driver's energies and upgraded into a new form. He dispatched Dinobot and Waspinator to capture Cheetor, but unsurprisingly they failed. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:MasterBlaster-DragonMegsTarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|300px|”I am not so easily destroyed, WE ARE NOT EVEN IN THE SERIES FINALE FOOL! DON’T RUSH!”]]

Megatron had his men build a new weapon—a [[disruptor cannon]] constructed in a cave on a mountain top. Unfortunately due to the bi-polar energon source that the weapon used, the Predacons were unable to get close enough to install the shielding. Megatron sent Waspinator and Inferno out to capture one of the early humans, and they came back with [[Una]]. With great difficulty, Megatron instructed her on installing the shielding and installing the stabilizer crystal. After the Maximals had rescued her, the Predacons fired the cannon, only to discover too late that Una hadn't installed the stabilizer after all. The cannon exploded in their faces. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} Alerted by Tarantulas that the Maximals were attempting to remove Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Megatron assigned Inferno, Rampage and Quickstrike to help Tarantulas disrupt the Ark's power, and hopefully terminate Blackarachnia. It even mostly worked, except for the part about Blackarachnia dying instead of ending up with a new Transmetal 2 body. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

On a later occasion, Megatron had Waspinator attack the Ark as part of a diversion. Tarantulas was able to place Optimus Primal under Quickstrike's control, enabling the Predacons to defeat the Maximals easily, and allowing Megatron to enter the Ark once more. There, he deliberately took the spark of the original Megatron and placed it in his body. Before he could do anything more, Quickstrike used Primal's body to dump in him the nearest pit of lava—a double-cross engineered by Tarantulas. Megatron did not die, but was upgraded into a new form, with a dragon as his [[alternate mode]]. After slagging Tarantulas, Megatron fought at length with Primal, only being fought off when Blackarachnia freed the other Maximals. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

[[File:OtherVictories-Megswig.jpg|right|thumb|200px|”I hereby declare you independent… FROM LIFE!”]]

His attempt to put Quickstrike on trial for treachery was interrupted by the news that something was incoming. [[Tigerhawk]], emissary of the Vok, obliterated the Predacon base before defeating Megatron in battle. Tigerhawk prepared to deliver the killing blow, but was interrupted, first by Optimus Primal, and then by Tarantulas. By the time Megatron recovered, Tigerhawk had been captured by Tarantulas, and Megatron flew off. Tarantulas was eventually destroyed by his quest for power, and Megatron could only watch as the Maximals welcomed Tigerhawk into their ranks. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

[[File:OtherVictories-Megsdragon.jpg|left|thumb|250px|”This is my world now. AND YOU WON’T EVEN LAST 2 EPISODES!”]]

Desperate once again, Megatron dispatched Inferno, Waspinator and Quickstrike to find a new base, while he took the competent Predacons to search the remains of Tarantulas's lair. There, Dinobot found a hatch leading to an undersea tunnel and Megatron realised the enormity of what Tarantulas had discovered. The Predacons followed the tunnel to the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the Decepticon flagship which had crashed at the same time as the Ark. Megatron and Dinobot entered the ancient ship, successfully powering it up and raising it out of the ocean, intending to take back to Cybertron so that Megatron might conquer the planet. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

{{quote|I am ''alpha and omega'', optimal Optimus. Now and forever, until the end of time!|Megatron|"Nemesis Part 2"}}
[[File:Nemesis2 Megatron on shuttle.jpg|right|thumb|How To Restrain Your Dragon.]]

First, however, he planned to annihilate the ''entire'' Ark rather than simply Optimus Prime: drunk on power and reciting religious scripture that he believed concerned ''him'', he was declaring himself "alpha and omega" and that time itself was now his to command.

Heading for the Ark, Megatron stopped the ship momentarily to fire on an anthropoid settlement, despite Dinobot's objections, inadvertently killing Inferno and Quickstrike in the process. Of course, this meant that when the ''Nemesis'' arrived at its target, the fusion cannon was still recharging. Megatron instead turned a tractor beam on the Autobot ship. Primal infiltrated the ''Nemesis'' and began fighting Megatron. Though Optimus was no match for the Predacon leader, he bought the Maximals enough time to find an Autobot shuttle, which Rhinox piloted into the bridge of the ''Nemesis'', taking Megatron out. The ''Nemesis'' crashed a second time and thus preserved history. After returning the original Megatron's spark to its proper body, the Maximals headed back to Cybertron with the incarcerated Megatron shackled to the outside of their ship. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Machines'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Francisco José]] (Portuguese), [[Jan Spitzer]] (German) [[Giorgio Locuratolo]] (Italian), [[Armando Rendiz]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Diéguez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jean-Paul Dermont]] (French)}}

[[File:Megatron for life.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"If you've done nothing wrong, you've got nothing to fear. If you've something to hide, you shouldn't even be here..."]]
Breaking free from his constraints on the Autobot shuttle while it traveled through transwarp space, Megatron arrived back home on Cybertron well before the Maximals did. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} He used the window of opportunity for maximum effect, releasing a [[Transformation virus|virus]] across the planet that quickly incapacitated the population. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} He then began extracting the victims' [[spark]]s and storing them in a citadel, planning to one day absorb them into his own spark. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} Meanwhile, he used factories to rebuild the bodies into mindless [[drone]]s he called "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]]". {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Eventually, he had almost every spark on Cybertron in his possession. At some point Megatron's former follower [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] managed to make it back to Cybertron through unknown means. However Megatron simply extracted his spark too. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

When the Maximals arrived in their shuttle, they found the planet empty, aside from Vehicons who immediately attacked them with canisters of a gas that infected them with the virus. The fully-Transmetal among them "devolved" into their original beast modes but were able to keep moving and escape. The remaining two, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] (who never received any form of upgrade on Earth), were instead paralyzed and quickly overtaken. Their sparks soon joined Megatron's collection. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Optimus grabs Megatron's head.jpg|thumb|"Time for a noogie!" "NOOOOOO!!!"]]
The escaped Maximals would have succumbed to the virus eventually if not for the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] [[reformatting]] them. Megatron observed their first battle against the Vehicon drones, vowing to destroy the impurity in his technological paradise. {{storylink|The Reformatting}} He would not have to wait long before a confrontation with [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], gloating to the Maximal leader that Cybertron now belonged to the technological. The strain of controlling the Vehicon drones while attacking three targets was telling, and Primal was able to goad him into losing control, causing an overwhelming urge to transform and revealing Megatron's dragon form, now in a ragged patchwork state as a result of failed attempts to excise his organic mode. Megatron was able to quickly recover, pointing out Primal's own failure had led to the downfall of Cybertron, before reconnecting to his [[control harness]] and taking control of the drones once again. Defiant, Primal had to be dragged from the [[Council Citadel]] by the other Maximals. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

[[File:FiresofthePast Megatron closeup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Calm down Diagnostic Drone, now is not the time for fear. That comes later.]]
Though the [[Diagnostic Drone]] insisted that Megatron's organic side had been purged, another failed battle between the Vehicon drones caused him to revert in rage to his dragon mode yet again. In order to make his drones more flexible in capturing the Maximals, he imbued three Vehicons with captured sparks so they could think on their feet in battle. The original personalities of these "[[Vehicon General]]s" were deeply buried under shell programs, which allowed Megatron to use sparks of the Maximals' former allies. Thus, if the Maximals discovered who they really were, they would be reluctant to destroy them. The recently captured Silverbolt and Rhinox were made into [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] and [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], respectively. The third general, [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]], was created from his former follower [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. During the generals' first engagement with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], Megatron became aware that Blackarachnia was trying to access the computer of the Autobot shuttle they'd arrived in, and he made an attempt to access her memory while she did so. Rattrap was warned of this via a transmission made to Jetstorm, and was able to cut the link before Megatron could learn the location of the Maximal base. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits Megatron medium shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|My stomach is rumbling. Diagnostic Drone, bring out the Energon Brownies.]]
After raging at the three generals for their failure, Megatron sent them out, promising great rewards for whoever captured the Maximals. This paid off when Tankor returned with all four of the Maximals. Unfortunately while Megatron was getting ready to give Tankor his reward of oblivion, the Maximals escaped, and Primal was able to speak directly to Tankor's spark, turning him against Megatron. Once they'd escaped, Megatron was able to restore his control harness and remotely erase Tankor's memory of the last 20 cycles, turning him against the Maximals once more. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}} The Diagnostic Drone continued to attempt to formulate ways to excise Megatron's organic side, suggesting they wait until after the Maximal problem was dealt with, however Megatron was determined to put a swift end to the matter in question. During a battle between the drones and Maximals in a Vehicon factory, Megatron retook control of the drones out of frustration over his generals' failure, only for feedback from a computer to overload his systems.

While in this weakened state, he was approached by Rattrap, who offered to defend Megatron for the night in return for weaponry. Though the other Maximals turned up, Rattrap fought them back. Megatron encouraged him to use the weapons to terminate the Maximals, but Rattrap refused, pointing out that the sun was coming up and their agreement was at an end. In return, Megatron let him go free. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Survivor Megatron dragon.jpg|left|upright=1.5|thumb|Just don't call him "Patches" or he'll scorch your ass.]]
The attempts to remove Megatron's organic form continued, with little success, and he turned down the Diagnostic Drone's suggestion to simply build a new body for himself, as it would require leaving his spark unprotected for a short period of time. Instead they implemented a new plan: attempt to capture [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] and work out how to reverse the process the young Maximal used to acquire an organic mode. During the mission, the Diagnostic Drone was reprogrammed by Tankor, whose Rhinox personality had resurfaced, and was now actively working in competition with Megatron to create a technological utopia. When the next attempt to purge Megatron's dragon mode failed (as Tankor instructed), the Diagnostic Drone suggested that the failure was caused by Megatron himself. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After Tankor's apparent destruction, Megatron demanded the Diagnostic Drone find out what happened. The Maximals, meanwhile, attempted to attack a Vehicon factory, with the intent of stealing a [[Mole Drone]], and Megatron demonstrated his power over Cybertron by moving the very buildings themselves around in an attempt to crush the Maximals, and elevating the factory in an attempt to tip them out. {{storylink|The Key}} Megatron questioned Thrust and Jetstorm over Tankor's whereabouts prior to his demise. Unknown to any of them, the "death" had been a trick on Tankor's part, and the real Tankor had the Diagnostic Drone take the opportunity to reveal the discovery of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], capable of transforming organic matter into [[Living metal#Beast Era|technomatter]], to Megatron. Though Megatron was encouraged by the idea it could purge Cybertron of organic life, he was suspicious of the Drone's inadvertent slip of the tongue regarding what the Key would do to him, and ordered the Key be loaded on to select drones only. Tankor's plan to force Megatron's hand by providing the Maximals with a catalyst to make their vines grow faster eventually paid off, and Megatron ordered the key loaded onto all of the [[Tank Drone]]s. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:EndoftheLine Megatron swirlingenergies.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2| No! The hurricane is separating me from my action figures! Curse you, Mother Nature!!!]]
Of course, Megatron also made sure the Tank Drones were under his sole control first. Tankor then provided Primal with the whereabouts of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], capable of purging all technology from Cybertron, in an attempt to force Megatron to use the keys. Megatron did not believe that Primal would actually go through with opening the chamber, and, distrustful of the Diagnostic Drone's motives, destroyed it. During the Maximal's last push for victory, Megatron found himself confronted by Optimus Primal once more, and crowed over his opponent as the other Maximals were transformed into technomatter. However Primal was able to provoke another appearance by Megatron's beast mode, and attempted to reformat him. The attempt was interrupted by Tankor, who prepared to zap Megatron with a Key, but was promptly restrained. Megatron announced that having a free agent was part of his plan, and had handed him the key to victory. Optimus, finally determined to win at any cost, opened the Plasma Energy Chamber, and Megatron responded by triggering the key weapon, causing a maelstrom of clashing energies. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:SavageNoble Noble with wings.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|Great. I still have wings, but I've got fur instead of scales. The indignity...]]
When the Maximals entered the Council Citadel, all they found of Megatron was his body, which disintegrated. Despite this the evidence of Megatron's influence remained—following Optimus Primal's resurrection, the Maximals found themselves face-to-face with a giant ship, resembling a stylised version of Megatron's own head, which rose above the city. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} The ship did not contain Megatron's [[spark]] though; The combined energies had actually succeeded in separating his organic half from his body—unfortunately, his spark went with it and become trapped in a purely organic Transformer. He took the identity of "innocent" Maximal [[Noble (BM)|Noble]] and, preying on [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]'s survivor guilt and Optimus's inherent goodness, attained the confidence of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} With their help, he was able to gain entry back into the Council Citadel, and attempted to access the control harness, only to discover it would not interface with his organic form. Using a [[spark extractor]], he ripped his own spark out and flew into the giant floating head, possessing it and reactivating Cybertron. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

[[File:InDarkestKnight Grand Mal.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Tremble before the might of MODOK!]]
Intent on gaining access to the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Megatron seized Primal and Cheetor, bringing them aboard the ship in preparation to tear the information from them. He was able to communicate with them by appearing as a hologram of moving [[Cybertronix]], announcing that the procedure would be terminal. Before it could be completed, Silverbolt, who had been reformatted from Jetstorm by Blackarachnia, arrived and freed the two Maximals. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} Unwilling to admit defeat, Megatron deployed his own variation of the [[Hate Plague]], infecting all of the Maximals but Primal. Optimus instead was scooped up by a tentacle and taken aboard the floating head for a frank discussion about free will versus universal harmony. As it turned out, Optimus was able to help the Maximals overcome their anger and reformat their neural pathways, though Megatron was amused by Primal's afterthought that not all of their issues came from the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}} Following [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]]'s arrival, Megatron used the giant head's spaceship mode to destroy the rampantly-growing plant life she'd brought with her. {{storylink|Home Soil}}

[[File:Megatron Sparkwar Search.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"We've been expecting you, Mr. Anderson."]]
With the Maximals numbering seven, and Thrust increasingly incapable of keeping up, Megatron used the sparks of famous generals [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] to replace them. Though they subsequently failed to destroy the Maximals, Megatron thanked them for keeping his enemy busy while he finalised his plans for the collection of sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} He gave his generals orders to find the Maximals and take Optimus alive. Primal had ventured down into the lost city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] with Nightscream, giving Megatron the opportunity to strike. Tricking the Maximal leader with a huge hologram of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Megatron was able to extract the codes to access the Oracle. On the other hand, Primal was able to use the link to determine the location of the lost sparks without Megatron knowing. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Giant megatron spark.jpg|thumb|It feels weird, being a ball of energy just eating up ''other'' balls of energy.]]
Megatron began preparing for his "grand ascension", separating his spark from the giant head and starting to consume the many sparks he had captured. The Maximals managed to get a team onto the ship, but were immediately seized by metal tentacles and forced to watch as Megatron continued to devour the sparks, intending to unite every spark on the planet into one perfect being—himself. Rising out of the head, Megatron began to draw the Maximals' sparks from their bodies. He was forced to pause to destroy his organic half, Noble, which had continued to roam Cybertron after his spark had left it. Anguished at the loss of his friend, Nightscream used his sonic attack on Megatron's spark, apparently dispelling it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

Depolarized, Megatron's spark drifted through the streets of [[Cybertropolis]], attempting to possess bodies but unable to stay in them for any period of time, and only able to operate them in the barest, zombie-like fashion. After attacking the Maximals in a seemingly-random pattern, his spark was captured by Rattrap in a spark extractor and repolarized. The net result—Megatron was able to possess a new body, however he soon realized that he was trapped in the shell of a Diagnostic Drone. This didn't hinder him from capturing the Maximals and attempting to reformat Primal's spark, and, though Botanica swiftly came to the rescue, Megatron still escaped thanks to the loyalty of his three generals. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

{{quote|I live! I live! I—...what kind of puny body is this?!|Megatron|"Spark of Darkness"}}

[[File:BMEndgame2 Optimal megatron.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.]]
While working on a new plan, Megatron had his generals attack the Maximals, who had holed up in the giant head. Unsatisfied with his current body, but having no time to design a new one, Megatron searched the archives for a suitable template, finding Optimus Primal's "optimal" form to be suitably ironic. When an escape pod was launched from the Grand Mal, Megatron found the harmonics-matching disk inadvertently provided by Rattrap, sending the frequency to the Vehicons so they could bring down the ship. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} Though the Maximals fought back, eliminating the Vehicon Generals, Megatron had constructed a new body for himself—a copy of Primal's old "Optimal Optimus" form, though without its beast mode. Seizing control of the Cycle drones, he was able to rip the Maximals' sparks from their bodies, leaving himself and Primal as the last two functional mechanisms on the planet. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

[[File:BMEndgame3 Megatron dies.jpg|thumb|THEY'LL NEVER MAke a toy of thiiiiiiiiis...]]
There followed an all-out battle between the two mortal enemies, which raged across the city. Primal was seemingly beaten when he found the remains of the [[technorganic orchard]], devastated by Megatron's drones, and Megatron took him back to the surface. There, Megatron claimed his giant throne, and absorbed the rest of the sparks, growing in size. Preparing to use the Key to Vector Sigma to reformat Cybertron's organic core, Megatron severed Primal's connection to the Oracle. However Primal received encouragement from the spirits of his Maximal comrades, and by reformatting Megatron's throne, was able to dislodge him. They plummeted together into Cybertron's core, where Primal was able to trigger the reformatting of the entire planet, destroying himself and Megatron completely, but freeing all the lost sparks to repopulate their newly redecorated Cybertron. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{--}}

==Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===Yokohama Decepticon Secret Base===
After [[Predacon computer|NAVI-ko]] acquired a new body and intelligence on "[[Yokohama Convoy|Nemesis Prime]]", Megatron sent NAVI-ko through [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Yokohama]] in [[2014]] to acquire the dark clone of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. After Nemesis Prime shed his evil and reverted to being Yokohama Convoy, Megatron realized his plans were foiled and ordered NAVI-ko to return. {{storylink|Yokohama Decepticon Secret Base}}

===''Cloud''===
While the Maximals were trying to help out the wayward [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]] of the [[Cloud World]], they investigated an energon mine, only to find Megatron and his Predacons waiting there. The two sides battled, and Hot Rodimus took the opportunity to transform into helicopter mode to pursue his true quarry. Bemused by the presence of this larger [[Transformer]], Megatron sent [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to give chase. Rodimus was able to get rid of his pursuers and encountered his target, the [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] from his world. The two's battle set off the nearby energon, forcing the Predacons to retreat. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

In another fight with Shockwave, Hot Rodimus thought back to their confrontation with the Beast Warriors, including Megatron. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

===''Beast Wars Diorama Story''===
[[File:BWDS 2.jpg|thumb|left]]
Some time after Starscream fled from prehistoric Earth, Megatron and a group of Predacons, including [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a time-displaced [[Archadis]], and [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]], battled a contingent of [[Maximal]]s comprising [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Colada]], and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] in a forest. After all the Transformers transformed into robot mode, Megatron attacked Optimus Primal with the jaws of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. Primal blocked the attack with his dual Cyber Blades and then fought Megatron off with his Mega Blasters. {{storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Though Primal blocked his "Tyranno Fang" attack, Megatron was able to counter by shooting a "Laser Buster" from the mouth of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. {{storylink|Megatron Chapter}}

[[File:BWDiorama Megatrons.jpg|thumb|No good can come of this.]]

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], who were [[Decepticon]]s and [[Autobot]]s from another [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|universe]]. [[Tigatron]] and [[Gimlet]] also joined the battle, and, after being defeated by the Maximals, Starscream joined the Predacons. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and joined the Predacons, as well. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from the other universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Gimlet Chapter}}

The Decepticon Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. The Predacon Megatron battled Optimus Primal in the ensuing skirmish. The Maximals' savior came in the form of [[Motorarm (BW)|Motorarm]], who then went on to battle [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Megatron battled Primal again, and the two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. The Predacon Megatron led the combined Predacon/Decepticon force. With Motorarm leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

Later, through the power of energon, both Optimus Primal and Megatron attained the giant "Energon Power Mode". The energies coursing in their bodies granted both improved abilities and the two battled. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Diorama Story#TM-SP Character Data File|TM-SP Character Data File}}

===''Robotmasters'' comic===
[[File:RM online 1.jpg|thumb|left]]
Megatron travelled to [[Earth]] in the year [[2004]] through the [[Blastizone]] with a minion, [[Psycho-Orb]], in tow. Seeking to harness the power of the [[solitarium]] that Earth contained, Megatron set out to amass a force by taking over leadership of the [[Decepticon]]s. He went to their [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|underwater base]] and challenged [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who was leading the Decepticons in the absence of the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. The battle for command ended in Megatron's favor, {{storylink|Change in Command: The Usurper Decepticon}} and he attacked the Autobots two days later. Megatron introduced himself to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who was unaware of the mysterious purple ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. The battle ended in retreat when firepower overwhelmed the Decepticons. {{storylink|Clash! The Two Leaders}} {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}} Uneasy with the silence following Megatron's disappearance during the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] searched for Megatron, finding the Blastizone and arriving in 2004's Earth. {{storylink|To War! Optimus Primal}} He would meet up with Optimus Prime himself as the two battled Beast Megatron again. {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}}

Two months after Megatron took leadership away from him, Starscream created the [[Arsenal Force]] weapons in a bid to take leadership back. When Megatron demanded to see the weapons Starscream has created, the Seeker provided a very personal demonstration by blasting the Predacon with it. Megatron was unfazed and allowed Starscream to live for making such interesting weapons. {{Storylink|Starscream Grins 3 Times...}}

[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] joined the Autobots. Together, they promised to defeat Megatron. {{storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}} Later, [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]], acting as a double agent for the Decepticons, provided the Autobots with information about a solitarium lode on [[Chaar]]. There, they were met with Megatron and Double Face in a trap for the Autobots. Megatron blasted the Autobots and the Decepticons ran off with the solitarium. {{Storylink|Defend the Solitarium!}}

Megatron was given falsified data on creating a "[[Black body (technology)|black body]]" coating for himself by Starscream. Due to his "beast" physiology, the Predacon leader was upgraded with no ill-effects, despite Starscream's intentions. With energy stolen from the other Decepticons, Megatron then launched an attack on the Autobots. Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal, both empowered by [[solitarium]], came to thwart his evil scheme, and Megatron was forced away. Afterwards, his body built an immunity to the black body upgrade, meaning he could no longer use its power. Megatron realized that it could be troublesome if Starscream was the only one among his ranks to have access to the black body power. He swapped out the remaining chip necessary for the upgrade with the one that contained the falsified data, and allowed Starscream to have it and be hoist by his own petard. {{storylink|Black Body (prose)|Black Body}}

[[File:RM online 9.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|This ain't {{w|Zoids}}.]]

In [[2005]], when a confused [[Lio Convoy]] arrived on Earth, Megatron took advantage of the opportunity and convinced the lion that the Autobots of the era were evil invaders battling the heroic Decepticons. When [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] and [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] flew by, Lio Convoy struck and battled the two, much to Megatron's amusement. {{Storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (issue)|Lio Convoy Storms In}} Unfortunately for the Predacon, both Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal intervened, and Lio Convoy was convinced of the goodness of the Autobots. With the energies of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and the [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]], the four [[Supreme Commander]]s attacked and forced Megatron and his Decepticons to flee. {{Storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

Hope came to the Decepticons when [[Air Hunter]] reported the incoming return of the original Megatron, {{Storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} who was revealed to be inhabiting the body of [[Reverse Convoy]] as "Rebirth Megatron". At the Decepticon base, the Megatrons took a liking to each other discussed their stock of solitarium and how they could conquer the universe with it. To get even more, they decided to make a decisive attack on the Autobots. The battle lasted for three days and three nights till the Decepticons were defeated. With the power of solitarium, Megatron, Optimus Primal, and Psycho-Orb returned to the Beast Wars. {{Storylink|And Then}}
{{--}}

===''Legends'' comic===
In the late 1980s, [[quantum surge]] energy that the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] absorbed while his spark was inside the Predacon Megatron's body suddenly granted the Decepticon a "[[Transmetal]]" form. {{Storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

The [[Arcee (G1)#Q-Transformers cartoon|Arcee]] of [[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|another universe]] retold the story of Megatron and Optimus Primal's battle in the core of Cybertron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition EX Rattrap}} The end of this battle resulted in a new era for the planet, with a reconfigurated [[Vector Sigma]] as its leader. The remnants of Megatron's Grand Mal served as a monument. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Blue Big Convoy)|Bonus Edition EX Blue Big Convoy}}

===''Beast Wars Reborn''===
[[File:BeastWarsRebornMegatronArtwork1.jpg|233px|thumb|Reborn on the wagon of a travelin' show, Primal used ta dance fer the money they'd throw! Megatron would do whatever he coooouuuld!]]
After their deaths in the core of Cybertron, both Megatron and Optimus Primal awoke inside a bizarre temple-like spaceship which was hurtling through space. Neither had any memory of who they were or how they got there, only their own names and a feeling of discomfort between one another. The pair went about investigating the ship in search of answers. While Megatron's memory was lost, his personality remained mostly intact: he was more concerned with seizing control of the ship before Primal did in order to gain the upper hand.

They eventually found a data log and discovered that their sparks had been taken and they were reborn into new bodies (unbeknownst to them, bodies identical to their original Earth forms). However, their memories were intentionally not uploaded into their new bodies. While searching the log they discovered that the ship's main power source was a [[Golden Disk (BWR)|Golden Disk]] lodged within a giant pillar. Megatron immediately raced to obtain the Disk and Primal followed him. The closer they got to the disk the more the ship attempted to thwart their advance by manipulating its atmosphere conditions.

Once they reached the chamber the ship's environment suddenly morphed to that of a decaying planet littered with the corpses of robots. The corpses came to life and began shambling toward them, intent on eating their sparks. They made short work of the zombies, leaving Megatron to obtain the Golden Disk and Primal with a feeling that he shouldn't entirely trust Megatron.

From another dimension beyond time and space, [[Primus]] recognized that something was amiss and sent [[Vector Prime]] to meet Primal and Megatron within the spaceship. {{storylink|The Mysterious Temple in Space}}

Primal found his suspicions confirmed after Megatron discovered that part of the ship let him convert any object into antimatter, effectively giving the ability to turn anything—or anyone—into a particle-annihilating bomb. Their subsequent battle was quickly interrupted by a strange being calling itself [[Logos Prime|Soundblaster]], who informed them that the ship's power over space and time was his own—and wished to give this power to Megatron. {{storylink|Master of the Game}}

Megatron readily accepted Soundblaster's offer, though he thought to himself that Soundblaster was hiding something. The catch was quickly revealed: Megatron first had to complete a rite of succession. The [[Zeonomicon]], source of Logos Prime's power, was released from the ancient's body, and hidden away on an [[Jungle Planet (colony)|organic planet]]. Megatron was annoyed, thinking he and Optimus would be competing in a hunting game for the artifact. Soundblaster began to explain that the Golden Disk detailed the rite in full. Before he could elaborate, Optimus snatched the disk away. Soundblaster, unfazed, granted Megatron and his rival their memories back before sending them to the planet's surface. {{Storylink|Planetfall (BWR)|Planetfall}}

[[File:Animatron form Optimus Megatron.jpg|thumb|left]]
On the planet, Megatron set to work, seeking Animatron's [[Cyber Planet Key]], beating up [[Scavage]] for information. Realizing the need to adapt to this universe's peculiarities, Megatron tore out Scavage's key port and attached it to his body, and the planet's psionic energy converted him into an Animatronian-style Transmetal. He showed up at the [[Rectangular Valley]]'s doorstep seeking out Optimus Primal and the Golden Disk he had, knowing it was necessary to place upon a nearby obelisk to get the Zeonomicon. Primal used the power of the Cyber Planet Key to reformat into an equivalent body and the two raced off to the obelisk. Both vanished from sight and were never seen again, but [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] believed the fact that a new day dawned on the planet was proof enough of who won the fight. {{Storylink|The Extraordinary Reformat}}

===''Kiss Players''===
Upon meeting the lost [[Shaoshao Li]] on his universe's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] noted that [[Logos Prime]] had brought two Transformers from Shaoshao's [[G1 World|world]] to this universe a long time ago. It was prudent for Shaoshao to find how they may have returned to their native universe, as she needed to return the [[Angolmois Energy|"Allspark" fragments she collected]] to ensure its future. {{storylink|Kiss Players episode 50|Kiss Players #50}}

===''Beast Wars II'' cartoon===
In the far future, [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] tried to summon Megatron to [[Gaia]] using a time machine. When his brother [[Megastorm|Gigastorm]] screwed up the wavelength calculations and instead summoned the titanic [[Majin Zarak]], Galvatron was pleased and declared, "We have obtained a weapon far superior to Megatron". {{storylink|Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!}}

===''Legacy VS500 Collection Special Comic''===
Megatron in his dragon form was a spectator of the second week of the [[Speedia 500]] on [[Velocitron]]. {{storylink|Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 3}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Wars Official Guidebook''==
[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaurer]] was upgraded by Megatron into a gaudy purple body that increased his speed and evasion. He was renamed "Terrorsaur". {{storylink|Super Lifeform Transformers Beast Wars Official Guidebook|Beast Wars Official Guidebook}}

==3H comics==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English)}}
[[File:Groundzero-megatron-hopeforyou.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|Positive Reinforcement Dad Megs, especially with that voice, needs to be a thing, yesss.]]
Megatron was mentored by the gangster [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], who engineered the plot to steal the Golden Disk. Megatron, however, betrayed him and took the Golden Disk for himself to Earth.<ref name="cryotek bio">[https://web.archive.org/web/20060512022359/http://botconarchives.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html Cryotek's archived BotCon Online profile], also in the Director's Cut edition of "[[Betrayal]]".</ref>

At some point after [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] was born, [[Fractyl]] briefly daydreamed about impressing Megatron with his new discovery, the energon armor producing [[furmanite]]. When he failed even in his dreams, however, Fractyl reconsidered alerting Megatron just yet.

In reality, Megatron was summoned by Blackarachnia when the Maximal [[Packrat]] stole some of Fractyl's furmanite. He arrived on the scene in time to see Fractyl bravely chasing off the Maximal pack, after recovering the dangerous furmanite. Well done, Fractyl! (Oh, if only he knew...) {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Antagony megatron.jpg|thumb|Kinky.]]
[[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]], future-born [[Herald Maximo]] of [[Shokaract]], arrived on prehistoric Earth after the [[quantum surge]] to protect the Dark Essence of [[Unicron]]. She attempted to terminate Megatron, who quickly conned her into fighting Optimus and then took her captive when she went into stasis lock. {{storylink|Visitations}}

He began patiently (and happily) torturing her for information on the future she came from, and when that failed he hacked into her mind using a [[mind-drill]] "borrowed" from [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. That triggered a safety-against-betrayal device that erased her mind before he could gain any information; Megatron was left with no information, beyond that her master would surely try again. {{storylink|Herald}}

Almost immediately after his transformation into dragon form, Megatron detected a temporal breach. Unbeknownst to him, he had already been observed by a time-traveller that had emerged from Transwarp, [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]]. {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} Having his troops ambush the Maximals (who had also detected the anomaly), he attempted to reach the time-traveller and gain access to the future, not caring what would happen if he took the original Megatron's spark within him. In the process, he encountered the Dark Essence and almost became a willing vessel for it, until it realised Windrazor would be easier to control. When the Fuzor fought the influence off, Shokaract himself emerged. {{storylink|Paradox}}

[[File:TM2 Megatron shoots Unicronessence.jpg|left|thumb|Ridley's Final Smash is a powerful stream of plasma breath intense enough to bring down [[Samus Aran|Samus]]'s starship.]]
Megatron's reaction to a horrifically powerful spark-devouring demigod, and time and space being shattered into a chaotic maelstrom... was to stride through the reality soup and blackmail said demigod by opening fire on the Dark Essence of the Chaos-Bringer, demanding knowledge of the future or he'd cause the erasure of Shokaract's entire timeline. Megatron is ''hardcore''. He failed, but this was a crucial distraction that helped bring about Shokaract's defeat. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

In the timeline that Shokaract, Windrazor et al. came from, Megatron had conquered Cybertron with an army of Predacons and a pre-Unicronian Shokaract had been one of his soldiers. Windrazor recognised him on sight and knew of the famous Beast Wars.{{storylink|Paradox}}{{storylink|Schism}} The timeline was changed by Shokaract's defeat so Cybertron's probably safe eh readers?

When Megatron returned to Cybertron from Earth, his former mentor Cryotek offered to rid him of his hated beast mode, wishing to take the powerful [[Transmetal 2]] dragon form for himself. The painful metamorphosis left Cryotek disabled. Using this opportunity, Megatron stole Cryotek's research and used it to conquer Cybertron.<ref name="cryotek bio"/> His conquest was swift, catching those who would have prepared Cybertron from its enemies unprepared. {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals}}

As part of his "experimental meanderings", Megatron created the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]], whom he considered "wretched".

[[File:MegatronBW-BWXart.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Guess who traveled with Primal to the Jungle Planet?]]

Some time after Megatron finally removed himself of his organic beast mode, he created the new [[Vehicon General]]s [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] and [[Blastcharge (BM)|Blastcharge]], assigning them experimental [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. They were charged with hunting down and destroying the [[Wreckers]], the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]], and the Mutants. They failed, despite the assistance of [[Spy Streak]]. As Megatron saw the Wreckers fly off in a stolen spaceship, he simply called it a temporary setback. {{storylink|Departure}}

After technorganic Cybertron was achieved, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s spark was revived from the within the Matrix to protect the [[multiverse]]. However, this action freed Megatron's spark as well. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Megatron did not visibly resurface, however, until a dark chapter in the [[Universe War]], amidst "the [[Culling]]", when the [[Maximal High Council]] and a great portion of Cybertron's population itself was snuffed out by the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. It is not known exactly how, but when the chaos of this genocide settled, Megatron had taken a powerful position within the remaining Predacon military. At first, Megatron began antagonizing Primal as he had before, but Megatron quickly learned that he and Primal would do better to first team up against Unicron. He and Primal traveled to several universes, preparing them for the coming battle and winning new allies. But now with Unicron disappeared into the [[Unicron Singularity]], Primal fully expects Megatron's insane ambition to resurface. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|Optimus Primal's profile in Club magazine #9}}
{{--}}

==Razorclaw continuity==
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] shortly after the death of Optimus Primal, minor atmospheric perturbations caused Silverbolt's stasis pod to land far from the ''Axalon'', and absent Silverbolt's intervention Megatron slew the Maximals. Only Tigatron and Airazor survived, and when Megatron's machinations continued to threaten the Vok, the Vok dispatched the unified form of Tigatron and Airazor, Tigerhawk, to Earth to end Megatron's reign. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} Tigerhawk managed to kill Megatron, {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}} but in doing so he nearly fell victim to the [[timestorm]] which resulted from Megatron absorbing the spark of his namesake. The timestorm tore reality apart, and Unicron plucked Tigerhawk from its remains {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} to become his general, Tigerhawk becoming [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]]. {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}}

==''Robotmasters'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Toshitsugu Takashina]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:Robot Masters episode1 Prime vs. Megs.jpg|thumb|left]]

Taking advantage of the [[Blastizone]] as a means of time travel (and apparently size-enhancer), Megatron journeyed to a point in history where the original Megatron had gone missing, leaving the [[Decepticon]]s without a leader. "Beast Megatron" took command of the Decepticons, leading them on a quest to collect a powerful element, [[solitarium]], from within Earth. Beast Megatron's plans were quickly thwarted by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and a troop of time-displaced Autobots and Maximals, including [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]], [[Lio Convoy]], and Beast Megatron's nemesis, Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!}}

Beast Megatron later discovered a large deposit of solitarium beneath a city, and along with [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Smokesniper]], [[Gigant Bomb]], and [[Wingstun]], laid waste to the location. The Autobots, accompanied by [[Reverse Convoy]], arrived and dealt with Beast Megatron's forces quickly. However, Reverse Convoy revealed himself to be the original Megatron in disguise and turned on them. Now going by the name [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rebirth Megatron]], he teamed up with Beast Megatron and the pair made trouble for the Autobot commanders in the form of a tornado-style attack. However, the Autobots were able to defeat the two Megatrons, countering the villains' attack with their own variation of it, sending Beast Megatron and his allies into a retreat. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (episode)|Lio Convoy Storms In}}
{{--}}

==''Robotmasters'' 3D diorama manga==
While the [[Autobot]]s under [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] helped [[Athens]] prepare for the [[Olympics]], Megatron sent [[Gigant Bomb]] and [[Smokesniper]] to disrupt their efforts. However, the [[Decepticon]] duo soon discovered that they were outnumbered by the Autobots and surrendered. Megatron fumed. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 1}} Soon, he obtained the amazing [[Arsenal Force]] and bestowed its energies to his underlings. But they couldn't do any damage before [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] appeared at the scene and literally slashed the energy out of the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 3}} Another of Megatron's plots involved a secret base disguised as an artificial satellite, but it was destroyed in a battle between [[Delta Seeker]] and [[X-Gunner]]. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 6}}

Beast Megatron joined forces with his predecessor, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who was in a new form as Reverse Convoy. They, along with [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], gloated over three of the Autobot leaders stuck in a trap that drained them of their energies. But the tide turned when [[Lio Convoy]] and a new [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arrived on the scene and all of the Autobot commanders used their combined energies to blast away the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 11}}

==Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity==
[[File:Dw theft.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|"This artistic error shall grant me control over time and space itself!"]]

After stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], Megatron broke into [[Vector Sigma]] along with [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] and reviewed historical files on many of the Autobots and Decepticons from the era of the Great War. He told Dinobot to refer to him henceforth as Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

After the Beast Wars, Megatron traveled back to Cybertron while chained to the side of a shuttle. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
Taking advantage of a destabilizing transwarp funnel, Megatron muscled himself free from his restraints. When Rattrap pulled the plug on the ship's Transwarp drive, the Autobot shuttlecraft was returned to Prehistoric Earth, and Megatron melted a hole into its bulkhead to attack the Maximals within. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

==''Transformers Legends'' anthology==
After Optimus Primal died to destroy the Planet Buster, two time-displaced versions of Megatron were waiting in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], when the equally time-displaced versions of Optimus Primal emerged from a meeting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

After having taken the spark of the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] into his body, Megatron found himself talking to his Decepticon counterpart, who goaded him into attempting a new plan. Quickstrike kept the Maximals busy while Megatron burned his way into the Ark. There, he implanted a fragment of the original Megatron's spark into the stasis locked body of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], allowing the two Megatrons to control the Seeker's body. He realised too late that the original Megatron's plan was to return the Decepticon leader's spark to his original body using Starscream. A battle of will ensued, which the beast Megatron ultimately won, subduing the older Megatron before himself being forced to flee the Ark by the Maximals. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

When Megatron was defeated by Nightscream, the spark of Rhinox attempted to act as a spirit guide and redeem the tyrant. Megatron proved to be a lost cause. While briefly tempted to move on, his inherent hypocrisy manifested and—despite fervently advocating the eradication of individuality—refused to relinquish his own identity. Rhinox's attempts at enlightenment were misconstrued, and his efforts only strengthened Megatron's desire for apotheosis. Repeated returns to Cybertron convinced him that godhood was still within his reach and as he charged his particles with "purity of purpose", erased Rhinox's spark from existence. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity==
The 'bot who would come to call himself "Megatron" was involved in the tail-end of the Great War, and commanded a small handful of troops on the battlefield. In a decisive battle, both [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] wound up dead, and the news of their demise quickly spread. Seeing opportunity, Megatron contacted his higher-ups, and petitioned that their forces strike decisively while the Autobots were still in disarray. His request was denied, but Megatron opted go through with his plans anyways.

[[File:DawnOfThePredacus-magnabossvsmegatron.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
As luck would have it, the Autobots' [[Tigatron|peace negotiator]] came to speak with his squad first, and Megatron let loose [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] in response to his pleas for an armistice. Although he involved himself in combat for a brief moment as well, Megatron left Predaking to "deal with the rabble" while he led the rest of his soldiers in an attack on the Primal Council. The Autobots' counter-offensive came in the form of [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]], who quickly overpowered Megatron's troops as transmatter rained down on the battlefield, converting all those it touched into a quantum state of proto-cybermatter. Tarantulas joined Megatron on the field, and informed him that the transmatter was coming from a doomsday weapon triggered by Galvatron's death, and that Predaking had taken his own life out of shame for his involvement with Galvatron's mad schemes. Refusing to be demoralized, Megatron readied to press his attack... only to be sniped by a stun-cannon. The Tripredacus Council then personally surrendered to the Autobots on behalf of all Decepticons. Megatron was trialed for his involvement in the war, and forcefully downgraded into a less-powerful body after the signing of the Pax Cybertronia. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

[[File:GatorMegatronBWSourcebook.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85]]
Upon his arrival on prehistoric Earth, the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Dark Side]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s computer suggested that Megatron take on a crocodilian alt mode. Unimpressed, Megatron chose instead to reformat himself with the genetic material of a Tyrannosaur. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #2}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed the timestream, he witnessed several key events during the Beast Wars. Among these were several moments involving Megatron, such as Megatron appearing menacing in his first T-rex body's beast mode, Megatron recruiting Quickstrike and Silverbolt to the Predacons, Megatron conversing with Ravage while bound by energy shackles, and finally Megatron unleashing a torrent of energy upon the stasis-locked Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

[[File:Gathering3-Megatron Magmatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Go back to anime, Magmatron!]]
In Lio Convoy's opinion, Megatron was a simple wild card, no real threat when compared with [[Magmatron]]. This drove home the fact that Cybertron had no idea of the damage Megatron had and would inflict, or the lengths he would go to becoming arguably the most powerful Transformer since the Great War.

After dispatching [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] to oversee the installation of [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]] into the ''Dark Side'', Megatron was attacked by Magmatron, who had been assigned to arrest him by the [[Tripredacus Council]]. Although Megatron proved more than a match for the experienced Predacon general individually, he was ambushed and paralyzed by [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] and [[Drill Bit (BW)|Drill Bit]]. Magmatron intended to use a transwarp shunt to transport his prisoner back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}} Thanks to the intervention of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Optimus Minor]], and [[Razorbeast]], Magmatron was sent home empty-handed. Razorbeast was tempted to dispatch the prone Megatron, but released him instead, due to his desire to avoid interfering with the timeline. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4|The Gathering #4}}

[[File:MegatronAscending4.JPG|left|thumb|Oh, we are so dead. Yeeeesss.]]
Ravage attempted to free Megatron after his ultimate capture at the end of the Beast Wars, but didn't progress very far in his plans. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 1|The Ascending #1}} However, the temporal shockwaves caused by Shokaract's suicide knocked Megatron free of his bonds atop the Autobot shuttle. Making his own way through the timestream, he arrived on a battle-ravaged Cybertron, long before the Maximals responsible for his defeat would emerge, with little else to stand in his way. Yeeess... {{storylink|The Ascending issue 4|The Ascending #4}}
{{--}}

==Waspscream continuity==
In [[Primax 208.06 Zeta]], Megatron's forces received assistance from the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of [[Primax 206.15 Gamma]]. This Starscream, having lived through Optimus Primal's gambit before, used his knowledge to press the advantage, and the Maximals were defeated. The Vok responded by trying to sterilize Earth, but Megatron tricked Blackarachnia into destroying the Planet Buster while she was attempting to escape Earth. The resulting [[quantum surge]] granted all the Predacons except Scorponok [[transmetal]] forms. The hybrid "Waspscream" entity launched a successful coup against Megatron. Megatron and his loyalists Inferno and Scorponok were captured, and Megatron himself was humiliatingly secured to the exterior of the Autobot shuttle which Waspscream's forces used to return to modern day Cybertron. However en route, Megatron managed to break free and arrive decades ahead of Waspscream's Predacons. He used his knowledge of the future to create a [[transformation virus]], unleashing it on Cybertron's unsuspecting population shortly before Waspscream's arrival, harvesting the populace's sparks and turning their bodies into Vehicon drones. Upon the arrival of Waspscream's crew, however, most of them escaped thanks to their transmetallization. Megatron only managed to capture their prisoners, Inferno, Scorponok, and Silverbolt, offering them the opportunity to serve him. Inferno leaped at the chance and became the commander of the [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]] drones while Scorponok and Silverbolt refused. Megatron used their sparks anyway, turning them into the [[Tank Drone]] commander [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Aero Drone]] commander [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]. Meanwhile, Waspscream's Predacons were drawn to the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], which granted them [[technorganic]] bodies. The Predacons proceeded to wage a valiant [[Spark War]] against Megatron and the Vehicons, eventually liberating Silverbolt and prompting Megatron to unleash a new general, the Autobot military genius [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 16, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}} Obsidian, however, schemed against Megatron, getting Tankor to assassinate Megatron and seizing control of the Vehicons for himself. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' Tankor profile}}

==''Timelines''==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English)}}
[[File:Megatronbwtheft.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Megatron steals the sacred Maximal cup coaster.]]
The Predacons [[Scourge (BW)|Scourge]], [[Buzz Saw (BW)|Buzz Saw]], and [[BB|Max-B]] worked for Megatron. The three of them, in disguise, gave the captured [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]] a test to ensure her loyalty to Decepticon glory. When she passed, they revealed their true identities and offered her a place under Megatron. {{Storylink|Intimidation Game}}

Megatron was the star pupil of the crime lord [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], and successfully carried out his plan to steal the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. Cryotek loved him like a son—which didn't stop him setting up Megatron to take the fall for the crime, knowing he'd betray him some day anyway. Unfortunately for Cryotek, "some day" was today—Megatron had everyone on the mission who wasn't loyal to him killed, had the data for the location of the Disk secretly decoded by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and then kept it for himself while directing the Maximals to his tutor. {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}}

[[File:Megatronbwsuit.jpg|thumb|Megatron's technicolor dreamcoat.]]
On Cybertron, Megatron wore removable transformable armor, which transformed into a missile-launching armored platform, over his basic bodyframe (which transformed into a hovertank). This quickly-discarded outer shell was possibly used to comply with the ratification of the [[Pax Cybertronia]], which required Predacons to lay down their arms. A Predacon field commander before the peace, Megatron refused to comply with these new regulations and struck out on his own to destroy the [[Maximal Imperium]].

With some [[Cryotek (RID)|help]] from [[Divebomb (G1)|various sources]], he assembled a crew of ragtag criminals and miscreants for the purpose of stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and using it to find [[Earth]]. Succeeding in stealing the disk, he, [[Dinobot (BW)|his lieutenant]], and [[Scorponok (BW)|another accomplice]] fought their way past security, eliminating [[Nitrostreak|one guard]] and dodging [[Tigatron|another]]. They were picked up by the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', a ship stolen by the rest of their crew.

Megatron instructed [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] to study the disk for the coordinates of Earth while the ''Darksyde'' battled its several pursuers. Although they were followed by the Maximal ships [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']] and the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', the ''Darksyde''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s mission was also aided by a third ship crewed by the Predacon agents [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. Though the ''Chromia 10'' and the Predacon ship were destroyed, the ''Darksyde'' was still followed by the ''Axalon''. Megatron removed his transformable armor and patched a video feed through to the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s captain, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. Declaring himself the leader of the Predacons, Megatron opened a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal through which both ships travelled. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

[[File:Trazorsedge prologue.jpg|left|thumb]]
Two weeks after [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Megatron fought to defend an orbital weapon from the [[Maximal]]s. Despite Megatron's savage attack, the launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

Megatron's attack on the dormant Optimus Prime was observed across the dimensions by [[Vector Prime]], who personally intervened to aid in Prime's recovery and preserve the normal flow of time. {{storylink|Vector Prime: In the Beginning}}
{{--}}

==Ask Vector Prime==
Due to the temporal shockwaves of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]]'s machinations in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals and imprisoned Megatron home from the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned, ending up in [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]]. [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] scattered the ship's crew into transwarp space, sending Megatron to [[Viron 102.0 Beta]]. There, he teamed up with local [[Predacon (BW)#2001 Robots in Disguise continuity|Predacon]] [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] to conquer the local Cybertron, harvesting the populace's sparks and converting their bodies into Vehicons. The Alternity shepherded the "shipwrecked" Primal, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to Viron 102.0 Beta to stop Megatron, activating the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] to guide them. Megatron eventually upgraded in a "[[:File:BeastWarsReturnstoy-MegaheadMegatron.jpg|Megahead]]" form, which was combated by Primal's "[[:File:RIDtoy-Suprimal.jpg|Air Attack]]" form. After the long "Allspark Battles", Primal's forces finally succeeded in vanquishing Megatron. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#September 30, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

==A Change to the Agenda==
After his attack on [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Megatron was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems. However, he was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. But before he could gloat further, Blackarachnia attacked the [[Megatron (G1)|original Megatron]] with her [[cyber venom]] before she disappearing, ensuring the Predacon Megatron's nonexistence. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, the Predacon who would become Megatron would take [[Megatron (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

==Games==
===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Megatron.jpg|thumb|"Dear me: Forget the grand scheme, just walk over and punch Optimus in his ****ing FACE. Yours sincerely, me."]]

{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)}}

Megatron was captured by the Maximals. Unknown to his captors, however, Megatron sent a message back in time through transwarp to his past self in a last-ditch effort to change the outcome of the Beast Wars; as a result, history was drastically changed following the Quantum Surge, with many combatants gaining new Transmetal forms. In this altered timeline, Megatron went on to participate in a one-on-one beatdown involving nearly all of the other active beast warriors. At the end, he confronted his mysterious doppelganger, [[Megatron X (BW)|Megatron X]].

Knowing fully that the planet where their war was taking place was in actuality prehistoric Earth, Megatron decided to make the ultimate gamble after gaining the upper hand in a grueling battle against the Maximals. Breaking into the Ark, Megatron murdered Optimus Prime while he slumbered, securing victory for both Decepticons and Predacons. However, in the year 2005, the Decepticons, having conquered both Earth and Cybertron, faced [[Unicron]]. As the Matrix died eons ago with Optimus Prime, it was unclear how the Decepticons could stand any chance against the devourer of worlds. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Megatron|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Crushing Wave
|-
|C-Up||Tail Smash
|-
|C-Left||Head Smash
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
Megatron led the other Predacons in an assault on the ''Axalon''. Unfortunately for them, Optimus Primal and his team fought back, beating the Predacons all the way back to the ''Darkside''. With his troops now out of commission, he was cornered on the bridge, and while momentarily caught off guard when the Maximals were revealed to have regained the Golden Disk, he began to gloat and shared a revelation of his own: he had actually anticipated this, and now his own troops had infiltrated the defenseless ''Axalon''. Mocking the Maximals one last time, he took off towards their ship. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Megatron cackled over the brilliance of his latest plan: lure the Maximals to the ''Darkside'', beat them up, then chase them back to their base to finish the job. All the other Predacons were on board, save for Rampage, until Megatron "convinced him" by squeezing his spark cage. When the Maximals took the bait and approached the ''Darkside'', Megatron led a team of Predacons in beating them back to the ''Axalon''. On the ship's bridge, with the Maximals all but defeated, Megatron gloated and prepared to finish off Optimus Primal. However, Rhinox arrived at that moment and activated Sentinel's auto-guns, and Megatron reluctantly ordered a retreat, swearing this was not over. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Wave Geyser
|Special attack||Wave Quake
|-
|Super attack||Storm of Vengeance
|Super attack||Infernal Torch
|}

==Notes==
[[File:Double Dinobot Megatron clone.jpg|thumb|A picture can tell lots without words.]]
*Megatron's pre-beast body, seen almost entirely during "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]", is actually the body of the Voltron-esque Giant Robot from [[Mainframe Entertainment|Mainframe]]'s ''ReBoot'' episode "Nullzilla", with Megatron's head attached and some purple colors. Sadly, no Disrupto-Matic was to be seen.
*In the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', [[Shigeru Chiba]]'s Megatron received several vocal tics; one of said tics (which was discarded early in the series) involved a habit of spitting after every lengthy session of maniacal laughter. Another new trait, played up for comedy, was his habit of screaming in a high-pitched, girlish voice when attacked, surprised or injured. His cowardice would become a running gag in the dub. When retreating at the end of "[[Call of the Wild]]", for instance, Megatron whimpered the excuse, "I have to return to my piano lessons!" This version of the villain is well-liked among the Japanese audience, with "Chibatron" being a common nickname for the character.
*A [[Fox Kids]] Fall 1999 press release for the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' sequel, then named "''Beast Hunters''", confirmed Megatron would conquer Cybertron but would have "hordes of Predacons" under his command rather than Vehicons. It's unclear if Megatron's Predacon conquest was ever truly planned or if Fox Kids was bending the truth as nobody knew what a Vehicon was yet. This is likely why the [[BotCon 1999]] fiction has Megatron as a planet-ruling Predacon warlord in the future: it was trying to tie into the upcoming show!
*During the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' cartoons, Megatron says "yesss..." 166 times, and "no..." 54 times. Despite this imbalance (or perhaps because of it), his final word in ''Beast Machines'' is a loud, drawn-out, tremendously hammy "NOOOOOOOOOO!"
*During audio commentary{{fact}}, [[Bob Skir]] revealed that the idea for Megatron's spark inhabiting a Diagnostic Drone came from [[David McDermott]]'s comment that "no matter ''what'' form Megatron's in, he will go out and kick ass".
*Megatron's season 1 ''T. rex'' model was recycled for the Mainframe Entertainment produced movie ''[[Hot Wheels|Hot Wheels: World Race]]'' as a rock statue.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hJkvwoddxY All of Megatron's "Yeeeessss"s and "No"s in Beast Wars on YouTube]

[[Category:Beast Machines Predacons]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Vehicons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Cloud Predacons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Emperors of Destruction]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Predacon leaders]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) characters]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Zombies]]

Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity

2025-03-07T03:02:00Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{factions|predacon|vehicon|decepticon}}
{{suite}}
[[File:Megatronbw.jpg|thumb|350px|Best. Megatron. EVER. ''Yeeeeess''.]]
'''Megatron''' has had many plots, yes.

{{quote|Why do you always talk to yourself?}}
{{quote|Ah, I simply have a penchant for... ''intelligent conversation.''|[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and Megatron|"[[The Low Road]]"}}

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Han Li]] (Chinese), [[Antônio Moreno]] (Portuguese), [[Hans Sievers]] (German) [[Tony Fuochi]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Villeli]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Claudio Rodríguez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[François Siener]] (French, season 1), [[Pierre Forest]] (French, season 2), [[Yu Hae-mu]] (Korean, MBC dub)}}
[[File:BWPart1 preformatting Megatron.jpg|left|thumb|Priority one: finding out where the light switch is.]]
The original name of the Predacon known as "Megatron" is unknown; upon reading the [[Covenant of Primus]], the grandiose and dramatic young criminal chose to rename himself after the great destroyer the book mentioned. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}} Megatron found life on Cybertron intolerable, as he and his fellow Predacons lived as second-class citizens underneath the [[Maximal]]s—a situation that could be traced back to the defeat of their [[Decepticon]] ancestors in the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] centuries beforehand. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The ruling triumvirate of the Predacons, the [[Tripredacus Council]], were slowly biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike, but Megatron was impatient, and had his own plan to ensure Predacon rule over Cybertron. The Council knew of Megatron, seeing him as brilliant but dangerous, and too much trouble for their liking. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

Gathering a gang of criminals into his service, Megatron stole the Maximal relic known as the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. The disk contained the location data of the planet [[Earth]], {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} but more than that, it also hid a secret message inscribed upon it centuries earlier by the [[Megatron (G1)|Decepticon Megatron]]—a daring contingency plan to prevent Decepticon defeat that directed whoever found the message to use [[unspace|transwarp]] technology to travel back through time to ''prehistoric'' Earth, to a point in time when the Autobot spacecraft [[Ark (G1)|the Ark]] lay hidden on the planet. By finding and killing the Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] as he lay in stasis aboard the craft, a 'bot could alter history in favor of the Decepticons, ensuring their victory in the war, and Predacon rule in the present. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:Megatronbwtrex.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Today is a beautiful day to be stomping on things!]]

Stealing [[Darksyde (BW)|a ship]], Megatron and his crew departed through a transwarp portal, but were pursued by the Maximal starship [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], captained by [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. The two ships emerged from transwarp over an unknown planet, where they promptly crash-landed. The presence of two [[Moon (moon)|moons]] in the sky suggested that the world on which they found themselves was ''not'' Earth—but it ''was'' rich in [[energon]], which Megatron could use to fuel his conquest of the Maximals one way or the other. So rich, in fact, that the Maximals and Predacons had to adopt organic beast forms to protect themselves against the massive amount of energon radiation, with Megatron taking the shape of a purple ''Tyrannosaurus rex''.

[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] chastised Megatron, accusing him of leading the Predacons to the wrong planet and challenged Megatron for leadership of the Predacons. Megatron simply ignored the challenge and had [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] dispose of him. A short time later, [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] tangled with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], allowing Megatron to deliver his first speech to the Maximals, though it was cut short by a "sneaky, underhanded" attack by Cheetor, which impressed Megatron greatly. Though the Predacons appeared to have the Maximals on the run, they began to suffer from energon build up, and were forced to return to their [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} They followed the Maximals, catching up with them as Dinobot was dueling with Optimus Primal for leadership. Megatron took the opportunity for a sneak attack of his own, and during the destruction, some Predacon missiles uncovered a large quantity of energon located on a nearby mountain. Both teams reached the mountaintop at around the same time, but the ambient energon radiation forced them to fight in their beast modes. Despite biting a chunk out of Primal's leg, Megatron found himself on the losing end of the engagement, and out of desperation transformed to [[robot mode]] to fire a missile. The missile was deflected from its path by Dinobot, causing the energon to explode and hurling Megatron from the mountain. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:EqualMeasures-Megatronface.jpg|left|thumb|300px|”YESS… I was wondering where I left my rubber ducky.”]]

All involved believed that Megatron had been seeking Earth purely for its energon, unaware of his greater scheme. Secretly, however, Megatron was able to confirm that the planet they were on ''was indeed'' Earth. At some point, using the information on the Golden Disk, he located the Ark buried within a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]]... but when faced with the enormity of the task that lay before him, and the innumerable unpredictable and dangerous possibilities that were inherent to altering history itself, he faltered. Megatron blasted the tunnel he had dug into the volcano shut to keep the Ark hidden, and resolved instead to focus on acquiring other means of power to conquer Cybertron in the present. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

Megatron and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] cornered Cheetor when the Maximal was transported into their base by a freak sequence of events, but were forced to cooperate with him when the other Maximals sent a bomb through. After the bomb was successfully disposed of, Megatron attempted to do the same to Cheetor, but only succeeded in destroying the teleport effect between the two bases. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} After the discovery of a cache of energon in the [[Standing Stones]], Megatron led his men in an attempt to gain it, but was furious when Terrorsaur intentionally blasted the energon mid-battle, destroying it. The Standing Stones triggered the arrival of an [[Vok probe|alien probe]], but when Megatron and Waspinator attempted to claim it, it zapped them and absorbed Optimus Primal. Believing Primal to be dead, Megatron mounted an attack on the Maximal base, but after a lengthy fight with Dinobot, Megatron was forced to call a retreat. The Predacons pursued the Maximals to the stone circle, but retreated once more when Primal was freed from the probe. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[File:Power Surge Megatron down.jpg|right|thumb|"...Waspinator! I've got a role to delegate!"]]

While Megatron was demonstrating the Predacons' new defense systems, Terrorsaur discovered a [[flying mountain]] topped with a cache of super-energon. The power this afforded Terrorsaur allowed him to challenge Megatron and blast the Predacon leader clear off a cliff, leaving him in several pieces. Scorponok and Waspinator set about repairing Megatron behind Terrorsaur's back, and by the time the usurper returned, defeated, an outraged Megatron was waiting for him. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}}

When the first of the Maximal [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground, Megatron had Waspinator and Terrorsaur ambush Optimus with only limited success. Though annoyed at their failure, he dispatched them to reach the pod while he and Scorponok headed for the Maximal base. There, he was able to distract Dinobot long enough for Scorponok to administer a slagging, before the [[autogun]]s drove them off. Megatron proceeded to the pod and held the Maximals at bay by threatening a couple of nearby white tigers, only to discover that the stasis pod was already empty. As it turned out, one of white tigers was the new Maximal, [[Tigatron]], who transformed and fought the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

The Predacons finally managed a victory in stealing a stasis pod and creating [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. However, again Terrorsaur tried to usurp Megatron, this time using an apparently-turned [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], who used a device to paralyze Megatron. The Predacons argued over who would be leader, but agreed to put Rattrap and Megatron away for the time being. Megatron was able to easily escape using his secret voice commands, leaving Rattrap to his fate. Revealing himself to have escaped, Megatron allowed Terrorsaur to lead the Predacons in battle with the Maximals. Terrorsaur failed miserably, showing his ineptitude to the Predacons, which was Megatron's plan all along. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:GorillaWarfare Megatron's bomb problem.jpg|left|thumb|Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb.]]

Megatron sent Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur on a plan to blow a hole in the bottom of the ''Axalon''. They failed. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} On another occasion, Scorponok used a [[Cyberbee]] to infect Optimus Primal with a venom to turn the Maximal leader into a coward. The first Megatron knew of its failure was when Cheetor radioed the Predacon base to warn them that an enraged Optimus was on his way; in response, Megatron kicked Scorponok to the floor for his incompetence. Confronted by Primal, he offered to give him the cure if he submitted to Predacon rule. Optimus responded by ripping the Cyberbee from his own chest and sticking it on Megatron's beast mode back. Unable to reach the device, Megatron managed to have Scorponok remove it, but it promptly exploded in their faces. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a Maximal [[temporal probe]] neared the planet, Megatron and his Predacons successfully destroyed a communications tower which the Maximals were setting up to try to signal it. {{storylink|The Probe}} Formulating a new plan to get off the planet, Megatron had the other Predacons act dissatisfied with his leadership, causing a battle that apparently destroyed the Predacons, using a Maximal spy camera that he was aware of to play out the trick. Then, the Maximals scavenged the ''Darksyde'' for parts to repair the ''Axalon''{{'}}s stardrive. At the eleventh hour, Dinobot discovered the deception and rushed to warn the leaving Maximals. In the scuffle, Megatron snuck aboard. In the ''Axalon'', he managed to knock out every Maximal on the ship but Rattrap, who he started crushing to death. An angered [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] woke up and threw Megatron off the ''Axalon''. However, Megatron's tail weapon was stuck in the console, causing the ''Axalon'' to crash. Again. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

Following a Predacon defeat attributed mostly to [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Megatron had [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] capture the Maximal and used his latest invention, the [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], to turn Rhinox into a Predacon. Unbeknownst to Megatron, evil Rhinox was a schemer and disrupted the other Predacons. Megatron eventually found out the truth, which was the signal for the Maximals to mount an attack to rescue their friend. Megatron fought at length with Optimus, losing an arm. Ultimately Rhinox was returned to normal, and an errant shot from Waspinator destroyed the Transmuter, so that was the end of that. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} Yet another plan had Megatron create a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]] which he sent to infiltrate the Maximal base. It backfired when the real Dinobot first defeated the clone, then masqueraded as it and used the bases defenses on Megatron. Megatron was at least happy that it turned out his clone hadn't betrayed him, as the real Dinobot had. The other Maximals turned up to chase Megatron off. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[File:Megatronbwspidersgame.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|right|I thought I told you NO MORE BARNEY JOKES.]]

Detecting another stasis pod crash, Megatron sent Scorponok and Blackarachnia to capture it. They failed. {{storylink|The Spark}} After a skirmish with Tigatron, Terrorsaur and Waspinator reported back to Megatron that they'd found a [[Brigadoon|flying island]], and Megatron sent Blackarachnia and Scorponok to claim it. Before they left, Megatron whispered something into Scorponok out of Blackarachnia's hearing range. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} It was revealed that Megatron had anticipated the possibility of Blackarachnia's treachery, so he had Scorponok watch her very closely and make sure she didn't use the island against him; he had been right to use that precaution. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}} Tarantulas used a [[magna pulse]] to knock out power in both the Maximal and Predacon bases to allow him to recover a stasis pod himself. By the time Megatron caught up, a new Predacon was online—[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]. Megatron was impressed with Inferno's fighting spirit, helping him to attack Tigatron, until Primal arrived and ruined things again. Megatron ordered Scorponok to salvage Inferno. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

The next cunning plan Megatron would come up with involved stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to stay in their beast modes at all time. Once the Maximals had succumbed to their beast instincts and wandered into the jungle, Megatron assembled a hunting party, complete with drums. Despite shooting at some of the Maximals, they were unable to make any kills before Tigatron helped the Maximals integrate their beast instincts with their programming. The Maximals subsequently easily fought back, Optimus even lifting Megatron over his head. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} After Scorponok and Waspinator reported destroying four of the Maximals, Tarantulas reported that he'd detected walking energon. Megatron concluded that the Maximals had survived the energon explosion and were contaminated, and sent Terrorsaur out to deal with them. Terrorsaur failed. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

During a violent storm, Waspinator was possessed by the immortal [[spark]] of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and ingratiated himself into Megatron's good books. With Starscream's help, Megatron led the Predacons to victory and captured the ''Axalon''. He left Starscream in charge, returning to the ''Darksyde'' with Terrorsaur and Tarantulas. Before leaving, he consulted with Scorponok in private; while impressed with Starscream so far, it would be wise to keep a close eye on him. Once again, that caution served Megatron well; Starscream later used the Maximals to attack the Predacon base in a double cross. In the aftermath of Starscream's defeat, Megatron put Waspinator back together and was only mildly convinced by Blackarachnia's explanation for her supposed betrayal. {{storylink|Possession}} Yet another plan backfired badly. After Tarantulas infected Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], Megatron attempted to use the counter virus as a bargaining chip, only for a massive fart from Rhinox to blow all of the Predacons away and leave them dangling from a tree. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

{{quote|This is certainly the most humiliating defeat of my entire career. Yess...|Megatron|"The Low Road"}}

[[File:Before the Storm Megatron disc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|Yeessss...]]
Later, Megatron detected a strange energy pulse and sent Inferno to investigate. The result was the discovery of a second [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]], resulting in Megatron calling a ceasefire between the two factions, realizing he had more important things to worry about. Tigatron broke into the ''Darksyde'', learning about the new Golden Disk, and escaped, however this was merely part of Megatron's plan, which required the Maximals to learn about the approach of the [[Vok]]. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} After the arrival of an alien artifact—an [[Bio-Dome|organic dome]]—Megatron allowed Optimus to go in first, later listening to the sounds of the Maximal being tortured and wishing he had a recording of it to lull him to sleep at night. The beginning of an ignition sequence provided the distraction the other Maximals needed to fight Megatron and his goons off. One of the planet's moons revealed itself to be an artificial alien construct, and as it opened into a [[Planet Buster|planet-killing weapon]], Megatron mused to himself that there was still another hand to be played. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Retiring to the Predacon base, he monitored events within the ''Axalon'' via the scanners, learning that Optimus intended to use a stasis pod turned into a spaceship by Tarantulas to destroy the Planet Buster. Megatron was able to override some of the pod's systems, preventing Primal from ejecting before the pod and the Planet Buster exploded. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Megs transmetal.JPG|upright=1.5|thumb|left|Gimme fuel Gimme fire Gimme that which I desire BOOM!]]

After a quick celebration over his vanquishing of Primal, the [[quantum surge]] from the Planet Buster's destruction bathed Megatron in quantum energies, upgrading him into a [[Transmetal]] and giving him the ability to fly. Megatron quickly rallied his forces and attempted an all-out attack on the leader-less Maximals. He unfortunately had to retreat once he realized most of his troops were incapacitated. {{storylink|Aftermath}} The discovery of two more downed stasis pods provided Megatron with two new men, the [[Fuzor]]s [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. Megatron immediately led them into combat against Cheetor, and they headed for the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} [[File:ComingoftheFuzors2-finishit.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Quick! It's the golden hour! Kill the Maximals!]] Battling their way to the Maximal ship, the Predacons were confronted by a resurrected and upgraded Optimus Primal, who drove them all off. Returning to base, Megatron discovered that in his absence, the two golden disks had been stolen by Dinobot, and the backup copy of their data he kept on his personal system had been destroyed. Though Blackarachnia blamed Dinobot for the backup's destruction, Megatron clearly suspected the truth: that she herself was responsible, having downloaded a copy of the backup for herself first. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

Megatron sent Tarantulas, Blackarachnia and Quickstrike to secure a cave full of energon. They later reported back that it had been [[Tarantulas's lair|destroyed in a fight]] with the Maximals. Megatron was not pleased. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} Captured by the Predacons, Dinobot opted to defect back to their side. Megatron forced him to prove himself by staging a fight between him and Quickstrike, and the original [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] was soon back in Megatron's hands. Unfortunately, Dinobot ultimately opted to remain a Maximal. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[File:Other Visits 2 Megatron chair.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Rule number one of ruling the universe: find a good chair]]

The discovery of another alien site gave Megatron the opportunity to take a shot at retrieving the alien Golden Disk. He distracted Rhinox long enough for Inferno and Blackarachnia to incapacitate the Maximal, and managed to take the disk back into his possession. Returning to base, Megatron encountered Tarantulas, who declared himself no longer under Megatron's command, but was willing to cooperate. As the Predacons put their new plan into effect at the alien site, the Maximals arrived, only for a [[Metal Hunter|domed spaceship]] to appear. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} After using a force field to prevent the Maximals getting in, Megatron ventured into the spacecraft and was able to use the alien Golden Disk to take control of it. His first act was to bring aboard the other Predacons (bar Tarantulas, with whom the alliance was terminated) and Optimus Primal, the latter as a prisoner. Installing [[Transwarp cell]]s into the ship, Megatron intended to take it back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and conquer the world. Tarantulas arranged for a Maximal attack, infiltrating the ship and causing it to self-destruct. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

After another stasis pod was found, Megatron bugged Blackarachnia and sent her and Waspinator out to find it. He soon learned that the pod contained Protoform X, a powerful [[Transformer]] with an indestructible spark, made during a Maximal experiment. With this information, he used an energon blade to cut out a piece of the creature's spark using it to control the beast, which he renamed [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]. {{storylink|Bad Spark}}

[[File:CodeofHero-oldtechnology.jpg|upright=1.15|thumb|right|hoooo!!!Dinobot!!!!How nice to meet you!!!!]]

His options growing limited, Megatron chose to test alternative, "safer" means of altering history. Using the Golden Disk, he discovered the location of a valley full of [[anthropoid|early humans]], who would someday evolve into the humans who helped the [[Autobot]]s defeat the [[Decepticon]]s in the great war. Determining by empirical experimentation that the future could be altered, Megatron mounted an attack on the valley. The Predacons were prevented from razing it entirely by the interference of Dinobot. After defeating all of the Predacon troops singlehandedly, Dinobot knocked the disk from Megatron's hand, and destroyed it. Megatron ordered a retreat as the rest of the Maximals arrived. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} Though fascinated at the discovery of a [[Transmutate (BW)|badly-mutated Transformer]], Megatron wasn't impressed when it failed to transform, and ordered it destroyed, but Rampage successfully convinced him to let Transmutate prove itself. It didn't go so well. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda2-underarrestmeow.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|I want a lawyer!]]

Calculating that the [[Transwarp wavefront]] would soon reach Cybertron, alerting the [[Maximal High Council]] and resulting in a rescue ship being sent, Megatron realised he would have to implement a potentially final gambit. The Predacons attacked the Maximal base, but were fought off when help arrived in the form of Predacon covert agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], sent by the Predacon [[Tripredacus Council]] to apprehend Megatron. Returning to the Predacon base, Megatron sent Waspinator on a secret mission, while the other Predacons attempted to increase the fortifications. The impending attack went off without a hitch, however, and Megatron was captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Megatron was placed in a cell, and was informed by Ravage that Tarantulas was a member of the [[Predacon Secret Police]]. Megatron didn't seem too surprised by the news, and still had a hand to play—using a fragment of the Golden Disk which Dinobot had destroyed, he played back a portion of the original Megatron's hidden message, convincing Ravage to side with him. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}
[[File:Agenda3 MegatronOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.4|right|thumb|A little off the top, sir?]]
Megatron and Ravage subsequently led an assault on the ''Axalon'', which only failed through some extremely daring work by Rattrap.
Megatron fled, not back to the Predacon base, but to the Ark, prepared at last to enact his namesake's plan to change the course of history by killing Optimus Prime. At the ship, he discovered Blackarachnia and her paramour Silverbolt, the former having deduced Megatron's plans by studying the stolen backup of Golden Disk data. This proved fortuitous for Megatron, as he was to coerce Blackarachnia into helping him by threatening Silverbolt. The she-spider provided the access codes necessary to shut down the Ark's security grid and grant Megatron access to the ship. After delivering a powerful speech to the unconscious figure of Optimus Prime, Megatron blasted the Autobot in the face at full power, triggering a timestorm that began to unravel history. As reality whirled around him, he confronted the Maximals outside the Ark to gloat that, by slaying Prime, he has erased them from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} Unfortunately, he failed to account for Blackarachnia; having been created from a Maximal protoform, she too would cease to exist if Megatron's plan succeeded, so she used her access codes to reactivate the Ark's security, causing Megatron to be hurled from the fact. With Blackachnia's help the Maximals were able to use [[Teletraan I]] to repair Optimus Prime, while Primal took the Autobot's spark into his own structure to protect it, in the process transforming his body into a more powerful form. Confronted by the new "Optimal Optimus", Megatron beat a retreat, but not before shooting Blackarachnia. Heading for the ''Axalon'', he, Inferno and Waspinator were attacked and downed by Primal and Cheetor, however Megatron radioed ahead to Rampage, who was able to destroy the Maximal ship. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-sizedifference.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This better not awaken anything in me.]]

Rampage disappeared while supposedly on a mission to attack the Ark with Inferno, and Megatron's scanners were unable to locate him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Monitoring the Maximal attempt to salvage [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]], Megatron sent his men out to retrieve the device. The mission was surprisingly a success, and Megatron later installed Sentinel in the Predacon ship. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} Megatron had also developed [[Cyber raptor]]s, which were sent out occasionally to harass the early humans. When he spotted Blackarachnia and Cheetor accompanying two of the humans, he sent Waspinator and Tarantulas out with three of the raptors to attack them. It didn't go too well for the Predacons, but Megatron was brewing a new plan. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}
[[File:FeralScream1 Megatron greets clone.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Ah, there's always time for a speech.]]
Having obtained a [[Transmetal driver]] through unknown means, he embarked upon an experiment, the fruition of which was the creation of a [[Transmetal 2]] [[Dinobot II|clone of Dinobot]]. However, thanks to the interference of [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] and Cheetor during the experiment, the Transmetal driver was lost, and the Predacons captured Depth Charge in order to interrogate him. Before they could extract the information, they were attacked by a strange feral beast, which eliminated them one by one. Megatron accidentally slagged Waspinator before being attacked by the creature himself, and sent flying off a cliff. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} Returning to base, Megatron detected the beast roaming in the night, and realized that Cheetor had been exposed to the Transmetal driver's energies and upgraded into a new form. He dispatched Dinobot and Waspinator to capture Cheetor, but unsurprisingly they failed. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:MasterBlaster-DragonMegsTarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|300px|”I am not so easily destroyed, WE ARE NOT EVEN IN THE SERIES FINALE FOOL! DON’T RUSH!”

Megatron had his men build a new weapon—a [[disruptor cannon]] constructed in a cave on a mountain top. Unfortunately due to the bi-polar energon source that the weapon used, the Predacons were unable to get close enough to install the shielding. Megatron sent Waspinator and Inferno out to capture one of the early humans, and they came back with [[Una]]. With great difficulty, Megatron instructed her on installing the shielding and installing the stabilizer crystal. After the Maximals had rescued her, the Predacons fired the cannon, only to discover too late that Una hadn't installed the stabilizer after all. The cannon exploded in their faces. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} Alerted by Tarantulas that the Maximals were attempting to remove Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Megatron assigned Inferno, Rampage and Quickstrike to help Tarantulas disrupt the Ark's power, and hopefully terminate Blackarachnia. It even mostly worked, except for the part about Blackarachnia dying instead of ending up with a new Transmetal 2 body. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

On a later occasion, Megatron had Waspinator attack the Ark as part of a diversion. Tarantulas was able to place Optimus Primal under Quickstrike's control, enabling the Predacons to defeat the Maximals easily, and allowing Megatron to enter the Ark once more. There, he deliberately took the spark of the original Megatron and placed it in his body. Before he could do anything more, Quickstrike used Primal's body to dump in him the nearest pit of lava—a double-cross engineered by Tarantulas. Megatron did not die, but was upgraded into a new form, with a dragon as his [[alternate mode]]. After slagging Tarantulas, Megatron fought at length with Primal, only being fought off when Blackarachnia freed the other Maximals. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

[[File:OtherVictories-Megswig.jpg|right|thumb|200px|”I hereby declare you independent… FROM LIFE!”]]

His attempt to put Quickstrike on trial for treachery was interrupted by the news that something was incoming. [[Tigerhawk]], emissary of the Vok, obliterated the Predacon base before defeating Megatron in battle. Tigerhawk prepared to deliver the killing blow, but was interrupted, first by Optimus Primal, and then by Tarantulas. By the time Megatron recovered, Tigerhawk had been captured by Tarantulas, and Megatron flew off. Tarantulas was eventually destroyed by his quest for power, and Megatron could only watch as the Maximals welcomed Tigerhawk into their ranks. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

[[File:OtherVictories-Megsdragon.jpg|left|thumb|250px|”This is my world now. AND YOU WON’T EVEN LAST 2 EPISODES!”]]

Desperate once again, Megatron dispatched Inferno, Waspinator and Quickstrike to find a new base, while he took the competent Predacons to search the remains of Tarantulas's lair. There, Dinobot found a hatch leading to an undersea tunnel and Megatron realised the enormity of what Tarantulas had discovered. The Predacons followed the tunnel to the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the Decepticon flagship which had crashed at the same time as the Ark. Megatron and Dinobot entered the ancient ship, successfully powering it up and raising it out of the ocean, intending to take back to Cybertron so that Megatron might conquer the planet. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

{{quote|I am ''alpha and omega'', optimal Optimus. Now and forever, until the end of time!|Megatron|"Nemesis Part 2"}}
[[File:Nemesis2 Megatron on shuttle.jpg|right|thumb|How To Restrain Your Dragon.]]

First, however, he planned to annihilate the ''entire'' Ark rather than simply Optimus Prime: drunk on power and reciting religious scripture that he believed concerned ''him'', he was declaring himself "alpha and omega" and that time itself was now his to command.

Heading for the Ark, Megatron stopped the ship momentarily to fire on an anthropoid settlement, despite Dinobot's objections, inadvertently killing Inferno and Quickstrike in the process. Of course, this meant that when the ''Nemesis'' arrived at its target, the fusion cannon was still recharging. Megatron instead turned a tractor beam on the Autobot ship. Primal infiltrated the ''Nemesis'' and began fighting Megatron. Though Optimus was no match for the Predacon leader, he bought the Maximals enough time to find an Autobot shuttle, which Rhinox piloted into the bridge of the ''Nemesis'', taking Megatron out. The ''Nemesis'' crashed a second time and thus preserved history. After returning the original Megatron's spark to its proper body, the Maximals headed back to Cybertron with the incarcerated Megatron shackled to the outside of their ship. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Machines'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Francisco José]] (Portuguese), [[Jan Spitzer]] (German) [[Giorgio Locuratolo]] (Italian), [[Armando Rendiz]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Diéguez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jean-Paul Dermont]] (French)}}

[[File:Megatron for life.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"If you've done nothing wrong, you've got nothing to fear. If you've something to hide, you shouldn't even be here..."]]
Breaking free from his constraints on the Autobot shuttle while it traveled through transwarp space, Megatron arrived back home on Cybertron well before the Maximals did. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} He used the window of opportunity for maximum effect, releasing a [[Transformation virus|virus]] across the planet that quickly incapacitated the population. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} He then began extracting the victims' [[spark]]s and storing them in a citadel, planning to one day absorb them into his own spark. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} Meanwhile, he used factories to rebuild the bodies into mindless [[drone]]s he called "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]]". {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Eventually, he had almost every spark on Cybertron in his possession. At some point Megatron's former follower [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] managed to make it back to Cybertron through unknown means. However Megatron simply extracted his spark too. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

When the Maximals arrived in their shuttle, they found the planet empty, aside from Vehicons who immediately attacked them with canisters of a gas that infected them with the virus. The fully-Transmetal among them "devolved" into their original beast modes but were able to keep moving and escape. The remaining two, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] (who never received any form of upgrade on Earth), were instead paralyzed and quickly overtaken. Their sparks soon joined Megatron's collection. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Optimus grabs Megatron's head.jpg|thumb|"Time for a noogie!" "NOOOOOO!!!"]]
The escaped Maximals would have succumbed to the virus eventually if not for the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] [[reformatting]] them. Megatron observed their first battle against the Vehicon drones, vowing to destroy the impurity in his technological paradise. {{storylink|The Reformatting}} He would not have to wait long before a confrontation with [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], gloating to the Maximal leader that Cybertron now belonged to the technological. The strain of controlling the Vehicon drones while attacking three targets was telling, and Primal was able to goad him into losing control, causing an overwhelming urge to transform and revealing Megatron's dragon form, now in a ragged patchwork state as a result of failed attempts to excise his organic mode. Megatron was able to quickly recover, pointing out Primal's own failure had led to the downfall of Cybertron, before reconnecting to his [[control harness]] and taking control of the drones once again. Defiant, Primal had to be dragged from the [[Council Citadel]] by the other Maximals. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

[[File:FiresofthePast Megatron closeup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Calm down Diagnostic Drone, now is not the time for fear. That comes later.]]
Though the [[Diagnostic Drone]] insisted that Megatron's organic side had been purged, another failed battle between the Vehicon drones caused him to revert in rage to his dragon mode yet again. In order to make his drones more flexible in capturing the Maximals, he imbued three Vehicons with captured sparks so they could think on their feet in battle. The original personalities of these "[[Vehicon General]]s" were deeply buried under shell programs, which allowed Megatron to use sparks of the Maximals' former allies. Thus, if the Maximals discovered who they really were, they would be reluctant to destroy them. The recently captured Silverbolt and Rhinox were made into [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] and [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], respectively. The third general, [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]], was created from his former follower [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. During the generals' first engagement with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], Megatron became aware that Blackarachnia was trying to access the computer of the Autobot shuttle they'd arrived in, and he made an attempt to access her memory while she did so. Rattrap was warned of this via a transmission made to Jetstorm, and was able to cut the link before Megatron could learn the location of the Maximal base. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits Megatron medium shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|My stomach is rumbling. Diagnostic Drone, bring out the Energon Brownies.]]
After raging at the three generals for their failure, Megatron sent them out, promising great rewards for whoever captured the Maximals. This paid off when Tankor returned with all four of the Maximals. Unfortunately while Megatron was getting ready to give Tankor his reward of oblivion, the Maximals escaped, and Primal was able to speak directly to Tankor's spark, turning him against Megatron. Once they'd escaped, Megatron was able to restore his control harness and remotely erase Tankor's memory of the last 20 cycles, turning him against the Maximals once more. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}} The Diagnostic Drone continued to attempt to formulate ways to excise Megatron's organic side, suggesting they wait until after the Maximal problem was dealt with, however Megatron was determined to put a swift end to the matter in question. During a battle between the drones and Maximals in a Vehicon factory, Megatron retook control of the drones out of frustration over his generals' failure, only for feedback from a computer to overload his systems.

While in this weakened state, he was approached by Rattrap, who offered to defend Megatron for the night in return for weaponry. Though the other Maximals turned up, Rattrap fought them back. Megatron encouraged him to use the weapons to terminate the Maximals, but Rattrap refused, pointing out that the sun was coming up and their agreement was at an end. In return, Megatron let him go free. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Survivor Megatron dragon.jpg|left|upright=1.5|thumb|Just don't call him "Patches" or he'll scorch your ass.]]
The attempts to remove Megatron's organic form continued, with little success, and he turned down the Diagnostic Drone's suggestion to simply build a new body for himself, as it would require leaving his spark unprotected for a short period of time. Instead they implemented a new plan: attempt to capture [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] and work out how to reverse the process the young Maximal used to acquire an organic mode. During the mission, the Diagnostic Drone was reprogrammed by Tankor, whose Rhinox personality had resurfaced, and was now actively working in competition with Megatron to create a technological utopia. When the next attempt to purge Megatron's dragon mode failed (as Tankor instructed), the Diagnostic Drone suggested that the failure was caused by Megatron himself. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After Tankor's apparent destruction, Megatron demanded the Diagnostic Drone find out what happened. The Maximals, meanwhile, attempted to attack a Vehicon factory, with the intent of stealing a [[Mole Drone]], and Megatron demonstrated his power over Cybertron by moving the very buildings themselves around in an attempt to crush the Maximals, and elevating the factory in an attempt to tip them out. {{storylink|The Key}} Megatron questioned Thrust and Jetstorm over Tankor's whereabouts prior to his demise. Unknown to any of them, the "death" had been a trick on Tankor's part, and the real Tankor had the Diagnostic Drone take the opportunity to reveal the discovery of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], capable of transforming organic matter into [[Living metal#Beast Era|technomatter]], to Megatron. Though Megatron was encouraged by the idea it could purge Cybertron of organic life, he was suspicious of the Drone's inadvertent slip of the tongue regarding what the Key would do to him, and ordered the Key be loaded on to select drones only. Tankor's plan to force Megatron's hand by providing the Maximals with a catalyst to make their vines grow faster eventually paid off, and Megatron ordered the key loaded onto all of the [[Tank Drone]]s. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:EndoftheLine Megatron swirlingenergies.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2| No! The hurricane is separating me from my action figures! Curse you, Mother Nature!!!]]
Of course, Megatron also made sure the Tank Drones were under his sole control first. Tankor then provided Primal with the whereabouts of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], capable of purging all technology from Cybertron, in an attempt to force Megatron to use the keys. Megatron did not believe that Primal would actually go through with opening the chamber, and, distrustful of the Diagnostic Drone's motives, destroyed it. During the Maximal's last push for victory, Megatron found himself confronted by Optimus Primal once more, and crowed over his opponent as the other Maximals were transformed into technomatter. However Primal was able to provoke another appearance by Megatron's beast mode, and attempted to reformat him. The attempt was interrupted by Tankor, who prepared to zap Megatron with a Key, but was promptly restrained. Megatron announced that having a free agent was part of his plan, and had handed him the key to victory. Optimus, finally determined to win at any cost, opened the Plasma Energy Chamber, and Megatron responded by triggering the key weapon, causing a maelstrom of clashing energies. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:SavageNoble Noble with wings.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|Great. I still have wings, but I've got fur instead of scales. The indignity...]]
When the Maximals entered the Council Citadel, all they found of Megatron was his body, which disintegrated. Despite this the evidence of Megatron's influence remained—following Optimus Primal's resurrection, the Maximals found themselves face-to-face with a giant ship, resembling a stylised version of Megatron's own head, which rose above the city. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} The ship did not contain Megatron's [[spark]] though; The combined energies had actually succeeded in separating his organic half from his body—unfortunately, his spark went with it and become trapped in a purely organic Transformer. He took the identity of "innocent" Maximal [[Noble (BM)|Noble]] and, preying on [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]'s survivor guilt and Optimus's inherent goodness, attained the confidence of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} With their help, he was able to gain entry back into the Council Citadel, and attempted to access the control harness, only to discover it would not interface with his organic form. Using a [[spark extractor]], he ripped his own spark out and flew into the giant floating head, possessing it and reactivating Cybertron. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

[[File:InDarkestKnight Grand Mal.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Tremble before the might of MODOK!]]
Intent on gaining access to the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Megatron seized Primal and Cheetor, bringing them aboard the ship in preparation to tear the information from them. He was able to communicate with them by appearing as a hologram of moving [[Cybertronix]], announcing that the procedure would be terminal. Before it could be completed, Silverbolt, who had been reformatted from Jetstorm by Blackarachnia, arrived and freed the two Maximals. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} Unwilling to admit defeat, Megatron deployed his own variation of the [[Hate Plague]], infecting all of the Maximals but Primal. Optimus instead was scooped up by a tentacle and taken aboard the floating head for a frank discussion about free will versus universal harmony. As it turned out, Optimus was able to help the Maximals overcome their anger and reformat their neural pathways, though Megatron was amused by Primal's afterthought that not all of their issues came from the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}} Following [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]]'s arrival, Megatron used the giant head's spaceship mode to destroy the rampantly-growing plant life she'd brought with her. {{storylink|Home Soil}}

[[File:Megatron Sparkwar Search.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"We've been expecting you, Mr. Anderson."]]
With the Maximals numbering seven, and Thrust increasingly incapable of keeping up, Megatron used the sparks of famous generals [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] to replace them. Though they subsequently failed to destroy the Maximals, Megatron thanked them for keeping his enemy busy while he finalised his plans for the collection of sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} He gave his generals orders to find the Maximals and take Optimus alive. Primal had ventured down into the lost city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] with Nightscream, giving Megatron the opportunity to strike. Tricking the Maximal leader with a huge hologram of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Megatron was able to extract the codes to access the Oracle. On the other hand, Primal was able to use the link to determine the location of the lost sparks without Megatron knowing. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Giant megatron spark.jpg|thumb|It feels weird, being a ball of energy just eating up ''other'' balls of energy.]]
Megatron began preparing for his "grand ascension", separating his spark from the giant head and starting to consume the many sparks he had captured. The Maximals managed to get a team onto the ship, but were immediately seized by metal tentacles and forced to watch as Megatron continued to devour the sparks, intending to unite every spark on the planet into one perfect being—himself. Rising out of the head, Megatron began to draw the Maximals' sparks from their bodies. He was forced to pause to destroy his organic half, Noble, which had continued to roam Cybertron after his spark had left it. Anguished at the loss of his friend, Nightscream used his sonic attack on Megatron's spark, apparently dispelling it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

Depolarized, Megatron's spark drifted through the streets of [[Cybertropolis]], attempting to possess bodies but unable to stay in them for any period of time, and only able to operate them in the barest, zombie-like fashion. After attacking the Maximals in a seemingly-random pattern, his spark was captured by Rattrap in a spark extractor and repolarized. The net result—Megatron was able to possess a new body, however he soon realized that he was trapped in the shell of a Diagnostic Drone. This didn't hinder him from capturing the Maximals and attempting to reformat Primal's spark, and, though Botanica swiftly came to the rescue, Megatron still escaped thanks to the loyalty of his three generals. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

{{quote|I live! I live! I—...what kind of puny body is this?!|Megatron|"Spark of Darkness"}}

[[File:BMEndgame2 Optimal megatron.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.]]
While working on a new plan, Megatron had his generals attack the Maximals, who had holed up in the giant head. Unsatisfied with his current body, but having no time to design a new one, Megatron searched the archives for a suitable template, finding Optimus Primal's "optimal" form to be suitably ironic. When an escape pod was launched from the Grand Mal, Megatron found the harmonics-matching disk inadvertently provided by Rattrap, sending the frequency to the Vehicons so they could bring down the ship. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} Though the Maximals fought back, eliminating the Vehicon Generals, Megatron had constructed a new body for himself—a copy of Primal's old "Optimal Optimus" form, though without its beast mode. Seizing control of the Cycle drones, he was able to rip the Maximals' sparks from their bodies, leaving himself and Primal as the last two functional mechanisms on the planet. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

[[File:BMEndgame3 Megatron dies.jpg|thumb|THEY'LL NEVER MAke a toy of thiiiiiiiiis...]]
There followed an all-out battle between the two mortal enemies, which raged across the city. Primal was seemingly beaten when he found the remains of the [[technorganic orchard]], devastated by Megatron's drones, and Megatron took him back to the surface. There, Megatron claimed his giant throne, and absorbed the rest of the sparks, growing in size. Preparing to use the Key to Vector Sigma to reformat Cybertron's organic core, Megatron severed Primal's connection to the Oracle. However Primal received encouragement from the spirits of his Maximal comrades, and by reformatting Megatron's throne, was able to dislodge him. They plummeted together into Cybertron's core, where Primal was able to trigger the reformatting of the entire planet, destroying himself and Megatron completely, but freeing all the lost sparks to repopulate their newly redecorated Cybertron. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{--}}

==Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===Yokohama Decepticon Secret Base===
After [[Predacon computer|NAVI-ko]] acquired a new body and intelligence on "[[Yokohama Convoy|Nemesis Prime]]", Megatron sent NAVI-ko through [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Yokohama]] in [[2014]] to acquire the dark clone of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. After Nemesis Prime shed his evil and reverted to being Yokohama Convoy, Megatron realized his plans were foiled and ordered NAVI-ko to return. {{storylink|Yokohama Decepticon Secret Base}}

===''Cloud''===
While the Maximals were trying to help out the wayward [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]] of the [[Cloud World]], they investigated an energon mine, only to find Megatron and his Predacons waiting there. The two sides battled, and Hot Rodimus took the opportunity to transform into helicopter mode to pursue his true quarry. Bemused by the presence of this larger [[Transformer]], Megatron sent [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to give chase. Rodimus was able to get rid of his pursuers and encountered his target, the [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] from his world. The two's battle set off the nearby energon, forcing the Predacons to retreat. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

In another fight with Shockwave, Hot Rodimus thought back to their confrontation with the Beast Warriors, including Megatron. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

===''Beast Wars Diorama Story''===
[[File:BWDS 2.jpg|thumb|left]]
Some time after Starscream fled from prehistoric Earth, Megatron and a group of Predacons, including [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a time-displaced [[Archadis]], and [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]], battled a contingent of [[Maximal]]s comprising [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Colada]], and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] in a forest. After all the Transformers transformed into robot mode, Megatron attacked Optimus Primal with the jaws of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. Primal blocked the attack with his dual Cyber Blades and then fought Megatron off with his Mega Blasters. {{storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Though Primal blocked his "Tyranno Fang" attack, Megatron was able to counter by shooting a "Laser Buster" from the mouth of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. {{storylink|Megatron Chapter}}

[[File:BWDiorama Megatrons.jpg|thumb|No good can come of this.]]

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], who were [[Decepticon]]s and [[Autobot]]s from another [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|universe]]. [[Tigatron]] and [[Gimlet]] also joined the battle, and, after being defeated by the Maximals, Starscream joined the Predacons. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and joined the Predacons, as well. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from the other universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Gimlet Chapter}}

The Decepticon Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. The Predacon Megatron battled Optimus Primal in the ensuing skirmish. The Maximals' savior came in the form of [[Motorarm (BW)|Motorarm]], who then went on to battle [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Megatron battled Primal again, and the two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. The Predacon Megatron led the combined Predacon/Decepticon force. With Motorarm leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

Later, through the power of energon, both Optimus Primal and Megatron attained the giant "Energon Power Mode". The energies coursing in their bodies granted both improved abilities and the two battled. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Diorama Story#TM-SP Character Data File|TM-SP Character Data File}}

===''Robotmasters'' comic===
[[File:RM online 1.jpg|thumb|left]]
Megatron travelled to [[Earth]] in the year [[2004]] through the [[Blastizone]] with a minion, [[Psycho-Orb]], in tow. Seeking to harness the power of the [[solitarium]] that Earth contained, Megatron set out to amass a force by taking over leadership of the [[Decepticon]]s. He went to their [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|underwater base]] and challenged [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who was leading the Decepticons in the absence of the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. The battle for command ended in Megatron's favor, {{storylink|Change in Command: The Usurper Decepticon}} and he attacked the Autobots two days later. Megatron introduced himself to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who was unaware of the mysterious purple ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. The battle ended in retreat when firepower overwhelmed the Decepticons. {{storylink|Clash! The Two Leaders}} {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}} Uneasy with the silence following Megatron's disappearance during the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] searched for Megatron, finding the Blastizone and arriving in 2004's Earth. {{storylink|To War! Optimus Primal}} He would meet up with Optimus Prime himself as the two battled Beast Megatron again. {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}}

Two months after Megatron took leadership away from him, Starscream created the [[Arsenal Force]] weapons in a bid to take leadership back. When Megatron demanded to see the weapons Starscream has created, the Seeker provided a very personal demonstration by blasting the Predacon with it. Megatron was unfazed and allowed Starscream to live for making such interesting weapons. {{Storylink|Starscream Grins 3 Times...}}

[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] joined the Autobots. Together, they promised to defeat Megatron. {{storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}} Later, [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]], acting as a double agent for the Decepticons, provided the Autobots with information about a solitarium lode on [[Chaar]]. There, they were met with Megatron and Double Face in a trap for the Autobots. Megatron blasted the Autobots and the Decepticons ran off with the solitarium. {{Storylink|Defend the Solitarium!}}

Megatron was given falsified data on creating a "[[Black body (technology)|black body]]" coating for himself by Starscream. Due to his "beast" physiology, the Predacon leader was upgraded with no ill-effects, despite Starscream's intentions. With energy stolen from the other Decepticons, Megatron then launched an attack on the Autobots. Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal, both empowered by [[solitarium]], came to thwart his evil scheme, and Megatron was forced away. Afterwards, his body built an immunity to the black body upgrade, meaning he could no longer use its power. Megatron realized that it could be troublesome if Starscream was the only one among his ranks to have access to the black body power. He swapped out the remaining chip necessary for the upgrade with the one that contained the falsified data, and allowed Starscream to have it and be hoist by his own petard. {{storylink|Black Body (prose)|Black Body}}

[[File:RM online 9.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|This ain't {{w|Zoids}}.]]

In [[2005]], when a confused [[Lio Convoy]] arrived on Earth, Megatron took advantage of the opportunity and convinced the lion that the Autobots of the era were evil invaders battling the heroic Decepticons. When [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] and [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] flew by, Lio Convoy struck and battled the two, much to Megatron's amusement. {{Storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (issue)|Lio Convoy Storms In}} Unfortunately for the Predacon, both Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal intervened, and Lio Convoy was convinced of the goodness of the Autobots. With the energies of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and the [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]], the four [[Supreme Commander]]s attacked and forced Megatron and his Decepticons to flee. {{Storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

Hope came to the Decepticons when [[Air Hunter]] reported the incoming return of the original Megatron, {{Storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} who was revealed to be inhabiting the body of [[Reverse Convoy]] as "Rebirth Megatron". At the Decepticon base, the Megatrons took a liking to each other discussed their stock of solitarium and how they could conquer the universe with it. To get even more, they decided to make a decisive attack on the Autobots. The battle lasted for three days and three nights till the Decepticons were defeated. With the power of solitarium, Megatron, Optimus Primal, and Psycho-Orb returned to the Beast Wars. {{Storylink|And Then}}
{{--}}

===''Legends'' comic===
In the late 1980s, [[quantum surge]] energy that the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] absorbed while his spark was inside the Predacon Megatron's body suddenly granted the Decepticon a "[[Transmetal]]" form. {{Storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

The [[Arcee (G1)#Q-Transformers cartoon|Arcee]] of [[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|another universe]] retold the story of Megatron and Optimus Primal's battle in the core of Cybertron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition EX Rattrap}} The end of this battle resulted in a new era for the planet, with a reconfigurated [[Vector Sigma]] as its leader. The remnants of Megatron's Grand Mal served as a monument. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Blue Big Convoy)|Bonus Edition EX Blue Big Convoy}}

===''Beast Wars Reborn''===
[[File:BeastWarsRebornMegatronArtwork1.jpg|233px|thumb|Reborn on the wagon of a travelin' show, Primal used ta dance fer the money they'd throw! Megatron would do whatever he coooouuuld!]]
After their deaths in the core of Cybertron, both Megatron and Optimus Primal awoke inside a bizarre temple-like spaceship which was hurtling through space. Neither had any memory of who they were or how they got there, only their own names and a feeling of discomfort between one another. The pair went about investigating the ship in search of answers. While Megatron's memory was lost, his personality remained mostly intact: he was more concerned with seizing control of the ship before Primal did in order to gain the upper hand.

They eventually found a data log and discovered that their sparks had been taken and they were reborn into new bodies (unbeknownst to them, bodies identical to their original Earth forms). However, their memories were intentionally not uploaded into their new bodies. While searching the log they discovered that the ship's main power source was a [[Golden Disk (BWR)|Golden Disk]] lodged within a giant pillar. Megatron immediately raced to obtain the Disk and Primal followed him. The closer they got to the disk the more the ship attempted to thwart their advance by manipulating its atmosphere conditions.

Once they reached the chamber the ship's environment suddenly morphed to that of a decaying planet littered with the corpses of robots. The corpses came to life and began shambling toward them, intent on eating their sparks. They made short work of the zombies, leaving Megatron to obtain the Golden Disk and Primal with a feeling that he shouldn't entirely trust Megatron.

From another dimension beyond time and space, [[Primus]] recognized that something was amiss and sent [[Vector Prime]] to meet Primal and Megatron within the spaceship. {{storylink|The Mysterious Temple in Space}}

Primal found his suspicions confirmed after Megatron discovered that part of the ship let him convert any object into antimatter, effectively giving the ability to turn anything—or anyone—into a particle-annihilating bomb. Their subsequent battle was quickly interrupted by a strange being calling itself [[Logos Prime|Soundblaster]], who informed them that the ship's power over space and time was his own—and wished to give this power to Megatron. {{storylink|Master of the Game}}

Megatron readily accepted Soundblaster's offer, though he thought to himself that Soundblaster was hiding something. The catch was quickly revealed: Megatron first had to complete a rite of succession. The [[Zeonomicon]], source of Logos Prime's power, was released from the ancient's body, and hidden away on an [[Jungle Planet (colony)|organic planet]]. Megatron was annoyed, thinking he and Optimus would be competing in a hunting game for the artifact. Soundblaster began to explain that the Golden Disk detailed the rite in full. Before he could elaborate, Optimus snatched the disk away. Soundblaster, unfazed, granted Megatron and his rival their memories back before sending them to the planet's surface. {{Storylink|Planetfall (BWR)|Planetfall}}

[[File:Animatron form Optimus Megatron.jpg|thumb|left]]
On the planet, Megatron set to work, seeking Animatron's [[Cyber Planet Key]], beating up [[Scavage]] for information. Realizing the need to adapt to this universe's peculiarities, Megatron tore out Scavage's key port and attached it to his body, and the planet's psionic energy converted him into an Animatronian-style Transmetal. He showed up at the [[Rectangular Valley]]'s doorstep seeking out Optimus Primal and the Golden Disk he had, knowing it was necessary to place upon a nearby obelisk to get the Zeonomicon. Primal used the power of the Cyber Planet Key to reformat into an equivalent body and the two raced off to the obelisk. Both vanished from sight and were never seen again, but [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] believed the fact that a new day dawned on the planet was proof enough of who won the fight. {{Storylink|The Extraordinary Reformat}}

===''Kiss Players''===
Upon meeting the lost [[Shaoshao Li]] on his universe's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] noted that [[Logos Prime]] had brought two Transformers from Shaoshao's [[G1 World|world]] to this universe a long time ago. It was prudent for Shaoshao to find how they may have returned to their native universe, as she needed to return the [[Angolmois Energy|"Allspark" fragments she collected]] to ensure its future. {{storylink|Kiss Players episode 50|Kiss Players #50}}

===''Beast Wars II'' cartoon===
In the far future, [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] tried to summon Megatron to [[Gaia]] using a time machine. When his brother [[Megastorm|Gigastorm]] screwed up the wavelength calculations and instead summoned the titanic [[Majin Zarak]], Galvatron was pleased and declared, "We have obtained a weapon far superior to Megatron". {{storylink|Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!}}

===''Legacy VS500 Collection Special Comic''===
Megatron in his dragon form was a spectator of the second week of the [[Speedia 500]] on [[Velocitron]]. {{storylink|Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 3}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Wars Official Guidebook''==
[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaurer]] was upgraded by Megatron into a gaudy purple body that increased his speed and evasion. He was renamed "Terrorsaur". {{storylink|Super Lifeform Transformers Beast Wars Official Guidebook|Beast Wars Official Guidebook}}

==3H comics==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English)}}
[[File:Groundzero-megatron-hopeforyou.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|Positive Reinforcement Dad Megs, especially with that voice, needs to be a thing, yesss.]]
Megatron was mentored by the gangster [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], who engineered the plot to steal the Golden Disk. Megatron, however, betrayed him and took the Golden Disk for himself to Earth.<ref name="cryotek bio">[https://web.archive.org/web/20060512022359/http://botconarchives.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html Cryotek's archived BotCon Online profile], also in the Director's Cut edition of "[[Betrayal]]".</ref>

At some point after [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] was born, [[Fractyl]] briefly daydreamed about impressing Megatron with his new discovery, the energon armor producing [[furmanite]]. When he failed even in his dreams, however, Fractyl reconsidered alerting Megatron just yet.

In reality, Megatron was summoned by Blackarachnia when the Maximal [[Packrat]] stole some of Fractyl's furmanite. He arrived on the scene in time to see Fractyl bravely chasing off the Maximal pack, after recovering the dangerous furmanite. Well done, Fractyl! (Oh, if only he knew...) {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Antagony megatron.jpg|thumb|Kinky.]]
[[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]], future-born [[Herald Maximo]] of [[Shokaract]], arrived on prehistoric Earth after the [[quantum surge]] to protect the Dark Essence of [[Unicron]]. She attempted to terminate Megatron, who quickly conned her into fighting Optimus and then took her captive when she went into stasis lock. {{storylink|Visitations}}

He began patiently (and happily) torturing her for information on the future she came from, and when that failed he hacked into her mind using a [[mind-drill]] "borrowed" from [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. That triggered a safety-against-betrayal device that erased her mind before he could gain any information; Megatron was left with no information, beyond that her master would surely try again. {{storylink|Herald}}

Almost immediately after his transformation into dragon form, Megatron detected a temporal breach. Unbeknownst to him, he had already been observed by a time-traveller that had emerged from Transwarp, [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]]. {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} Having his troops ambush the Maximals (who had also detected the anomaly), he attempted to reach the time-traveller and gain access to the future, not caring what would happen if he took the original Megatron's spark within him. In the process, he encountered the Dark Essence and almost became a willing vessel for it, until it realised Windrazor would be easier to control. When the Fuzor fought the influence off, Shokaract himself emerged. {{storylink|Paradox}}

[[File:TM2 Megatron shoots Unicronessence.jpg|left|thumb|Ridley's Final Smash is a powerful stream of plasma breath intense enough to bring down [[Samus Aran|Samus]]'s starship.]]
Megatron's reaction to a horrifically powerful spark-devouring demigod, and time and space being shattered into a chaotic maelstrom... was to stride through the reality soup and blackmail said demigod by opening fire on the Dark Essence of the Chaos-Bringer, demanding knowledge of the future or he'd cause the erasure of Shokaract's entire timeline. Megatron is ''hardcore''. He failed, but this was a crucial distraction that helped bring about Shokaract's defeat. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

In the timeline that Shokaract, Windrazor et al. came from, Megatron had conquered Cybertron with an army of Predacons and a pre-Unicronian Shokaract had been one of his soldiers. Windrazor recognised him on sight and knew of the famous Beast Wars.{{storylink|Paradox}}{{storylink|Schism}} The timeline was changed by Shokaract's defeat so Cybertron's probably safe eh readers?

When Megatron returned to Cybertron from Earth, his former mentor Cryotek offered to rid him of his hated beast mode, wishing to take the powerful [[Transmetal 2]] dragon form for himself. The painful metamorphosis left Cryotek disabled. Using this opportunity, Megatron stole Cryotek's research and used it to conquer Cybertron.<ref name="cryotek bio"/> His conquest was swift, catching those who would have prepared Cybertron from its enemies unprepared. {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals}}

As part of his "experimental meanderings", Megatron created the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]], whom he considered "wretched".

[[File:MegatronBW-BWXart.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Guess who traveled with Primal to the Jungle Planet?]]

Some time after Megatron finally removed himself of his organic beast mode, he created the new [[Vehicon General]]s [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] and [[Blastcharge (BM)|Blastcharge]], assigning them experimental [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. They were charged with hunting down and destroying the [[Wreckers]], the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]], and the Mutants. They failed, despite the assistance of [[Spy Streak]]. As Megatron saw the Wreckers fly off in a stolen spaceship, he simply called it a temporary setback. {{storylink|Departure}}

After technorganic Cybertron was achieved, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s spark was revived from the within the Matrix to protect the [[multiverse]]. However, this action freed Megatron's spark as well. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Megatron did not visibly resurface, however, until a dark chapter in the [[Universe War]], amidst "the [[Culling]]", when the [[Maximal High Council]] and a great portion of Cybertron's population itself was snuffed out by the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. It is not known exactly how, but when the chaos of this genocide settled, Megatron had taken a powerful position within the remaining Predacon military. At first, Megatron began antagonizing Primal as he had before, but Megatron quickly learned that he and Primal would do better to first team up against Unicron. He and Primal traveled to several universes, preparing them for the coming battle and winning new allies. But now with Unicron disappeared into the [[Unicron Singularity]], Primal fully expects Megatron's insane ambition to resurface. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|Optimus Primal's profile in Club magazine #9}}
{{--}}

==Razorclaw continuity==
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] shortly after the death of Optimus Primal, minor atmospheric perturbations caused Silverbolt's stasis pod to land far from the ''Axalon'', and absent Silverbolt's intervention Megatron slew the Maximals. Only Tigatron and Airazor survived, and when Megatron's machinations continued to threaten the Vok, the Vok dispatched the unified form of Tigatron and Airazor, Tigerhawk, to Earth to end Megatron's reign. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} Tigerhawk managed to kill Megatron, {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}} but in doing so he nearly fell victim to the [[timestorm]] which resulted from Megatron absorbing the spark of his namesake. The timestorm tore reality apart, and Unicron plucked Tigerhawk from its remains {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} to become his general, Tigerhawk becoming [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]]. {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}}

==''Robotmasters'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Toshitsugu Takashina]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:Robot Masters episode1 Prime vs. Megs.jpg|thumb|left]]

Taking advantage of the [[Blastizone]] as a means of time travel (and apparently size-enhancer), Megatron journeyed to a point in history where the original Megatron had gone missing, leaving the [[Decepticon]]s without a leader. "Beast Megatron" took command of the Decepticons, leading them on a quest to collect a powerful element, [[solitarium]], from within Earth. Beast Megatron's plans were quickly thwarted by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and a troop of time-displaced Autobots and Maximals, including [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]], [[Lio Convoy]], and Beast Megatron's nemesis, Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!}}

Beast Megatron later discovered a large deposit of solitarium beneath a city, and along with [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Smokesniper]], [[Gigant Bomb]], and [[Wingstun]], laid waste to the location. The Autobots, accompanied by [[Reverse Convoy]], arrived and dealt with Beast Megatron's forces quickly. However, Reverse Convoy revealed himself to be the original Megatron in disguise and turned on them. Now going by the name [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rebirth Megatron]], he teamed up with Beast Megatron and the pair made trouble for the Autobot commanders in the form of a tornado-style attack. However, the Autobots were able to defeat the two Megatrons, countering the villains' attack with their own variation of it, sending Beast Megatron and his allies into a retreat. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (episode)|Lio Convoy Storms In}}
{{--}}

==''Robotmasters'' 3D diorama manga==
While the [[Autobot]]s under [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] helped [[Athens]] prepare for the [[Olympics]], Megatron sent [[Gigant Bomb]] and [[Smokesniper]] to disrupt their efforts. However, the [[Decepticon]] duo soon discovered that they were outnumbered by the Autobots and surrendered. Megatron fumed. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 1}} Soon, he obtained the amazing [[Arsenal Force]] and bestowed its energies to his underlings. But they couldn't do any damage before [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] appeared at the scene and literally slashed the energy out of the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 3}} Another of Megatron's plots involved a secret base disguised as an artificial satellite, but it was destroyed in a battle between [[Delta Seeker]] and [[X-Gunner]]. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 6}}

Beast Megatron joined forces with his predecessor, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who was in a new form as Reverse Convoy. They, along with [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], gloated over three of the Autobot leaders stuck in a trap that drained them of their energies. But the tide turned when [[Lio Convoy]] and a new [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arrived on the scene and all of the Autobot commanders used their combined energies to blast away the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 11}}

==Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity==
[[File:Dw theft.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|"This artistic error shall grant me control over time and space itself!"]]

After stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], Megatron broke into [[Vector Sigma]] along with [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] and reviewed historical files on many of the Autobots and Decepticons from the era of the Great War. He told Dinobot to refer to him henceforth as Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

After the Beast Wars, Megatron traveled back to Cybertron while chained to the side of a shuttle. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
Taking advantage of a destabilizing transwarp funnel, Megatron muscled himself free from his restraints. When Rattrap pulled the plug on the ship's Transwarp drive, the Autobot shuttlecraft was returned to Prehistoric Earth, and Megatron melted a hole into its bulkhead to attack the Maximals within. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

==''Transformers Legends'' anthology==
After Optimus Primal died to destroy the Planet Buster, two time-displaced versions of Megatron were waiting in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], when the equally time-displaced versions of Optimus Primal emerged from a meeting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

After having taken the spark of the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] into his body, Megatron found himself talking to his Decepticon counterpart, who goaded him into attempting a new plan. Quickstrike kept the Maximals busy while Megatron burned his way into the Ark. There, he implanted a fragment of the original Megatron's spark into the stasis locked body of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], allowing the two Megatrons to control the Seeker's body. He realised too late that the original Megatron's plan was to return the Decepticon leader's spark to his original body using Starscream. A battle of will ensued, which the beast Megatron ultimately won, subduing the older Megatron before himself being forced to flee the Ark by the Maximals. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

When Megatron was defeated by Nightscream, the spark of Rhinox attempted to act as a spirit guide and redeem the tyrant. Megatron proved to be a lost cause. While briefly tempted to move on, his inherent hypocrisy manifested and—despite fervently advocating the eradication of individuality—refused to relinquish his own identity. Rhinox's attempts at enlightenment were misconstrued, and his efforts only strengthened Megatron's desire for apotheosis. Repeated returns to Cybertron convinced him that godhood was still within his reach and as he charged his particles with "purity of purpose", erased Rhinox's spark from existence. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity==
The 'bot who would come to call himself "Megatron" was involved in the tail-end of the Great War, and commanded a small handful of troops on the battlefield. In a decisive battle, both [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] wound up dead, and the news of their demise quickly spread. Seeing opportunity, Megatron contacted his higher-ups, and petitioned that their forces strike decisively while the Autobots were still in disarray. His request was denied, but Megatron opted go through with his plans anyways.

[[File:DawnOfThePredacus-magnabossvsmegatron.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
As luck would have it, the Autobots' [[Tigatron|peace negotiator]] came to speak with his squad first, and Megatron let loose [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] in response to his pleas for an armistice. Although he involved himself in combat for a brief moment as well, Megatron left Predaking to "deal with the rabble" while he led the rest of his soldiers in an attack on the Primal Council. The Autobots' counter-offensive came in the form of [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]], who quickly overpowered Megatron's troops as transmatter rained down on the battlefield, converting all those it touched into a quantum state of proto-cybermatter. Tarantulas joined Megatron on the field, and informed him that the transmatter was coming from a doomsday weapon triggered by Galvatron's death, and that Predaking had taken his own life out of shame for his involvement with Galvatron's mad schemes. Refusing to be demoralized, Megatron readied to press his attack... only to be sniped by a stun-cannon. The Tripredacus Council then personally surrendered to the Autobots on behalf of all Decepticons. Megatron was trialed for his involvement in the war, and forcefully downgraded into a less-powerful body after the signing of the Pax Cybertronia. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

[[File:GatorMegatronBWSourcebook.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85]]
Upon his arrival on prehistoric Earth, the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Dark Side]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s computer suggested that Megatron take on a crocodilian alt mode. Unimpressed, Megatron chose instead to reformat himself with the genetic material of a Tyrannosaur. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #2}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed the timestream, he witnessed several key events during the Beast Wars. Among these were several moments involving Megatron, such as Megatron appearing menacing in his first T-rex body's beast mode, Megatron recruiting Quickstrike and Silverbolt to the Predacons, Megatron conversing with Ravage while bound by energy shackles, and finally Megatron unleashing a torrent of energy upon the stasis-locked Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

[[File:Gathering3-Megatron Magmatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Go back to anime, Magmatron!]]
In Lio Convoy's opinion, Megatron was a simple wild card, no real threat when compared with [[Magmatron]]. This drove home the fact that Cybertron had no idea of the damage Megatron had and would inflict, or the lengths he would go to becoming arguably the most powerful Transformer since the Great War.

After dispatching [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] to oversee the installation of [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]] into the ''Dark Side'', Megatron was attacked by Magmatron, who had been assigned to arrest him by the [[Tripredacus Council]]. Although Megatron proved more than a match for the experienced Predacon general individually, he was ambushed and paralyzed by [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] and [[Drill Bit (BW)|Drill Bit]]. Magmatron intended to use a transwarp shunt to transport his prisoner back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}} Thanks to the intervention of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Optimus Minor]], and [[Razorbeast]], Magmatron was sent home empty-handed. Razorbeast was tempted to dispatch the prone Megatron, but released him instead, due to his desire to avoid interfering with the timeline. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4|The Gathering #4}}

[[File:MegatronAscending4.JPG|left|thumb|Oh, we are so dead. Yeeeesss.]]
Ravage attempted to free Megatron after his ultimate capture at the end of the Beast Wars, but didn't progress very far in his plans. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 1|The Ascending #1}} However, the temporal shockwaves caused by Shokaract's suicide knocked Megatron free of his bonds atop the Autobot shuttle. Making his own way through the timestream, he arrived on a battle-ravaged Cybertron, long before the Maximals responsible for his defeat would emerge, with little else to stand in his way. Yeeess... {{storylink|The Ascending issue 4|The Ascending #4}}
{{--}}

==Waspscream continuity==
In [[Primax 208.06 Zeta]], Megatron's forces received assistance from the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of [[Primax 206.15 Gamma]]. This Starscream, having lived through Optimus Primal's gambit before, used his knowledge to press the advantage, and the Maximals were defeated. The Vok responded by trying to sterilize Earth, but Megatron tricked Blackarachnia into destroying the Planet Buster while she was attempting to escape Earth. The resulting [[quantum surge]] granted all the Predacons except Scorponok [[transmetal]] forms. The hybrid "Waspscream" entity launched a successful coup against Megatron. Megatron and his loyalists Inferno and Scorponok were captured, and Megatron himself was humiliatingly secured to the exterior of the Autobot shuttle which Waspscream's forces used to return to modern day Cybertron. However en route, Megatron managed to break free and arrive decades ahead of Waspscream's Predacons. He used his knowledge of the future to create a [[transformation virus]], unleashing it on Cybertron's unsuspecting population shortly before Waspscream's arrival, harvesting the populace's sparks and turning their bodies into Vehicon drones. Upon the arrival of Waspscream's crew, however, most of them escaped thanks to their transmetallization. Megatron only managed to capture their prisoners, Inferno, Scorponok, and Silverbolt, offering them the opportunity to serve him. Inferno leaped at the chance and became the commander of the [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]] drones while Scorponok and Silverbolt refused. Megatron used their sparks anyway, turning them into the [[Tank Drone]] commander [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Aero Drone]] commander [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]. Meanwhile, Waspscream's Predacons were drawn to the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], which granted them [[technorganic]] bodies. The Predacons proceeded to wage a valiant [[Spark War]] against Megatron and the Vehicons, eventually liberating Silverbolt and prompting Megatron to unleash a new general, the Autobot military genius [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 16, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}} Obsidian, however, schemed against Megatron, getting Tankor to assassinate Megatron and seizing control of the Vehicons for himself. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' Tankor profile}}

==''Timelines''==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English)}}
[[File:Megatronbwtheft.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Megatron steals the sacred Maximal cup coaster.]]
The Predacons [[Scourge (BW)|Scourge]], [[Buzz Saw (BW)|Buzz Saw]], and [[BB|Max-B]] worked for Megatron. The three of them, in disguise, gave the captured [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]] a test to ensure her loyalty to Decepticon glory. When she passed, they revealed their true identities and offered her a place under Megatron. {{Storylink|Intimidation Game}}

Megatron was the star pupil of the crime lord [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], and successfully carried out his plan to steal the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. Cryotek loved him like a son—which didn't stop him setting up Megatron to take the fall for the crime, knowing he'd betray him some day anyway. Unfortunately for Cryotek, "some day" was today—Megatron had everyone on the mission who wasn't loyal to him killed, had the data for the location of the Disk secretly decoded by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and then kept it for himself while directing the Maximals to his tutor. {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}}

[[File:Megatronbwsuit.jpg|thumb|Megatron's technicolor dreamcoat.]]
On Cybertron, Megatron wore removable transformable armor, which transformed into a missile-launching armored platform, over his basic bodyframe (which transformed into a hovertank). This quickly-discarded outer shell was possibly used to comply with the ratification of the [[Pax Cybertronia]], which required Predacons to lay down their arms. A Predacon field commander before the peace, Megatron refused to comply with these new regulations and struck out on his own to destroy the [[Maximal Imperium]].

With some [[Cryotek (RID)|help]] from [[Divebomb (G1)|various sources]], he assembled a crew of ragtag criminals and miscreants for the purpose of stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and using it to find [[Earth]]. Succeeding in stealing the disk, he, [[Dinobot (BW)|his lieutenant]], and [[Scorponok (BW)|another accomplice]] fought their way past security, eliminating [[Nitrostreak|one guard]] and dodging [[Tigatron|another]]. They were picked up by the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', a ship stolen by the rest of their crew.

Megatron instructed [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] to study the disk for the coordinates of Earth while the ''Darksyde'' battled its several pursuers. Although they were followed by the Maximal ships [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']] and the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', the ''Darksyde''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s mission was also aided by a third ship crewed by the Predacon agents [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. Though the ''Chromia 10'' and the Predacon ship were destroyed, the ''Darksyde'' was still followed by the ''Axalon''. Megatron removed his transformable armor and patched a video feed through to the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s captain, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. Declaring himself the leader of the Predacons, Megatron opened a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal through which both ships travelled. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

[[File:Trazorsedge prologue.jpg|left|thumb]]
Two weeks after [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Megatron fought to defend an orbital weapon from the [[Maximal]]s. Despite Megatron's savage attack, the launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

Megatron's attack on the dormant Optimus Prime was observed across the dimensions by [[Vector Prime]], who personally intervened to aid in Prime's recovery and preserve the normal flow of time. {{storylink|Vector Prime: In the Beginning}}
{{--}}

==Ask Vector Prime==
Due to the temporal shockwaves of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]]'s machinations in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals and imprisoned Megatron home from the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned, ending up in [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]]. [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] scattered the ship's crew into transwarp space, sending Megatron to [[Viron 102.0 Beta]]. There, he teamed up with local [[Predacon (BW)#2001 Robots in Disguise continuity|Predacon]] [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] to conquer the local Cybertron, harvesting the populace's sparks and converting their bodies into Vehicons. The Alternity shepherded the "shipwrecked" Primal, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to Viron 102.0 Beta to stop Megatron, activating the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] to guide them. Megatron eventually upgraded in a "[[:File:BeastWarsReturnstoy-MegaheadMegatron.jpg|Megahead]]" form, which was combated by Primal's "[[:File:RIDtoy-Suprimal.jpg|Air Attack]]" form. After the long "Allspark Battles", Primal's forces finally succeeded in vanquishing Megatron. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#September 30, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

==A Change to the Agenda==
After his attack on [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Megatron was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems. However, he was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. But before he could gloat further, Blackarachnia attacked the [[Megatron (G1)|original Megatron]] with her [[cyber venom]] before she disappearing, ensuring the Predacon Megatron's nonexistence. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, the Predacon who would become Megatron would take [[Megatron (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

==Games==
===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Megatron.jpg|thumb|"Dear me: Forget the grand scheme, just walk over and punch Optimus in his ****ing FACE. Yours sincerely, me."]]

{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)}}

Megatron was captured by the Maximals. Unknown to his captors, however, Megatron sent a message back in time through transwarp to his past self in a last-ditch effort to change the outcome of the Beast Wars; as a result, history was drastically changed following the Quantum Surge, with many combatants gaining new Transmetal forms. In this altered timeline, Megatron went on to participate in a one-on-one beatdown involving nearly all of the other active beast warriors. At the end, he confronted his mysterious doppelganger, [[Megatron X (BW)|Megatron X]].

Knowing fully that the planet where their war was taking place was in actuality prehistoric Earth, Megatron decided to make the ultimate gamble after gaining the upper hand in a grueling battle against the Maximals. Breaking into the Ark, Megatron murdered Optimus Prime while he slumbered, securing victory for both Decepticons and Predacons. However, in the year 2005, the Decepticons, having conquered both Earth and Cybertron, faced [[Unicron]]. As the Matrix died eons ago with Optimus Prime, it was unclear how the Decepticons could stand any chance against the devourer of worlds. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Megatron|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Crushing Wave
|-
|C-Up||Tail Smash
|-
|C-Left||Head Smash
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
Megatron led the other Predacons in an assault on the ''Axalon''. Unfortunately for them, Optimus Primal and his team fought back, beating the Predacons all the way back to the ''Darkside''. With his troops now out of commission, he was cornered on the bridge, and while momentarily caught off guard when the Maximals were revealed to have regained the Golden Disk, he began to gloat and shared a revelation of his own: he had actually anticipated this, and now his own troops had infiltrated the defenseless ''Axalon''. Mocking the Maximals one last time, he took off towards their ship. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Megatron cackled over the brilliance of his latest plan: lure the Maximals to the ''Darkside'', beat them up, then chase them back to their base to finish the job. All the other Predacons were on board, save for Rampage, until Megatron "convinced him" by squeezing his spark cage. When the Maximals took the bait and approached the ''Darkside'', Megatron led a team of Predacons in beating them back to the ''Axalon''. On the ship's bridge, with the Maximals all but defeated, Megatron gloated and prepared to finish off Optimus Primal. However, Rhinox arrived at that moment and activated Sentinel's auto-guns, and Megatron reluctantly ordered a retreat, swearing this was not over. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Wave Geyser
|Special attack||Wave Quake
|-
|Super attack||Storm of Vengeance
|Super attack||Infernal Torch
|}

==Notes==
[[File:Double Dinobot Megatron clone.jpg|thumb|A picture can tell lots without words.]]
*Megatron's pre-beast body, seen almost entirely during "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]", is actually the body of the Voltron-esque Giant Robot from [[Mainframe Entertainment|Mainframe]]'s ''ReBoot'' episode "Nullzilla", with Megatron's head attached and some purple colors. Sadly, no Disrupto-Matic was to be seen.
*In the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', [[Shigeru Chiba]]'s Megatron received several vocal tics; one of said tics (which was discarded early in the series) involved a habit of spitting after every lengthy session of maniacal laughter. Another new trait, played up for comedy, was his habit of screaming in a high-pitched, girlish voice when attacked, surprised or injured. His cowardice would become a running gag in the dub. When retreating at the end of "[[Call of the Wild]]", for instance, Megatron whimpered the excuse, "I have to return to my piano lessons!" This version of the villain is well-liked among the Japanese audience, with "Chibatron" being a common nickname for the character.
*A [[Fox Kids]] Fall 1999 press release for the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' sequel, then named "''Beast Hunters''", confirmed Megatron would conquer Cybertron but would have "hordes of Predacons" under his command rather than Vehicons. It's unclear if Megatron's Predacon conquest was ever truly planned or if Fox Kids was bending the truth as nobody knew what a Vehicon was yet. This is likely why the [[BotCon 1999]] fiction has Megatron as a planet-ruling Predacon warlord in the future: it was trying to tie into the upcoming show!
*During the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' cartoons, Megatron says "yesss..." 166 times, and "no..." 54 times. Despite this imbalance (or perhaps because of it), his final word in ''Beast Machines'' is a loud, drawn-out, tremendously hammy "NOOOOOOOOOO!"
*During audio commentary{{fact}}, [[Bob Skir]] revealed that the idea for Megatron's spark inhabiting a Diagnostic Drone came from [[David McDermott]]'s comment that "no matter ''what'' form Megatron's in, he will go out and kick ass".
*Megatron's season 1 ''T. rex'' model was recycled for the Mainframe Entertainment produced movie ''[[Hot Wheels|Hot Wheels: World Race]]'' as a rock statue.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hJkvwoddxY All of Megatron's "Yeeeessss"s and "No"s in Beast Wars on YouTube]

[[Category:Beast Machines Predacons]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Vehicons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Cloud Predacons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Emperors of Destruction]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Predacon leaders]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) characters]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Zombies]]

Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity

2025-03-07T02:58:34Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{factions|predacon|vehicon|decepticon}}
{{suite}}
[[File:Megatronbw.jpg|thumb|350px|Best. Megatron. EVER. ''Yeeeeess''.]]
'''Megatron''' has had many plots, yes.

{{quote|Why do you always talk to yourself?}}
{{quote|Ah, I simply have a penchant for... ''intelligent conversation.''|[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and Megatron|"[[The Low Road]]"}}

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Han Li]] (Chinese), [[Antônio Moreno]] (Portuguese), [[Hans Sievers]] (German) [[Tony Fuochi]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Villeli]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Claudio Rodríguez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[François Siener]] (French, season 1), [[Pierre Forest]] (French, season 2), [[Yu Hae-mu]] (Korean, MBC dub)}}
[[File:BWPart1 preformatting Megatron.jpg|left|thumb|Priority one: finding out where the light switch is.]]
The original name of the Predacon known as "Megatron" is unknown; upon reading the [[Covenant of Primus]], the grandiose and dramatic young criminal chose to rename himself after the great destroyer the book mentioned. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}} Megatron found life on Cybertron intolerable, as he and his fellow Predacons lived as second-class citizens underneath the [[Maximal]]s—a situation that could be traced back to the defeat of their [[Decepticon]] ancestors in the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] centuries beforehand. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The ruling triumvirate of the Predacons, the [[Tripredacus Council]], were slowly biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike, but Megatron was impatient, and had his own plan to ensure Predacon rule over Cybertron. The Council knew of Megatron, seeing him as brilliant but dangerous, and too much trouble for their liking. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

Gathering a gang of criminals into his service, Megatron stole the Maximal relic known as the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. The disk contained the location data of the planet [[Earth]], {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} but more than that, it also hid a secret message inscribed upon it centuries earlier by the [[Megatron (G1)|Decepticon Megatron]]—a daring contingency plan to prevent Decepticon defeat that directed whoever found the message to use [[unspace|transwarp]] technology to travel back through time to ''prehistoric'' Earth, to a point in time when the Autobot spacecraft [[Ark (G1)|the Ark]] lay hidden on the planet. By finding and killing the Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] as he lay in stasis aboard the craft, a 'bot could alter history in favor of the Decepticons, ensuring their victory in the war, and Predacon rule in the present. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:Megatronbwtrex.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Today is a beautiful day to be stomping on things!]]

Stealing [[Darksyde (BW)|a ship]], Megatron and his crew departed through a transwarp portal, but were pursued by the Maximal starship [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], captained by [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. The two ships emerged from transwarp over an unknown planet, where they promptly crash-landed. The presence of two [[Moon (moon)|moons]] in the sky suggested that the world on which they found themselves was ''not'' Earth—but it ''was'' rich in [[energon]], which Megatron could use to fuel his conquest of the Maximals one way or the other. So rich, in fact, that the Maximals and Predacons had to adopt organic beast forms to protect themselves against the massive amount of energon radiation, with Megatron taking the shape of a purple ''Tyrannosaurus rex''.

[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] chastised Megatron, accusing him of leading the Predacons to the wrong planet and challenged Megatron for leadership of the Predacons. Megatron simply ignored the challenge and had [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] dispose of him. A short time later, [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] tangled with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], allowing Megatron to deliver his first speech to the Maximals, though it was cut short by a "sneaky, underhanded" attack by Cheetor, which impressed Megatron greatly. Though the Predacons appeared to have the Maximals on the run, they began to suffer from energon build up, and were forced to return to their [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} They followed the Maximals, catching up with them as Dinobot was dueling with Optimus Primal for leadership. Megatron took the opportunity for a sneak attack of his own, and during the destruction, some Predacon missiles uncovered a large quantity of energon located on a nearby mountain. Both teams reached the mountaintop at around the same time, but the ambient energon radiation forced them to fight in their beast modes. Despite biting a chunk out of Primal's leg, Megatron found himself on the losing end of the engagement, and out of desperation transformed to [[robot mode]] to fire a missile. The missile was deflected from its path by Dinobot, causing the energon to explode and hurling Megatron from the mountain. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:EqualMeasures-Megatronface.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]

All involved believed that Megatron had been seeking Earth purely for its energon, unaware of his greater scheme. Secretly, however, Megatron was able to confirm that the planet they were on ''was indeed'' Earth. At some point, using the information on the Golden Disk, he located the Ark buried within a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]]... but when faced with the enormity of the task that lay before him, and the innumerable unpredictable and dangerous possibilities that were inherent to altering history itself, he faltered. Megatron blasted the tunnel he had dug into the volcano shut to keep the Ark hidden, and resolved instead to focus on acquiring other means of power to conquer Cybertron in the present. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

Megatron and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] cornered Cheetor when the Maximal was transported into their base by a freak sequence of events, but were forced to cooperate with him when the other Maximals sent a bomb through. After the bomb was successfully disposed of, Megatron attempted to do the same to Cheetor, but only succeeded in destroying the teleport effect between the two bases. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} After the discovery of a cache of energon in the [[Standing Stones]], Megatron led his men in an attempt to gain it, but was furious when Terrorsaur intentionally blasted the energon mid-battle, destroying it. The Standing Stones triggered the arrival of an [[Vok probe|alien probe]], but when Megatron and Waspinator attempted to claim it, it zapped them and absorbed Optimus Primal. Believing Primal to be dead, Megatron mounted an attack on the Maximal base, but after a lengthy fight with Dinobot, Megatron was forced to call a retreat. The Predacons pursued the Maximals to the stone circle, but retreated once more when Primal was freed from the probe. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[File:Power Surge Megatron down.jpg|right|thumb|"...Waspinator! I've got a role to delegate!"]]

While Megatron was demonstrating the Predacons' new defense systems, Terrorsaur discovered a [[flying mountain]] topped with a cache of super-energon. The power this afforded Terrorsaur allowed him to challenge Megatron and blast the Predacon leader clear off a cliff, leaving him in several pieces. Scorponok and Waspinator set about repairing Megatron behind Terrorsaur's back, and by the time the usurper returned, defeated, an outraged Megatron was waiting for him. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}}

When the first of the Maximal [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground, Megatron had Waspinator and Terrorsaur ambush Optimus with only limited success. Though annoyed at their failure, he dispatched them to reach the pod while he and Scorponok headed for the Maximal base. There, he was able to distract Dinobot long enough for Scorponok to administer a slagging, before the [[autogun]]s drove them off. Megatron proceeded to the pod and held the Maximals at bay by threatening a couple of nearby white tigers, only to discover that the stasis pod was already empty. As it turned out, one of white tigers was the new Maximal, [[Tigatron]], who transformed and fought the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

The Predacons finally managed a victory in stealing a stasis pod and creating [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. However, again Terrorsaur tried to usurp Megatron, this time using an apparently-turned [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], who used a device to paralyze Megatron. The Predacons argued over who would be leader, but agreed to put Rattrap and Megatron away for the time being. Megatron was able to easily escape using his secret voice commands, leaving Rattrap to his fate. Revealing himself to have escaped, Megatron allowed Terrorsaur to lead the Predacons in battle with the Maximals. Terrorsaur failed miserably, showing his ineptitude to the Predacons, which was Megatron's plan all along. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:GorillaWarfare Megatron's bomb problem.jpg|left|thumb|Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb.]]

Megatron sent Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur on a plan to blow a hole in the bottom of the ''Axalon''. They failed. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} On another occasion, Scorponok used a [[Cyberbee]] to infect Optimus Primal with a venom to turn the Maximal leader into a coward. The first Megatron knew of its failure was when Cheetor radioed the Predacon base to warn them that an enraged Optimus was on his way; in response, Megatron kicked Scorponok to the floor for his incompetence. Confronted by Primal, he offered to give him the cure if he submitted to Predacon rule. Optimus responded by ripping the Cyberbee from his own chest and sticking it on Megatron's beast mode back. Unable to reach the device, Megatron managed to have Scorponok remove it, but it promptly exploded in their faces. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a Maximal [[temporal probe]] neared the planet, Megatron and his Predacons successfully destroyed a communications tower which the Maximals were setting up to try to signal it. {{storylink|The Probe}} Formulating a new plan to get off the planet, Megatron had the other Predacons act dissatisfied with his leadership, causing a battle that apparently destroyed the Predacons, using a Maximal spy camera that he was aware of to play out the trick. Then, the Maximals scavenged the ''Darksyde'' for parts to repair the ''Axalon''{{'}}s stardrive. At the eleventh hour, Dinobot discovered the deception and rushed to warn the leaving Maximals. In the scuffle, Megatron snuck aboard. In the ''Axalon'', he managed to knock out every Maximal on the ship but Rattrap, who he started crushing to death. An angered [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] woke up and threw Megatron off the ''Axalon''. However, Megatron's tail weapon was stuck in the console, causing the ''Axalon'' to crash. Again. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

Following a Predacon defeat attributed mostly to [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Megatron had [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] capture the Maximal and used his latest invention, the [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], to turn Rhinox into a Predacon. Unbeknownst to Megatron, evil Rhinox was a schemer and disrupted the other Predacons. Megatron eventually found out the truth, which was the signal for the Maximals to mount an attack to rescue their friend. Megatron fought at length with Optimus, losing an arm. Ultimately Rhinox was returned to normal, and an errant shot from Waspinator destroyed the Transmuter, so that was the end of that. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} Yet another plan had Megatron create a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]] which he sent to infiltrate the Maximal base. It backfired when the real Dinobot first defeated the clone, then masqueraded as it and used the bases defenses on Megatron. Megatron was at least happy that it turned out his clone hadn't betrayed him, as the real Dinobot had. The other Maximals turned up to chase Megatron off. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[File:Megatronbwspidersgame.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|right|I thought I told you NO MORE BARNEY JOKES.]]

Detecting another stasis pod crash, Megatron sent Scorponok and Blackarachnia to capture it. They failed. {{storylink|The Spark}} After a skirmish with Tigatron, Terrorsaur and Waspinator reported back to Megatron that they'd found a [[Brigadoon|flying island]], and Megatron sent Blackarachnia and Scorponok to claim it. Before they left, Megatron whispered something into Scorponok out of Blackarachnia's hearing range. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} It was revealed that Megatron had anticipated the possibility of Blackarachnia's treachery, so he had Scorponok watch her very closely and make sure she didn't use the island against him; he had been right to use that precaution. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}} Tarantulas used a [[magna pulse]] to knock out power in both the Maximal and Predacon bases to allow him to recover a stasis pod himself. By the time Megatron caught up, a new Predacon was online—[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]. Megatron was impressed with Inferno's fighting spirit, helping him to attack Tigatron, until Primal arrived and ruined things again. Megatron ordered Scorponok to salvage Inferno. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

The next cunning plan Megatron would come up with involved stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to stay in their beast modes at all time. Once the Maximals had succumbed to their beast instincts and wandered into the jungle, Megatron assembled a hunting party, complete with drums. Despite shooting at some of the Maximals, they were unable to make any kills before Tigatron helped the Maximals integrate their beast instincts with their programming. The Maximals subsequently easily fought back, Optimus even lifting Megatron over his head. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} After Scorponok and Waspinator reported destroying four of the Maximals, Tarantulas reported that he'd detected walking energon. Megatron concluded that the Maximals had survived the energon explosion and were contaminated, and sent Terrorsaur out to deal with them. Terrorsaur failed. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

During a violent storm, Waspinator was possessed by the immortal [[spark]] of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and ingratiated himself into Megatron's good books. With Starscream's help, Megatron led the Predacons to victory and captured the ''Axalon''. He left Starscream in charge, returning to the ''Darksyde'' with Terrorsaur and Tarantulas. Before leaving, he consulted with Scorponok in private; while impressed with Starscream so far, it would be wise to keep a close eye on him. Once again, that caution served Megatron well; Starscream later used the Maximals to attack the Predacon base in a double cross. In the aftermath of Starscream's defeat, Megatron put Waspinator back together and was only mildly convinced by Blackarachnia's explanation for her supposed betrayal. {{storylink|Possession}} Yet another plan backfired badly. After Tarantulas infected Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], Megatron attempted to use the counter virus as a bargaining chip, only for a massive fart from Rhinox to blow all of the Predacons away and leave them dangling from a tree. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

{{quote|This is certainly the most humiliating defeat of my entire career. Yess...|Megatron|"The Low Road"}}

[[File:Before the Storm Megatron disc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|Yeessss...]]
Later, Megatron detected a strange energy pulse and sent Inferno to investigate. The result was the discovery of a second [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]], resulting in Megatron calling a ceasefire between the two factions, realizing he had more important things to worry about. Tigatron broke into the ''Darksyde'', learning about the new Golden Disk, and escaped, however this was merely part of Megatron's plan, which required the Maximals to learn about the approach of the [[Vok]]. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} After the arrival of an alien artifact—an [[Bio-Dome|organic dome]]—Megatron allowed Optimus to go in first, later listening to the sounds of the Maximal being tortured and wishing he had a recording of it to lull him to sleep at night. The beginning of an ignition sequence provided the distraction the other Maximals needed to fight Megatron and his goons off. One of the planet's moons revealed itself to be an artificial alien construct, and as it opened into a [[Planet Buster|planet-killing weapon]], Megatron mused to himself that there was still another hand to be played. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Retiring to the Predacon base, he monitored events within the ''Axalon'' via the scanners, learning that Optimus intended to use a stasis pod turned into a spaceship by Tarantulas to destroy the Planet Buster. Megatron was able to override some of the pod's systems, preventing Primal from ejecting before the pod and the Planet Buster exploded. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Megs transmetal.JPG|upright=1.5|thumb|left|Gimme fuel Gimme fire Gimme that which I desire BOOM!]]

After a quick celebration over his vanquishing of Primal, the [[quantum surge]] from the Planet Buster's destruction bathed Megatron in quantum energies, upgrading him into a [[Transmetal]] and giving him the ability to fly. Megatron quickly rallied his forces and attempted an all-out attack on the leader-less Maximals. He unfortunately had to retreat once he realized most of his troops were incapacitated. {{storylink|Aftermath}} The discovery of two more downed stasis pods provided Megatron with two new men, the [[Fuzor]]s [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. Megatron immediately led them into combat against Cheetor, and they headed for the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} [[File:ComingoftheFuzors2-finishit.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Quick! It's the golden hour! Kill the Maximals!]] Battling their way to the Maximal ship, the Predacons were confronted by a resurrected and upgraded Optimus Primal, who drove them all off. Returning to base, Megatron discovered that in his absence, the two golden disks had been stolen by Dinobot, and the backup copy of their data he kept on his personal system had been destroyed. Though Blackarachnia blamed Dinobot for the backup's destruction, Megatron clearly suspected the truth: that she herself was responsible, having downloaded a copy of the backup for herself first. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

Megatron sent Tarantulas, Blackarachnia and Quickstrike to secure a cave full of energon. They later reported back that it had been [[Tarantulas's lair|destroyed in a fight]] with the Maximals. Megatron was not pleased. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} Captured by the Predacons, Dinobot opted to defect back to their side. Megatron forced him to prove himself by staging a fight between him and Quickstrike, and the original [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] was soon back in Megatron's hands. Unfortunately, Dinobot ultimately opted to remain a Maximal. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[File:Other Visits 2 Megatron chair.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Rule number one of ruling the universe: find a good chair]]

The discovery of another alien site gave Megatron the opportunity to take a shot at retrieving the alien Golden Disk. He distracted Rhinox long enough for Inferno and Blackarachnia to incapacitate the Maximal, and managed to take the disk back into his possession. Returning to base, Megatron encountered Tarantulas, who declared himself no longer under Megatron's command, but was willing to cooperate. As the Predacons put their new plan into effect at the alien site, the Maximals arrived, only for a [[Metal Hunter|domed spaceship]] to appear. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} After using a force field to prevent the Maximals getting in, Megatron ventured into the spacecraft and was able to use the alien Golden Disk to take control of it. His first act was to bring aboard the other Predacons (bar Tarantulas, with whom the alliance was terminated) and Optimus Primal, the latter as a prisoner. Installing [[Transwarp cell]]s into the ship, Megatron intended to take it back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and conquer the world. Tarantulas arranged for a Maximal attack, infiltrating the ship and causing it to self-destruct. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

After another stasis pod was found, Megatron bugged Blackarachnia and sent her and Waspinator out to find it. He soon learned that the pod contained Protoform X, a powerful [[Transformer]] with an indestructible spark, made during a Maximal experiment. With this information, he used an energon blade to cut out a piece of the creature's spark using it to control the beast, which he renamed [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]. {{storylink|Bad Spark}}

[[File:CodeofHero-oldtechnology.jpg|upright=1.15|thumb|right|hoooo!!!Dinobot!!!!How nice to meet you!!!!]]

His options growing limited, Megatron chose to test alternative, "safer" means of altering history. Using the Golden Disk, he discovered the location of a valley full of [[anthropoid|early humans]], who would someday evolve into the humans who helped the [[Autobot]]s defeat the [[Decepticon]]s in the great war. Determining by empirical experimentation that the future could be altered, Megatron mounted an attack on the valley. The Predacons were prevented from razing it entirely by the interference of Dinobot. After defeating all of the Predacon troops singlehandedly, Dinobot knocked the disk from Megatron's hand, and destroyed it. Megatron ordered a retreat as the rest of the Maximals arrived. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} Though fascinated at the discovery of a [[Transmutate (BW)|badly-mutated Transformer]], Megatron wasn't impressed when it failed to transform, and ordered it destroyed, but Rampage successfully convinced him to let Transmutate prove itself. It didn't go so well. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda2-underarrestmeow.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|I want a lawyer!]]

Calculating that the [[Transwarp wavefront]] would soon reach Cybertron, alerting the [[Maximal High Council]] and resulting in a rescue ship being sent, Megatron realised he would have to implement a potentially final gambit. The Predacons attacked the Maximal base, but were fought off when help arrived in the form of Predacon covert agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], sent by the Predacon [[Tripredacus Council]] to apprehend Megatron. Returning to the Predacon base, Megatron sent Waspinator on a secret mission, while the other Predacons attempted to increase the fortifications. The impending attack went off without a hitch, however, and Megatron was captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Megatron was placed in a cell, and was informed by Ravage that Tarantulas was a member of the [[Predacon Secret Police]]. Megatron didn't seem too surprised by the news, and still had a hand to play—using a fragment of the Golden Disk which Dinobot had destroyed, he played back a portion of the original Megatron's hidden message, convincing Ravage to side with him. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}
[[File:Agenda3 MegatronOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.4|right|thumb|A little off the top, sir?]]
Megatron and Ravage subsequently led an assault on the ''Axalon'', which only failed through some extremely daring work by Rattrap.
Megatron fled, not back to the Predacon base, but to the Ark, prepared at last to enact his namesake's plan to change the course of history by killing Optimus Prime. At the ship, he discovered Blackarachnia and her paramour Silverbolt, the former having deduced Megatron's plans by studying the stolen backup of Golden Disk data. This proved fortuitous for Megatron, as he was to coerce Blackarachnia into helping him by threatening Silverbolt. The she-spider provided the access codes necessary to shut down the Ark's security grid and grant Megatron access to the ship. After delivering a powerful speech to the unconscious figure of Optimus Prime, Megatron blasted the Autobot in the face at full power, triggering a timestorm that began to unravel history. As reality whirled around him, he confronted the Maximals outside the Ark to gloat that, by slaying Prime, he has erased them from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} Unfortunately, he failed to account for Blackarachnia; having been created from a Maximal protoform, she too would cease to exist if Megatron's plan succeeded, so she used her access codes to reactivate the Ark's security, causing Megatron to be hurled from the fact. With Blackachnia's help the Maximals were able to use [[Teletraan I]] to repair Optimus Prime, while Primal took the Autobot's spark into his own structure to protect it, in the process transforming his body into a more powerful form. Confronted by the new "Optimal Optimus", Megatron beat a retreat, but not before shooting Blackarachnia. Heading for the ''Axalon'', he, Inferno and Waspinator were attacked and downed by Primal and Cheetor, however Megatron radioed ahead to Rampage, who was able to destroy the Maximal ship. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-sizedifference.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This better not awaken anything in me.]]

Rampage disappeared while supposedly on a mission to attack the Ark with Inferno, and Megatron's scanners were unable to locate him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Monitoring the Maximal attempt to salvage [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]], Megatron sent his men out to retrieve the device. The mission was surprisingly a success, and Megatron later installed Sentinel in the Predacon ship. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} Megatron had also developed [[Cyber raptor]]s, which were sent out occasionally to harass the early humans. When he spotted Blackarachnia and Cheetor accompanying two of the humans, he sent Waspinator and Tarantulas out with three of the raptors to attack them. It didn't go too well for the Predacons, but Megatron was brewing a new plan. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}
[[File:FeralScream1 Megatron greets clone.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Ah, there's always time for a speech.]]
Having obtained a [[Transmetal driver]] through unknown means, he embarked upon an experiment, the fruition of which was the creation of a [[Transmetal 2]] [[Dinobot II|clone of Dinobot]]. However, thanks to the interference of [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] and Cheetor during the experiment, the Transmetal driver was lost, and the Predacons captured Depth Charge in order to interrogate him. Before they could extract the information, they were attacked by a strange feral beast, which eliminated them one by one. Megatron accidentally slagged Waspinator before being attacked by the creature himself, and sent flying off a cliff. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} Returning to base, Megatron detected the beast roaming in the night, and realized that Cheetor had been exposed to the Transmetal driver's energies and upgraded into a new form. He dispatched Dinobot and Waspinator to capture Cheetor, but unsurprisingly they failed. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:MasterBlaster-DragonMegsTarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|300px|”I am not so easily destroyed, WE ARE NOT EVEN IN THE SERIES FINALE FOOL! DON’T RUSH!”

Megatron had his men build a new weapon—a [[disruptor cannon]] constructed in a cave on a mountain top. Unfortunately due to the bi-polar energon source that the weapon used, the Predacons were unable to get close enough to install the shielding. Megatron sent Waspinator and Inferno out to capture one of the early humans, and they came back with [[Una]]. With great difficulty, Megatron instructed her on installing the shielding and installing the stabilizer crystal. After the Maximals had rescued her, the Predacons fired the cannon, only to discover too late that Una hadn't installed the stabilizer after all. The cannon exploded in their faces. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} Alerted by Tarantulas that the Maximals were attempting to remove Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Megatron assigned Inferno, Rampage and Quickstrike to help Tarantulas disrupt the Ark's power, and hopefully terminate Blackarachnia. It even mostly worked, except for the part about Blackarachnia dying instead of ending up with a new Transmetal 2 body. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

On a later occasion, Megatron had Waspinator attack the Ark as part of a diversion. Tarantulas was able to place Optimus Primal under Quickstrike's control, enabling the Predacons to defeat the Maximals easily, and allowing Megatron to enter the Ark once more. There, he deliberately took the spark of the original Megatron and placed it in his body. Before he could do anything more, Quickstrike used Primal's body to dump in him the nearest pit of lava—a double-cross engineered by Tarantulas. Megatron did not die, but was upgraded into a new form, with a dragon as his [[alternate mode]]. After slagging Tarantulas, Megatron fought at length with Primal, only being fought off when Blackarachnia freed the other Maximals. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

[[File:OtherVictories-Megswig.jpg|right|thumb|200px|”I hereby declare you independent… FROM LIFE!”]]

His attempt to put Quickstrike on trial for treachery was interrupted by the news that something was incoming. [[Tigerhawk]], emissary of the Vok, obliterated the Predacon base before defeating Megatron in battle. Tigerhawk prepared to deliver the killing blow, but was interrupted, first by Optimus Primal, and then by Tarantulas. By the time Megatron recovered, Tigerhawk had been captured by Tarantulas, and Megatron flew off. Tarantulas was eventually destroyed by his quest for power, and Megatron could only watch as the Maximals welcomed Tigerhawk into their ranks. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

[[File:OtherVictories-Megsdragon.jpg|left|thumb|250px|”This is my world now. AND YOU WON’T EVEN LAST 2 EPISODES!”]]

Desperate once again, Megatron dispatched Inferno, Waspinator and Quickstrike to find a new base, while he took the competent Predacons to search the remains of Tarantulas's lair. There, Dinobot found a hatch leading to an undersea tunnel and Megatron realised the enormity of what Tarantulas had discovered. The Predacons followed the tunnel to the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the Decepticon flagship which had crashed at the same time as the Ark. Megatron and Dinobot entered the ancient ship, successfully powering it up and raising it out of the ocean, intending to take back to Cybertron so that Megatron might conquer the planet. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

{{quote|I am ''alpha and omega'', optimal Optimus. Now and forever, until the end of time!|Megatron|"Nemesis Part 2"}}
[[File:Nemesis2 Megatron on shuttle.jpg|right|thumb|How To Restrain Your Dragon.]]

First, however, he planned to annihilate the ''entire'' Ark rather than simply Optimus Prime: drunk on power and reciting religious scripture that he believed concerned ''him'', he was declaring himself "alpha and omega" and that time itself was now his to command.

Heading for the Ark, Megatron stopped the ship momentarily to fire on an anthropoid settlement, despite Dinobot's objections, inadvertently killing Inferno and Quickstrike in the process. Of course, this meant that when the ''Nemesis'' arrived at its target, the fusion cannon was still recharging. Megatron instead turned a tractor beam on the Autobot ship. Primal infiltrated the ''Nemesis'' and began fighting Megatron. Though Optimus was no match for the Predacon leader, he bought the Maximals enough time to find an Autobot shuttle, which Rhinox piloted into the bridge of the ''Nemesis'', taking Megatron out. The ''Nemesis'' crashed a second time and thus preserved history. After returning the original Megatron's spark to its proper body, the Maximals headed back to Cybertron with the incarcerated Megatron shackled to the outside of their ship. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Machines'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Francisco José]] (Portuguese), [[Jan Spitzer]] (German) [[Giorgio Locuratolo]] (Italian), [[Armando Rendiz]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Diéguez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jean-Paul Dermont]] (French)}}

[[File:Megatron for life.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"If you've done nothing wrong, you've got nothing to fear. If you've something to hide, you shouldn't even be here..."]]
Breaking free from his constraints on the Autobot shuttle while it traveled through transwarp space, Megatron arrived back home on Cybertron well before the Maximals did. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} He used the window of opportunity for maximum effect, releasing a [[Transformation virus|virus]] across the planet that quickly incapacitated the population. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} He then began extracting the victims' [[spark]]s and storing them in a citadel, planning to one day absorb them into his own spark. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} Meanwhile, he used factories to rebuild the bodies into mindless [[drone]]s he called "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]]". {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Eventually, he had almost every spark on Cybertron in his possession. At some point Megatron's former follower [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] managed to make it back to Cybertron through unknown means. However Megatron simply extracted his spark too. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

When the Maximals arrived in their shuttle, they found the planet empty, aside from Vehicons who immediately attacked them with canisters of a gas that infected them with the virus. The fully-Transmetal among them "devolved" into their original beast modes but were able to keep moving and escape. The remaining two, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] (who never received any form of upgrade on Earth), were instead paralyzed and quickly overtaken. Their sparks soon joined Megatron's collection. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Optimus grabs Megatron's head.jpg|thumb|"Time for a noogie!" "NOOOOOO!!!"]]
The escaped Maximals would have succumbed to the virus eventually if not for the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] [[reformatting]] them. Megatron observed their first battle against the Vehicon drones, vowing to destroy the impurity in his technological paradise. {{storylink|The Reformatting}} He would not have to wait long before a confrontation with [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], gloating to the Maximal leader that Cybertron now belonged to the technological. The strain of controlling the Vehicon drones while attacking three targets was telling, and Primal was able to goad him into losing control, causing an overwhelming urge to transform and revealing Megatron's dragon form, now in a ragged patchwork state as a result of failed attempts to excise his organic mode. Megatron was able to quickly recover, pointing out Primal's own failure had led to the downfall of Cybertron, before reconnecting to his [[control harness]] and taking control of the drones once again. Defiant, Primal had to be dragged from the [[Council Citadel]] by the other Maximals. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

[[File:FiresofthePast Megatron closeup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Calm down Diagnostic Drone, now is not the time for fear. That comes later.]]
Though the [[Diagnostic Drone]] insisted that Megatron's organic side had been purged, another failed battle between the Vehicon drones caused him to revert in rage to his dragon mode yet again. In order to make his drones more flexible in capturing the Maximals, he imbued three Vehicons with captured sparks so they could think on their feet in battle. The original personalities of these "[[Vehicon General]]s" were deeply buried under shell programs, which allowed Megatron to use sparks of the Maximals' former allies. Thus, if the Maximals discovered who they really were, they would be reluctant to destroy them. The recently captured Silverbolt and Rhinox were made into [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] and [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], respectively. The third general, [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]], was created from his former follower [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. During the generals' first engagement with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], Megatron became aware that Blackarachnia was trying to access the computer of the Autobot shuttle they'd arrived in, and he made an attempt to access her memory while she did so. Rattrap was warned of this via a transmission made to Jetstorm, and was able to cut the link before Megatron could learn the location of the Maximal base. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits Megatron medium shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|My stomach is rumbling. Diagnostic Drone, bring out the Energon Brownies.]]
After raging at the three generals for their failure, Megatron sent them out, promising great rewards for whoever captured the Maximals. This paid off when Tankor returned with all four of the Maximals. Unfortunately while Megatron was getting ready to give Tankor his reward of oblivion, the Maximals escaped, and Primal was able to speak directly to Tankor's spark, turning him against Megatron. Once they'd escaped, Megatron was able to restore his control harness and remotely erase Tankor's memory of the last 20 cycles, turning him against the Maximals once more. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}} The Diagnostic Drone continued to attempt to formulate ways to excise Megatron's organic side, suggesting they wait until after the Maximal problem was dealt with, however Megatron was determined to put a swift end to the matter in question. During a battle between the drones and Maximals in a Vehicon factory, Megatron retook control of the drones out of frustration over his generals' failure, only for feedback from a computer to overload his systems.

While in this weakened state, he was approached by Rattrap, who offered to defend Megatron for the night in return for weaponry. Though the other Maximals turned up, Rattrap fought them back. Megatron encouraged him to use the weapons to terminate the Maximals, but Rattrap refused, pointing out that the sun was coming up and their agreement was at an end. In return, Megatron let him go free. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Survivor Megatron dragon.jpg|left|upright=1.5|thumb|Just don't call him "Patches" or he'll scorch your ass.]]
The attempts to remove Megatron's organic form continued, with little success, and he turned down the Diagnostic Drone's suggestion to simply build a new body for himself, as it would require leaving his spark unprotected for a short period of time. Instead they implemented a new plan: attempt to capture [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] and work out how to reverse the process the young Maximal used to acquire an organic mode. During the mission, the Diagnostic Drone was reprogrammed by Tankor, whose Rhinox personality had resurfaced, and was now actively working in competition with Megatron to create a technological utopia. When the next attempt to purge Megatron's dragon mode failed (as Tankor instructed), the Diagnostic Drone suggested that the failure was caused by Megatron himself. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After Tankor's apparent destruction, Megatron demanded the Diagnostic Drone find out what happened. The Maximals, meanwhile, attempted to attack a Vehicon factory, with the intent of stealing a [[Mole Drone]], and Megatron demonstrated his power over Cybertron by moving the very buildings themselves around in an attempt to crush the Maximals, and elevating the factory in an attempt to tip them out. {{storylink|The Key}} Megatron questioned Thrust and Jetstorm over Tankor's whereabouts prior to his demise. Unknown to any of them, the "death" had been a trick on Tankor's part, and the real Tankor had the Diagnostic Drone take the opportunity to reveal the discovery of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], capable of transforming organic matter into [[Living metal#Beast Era|technomatter]], to Megatron. Though Megatron was encouraged by the idea it could purge Cybertron of organic life, he was suspicious of the Drone's inadvertent slip of the tongue regarding what the Key would do to him, and ordered the Key be loaded on to select drones only. Tankor's plan to force Megatron's hand by providing the Maximals with a catalyst to make their vines grow faster eventually paid off, and Megatron ordered the key loaded onto all of the [[Tank Drone]]s. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:EndoftheLine Megatron swirlingenergies.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2| No! The hurricane is separating me from my action figures! Curse you, Mother Nature!!!]]
Of course, Megatron also made sure the Tank Drones were under his sole control first. Tankor then provided Primal with the whereabouts of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], capable of purging all technology from Cybertron, in an attempt to force Megatron to use the keys. Megatron did not believe that Primal would actually go through with opening the chamber, and, distrustful of the Diagnostic Drone's motives, destroyed it. During the Maximal's last push for victory, Megatron found himself confronted by Optimus Primal once more, and crowed over his opponent as the other Maximals were transformed into technomatter. However Primal was able to provoke another appearance by Megatron's beast mode, and attempted to reformat him. The attempt was interrupted by Tankor, who prepared to zap Megatron with a Key, but was promptly restrained. Megatron announced that having a free agent was part of his plan, and had handed him the key to victory. Optimus, finally determined to win at any cost, opened the Plasma Energy Chamber, and Megatron responded by triggering the key weapon, causing a maelstrom of clashing energies. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:SavageNoble Noble with wings.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|Great. I still have wings, but I've got fur instead of scales. The indignity...]]
When the Maximals entered the Council Citadel, all they found of Megatron was his body, which disintegrated. Despite this the evidence of Megatron's influence remained—following Optimus Primal's resurrection, the Maximals found themselves face-to-face with a giant ship, resembling a stylised version of Megatron's own head, which rose above the city. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} The ship did not contain Megatron's [[spark]] though; The combined energies had actually succeeded in separating his organic half from his body—unfortunately, his spark went with it and become trapped in a purely organic Transformer. He took the identity of "innocent" Maximal [[Noble (BM)|Noble]] and, preying on [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]'s survivor guilt and Optimus's inherent goodness, attained the confidence of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} With their help, he was able to gain entry back into the Council Citadel, and attempted to access the control harness, only to discover it would not interface with his organic form. Using a [[spark extractor]], he ripped his own spark out and flew into the giant floating head, possessing it and reactivating Cybertron. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

[[File:InDarkestKnight Grand Mal.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Tremble before the might of MODOK!]]
Intent on gaining access to the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Megatron seized Primal and Cheetor, bringing them aboard the ship in preparation to tear the information from them. He was able to communicate with them by appearing as a hologram of moving [[Cybertronix]], announcing that the procedure would be terminal. Before it could be completed, Silverbolt, who had been reformatted from Jetstorm by Blackarachnia, arrived and freed the two Maximals. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} Unwilling to admit defeat, Megatron deployed his own variation of the [[Hate Plague]], infecting all of the Maximals but Primal. Optimus instead was scooped up by a tentacle and taken aboard the floating head for a frank discussion about free will versus universal harmony. As it turned out, Optimus was able to help the Maximals overcome their anger and reformat their neural pathways, though Megatron was amused by Primal's afterthought that not all of their issues came from the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}} Following [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]]'s arrival, Megatron used the giant head's spaceship mode to destroy the rampantly-growing plant life she'd brought with her. {{storylink|Home Soil}}

[[File:Megatron Sparkwar Search.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"We've been expecting you, Mr. Anderson."]]
With the Maximals numbering seven, and Thrust increasingly incapable of keeping up, Megatron used the sparks of famous generals [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] to replace them. Though they subsequently failed to destroy the Maximals, Megatron thanked them for keeping his enemy busy while he finalised his plans for the collection of sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} He gave his generals orders to find the Maximals and take Optimus alive. Primal had ventured down into the lost city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] with Nightscream, giving Megatron the opportunity to strike. Tricking the Maximal leader with a huge hologram of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Megatron was able to extract the codes to access the Oracle. On the other hand, Primal was able to use the link to determine the location of the lost sparks without Megatron knowing. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Giant megatron spark.jpg|thumb|It feels weird, being a ball of energy just eating up ''other'' balls of energy.]]
Megatron began preparing for his "grand ascension", separating his spark from the giant head and starting to consume the many sparks he had captured. The Maximals managed to get a team onto the ship, but were immediately seized by metal tentacles and forced to watch as Megatron continued to devour the sparks, intending to unite every spark on the planet into one perfect being—himself. Rising out of the head, Megatron began to draw the Maximals' sparks from their bodies. He was forced to pause to destroy his organic half, Noble, which had continued to roam Cybertron after his spark had left it. Anguished at the loss of his friend, Nightscream used his sonic attack on Megatron's spark, apparently dispelling it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

Depolarized, Megatron's spark drifted through the streets of [[Cybertropolis]], attempting to possess bodies but unable to stay in them for any period of time, and only able to operate them in the barest, zombie-like fashion. After attacking the Maximals in a seemingly-random pattern, his spark was captured by Rattrap in a spark extractor and repolarized. The net result—Megatron was able to possess a new body, however he soon realized that he was trapped in the shell of a Diagnostic Drone. This didn't hinder him from capturing the Maximals and attempting to reformat Primal's spark, and, though Botanica swiftly came to the rescue, Megatron still escaped thanks to the loyalty of his three generals. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

{{quote|I live! I live! I—...what kind of puny body is this?!|Megatron|"Spark of Darkness"}}

[[File:BMEndgame2 Optimal megatron.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.]]
While working on a new plan, Megatron had his generals attack the Maximals, who had holed up in the giant head. Unsatisfied with his current body, but having no time to design a new one, Megatron searched the archives for a suitable template, finding Optimus Primal's "optimal" form to be suitably ironic. When an escape pod was launched from the Grand Mal, Megatron found the harmonics-matching disk inadvertently provided by Rattrap, sending the frequency to the Vehicons so they could bring down the ship. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} Though the Maximals fought back, eliminating the Vehicon Generals, Megatron had constructed a new body for himself—a copy of Primal's old "Optimal Optimus" form, though without its beast mode. Seizing control of the Cycle drones, he was able to rip the Maximals' sparks from their bodies, leaving himself and Primal as the last two functional mechanisms on the planet. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

[[File:BMEndgame3 Megatron dies.jpg|thumb|THEY'LL NEVER MAke a toy of thiiiiiiiiis...]]
There followed an all-out battle between the two mortal enemies, which raged across the city. Primal was seemingly beaten when he found the remains of the [[technorganic orchard]], devastated by Megatron's drones, and Megatron took him back to the surface. There, Megatron claimed his giant throne, and absorbed the rest of the sparks, growing in size. Preparing to use the Key to Vector Sigma to reformat Cybertron's organic core, Megatron severed Primal's connection to the Oracle. However Primal received encouragement from the spirits of his Maximal comrades, and by reformatting Megatron's throne, was able to dislodge him. They plummeted together into Cybertron's core, where Primal was able to trigger the reformatting of the entire planet, destroying himself and Megatron completely, but freeing all the lost sparks to repopulate their newly redecorated Cybertron. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{--}}

==Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===Yokohama Decepticon Secret Base===
After [[Predacon computer|NAVI-ko]] acquired a new body and intelligence on "[[Yokohama Convoy|Nemesis Prime]]", Megatron sent NAVI-ko through [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Yokohama]] in [[2014]] to acquire the dark clone of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. After Nemesis Prime shed his evil and reverted to being Yokohama Convoy, Megatron realized his plans were foiled and ordered NAVI-ko to return. {{storylink|Yokohama Decepticon Secret Base}}

===''Cloud''===
While the Maximals were trying to help out the wayward [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]] of the [[Cloud World]], they investigated an energon mine, only to find Megatron and his Predacons waiting there. The two sides battled, and Hot Rodimus took the opportunity to transform into helicopter mode to pursue his true quarry. Bemused by the presence of this larger [[Transformer]], Megatron sent [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to give chase. Rodimus was able to get rid of his pursuers and encountered his target, the [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] from his world. The two's battle set off the nearby energon, forcing the Predacons to retreat. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

In another fight with Shockwave, Hot Rodimus thought back to their confrontation with the Beast Warriors, including Megatron. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

===''Beast Wars Diorama Story''===
[[File:BWDS 2.jpg|thumb|left]]
Some time after Starscream fled from prehistoric Earth, Megatron and a group of Predacons, including [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a time-displaced [[Archadis]], and [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]], battled a contingent of [[Maximal]]s comprising [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Colada]], and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] in a forest. After all the Transformers transformed into robot mode, Megatron attacked Optimus Primal with the jaws of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. Primal blocked the attack with his dual Cyber Blades and then fought Megatron off with his Mega Blasters. {{storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Though Primal blocked his "Tyranno Fang" attack, Megatron was able to counter by shooting a "Laser Buster" from the mouth of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. {{storylink|Megatron Chapter}}

[[File:BWDiorama Megatrons.jpg|thumb|No good can come of this.]]

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], who were [[Decepticon]]s and [[Autobot]]s from another [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|universe]]. [[Tigatron]] and [[Gimlet]] also joined the battle, and, after being defeated by the Maximals, Starscream joined the Predacons. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and joined the Predacons, as well. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from the other universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Gimlet Chapter}}

The Decepticon Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. The Predacon Megatron battled Optimus Primal in the ensuing skirmish. The Maximals' savior came in the form of [[Motorarm (BW)|Motorarm]], who then went on to battle [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Megatron battled Primal again, and the two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. The Predacon Megatron led the combined Predacon/Decepticon force. With Motorarm leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

Later, through the power of energon, both Optimus Primal and Megatron attained the giant "Energon Power Mode". The energies coursing in their bodies granted both improved abilities and the two battled. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Diorama Story#TM-SP Character Data File|TM-SP Character Data File}}

===''Robotmasters'' comic===
[[File:RM online 1.jpg|thumb|left]]
Megatron travelled to [[Earth]] in the year [[2004]] through the [[Blastizone]] with a minion, [[Psycho-Orb]], in tow. Seeking to harness the power of the [[solitarium]] that Earth contained, Megatron set out to amass a force by taking over leadership of the [[Decepticon]]s. He went to their [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|underwater base]] and challenged [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who was leading the Decepticons in the absence of the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. The battle for command ended in Megatron's favor, {{storylink|Change in Command: The Usurper Decepticon}} and he attacked the Autobots two days later. Megatron introduced himself to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who was unaware of the mysterious purple ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. The battle ended in retreat when firepower overwhelmed the Decepticons. {{storylink|Clash! The Two Leaders}} {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}} Uneasy with the silence following Megatron's disappearance during the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] searched for Megatron, finding the Blastizone and arriving in 2004's Earth. {{storylink|To War! Optimus Primal}} He would meet up with Optimus Prime himself as the two battled Beast Megatron again. {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}}

Two months after Megatron took leadership away from him, Starscream created the [[Arsenal Force]] weapons in a bid to take leadership back. When Megatron demanded to see the weapons Starscream has created, the Seeker provided a very personal demonstration by blasting the Predacon with it. Megatron was unfazed and allowed Starscream to live for making such interesting weapons. {{Storylink|Starscream Grins 3 Times...}}

[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] joined the Autobots. Together, they promised to defeat Megatron. {{storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}} Later, [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]], acting as a double agent for the Decepticons, provided the Autobots with information about a solitarium lode on [[Chaar]]. There, they were met with Megatron and Double Face in a trap for the Autobots. Megatron blasted the Autobots and the Decepticons ran off with the solitarium. {{Storylink|Defend the Solitarium!}}

Megatron was given falsified data on creating a "[[Black body (technology)|black body]]" coating for himself by Starscream. Due to his "beast" physiology, the Predacon leader was upgraded with no ill-effects, despite Starscream's intentions. With energy stolen from the other Decepticons, Megatron then launched an attack on the Autobots. Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal, both empowered by [[solitarium]], came to thwart his evil scheme, and Megatron was forced away. Afterwards, his body built an immunity to the black body upgrade, meaning he could no longer use its power. Megatron realized that it could be troublesome if Starscream was the only one among his ranks to have access to the black body power. He swapped out the remaining chip necessary for the upgrade with the one that contained the falsified data, and allowed Starscream to have it and be hoist by his own petard. {{storylink|Black Body (prose)|Black Body}}

[[File:RM online 9.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|This ain't {{w|Zoids}}.]]

In [[2005]], when a confused [[Lio Convoy]] arrived on Earth, Megatron took advantage of the opportunity and convinced the lion that the Autobots of the era were evil invaders battling the heroic Decepticons. When [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] and [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] flew by, Lio Convoy struck and battled the two, much to Megatron's amusement. {{Storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (issue)|Lio Convoy Storms In}} Unfortunately for the Predacon, both Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal intervened, and Lio Convoy was convinced of the goodness of the Autobots. With the energies of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and the [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]], the four [[Supreme Commander]]s attacked and forced Megatron and his Decepticons to flee. {{Storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

Hope came to the Decepticons when [[Air Hunter]] reported the incoming return of the original Megatron, {{Storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} who was revealed to be inhabiting the body of [[Reverse Convoy]] as "Rebirth Megatron". At the Decepticon base, the Megatrons took a liking to each other discussed their stock of solitarium and how they could conquer the universe with it. To get even more, they decided to make a decisive attack on the Autobots. The battle lasted for three days and three nights till the Decepticons were defeated. With the power of solitarium, Megatron, Optimus Primal, and Psycho-Orb returned to the Beast Wars. {{Storylink|And Then}}
{{--}}

===''Legends'' comic===
In the late 1980s, [[quantum surge]] energy that the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] absorbed while his spark was inside the Predacon Megatron's body suddenly granted the Decepticon a "[[Transmetal]]" form. {{Storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

The [[Arcee (G1)#Q-Transformers cartoon|Arcee]] of [[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|another universe]] retold the story of Megatron and Optimus Primal's battle in the core of Cybertron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition EX Rattrap}} The end of this battle resulted in a new era for the planet, with a reconfigurated [[Vector Sigma]] as its leader. The remnants of Megatron's Grand Mal served as a monument. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Blue Big Convoy)|Bonus Edition EX Blue Big Convoy}}

===''Beast Wars Reborn''===
[[File:BeastWarsRebornMegatronArtwork1.jpg|233px|thumb|Reborn on the wagon of a travelin' show, Primal used ta dance fer the money they'd throw! Megatron would do whatever he coooouuuld!]]
After their deaths in the core of Cybertron, both Megatron and Optimus Primal awoke inside a bizarre temple-like spaceship which was hurtling through space. Neither had any memory of who they were or how they got there, only their own names and a feeling of discomfort between one another. The pair went about investigating the ship in search of answers. While Megatron's memory was lost, his personality remained mostly intact: he was more concerned with seizing control of the ship before Primal did in order to gain the upper hand.

They eventually found a data log and discovered that their sparks had been taken and they were reborn into new bodies (unbeknownst to them, bodies identical to their original Earth forms). However, their memories were intentionally not uploaded into their new bodies. While searching the log they discovered that the ship's main power source was a [[Golden Disk (BWR)|Golden Disk]] lodged within a giant pillar. Megatron immediately raced to obtain the Disk and Primal followed him. The closer they got to the disk the more the ship attempted to thwart their advance by manipulating its atmosphere conditions.

Once they reached the chamber the ship's environment suddenly morphed to that of a decaying planet littered with the corpses of robots. The corpses came to life and began shambling toward them, intent on eating their sparks. They made short work of the zombies, leaving Megatron to obtain the Golden Disk and Primal with a feeling that he shouldn't entirely trust Megatron.

From another dimension beyond time and space, [[Primus]] recognized that something was amiss and sent [[Vector Prime]] to meet Primal and Megatron within the spaceship. {{storylink|The Mysterious Temple in Space}}

Primal found his suspicions confirmed after Megatron discovered that part of the ship let him convert any object into antimatter, effectively giving the ability to turn anything—or anyone—into a particle-annihilating bomb. Their subsequent battle was quickly interrupted by a strange being calling itself [[Logos Prime|Soundblaster]], who informed them that the ship's power over space and time was his own—and wished to give this power to Megatron. {{storylink|Master of the Game}}

Megatron readily accepted Soundblaster's offer, though he thought to himself that Soundblaster was hiding something. The catch was quickly revealed: Megatron first had to complete a rite of succession. The [[Zeonomicon]], source of Logos Prime's power, was released from the ancient's body, and hidden away on an [[Jungle Planet (colony)|organic planet]]. Megatron was annoyed, thinking he and Optimus would be competing in a hunting game for the artifact. Soundblaster began to explain that the Golden Disk detailed the rite in full. Before he could elaborate, Optimus snatched the disk away. Soundblaster, unfazed, granted Megatron and his rival their memories back before sending them to the planet's surface. {{Storylink|Planetfall (BWR)|Planetfall}}

[[File:Animatron form Optimus Megatron.jpg|thumb|left]]
On the planet, Megatron set to work, seeking Animatron's [[Cyber Planet Key]], beating up [[Scavage]] for information. Realizing the need to adapt to this universe's peculiarities, Megatron tore out Scavage's key port and attached it to his body, and the planet's psionic energy converted him into an Animatronian-style Transmetal. He showed up at the [[Rectangular Valley]]'s doorstep seeking out Optimus Primal and the Golden Disk he had, knowing it was necessary to place upon a nearby obelisk to get the Zeonomicon. Primal used the power of the Cyber Planet Key to reformat into an equivalent body and the two raced off to the obelisk. Both vanished from sight and were never seen again, but [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] believed the fact that a new day dawned on the planet was proof enough of who won the fight. {{Storylink|The Extraordinary Reformat}}

===''Kiss Players''===
Upon meeting the lost [[Shaoshao Li]] on his universe's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] noted that [[Logos Prime]] had brought two Transformers from Shaoshao's [[G1 World|world]] to this universe a long time ago. It was prudent for Shaoshao to find how they may have returned to their native universe, as she needed to return the [[Angolmois Energy|"Allspark" fragments she collected]] to ensure its future. {{storylink|Kiss Players episode 50|Kiss Players #50}}

===''Beast Wars II'' cartoon===
In the far future, [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] tried to summon Megatron to [[Gaia]] using a time machine. When his brother [[Megastorm|Gigastorm]] screwed up the wavelength calculations and instead summoned the titanic [[Majin Zarak]], Galvatron was pleased and declared, "We have obtained a weapon far superior to Megatron". {{storylink|Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!}}

===''Legacy VS500 Collection Special Comic''===
Megatron in his dragon form was a spectator of the second week of the [[Speedia 500]] on [[Velocitron]]. {{storylink|Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 3}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Wars Official Guidebook''==
[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaurer]] was upgraded by Megatron into a gaudy purple body that increased his speed and evasion. He was renamed "Terrorsaur". {{storylink|Super Lifeform Transformers Beast Wars Official Guidebook|Beast Wars Official Guidebook}}

==3H comics==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English)}}
[[File:Groundzero-megatron-hopeforyou.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|Positive Reinforcement Dad Megs, especially with that voice, needs to be a thing, yesss.]]
Megatron was mentored by the gangster [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], who engineered the plot to steal the Golden Disk. Megatron, however, betrayed him and took the Golden Disk for himself to Earth.<ref name="cryotek bio">[https://web.archive.org/web/20060512022359/http://botconarchives.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html Cryotek's archived BotCon Online profile], also in the Director's Cut edition of "[[Betrayal]]".</ref>

At some point after [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] was born, [[Fractyl]] briefly daydreamed about impressing Megatron with his new discovery, the energon armor producing [[furmanite]]. When he failed even in his dreams, however, Fractyl reconsidered alerting Megatron just yet.

In reality, Megatron was summoned by Blackarachnia when the Maximal [[Packrat]] stole some of Fractyl's furmanite. He arrived on the scene in time to see Fractyl bravely chasing off the Maximal pack, after recovering the dangerous furmanite. Well done, Fractyl! (Oh, if only he knew...) {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Antagony megatron.jpg|thumb|Kinky.]]
[[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]], future-born [[Herald Maximo]] of [[Shokaract]], arrived on prehistoric Earth after the [[quantum surge]] to protect the Dark Essence of [[Unicron]]. She attempted to terminate Megatron, who quickly conned her into fighting Optimus and then took her captive when she went into stasis lock. {{storylink|Visitations}}

He began patiently (and happily) torturing her for information on the future she came from, and when that failed he hacked into her mind using a [[mind-drill]] "borrowed" from [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. That triggered a safety-against-betrayal device that erased her mind before he could gain any information; Megatron was left with no information, beyond that her master would surely try again. {{storylink|Herald}}

Almost immediately after his transformation into dragon form, Megatron detected a temporal breach. Unbeknownst to him, he had already been observed by a time-traveller that had emerged from Transwarp, [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]]. {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} Having his troops ambush the Maximals (who had also detected the anomaly), he attempted to reach the time-traveller and gain access to the future, not caring what would happen if he took the original Megatron's spark within him. In the process, he encountered the Dark Essence and almost became a willing vessel for it, until it realised Windrazor would be easier to control. When the Fuzor fought the influence off, Shokaract himself emerged. {{storylink|Paradox}}

[[File:TM2 Megatron shoots Unicronessence.jpg|left|thumb|Ridley's Final Smash is a powerful stream of plasma breath intense enough to bring down [[Samus Aran|Samus]]'s starship.]]
Megatron's reaction to a horrifically powerful spark-devouring demigod, and time and space being shattered into a chaotic maelstrom... was to stride through the reality soup and blackmail said demigod by opening fire on the Dark Essence of the Chaos-Bringer, demanding knowledge of the future or he'd cause the erasure of Shokaract's entire timeline. Megatron is ''hardcore''. He failed, but this was a crucial distraction that helped bring about Shokaract's defeat. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

In the timeline that Shokaract, Windrazor et al. came from, Megatron had conquered Cybertron with an army of Predacons and a pre-Unicronian Shokaract had been one of his soldiers. Windrazor recognised him on sight and knew of the famous Beast Wars.{{storylink|Paradox}}{{storylink|Schism}} The timeline was changed by Shokaract's defeat so Cybertron's probably safe eh readers?

When Megatron returned to Cybertron from Earth, his former mentor Cryotek offered to rid him of his hated beast mode, wishing to take the powerful [[Transmetal 2]] dragon form for himself. The painful metamorphosis left Cryotek disabled. Using this opportunity, Megatron stole Cryotek's research and used it to conquer Cybertron.<ref name="cryotek bio"/> His conquest was swift, catching those who would have prepared Cybertron from its enemies unprepared. {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals}}

As part of his "experimental meanderings", Megatron created the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]], whom he considered "wretched".

[[File:MegatronBW-BWXart.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Guess who traveled with Primal to the Jungle Planet?]]

Some time after Megatron finally removed himself of his organic beast mode, he created the new [[Vehicon General]]s [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] and [[Blastcharge (BM)|Blastcharge]], assigning them experimental [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. They were charged with hunting down and destroying the [[Wreckers]], the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]], and the Mutants. They failed, despite the assistance of [[Spy Streak]]. As Megatron saw the Wreckers fly off in a stolen spaceship, he simply called it a temporary setback. {{storylink|Departure}}

After technorganic Cybertron was achieved, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s spark was revived from the within the Matrix to protect the [[multiverse]]. However, this action freed Megatron's spark as well. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Megatron did not visibly resurface, however, until a dark chapter in the [[Universe War]], amidst "the [[Culling]]", when the [[Maximal High Council]] and a great portion of Cybertron's population itself was snuffed out by the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. It is not known exactly how, but when the chaos of this genocide settled, Megatron had taken a powerful position within the remaining Predacon military. At first, Megatron began antagonizing Primal as he had before, but Megatron quickly learned that he and Primal would do better to first team up against Unicron. He and Primal traveled to several universes, preparing them for the coming battle and winning new allies. But now with Unicron disappeared into the [[Unicron Singularity]], Primal fully expects Megatron's insane ambition to resurface. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|Optimus Primal's profile in Club magazine #9}}
{{--}}

==Razorclaw continuity==
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] shortly after the death of Optimus Primal, minor atmospheric perturbations caused Silverbolt's stasis pod to land far from the ''Axalon'', and absent Silverbolt's intervention Megatron slew the Maximals. Only Tigatron and Airazor survived, and when Megatron's machinations continued to threaten the Vok, the Vok dispatched the unified form of Tigatron and Airazor, Tigerhawk, to Earth to end Megatron's reign. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} Tigerhawk managed to kill Megatron, {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}} but in doing so he nearly fell victim to the [[timestorm]] which resulted from Megatron absorbing the spark of his namesake. The timestorm tore reality apart, and Unicron plucked Tigerhawk from its remains {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} to become his general, Tigerhawk becoming [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]]. {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}}

==''Robotmasters'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Toshitsugu Takashina]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:Robot Masters episode1 Prime vs. Megs.jpg|thumb|left]]

Taking advantage of the [[Blastizone]] as a means of time travel (and apparently size-enhancer), Megatron journeyed to a point in history where the original Megatron had gone missing, leaving the [[Decepticon]]s without a leader. "Beast Megatron" took command of the Decepticons, leading them on a quest to collect a powerful element, [[solitarium]], from within Earth. Beast Megatron's plans were quickly thwarted by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and a troop of time-displaced Autobots and Maximals, including [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]], [[Lio Convoy]], and Beast Megatron's nemesis, Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!}}

Beast Megatron later discovered a large deposit of solitarium beneath a city, and along with [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Smokesniper]], [[Gigant Bomb]], and [[Wingstun]], laid waste to the location. The Autobots, accompanied by [[Reverse Convoy]], arrived and dealt with Beast Megatron's forces quickly. However, Reverse Convoy revealed himself to be the original Megatron in disguise and turned on them. Now going by the name [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rebirth Megatron]], he teamed up with Beast Megatron and the pair made trouble for the Autobot commanders in the form of a tornado-style attack. However, the Autobots were able to defeat the two Megatrons, countering the villains' attack with their own variation of it, sending Beast Megatron and his allies into a retreat. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (episode)|Lio Convoy Storms In}}
{{--}}

==''Robotmasters'' 3D diorama manga==
While the [[Autobot]]s under [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] helped [[Athens]] prepare for the [[Olympics]], Megatron sent [[Gigant Bomb]] and [[Smokesniper]] to disrupt their efforts. However, the [[Decepticon]] duo soon discovered that they were outnumbered by the Autobots and surrendered. Megatron fumed. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 1}} Soon, he obtained the amazing [[Arsenal Force]] and bestowed its energies to his underlings. But they couldn't do any damage before [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] appeared at the scene and literally slashed the energy out of the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 3}} Another of Megatron's plots involved a secret base disguised as an artificial satellite, but it was destroyed in a battle between [[Delta Seeker]] and [[X-Gunner]]. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 6}}

Beast Megatron joined forces with his predecessor, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who was in a new form as Reverse Convoy. They, along with [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], gloated over three of the Autobot leaders stuck in a trap that drained them of their energies. But the tide turned when [[Lio Convoy]] and a new [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arrived on the scene and all of the Autobot commanders used their combined energies to blast away the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 11}}

==Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity==
[[File:Dw theft.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|"This artistic error shall grant me control over time and space itself!"]]

After stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], Megatron broke into [[Vector Sigma]] along with [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] and reviewed historical files on many of the Autobots and Decepticons from the era of the Great War. He told Dinobot to refer to him henceforth as Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

After the Beast Wars, Megatron traveled back to Cybertron while chained to the side of a shuttle. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
Taking advantage of a destabilizing transwarp funnel, Megatron muscled himself free from his restraints. When Rattrap pulled the plug on the ship's Transwarp drive, the Autobot shuttlecraft was returned to Prehistoric Earth, and Megatron melted a hole into its bulkhead to attack the Maximals within. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

==''Transformers Legends'' anthology==
After Optimus Primal died to destroy the Planet Buster, two time-displaced versions of Megatron were waiting in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], when the equally time-displaced versions of Optimus Primal emerged from a meeting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

After having taken the spark of the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] into his body, Megatron found himself talking to his Decepticon counterpart, who goaded him into attempting a new plan. Quickstrike kept the Maximals busy while Megatron burned his way into the Ark. There, he implanted a fragment of the original Megatron's spark into the stasis locked body of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], allowing the two Megatrons to control the Seeker's body. He realised too late that the original Megatron's plan was to return the Decepticon leader's spark to his original body using Starscream. A battle of will ensued, which the beast Megatron ultimately won, subduing the older Megatron before himself being forced to flee the Ark by the Maximals. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

When Megatron was defeated by Nightscream, the spark of Rhinox attempted to act as a spirit guide and redeem the tyrant. Megatron proved to be a lost cause. While briefly tempted to move on, his inherent hypocrisy manifested and—despite fervently advocating the eradication of individuality—refused to relinquish his own identity. Rhinox's attempts at enlightenment were misconstrued, and his efforts only strengthened Megatron's desire for apotheosis. Repeated returns to Cybertron convinced him that godhood was still within his reach and as he charged his particles with "purity of purpose", erased Rhinox's spark from existence. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity==
The 'bot who would come to call himself "Megatron" was involved in the tail-end of the Great War, and commanded a small handful of troops on the battlefield. In a decisive battle, both [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] wound up dead, and the news of their demise quickly spread. Seeing opportunity, Megatron contacted his higher-ups, and petitioned that their forces strike decisively while the Autobots were still in disarray. His request was denied, but Megatron opted go through with his plans anyways.

[[File:DawnOfThePredacus-magnabossvsmegatron.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
As luck would have it, the Autobots' [[Tigatron|peace negotiator]] came to speak with his squad first, and Megatron let loose [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] in response to his pleas for an armistice. Although he involved himself in combat for a brief moment as well, Megatron left Predaking to "deal with the rabble" while he led the rest of his soldiers in an attack on the Primal Council. The Autobots' counter-offensive came in the form of [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]], who quickly overpowered Megatron's troops as transmatter rained down on the battlefield, converting all those it touched into a quantum state of proto-cybermatter. Tarantulas joined Megatron on the field, and informed him that the transmatter was coming from a doomsday weapon triggered by Galvatron's death, and that Predaking had taken his own life out of shame for his involvement with Galvatron's mad schemes. Refusing to be demoralized, Megatron readied to press his attack... only to be sniped by a stun-cannon. The Tripredacus Council then personally surrendered to the Autobots on behalf of all Decepticons. Megatron was trialed for his involvement in the war, and forcefully downgraded into a less-powerful body after the signing of the Pax Cybertronia. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

[[File:GatorMegatronBWSourcebook.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85]]
Upon his arrival on prehistoric Earth, the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Dark Side]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s computer suggested that Megatron take on a crocodilian alt mode. Unimpressed, Megatron chose instead to reformat himself with the genetic material of a Tyrannosaur. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #2}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed the timestream, he witnessed several key events during the Beast Wars. Among these were several moments involving Megatron, such as Megatron appearing menacing in his first T-rex body's beast mode, Megatron recruiting Quickstrike and Silverbolt to the Predacons, Megatron conversing with Ravage while bound by energy shackles, and finally Megatron unleashing a torrent of energy upon the stasis-locked Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

[[File:Gathering3-Megatron Magmatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Go back to anime, Magmatron!]]
In Lio Convoy's opinion, Megatron was a simple wild card, no real threat when compared with [[Magmatron]]. This drove home the fact that Cybertron had no idea of the damage Megatron had and would inflict, or the lengths he would go to becoming arguably the most powerful Transformer since the Great War.

After dispatching [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] to oversee the installation of [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]] into the ''Dark Side'', Megatron was attacked by Magmatron, who had been assigned to arrest him by the [[Tripredacus Council]]. Although Megatron proved more than a match for the experienced Predacon general individually, he was ambushed and paralyzed by [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] and [[Drill Bit (BW)|Drill Bit]]. Magmatron intended to use a transwarp shunt to transport his prisoner back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}} Thanks to the intervention of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Optimus Minor]], and [[Razorbeast]], Magmatron was sent home empty-handed. Razorbeast was tempted to dispatch the prone Megatron, but released him instead, due to his desire to avoid interfering with the timeline. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4|The Gathering #4}}

[[File:MegatronAscending4.JPG|left|thumb|Oh, we are so dead. Yeeeesss.]]
Ravage attempted to free Megatron after his ultimate capture at the end of the Beast Wars, but didn't progress very far in his plans. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 1|The Ascending #1}} However, the temporal shockwaves caused by Shokaract's suicide knocked Megatron free of his bonds atop the Autobot shuttle. Making his own way through the timestream, he arrived on a battle-ravaged Cybertron, long before the Maximals responsible for his defeat would emerge, with little else to stand in his way. Yeeess... {{storylink|The Ascending issue 4|The Ascending #4}}
{{--}}

==Waspscream continuity==
In [[Primax 208.06 Zeta]], Megatron's forces received assistance from the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of [[Primax 206.15 Gamma]]. This Starscream, having lived through Optimus Primal's gambit before, used his knowledge to press the advantage, and the Maximals were defeated. The Vok responded by trying to sterilize Earth, but Megatron tricked Blackarachnia into destroying the Planet Buster while she was attempting to escape Earth. The resulting [[quantum surge]] granted all the Predacons except Scorponok [[transmetal]] forms. The hybrid "Waspscream" entity launched a successful coup against Megatron. Megatron and his loyalists Inferno and Scorponok were captured, and Megatron himself was humiliatingly secured to the exterior of the Autobot shuttle which Waspscream's forces used to return to modern day Cybertron. However en route, Megatron managed to break free and arrive decades ahead of Waspscream's Predacons. He used his knowledge of the future to create a [[transformation virus]], unleashing it on Cybertron's unsuspecting population shortly before Waspscream's arrival, harvesting the populace's sparks and turning their bodies into Vehicon drones. Upon the arrival of Waspscream's crew, however, most of them escaped thanks to their transmetallization. Megatron only managed to capture their prisoners, Inferno, Scorponok, and Silverbolt, offering them the opportunity to serve him. Inferno leaped at the chance and became the commander of the [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]] drones while Scorponok and Silverbolt refused. Megatron used their sparks anyway, turning them into the [[Tank Drone]] commander [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Aero Drone]] commander [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]. Meanwhile, Waspscream's Predacons were drawn to the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], which granted them [[technorganic]] bodies. The Predacons proceeded to wage a valiant [[Spark War]] against Megatron and the Vehicons, eventually liberating Silverbolt and prompting Megatron to unleash a new general, the Autobot military genius [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 16, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}} Obsidian, however, schemed against Megatron, getting Tankor to assassinate Megatron and seizing control of the Vehicons for himself. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' Tankor profile}}

==''Timelines''==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English)}}
[[File:Megatronbwtheft.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Megatron steals the sacred Maximal cup coaster.]]
The Predacons [[Scourge (BW)|Scourge]], [[Buzz Saw (BW)|Buzz Saw]], and [[BB|Max-B]] worked for Megatron. The three of them, in disguise, gave the captured [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]] a test to ensure her loyalty to Decepticon glory. When she passed, they revealed their true identities and offered her a place under Megatron. {{Storylink|Intimidation Game}}

Megatron was the star pupil of the crime lord [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], and successfully carried out his plan to steal the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. Cryotek loved him like a son—which didn't stop him setting up Megatron to take the fall for the crime, knowing he'd betray him some day anyway. Unfortunately for Cryotek, "some day" was today—Megatron had everyone on the mission who wasn't loyal to him killed, had the data for the location of the Disk secretly decoded by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and then kept it for himself while directing the Maximals to his tutor. {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}}

[[File:Megatronbwsuit.jpg|thumb|Megatron's technicolor dreamcoat.]]
On Cybertron, Megatron wore removable transformable armor, which transformed into a missile-launching armored platform, over his basic bodyframe (which transformed into a hovertank). This quickly-discarded outer shell was possibly used to comply with the ratification of the [[Pax Cybertronia]], which required Predacons to lay down their arms. A Predacon field commander before the peace, Megatron refused to comply with these new regulations and struck out on his own to destroy the [[Maximal Imperium]].

With some [[Cryotek (RID)|help]] from [[Divebomb (G1)|various sources]], he assembled a crew of ragtag criminals and miscreants for the purpose of stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and using it to find [[Earth]]. Succeeding in stealing the disk, he, [[Dinobot (BW)|his lieutenant]], and [[Scorponok (BW)|another accomplice]] fought their way past security, eliminating [[Nitrostreak|one guard]] and dodging [[Tigatron|another]]. They were picked up by the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', a ship stolen by the rest of their crew.

Megatron instructed [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] to study the disk for the coordinates of Earth while the ''Darksyde'' battled its several pursuers. Although they were followed by the Maximal ships [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']] and the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', the ''Darksyde''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s mission was also aided by a third ship crewed by the Predacon agents [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. Though the ''Chromia 10'' and the Predacon ship were destroyed, the ''Darksyde'' was still followed by the ''Axalon''. Megatron removed his transformable armor and patched a video feed through to the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s captain, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. Declaring himself the leader of the Predacons, Megatron opened a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal through which both ships travelled. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

[[File:Trazorsedge prologue.jpg|left|thumb]]
Two weeks after [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Megatron fought to defend an orbital weapon from the [[Maximal]]s. Despite Megatron's savage attack, the launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

Megatron's attack on the dormant Optimus Prime was observed across the dimensions by [[Vector Prime]], who personally intervened to aid in Prime's recovery and preserve the normal flow of time. {{storylink|Vector Prime: In the Beginning}}
{{--}}

==Ask Vector Prime==
Due to the temporal shockwaves of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]]'s machinations in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals and imprisoned Megatron home from the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned, ending up in [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]]. [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] scattered the ship's crew into transwarp space, sending Megatron to [[Viron 102.0 Beta]]. There, he teamed up with local [[Predacon (BW)#2001 Robots in Disguise continuity|Predacon]] [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] to conquer the local Cybertron, harvesting the populace's sparks and converting their bodies into Vehicons. The Alternity shepherded the "shipwrecked" Primal, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to Viron 102.0 Beta to stop Megatron, activating the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] to guide them. Megatron eventually upgraded in a "[[:File:BeastWarsReturnstoy-MegaheadMegatron.jpg|Megahead]]" form, which was combated by Primal's "[[:File:RIDtoy-Suprimal.jpg|Air Attack]]" form. After the long "Allspark Battles", Primal's forces finally succeeded in vanquishing Megatron. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#September 30, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

==A Change to the Agenda==
After his attack on [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Megatron was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems. However, he was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. But before he could gloat further, Blackarachnia attacked the [[Megatron (G1)|original Megatron]] with her [[cyber venom]] before she disappearing, ensuring the Predacon Megatron's nonexistence. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, the Predacon who would become Megatron would take [[Megatron (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

==Games==
===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Megatron.jpg|thumb|"Dear me: Forget the grand scheme, just walk over and punch Optimus in his ****ing FACE. Yours sincerely, me."]]

{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)}}

Megatron was captured by the Maximals. Unknown to his captors, however, Megatron sent a message back in time through transwarp to his past self in a last-ditch effort to change the outcome of the Beast Wars; as a result, history was drastically changed following the Quantum Surge, with many combatants gaining new Transmetal forms. In this altered timeline, Megatron went on to participate in a one-on-one beatdown involving nearly all of the other active beast warriors. At the end, he confronted his mysterious doppelganger, [[Megatron X (BW)|Megatron X]].

Knowing fully that the planet where their war was taking place was in actuality prehistoric Earth, Megatron decided to make the ultimate gamble after gaining the upper hand in a grueling battle against the Maximals. Breaking into the Ark, Megatron murdered Optimus Prime while he slumbered, securing victory for both Decepticons and Predacons. However, in the year 2005, the Decepticons, having conquered both Earth and Cybertron, faced [[Unicron]]. As the Matrix died eons ago with Optimus Prime, it was unclear how the Decepticons could stand any chance against the devourer of worlds. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Megatron|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Crushing Wave
|-
|C-Up||Tail Smash
|-
|C-Left||Head Smash
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
Megatron led the other Predacons in an assault on the ''Axalon''. Unfortunately for them, Optimus Primal and his team fought back, beating the Predacons all the way back to the ''Darkside''. With his troops now out of commission, he was cornered on the bridge, and while momentarily caught off guard when the Maximals were revealed to have regained the Golden Disk, he began to gloat and shared a revelation of his own: he had actually anticipated this, and now his own troops had infiltrated the defenseless ''Axalon''. Mocking the Maximals one last time, he took off towards their ship. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Megatron cackled over the brilliance of his latest plan: lure the Maximals to the ''Darkside'', beat them up, then chase them back to their base to finish the job. All the other Predacons were on board, save for Rampage, until Megatron "convinced him" by squeezing his spark cage. When the Maximals took the bait and approached the ''Darkside'', Megatron led a team of Predacons in beating them back to the ''Axalon''. On the ship's bridge, with the Maximals all but defeated, Megatron gloated and prepared to finish off Optimus Primal. However, Rhinox arrived at that moment and activated Sentinel's auto-guns, and Megatron reluctantly ordered a retreat, swearing this was not over. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Wave Geyser
|Special attack||Wave Quake
|-
|Super attack||Storm of Vengeance
|Super attack||Infernal Torch
|}

==Notes==
[[File:Double Dinobot Megatron clone.jpg|thumb|A picture can tell lots without words.]]
*Megatron's pre-beast body, seen almost entirely during "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]", is actually the body of the Voltron-esque Giant Robot from [[Mainframe Entertainment|Mainframe]]'s ''ReBoot'' episode "Nullzilla", with Megatron's head attached and some purple colors. Sadly, no Disrupto-Matic was to be seen.
*In the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', [[Shigeru Chiba]]'s Megatron received several vocal tics; one of said tics (which was discarded early in the series) involved a habit of spitting after every lengthy session of maniacal laughter. Another new trait, played up for comedy, was his habit of screaming in a high-pitched, girlish voice when attacked, surprised or injured. His cowardice would become a running gag in the dub. When retreating at the end of "[[Call of the Wild]]", for instance, Megatron whimpered the excuse, "I have to return to my piano lessons!" This version of the villain is well-liked among the Japanese audience, with "Chibatron" being a common nickname for the character.
*A [[Fox Kids]] Fall 1999 press release for the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' sequel, then named "''Beast Hunters''", confirmed Megatron would conquer Cybertron but would have "hordes of Predacons" under his command rather than Vehicons. It's unclear if Megatron's Predacon conquest was ever truly planned or if Fox Kids was bending the truth as nobody knew what a Vehicon was yet. This is likely why the [[BotCon 1999]] fiction has Megatron as a planet-ruling Predacon warlord in the future: it was trying to tie into the upcoming show!
*During the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' cartoons, Megatron says "yesss..." 166 times, and "no..." 54 times. Despite this imbalance (or perhaps because of it), his final word in ''Beast Machines'' is a loud, drawn-out, tremendously hammy "NOOOOOOOOOO!"
*During audio commentary{{fact}}, [[Bob Skir]] revealed that the idea for Megatron's spark inhabiting a Diagnostic Drone came from [[David McDermott]]'s comment that "no matter ''what'' form Megatron's in, he will go out and kick ass".
*Megatron's season 1 ''T. rex'' model was recycled for the Mainframe Entertainment produced movie ''[[Hot Wheels|Hot Wheels: World Race]]'' as a rock statue.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hJkvwoddxY All of Megatron's "Yeeeessss"s and "No"s in Beast Wars on YouTube]

[[Category:Beast Machines Predacons]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Vehicons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Cloud Predacons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Emperors of Destruction]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Predacon leaders]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) characters]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Zombies]]

Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity

2025-03-07T02:57:56Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{factions|predacon|vehicon|decepticon}}
{{suite}}
[[File:Megatronbw.jpg|thumb|350px|Best. Megatron. EVER. ''Yeeeeess''.]]
'''Megatron''' has had many plots, yes.

{{quote|Why do you always talk to yourself?}}
{{quote|Ah, I simply have a penchant for... ''intelligent conversation.''|[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and Megatron|"[[The Low Road]]"}}

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 2nd dub), [[Han Li]] (Chinese), [[Antônio Moreno]] (Portuguese), [[Hans Sievers]] (German) [[Tony Fuochi]] (Italian), [[Alejandro Villeli]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Claudio Rodríguez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[François Siener]] (French, season 1), [[Pierre Forest]] (French, season 2), [[Yu Hae-mu]] (Korean, MBC dub)}}
[[File:BWPart1 preformatting Megatron.jpg|left|thumb|Priority one: finding out where the light switch is.]]
The original name of the Predacon known as "Megatron" is unknown; upon reading the [[Covenant of Primus]], the grandiose and dramatic young criminal chose to rename himself after the great destroyer the book mentioned. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}} Megatron found life on Cybertron intolerable, as he and his fellow Predacons lived as second-class citizens underneath the [[Maximal]]s—a situation that could be traced back to the defeat of their [[Decepticon]] ancestors in the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] centuries beforehand. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} The ruling triumvirate of the Predacons, the [[Tripredacus Council]], were slowly biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike, but Megatron was impatient, and had his own plan to ensure Predacon rule over Cybertron. The Council knew of Megatron, seeing him as brilliant but dangerous, and too much trouble for their liking. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

Gathering a gang of criminals into his service, Megatron stole the Maximal relic known as the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. The disk contained the location data of the planet [[Earth]], {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} but more than that, it also hid a secret message inscribed upon it centuries earlier by the [[Megatron (G1)|Decepticon Megatron]]—a daring contingency plan to prevent Decepticon defeat that directed whoever found the message to use [[unspace|transwarp]] technology to travel back through time to ''prehistoric'' Earth, to a point in time when the Autobot spacecraft [[Ark (G1)|the Ark]] lay hidden on the planet. By finding and killing the Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] as he lay in stasis aboard the craft, a 'bot could alter history in favor of the Decepticons, ensuring their victory in the war, and Predacon rule in the present. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:Megatronbwtrex.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Today is a beautiful day to be stomping on things!]]

Stealing [[Darksyde (BW)|a ship]], Megatron and his crew departed through a transwarp portal, but were pursued by the Maximal starship [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], captained by [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. The two ships emerged from transwarp over an unknown planet, where they promptly crash-landed. The presence of two [[Moon (moon)|moons]] in the sky suggested that the world on which they found themselves was ''not'' Earth—but it ''was'' rich in [[energon]], which Megatron could use to fuel his conquest of the Maximals one way or the other. So rich, in fact, that the Maximals and Predacons had to adopt organic beast forms to protect themselves against the massive amount of energon radiation, with Megatron taking the shape of a purple ''Tyrannosaurus rex''.

[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] chastised Megatron, accusing him of leading the Predacons to the wrong planet and challenged Megatron for leadership of the Predacons. Megatron simply ignored the challenge and had [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] dispose of him. A short time later, [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] tangled with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], allowing Megatron to deliver his first speech to the Maximals, though it was cut short by a "sneaky, underhanded" attack by Cheetor, which impressed Megatron greatly. Though the Predacons appeared to have the Maximals on the run, they began to suffer from energon build up, and were forced to return to their [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} They followed the Maximals, catching up with them as Dinobot was dueling with Optimus Primal for leadership. Megatron took the opportunity for a sneak attack of his own, and during the destruction, some Predacon missiles uncovered a large quantity of energon located on a nearby mountain. Both teams reached the mountaintop at around the same time, but the ambient energon radiation forced them to fight in their beast modes. Despite biting a chunk out of Primal's leg, Megatron found himself on the losing end of the engagement, and out of desperation transformed to [[robot mode]] to fire a missile. The missile was deflected from its path by Dinobot, causing the energon to explode and hurling Megatron from the mountain. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:EqualMeasures-Megatronface.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]

All involved believed that Megatron had been seeking Earth purely for its energon, unaware of his greater scheme. Secretly, however, Megatron was able to confirm that the planet they were on ''was indeed'' Earth. At some point, using the information on the Golden Disk, he located the Ark buried within a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]]... but when faced with the enormity of the task that lay before him, and the innumerable unpredictable and dangerous possibilities that were inherent to altering history itself, he faltered. Megatron blasted the tunnel he had dug into the volcano shut to keep the Ark hidden, and resolved instead to focus on acquiring other means of power to conquer Cybertron in the present. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

Megatron and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] cornered Cheetor when the Maximal was transported into their base by a freak sequence of events, but were forced to cooperate with him when the other Maximals sent a bomb through. After the bomb was successfully disposed of, Megatron attempted to do the same to Cheetor, but only succeeded in destroying the teleport effect between the two bases. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} After the discovery of a cache of energon in the [[Standing Stones]], Megatron led his men in an attempt to gain it, but was furious when Terrorsaur intentionally blasted the energon mid-battle, destroying it. The Standing Stones triggered the arrival of an [[Vok probe|alien probe]], but when Megatron and Waspinator attempted to claim it, it zapped them and absorbed Optimus Primal. Believing Primal to be dead, Megatron mounted an attack on the Maximal base, but after a lengthy fight with Dinobot, Megatron was forced to call a retreat. The Predacons pursued the Maximals to the stone circle, but retreated once more when Primal was freed from the probe. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[File:Power Surge Megatron down.jpg|right|thumb|"...Waspinator! I've got a role to delegate!"]]

While Megatron was demonstrating the Predacons' new defense systems, Terrorsaur discovered a [[flying mountain]] topped with a cache of super-energon. The power this afforded Terrorsaur allowed him to challenge Megatron and blast the Predacon leader clear off a cliff, leaving him in several pieces. Scorponok and Waspinator set about repairing Megatron behind Terrorsaur's back, and by the time the usurper returned, defeated, an outraged Megatron was waiting for him. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}}

When the first of the Maximal [[stasis pod]]s crashed to the ground, Megatron had Waspinator and Terrorsaur ambush Optimus with only limited success. Though annoyed at their failure, he dispatched them to reach the pod while he and Scorponok headed for the Maximal base. There, he was able to distract Dinobot long enough for Scorponok to administer a slagging, before the [[autogun]]s drove them off. Megatron proceeded to the pod and held the Maximals at bay by threatening a couple of nearby white tigers, only to discover that the stasis pod was already empty. As it turned out, one of white tigers was the new Maximal, [[Tigatron]], who transformed and fought the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

The Predacons finally managed a victory in stealing a stasis pod and creating [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. However, again Terrorsaur tried to usurp Megatron, this time using an apparently-turned [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], who used a device to paralyze Megatron. The Predacons argued over who would be leader, but agreed to put Rattrap and Megatron away for the time being. Megatron was able to easily escape using his secret voice commands, leaving Rattrap to his fate. Revealing himself to have escaped, Megatron allowed Terrorsaur to lead the Predacons in battle with the Maximals. Terrorsaur failed miserably, showing his ineptitude to the Predacons, which was Megatron's plan all along. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[File:GorillaWarfare Megatron's bomb problem.jpg|left|thumb|Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb.]]

Megatron sent Blackarachnia, Waspinator and Terrorsaur on a plan to blow a hole in the bottom of the ''Axalon''. They failed. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} On another occasion, Scorponok used a [[Cyberbee]] to infect Optimus Primal with a venom to turn the Maximal leader into a coward. The first Megatron knew of its failure was when Cheetor radioed the Predacon base to warn them that an enraged Optimus was on his way; in response, Megatron kicked Scorponok to the floor for his incompetence. Confronted by Primal, he offered to give him the cure if he submitted to Predacon rule. Optimus responded by ripping the Cyberbee from his own chest and sticking it on Megatron's beast mode back. Unable to reach the device, Megatron managed to have Scorponok remove it, but it promptly exploded in their faces. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

When a Maximal [[temporal probe]] neared the planet, Megatron and his Predacons successfully destroyed a communications tower which the Maximals were setting up to try to signal it. {{storylink|The Probe}} Formulating a new plan to get off the planet, Megatron had the other Predacons act dissatisfied with his leadership, causing a battle that apparently destroyed the Predacons, using a Maximal spy camera that he was aware of to play out the trick. Then, the Maximals scavenged the ''Darksyde'' for parts to repair the ''Axalon''{{'}}s stardrive. At the eleventh hour, Dinobot discovered the deception and rushed to warn the leaving Maximals. In the scuffle, Megatron snuck aboard. In the ''Axalon'', he managed to knock out every Maximal on the ship but Rattrap, who he started crushing to death. An angered [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] woke up and threw Megatron off the ''Axalon''. However, Megatron's tail weapon was stuck in the console, causing the ''Axalon'' to crash. Again. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

Following a Predacon defeat attributed mostly to [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Megatron had [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] capture the Maximal and used his latest invention, the [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]], to turn Rhinox into a Predacon. Unbeknownst to Megatron, evil Rhinox was a schemer and disrupted the other Predacons. Megatron eventually found out the truth, which was the signal for the Maximals to mount an attack to rescue their friend. Megatron fought at length with Optimus, losing an arm. Ultimately Rhinox was returned to normal, and an errant shot from Waspinator destroyed the Transmuter, so that was the end of that. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} Yet another plan had Megatron create a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]] which he sent to infiltrate the Maximal base. It backfired when the real Dinobot first defeated the clone, then masqueraded as it and used the bases defenses on Megatron. Megatron was at least happy that it turned out his clone hadn't betrayed him, as the real Dinobot had. The other Maximals turned up to chase Megatron off. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[File:Megatronbwspidersgame.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|right|I thought I told you NO MORE BARNEY JOKES.]]

Detecting another stasis pod crash, Megatron sent Scorponok and Blackarachnia to capture it. They failed. {{storylink|The Spark}} After a skirmish with Tigatron, Terrorsaur and Waspinator reported back to Megatron that they'd found a [[Brigadoon|flying island]], and Megatron sent Blackarachnia and Scorponok to claim it. Before they left, Megatron whispered something into Scorponok out of Blackarachnia's hearing range. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} It was revealed that Megatron had anticipated the possibility of Blackarachnia's treachery, so he had Scorponok watch her very closely and make sure she didn't use the island against him; he had been right to use that precaution. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}} Tarantulas used a [[magna pulse]] to knock out power in both the Maximal and Predacon bases to allow him to recover a stasis pod himself. By the time Megatron caught up, a new Predacon was online—[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]. Megatron was impressed with Inferno's fighting spirit, helping him to attack Tigatron, until Primal arrived and ruined things again. Megatron ordered Scorponok to salvage Inferno. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

The next cunning plan Megatron would come up with involved stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to stay in their beast modes at all time. Once the Maximals had succumbed to their beast instincts and wandered into the jungle, Megatron assembled a hunting party, complete with drums. Despite shooting at some of the Maximals, they were unable to make any kills before Tigatron helped the Maximals integrate their beast instincts with their programming. The Maximals subsequently easily fought back, Optimus even lifting Megatron over his head. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} After Scorponok and Waspinator reported destroying four of the Maximals, Tarantulas reported that he'd detected walking energon. Megatron concluded that the Maximals had survived the energon explosion and were contaminated, and sent Terrorsaur out to deal with them. Terrorsaur failed. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

During a violent storm, Waspinator was possessed by the immortal [[spark]] of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and ingratiated himself into Megatron's good books. With Starscream's help, Megatron led the Predacons to victory and captured the ''Axalon''. He left Starscream in charge, returning to the ''Darksyde'' with Terrorsaur and Tarantulas. Before leaving, he consulted with Scorponok in private; while impressed with Starscream so far, it would be wise to keep a close eye on him. Once again, that caution served Megatron well; Starscream later used the Maximals to attack the Predacon base in a double cross. In the aftermath of Starscream's defeat, Megatron put Waspinator back together and was only mildly convinced by Blackarachnia's explanation for her supposed betrayal. {{storylink|Possession}} Yet another plan backfired badly. After Tarantulas infected Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], Megatron attempted to use the counter virus as a bargaining chip, only for a massive fart from Rhinox to blow all of the Predacons away and leave them dangling from a tree. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

{{quote|This is certainly the most humiliating defeat of my entire career. Yess...|Megatron|"The Low Road"}}

[[File:Before the Storm Megatron disc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|Yeessss...]]
Later, Megatron detected a strange energy pulse and sent Inferno to investigate. The result was the discovery of a second [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]], resulting in Megatron calling a ceasefire between the two factions, realizing he had more important things to worry about. Tigatron broke into the ''Darksyde'', learning about the new Golden Disk, and escaped, however this was merely part of Megatron's plan, which required the Maximals to learn about the approach of the [[Vok]]. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} After the arrival of an alien artifact—an [[Bio-Dome|organic dome]]—Megatron allowed Optimus to go in first, later listening to the sounds of the Maximal being tortured and wishing he had a recording of it to lull him to sleep at night. The beginning of an ignition sequence provided the distraction the other Maximals needed to fight Megatron and his goons off. One of the planet's moons revealed itself to be an artificial alien construct, and as it opened into a [[Planet Buster|planet-killing weapon]], Megatron mused to himself that there was still another hand to be played. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Retiring to the Predacon base, he monitored events within the ''Axalon'' via the scanners, learning that Optimus intended to use a stasis pod turned into a spaceship by Tarantulas to destroy the Planet Buster. Megatron was able to override some of the pod's systems, preventing Primal from ejecting before the pod and the Planet Buster exploded. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:Megs transmetal.JPG|upright=1.5|thumb|left|Gimme fuel Gimme fire Gimme that which I desire BOOM!]]

After a quick celebration over his vanquishing of Primal, the [[quantum surge]] from the Planet Buster's destruction bathed Megatron in quantum energies, upgrading him into a [[Transmetal]] and giving him the ability to fly. Megatron quickly rallied his forces and attempted an all-out attack on the leader-less Maximals. He unfortunately had to retreat once he realized most of his troops were incapacitated. {{storylink|Aftermath}} The discovery of two more downed stasis pods provided Megatron with two new men, the [[Fuzor]]s [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. Megatron immediately led them into combat against Cheetor, and they headed for the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} [[File:ComingoftheFuzors2-finishit.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Quick! It's the golden hour! Kill the Maximals!]] Battling their way to the Maximal ship, the Predacons were confronted by a resurrected and upgraded Optimus Primal, who drove them all off. Returning to base, Megatron discovered that in his absence, the two golden disks had been stolen by Dinobot, and the backup copy of their data he kept on his personal system had been destroyed. Though Blackarachnia blamed Dinobot for the backup's destruction, Megatron clearly suspected the truth: that she herself was responsible, having downloaded a copy of the backup for herself first. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

Megatron sent Tarantulas, Blackarachnia and Quickstrike to secure a cave full of energon. They later reported back that it had been [[Tarantulas's lair|destroyed in a fight]] with the Maximals. Megatron was not pleased. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} Captured by the Predacons, Dinobot opted to defect back to their side. Megatron forced him to prove himself by staging a fight between him and Quickstrike, and the original [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] was soon back in Megatron's hands. Unfortunately, Dinobot ultimately opted to remain a Maximal. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[File:Other Visits 2 Megatron chair.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Rule number one of ruling the universe: find a good chair]]

The discovery of another alien site gave Megatron the opportunity to take a shot at retrieving the alien Golden Disk. He distracted Rhinox long enough for Inferno and Blackarachnia to incapacitate the Maximal, and managed to take the disk back into his possession. Returning to base, Megatron encountered Tarantulas, who declared himself no longer under Megatron's command, but was willing to cooperate. As the Predacons put their new plan into effect at the alien site, the Maximals arrived, only for a [[Metal Hunter|domed spaceship]] to appear. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} After using a force field to prevent the Maximals getting in, Megatron ventured into the spacecraft and was able to use the alien Golden Disk to take control of it. His first act was to bring aboard the other Predacons (bar Tarantulas, with whom the alliance was terminated) and Optimus Primal, the latter as a prisoner. Installing [[Transwarp cell]]s into the ship, Megatron intended to take it back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and conquer the world. Tarantulas arranged for a Maximal attack, infiltrating the ship and causing it to self-destruct. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

After another stasis pod was found, Megatron bugged Blackarachnia and sent her and Waspinator out to find it. He soon learned that the pod contained Protoform X, a powerful [[Transformer]] with an indestructible spark, made during a Maximal experiment. With this information, he used an energon blade to cut out a piece of the creature's spark using it to control the beast, which he renamed [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]. {{storylink|Bad Spark}}

[[File:CodeofHero-oldtechnology.jpg|upright=1.15|thumb|right|hoooo!!!Dinobot!!!!How nice to meet you!!!!]]

His options growing limited, Megatron chose to test alternative, "safer" means of altering history. Using the Golden Disk, he discovered the location of a valley full of [[anthropoid|early humans]], who would someday evolve into the humans who helped the [[Autobot]]s defeat the [[Decepticon]]s in the great war. Determining by empirical experimentation that the future could be altered, Megatron mounted an attack on the valley. The Predacons were prevented from razing it entirely by the interference of Dinobot. After defeating all of the Predacon troops singlehandedly, Dinobot knocked the disk from Megatron's hand, and destroyed it. Megatron ordered a retreat as the rest of the Maximals arrived. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} Though fascinated at the discovery of a [[Transmutate (BW)|badly-mutated Transformer]], Megatron wasn't impressed when it failed to transform, and ordered it destroyed, but Rampage successfully convinced him to let Transmutate prove itself. It didn't go so well. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[File:Agenda2-underarrestmeow.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|I want a lawyer!]]

Calculating that the [[Transwarp wavefront]] would soon reach Cybertron, alerting the [[Maximal High Council]] and resulting in a rescue ship being sent, Megatron realised he would have to implement a potentially final gambit. The Predacons attacked the Maximal base, but were fought off when help arrived in the form of Predacon covert agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], sent by the Predacon [[Tripredacus Council]] to apprehend Megatron. Returning to the Predacon base, Megatron sent Waspinator on a secret mission, while the other Predacons attempted to increase the fortifications. The impending attack went off without a hitch, however, and Megatron was captured. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Megatron was placed in a cell, and was informed by Ravage that Tarantulas was a member of the [[Predacon Secret Police]]. Megatron didn't seem too surprised by the news, and still had a hand to play—using a fragment of the Golden Disk which Dinobot had destroyed, he played back a portion of the original Megatron's hidden message, convincing Ravage to side with him. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}
[[File:Agenda3 MegatronOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.4|right|thumb|A little off the top, sir?]]
Megatron and Ravage subsequently led an assault on the ''Axalon'', which only failed through some extremely daring work by Rattrap.
Megatron fled, not back to the Predacon base, but to the Ark, prepared at last to enact his namesake's plan to change the course of history by killing Optimus Prime. At the ship, he discovered Blackarachnia and her paramour Silverbolt, the former having deduced Megatron's plans by studying the stolen backup of Golden Disk data. This proved fortuitous for Megatron, as he was to coerce Blackarachnia into helping him by threatening Silverbolt. The she-spider provided the access codes necessary to shut down the Ark's security grid and grant Megatron access to the ship. After delivering a powerful speech to the unconscious figure of Optimus Prime, Megatron blasted the Autobot in the face at full power, triggering a timestorm that began to unravel history. As reality whirled around him, he confronted the Maximals outside the Ark to gloat that, by slaying Prime, he has erased them from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} Unfortunately, he failed to account for Blackarachnia; having been created from a Maximal protoform, she too would cease to exist if Megatron's plan succeeded, so she used her access codes to reactivate the Ark's security, causing Megatron to be hurled from the fact. With Blackachnia's help the Maximals were able to use [[Teletraan I]] to repair Optimus Prime, while Primal took the Autobot's spark into his own structure to protect it, in the process transforming his body into a more powerful form. Confronted by the new "Optimal Optimus", Megatron beat a retreat, but not before shooting Blackarachnia. Heading for the ''Axalon'', he, Inferno and Waspinator were attacked and downed by Primal and Cheetor, however Megatron radioed ahead to Rampage, who was able to destroy the Maximal ship. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-sizedifference.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This better not awaken anything in me.]]

Rampage disappeared while supposedly on a mission to attack the Ark with Inferno, and Megatron's scanners were unable to locate him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Monitoring the Maximal attempt to salvage [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]], Megatron sent his men out to retrieve the device. The mission was surprisingly a success, and Megatron later installed Sentinel in the Predacon ship. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} Megatron had also developed [[Cyber raptor]]s, which were sent out occasionally to harass the early humans. When he spotted Blackarachnia and Cheetor accompanying two of the humans, he sent Waspinator and Tarantulas out with three of the raptors to attack them. It didn't go too well for the Predacons, but Megatron was brewing a new plan. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}
[[File:FeralScream1 Megatron greets clone.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Ah, there's always time for a speech.]]
Having obtained a [[Transmetal driver]] through unknown means, he embarked upon an experiment, the fruition of which was the creation of a [[Transmetal 2]] [[Dinobot II|clone of Dinobot]]. However, thanks to the interference of [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] and Cheetor during the experiment, the Transmetal driver was lost, and the Predacons captured Depth Charge in order to interrogate him. Before they could extract the information, they were attacked by a strange feral beast, which eliminated them one by one. Megatron accidentally slagged Waspinator before being attacked by the creature himself, and sent flying off a cliff. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} Returning to base, Megatron detected the beast roaming in the night, and realized that Cheetor had been exposed to the Transmetal driver's energies and upgraded into a new form. He dispatched Dinobot and Waspinator to capture Cheetor, but unsurprisingly they failed. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[File:MasterBlaster-DragonMegsTarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|300px|”I am not so easily destroyed, WE ARE NOT EVEN IN THE SERIES FINALE FOOL! DON’T RUSH!”

Megatron had his men build a new weapon—a [[disruptor cannon]] constructed in a cave on a mountain top. Unfortunately due to the bi-polar energon source that the weapon used, the Predacons were unable to get close enough to install the shielding. Megatron sent Waspinator and Inferno out to capture one of the early humans, and they came back with [[Una]]. With great difficulty, Megatron instructed her on installing the shielding and installing the stabilizer crystal. After the Maximals had rescued her, the Predacons fired the cannon, only to discover too late that Una hadn't installed the stabilizer after all. The cannon exploded in their faces. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} Alerted by Tarantulas that the Maximals were attempting to remove Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], Megatron assigned Inferno, Rampage and Quickstrike to help Tarantulas disrupt the Ark's power, and hopefully terminate Blackarachnia. It even mostly worked, except for the part about Blackarachnia dying instead of ending up with a new Transmetal 2 body. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

On a later occasion, Megatron had Waspinator attack the Ark as part of a diversion. Tarantulas was able to place Optimus Primal under Quickstrike's control, enabling the Predacons to defeat the Maximals easily, and allowing Megatron to enter the Ark once more. There, he deliberately took the spark of the original Megatron and placed it in his body. Before he could do anything more, Quickstrike used Primal's body to dump in him the nearest pit of lava—a double-cross engineered by Tarantulas. Megatron did not die, but was upgraded into a new form, with a dragon as his [[alternate mode]]. After slagging Tarantulas, Megatron fought at length with Primal, only being fought off when Blackarachnia freed the other Maximals. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

[[File:OtherVictories-Megswig.jpg|right|thumb|200px|”I hereby declare you independent… FROM LIFE!”]]

His attempt to put Quickstrike on trial for treachery was interrupted by the news that something was incoming. [[Tigerhawk]], emissary of the Vok, obliterated the Predacon base before defeating Megatron in battle. Tigerhawk prepared to deliver the killing blow, but was interrupted, first by Optimus Primal, and then by Tarantulas. By the time Megatron recovered, Tigerhawk had been captured by Tarantulas, and Megatron flew off. Tarantulas was eventually destroyed by his quest for power, and Megatron could only watch as the Maximals welcomed Tigerhawk into their ranks. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

[[File:OtherVictories-Megsdragon.jpg|left|thumb|250px|”This is my world now. AND YOU WON’T EVEN LAST 2 EPISODES!”

Desperate once again, Megatron dispatched Inferno, Waspinator and Quickstrike to find a new base, while he took the competent Predacons to search the remains of Tarantulas's lair. There, Dinobot found a hatch leading to an undersea tunnel and Megatron realised the enormity of what Tarantulas had discovered. The Predacons followed the tunnel to the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the Decepticon flagship which had crashed at the same time as the Ark. Megatron and Dinobot entered the ancient ship, successfully powering it up and raising it out of the ocean, intending to take back to Cybertron so that Megatron might conquer the planet. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

{{quote|I am ''alpha and omega'', optimal Optimus. Now and forever, until the end of time!|Megatron|"Nemesis Part 2"}}
[[File:Nemesis2 Megatron on shuttle.jpg|right|thumb|How To Restrain Your Dragon.]]

First, however, he planned to annihilate the ''entire'' Ark rather than simply Optimus Prime: drunk on power and reciting religious scripture that he believed concerned ''him'', he was declaring himself "alpha and omega" and that time itself was now his to command.

Heading for the Ark, Megatron stopped the ship momentarily to fire on an anthropoid settlement, despite Dinobot's objections, inadvertently killing Inferno and Quickstrike in the process. Of course, this meant that when the ''Nemesis'' arrived at its target, the fusion cannon was still recharging. Megatron instead turned a tractor beam on the Autobot ship. Primal infiltrated the ''Nemesis'' and began fighting Megatron. Though Optimus was no match for the Predacon leader, he bought the Maximals enough time to find an Autobot shuttle, which Rhinox piloted into the bridge of the ''Nemesis'', taking Megatron out. The ''Nemesis'' crashed a second time and thus preserved history. After returning the original Megatron's spark to its proper body, the Maximals headed back to Cybertron with the incarcerated Megatron shackled to the outside of their ship. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Machines'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Francisco José]] (Portuguese), [[Jan Spitzer]] (German) [[Giorgio Locuratolo]] (Italian), [[Armando Rendiz]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Diéguez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jean-Paul Dermont]] (French)}}

[[File:Megatron for life.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"If you've done nothing wrong, you've got nothing to fear. If you've something to hide, you shouldn't even be here..."]]
Breaking free from his constraints on the Autobot shuttle while it traveled through transwarp space, Megatron arrived back home on Cybertron well before the Maximals did. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} He used the window of opportunity for maximum effect, releasing a [[Transformation virus|virus]] across the planet that quickly incapacitated the population. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} He then began extracting the victims' [[spark]]s and storing them in a citadel, planning to one day absorb them into his own spark. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} Meanwhile, he used factories to rebuild the bodies into mindless [[drone]]s he called "[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]]". {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} Eventually, he had almost every spark on Cybertron in his possession. At some point Megatron's former follower [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] managed to make it back to Cybertron through unknown means. However Megatron simply extracted his spark too. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

When the Maximals arrived in their shuttle, they found the planet empty, aside from Vehicons who immediately attacked them with canisters of a gas that infected them with the virus. The fully-Transmetal among them "devolved" into their original beast modes but were able to keep moving and escape. The remaining two, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] (who never received any form of upgrade on Earth), were instead paralyzed and quickly overtaken. Their sparks soon joined Megatron's collection. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse Optimus grabs Megatron's head.jpg|thumb|"Time for a noogie!" "NOOOOOO!!!"]]
The escaped Maximals would have succumbed to the virus eventually if not for the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] [[reformatting]] them. Megatron observed their first battle against the Vehicon drones, vowing to destroy the impurity in his technological paradise. {{storylink|The Reformatting}} He would not have to wait long before a confrontation with [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], gloating to the Maximal leader that Cybertron now belonged to the technological. The strain of controlling the Vehicon drones while attacking three targets was telling, and Primal was able to goad him into losing control, causing an overwhelming urge to transform and revealing Megatron's dragon form, now in a ragged patchwork state as a result of failed attempts to excise his organic mode. Megatron was able to quickly recover, pointing out Primal's own failure had led to the downfall of Cybertron, before reconnecting to his [[control harness]] and taking control of the drones once again. Defiant, Primal had to be dragged from the [[Council Citadel]] by the other Maximals. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

[[File:FiresofthePast Megatron closeup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Calm down Diagnostic Drone, now is not the time for fear. That comes later.]]
Though the [[Diagnostic Drone]] insisted that Megatron's organic side had been purged, another failed battle between the Vehicon drones caused him to revert in rage to his dragon mode yet again. In order to make his drones more flexible in capturing the Maximals, he imbued three Vehicons with captured sparks so they could think on their feet in battle. The original personalities of these "[[Vehicon General]]s" were deeply buried under shell programs, which allowed Megatron to use sparks of the Maximals' former allies. Thus, if the Maximals discovered who they really were, they would be reluctant to destroy them. The recently captured Silverbolt and Rhinox were made into [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] and [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], respectively. The third general, [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]], was created from his former follower [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. During the generals' first engagement with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], Megatron became aware that Blackarachnia was trying to access the computer of the Autobot shuttle they'd arrived in, and he made an attempt to access her memory while she did so. Rattrap was warned of this via a transmission made to Jetstorm, and was able to cut the link before Megatron could learn the location of the Maximal base. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[File:MercenaryPursuits Megatron medium shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|My stomach is rumbling. Diagnostic Drone, bring out the Energon Brownies.]]
After raging at the three generals for their failure, Megatron sent them out, promising great rewards for whoever captured the Maximals. This paid off when Tankor returned with all four of the Maximals. Unfortunately while Megatron was getting ready to give Tankor his reward of oblivion, the Maximals escaped, and Primal was able to speak directly to Tankor's spark, turning him against Megatron. Once they'd escaped, Megatron was able to restore his control harness and remotely erase Tankor's memory of the last 20 cycles, turning him against the Maximals once more. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}} The Diagnostic Drone continued to attempt to formulate ways to excise Megatron's organic side, suggesting they wait until after the Maximal problem was dealt with, however Megatron was determined to put a swift end to the matter in question. During a battle between the drones and Maximals in a Vehicon factory, Megatron retook control of the drones out of frustration over his generals' failure, only for feedback from a computer to overload his systems.

While in this weakened state, he was approached by Rattrap, who offered to defend Megatron for the night in return for weaponry. Though the other Maximals turned up, Rattrap fought them back. Megatron encouraged him to use the weapons to terminate the Maximals, but Rattrap refused, pointing out that the sun was coming up and their agreement was at an end. In return, Megatron let him go free. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

[[File:Survivor Megatron dragon.jpg|left|upright=1.5|thumb|Just don't call him "Patches" or he'll scorch your ass.]]
The attempts to remove Megatron's organic form continued, with little success, and he turned down the Diagnostic Drone's suggestion to simply build a new body for himself, as it would require leaving his spark unprotected for a short period of time. Instead they implemented a new plan: attempt to capture [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] and work out how to reverse the process the young Maximal used to acquire an organic mode. During the mission, the Diagnostic Drone was reprogrammed by Tankor, whose Rhinox personality had resurfaced, and was now actively working in competition with Megatron to create a technological utopia. When the next attempt to purge Megatron's dragon mode failed (as Tankor instructed), the Diagnostic Drone suggested that the failure was caused by Megatron himself. {{storylink|Survivor}}

After Tankor's apparent destruction, Megatron demanded the Diagnostic Drone find out what happened. The Maximals, meanwhile, attempted to attack a Vehicon factory, with the intent of stealing a [[Mole Drone]], and Megatron demonstrated his power over Cybertron by moving the very buildings themselves around in an attempt to crush the Maximals, and elevating the factory in an attempt to tip them out. {{storylink|The Key}} Megatron questioned Thrust and Jetstorm over Tankor's whereabouts prior to his demise. Unknown to any of them, the "death" had been a trick on Tankor's part, and the real Tankor had the Diagnostic Drone take the opportunity to reveal the discovery of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], capable of transforming organic matter into [[Living metal#Beast Era|technomatter]], to Megatron. Though Megatron was encouraged by the idea it could purge Cybertron of organic life, he was suspicious of the Drone's inadvertent slip of the tongue regarding what the Key would do to him, and ordered the Key be loaded on to select drones only. Tankor's plan to force Megatron's hand by providing the Maximals with a catalyst to make their vines grow faster eventually paid off, and Megatron ordered the key loaded onto all of the [[Tank Drone]]s. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:EndoftheLine Megatron swirlingenergies.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2| No! The hurricane is separating me from my action figures! Curse you, Mother Nature!!!]]
Of course, Megatron also made sure the Tank Drones were under his sole control first. Tankor then provided Primal with the whereabouts of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], capable of purging all technology from Cybertron, in an attempt to force Megatron to use the keys. Megatron did not believe that Primal would actually go through with opening the chamber, and, distrustful of the Diagnostic Drone's motives, destroyed it. During the Maximal's last push for victory, Megatron found himself confronted by Optimus Primal once more, and crowed over his opponent as the other Maximals were transformed into technomatter. However Primal was able to provoke another appearance by Megatron's beast mode, and attempted to reformat him. The attempt was interrupted by Tankor, who prepared to zap Megatron with a Key, but was promptly restrained. Megatron announced that having a free agent was part of his plan, and had handed him the key to victory. Optimus, finally determined to win at any cost, opened the Plasma Energy Chamber, and Megatron responded by triggering the key weapon, causing a maelstrom of clashing energies. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:SavageNoble Noble with wings.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|Great. I still have wings, but I've got fur instead of scales. The indignity...]]
When the Maximals entered the Council Citadel, all they found of Megatron was his body, which disintegrated. Despite this the evidence of Megatron's influence remained—following Optimus Primal's resurrection, the Maximals found themselves face-to-face with a giant ship, resembling a stylised version of Megatron's own head, which rose above the city. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} The ship did not contain Megatron's [[spark]] though; The combined energies had actually succeeded in separating his organic half from his body—unfortunately, his spark went with it and become trapped in a purely organic Transformer. He took the identity of "innocent" Maximal [[Noble (BM)|Noble]] and, preying on [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]'s survivor guilt and Optimus's inherent goodness, attained the confidence of the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} With their help, he was able to gain entry back into the Council Citadel, and attempted to access the control harness, only to discover it would not interface with his organic form. Using a [[spark extractor]], he ripped his own spark out and flew into the giant floating head, possessing it and reactivating Cybertron. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

[[File:InDarkestKnight Grand Mal.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Tremble before the might of MODOK!]]
Intent on gaining access to the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Megatron seized Primal and Cheetor, bringing them aboard the ship in preparation to tear the information from them. He was able to communicate with them by appearing as a hologram of moving [[Cybertronix]], announcing that the procedure would be terminal. Before it could be completed, Silverbolt, who had been reformatted from Jetstorm by Blackarachnia, arrived and freed the two Maximals. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} Unwilling to admit defeat, Megatron deployed his own variation of the [[Hate Plague]], infecting all of the Maximals but Primal. Optimus instead was scooped up by a tentacle and taken aboard the floating head for a frank discussion about free will versus universal harmony. As it turned out, Optimus was able to help the Maximals overcome their anger and reformat their neural pathways, though Megatron was amused by Primal's afterthought that not all of their issues came from the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}} Following [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]]'s arrival, Megatron used the giant head's spaceship mode to destroy the rampantly-growing plant life she'd brought with her. {{storylink|Home Soil}}

[[File:Megatron Sparkwar Search.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"We've been expecting you, Mr. Anderson."]]
With the Maximals numbering seven, and Thrust increasingly incapable of keeping up, Megatron used the sparks of famous generals [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] to replace them. Though they subsequently failed to destroy the Maximals, Megatron thanked them for keeping his enemy busy while he finalised his plans for the collection of sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} He gave his generals orders to find the Maximals and take Optimus alive. Primal had ventured down into the lost city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] with Nightscream, giving Megatron the opportunity to strike. Tricking the Maximal leader with a huge hologram of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Megatron was able to extract the codes to access the Oracle. On the other hand, Primal was able to use the link to determine the location of the lost sparks without Megatron knowing. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

[[File:Giant megatron spark.jpg|thumb|It feels weird, being a ball of energy just eating up ''other'' balls of energy.]]
Megatron began preparing for his "grand ascension", separating his spark from the giant head and starting to consume the many sparks he had captured. The Maximals managed to get a team onto the ship, but were immediately seized by metal tentacles and forced to watch as Megatron continued to devour the sparks, intending to unite every spark on the planet into one perfect being—himself. Rising out of the head, Megatron began to draw the Maximals' sparks from their bodies. He was forced to pause to destroy his organic half, Noble, which had continued to roam Cybertron after his spark had left it. Anguished at the loss of his friend, Nightscream used his sonic attack on Megatron's spark, apparently dispelling it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

Depolarized, Megatron's spark drifted through the streets of [[Cybertropolis]], attempting to possess bodies but unable to stay in them for any period of time, and only able to operate them in the barest, zombie-like fashion. After attacking the Maximals in a seemingly-random pattern, his spark was captured by Rattrap in a spark extractor and repolarized. The net result—Megatron was able to possess a new body, however he soon realized that he was trapped in the shell of a Diagnostic Drone. This didn't hinder him from capturing the Maximals and attempting to reformat Primal's spark, and, though Botanica swiftly came to the rescue, Megatron still escaped thanks to the loyalty of his three generals. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

{{quote|I live! I live! I—...what kind of puny body is this?!|Megatron|"Spark of Darkness"}}

[[File:BMEndgame2 Optimal megatron.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.]]
While working on a new plan, Megatron had his generals attack the Maximals, who had holed up in the giant head. Unsatisfied with his current body, but having no time to design a new one, Megatron searched the archives for a suitable template, finding Optimus Primal's "optimal" form to be suitably ironic. When an escape pod was launched from the Grand Mal, Megatron found the harmonics-matching disk inadvertently provided by Rattrap, sending the frequency to the Vehicons so they could bring down the ship. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} Though the Maximals fought back, eliminating the Vehicon Generals, Megatron had constructed a new body for himself—a copy of Primal's old "Optimal Optimus" form, though without its beast mode. Seizing control of the Cycle drones, he was able to rip the Maximals' sparks from their bodies, leaving himself and Primal as the last two functional mechanisms on the planet. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

[[File:BMEndgame3 Megatron dies.jpg|thumb|THEY'LL NEVER MAke a toy of thiiiiiiiiis...]]
There followed an all-out battle between the two mortal enemies, which raged across the city. Primal was seemingly beaten when he found the remains of the [[technorganic orchard]], devastated by Megatron's drones, and Megatron took him back to the surface. There, Megatron claimed his giant throne, and absorbed the rest of the sparks, growing in size. Preparing to use the Key to Vector Sigma to reformat Cybertron's organic core, Megatron severed Primal's connection to the Oracle. However Primal received encouragement from the spirits of his Maximal comrades, and by reformatting Megatron's throne, was able to dislodge him. They plummeted together into Cybertron's core, where Primal was able to trigger the reformatting of the entire planet, destroying himself and Megatron completely, but freeing all the lost sparks to repopulate their newly redecorated Cybertron. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{--}}

==Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===Yokohama Decepticon Secret Base===
After [[Predacon computer|NAVI-ko]] acquired a new body and intelligence on "[[Yokohama Convoy|Nemesis Prime]]", Megatron sent NAVI-ko through [[unspace|transwarp]] to [[Yokohama]] in [[2014]] to acquire the dark clone of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. After Nemesis Prime shed his evil and reverted to being Yokohama Convoy, Megatron realized his plans were foiled and ordered NAVI-ko to return. {{storylink|Yokohama Decepticon Secret Base}}

===''Cloud''===
While the Maximals were trying to help out the wayward [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]] of the [[Cloud World]], they investigated an energon mine, only to find Megatron and his Predacons waiting there. The two sides battled, and Hot Rodimus took the opportunity to transform into helicopter mode to pursue his true quarry. Bemused by the presence of this larger [[Transformer]], Megatron sent [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to give chase. Rodimus was able to get rid of his pursuers and encountered his target, the [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] from his world. The two's battle set off the nearby energon, forcing the Predacons to retreat. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

In another fight with Shockwave, Hot Rodimus thought back to their confrontation with the Beast Warriors, including Megatron. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

===''Beast Wars Diorama Story''===
[[File:BWDS 2.jpg|thumb|left]]
Some time after Starscream fled from prehistoric Earth, Megatron and a group of Predacons, including [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], a time-displaced [[Archadis]], and [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]], battled a contingent of [[Maximal]]s comprising [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Colada]], and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] in a forest. After all the Transformers transformed into robot mode, Megatron attacked Optimus Primal with the jaws of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. Primal blocked the attack with his dual Cyber Blades and then fought Megatron off with his Mega Blasters. {{storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Though Primal blocked his "Tyranno Fang" attack, Megatron was able to counter by shooting a "Laser Buster" from the mouth of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. {{storylink|Megatron Chapter}}

[[File:BWDiorama Megatrons.jpg|thumb|No good can come of this.]]

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], who were [[Decepticon]]s and [[Autobot]]s from another [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|universe]]. [[Tigatron]] and [[Gimlet]] also joined the battle, and, after being defeated by the Maximals, Starscream joined the Predacons. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and joined the Predacons, as well. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from the other universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Gimlet Chapter}}

The Decepticon Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. The Predacon Megatron battled Optimus Primal in the ensuing skirmish. The Maximals' savior came in the form of [[Motorarm (BW)|Motorarm]], who then went on to battle [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Megatron battled Primal again, and the two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. The Predacon Megatron led the combined Predacon/Decepticon force. With Motorarm leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

Later, through the power of energon, both Optimus Primal and Megatron attained the giant "Energon Power Mode". The energies coursing in their bodies granted both improved abilities and the two battled. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Diorama Story#TM-SP Character Data File|TM-SP Character Data File}}

===''Robotmasters'' comic===
[[File:RM online 1.jpg|thumb|left]]
Megatron travelled to [[Earth]] in the year [[2004]] through the [[Blastizone]] with a minion, [[Psycho-Orb]], in tow. Seeking to harness the power of the [[solitarium]] that Earth contained, Megatron set out to amass a force by taking over leadership of the [[Decepticon]]s. He went to their [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|underwater base]] and challenged [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who was leading the Decepticons in the absence of the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. The battle for command ended in Megatron's favor, {{storylink|Change in Command: The Usurper Decepticon}} and he attacked the Autobots two days later. Megatron introduced himself to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who was unaware of the mysterious purple ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. The battle ended in retreat when firepower overwhelmed the Decepticons. {{storylink|Clash! The Two Leaders}} {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}} Uneasy with the silence following Megatron's disappearance during the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] searched for Megatron, finding the Blastizone and arriving in 2004's Earth. {{storylink|To War! Optimus Primal}} He would meet up with Optimus Prime himself as the two battled Beast Megatron again. {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}}

Two months after Megatron took leadership away from him, Starscream created the [[Arsenal Force]] weapons in a bid to take leadership back. When Megatron demanded to see the weapons Starscream has created, the Seeker provided a very personal demonstration by blasting the Predacon with it. Megatron was unfazed and allowed Starscream to live for making such interesting weapons. {{Storylink|Starscream Grins 3 Times...}}

[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] joined the Autobots. Together, they promised to defeat Megatron. {{storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}} Later, [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]], acting as a double agent for the Decepticons, provided the Autobots with information about a solitarium lode on [[Chaar]]. There, they were met with Megatron and Double Face in a trap for the Autobots. Megatron blasted the Autobots and the Decepticons ran off with the solitarium. {{Storylink|Defend the Solitarium!}}

Megatron was given falsified data on creating a "[[Black body (technology)|black body]]" coating for himself by Starscream. Due to his "beast" physiology, the Predacon leader was upgraded with no ill-effects, despite Starscream's intentions. With energy stolen from the other Decepticons, Megatron then launched an attack on the Autobots. Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal, both empowered by [[solitarium]], came to thwart his evil scheme, and Megatron was forced away. Afterwards, his body built an immunity to the black body upgrade, meaning he could no longer use its power. Megatron realized that it could be troublesome if Starscream was the only one among his ranks to have access to the black body power. He swapped out the remaining chip necessary for the upgrade with the one that contained the falsified data, and allowed Starscream to have it and be hoist by his own petard. {{storylink|Black Body (prose)|Black Body}}

[[File:RM online 9.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|This ain't {{w|Zoids}}.]]

In [[2005]], when a confused [[Lio Convoy]] arrived on Earth, Megatron took advantage of the opportunity and convinced the lion that the Autobots of the era were evil invaders battling the heroic Decepticons. When [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] and [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] flew by, Lio Convoy struck and battled the two, much to Megatron's amusement. {{Storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (issue)|Lio Convoy Storms In}} Unfortunately for the Predacon, both Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal intervened, and Lio Convoy was convinced of the goodness of the Autobots. With the energies of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and the [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]], the four [[Supreme Commander]]s attacked and forced Megatron and his Decepticons to flee. {{Storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

Hope came to the Decepticons when [[Air Hunter]] reported the incoming return of the original Megatron, {{Storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} who was revealed to be inhabiting the body of [[Reverse Convoy]] as "Rebirth Megatron". At the Decepticon base, the Megatrons took a liking to each other discussed their stock of solitarium and how they could conquer the universe with it. To get even more, they decided to make a decisive attack on the Autobots. The battle lasted for three days and three nights till the Decepticons were defeated. With the power of solitarium, Megatron, Optimus Primal, and Psycho-Orb returned to the Beast Wars. {{Storylink|And Then}}
{{--}}

===''Legends'' comic===
In the late 1980s, [[quantum surge]] energy that the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] absorbed while his spark was inside the Predacon Megatron's body suddenly granted the Decepticon a "[[Transmetal]]" form. {{Storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

The [[Arcee (G1)#Q-Transformers cartoon|Arcee]] of [[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|another universe]] retold the story of Megatron and Optimus Primal's battle in the core of Cybertron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition EX Rattrap}} The end of this battle resulted in a new era for the planet, with a reconfigurated [[Vector Sigma]] as its leader. The remnants of Megatron's Grand Mal served as a monument. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Blue Big Convoy)|Bonus Edition EX Blue Big Convoy}}

===''Beast Wars Reborn''===
[[File:BeastWarsRebornMegatronArtwork1.jpg|233px|thumb|Reborn on the wagon of a travelin' show, Primal used ta dance fer the money they'd throw! Megatron would do whatever he coooouuuld!]]
After their deaths in the core of Cybertron, both Megatron and Optimus Primal awoke inside a bizarre temple-like spaceship which was hurtling through space. Neither had any memory of who they were or how they got there, only their own names and a feeling of discomfort between one another. The pair went about investigating the ship in search of answers. While Megatron's memory was lost, his personality remained mostly intact: he was more concerned with seizing control of the ship before Primal did in order to gain the upper hand.

They eventually found a data log and discovered that their sparks had been taken and they were reborn into new bodies (unbeknownst to them, bodies identical to their original Earth forms). However, their memories were intentionally not uploaded into their new bodies. While searching the log they discovered that the ship's main power source was a [[Golden Disk (BWR)|Golden Disk]] lodged within a giant pillar. Megatron immediately raced to obtain the Disk and Primal followed him. The closer they got to the disk the more the ship attempted to thwart their advance by manipulating its atmosphere conditions.

Once they reached the chamber the ship's environment suddenly morphed to that of a decaying planet littered with the corpses of robots. The corpses came to life and began shambling toward them, intent on eating their sparks. They made short work of the zombies, leaving Megatron to obtain the Golden Disk and Primal with a feeling that he shouldn't entirely trust Megatron.

From another dimension beyond time and space, [[Primus]] recognized that something was amiss and sent [[Vector Prime]] to meet Primal and Megatron within the spaceship. {{storylink|The Mysterious Temple in Space}}

Primal found his suspicions confirmed after Megatron discovered that part of the ship let him convert any object into antimatter, effectively giving the ability to turn anything—or anyone—into a particle-annihilating bomb. Their subsequent battle was quickly interrupted by a strange being calling itself [[Logos Prime|Soundblaster]], who informed them that the ship's power over space and time was his own—and wished to give this power to Megatron. {{storylink|Master of the Game}}

Megatron readily accepted Soundblaster's offer, though he thought to himself that Soundblaster was hiding something. The catch was quickly revealed: Megatron first had to complete a rite of succession. The [[Zeonomicon]], source of Logos Prime's power, was released from the ancient's body, and hidden away on an [[Jungle Planet (colony)|organic planet]]. Megatron was annoyed, thinking he and Optimus would be competing in a hunting game for the artifact. Soundblaster began to explain that the Golden Disk detailed the rite in full. Before he could elaborate, Optimus snatched the disk away. Soundblaster, unfazed, granted Megatron and his rival their memories back before sending them to the planet's surface. {{Storylink|Planetfall (BWR)|Planetfall}}

[[File:Animatron form Optimus Megatron.jpg|thumb|left]]
On the planet, Megatron set to work, seeking Animatron's [[Cyber Planet Key]], beating up [[Scavage]] for information. Realizing the need to adapt to this universe's peculiarities, Megatron tore out Scavage's key port and attached it to his body, and the planet's psionic energy converted him into an Animatronian-style Transmetal. He showed up at the [[Rectangular Valley]]'s doorstep seeking out Optimus Primal and the Golden Disk he had, knowing it was necessary to place upon a nearby obelisk to get the Zeonomicon. Primal used the power of the Cyber Planet Key to reformat into an equivalent body and the two raced off to the obelisk. Both vanished from sight and were never seen again, but [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] believed the fact that a new day dawned on the planet was proof enough of who won the fight. {{Storylink|The Extraordinary Reformat}}

===''Kiss Players''===
Upon meeting the lost [[Shaoshao Li]] on his universe's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] noted that [[Logos Prime]] had brought two Transformers from Shaoshao's [[G1 World|world]] to this universe a long time ago. It was prudent for Shaoshao to find how they may have returned to their native universe, as she needed to return the [[Angolmois Energy|"Allspark" fragments she collected]] to ensure its future. {{storylink|Kiss Players episode 50|Kiss Players #50}}

===''Beast Wars II'' cartoon===
In the far future, [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] tried to summon Megatron to [[Gaia]] using a time machine. When his brother [[Megastorm|Gigastorm]] screwed up the wavelength calculations and instead summoned the titanic [[Majin Zarak]], Galvatron was pleased and declared, "We have obtained a weapon far superior to Megatron". {{storylink|Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!}}

===''Legacy VS500 Collection Special Comic''===
Megatron in his dragon form was a spectator of the second week of the [[Speedia 500]] on [[Velocitron]]. {{storylink|Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 3}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Wars Official Guidebook''==
[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaurer]] was upgraded by Megatron into a gaudy purple body that increased his speed and evasion. He was renamed "Terrorsaur". {{storylink|Super Lifeform Transformers Beast Wars Official Guidebook|Beast Wars Official Guidebook}}

==3H comics==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English)}}
[[File:Groundzero-megatron-hopeforyou.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|Positive Reinforcement Dad Megs, especially with that voice, needs to be a thing, yesss.]]
Megatron was mentored by the gangster [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], who engineered the plot to steal the Golden Disk. Megatron, however, betrayed him and took the Golden Disk for himself to Earth.<ref name="cryotek bio">[https://web.archive.org/web/20060512022359/http://botconarchives.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html Cryotek's archived BotCon Online profile], also in the Director's Cut edition of "[[Betrayal]]".</ref>

At some point after [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] was born, [[Fractyl]] briefly daydreamed about impressing Megatron with his new discovery, the energon armor producing [[furmanite]]. When he failed even in his dreams, however, Fractyl reconsidered alerting Megatron just yet.

In reality, Megatron was summoned by Blackarachnia when the Maximal [[Packrat]] stole some of Fractyl's furmanite. He arrived on the scene in time to see Fractyl bravely chasing off the Maximal pack, after recovering the dangerous furmanite. Well done, Fractyl! (Oh, if only he knew...) {{storylink|Ground Zero}}

[[File:Antagony megatron.jpg|thumb|Kinky.]]
[[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]], future-born [[Herald Maximo]] of [[Shokaract]], arrived on prehistoric Earth after the [[quantum surge]] to protect the Dark Essence of [[Unicron]]. She attempted to terminate Megatron, who quickly conned her into fighting Optimus and then took her captive when she went into stasis lock. {{storylink|Visitations}}

He began patiently (and happily) torturing her for information on the future she came from, and when that failed he hacked into her mind using a [[mind-drill]] "borrowed" from [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. That triggered a safety-against-betrayal device that erased her mind before he could gain any information; Megatron was left with no information, beyond that her master would surely try again. {{storylink|Herald}}

Almost immediately after his transformation into dragon form, Megatron detected a temporal breach. Unbeknownst to him, he had already been observed by a time-traveller that had emerged from Transwarp, [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]]. {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} Having his troops ambush the Maximals (who had also detected the anomaly), he attempted to reach the time-traveller and gain access to the future, not caring what would happen if he took the original Megatron's spark within him. In the process, he encountered the Dark Essence and almost became a willing vessel for it, until it realised Windrazor would be easier to control. When the Fuzor fought the influence off, Shokaract himself emerged. {{storylink|Paradox}}

[[File:TM2 Megatron shoots Unicronessence.jpg|left|thumb|Ridley's Final Smash is a powerful stream of plasma breath intense enough to bring down [[Samus Aran|Samus]]'s starship.]]
Megatron's reaction to a horrifically powerful spark-devouring demigod, and time and space being shattered into a chaotic maelstrom... was to stride through the reality soup and blackmail said demigod by opening fire on the Dark Essence of the Chaos-Bringer, demanding knowledge of the future or he'd cause the erasure of Shokaract's entire timeline. Megatron is ''hardcore''. He failed, but this was a crucial distraction that helped bring about Shokaract's defeat. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

In the timeline that Shokaract, Windrazor et al. came from, Megatron had conquered Cybertron with an army of Predacons and a pre-Unicronian Shokaract had been one of his soldiers. Windrazor recognised him on sight and knew of the famous Beast Wars.{{storylink|Paradox}}{{storylink|Schism}} The timeline was changed by Shokaract's defeat so Cybertron's probably safe eh readers?

When Megatron returned to Cybertron from Earth, his former mentor Cryotek offered to rid him of his hated beast mode, wishing to take the powerful [[Transmetal 2]] dragon form for himself. The painful metamorphosis left Cryotek disabled. Using this opportunity, Megatron stole Cryotek's research and used it to conquer Cybertron.<ref name="cryotek bio"/> His conquest was swift, catching those who would have prepared Cybertron from its enemies unprepared. {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals}}

As part of his "experimental meanderings", Megatron created the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]], whom he considered "wretched".

[[File:MegatronBW-BWXart.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Guess who traveled with Primal to the Jungle Planet?]]

Some time after Megatron finally removed himself of his organic beast mode, he created the new [[Vehicon General]]s [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] and [[Blastcharge (BM)|Blastcharge]], assigning them experimental [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. They were charged with hunting down and destroying the [[Wreckers]], the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]], and the Mutants. They failed, despite the assistance of [[Spy Streak]]. As Megatron saw the Wreckers fly off in a stolen spaceship, he simply called it a temporary setback. {{storylink|Departure}}

After technorganic Cybertron was achieved, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s spark was revived from the within the Matrix to protect the [[multiverse]]. However, this action freed Megatron's spark as well. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} Megatron did not visibly resurface, however, until a dark chapter in the [[Universe War]], amidst "the [[Culling]]", when the [[Maximal High Council]] and a great portion of Cybertron's population itself was snuffed out by the [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. It is not known exactly how, but when the chaos of this genocide settled, Megatron had taken a powerful position within the remaining Predacon military. At first, Megatron began antagonizing Primal as he had before, but Megatron quickly learned that he and Primal would do better to first team up against Unicron. He and Primal traveled to several universes, preparing them for the coming battle and winning new allies. But now with Unicron disappeared into the [[Unicron Singularity]], Primal fully expects Megatron's insane ambition to resurface. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|Optimus Primal's profile in Club magazine #9}}
{{--}}

==Razorclaw continuity==
In one splinter timeline of [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] shortly after the death of Optimus Primal, minor atmospheric perturbations caused Silverbolt's stasis pod to land far from the ''Axalon'', and absent Silverbolt's intervention Megatron slew the Maximals. Only Tigatron and Airazor survived, and when Megatron's machinations continued to threaten the Vok, the Vok dispatched the unified form of Tigatron and Airazor, Tigerhawk, to Earth to end Megatron's reign. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} Tigerhawk managed to kill Megatron, {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}} but in doing so he nearly fell victim to the [[timestorm]] which resulted from Megatron absorbing the spark of his namesake. The timestorm tore reality apart, and Unicron plucked Tigerhawk from its remains {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} to become his general, Tigerhawk becoming [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]]. {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}}

==''Robotmasters'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Toshitsugu Takashina]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:Robot Masters episode1 Prime vs. Megs.jpg|thumb|left]]

Taking advantage of the [[Blastizone]] as a means of time travel (and apparently size-enhancer), Megatron journeyed to a point in history where the original Megatron had gone missing, leaving the [[Decepticon]]s without a leader. "Beast Megatron" took command of the Decepticons, leading them on a quest to collect a powerful element, [[solitarium]], from within Earth. Beast Megatron's plans were quickly thwarted by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and a troop of time-displaced Autobots and Maximals, including [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]], [[Lio Convoy]], and Beast Megatron's nemesis, Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!}}

Beast Megatron later discovered a large deposit of solitarium beneath a city, and along with [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Smokesniper]], [[Gigant Bomb]], and [[Wingstun]], laid waste to the location. The Autobots, accompanied by [[Reverse Convoy]], arrived and dealt with Beast Megatron's forces quickly. However, Reverse Convoy revealed himself to be the original Megatron in disguise and turned on them. Now going by the name [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rebirth Megatron]], he teamed up with Beast Megatron and the pair made trouble for the Autobot commanders in the form of a tornado-style attack. However, the Autobots were able to defeat the two Megatrons, countering the villains' attack with their own variation of it, sending Beast Megatron and his allies into a retreat. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (episode)|Lio Convoy Storms In}}
{{--}}

==''Robotmasters'' 3D diorama manga==
While the [[Autobot]]s under [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] helped [[Athens]] prepare for the [[Olympics]], Megatron sent [[Gigant Bomb]] and [[Smokesniper]] to disrupt their efforts. However, the [[Decepticon]] duo soon discovered that they were outnumbered by the Autobots and surrendered. Megatron fumed. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 1}} Soon, he obtained the amazing [[Arsenal Force]] and bestowed its energies to his underlings. But they couldn't do any damage before [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] appeared at the scene and literally slashed the energy out of the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 3}} Another of Megatron's plots involved a secret base disguised as an artificial satellite, but it was destroyed in a battle between [[Delta Seeker]] and [[X-Gunner]]. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 6}}

Beast Megatron joined forces with his predecessor, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who was in a new form as Reverse Convoy. They, along with [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], gloated over three of the Autobot leaders stuck in a trap that drained them of their energies. But the tide turned when [[Lio Convoy]] and a new [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arrived on the scene and all of the Autobot commanders used their combined energies to blast away the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 11}}

==Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity==
[[File:Dw theft.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|"This artistic error shall grant me control over time and space itself!"]]

After stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], Megatron broke into [[Vector Sigma]] along with [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] and reviewed historical files on many of the Autobots and Decepticons from the era of the Great War. He told Dinobot to refer to him henceforth as Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

After the Beast Wars, Megatron traveled back to Cybertron while chained to the side of a shuttle. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
Taking advantage of a destabilizing transwarp funnel, Megatron muscled himself free from his restraints. When Rattrap pulled the plug on the ship's Transwarp drive, the Autobot shuttlecraft was returned to Prehistoric Earth, and Megatron melted a hole into its bulkhead to attack the Maximals within. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

==''Transformers Legends'' anthology==
After Optimus Primal died to destroy the Planet Buster, two time-displaced versions of Megatron were waiting in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], when the equally time-displaced versions of Optimus Primal emerged from a meeting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

After having taken the spark of the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] into his body, Megatron found himself talking to his Decepticon counterpart, who goaded him into attempting a new plan. Quickstrike kept the Maximals busy while Megatron burned his way into the Ark. There, he implanted a fragment of the original Megatron's spark into the stasis locked body of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], allowing the two Megatrons to control the Seeker's body. He realised too late that the original Megatron's plan was to return the Decepticon leader's spark to his original body using Starscream. A battle of will ensued, which the beast Megatron ultimately won, subduing the older Megatron before himself being forced to flee the Ark by the Maximals. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

When Megatron was defeated by Nightscream, the spark of Rhinox attempted to act as a spirit guide and redeem the tyrant. Megatron proved to be a lost cause. While briefly tempted to move on, his inherent hypocrisy manifested and—despite fervently advocating the eradication of individuality—refused to relinquish his own identity. Rhinox's attempts at enlightenment were misconstrued, and his efforts only strengthened Megatron's desire for apotheosis. Repeated returns to Cybertron convinced him that godhood was still within his reach and as he charged his particles with "purity of purpose", erased Rhinox's spark from existence. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity==
The 'bot who would come to call himself "Megatron" was involved in the tail-end of the Great War, and commanded a small handful of troops on the battlefield. In a decisive battle, both [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] wound up dead, and the news of their demise quickly spread. Seeing opportunity, Megatron contacted his higher-ups, and petitioned that their forces strike decisively while the Autobots were still in disarray. His request was denied, but Megatron opted go through with his plans anyways.

[[File:DawnOfThePredacus-magnabossvsmegatron.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
As luck would have it, the Autobots' [[Tigatron|peace negotiator]] came to speak with his squad first, and Megatron let loose [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] in response to his pleas for an armistice. Although he involved himself in combat for a brief moment as well, Megatron left Predaking to "deal with the rabble" while he led the rest of his soldiers in an attack on the Primal Council. The Autobots' counter-offensive came in the form of [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]], who quickly overpowered Megatron's troops as transmatter rained down on the battlefield, converting all those it touched into a quantum state of proto-cybermatter. Tarantulas joined Megatron on the field, and informed him that the transmatter was coming from a doomsday weapon triggered by Galvatron's death, and that Predaking had taken his own life out of shame for his involvement with Galvatron's mad schemes. Refusing to be demoralized, Megatron readied to press his attack... only to be sniped by a stun-cannon. The Tripredacus Council then personally surrendered to the Autobots on behalf of all Decepticons. Megatron was trialed for his involvement in the war, and forcefully downgraded into a less-powerful body after the signing of the Pax Cybertronia. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

[[File:GatorMegatronBWSourcebook.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85]]
Upon his arrival on prehistoric Earth, the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Dark Side]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s computer suggested that Megatron take on a crocodilian alt mode. Unimpressed, Megatron chose instead to reformat himself with the genetic material of a Tyrannosaur. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #2}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed the timestream, he witnessed several key events during the Beast Wars. Among these were several moments involving Megatron, such as Megatron appearing menacing in his first T-rex body's beast mode, Megatron recruiting Quickstrike and Silverbolt to the Predacons, Megatron conversing with Ravage while bound by energy shackles, and finally Megatron unleashing a torrent of energy upon the stasis-locked Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

[[File:Gathering3-Megatron Magmatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Go back to anime, Magmatron!]]
In Lio Convoy's opinion, Megatron was a simple wild card, no real threat when compared with [[Magmatron]]. This drove home the fact that Cybertron had no idea of the damage Megatron had and would inflict, or the lengths he would go to becoming arguably the most powerful Transformer since the Great War.

After dispatching [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] to oversee the installation of [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]] into the ''Dark Side'', Megatron was attacked by Magmatron, who had been assigned to arrest him by the [[Tripredacus Council]]. Although Megatron proved more than a match for the experienced Predacon general individually, he was ambushed and paralyzed by [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] and [[Drill Bit (BW)|Drill Bit]]. Magmatron intended to use a transwarp shunt to transport his prisoner back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}} Thanks to the intervention of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Optimus Minor]], and [[Razorbeast]], Magmatron was sent home empty-handed. Razorbeast was tempted to dispatch the prone Megatron, but released him instead, due to his desire to avoid interfering with the timeline. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4|The Gathering #4}}

[[File:MegatronAscending4.JPG|left|thumb|Oh, we are so dead. Yeeeesss.]]
Ravage attempted to free Megatron after his ultimate capture at the end of the Beast Wars, but didn't progress very far in his plans. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 1|The Ascending #1}} However, the temporal shockwaves caused by Shokaract's suicide knocked Megatron free of his bonds atop the Autobot shuttle. Making his own way through the timestream, he arrived on a battle-ravaged Cybertron, long before the Maximals responsible for his defeat would emerge, with little else to stand in his way. Yeeess... {{storylink|The Ascending issue 4|The Ascending #4}}
{{--}}

==Waspscream continuity==
In [[Primax 208.06 Zeta]], Megatron's forces received assistance from the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of [[Primax 206.15 Gamma]]. This Starscream, having lived through Optimus Primal's gambit before, used his knowledge to press the advantage, and the Maximals were defeated. The Vok responded by trying to sterilize Earth, but Megatron tricked Blackarachnia into destroying the Planet Buster while she was attempting to escape Earth. The resulting [[quantum surge]] granted all the Predacons except Scorponok [[transmetal]] forms. The hybrid "Waspscream" entity launched a successful coup against Megatron. Megatron and his loyalists Inferno and Scorponok were captured, and Megatron himself was humiliatingly secured to the exterior of the Autobot shuttle which Waspscream's forces used to return to modern day Cybertron. However en route, Megatron managed to break free and arrive decades ahead of Waspscream's Predacons. He used his knowledge of the future to create a [[transformation virus]], unleashing it on Cybertron's unsuspecting population shortly before Waspscream's arrival, harvesting the populace's sparks and turning their bodies into Vehicon drones. Upon the arrival of Waspscream's crew, however, most of them escaped thanks to their transmetallization. Megatron only managed to capture their prisoners, Inferno, Scorponok, and Silverbolt, offering them the opportunity to serve him. Inferno leaped at the chance and became the commander of the [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]] drones while Scorponok and Silverbolt refused. Megatron used their sparks anyway, turning them into the [[Tank Drone]] commander [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Aero Drone]] commander [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]. Meanwhile, Waspscream's Predacons were drawn to the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], which granted them [[technorganic]] bodies. The Predacons proceeded to wage a valiant [[Spark War]] against Megatron and the Vehicons, eventually liberating Silverbolt and prompting Megatron to unleash a new general, the Autobot military genius [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 16, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}} Obsidian, however, schemed against Megatron, getting Tankor to assassinate Megatron and seizing control of the Vehicons for himself. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' Tankor profile}}

==''Timelines''==
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English)}}
[[File:Megatronbwtheft.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Megatron steals the sacred Maximal cup coaster.]]
The Predacons [[Scourge (BW)|Scourge]], [[Buzz Saw (BW)|Buzz Saw]], and [[BB|Max-B]] worked for Megatron. The three of them, in disguise, gave the captured [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]] a test to ensure her loyalty to Decepticon glory. When she passed, they revealed their true identities and offered her a place under Megatron. {{Storylink|Intimidation Game}}

Megatron was the star pupil of the crime lord [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], and successfully carried out his plan to steal the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. Cryotek loved him like a son—which didn't stop him setting up Megatron to take the fall for the crime, knowing he'd betray him some day anyway. Unfortunately for Cryotek, "some day" was today—Megatron had everyone on the mission who wasn't loyal to him killed, had the data for the location of the Disk secretly decoded by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and then kept it for himself while directing the Maximals to his tutor. {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}}

[[File:Megatronbwsuit.jpg|thumb|Megatron's technicolor dreamcoat.]]
On Cybertron, Megatron wore removable transformable armor, which transformed into a missile-launching armored platform, over his basic bodyframe (which transformed into a hovertank). This quickly-discarded outer shell was possibly used to comply with the ratification of the [[Pax Cybertronia]], which required Predacons to lay down their arms. A Predacon field commander before the peace, Megatron refused to comply with these new regulations and struck out on his own to destroy the [[Maximal Imperium]].

With some [[Cryotek (RID)|help]] from [[Divebomb (G1)|various sources]], he assembled a crew of ragtag criminals and miscreants for the purpose of stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and using it to find [[Earth]]. Succeeding in stealing the disk, he, [[Dinobot (BW)|his lieutenant]], and [[Scorponok (BW)|another accomplice]] fought their way past security, eliminating [[Nitrostreak|one guard]] and dodging [[Tigatron|another]]. They were picked up by the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', a ship stolen by the rest of their crew.

Megatron instructed [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] to study the disk for the coordinates of Earth while the ''Darksyde'' battled its several pursuers. Although they were followed by the Maximal ships [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']] and the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', the ''Darksyde''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s mission was also aided by a third ship crewed by the Predacon agents [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. Though the ''Chromia 10'' and the Predacon ship were destroyed, the ''Darksyde'' was still followed by the ''Axalon''. Megatron removed his transformable armor and patched a video feed through to the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s captain, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. Declaring himself the leader of the Predacons, Megatron opened a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal through which both ships travelled. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

[[File:Trazorsedge prologue.jpg|left|thumb]]
Two weeks after [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Megatron fought to defend an orbital weapon from the [[Maximal]]s. Despite Megatron's savage attack, the launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

Megatron's attack on the dormant Optimus Prime was observed across the dimensions by [[Vector Prime]], who personally intervened to aid in Prime's recovery and preserve the normal flow of time. {{storylink|Vector Prime: In the Beginning}}
{{--}}

==Ask Vector Prime==
Due to the temporal shockwaves of [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]]'s machinations in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]], a quantum duplicate of the Autobot shuttle carrying the victorious Maximals and imprisoned Megatron home from the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] was spawned, ending up in [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]]. [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] scattered the ship's crew into transwarp space, sending Megatron to [[Viron 102.0 Beta]]. There, he teamed up with local [[Predacon (BW)#2001 Robots in Disguise continuity|Predacon]] [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] to conquer the local Cybertron, harvesting the populace's sparks and converting their bodies into Vehicons. The Alternity shepherded the "shipwrecked" Primal, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to Viron 102.0 Beta to stop Megatron, activating the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] to guide them. Megatron eventually upgraded in a "[[:File:BeastWarsReturnstoy-MegaheadMegatron.jpg|Megahead]]" form, which was combated by Primal's "[[:File:RIDtoy-Suprimal.jpg|Air Attack]]" form. After the long "Allspark Battles", Primal's forces finally succeeded in vanquishing Megatron. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#September 30, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

==A Change to the Agenda==
After his attack on [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Megatron was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems. However, he was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. But before he could gloat further, Blackarachnia attacked the [[Megatron (G1)|original Megatron]] with her [[cyber venom]] before she disappearing, ensuring the Predacon Megatron's nonexistence. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, the Predacon who would become Megatron would take [[Megatron (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

==Games==
===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Megatron.jpg|thumb|"Dear me: Forget the grand scheme, just walk over and punch Optimus in his ****ing FACE. Yours sincerely, me."]]

{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)}}

Megatron was captured by the Maximals. Unknown to his captors, however, Megatron sent a message back in time through transwarp to his past self in a last-ditch effort to change the outcome of the Beast Wars; as a result, history was drastically changed following the Quantum Surge, with many combatants gaining new Transmetal forms. In this altered timeline, Megatron went on to participate in a one-on-one beatdown involving nearly all of the other active beast warriors. At the end, he confronted his mysterious doppelganger, [[Megatron X (BW)|Megatron X]].

Knowing fully that the planet where their war was taking place was in actuality prehistoric Earth, Megatron decided to make the ultimate gamble after gaining the upper hand in a grueling battle against the Maximals. Breaking into the Ark, Megatron murdered Optimus Prime while he slumbered, securing victory for both Decepticons and Predacons. However, in the year 2005, the Decepticons, having conquered both Earth and Cybertron, faced [[Unicron]]. As the Matrix died eons ago with Optimus Prime, it was unclear how the Decepticons could stand any chance against the devourer of worlds. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Megatron|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Crushing Wave
|-
|C-Up||Tail Smash
|-
|C-Left||Head Smash
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[David Kaye]] (English), [[Shigeru Chiba]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
Megatron led the other Predacons in an assault on the ''Axalon''. Unfortunately for them, Optimus Primal and his team fought back, beating the Predacons all the way back to the ''Darkside''. With his troops now out of commission, he was cornered on the bridge, and while momentarily caught off guard when the Maximals were revealed to have regained the Golden Disk, he began to gloat and shared a revelation of his own: he had actually anticipated this, and now his own troops had infiltrated the defenseless ''Axalon''. Mocking the Maximals one last time, he took off towards their ship. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Megatron cackled over the brilliance of his latest plan: lure the Maximals to the ''Darkside'', beat them up, then chase them back to their base to finish the job. All the other Predacons were on board, save for Rampage, until Megatron "convinced him" by squeezing his spark cage. When the Maximals took the bait and approached the ''Darkside'', Megatron led a team of Predacons in beating them back to the ''Axalon''. On the ship's bridge, with the Maximals all but defeated, Megatron gloated and prepared to finish off Optimus Primal. However, Rhinox arrived at that moment and activated Sentinel's auto-guns, and Megatron reluctantly ordered a retreat, swearing this was not over. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Wave Geyser
|Special attack||Wave Quake
|-
|Super attack||Storm of Vengeance
|Super attack||Infernal Torch
|}

==Notes==
[[File:Double Dinobot Megatron clone.jpg|thumb|A picture can tell lots without words.]]
*Megatron's pre-beast body, seen almost entirely during "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]", is actually the body of the Voltron-esque Giant Robot from [[Mainframe Entertainment|Mainframe]]'s ''ReBoot'' episode "Nullzilla", with Megatron's head attached and some purple colors. Sadly, no Disrupto-Matic was to be seen.
*In the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', [[Shigeru Chiba]]'s Megatron received several vocal tics; one of said tics (which was discarded early in the series) involved a habit of spitting after every lengthy session of maniacal laughter. Another new trait, played up for comedy, was his habit of screaming in a high-pitched, girlish voice when attacked, surprised or injured. His cowardice would become a running gag in the dub. When retreating at the end of "[[Call of the Wild]]", for instance, Megatron whimpered the excuse, "I have to return to my piano lessons!" This version of the villain is well-liked among the Japanese audience, with "Chibatron" being a common nickname for the character.
*A [[Fox Kids]] Fall 1999 press release for the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' sequel, then named "''Beast Hunters''", confirmed Megatron would conquer Cybertron but would have "hordes of Predacons" under his command rather than Vehicons. It's unclear if Megatron's Predacon conquest was ever truly planned or if Fox Kids was bending the truth as nobody knew what a Vehicon was yet. This is likely why the [[BotCon 1999]] fiction has Megatron as a planet-ruling Predacon warlord in the future: it was trying to tie into the upcoming show!
*During the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' cartoons, Megatron says "yesss..." 166 times, and "no..." 54 times. Despite this imbalance (or perhaps because of it), his final word in ''Beast Machines'' is a loud, drawn-out, tremendously hammy "NOOOOOOOOOO!"
*During audio commentary{{fact}}, [[Bob Skir]] revealed that the idea for Megatron's spark inhabiting a Diagnostic Drone came from [[David McDermott]]'s comment that "no matter ''what'' form Megatron's in, he will go out and kick ass".
*Megatron's season 1 ''T. rex'' model was recycled for the Mainframe Entertainment produced movie ''[[Hot Wheels|Hot Wheels: World Race]]'' as a rock statue.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hJkvwoddxY All of Megatron's "Yeeeessss"s and "No"s in Beast Wars on YouTube]

[[Category:Beast Machines Predacons]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Vehicons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Cloud Predacons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Emperors of Destruction]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Predacon leaders]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) characters]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Zombies]]

Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity

2025-03-07T02:46:30Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{factions|maximal|maximalbm|autobot|protector}}
{{suite}}

[[File:Call of the Wild Optimus scope.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|In Destiny's sights.]]
'''Optimus Primal''' is one of the most prominent and well recognized Maximals in Transformers history. He has saved the [[Maximal]]s, [[Earth]], [[time|history]], [[human]]ity, the universe, the [[Autobot]]s, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the [[Transformer]]s, and the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]], starting from humble beginnings as an exploratory starship captain.

{{quote|Eh, sometimes crazy works.|Optimus Primal|"Power Surge"}}

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)|[[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 1st dub), [[Zhang Wenyu]] (Chinese), [[Guilherme Lopes]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Ben Hecker]] (German), [[Pascal Renwick]] (French), [[Riccardo Lombardo]] (Italian), [[Mario Sauret]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Luis Rovira]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Seong-ho Shin]] (Korean)}}

Optimus Primal was the captain of the exploration ship ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} He and his crew were ordered to dispose the experiment gone wrong, Protoform X, {{storylink|Bad Spark}} who was brought in by Primal's coworker, [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. Depth Charge wanted X destroyed, but the High Council ordered Primal's crew to dump Protoform X someplace far away and with minimal life. Depth Charge became resentful against Primal for this. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:BeastWarsPt1 Primal in CR chamber.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Suddenly I have a lot more body hair.]]
On the way, they were tasked with pursuing the Predacon criminal [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who had stolen the Golden Disk and a [[unspace|transwarp]]-capable ship. In pursuit, the ''Axalon'' passed though a transwarp portal to a [[Earth|strange world]]. During the ensuing space battle, both ships were damaged and Primal ordered the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of the crew to be ejected into orbit before the ''Axalon'' crashed.

The planet was rich with raw [[energon]]—so much that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies—so the Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from local creatures. Primal took the form of a silverback gorilla, remarking that his new form was "interesting" upon exit from the [[CR chamber]]. During their first skirmish with the Predacons, Optimus ordered [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to retrieve the pinned-down [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]. Rattrap refused, resulting in Optimus having to rescue Cheetor himself—as he later said, he wouldn't give someone an order he wouldn't be able to carry out himself.

On their return to base, Optimus was challenged to a duel by the estranged Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] for leadership of the Maximals. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} When talking sense to Dinobot didn't work, Optimus engaged him in combat. The other Predacons took this as an opportunity to attack, and Optimus risked his own life to save Dinobot from falling to his death. Dinobot repaid the favor during a later battle atop a mountain, by deflecting a missile fired at Primal by Megatron. Although the huge energon cache on the mountaintop exploded, everyone survived, and Optimus announced the start of the "[[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]". {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:TheWeb Optimus and Dinobot.jpg|thumb|right|"Blame Rattrap?" "Blame Rattrap."]]
Optimus's men would often try his patience, such as when Cheetor's impulsive actions lead to an experimental comlink being destroyed. When the young Maximal left base in secret to try to put things right, the other Maximals covered for him when Primal asked where he was. {{storylink|The Web}} This perhaps led to Optimus scrubbing another of Cheetor's missions to install monitoring devices, though, again, the cat went out anyway. When lightning struck one of the devices and set up a two-way teleport between the Maximal and Predacon bases, Dinobot was able to persuade Optimus to send a bomb through, though Primal insisted on setting the timer to give the Predacons enough time to get to safety. Cheetor, meanwhile, had discovered that a common energon vein ran beneath both bases—an explosion at one would destroy both—and quickly got rid of the bomb. Optimus later lectured him on obeying orders, but Cheetor didn't seem too concerned. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a battle at the [[Standing Stones]] resulted in an alien signal being broadcast into space, an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] absorbed Primal's form. Optimus was still functional and aware, and able to contact the ''Axalon'' to cut off the Maximals squabbling over selecting a new leader, nominating Rattrap to be in charge. An attempt by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] to build a device to free Primal failed, but [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] inadvertently caused the probe to expel the Maximal leader. Optimus later commended Rattrap on his leadership. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[File:Fallen Comrades Dinobot Optimus core.jpg|thumb|left|What? Shiny blue gorilla? Never happen.]]
[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]'s discovery of a [[flying mountain]] laced with high-energy energon resulted in Optimus facing the super-powered Predacon in combat, and almost lost before Terrorsaur had to recharge. As Rattrap's bombs destroyed the mountain, Optimus leapt to safety with the rat on his back. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When the first stasis pod crashed to the ground, Optimus set out first, being the Maximal's only flier, but no sooner had he left the ''Axalon'' than he was ambushed and badly damaged by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. Ensconced in a CR Chamber, Optimus's [[core consciousness]] was accessed by Dinobot, who took Primal's advice to set up a laser link. Dinobot was disabled by a Predacon attack, but Optimus himself was able to use the laser to link to the pod and command it to reformat the [[protoform]] inside. Repaired, Primal flew to the battlefield and greeted the new Maximal, [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[File:BetterMousetrap Optimus in flight.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"Oh crap, we're almost done with the episode, and I just realized my fly's undone."]]
After a particularly nasty ambush, during which Primal was shot down and the Predacons escaped with another stasis pod, Optimus hit on a new plan—faking Rattrap's defection in order to find out how the Predacons had been constantly warned of their plans in advance. Later, Optimus explained the plan to the other Maximals, who'd been left in the dark. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} After the unveiling of Rhinox's [[Sentinel (BW)|new defense system]], Optimus and Tigatron went hunting for some Predacons it had detected. While chasing Waspinator, Primal became aware something was up back at base, and returned to find that a "malfunction" had caused the defense system to chase the Maximals out. As it later appeared that Rattrap's attempt to disarm the system had resulted in his death, the Maximals eulogized him, but it turned out he was still alive, after all. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}}

Out on a specimen-gathering mission with Dinobot, Optimus took the opportunity to give the ex-Predacon a lesson in not underestimating flora. Unfortunately, they were soon attacked by [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]], who managed to attach a [[Cyberbee]] to Optimus before being driven off. The Cyberbee injected Optimus with a virus intended to turn him into a coward, but resulted in the opposite effect, turning him berserk with rage. Rhinox quickly determined that removing it would kill Optimus and cause it to explode, removing that option from consideration. Optimus ordered himself locked up, as he was a danger to himself and everyone around him. With time to think, he came up with a plan to take the Predacons by surprise, persuading Cheetor to release him. He then fell into a craze, leaving the ''Axalon'' and making a beeline for the Predacon base. After ripping through the rest of the Predacons, he confronted Megatron, who attempted to bargain but ended up instead with the Cyberbee stuck to his back. Cheetor was able to administer the anti-viral to Optimus in time to save him, and Megatron and Scorponok were caught at ground zero during the Cyberbee explosion. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

[[File:Victory Optimus jetpack rescue.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|His chiropractor just bought a new car.]]
During an attempt to contact a passing Maximal [[temporal probe]], Optimus was locked in his [[beast mode]] by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s [[Transformation Lock Lens]] and almost killed by Megatron, but Rhinox saved his life. As Optimus was poised to enter the code to signal the transwarp probe, the Predacons finally succeeded in destroying the communications array, dashing the Maximals' hopes for a rescue. {{storylink|The Probe}} After a spycam planted in the Predacon base showed the result of an apparently disastrous mutiny had wiped out the Predacons, the Maximals salvaged a [[transwarp cell]] from the Predacon ship. Although the ''Axalon'' was made ready to launch, Dinobot, who had elected to stay behind, stumbled on the concealed Predacons. The launch unable to be aborted, Optimus ordered the Maximals take off with or without him, and went to rescue Dinobot. As it turned out, Optimus was unable to get aboard before takeoff, being shot from the entry port by one of Scorponok's missiles. The ''Axalon'' was subsequently sent crashing again when Megatron trashed the controls. Optimus used his jetpack to slow the plummeting ship and allow it to land relatively safely. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

After another Predacon defeat, Rhinox was kidnapped by Tarantulas and turned into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]. Though the other Maximals wanted to rescue their friend, Optimus had them hold back, knowing that Rhinox would wreak havoc in the Predacon ranks. He only gave the order to attack once Megatron discovered that Rhinox had been undermining the Predacon cause. During the ensuing battle within the Predacons' ship, he managed to slice off one of Megatron's arms. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} A [[Clone One|fake Dinobot]] sent Optimus out on a wild goose chase to find Rattrap. By the time the Maximals got back, the real Dinobot had eaten the fake one, much to their disgust. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}} When Rhinox and Cheetor brought [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] online, they took her back to base to meet Optimus and the others. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Call of the Wild Optimus Megatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Megatron was forced to ask Terrorsaur to take up the mantle of Badass.]]
Optimus headed out to rescue Tigatron, after the Maximal was ambushed while radioing base, only to find Tigatron had gone missing. The Maximals soon received a Cyberbee, reprogrammed with a message from Tigatron showing the [[Brigadoon|flying island]] he'd found. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Optimus headed for the island with Rattrap on his back, the pair scuffling with Terrorsaur and Waspinator on the way. On the island, the Maximals desperately tried to head off [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], but were unable to prevent her from taking over the island's control center. Fortunately, Tigatron's destruction of the island's power source saved both the ''Axalon'' and the Maximals. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Optimus was running a strategic simulation when a [[magna pulse]] triggered by Tarantulas knocked out the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s power systems. He headed out to warn the others and was in time to save Tigatron from [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] by blasting the new Predacon to pieces. {{storylink|Spider's Game}} Another gambit saw the Predacons stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

[[File:Possession Optimus thoughtful.jpg|left|thumb|Little do they know that I was the one who killed him, using the Candlestick, in the Ballroom.]]
After a group of Maximals were blinded by an energon explosion and trekked most of the way back to the base, Optimus arrived shortly after they'd fought off Terrorsaur and Waspinator, and gone into status lock. He was able to take them back to base for repairs. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} During a storm, the ''Axalon'' was badly damaged, leaving it open to attack, and attack the Predacons did. With the aid of a [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]-possessed Waspinator, they drove the Maximals out into the jungle. As Starscream was left in charge of the ''Axalon'', the Maximals surrendered as part of a plan to retake the base. Optimus easily escaped his bonds and recovered the Maximals' weapons, before defeating Starscream in combat and allowing Blackarachnia to deliver the ''coup de grâce''. {{storylink|Possession}}

Rattrap and Dinobot's habitual bickering finally came to a head when it resulted in Rhinox being hit with a new Predacon weapon, an [[energon discharge virus]]. Optimus sent the pair out to find an antidote, hoping that they would learn to work together. When this didn't get immediate results, he announced a frontal attack, and the Maximals arrived at Tarantulas's lab in time to help Dinobot and Rattrap recover the antidote. {{storylink|The Low Road}} [[Snowstalker]]'s death as the result of a battle motivated Tigatron to abandon the Maximal cause. Optimus lectured him that while they were on the planet, they had a duty to protect it from the Predacons. Dinobot and Optimus were subsequently defeated by the team of Terrorsaur, Waspinator and Inferno, leading Tigatron to lend a hand and rejoin the Maximal team. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}}

When [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] discovered evidence of the [[Vok]]'s imminent arrival, Megatron called a truce, to which Primal reluctantly agreed. Curious as to what was up, Optimus had Tigatron invade the Predacon base and find out what Megatron knew, and they discovered that the aliens behind the strange anomalies were on their way. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} While investigating a [[Bio-Dome|newly created Vok installation]], Primal was tortured and captured by the aliens, who spoke to him in the form of [[Unicron]], and told him of their plans to "sterilize" the planet. He was barely able to escape before the construct sent a signal to one of the planet's moons, triggering an activation sequence. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}}

[[File:Other Voices 2 Optimus pod.jpg|thumb|right|225px|"Oh, bother."]]

Returning to the ''Axalon'', Primal found that Tarantulas and Blackarachnia has turned a stasis pod into an escape ship in order to flee the doomed planet. As the planet's second moon was converted into a [[Planet Buster]], Primal took the ship to do battle with the superweapon, against the objections of his crew. Primal planned to detonate the ship's [[transwarp cell]] when in range of the weapon, after ejecting to safety. The plan worked—with the exception of the "ejecting" part. Megatron remotely seized control of the vessel, overriding Primal's ejection commands. The Predacon commander taunted Primal as he futilely beat his fists against the pod, until the detonation obliterated the pod, the Planet Buster, and Primal, reducing them all to so much space junk. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:ComingoftheFuzors2 Optimus surfingmonkeymode.jpg|left|350px|thumb|Board Ape Shot Clubs]]

Rhinox used a device to guide his core consciousness through the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], retrieving Optimus Primal's spark and implanting it into a [[blank]] protoform. Reborn with a new [[Transmetal]] body, Optimus came to the aid of his troops as they were on the verge of defeat. [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], a newly online [[Fuzor]], took the opportunity to apply for the Maximal ranks by taking out Megatron just as the Predacon leader was about to destroy Optimus. Once the greetings were done, Optimus turned to Rattrap and requested the rodent remove his stuff from the commander's quarters. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

[[File:OtherVisits1-Primalface.jpg|right|thumb|250px|what do you mean “They got him”?]]

Optimus would later submit himself to a battery of tests, as Rhinox attempted to find out the limitations of the new Transmetal forms. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} After an attempt by Dinobot to switch sides back to the Predacons, Optimus accepted his apology and left the final decision of whether Dinobot would stay with them to Rattrap, who agreed to let him stay. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}} When Rhinox worked out that another alien site was located in an area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Optimus set out to warn them, but was too late to prevent them being apparently shot into space. The plants in the area subsequently grew into another [[Metal Hunter|alien construct]], which knocked out everyone present with an energy wave. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} Though the Transmetals recovered quickly, Megatron was able to use the [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]] to take control of the construct, taking Optimus as a prisoner. Rattrap managed to get on board and free Optimus, allowing the Maximal leader to engage Megatron in a violent combat while Rattrap sabotaged the ship. Everyone was able to get clear before the ship exploded, and Optimus resolved that they would get Airazor and Tigatron back somehow. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:BadSpark Optimus robot mode.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Transmetal Rippedimus Primal.]]
After the discovery of a stasis pod containing [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]], Optimus explained the background of the Maximal experiment to Cheetor. The pair were damaged when a fight with the Predacons ignited an energon deposit beneath the pod and the Maximals were forced to return to base. Repairs were made, and the pair were able to return to the field in time to rescue Blackarachnia and Silverbolt from Protoform X, who was later named Rampage. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Optimus and all of the Maximals mourned the loss of Dinobot, after he was killed defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} The discovery of a [[Transmutate (BW)|strangely-mutated Transformer]] was tainted when it was subsequently destroyed in a fight between Silverbolt and Rampage. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

The [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster's destruction finally reached Cybertron and help arrived, but in the unexpected form of [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who had come to arrest Megatron for his crimes against the [[Pax Cybertronia]]. Despite Rattrap's misgivings, Optimus agreed to assist Ravage, and after storming the Predacon base, they captured Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Primal was forced to chastise Silverbolt for his dangerous relationship with Blackarachnia, sending Cheetor out to retrieve the arachnid. After Silverbolt decked Cheetor and went out in his stead, Optimus and Cheetor went to fetch some energon from one of Tarantulas's stashes, only to be ambushed by Inferno. The fight effectively ended when Inferno ignited the energon, blowing himself and the cave up. On their way back to the ''Axalon'', Optimus and Cheetor received some unpleasant news—Ravage had changed sides and teamed up with Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

[[File:OptimusPrimal OpSit Matrixspark.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Continuity error!]]

The Predacons began an assault on the Maximal base, with Primal and Cheetor pinned down outside. The assault failed, thanks mainly to the efforts of Rattrap, and the Maximals set off in pursuit of Megatron. As it turned out, Megatron had found the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], the then-resting place of the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s and, despite their efforts, Megatron was able to gain entry and shoot [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head. As Megatron gloated, a [[timestorm]] raged, threatening to erase the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-OpOpstandsup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Look at how big I am! And how full of Optimus Prime my cockpit is!]]
In a desperate gambit, Optimus Primal took Optimus Prime's [[spark]] into himself to protect it while repairs were effected on his body. The presence of the extra spark caused Primal's body to mutate and grow larger, gaining new jet and ground [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s along with his gorilla form. Megatron sardonically dubbed his new body as "Optimal Optimus". Despite the new power, he was unable to stop the Predacons from trashing the ''Axalon''. Optimus Prime's spark was returned to its rightful home, preserving history, but Primal retained his new form. With Megatron now desperate to end the war at any cost, Primal was forced to move his Maximals into the volcano where the Ark lay. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] arrived on the planet in search of Rampage, encountering Cheetor. By the time Optimus reached their position, Rampage had thoroughly beaten the new arrival, and Optimus took him back to base for repairs. Depth Charge rebuffed Primal's offer to let him join the Maximals, making it clear he wasn't impressed with the mess Optimus had made of things. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Primal came up with a new plan to salvage Sentinel from the wreck of the ''Axalon'' by sending Rattrap down in a [[subaquatic stealth vessel]]. Depth Charge's interference resulted in the Predacons gaining Sentinel instead. After Primal chewed him out, Depth Charge said he'd consider the offer to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-OpOpjetandtank.jpg|right|thumb|350px| He is REALLY going with the mood of “Optimal Optimus” he will even throw hands IN HIS ALTERNATE FORMS!]]

After [[Chak]] and [[Una]] were separated from their tribe, Optimus assigned Cheetor and Blackarachnia, by now part of the Maximal ranks, to return them. Optimus and Silverbolt provided reinforcement when the group ran into a squad of [[cyber raptor]]s engineered by Megatron, but Tarantulas's new [[cyber venom]] disabled the Maximal leader for the duration of the battle. He did prove to have a lovely singing voice when Rattrap contacted him, though. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Optimus was injured again during another battle to save a stasis pod, and was forced to return to base. Cheetor, despite Optimus's orders to wait for backup, went in alone, and was apparently destroyed while retrieving a [[Transmetal driver]] from Megatron's cloning machine. Anguished, Optimus blamed himself for Cheetor's death.

[[File:FeralScream2 Optimus gorillamode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.45|Oh riiiight...''Beast'' Wars. Now I get it.]]
Cheetor, however, was not dead, and stumbled back to base. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} After Cheetor was apparently spirited away by a savage feline monster during the night, Primal demanded the truth as to what happened from Depth Charge. Cheetor again returned to base, claiming that he'd destroyed the monster, but Optimus, suspecting the truth, insisted on viewing the remains. Cheetor was finally forced to admit that the monster was himself—the surge from the Transmetal driver had altered his form. Cheetor's new beast form turned out to be feral, and it was only through Optimus's coaxing that he was able to tame it. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

Optimus and Rhinox discussed the possibility of removing Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], causing her to flee when she overheard them talking. When they caught up to her, Primal explained that the decision to remove the shell program would always be hers to make. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} After Una was kidnapped by Waspinator, Optimus instructed Cheetor to return to base for repair and sent Rattrap and Depth Charge to mount a rescue. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} Blackarachnia attempted to use the Transmetal driver to upgrade herself, but only ended up beginning the degradation of her shell program. While Rhinox worked to separate the Predacon shell program, Optimus and the rest of the Maximals defended the Ark from a Predacon attack, but to no avail—the power was interrupted and Blackarachnia apparently killed. Luckily, she was resurrected as a Transmetal 2 and Primal later pointed out that out that her immediately rushing out to save Silverbolt wasn't a very Maximal thing to do. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

Drawn out of the Maximal base by Waspinator, Optimus was hit by a dart fired by Tarantulas, which burrowed inside him and allowed [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] to take control. Primal was forced to watch helplessly as his body was used to subjugate the Maximals and allow Megatron to take the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark in emulation of Primal's feat with Optimus Prime's spark. Blackarachnia was able to free Optimus from Quickstrike's control, and the Maximal leader subsequently fought at length with the newly upgraded Megatron. The rest of the Maximals were released from their imprisonment in time to help him drive the Predacon off. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

The tide was finally turned when the Vok combined Airazor and Tigatron into the mighty [[Tigerhawk]], who obliterated the Predacon base. Optimus immediately traveled to the site, concerned that the destruction of the original Megatron's spark would endanger history. While attempting to reason with Tigerhawk, the Vok emissary plunged Optimus into the ground before being captured by Tarantulas. Following Tarantulas's destruction, Tigerhawk accepted Optimus's offer to rejoin the Maximals. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

[[File:Nemesis1-RattrapOpOpCovenant.jpg|right|thumb|300px|”Do you know of our lord and savior-“ ”ME!” ”Shut Up Rattrap!”]]

Pursuing Megatron, Optimus discovered what Tarantulas had found—the ancient Decepticon warship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. He and Tigerhawk headed for the ship's location by air, encountering a massive explosion caused by Depth Charge terminating Rampage. Optimus believed that the ''Nemesis'' had been dealt with, until the ship itself rose out of the ocean. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} At Tigerhawk's instruction, Primal left him to face the ''Nemesis'' alone, and returned to the Ark to start a new plan to try to get the ship online. The Maximals were unable to do so before the ''Nemesis'' arrived and turned a tractor beam on the Ark, so Primal himself flew up to the ship, pulling off his own wing and jamming it in the gears of the ship's pulverizer so that he could get aboard. He began duking it out with Megatron on the bridge of the Nemesis, despite the knowledge he was no match for two Megatrons.

[[File:Nemesis2-finishthequote.jpg|thumb|left|"Finish the quote, Megatron!" "...It still says you lose." "Yeah but it also says I'll be real annoying about it!"]]

{{quote|'And there came a hero who said, "Hurt not the earth, nor the trees, nor the seas, nor the very fabric of time." But the hero would not prevail.'}}
{{quote|Finish the quote, Megatron. 'Nor would he surrender!'|Megatron and Optimus Primal|"Nemesis Part 2"}}

By continuing the hopeless battle, Optimus managed to buy the Maximals the time they needed, and Rhinox took out Megatron by flying [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|a borrowed Autobot shuttle]] through the bridge of the ''Nemesis''. As the ship began its descent, Optimus reached out to [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]], who had regained some measure of his old self, but the warrior insisted on satisfying honor by going down with the ship, and so Optimus left before the ship crashed.

With the captured Predacon leader strapped to the roof of the Autobot shuttle, the Maximals at last headed home. Leaving the planet and memorializing his fallen comrades, Optimus Primal declared that the Beast Wars were over. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Machines'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)|[[Zhang Wenyu]] (Chinese), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Portuguese), [[Alfonso Ramírez]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Carballido]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Tilo Schmitz]] (German), [[Simone Mori]] (Italian), [[Erwin Grunspan]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Primal technorganic beast mode.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|See this, this is what a gorilla looks like.]]

The flight through transwarp space was not a smooth one though, the shuttle encountering shockwaves in time that allowed Megatron to break free. After this caused one last shockwave, the shuttle emerged in orbit of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] where it was immediately shot down by the orbiting satellites. Finding the planet overrun by [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones, Optimus ordered a retreat only for he and Cheetor to be bombed by a gaseous form of the [[transformation virus]]. By virtue of being a [[Transmetal]], Primal was able to resist the full effects of the virus, though at the cost of his upgrades. Devolved back to the body he'd held at the start of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], unable to assume his [[robot mode]] and now having amnesia, Optimus continued his escape alone. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} As he leapt through an industrial complex, Optimus began experiencing visions, which led him one-by-one to Rattrap, Cheetor, and Blackarachnia, before leading them to a chamber deep within Cybertron, the access point for the powerful and legendary [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]]. As the other three Maximals watched, Primal entered into the bowels of the computer, within which he was granted visions he could not yet comprehend, including the prophetic statement that "the seeds of the future lie buried in the past". [[Reformatting|Reformatted]] by the Oracle, Primal emerged in a new, [[technorganic]] beast mode and urged the other dying Maximals to complete their "reformatting" as well. Shortly after this was achieved, the group was attacked by an underground army of Cycle Drones. During the ensuing fight, Primal plunged into a deep pit, but as he fell, was able to master the "art" of transformation and regain his [[robot mode]]. Flying out, Primal grabbed the nearest drone and demanded answers, but lost his concentration, causing him to revert to beast mode. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse resolute Primal.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|"Must destroy the techno-organic".]]]]
Primal began to teach the three other Maximals the lost art of transformation, which was mastered by achieving an inner calmness and finding their spiritual centers. Though Cheetor and Blackarachnia were successful right off the bat, Rattrap was unable to transform at all. The search for answers lead them to the [[Council Citadel]], where Optimus encountered the mastermind behind the empty Cybertron—Megatron! Megatron claimed he had united Cybertron into one unified machine controlled by his mind, and purged his beast form from himself, however the combination of the Maximals besting his [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones and Optimus's goading increased Megatron's rage until he involuntarily transformed into his dragon mode. Recovering quickly, Megatron gloated that he had done away with the millions of [[Transformer]]s inhabiting the planet, and Optimus demanded to know what he'd done with them all. Primal had to be dragged physically from the Citadel by the other Maximals, yelling Megatron's name as he went. Later, Optimus told the others that he blamed his own failure to stop Megatron for the downfall of Cybertron. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

[[File:FiresofthePast Optimus runs.jpg|left|thumb|Dull heroic running!]]
Investigation of the [[Cybertron Archives]] revealed that they'd been erased clean. Optimus was so furious, he singlehandedly trashed an entire phalanx of tank drones, and later lectured his troops for their poor performance in combat. When Rattrap and Blackarachnia risked their own lives consulting the logs on the shuttle they arrived in, only to be attacked by Megatron's new [[Vehicon General]]s, Optimus came to their aid with Cheetor, but was even more furious at the loss of the ship and the fact they'd endangered themselves. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}} With the memories of Silverbolt and Rhinox reawakened, Optimus promised to find their lost friends. Sensing a [[spark]], Optimus led his men on a search, only for them all to be captured when Rattrap used a transformation enhancer to transform, alerting the Vehicons to their location. Taken to the Citadel, the Maximals were able to break free. Primal reached out to [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s spark, turning the Vehicon General to their side so that he helped them escape the building. Unfortunately he didn't remain their ally for long, as Megatron was subsequently able to erase his memory and lock Optimus out. Optimus told the others that he had sensed something... familiar about the Vehicon's spark. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

[[File:ForbiddenFruit Optimus takes a bite.jpg|right|upright=1.45|thumb| But I wanted bananas! Oh well, these'll do.]]
The Maximals discovered that someone had survived Megatron's planet-wide purge, a Maximal named [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] who seemed to suffer from the same transformation lock virus that the Maximals had upon arrival. Nightscream led them to an underground tree he had been living off. Optimus told the other Maximals they should eat the fruit, but the fruit caused their beast instincts to overtake them. Complicating things, [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] picked this moment to attack. The Maximals snapped out of it when Cheetor destroyed the tree. Following the battle, Primal showed a new talent granted by the Oracle, reformatting Nightscream into a new, technorganic body. Optimus was critically weakened by the effort and requested the over-eager Cheetor to take command in his absence. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

During his rest, the other Maximals managed to drive Rattrap to Megatron's side. Optimus later convinced Rattrap to rejoin his friends, and reminded the others not to underestimate their comrade's strength in the face of adversity. {{storylink|The Weak Component}} The hunt for what happened to the inhabitants of Cybertron took another step when the Maximals discovered the empty shells of hundreds of Transformers, their sparks torn out. Inevitably Vehicon drones arrived and a battle began. The other Maximals became separated from Blackarachnia and were forced to search for her, even as it became obvious that the factory they were in was on the verge of exploding. After the found her, Optimus froze at the sight of the desparked bodies, anguished at all he'd allowed Megatron to do, and Cheetor was forced to take command from him in order to mount a retreat. As they fled, Blackarachnia revealed that the Vehicon Generals contained the sparks of their missing comrades. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}}

[[File:Revelations2 Optimus waves arms.jpg|left|upright=1.55|thumb|What? Apes throw poop, it's an instinct.]]
Optimus became increasingly withdrawn, demanding the other Maximals leave him alone and spending all of his time with the Oracle, experiencing visions. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Confused by what the Oracle was showing him, he nonetheless persevered, and was rewarded with a meeting with Rhinox in a vision. Unfortunately their talk did not go well, Rhinox siding with Megatron's ideal of a technological Cybertron and openly hostile to the idea of reintroducing the organic. Optimus awoke and rejoined his fellow Maximals, who had awakened Rhinox's spark within Tankor, only to find the same thing Optimus had—their old friend had changed. Primal confided to the others that he had realised the true mission which the Oracle intended for them to carry out: to make Cybertron wholly organic once more. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}}

While they were in search of the fruit tree Nightscream had originally lead them to, the Maximals were attacked by the Vehicons and Nightscream kidnapped. During the rescue, Nightscream discovered a cave lined with fossils, and Primal realised this proved that Cybertron was once organic. {{storylink|Survivor}} Optimus and Cheetor would continue to butt heads over what course of action they should take. The discovery of a [[organic goop|green goop]] from Cybertron's core which caused plants to spontaneously sprout appeared to justify Optimus's opinion they should concentrate on restoring the organic to the planet. When a subsequent attack by Tankor left Nightscream in a [[Living metal#Beast Era|technomatter]] state, more disagreement over the proper course of action ensued. They eventually stole a mole drone at great risk, and Optimus was able to guide it downwards, unleashing a torrent of green goo which cured everyone. Following the victory, Cheetor told Optimus that he refused to be treated like a kid any more, but grudgingly accepted Optimus's leadership. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:Catalyst Optimus eulogizes Rhinox.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Think this will pass for mistletoe?]]
Believing Tankor to be dead, the Maximals were finally able to hold a memorial for Rhinox. Tankor, however, still functioned and plotted to have Megatron use the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to purge all organic life from Cybertron. Hoping to force Megatron's hand, Tankor surreptitiously provided Rattrap with a catalyst to increase the plant growth, and Optimus and the other Maximals subsequently had to rescue Rattrap from the marauding vines. Though Optimus turned down Cheetor's suggestion that they use the rapidly-growing vines as a weapon, Cheetor went ahead and tried it anyway, almost spelling doom when the plan backfired. Quick work by Optimus saved the orchard, and he scolded Cheetor before breaking the news that he believed the Oracle had been tampered with. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:EndofLine technomattered Optimus.jpg|left|thumb|Evil evil MONKEY!]]
Despite the apparent tampering, Optimus continued to follow the Oracle's visions, leading the Maximals to the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], capable of wiping out everything technological on the planet. The Oracle had bestowed on Optimus the power to open the chamber, however Cheetor managed to talk him out of opening the chamber outright, and the Maximals set about finding a way to deactivate the Keys instead. Rattrap, hacking into Megatron's computer, was disabled by Tankor. Optimus sensed something was wrong and rushed in to confront Megatron directly. As the pair fought, Megatron revealed the defeat of the other Maximals, but Optimus wouldn't yield, attempting to reformat his opponent. Tankor arrived in time to use a Key to turn Optimus into technomatter, lecturing the Maximal on sporting behavior, only to be promptly captured by Megatron, who took the opportunity to gloat over Optimus. In desperation, the Maximal leader finally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber. At the same time, Megatron ordered his Tank drones to fire the Key, the energies released creating a planetwide storm. Optimus's body began to crumble before his eyes. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Optimus in Oracle.jpg|right|upright=1.45|thumb| Watch out! He'll start throwing barrels!]]
Though his body was destroyed, Primal's spirit was transported into the Matrix, the Transformers' afterlife. As he and Megatron fought in the void, he pondered if this was his destiny, to fight his nemesis for eternity. Before him, he saw the faces of his comrades, the Maximals, berate him for his poor leadership and near-genocidal behavior. He then found himself back on prehistoric Earth, where a red-eyed copy of Primal attacked him, scolding him for his fanatical behavior. Floating in space, he saw the collective sparks of Cybertron, who similarly warned him of the consequences of his choices. Awakening back in the maelstrom of energy, Primal used himself as a power conduit, taking advantage of his techno-organic body by channeling both plasma and key energies through himself and back into their respective sources before being blasted into atoms.

Meanwhile, the other Maximals journeyed downwards once more, speaking to Optimus via the Oracle. Primal refused to lead the Maximals, asking only for their forgiveness, but they merely told him there was nothing to forgive—without his guidance, they'd never have made it this far. Preparing to become one with the Allspark, Optimus realized his mistake: his mission was not to create an organic Cybertron, but to restore the balance between the technological and the organic. As he chose life and was returned to the other Maximals, the Oracle congratulated him for passing his greatest test. A forest of technorganic trees sprang up in the chamber around the Maximals, as the Oracle vanished.

[[File:SavageNoble Optimus contacts Megatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3| Okay, why did you come to ME for guidance?]]
Believing their next task was to find the missing sparks, the Maximals headed for the Council Citadel, only for a [[Grand Mal|giant head]] with the likeness of Megatron to hove into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} When the giant head failed to do anything, Optimus attempted to contact Megatron's spark directly, but received only confused images which didn't even come from a sentient mind. Meanwhile, the other Maximals had discovered two more beings roaming the city—an intelligent and sensitive wolf named [[Noble (BM)|Noble]] and a bestial dragon dubbed [[Savage]]. With Primal's help, they trapped Savage, only to discover that Savage and Noble were one and the same—a Transformer with two beast modes. Optimus vowed to do all he could to help their new friend. {{storylink|Savage Noble}}

Optimus ordered Noble and Nightscream remain outside the Council Citadel while he and the others ventured inside to look for clues to the lost sparks. His orders were, of course, disregarded, and it soon transpired that Noble was actually Megatron, attempting to access his control harness. After using a spark extractor on himself, Megatron took control of giant floating head, reactivating the drone armies and forcing the Maximals underground. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}} While rescuing Nightscream, who'd gone to try and find Noble, Optimus and Cheetor were pulled up to the floating head with a tractor beam. Megatron demanded information on the Oracle, attempting to take it from them by force, but they were rescued by Silverbolt, who has been reformatted from Jetstorm by Blackarachnia. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}

[[File:WolfintheFold Optimus and Silverbolt.jpg|thumb|right| I know it's hard not being a badass wolf anymore...]]
Though the Maximals were happy to have Silverbolt back, Optimus was reminded of the loss of Rhinox. Their introspection was interrupted by an attack—Megatron unleashed a variation of the [[Hate Plague]] on them, infecting all of the Maximals but Optimus, who was scooped up by the Megatron's floating head. Inside, Optimus and Megatron argued at length on the topic of free will versus the harmony of one mind. Seeing his Maximals furiously infighting, Optimus returned to them to try to quell their anger, only to be infected himself. Still, with his help, the Maximals were able to overcome the effects of the virus. Despite their success through teamwork, Primal believed that the virus had only magnified existing tensions in the group. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

Down in the [[technorganic orchard]], the plants were faring poorly and beginning to wither. Worried, Primal wondered if the orchard was to be in vain. When an extraterrestrial shuttle crashed into Cybertron, Optimus led the Maximals toward the site. Discovering organic matter inside, the team was attacked by a strange plant-creature which headed for the orchard. Following it there, Optimus reformatted the creature into a techno-organic plant. The plant introduced itself as [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a fellow Maximal scientist, and revealed that the only problem the orchard had was incorrect lighting. {{storylink|Home Soil}}

[[File:Sparkwar1 Optimus attacks.jpg|thumb|left|270px|Darn fireflies. Shoo! Shoo!]]
Optimus's depression about their inability to locate the missing sparks was interrupted by a vision, cluing him in to the fact that something was amiss. In fact, Megatron had taken two of the sparks and created two new Vehicon Generals, [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]], who subsequently almost bested the Maximals in combat. The timely intervention of Botanica allowed the Maximals to escape, but Optimus vowed not to let Megatron violate any more sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} Another vision lead Optimus to believe the sparks were being moved. He and Nightscream ventured deep underground to the lost great city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. There Optimus encountered a giant hologram of Optimus Prime, however it turned out to be a trick on the part of Megatron, who forcibly extracted the Oracle access codes from Primal. As Primal later revealed, he had allowed it to happen so that he could access Megatron's systems and find out the location of the missing sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

The Maximals infiltrated the Megatron's giant head, finally finding the lost sparks. They found themselves bound by metal tentacles as Megatron's spark began consuming their prize. Horrified, Optimus implored the sparks to resist, but to no avail. When Megatron killed Noble, Nightscream was moved to turn his sonic attack on Megatron, stopping their foe as he was on the verge of ripping the sparks from the Maximals' bodies. Megatron thus defeated, Rattrap managed to switch the plummeting Grand Mal to manual control, allowing Optimus to halt its descent. The Maximals later held a memorial for Noble and Primal gave a eulogy. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

[[File:BMEndgame2 Optimus spark power.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4| Barrier burst!]]
The Maximals celebrated Megatron's defeat, with Optimus assuring the others he could confirm Megatron was definitely dead through virtue of the link to the Oracle which the two shared. However Megatron was not dead, existing as a free-floating spark and though Primal initially welcomed Obsidian and Strika to the Maximal team, they abandoned the cause when Megatron turned up, trapped in a [[Diagnostic Drone]] thanks to Rattrap's handiwork. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Optimalmegatronoptimusprimal.jpg|left|thumb|"Yesss, I've skinned you and I'm wearing your head as a hat."]]
In control of the Grand Mal and the sparks within, the Maximals failed to convince Optimus they should give the sparks new bodies. He was worried it would leave the spark vulnerable to recapture by Megatron, and they needed to reformat Cybertron first. With Megatron back in control of the drone armies, the Maximals soon found themselves under siege in the giant head anyway. Rattrap's gamble to save Botanica's life backfired, leaving them vulnerable to the drones, who managed to penetrate the head's shields. Despite the best efforts of the Maximals, the ship plunged to the ground. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} Down, but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. Outnumbered, the Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Finally, Optimus was confronted by Megatron in a new form—a replica of Primal's own "Optimal Optimus" body—while the other Maximals had their sparks ripped from their bodies. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

{{quote|We must seek the balance, Megatron. Not only between the organic and the technological, but the balance between eternal enemies.|Optimus Primal|"Seeds of the Future"}}

Enraged, Optimus struck out at Megatron, and their battle raged across the city. As the moved from location to location, Optimus found the bodies of his Maximal friends, and found the technorganic orchard ravaged. Returning above ground, Megatron unveiled a huge throne, drawing all of the sparks into himself, despite Primal's protests. Megatron began to reformat Cybertron's core using the Key to Vector Sigma, but Optimus managed to distract him long enough to throw him off balance. Together, the two enemies plunged into the heart of Cybertron and ushered in the reformatting that returned the deactivated population to life and gave birth to the new, technorganic Cybertron. As the surviving Maximals looked out over their new home, Primal and the Oracle spoke to [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], and Primal departed with the words "Transform, and Transcend", as his Spark joined the Matrix. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{--}}

==Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===''Kiss Players''===
Optimus Primal, unbeknownst to him, had "[[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] fragments" (in actuality [[Angolmois Energy]]) at various stages of his life. The invisible [[Atari Hitotonari]] and [[Star Dust]] attempted to retrieve it while Optimus was locked in battle with Waspinator, but it was snatched away by [[Primus]] before the two could get a decent grip on it. {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 2}} This sequence of events would happen every time Atari would kiss other forms of Optimus to acquire the different fragments. {{Storylink|Kiss Players episode 45|Kiss Players #45}}

===''Cloud''===
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Optimus Primal encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]]. With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

During a later battle with the Decepticons, Hot Rodimus thought back to his time with the Maximals, including Optimus Primal. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

===''Beast Wars Diorama Story''===
[[File:BWDS 1.jpg|thumb|left|I'm ready to unleash my primal rage!]]
Some time after Starscream fled from prehistorical Earth, Optimus Primal and a group of Maximals, including [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and a time-displaced [[Colada]], battled a contingent of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] comprising [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], [[Archadis]], and [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]] in a forest. After all the Transformers transformed into robot mode, Megatron attacked Optimus Primal with the jaws of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. Primal blocked the attack with his dual Cyber Blades and then fought Megatron off with his Mega Blasters. {{storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Though Primal blocked his "Tyranno Fang" attack, Megatron was able to counter by shooting a "Laser Buster" from the mouth of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. {{storylink|Megatron Chapter}}

[[File:BWDS 11.jpg|thumb|Empirical evidence suggests... I'm a ''real'' animal.]]

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], who were all from another [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|universe]]. [[Tigatron]] and [[Gimlet]] also joined the battle, and the Autobots and Maximals teamed up against the combined Predacon and Decepticon forces. Primal and Prime punched Starscream at the same time and then shook hands to commemorate their accomplishment of teamwork. The Maximals and Ratchet looked upon with approval. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and battled Optimus Primal during the next infraction. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from the other universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Gimlet Chapter}}

Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. Optimus Primal battled the Predacon Megatron and then Blackout in the ensuing skirmish. The Maximals' savior came in the form of [[Motorarm (BW)|Motorarm]], who then went on to battle [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Primal battled Megatron and Blackout again, and the two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. With Motorarm leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

Later, through the power of energon, both Optimus Primal and Megatron attained the giant "Energon Power Mode". The energies coursing in their bodies granted both improved abilities and the two battled. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Diorama Story#TM-SP Character Data File|TM-SP Character Data File}}

===''Beast Wars II'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Burningconvoy.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|All these compliments are making me blush.]]

In order to counter the threat of [[Majin Zarak]], the injured [[Magnaboss (BWII)|Magnaboss]] activated an alien teleport gate and transported Optimus Primal from [[Earth|Energoa]] to [[Gaia]]. Upon arriving, Optimus helped the injured Maximal to his feet and immediately issued a challenge to the Predacon [[Emperor of Destruction]], [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]]: "You think you've won, but we won't be defeated. Let us settle this. Come to point B-2."

As the enraged Galvatron headed to point B-2 to meet the challenge, Optimus Primal found what was left of the soundly defeated [[Lio Convoy]], buried beneath tons of rock and debris after a crushing battle with Majin Zarak. Communicating to him via cyberspace, Primal encouraged his companion to muster up the fighting spirit needed to dig himself out and face Majin Zarak down a second time. Spurred by the words of the strange glowing stranger, Lio Convoy broke free from his tomb to be greeted by Magnaboss, who had dug out the other injured Maximals who had also been defeated.

Optimus Primal then made his grand, melodramatic entrance from atop a cliff with the sun to his back, bathing him in a holy glow. The Maximals stood in awe, regarding him as a "legendary commander". Joining forces with Lio Convoy, the pair of [[Supreme Commander]]s then went about developing a strategy to defeat Majin Zarak.

Point B-2 happened to be a narrow canyon, making Zarak's massive, bulky body useless in battle. With the beast trapped Optimus and Lio Convoy made their presence known, enraging Galvatron greatly to see two commanders, and Magnaboss swiftly defeated Zarak. After disarming Zarak Optimus commended Magnaboss but suddenly, Zarak began to transform on his own. Scuba then discovered that Majin Zarak is alive and Galvatron never had control of him to begin with. While [[Diver (BW)|Diver]] and Scuba researched for his weakness Optimus, Lio Convoy, Magnaboss, [[Bighorn]], [[Apache]] attacked him head on but their weapons were almost completely ineffective. However Diver and Scuba eventually learned that their foe had a third eye where all its nerve endings were clustered; a good hit in the eye would destroy the behemoth for good.

[[File:BWIIMovieMonkeyRidesLion.jpg|left|thumb|"The fiery ape shall ride a glowing lion" was by far the most misunderstood passage in the ''[[Covenant of Primus]]''.]]

As Majin Zarak closed in on them, Optimus Primal and Lio Convoy held hands, synchronized their [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]] and transformed themselves into Flash Lio Convoy and '''Burning Optimus Primal'''.<ref>"Burning Convoy" (バーニングコンボイ ''Bāningu Konboi'')</ref> Transforming to monkey mode, Burning Optimus Primal jumped onto Flash Lio Convoy's lion mode's back and rode his buddy up to Majin Zarak's face. Leaping off his back, he then transformed back to robot mode and landed a mighty robot punch into Zarak's third eye. Weakened by the blow, Zarak was rendered immobile. Burning Optimus Primal and Flash Lio Convoy then hovered together and with the power of their twin Energon Matrices unleashed the "Double Matrix Blaster". The absurdly powerful attack blew straight through Zarak's head, causing the monster to explode and die.

With the battle won, Optimus Primal returned to the alien teleport gate and asked to be sent home. The Maximals didn't want him to leave, but he insisted that he still had a Beast War on Energoa to win. He then assured them that they were all such good soldiers, they didn't need his help to win their war, ensuring them they were more than capable of winning their war on their own. As Optimus went through the gate, the Maximals then destroyed the device behind him so that its power could never be used to destroy the universe ever again. {{storylink|Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!}}
{{--}}

===''Robotmasters'' comic===
[[File:Robot Masters comic Blastizone.jpg|thumb]]
After a suspicious period of inactivity during the Beast Wars, Optimus Primal personally went out to seek [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and found the [[Blastizone]], which took him to Earth in the year [[2004]]. Emerging from the time-space distortion, Primal found [[R-Blade]] under attack from [[Decepticon]]s. Their banter revealed to Primal that Megatron was in this time period, and the Maximal scared the Decepticons away. {{storylink|To War! Optimus Primal}} Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime would soon meet up, facing Beast Megatron in the meantime. {{Storylink|The New Battle Begins!}} Optimus Primal later teamed up with [[Bound Rogue]] and helped defend [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] from [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and other Decepticons. At the end of the battle, Primal joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots. {{storylink|Bonds Stronger than Steel}}

[[File:Starsaber robotmasters minicomic.jpg|thumb|left]]

Later, Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime attempted to push Gigant Bomb and Smokesniper away from Bound Rogue and Mirage. Their efforts did little, as Gigant Bomb was powered by a piece of solitarium in his chest. Star Saber and Victory Leo soon came to the rescue, slicing the solitarium piece into two and sending the Decepticon duo into retreat. The two new Autobots then joined the Optimuses in their struggle against Megatron. {{Storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}}

The Autobots developed the "[[Black body (technology)|black body]]" upgrade, which would allow them to safely absorb [[solitarium]] as a power source. Optimus Primal volunteered to be first in line for the process, but Optimus Prime would not have his soldiers take the risk before he would. Something did go wrong with the upgrade, as the Decepticons had managed to replace some of the process's data. This led to Optimus Prime needing to isolate himself so as to not drain his soldiers dry of their energy.

When the Predacon Megatron, also empowered by a "black body" upgrade, attacked the Autobots, Optimus Primal puzzled out that the corrupted version of the black body upgrade had no ill effects on transformers with "beast" physiology such as him and his rival. He applied the upgrade to himself, and took off to rescue Optimus Prime from his volatile state. Optimus Primal siphoned the excess solitarium from Prime's body, allowing the Autobot leader to return to his troops. Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime then defeated the Predacon Megatron together. {{storylink|Black Body (prose)|Black Body}}

[[File:RM online 10.jpg|thumb]]

On a tip from [[Sideways (RM)|Sideways]], Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime were led by [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] to a [[solitarium]] horde on [[Chaar]]. However, Double Face turned out to be with the Decepticons and had set up a trap for the Autobots at the solitarium. The Autobots survived, but the Decepticons ran off with the solitarium. {{storylink|Defend the Solitarium!}} Later, in [[2005]], Optimus Primal joined R-Blade and [[Delta Seeker]] in an aerial patrol. They came across Starscream, [[X-Gunner]], and [[Wingstun]], who challenged the Autobots to a race. Optimus Primal proved to be the slowest competitor, but the race was won by R-Blade. {{storylink|Through Sea and Sky: The World's Fastest Race}} Optimus Primal later intervened with Optimus Prime when a confused [[Lio Convoy]] attacked [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]]. Once Lio Convoy was convinced of the good nature of the Autobots of the time, the four [[Supreme Commander]]s used the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and the [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]] to attack and send the Decepticons fleeing. {{Storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

When [[Reverse Convoy]] was rescued by the Autobots and claimed to have been attacked by the [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|original Megatron]] at [[Sherman Dam]], Optimus Primal joined Optimus Prime, Reverse Convoy, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and Victory Leo to Sherman Dam to confirm Reverse Convoy's story. {{Storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} It turned out to be a Decepticon trap, and the five were incapacitated. To lure the other Autobots to the Dam, Reverse Convoy sent out an SOS call, which [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and Lio Convoy answered. Reverse Convoy shortly revealed himself to be Rebirth Megatron, the original Megatron reborn! Nevertheless, Star Saber freed the bound Autobots and Rebirth Megatron destroyed the Dam to cover his escape. {{Storylink|The Dark Emperor of Destruction, Reborn}} Rebirth Megatron joined with Beast Megatron and the two led a force to make one final attack on the Autobots for more solitarium. The battle went on for three days and three nights till the Megatrons were finally defeated. With the power of solitarium, Optimus Primal and Beast Megatron returned to their rightful time. {{Storylink|And Then}}
{{--}}

===''Generations Selects Special Comic''===
In the [[Precursor World]], Star Convoy did battle with [[King Poseidon]]. Through the power of the [[Silver Matrix]], he connected with the future Supreme Commanders he had met during the [[Robotmasters (franchise)|solitarium conflict]]—Lio Convoy, Star Saber, and Optimus Primal. With their strength feeding his own, Star Convoy healed his wounds and was revitalized. {{storylink|Seacons comic 5}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Before his death in the core of Cybertron, Optimus Primal somehow learned that Rhinox's spirit had moved into the [[Legends World]] and shared this information with Cheetor, who would send a search party after the war was over.

At some point, the [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] of [[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|another universe]] retold the story of Primal's final battle with Megatron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Rattrap}}

===''Beast Wars Reborn''===
[[File:BeastWarsRebornMegatronArtwork1.jpg|left|thumb|Rebirth control.]]
After their death in the core of Cybertron, both Megatron and Optimus Primal awoke inside a bizarre temple-like spaceship which was hurtling through space. Neither had any memory of who they were or how they got there, only of their own names and a feeling of discomfort between one another. The pair went about investigating the ship in search of answers. While Megatron's memory was lost, his personality remained mostly intact: he was more concerned with seizing control of the ship before Primal did in order to gain the upper hand.

They eventually found a data log and discovered that their sparks had been taken and they were reborn into new bodies (unbeknownst to them, bodies identical to their original forms). However, their memories were intentionally not uploaded into their new bodies. While searching the log they discovered that the ship's main power source was a [[Golden Disk (BWR)|Golden Disk]] lodged within a giant pillar. Megatron immediately raced to obtain the Disk and Primal followed him. The closer they got to the disk, the more the ship attempted to thwart their advance by manipulating its atmospheric conditions.

Once they reached the chamber, the ship's environment suddenly morphed to that of a decaying planet littered with the corpses of robots. The corpses came to life and began shambling toward them, intent on eating their sparks. They made short work of the zombies, leaving Megatron to obtain the Golden Disk and Primal with a feeling that he shouldn't entirely trust Megatron. This was confirmed quite quickly when Megatron discovered a part of the ship capable of turning anything—or anyone—into pure [[antimatter]] and announced his intention to use it as a weapon. (Also, Primal somehow got [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#G2reissue|the Laser body]] of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#G-2 story pages and pack-in manga|his predecessor]] after Megatron started fiddling with the ship's computer.) As the two of them prepared to fight, a strange Transformer interrupted them, causing the entire ship to shut itself off (and giving Primal his old body back in the process). This Transformer introduced himself as [[Logos Prime|Soundblaster]], announcing that the ship's power over space and time was his own—and that he wished to pass it to Megatron.

From another dimension beyond time and space, [[Primus]] recognized that something was amiss and sent [[Vector Prime]] to meet Primal and Megatron within the spaceship. {{storylink|The Mysterious Temple in Space}} He arrived just in time to confront Soundblaster. Referring to him by his true name of Logos Prime, Vector Prime questioned the Ancient's motives, only for Soundblaster to repeat his intention of passing his powers to Megatron. {{storylink|Master of the Game}}

[[File:Animatron form Optimus Megatron.jpg|thumb|right]]

Optimus tried to take down Soundblaster in response, only for his attack to prove ineffective against his opponent's infrasonic wave counter-attack. Soundblaster then declared that a rite of succession would take place in order for his power to be passed on. The details of the rite were contained on the Golden Disk, which Optimus snatched away before Soundblaster could finish his explanation. Soundblaster then restored both Optimus and Megatron's memories, and warped the two competitors down onto an [[Jungle Planet (colony)|organic planet]]. Optimus first mistook the place for Earth, but the appearance of [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] duking it out with a [[Bear Transformer]] changed his mind on the matter. Optimus readied himself to join the tussle, only to be slammed away by Scourge's tail. Fighting unconsciousness, Optimus was approached by [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]]. {{Storylink|Planetfall (BWR)|Planetfall}}

After explaining his origins to Backstop, Optimus Primal was brought to the [[Rectangular Valley]] temple, where he analyzed the Golden Disk with the attending priests' technology. Megatron would make an appearance a few days later in a new body adapted to their new universe's [[Cyber Key|properties]]. Primal had a plan for himself, borrowing Animatron's [[Cyber Planet Key]] from the local viceroy, Optimus Primal used its power to evolve into a new Animatronian form that could access the [[Zeonomicon]] left behind for Soundlaster's successor. The two nemeses rushed to the obelisk where the successor would have to lay the Golden Disk to become the inheritor of the Ancient's powers. Both vanished from sight of the others in the battle, but Backstop believed that the dawn of a new day signaled who won out. {{Storylink|The Extraordinary Reformat}}

===''Kiss Players''===
Upon meeting the lost [[Shaoshao Li]] on his universe's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] noted that [[Logos Prime]] had brought two Transformers from Shaoshao's [[G1 World|world]] to this universe a long time ago. It was prudent for Shaoshao to find how they may have returned to their native universe, as she needed to return the [[Angolmois Energy|"Allspark" fragments she collected]] to ensure its future. {{storylink|Kiss Players episode 50|Kiss Players #50}}

==3H comics==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English)}}
Some time after Optimus Primal's rebirth as a Transmetal, [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]] arrived on prehistoric [[Earth]] in search for an artifact. Optimus was called in to assist the other Maximals in subduding the Predacon. She eventually ran out of power and collapsed. Before he could have a look at the mysterious assailant, Optimus was knocked out by Megatron, who abducted Antagony. {{storylink|Visitations}}

[[File:Terminus-OptimalOptimus.jpg|thumb|right]]
When another traveler from Antagony's time came, Megatron engineered a battle between his Predacons and Optimus Primal's Maximals so that he could personally investigate. Realizing Megatron's intentions, Optimus followed him into a cavern that contained [[Unicron]]'s [[Dark Essence]]. The time traveler, [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], was soon possessed by the Dark Essence, and it used its powers to play with both Maximal and Predacon alike. However, thanks to the [[Cub]] and the [[Swoop (G1)|Veteran]] within Windrazor, the Dark Essence was expelled, but the future possessor of the Dark Essence, [[Shokaract]], arrived right after from the 32nd century. {{storylink|Paradox}} The Maximals' efforts against Shokaract were of little consequence and Optimus Primal in particular had a hole blasted in his chest, although he survived. Optimus watched as many warriors from various timelines and dimensions, such as [[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] and the [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]], arrived to [[Point Omega]] to battle the threat. While the Covenant battled the Dark Essence within Shokaract, Optimus Primal joined the others on the physical plane in distracting the demigod; with Shokaract's attention elsewhere, the Covenant were successful at separating the Dark Essence from Shokaract, destroying the warlord's timeline and erasing the battle and its build-up from existence in the process. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Apelinqseemsfamiliar.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Like many beasts, Primal often has trouble recognizing himself in mirrors.]]

Some time after his return to Cybertron and his subsequent [[reformatting]], Optimus Primal recovered the [[Deployer (BM)|Deployer]] combat drones with [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]. They were cornered by [[Tank Drone]]s, but were saved with the intervention of [[Ramulus]], who had a dislike of Optimus for "abandoning" him on Earth, and [[Primal Prime]]. He soon met with Apelinq, whom he felt a familiarity with and who explained Point Omega and their presence to Optimus. They all went before the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and Optimus Primal met the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]] and the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]]. He was elated at the existence of more free Cybertronians, but the Oracle deemed that he had seen too much and wiped Optimus Primal and Nightscream's memories of the others. The Oracle ordered Apelinq to return them to their base, which he did so. {{Storylink|Departure}}

[[File:Csoptimusprimalu2.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Look, up in the sky! It's... an ape?]]

As the denizens of post-Vehicon [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] just began to settle into their peaceful, [[technorganic]] world that Optimus Primal had given his life to create, [[Unicron]] unexpectedly struck from afar. He teleported several [[Transformer]]s into himself, a handful of the countless victims across the [[multiverse]] whom he pitted against each other in order to harvest their [[energon radiation]] and, eventually, [[spark]]s. Damaged in some unknown battle and trapped between dimensions, Unicron sought to revitalize himself in this fashion.

Deep within Cybertron, [[Primus]] and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] summoned Optimus Primal back from the dead and sent him on a raid to free Unicron's captives. {{storylink|Abduction}} Once inside the Chaos-Bringer, he found allies in the form of a [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and even a [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] from variant timelines. {{storylink|OTFCC Live-Action Drama}} He also found himself discolored by sinister [[Unicron virus|radiation]] that threatened not only his body, but also his spark. Nevertheless, he was quite successful in his mission, battling Unicron's [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions]] until he had freed dozens of abductees. Then, still within Unicron, he sent them back to their home dimensions by the power of prayer.

Returning to Cybertron, Primal was glad for his victory, but he wondered if his own resurrection could bring about Megatron's return as well. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} More pressingly, Primal was unable to convince the [[Maximal High Council]] that any of this was actually ''happening'', so he ended up turning to the dead for new troops. Primus gave him a selection of fallen warriors to choose from, and he picked [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. They were to launch more raids within Unicron while an orbital defense platform was being constructed above Cybertron. But Depth Charge refused to take part in more violence, so Alpha Trion took a cue from Unicron and transported [[Omega Prime]] into their universe to fight in his place. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

[[File:Primal FPUnivBio.jpg|thumb|left|"Did I say ''Matrix'' of Purification? I meant Fist."]]

Optimus Primal took Omega Prime and others on raids within Unicron's internal "prison cities", freeing more captives. Primal then embarked on an even more proactive venture, leading teams to other universes in anticipation of Unicron's strikes and setting up defensive measures before the Chaos-Bringer could gather more victims. Despite gaining more followers in this process, Primal and other veterans were being worn down by Unicron's corruptive influence. Certainly, those who had been abducted and reformatted by Unicron were affected, but some (such as Primal himself) who had been exposed to Unicron's nanotech virus and its accompanying radiation were also suffering. In order to avert madness and death, Primus [[Reformatting|reformatted]] Primal and several of his [[Cheetor (BW)|comrades]]. Not only was his new form immune to the virus and radiation, but it also possessed the [[Matrix of Purification]], which could heal others of Unicronian corruption.

[[File:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|right|thumb|It's 11:00pm. Do you know where your Beast Wars cast is?]]

Months passed as the competing armies grew, their battles raging on a level comparable to the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|Great Wars]]. Cybertron itself remained stable, but only for a time. The planet fell victim to a massive invasion, later called "the [[Culling]]", in which Unicron's Minions swept across the globe in a killing frenzy, with the sparks of their victims feeding the Chaos-Bringer. Primal's army fended the invaders off, but, in the chaotic aftermath, Primal's earlier fears were realized as [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] returned to lead the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s back to glory. He initially fought Primal, but he eventually called a truce to better face their common foe. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|Optimus Primal's profile in Club magazine #9}}

Continued raids saved many more captives and brought the Minions to near-defeat. Then as one raiding party including Primal and Omega Prime battled their way out, Unicron suddenly began to disappear. The raiders rapidly teleported away, but Omega Prime did not materialize with the rest. He was pulled in mid-teleport by [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] into the Cybertron of the [[Unicron Singularity]], which had been the cause of the Unicron-war Unicron's disappearance. Presumably Optimus Primal made it back to his own universe safely, but this is unconfirmed. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

===''Wings Universe''===
In [[Primax 509.28 Epsilon|another universe]], another [[Apelinq (BM)#Wings Universe|Apelinq]] had visions of the great battle known as [[Point Omega]]. He saw Optimus Primal, whom he did not recognize. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

==Razorclaw continuity==
In one splinter timeline which diverged from [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] shortly after Optimus Primal's death, Primal was not resurrected, and his remaining Maximals except for Tigatron and Airazor were killed by the Predacons. {{storylink|ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} This timeline's [[Tigerhawk]], who later became the evil [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], hated the memory of his constituents' commander, and this carried over to the [[Universe War]] wherein he fought [[Primax 797.18 Epsilon|another universe]]'s Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}}

==''Robotmasters'' 3D diorama manga==
[[File:RM 3D Optimus Primal Starscream.jpg|thumb|left]]
Optimus Primal was part of an [[Autobot]] force helping in construction at [[Athens]] in preparation of the [[Olympics]]. [[Gigant Bomb]] and [[Smokesniper]], sent by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], attacked, but the two [[Decepticon]]s soon discovered that they were outnumbered. After turning themselves over to the Autobots for mercy, they were put to work in helping out Athens. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 1}}

While on a mission in the [[Congo]], Optimus Primal received a message from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] about a strange frequency detected in the jungle. Investigating, Primal found [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] building a Decepticon airbase. After using vines to tie up Starscream, Optimus Primal used his Blast Jet Pu~nch on him, thwarting his dastardly plot. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 2}}

Primal borne witness to [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Reverse Convoy]]'s arrival at the Autobot base and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] chasing after him to stop him from revealing the location of the secret Decepticon base. Primal joined in the fight against Starscream, but it was Reverse Convoy who ultimately sent him fleeing. At the conclusion of the battle, Reverse Convoy agreed to lead the Autobots to the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 9}} It turned out that Reverse Convoy was the reborn G1 Megatron and that he led the Autobot leaders to a trap that sapped them of their energies. Thankfully, they were saved by the intervention of [[Lio Convoy]] and another [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. Together with the new Optimus Prime's Galaxy Cannon, G1 Optimus Prime, Lio Convoy, [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]], and Optimus Primal blasted away the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 11}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 5}}}}

==''Robotmasters'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Yūto Kazama]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:RM Optimus Primal.jpg|thumb|I can manipulate Lightning!]]

Optimus Primal chased Megatron into a time warp to Earth in 2004. There, he met and joined forces with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] during a battle against Megatron and his Decepticons. Together, the Optimuses performed a special attack, a massive energon whirlwind called the "Double Convoy Tornado" to force the malevolent robots away. {{storylink|Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!}}

Optimus Primal was later part of an Autobot force battling the Decepticons in a city. When he was assisted by a new arrival, [[Reverse Convoy]], Optimus Primal met him for introductions, and the Convoy explained that he wanted to assist in the fight against Megatron. However, Reverse Convoy soon shot [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] out of the sky and revealed himself to be [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rebirth Megatron]]. Optimus Primal was shocked, and Rebirth Megatron joined forces with Beast Megatron, creating the Double Megatron Tornado to counter the Double Convoy Tornado. But the Autobot tornado emerged victorious with the addition of Lio Convoy's Lio Typhoon Arrow, creating the Triple Convoy Tornado Link attack and sending the Megatrons into retreat. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (episode)|Lio Convoy Storms In}}
{{--}}

==Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity==
On the trip back to Cybertron at the conclusion of the Beast Wars, Optimus Primal dozed off, but was woken up by Rattrap talking in his sleep. Primal asked Rattrap if he was okay, and he replied that it wasn't anything to be concerned about. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
Optimus reflected on the events that had taken them through the Beast Wars to their current situation, riding aboard an Autobot shuttlecraft through transwarp, and made a speech to his Maximals about sticking together. Little did he know that a Transwarp agitator had been placed on the shuttle by a new team on Predacons hiding on Earth. The device caused Optimus and the rest of the Maximals to act aggressively towards one another. The only one unaffected was Rattrap, who was experiencing troubles of a different sort; he was being plagued by visions of Maximals he had supposedly "abandoned" on Earth. In response to the rodent's own unusual behavior, Optimus tried to force him in the C.R. Chamber with excessive force. Rattrap got away from him and managed to deactivate the ship's Transwarp drive, annulling the effects of the Transwarp agitator. Unfortunately, this also returned their ship to prehistoric Earth. Worse yet, Megatron took advantage of the situation and escaped his bonds from atop of the shuttle, and melted a hole into its bulkhead to attack the Maximals within. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

==''Transformers Legends'' anthology==
Following the explosion of the Planet Buster, Optimus Primal found himself in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]], where he encountered [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], an [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] from a [[Unicron Trilogy|different universe]], and a future version of himself. The four of them were able to overcome the alternate Prime's doubts about his leadership, before they all returned to the time streams from whence they came. Optimus Primal repeated the whole thing again much later, after his destruction facing Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] on Cybertron. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

Much later, while angsting over the way the Predacons had used him to access the Ark, Optimus Primal failed to notice [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] flying overhead to deliver a device to the Maximal base. He was alerted a short time later when the device whipped up tensions in the Maximal ranks, causing them to fight amongst themselves. Primal fell prey to it for a brief period of time, but his recent experiences with mind control enabled him to overcome it and he was able to free his fellow Maximals from its grip before leading them in fighting off Megatron. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

While Megatron was being guided through the afterlife by Rhinox, he beheld a vision of himself slaughtering his allies and foes alike, Optimus Primal among them. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity==
[[File:BWGatherOptimalOptimus.jpg|thumb|left]]
The 'bot that would one day call himself "Optimus Primal" was aboard the ''Axalon'', along with the rest of its original crew, tasked with performing orbital scans of Cybertron. All the while, he had to put up with teasing from one of his [[Rattrap (BW)|subordinates]], who took to razzing him about his "Optimus Primey" look and behavior. The crew's survey yielded Transmatter energy signatures coming from the head of [[Unicron]], in orbit around the planet. Upon their approach, they detected a whole lot of activity within the satellite; several units evacuating a concealed base. The ship's captain had just enough time to order his crew to activate their shield before a Transmatter bomb erupted out of the satellite, and the Axalon accidentally came to meet its path. The ship avoided damage thanks to its shields, and the bomb was deflected away from the planet. Some Transmatter debris did reach Cybertron however, and all those touched by it were reduced to protoforms. A few of these unfortunates were later entrusted to the crew of the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

Though the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard computers originally suggested that Optimus Primal take on a bat as an [[alternate mode]], he knew that such a form would be insufficient to combat Megatron. Optimus Primal chose a more powerful gorilla form instead. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed various events of the Beast Wars, he witnessed several key moments involving Optimus Primal. Among them was Optimus's duel with Dinobot on the stone bridge leading to the Maximal base, and the events leading to Optimus's transformation into the Optimal Optimus body. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Some time after Depth Charge arrived on Earth, Optimus somehow felt the presence of [[Razorbeast]], [[Optimus Minor]], and [[Snarl (BW)|Snarl]] as they sneaked aboard the Ark, even though they were [[Chronal phase|chronically displaced]]. Optimus explained to Rhinox and Cheetor that he felt something familiar, yet wrong... Unable to feel the presence as Optimus did, Rhinox convinced him that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}
{{--}}

==Waspscream continuity==
In [[Primax 208.06 Zeta]], Megatron's Predacons were aided by the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from [[Primax 206.15 Gamma]], resulting in all the Maximals, including Optimus Primal, being defeated. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}}

==''Timelines''==
[[File:Optimusprimalbwtimelines.jpg|right|thumb|Pre-fur Primal, Maximal nobody.]]
Optimus Primal was a veteran of the last [[Great War (BW)|Great War]], one waged between the Maximals and the Predacons. He was a distinguished graduate of the [[Maximal Military Academy]], where he was a diligent student of the accomplishments of past generations, both militaristic and scientific. {{Storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|Optimus Primal's bio}}

Captain of the ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus Primal and his crew had been stuck on a space station for weeks while awaiting [[Rampage (BW)|additional cargo]]. Finally, they were leaving and ready to return to embarking on their mission of exploration, but the [[Maximal Defense Command Center]] had a different idea. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] had been stolen by [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], and Optimus Primal's ship was closest to intercept.

They closed in on Megatron's stolen ship, the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', but the ''Axalon'' suddenly came under attack by a [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|second Predacon ship]]. The odds were evened again by the arrival of another Maximal ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', which was crewed by its [[Airazor (BW)|Maximal owner]] and [[Tigatron|Unit 2]], a member of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]]. Both of these ships were ultimately destroyed, but Primal ordered the Maximals on board the ''Chromia 10'' be [[Spark core transfer|downloaded]] into [[blank]] [[stasis pod]]s to save their lives. The ''Axalon'' subsequently resumed its pursuit of the ''Darksyde''.

Via transmission, Megatron taunted Optimus Primal and his crew. The ''Darksyde'' opened a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal and jumped through. The ''Axalon'' followed. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

Later, once the Beast Wars were underway, Optimus Primal was accompanied by Airazor on a mission to stop the Predacons from launching an orbital weapon that could attack anywhere on the planet's surface. The pair rendezvoused with Cheetor and Rhinox, and took on Megatron and his Predacons. Thanks to Airazor, the launch of the satellite failed. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

==''Wings Universe''==
After Primal's death and the Great Transformation, Cheetor felt lost and meditated hard in an attempt to reach his leader via the Oracle. Cheetor instead met [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] and became Alpha Trizer. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} In [[2984]] as Alpha Trizer was engaged in combat against the [[Star Seeker]]s, the face of his mentor Optimus Primal flashed through his mind. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

==The Protector==
===''Robots in Disguise'' toy bio===
[[File:Air-attack-optimus-primal.jpg|right|thumb]]
After the conclusion of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], while on their way back to their home time, the Maximals' shuttle was struck by temporal interference waves caused by the time-displaced [[Ravage (G1)#Story of Binaltech|Ravage]]'s alteration of history in the year 2005 of [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]]. Caught in the disruption, the shuttle and its crew were essentially "split" in two—one version of them continued home to Cybertron and battled Megatron for all the sparks of Cybertron, but one version wound up in the "[[BT World]]", the parallel universe Ravage's meddling had created. In this parallel world, the ship was observed by [[Unicron]] and blown to pieces, scattering Optimus, his crew, and Megatron into Transwarp space—temporal anomalies without a home. {{Storylink|Outlier (comic)|Outlier}}

Megatron found himself in the future time period of [[Viron 102.0 Beta]], where he joined forces with [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] to conquer that timeline's Cybertron. The guardians of causality known as the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]], a race of hyper-evolved Autobots from 900,000 years in the future, sought to give the lost Primal a purpose, and secretly directed him, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to Viron 102.0 Beta. There, they communed with him through the Oracle and guided him in stopping Megatron's schemes. In the war against Megatron that followed, Optimus took numerous forms; his final upgrade was into a flight-capable "Air Attack" body, so that he could battle the airborne "Megahead" form his arch-enemy had taken. Primal and his Maximals ultimately triumphed over Megatron, but Cryotek then took up his ally's ambition, seeking not just the ''domination'' of all sparks, but their outright destruction. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

Horrified to witness the results of Cryotek's horrendous experiments to replace sparks with physical operating systems, Primal—having already realized that there was a greater power behind the Oracle—petitioned the Alternity directly to send him after Cryotek, who had used Transwarp technology to escape to 21st century Earth and joined forces with the native Predacon leader [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]]. The Alternity agreed to his request, if he would join the ranks of their elite agents, the [[Protector]]s, in return. Primal accepted, and was sent to Earth with the former Spychanger [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage GT]] to serve as his guide. To reduce the risk of a time paradox, however, the Alternity had made it so that Primal's form while in the past was incorporeal, able to assume a physical aspect only to direct engage Cryotek. In this ghostly form, he served as a "spirit guide" to the native [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and helped him defeat the Megatron Megabolt-controlled [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], before the pair finally succeeded in defeating both Megatron and Cryotek. {{storylink|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Robots in Disguise (2001)|Air Attack Optimus Primal toy bio}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

His personal mission complete, Primal ascended into the ranks of the Protectors, and began combating threats to time and space all across the multiverse. For his first mission, he helped hunt down the Beast of Time, the [[Hytherion]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

===Controverse===
[[File:Controverse primal and elita.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5]]
The Alternity dispatched Optimus Primal and [[Arcee (Energon)|Elita Five]] to observe the trial of the ancient alien genius [[Primacron]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]]. {{storylink|Controverse}} The Alternity suspected Primacron of having created the Hytherion, though this theory was proven incorrect.

In the course of the trial, Primacron became aware of dimensions unlike his own, where robotic life was supposedly created by a [[Primus|divine being]]. After studying several such universes, Primacron concluded that such a thing could not possibly be true, and started attacking them instead. Primal and his fellow Protectors raced to stop the experiment, standing against Primacron's assault, but the power of the alien's [[Solduron]] exo-armor was too much for Primal to bear, and his body was destroyed completely. Fortunately, having had some experience as a non-corporeal being after his own "death" during the Beast Wars, Primal was able to maintain the cohesion of his consciousness, and succeeded in talking Primacron down. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

===''Story of Binaltech''===
[[File:AltNemesisPrimeArt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5]]
It was as a disembodied spark that Primal was charged with his most important mission: to ensure the very existence of the Alternity itself. The BT World, he learned, was the world from which the Alternity originated, but its existence was in danger as a result of the native Autobots of 2005 attempting to use the chronal energy of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] to undo the alteration of history that Ravage had wrought. The result was the unravelling of space and time itself—a maelstrom through which Primal's spark materialized, arriving in [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s laboratory, where he immediately possessed a black [[Binaltech (technology)|Binaltech]] body frame created by the doctor in the image of Optimus Prime. Primal proceeded to teleport to Dinobot Island, where he used the enhanced powers the Alternity had provided him to manipulate its chronal energy, accomplishing both objectives simultaneously: the restoration of the original timeline, and the preservation of the "BT World" as its own distinct parallel universe. In the wake of this great event, Primal met up with Optimus Prime's Autobots, and was able to drop a few cryptic hints about the future that awaited them before the personality data Arkeville had programmed into the black Prime body shell finally asserted itself, forcing Primal's spark out of the body. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

Some time later, at the same time as the Autobots were trying to shut down the rogue Binaltech projects happening around the world, they also began a series of experiments under Primal's direction that would eventually lead to their evolution into the Alternity. Chief among these was the [[Timaeus Project]], which would generate the [[Alternium]] the Alternity's bodies were composed of. While [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] was participating in that project, the Autobots prepared to transfer Primal's spark into a Binaltech body to restore him to mobility. Unfortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] remotely took control of the [[Autosoldier]] frame before Primal's spark could be downloaded into it, and the Autosoldiers began to run amok inside [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. Arcee attempted to come to Primal's aid, but when she exited the Timaeus Project's high-speed racetrack without initiating proper slowdown procedures, her body was crushed by the kinetic energy. In her unconscious state, Primal spoke directly to her spark, telling her to forget about him and to instead protect the project and its scientists, so vital were they were to the future. Reluctantly, Arcee did so, allowing the Shockwave-controlled Autosoldiers to make off with Primal's spark. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 3}}

The Autobots regrouped and went after Shockwave's agents, tracking Nemesis Prime and the Decepticons to Australia. Optimus Prime faced off against Nemesis Prime. but Prime found himself outmatched by Nemesis Prime's power, augmented by a synthetic Matrix he had created. During the battle, Arcee liberated Primal from the Decepticons, and he then merged his spark with Optimus Prime—something Prime [[Optimal Situation|had vague memories of experiencing previously]]. The power resulting from this fusion enabled Optimus Prime to deflect Nemesis Prime's attack, ultimately destroying the clone. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 4}}

In the aftermath of the battle, the Protector was given a new Binaltech body, a replica of Nemesis Prime's form. He joined the Autobots in defending the [[Earth Defense Command]] Space Center when it came under attack by [[Decepticharge]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Optimus Primal, recognizing his friend, attempted to stop the battle between her and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]]. However, [[Carly]] came to the rescue by using the [[Psychedevice]] to evolve into a telepathic entity that cured Grimlock and Blackarachnia's mental afflictions. Reacquainting with Blackarachnia, the Protector explained that he felt a responsibility to her to reunite her with their friends, since he helped maintain the timeline she was trapped in. {{storylink|Outlier (comic)|Outlier}}

===''Alternity''===
Following the Decepticons' defeat in Australia, the alien [[Quintesson]]s placed a [[quadrant lock]] on Earth's [[Star system|solar system]] in order to trap the powerful Binaltech Autobots. This lock left Primal unable to leave the dimension, and he remained on Earth for the next 900,000 years (though only a few months passed inside the quadrant lock), watching as the Autobots steadily evolved into the Alternity and then broke the lock.

When the Alternity became aware of the [[Planicron]]s, a race of two-dimensional beings who were attempting to become higher-dimensional life-forms, they concluded that the gateway through which they needed to pass in order to evolve themselves was located somewhere on the BT World. Primal and Grimlock met the Alternity envoys who arrived on the planet, and informed them that they had located the doorway: it was the circuit diagram for the [[Critias Gate]], a super-dimensional reactor the Autobots had been experimenting with at the same time as the Timaeus Project. With a little help from [[Vector Prime]], the gate was set up and the Planicrons passed through it, evolving into higher-dimensional beings and taking the Alternity's place as the defenders of time and space. {{storylink|Alternation}}

The last that Vector Prime knew, the Flaternity and the Protectors were still adapting to their new circumstances. Vector Prime believed that Optimus Primal would rise to whatever duty fate gave him. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

==A Change to the Agenda==
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Optimus Primal and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Optimus Primal's life would take [[Optimus Primal (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

==Games==
===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Optimus Primal.jpg|frame|Back in 1999, you thought these graphics were awesome! ADMIT IT!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}

The Beast Wars seemed over, but the captured Megatron had prepared for such a situation and was able to send a message to his past self via transwarp, causing history to be altered! These rewritten Beast Wars came to an end when Optimus led a final strike against the Predacon forces. The battle was hard-fought, resulting in tragic casualties on both sides, but ended with Megatron's capture.

After Megatron was secured to the outside of an Autobot escape shuttle, the remaining Maximals were on their way to return to Cybertron. Unfortunately, the captured Megatron had prepared for such a situation and was able to send a message to his past self via transwarp, causing history to be altered! These rewritten Beast Wars came to an end when Optimus... {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Optimus Primal|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Drumming Fury
|-
|C-Up||Primal Body Crush
|-
|C-Left||Primal Lariat
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Optimus saw the attack as an opening they could use to retake the Golden Disk. He quickly formulated a plan and led a team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Optimus ordered everyone to hurry back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Optimus led an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the ''Axalon''. Left battered on the ground of the ship's bridge, Primal remained defiant even as Megatron prepared to finish him off. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses, forcing the Predacons to retreat and saving Primal's life. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Prime Blaster
|Special attack||Drumming Fury
|-
|Super attack||Prime Gun Barrage
|Super attack||Primal Launch
|}

==Notes==
*Very rarely in the show's first season, Optimus Primal's open faceguard would "close" into a fully shielded Optimus Prime-like mouthless faceguard, typically when going into battle. Presumably this was done to better reflect his toy, which did not include a visible mouth.
*In his Transmetal form, Optimus Primal's spark chamber is on a hinge in his chest to swing down to the opening in his abdomen. In his Optimal Optimus form, he stored Prime's spark in his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] [[cockpit]].
*According to the diagram of Optimus Primal on the catalog packed with "TM-SP DX Convoy", his spark chamber is [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-shaped.
*Although the "Protector" iteration of Optimus Primal debuted in Japanese fiction, he originates from [[Primax 496.22 Alpha|the universe]] of the original American version of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon. This is presumably due to his creator [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]'s love for original American iterations of ''Transformers'' fiction and dislike of the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Alternators characters]]
[[Category:Alternity characters]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II Maximals]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Convoys]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity

2025-03-07T02:43:41Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{factions|maximal|maximalbm|autobot|protector}}
{{suite}}

[[File:Call of the Wild Optimus scope.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|In Destiny's sights.]]
'''Optimus Primal''' is one of the most prominent and well recognized Maximals in Transformers history. He has saved the [[Maximal]]s, [[Earth]], [[time|history]], [[human]]ity, the universe, the [[Autobot]]s, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the [[Transformer]]s, and the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]], starting from humble beginnings as an exploratory starship captain.

{{quote|Eh, sometimes crazy works.|Optimus Primal|"Power Surge"}}

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)|[[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 1st dub), [[Zhang Wenyu]] (Chinese), [[Guilherme Lopes]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Ben Hecker]] (German), [[Pascal Renwick]] (French), [[Riccardo Lombardo]] (Italian), [[Mario Sauret]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Luis Rovira]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Seong-ho Shin]] (Korean)}}

Optimus Primal was the captain of the exploration ship ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} He and his crew were ordered to dispose the experiment gone wrong, Protoform X, {{storylink|Bad Spark}} who was brought in by Primal's coworker, [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. Depth Charge wanted X destroyed, but the High Council ordered Primal's crew to dump Protoform X someplace far away and with minimal life. Depth Charge became resentful against Primal for this. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:BeastWarsPt1 Primal in CR chamber.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Suddenly I have a lot more body hair.]]
On the way, they were tasked with pursuing the Predacon criminal [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who had stolen the Golden Disk and a [[unspace|transwarp]]-capable ship. In pursuit, the ''Axalon'' passed though a transwarp portal to a [[Earth|strange world]]. During the ensuing space battle, both ships were damaged and Primal ordered the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of the crew to be ejected into orbit before the ''Axalon'' crashed.

The planet was rich with raw [[energon]]—so much that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies—so the Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from local creatures. Primal took the form of a silverback gorilla, remarking that his new form was "interesting" upon exit from the [[CR chamber]]. During their first skirmish with the Predacons, Optimus ordered [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to retrieve the pinned-down [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]. Rattrap refused, resulting in Optimus having to rescue Cheetor himself—as he later said, he wouldn't give someone an order he wouldn't be able to carry out himself.

On their return to base, Optimus was challenged to a duel by the estranged Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] for leadership of the Maximals. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} When talking sense to Dinobot didn't work, Optimus engaged him in combat. The other Predacons took this as an opportunity to attack, and Optimus risked his own life to save Dinobot from falling to his death. Dinobot repaid the favor during a later battle atop a mountain, by deflecting a missile fired at Primal by Megatron. Although the huge energon cache on the mountaintop exploded, everyone survived, and Optimus announced the start of the "[[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]". {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:TheWeb Optimus and Dinobot.jpg|thumb|right|"Blame Rattrap?" "Blame Rattrap."]]
Optimus's men would often try his patience, such as when Cheetor's impulsive actions lead to an experimental comlink being destroyed. When the young Maximal left base in secret to try to put things right, the other Maximals covered for him when Primal asked where he was. {{storylink|The Web}} This perhaps led to Optimus scrubbing another of Cheetor's missions to install monitoring devices, though, again, the cat went out anyway. When lightning struck one of the devices and set up a two-way teleport between the Maximal and Predacon bases, Dinobot was able to persuade Optimus to send a bomb through, though Primal insisted on setting the timer to give the Predacons enough time to get to safety. Cheetor, meanwhile, had discovered that a common energon vein ran beneath both bases—an explosion at one would destroy both—and quickly got rid of the bomb. Optimus later lectured him on obeying orders, but Cheetor didn't seem too concerned. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a battle at the [[Standing Stones]] resulted in an alien signal being broadcast into space, an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] absorbed Primal's form. Optimus was still functional and aware, and able to contact the ''Axalon'' to cut off the Maximals squabbling over selecting a new leader, nominating Rattrap to be in charge. An attempt by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] to build a device to free Primal failed, but [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] inadvertently caused the probe to expel the Maximal leader. Optimus later commended Rattrap on his leadership. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[File:Fallen Comrades Dinobot Optimus core.jpg|thumb|left|What? Shiny blue gorilla? Never happen.]]
[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]'s discovery of a [[flying mountain]] laced with high-energy energon resulted in Optimus facing the super-powered Predacon in combat, and almost lost before Terrorsaur had to recharge. As Rattrap's bombs destroyed the mountain, Optimus leapt to safety with the rat on his back. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When the first stasis pod crashed to the ground, Optimus set out first, being the Maximal's only flier, but no sooner had he left the ''Axalon'' than he was ambushed and badly damaged by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. Ensconced in a CR Chamber, Optimus's [[core consciousness]] was accessed by Dinobot, who took Primal's advice to set up a laser link. Dinobot was disabled by a Predacon attack, but Optimus himself was able to use the laser to link to the pod and command it to reformat the [[protoform]] inside. Repaired, Primal flew to the battlefield and greeted the new Maximal, [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[File:BetterMousetrap Optimus in flight.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"Oh crap, we're almost done with the episode, and I just realized my fly's undone."]]
After a particularly nasty ambush, during which Primal was shot down and the Predacons escaped with another stasis pod, Optimus hit on a new plan—faking Rattrap's defection in order to find out how the Predacons had been constantly warned of their plans in advance. Later, Optimus explained the plan to the other Maximals, who'd been left in the dark. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} After the unveiling of Rhinox's [[Sentinel (BW)|new defense system]], Optimus and Tigatron went hunting for some Predacons it had detected. While chasing Waspinator, Primal became aware something was up back at base, and returned to find that a "malfunction" had caused the defense system to chase the Maximals out. As it later appeared that Rattrap's attempt to disarm the system had resulted in his death, the Maximals eulogized him, but it turned out he was still alive, after all. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}}

Out on a specimen-gathering mission with Dinobot, Optimus took the opportunity to give the ex-Predacon a lesson in not underestimating flora. Unfortunately, they were soon attacked by [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]], who managed to attach a [[Cyberbee]] to Optimus before being driven off. The Cyberbee injected Optimus with a virus intended to turn him into a coward, but resulted in the opposite effect, turning him berserk with rage. Rhinox quickly determined that removing it would kill Optimus and cause it to explode, removing that option from consideration. Optimus ordered himself locked up, as he was a danger to himself and everyone around him. With time to think, he came up with a plan to take the Predacons by surprise, persuading Cheetor to release him. He then fell into a craze, leaving the ''Axalon'' and making a beeline for the Predacon base. After ripping through the rest of the Predacons, he confronted Megatron, who attempted to bargain but ended up instead with the Cyberbee stuck to his back. Cheetor was able to administer the anti-viral to Optimus in time to save him, and Megatron and Scorponok were caught at ground zero during the Cyberbee explosion. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

[[File:Victory Optimus jetpack rescue.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|His chiropractor just bought a new car.]]
During an attempt to contact a passing Maximal [[temporal probe]], Optimus was locked in his [[beast mode]] by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s [[Transformation Lock Lens]] and almost killed by Megatron, but Rhinox saved his life. As Optimus was poised to enter the code to signal the transwarp probe, the Predacons finally succeeded in destroying the communications array, dashing the Maximals' hopes for a rescue. {{storylink|The Probe}} After a spycam planted in the Predacon base showed the result of an apparently disastrous mutiny had wiped out the Predacons, the Maximals salvaged a [[transwarp cell]] from the Predacon ship. Although the ''Axalon'' was made ready to launch, Dinobot, who had elected to stay behind, stumbled on the concealed Predacons. The launch unable to be aborted, Optimus ordered the Maximals take off with or without him, and went to rescue Dinobot. As it turned out, Optimus was unable to get aboard before takeoff, being shot from the entry port by one of Scorponok's missiles. The ''Axalon'' was subsequently sent crashing again when Megatron trashed the controls. Optimus used his jetpack to slow the plummeting ship and allow it to land relatively safely. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

After another Predacon defeat, Rhinox was kidnapped by Tarantulas and turned into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]. Though the other Maximals wanted to rescue their friend, Optimus had them hold back, knowing that Rhinox would wreak havoc in the Predacon ranks. He only gave the order to attack once Megatron discovered that Rhinox had been undermining the Predacon cause. During the ensuing battle within the Predacons' ship, he managed to slice off one of Megatron's arms. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} A [[Clone One|fake Dinobot]] sent Optimus out on a wild goose chase to find Rattrap. By the time the Maximals got back, the real Dinobot had eaten the fake one, much to their disgust. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}} When Rhinox and Cheetor brought [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] online, they took her back to base to meet Optimus and the others. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Call of the Wild Optimus Megatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Megatron was forced to ask Terrorsaur to take up the mantle of Badass.]]
Optimus headed out to rescue Tigatron, after the Maximal was ambushed while radioing base, only to find Tigatron had gone missing. The Maximals soon received a Cyberbee, reprogrammed with a message from Tigatron showing the [[Brigadoon|flying island]] he'd found. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Optimus headed for the island with Rattrap on his back, the pair scuffling with Terrorsaur and Waspinator on the way. On the island, the Maximals desperately tried to head off [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], but were unable to prevent her from taking over the island's control center. Fortunately, Tigatron's destruction of the island's power source saved both the ''Axalon'' and the Maximals. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Optimus was running a strategic simulation when a [[magna pulse]] triggered by Tarantulas knocked out the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s power systems. He headed out to warn the others and was in time to save Tigatron from [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] by blasting the new Predacon to pieces. {{storylink|Spider's Game}} Another gambit saw the Predacons stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

[[File:Possession Optimus thoughtful.jpg|left|thumb|Little do they know that I was the one who killed him, using the Candlestick, in the Ballroom.]]
After a group of Maximals were blinded by an energon explosion and trekked most of the way back to the base, Optimus arrived shortly after they'd fought off Terrorsaur and Waspinator, and gone into status lock. He was able to take them back to base for repairs. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} During a storm, the ''Axalon'' was badly damaged, leaving it open to attack, and attack the Predacons did. With the aid of a [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]-possessed Waspinator, they drove the Maximals out into the jungle. As Starscream was left in charge of the ''Axalon'', the Maximals surrendered as part of a plan to retake the base. Optimus easily escaped his bonds and recovered the Maximals' weapons, before defeating Starscream in combat and allowing Blackarachnia to deliver the ''coup de grâce''. {{storylink|Possession}}

Rattrap and Dinobot's habitual bickering finally came to a head when it resulted in Rhinox being hit with a new Predacon weapon, an [[energon discharge virus]]. Optimus sent the pair out to find an antidote, hoping that they would learn to work together. When this didn't get immediate results, he announced a frontal attack, and the Maximals arrived at Tarantulas's lab in time to help Dinobot and Rattrap recover the antidote. {{storylink|The Low Road}} [[Snowstalker]]'s death as the result of a battle motivated Tigatron to abandon the Maximal cause. Optimus lectured him that while they were on the planet, they had a duty to protect it from the Predacons. Dinobot and Optimus were subsequently defeated by the team of Terrorsaur, Waspinator and Inferno, leading Tigatron to lend a hand and rejoin the Maximal team. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}}

When [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] discovered evidence of the [[Vok]]'s imminent arrival, Megatron called a truce, to which Primal reluctantly agreed. Curious as to what was up, Optimus had Tigatron invade the Predacon base and find out what Megatron knew, and they discovered that the aliens behind the strange anomalies were on their way. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} While investigating a [[Bio-Dome|newly created Vok installation]], Primal was tortured and captured by the aliens, who spoke to him in the form of [[Unicron]], and told him of their plans to "sterilize" the planet. He was barely able to escape before the construct sent a signal to one of the planet's moons, triggering an activation sequence. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}}

[[File:Other Voices 2 Optimus pod.jpg|thumb|right|225px|"Oh, bother."]]

Returning to the ''Axalon'', Primal found that Tarantulas and Blackarachnia has turned a stasis pod into an escape ship in order to flee the doomed planet. As the planet's second moon was converted into a [[Planet Buster]], Primal took the ship to do battle with the superweapon, against the objections of his crew. Primal planned to detonate the ship's [[transwarp cell]] when in range of the weapon, after ejecting to safety. The plan worked—with the exception of the "ejecting" part. Megatron remotely seized control of the vessel, overriding Primal's ejection commands. The Predacon commander taunted Primal as he futilely beat his fists against the pod, until the detonation obliterated the pod, the Planet Buster, and Primal, reducing them all to so much space junk. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:ComingoftheFuzors2 Optimus surfingmonkeymode.jpg|left|350px|thumb|Board Ape Shot Clubs]]

Rhinox used a device to guide his core consciousness through the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], retrieving Optimus Primal's spark and implanting it into a [[blank]] protoform. Reborn with a new [[Transmetal]] body, Optimus came to the aid of his troops as they were on the verge of defeat. [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], a newly online [[Fuzor]], took the opportunity to apply for the Maximal ranks by taking out Megatron just as the Predacon leader was about to destroy Optimus. Once the greetings were done, Optimus turned to Rattrap and requested the rodent remove his stuff from the commander's quarters. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

[[File:OtherVisits1-Primalface.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]

Optimus would later submit himself to a battery of tests, as Rhinox attempted to find out the limitations of the new Transmetal forms. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} After an attempt by Dinobot to switch sides back to the Predacons, Optimus accepted his apology and left the final decision of whether Dinobot would stay with them to Rattrap, who agreed to let him stay. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}} When Rhinox worked out that another alien site was located in an area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Optimus set out to warn them, but was too late to prevent them being apparently shot into space. The plants in the area subsequently grew into another [[Metal Hunter|alien construct]], which knocked out everyone present with an energy wave. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} Though the Transmetals recovered quickly, Megatron was able to use the [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]] to take control of the construct, taking Optimus as a prisoner. Rattrap managed to get on board and free Optimus, allowing the Maximal leader to engage Megatron in a violent combat while Rattrap sabotaged the ship. Everyone was able to get clear before the ship exploded, and Optimus resolved that they would get Airazor and Tigatron back somehow. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:BadSpark Optimus robot mode.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Transmetal Rippedimus Primal.]]
After the discovery of a stasis pod containing [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]], Optimus explained the background of the Maximal experiment to Cheetor. The pair were damaged when a fight with the Predacons ignited an energon deposit beneath the pod and the Maximals were forced to return to base. Repairs were made, and the pair were able to return to the field in time to rescue Blackarachnia and Silverbolt from Protoform X, who was later named Rampage. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Optimus and all of the Maximals mourned the loss of Dinobot, after he was killed defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} The discovery of a [[Transmutate (BW)|strangely-mutated Transformer]] was tainted when it was subsequently destroyed in a fight between Silverbolt and Rampage. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

The [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster's destruction finally reached Cybertron and help arrived, but in the unexpected form of [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who had come to arrest Megatron for his crimes against the [[Pax Cybertronia]]. Despite Rattrap's misgivings, Optimus agreed to assist Ravage, and after storming the Predacon base, they captured Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Primal was forced to chastise Silverbolt for his dangerous relationship with Blackarachnia, sending Cheetor out to retrieve the arachnid. After Silverbolt decked Cheetor and went out in his stead, Optimus and Cheetor went to fetch some energon from one of Tarantulas's stashes, only to be ambushed by Inferno. The fight effectively ended when Inferno ignited the energon, blowing himself and the cave up. On their way back to the ''Axalon'', Optimus and Cheetor received some unpleasant news—Ravage had changed sides and teamed up with Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

[[File:OptimusPrimal OpSit Matrixspark.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Continuity error!]]

The Predacons began an assault on the Maximal base, with Primal and Cheetor pinned down outside. The assault failed, thanks mainly to the efforts of Rattrap, and the Maximals set off in pursuit of Megatron. As it turned out, Megatron had found the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], the then-resting place of the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s and, despite their efforts, Megatron was able to gain entry and shoot [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head. As Megatron gloated, a [[timestorm]] raged, threatening to erase the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-OpOpstandsup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Look at how big I am! And how full of Optimus Prime my cockpit is!]]
In a desperate gambit, Optimus Primal took Optimus Prime's [[spark]] into himself to protect it while repairs were effected on his body. The presence of the extra spark caused Primal's body to mutate and grow larger, gaining new jet and ground [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s along with his gorilla form. Megatron sardonically dubbed his new body as "Optimal Optimus". Despite the new power, he was unable to stop the Predacons from trashing the ''Axalon''. Optimus Prime's spark was returned to its rightful home, preserving history, but Primal retained his new form. With Megatron now desperate to end the war at any cost, Primal was forced to move his Maximals into the volcano where the Ark lay. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] arrived on the planet in search of Rampage, encountering Cheetor. By the time Optimus reached their position, Rampage had thoroughly beaten the new arrival, and Optimus took him back to base for repairs. Depth Charge rebuffed Primal's offer to let him join the Maximals, making it clear he wasn't impressed with the mess Optimus had made of things. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Primal came up with a new plan to salvage Sentinel from the wreck of the ''Axalon'' by sending Rattrap down in a [[subaquatic stealth vessel]]. Depth Charge's interference resulted in the Predacons gaining Sentinel instead. After Primal chewed him out, Depth Charge said he'd consider the offer to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-OpOpjetandtank.jpg|right|thumb|350px| He is REALLY going with the mood of “Optimal Optimus” he even will throw hands IN HIS ALTERNATE FORMS!]]

After [[Chak]] and [[Una]] were separated from their tribe, Optimus assigned Cheetor and Blackarachnia, by now part of the Maximal ranks, to return them. Optimus and Silverbolt provided reinforcement when the group ran into a squad of [[cyber raptor]]s engineered by Megatron, but Tarantulas's new [[cyber venom]] disabled the Maximal leader for the duration of the battle. He did prove to have a lovely singing voice when Rattrap contacted him, though. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Optimus was injured again during another battle to save a stasis pod, and was forced to return to base. Cheetor, despite Optimus's orders to wait for backup, went in alone, and was apparently destroyed while retrieving a [[Transmetal driver]] from Megatron's cloning machine. Anguished, Optimus blamed himself for Cheetor's death.

[[File:FeralScream2 Optimus gorillamode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.45|Oh riiiight...''Beast'' Wars. Now I get it.]]
Cheetor, however, was not dead, and stumbled back to base. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} After Cheetor was apparently spirited away by a savage feline monster during the night, Primal demanded the truth as to what happened from Depth Charge. Cheetor again returned to base, claiming that he'd destroyed the monster, but Optimus, suspecting the truth, insisted on viewing the remains. Cheetor was finally forced to admit that the monster was himself—the surge from the Transmetal driver had altered his form. Cheetor's new beast form turned out to be feral, and it was only through Optimus's coaxing that he was able to tame it. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

Optimus and Rhinox discussed the possibility of removing Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], causing her to flee when she overheard them talking. When they caught up to her, Primal explained that the decision to remove the shell program would always be hers to make. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} After Una was kidnapped by Waspinator, Optimus instructed Cheetor to return to base for repair and sent Rattrap and Depth Charge to mount a rescue. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} Blackarachnia attempted to use the Transmetal driver to upgrade herself, but only ended up beginning the degradation of her shell program. While Rhinox worked to separate the Predacon shell program, Optimus and the rest of the Maximals defended the Ark from a Predacon attack, but to no avail—the power was interrupted and Blackarachnia apparently killed. Luckily, she was resurrected as a Transmetal 2 and Primal later pointed out that out that her immediately rushing out to save Silverbolt wasn't a very Maximal thing to do. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

Drawn out of the Maximal base by Waspinator, Optimus was hit by a dart fired by Tarantulas, which burrowed inside him and allowed [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] to take control. Primal was forced to watch helplessly as his body was used to subjugate the Maximals and allow Megatron to take the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark in emulation of Primal's feat with Optimus Prime's spark. Blackarachnia was able to free Optimus from Quickstrike's control, and the Maximal leader subsequently fought at length with the newly upgraded Megatron. The rest of the Maximals were released from their imprisonment in time to help him drive the Predacon off. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

The tide was finally turned when the Vok combined Airazor and Tigatron into the mighty [[Tigerhawk]], who obliterated the Predacon base. Optimus immediately traveled to the site, concerned that the destruction of the original Megatron's spark would endanger history. While attempting to reason with Tigerhawk, the Vok emissary plunged Optimus into the ground before being captured by Tarantulas. Following Tarantulas's destruction, Tigerhawk accepted Optimus's offer to rejoin the Maximals. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

[[File:Nemesis1-RattrapOpOpCovenant.jpg|right|thumb|300px|”Do you know of our lord and savior-“ ”ME!” ”Shut Up Rattrap!”]]

Pursuing Megatron, Optimus discovered what Tarantulas had found—the ancient Decepticon warship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. He and Tigerhawk headed for the ship's location by air, encountering a massive explosion caused by Depth Charge terminating Rampage. Optimus believed that the ''Nemesis'' had been dealt with, until the ship itself rose out of the ocean. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} At Tigerhawk's instruction, Primal left him to face the ''Nemesis'' alone, and returned to the Ark to start a new plan to try to get the ship online. The Maximals were unable to do so before the ''Nemesis'' arrived and turned a tractor beam on the Ark, so Primal himself flew up to the ship, pulling off his own wing and jamming it in the gears of the ship's pulverizer so that he could get aboard. He began duking it out with Megatron on the bridge of the Nemesis, despite the knowledge he was no match for two Megatrons.

[[File:Nemesis2-finishthequote.jpg|thumb|left|"Finish the quote, Megatron!" "...It still says you lose." "Yeah but it also says I'll be real annoying about it!"]]

{{quote|'And there came a hero who said, "Hurt not the earth, nor the trees, nor the seas, nor the very fabric of time." But the hero would not prevail.'}}
{{quote|Finish the quote, Megatron. 'Nor would he surrender!'|Megatron and Optimus Primal|"Nemesis Part 2"}}

By continuing the hopeless battle, Optimus managed to buy the Maximals the time they needed, and Rhinox took out Megatron by flying [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|a borrowed Autobot shuttle]] through the bridge of the ''Nemesis''. As the ship began its descent, Optimus reached out to [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]], who had regained some measure of his old self, but the warrior insisted on satisfying honor by going down with the ship, and so Optimus left before the ship crashed.

With the captured Predacon leader strapped to the roof of the Autobot shuttle, the Maximals at last headed home. Leaving the planet and memorializing his fallen comrades, Optimus Primal declared that the Beast Wars were over. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Machines'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)|[[Zhang Wenyu]] (Chinese), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Portuguese), [[Alfonso Ramírez]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Carballido]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Tilo Schmitz]] (German), [[Simone Mori]] (Italian), [[Erwin Grunspan]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Primal technorganic beast mode.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|See this, this is what a gorilla looks like.]]

The flight through transwarp space was not a smooth one though, the shuttle encountering shockwaves in time that allowed Megatron to break free. After this caused one last shockwave, the shuttle emerged in orbit of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] where it was immediately shot down by the orbiting satellites. Finding the planet overrun by [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones, Optimus ordered a retreat only for he and Cheetor to be bombed by a gaseous form of the [[transformation virus]]. By virtue of being a [[Transmetal]], Primal was able to resist the full effects of the virus, though at the cost of his upgrades. Devolved back to the body he'd held at the start of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], unable to assume his [[robot mode]] and now having amnesia, Optimus continued his escape alone. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} As he leapt through an industrial complex, Optimus began experiencing visions, which led him one-by-one to Rattrap, Cheetor, and Blackarachnia, before leading them to a chamber deep within Cybertron, the access point for the powerful and legendary [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]]. As the other three Maximals watched, Primal entered into the bowels of the computer, within which he was granted visions he could not yet comprehend, including the prophetic statement that "the seeds of the future lie buried in the past". [[Reformatting|Reformatted]] by the Oracle, Primal emerged in a new, [[technorganic]] beast mode and urged the other dying Maximals to complete their "reformatting" as well. Shortly after this was achieved, the group was attacked by an underground army of Cycle Drones. During the ensuing fight, Primal plunged into a deep pit, but as he fell, was able to master the "art" of transformation and regain his [[robot mode]]. Flying out, Primal grabbed the nearest drone and demanded answers, but lost his concentration, causing him to revert to beast mode. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse resolute Primal.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|"Must destroy the techno-organic".]]]]
Primal began to teach the three other Maximals the lost art of transformation, which was mastered by achieving an inner calmness and finding their spiritual centers. Though Cheetor and Blackarachnia were successful right off the bat, Rattrap was unable to transform at all. The search for answers lead them to the [[Council Citadel]], where Optimus encountered the mastermind behind the empty Cybertron—Megatron! Megatron claimed he had united Cybertron into one unified machine controlled by his mind, and purged his beast form from himself, however the combination of the Maximals besting his [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones and Optimus's goading increased Megatron's rage until he involuntarily transformed into his dragon mode. Recovering quickly, Megatron gloated that he had done away with the millions of [[Transformer]]s inhabiting the planet, and Optimus demanded to know what he'd done with them all. Primal had to be dragged physically from the Citadel by the other Maximals, yelling Megatron's name as he went. Later, Optimus told the others that he blamed his own failure to stop Megatron for the downfall of Cybertron. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

[[File:FiresofthePast Optimus runs.jpg|left|thumb|Dull heroic running!]]
Investigation of the [[Cybertron Archives]] revealed that they'd been erased clean. Optimus was so furious, he singlehandedly trashed an entire phalanx of tank drones, and later lectured his troops for their poor performance in combat. When Rattrap and Blackarachnia risked their own lives consulting the logs on the shuttle they arrived in, only to be attacked by Megatron's new [[Vehicon General]]s, Optimus came to their aid with Cheetor, but was even more furious at the loss of the ship and the fact they'd endangered themselves. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}} With the memories of Silverbolt and Rhinox reawakened, Optimus promised to find their lost friends. Sensing a [[spark]], Optimus led his men on a search, only for them all to be captured when Rattrap used a transformation enhancer to transform, alerting the Vehicons to their location. Taken to the Citadel, the Maximals were able to break free. Primal reached out to [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s spark, turning the Vehicon General to their side so that he helped them escape the building. Unfortunately he didn't remain their ally for long, as Megatron was subsequently able to erase his memory and lock Optimus out. Optimus told the others that he had sensed something... familiar about the Vehicon's spark. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

[[File:ForbiddenFruit Optimus takes a bite.jpg|right|upright=1.45|thumb| But I wanted bananas! Oh well, these'll do.]]
The Maximals discovered that someone had survived Megatron's planet-wide purge, a Maximal named [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] who seemed to suffer from the same transformation lock virus that the Maximals had upon arrival. Nightscream led them to an underground tree he had been living off. Optimus told the other Maximals they should eat the fruit, but the fruit caused their beast instincts to overtake them. Complicating things, [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] picked this moment to attack. The Maximals snapped out of it when Cheetor destroyed the tree. Following the battle, Primal showed a new talent granted by the Oracle, reformatting Nightscream into a new, technorganic body. Optimus was critically weakened by the effort and requested the over-eager Cheetor to take command in his absence. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

During his rest, the other Maximals managed to drive Rattrap to Megatron's side. Optimus later convinced Rattrap to rejoin his friends, and reminded the others not to underestimate their comrade's strength in the face of adversity. {{storylink|The Weak Component}} The hunt for what happened to the inhabitants of Cybertron took another step when the Maximals discovered the empty shells of hundreds of Transformers, their sparks torn out. Inevitably Vehicon drones arrived and a battle began. The other Maximals became separated from Blackarachnia and were forced to search for her, even as it became obvious that the factory they were in was on the verge of exploding. After the found her, Optimus froze at the sight of the desparked bodies, anguished at all he'd allowed Megatron to do, and Cheetor was forced to take command from him in order to mount a retreat. As they fled, Blackarachnia revealed that the Vehicon Generals contained the sparks of their missing comrades. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}}

[[File:Revelations2 Optimus waves arms.jpg|left|upright=1.55|thumb|What? Apes throw poop, it's an instinct.]]
Optimus became increasingly withdrawn, demanding the other Maximals leave him alone and spending all of his time with the Oracle, experiencing visions. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Confused by what the Oracle was showing him, he nonetheless persevered, and was rewarded with a meeting with Rhinox in a vision. Unfortunately their talk did not go well, Rhinox siding with Megatron's ideal of a technological Cybertron and openly hostile to the idea of reintroducing the organic. Optimus awoke and rejoined his fellow Maximals, who had awakened Rhinox's spark within Tankor, only to find the same thing Optimus had—their old friend had changed. Primal confided to the others that he had realised the true mission which the Oracle intended for them to carry out: to make Cybertron wholly organic once more. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}}

While they were in search of the fruit tree Nightscream had originally lead them to, the Maximals were attacked by the Vehicons and Nightscream kidnapped. During the rescue, Nightscream discovered a cave lined with fossils, and Primal realised this proved that Cybertron was once organic. {{storylink|Survivor}} Optimus and Cheetor would continue to butt heads over what course of action they should take. The discovery of a [[organic goop|green goop]] from Cybertron's core which caused plants to spontaneously sprout appeared to justify Optimus's opinion they should concentrate on restoring the organic to the planet. When a subsequent attack by Tankor left Nightscream in a [[Living metal#Beast Era|technomatter]] state, more disagreement over the proper course of action ensued. They eventually stole a mole drone at great risk, and Optimus was able to guide it downwards, unleashing a torrent of green goo which cured everyone. Following the victory, Cheetor told Optimus that he refused to be treated like a kid any more, but grudgingly accepted Optimus's leadership. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:Catalyst Optimus eulogizes Rhinox.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Think this will pass for mistletoe?]]
Believing Tankor to be dead, the Maximals were finally able to hold a memorial for Rhinox. Tankor, however, still functioned and plotted to have Megatron use the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to purge all organic life from Cybertron. Hoping to force Megatron's hand, Tankor surreptitiously provided Rattrap with a catalyst to increase the plant growth, and Optimus and the other Maximals subsequently had to rescue Rattrap from the marauding vines. Though Optimus turned down Cheetor's suggestion that they use the rapidly-growing vines as a weapon, Cheetor went ahead and tried it anyway, almost spelling doom when the plan backfired. Quick work by Optimus saved the orchard, and he scolded Cheetor before breaking the news that he believed the Oracle had been tampered with. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:EndofLine technomattered Optimus.jpg|left|thumb|Evil evil MONKEY!]]
Despite the apparent tampering, Optimus continued to follow the Oracle's visions, leading the Maximals to the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], capable of wiping out everything technological on the planet. The Oracle had bestowed on Optimus the power to open the chamber, however Cheetor managed to talk him out of opening the chamber outright, and the Maximals set about finding a way to deactivate the Keys instead. Rattrap, hacking into Megatron's computer, was disabled by Tankor. Optimus sensed something was wrong and rushed in to confront Megatron directly. As the pair fought, Megatron revealed the defeat of the other Maximals, but Optimus wouldn't yield, attempting to reformat his opponent. Tankor arrived in time to use a Key to turn Optimus into technomatter, lecturing the Maximal on sporting behavior, only to be promptly captured by Megatron, who took the opportunity to gloat over Optimus. In desperation, the Maximal leader finally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber. At the same time, Megatron ordered his Tank drones to fire the Key, the energies released creating a planetwide storm. Optimus's body began to crumble before his eyes. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Optimus in Oracle.jpg|right|upright=1.45|thumb| Watch out! He'll start throwing barrels!]]
Though his body was destroyed, Primal's spirit was transported into the Matrix, the Transformers' afterlife. As he and Megatron fought in the void, he pondered if this was his destiny, to fight his nemesis for eternity. Before him, he saw the faces of his comrades, the Maximals, berate him for his poor leadership and near-genocidal behavior. He then found himself back on prehistoric Earth, where a red-eyed copy of Primal attacked him, scolding him for his fanatical behavior. Floating in space, he saw the collective sparks of Cybertron, who similarly warned him of the consequences of his choices. Awakening back in the maelstrom of energy, Primal used himself as a power conduit, taking advantage of his techno-organic body by channeling both plasma and key energies through himself and back into their respective sources before being blasted into atoms.

Meanwhile, the other Maximals journeyed downwards once more, speaking to Optimus via the Oracle. Primal refused to lead the Maximals, asking only for their forgiveness, but they merely told him there was nothing to forgive—without his guidance, they'd never have made it this far. Preparing to become one with the Allspark, Optimus realized his mistake: his mission was not to create an organic Cybertron, but to restore the balance between the technological and the organic. As he chose life and was returned to the other Maximals, the Oracle congratulated him for passing his greatest test. A forest of technorganic trees sprang up in the chamber around the Maximals, as the Oracle vanished.

[[File:SavageNoble Optimus contacts Megatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3| Okay, why did you come to ME for guidance?]]
Believing their next task was to find the missing sparks, the Maximals headed for the Council Citadel, only for a [[Grand Mal|giant head]] with the likeness of Megatron to hove into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} When the giant head failed to do anything, Optimus attempted to contact Megatron's spark directly, but received only confused images which didn't even come from a sentient mind. Meanwhile, the other Maximals had discovered two more beings roaming the city—an intelligent and sensitive wolf named [[Noble (BM)|Noble]] and a bestial dragon dubbed [[Savage]]. With Primal's help, they trapped Savage, only to discover that Savage and Noble were one and the same—a Transformer with two beast modes. Optimus vowed to do all he could to help their new friend. {{storylink|Savage Noble}}

Optimus ordered Noble and Nightscream remain outside the Council Citadel while he and the others ventured inside to look for clues to the lost sparks. His orders were, of course, disregarded, and it soon transpired that Noble was actually Megatron, attempting to access his control harness. After using a spark extractor on himself, Megatron took control of giant floating head, reactivating the drone armies and forcing the Maximals underground. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}} While rescuing Nightscream, who'd gone to try and find Noble, Optimus and Cheetor were pulled up to the floating head with a tractor beam. Megatron demanded information on the Oracle, attempting to take it from them by force, but they were rescued by Silverbolt, who has been reformatted from Jetstorm by Blackarachnia. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}

[[File:WolfintheFold Optimus and Silverbolt.jpg|thumb|right| I know it's hard not being a badass wolf anymore...]]
Though the Maximals were happy to have Silverbolt back, Optimus was reminded of the loss of Rhinox. Their introspection was interrupted by an attack—Megatron unleashed a variation of the [[Hate Plague]] on them, infecting all of the Maximals but Optimus, who was scooped up by the Megatron's floating head. Inside, Optimus and Megatron argued at length on the topic of free will versus the harmony of one mind. Seeing his Maximals furiously infighting, Optimus returned to them to try to quell their anger, only to be infected himself. Still, with his help, the Maximals were able to overcome the effects of the virus. Despite their success through teamwork, Primal believed that the virus had only magnified existing tensions in the group. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

Down in the [[technorganic orchard]], the plants were faring poorly and beginning to wither. Worried, Primal wondered if the orchard was to be in vain. When an extraterrestrial shuttle crashed into Cybertron, Optimus led the Maximals toward the site. Discovering organic matter inside, the team was attacked by a strange plant-creature which headed for the orchard. Following it there, Optimus reformatted the creature into a techno-organic plant. The plant introduced itself as [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a fellow Maximal scientist, and revealed that the only problem the orchard had was incorrect lighting. {{storylink|Home Soil}}

[[File:Sparkwar1 Optimus attacks.jpg|thumb|left|270px|Darn fireflies. Shoo! Shoo!]]
Optimus's depression about their inability to locate the missing sparks was interrupted by a vision, cluing him in to the fact that something was amiss. In fact, Megatron had taken two of the sparks and created two new Vehicon Generals, [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]], who subsequently almost bested the Maximals in combat. The timely intervention of Botanica allowed the Maximals to escape, but Optimus vowed not to let Megatron violate any more sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} Another vision lead Optimus to believe the sparks were being moved. He and Nightscream ventured deep underground to the lost great city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. There Optimus encountered a giant hologram of Optimus Prime, however it turned out to be a trick on the part of Megatron, who forcibly extracted the Oracle access codes from Primal. As Primal later revealed, he had allowed it to happen so that he could access Megatron's systems and find out the location of the missing sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

The Maximals infiltrated the Megatron's giant head, finally finding the lost sparks. They found themselves bound by metal tentacles as Megatron's spark began consuming their prize. Horrified, Optimus implored the sparks to resist, but to no avail. When Megatron killed Noble, Nightscream was moved to turn his sonic attack on Megatron, stopping their foe as he was on the verge of ripping the sparks from the Maximals' bodies. Megatron thus defeated, Rattrap managed to switch the plummeting Grand Mal to manual control, allowing Optimus to halt its descent. The Maximals later held a memorial for Noble and Primal gave a eulogy. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

[[File:BMEndgame2 Optimus spark power.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4| Barrier burst!]]
The Maximals celebrated Megatron's defeat, with Optimus assuring the others he could confirm Megatron was definitely dead through virtue of the link to the Oracle which the two shared. However Megatron was not dead, existing as a free-floating spark and though Primal initially welcomed Obsidian and Strika to the Maximal team, they abandoned the cause when Megatron turned up, trapped in a [[Diagnostic Drone]] thanks to Rattrap's handiwork. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Optimalmegatronoptimusprimal.jpg|left|thumb|"Yesss, I've skinned you and I'm wearing your head as a hat."]]
In control of the Grand Mal and the sparks within, the Maximals failed to convince Optimus they should give the sparks new bodies. He was worried it would leave the spark vulnerable to recapture by Megatron, and they needed to reformat Cybertron first. With Megatron back in control of the drone armies, the Maximals soon found themselves under siege in the giant head anyway. Rattrap's gamble to save Botanica's life backfired, leaving them vulnerable to the drones, who managed to penetrate the head's shields. Despite the best efforts of the Maximals, the ship plunged to the ground. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} Down, but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. Outnumbered, the Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Finally, Optimus was confronted by Megatron in a new form—a replica of Primal's own "Optimal Optimus" body—while the other Maximals had their sparks ripped from their bodies. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

{{quote|We must seek the balance, Megatron. Not only between the organic and the technological, but the balance between eternal enemies.|Optimus Primal|"Seeds of the Future"}}

Enraged, Optimus struck out at Megatron, and their battle raged across the city. As the moved from location to location, Optimus found the bodies of his Maximal friends, and found the technorganic orchard ravaged. Returning above ground, Megatron unveiled a huge throne, drawing all of the sparks into himself, despite Primal's protests. Megatron began to reformat Cybertron's core using the Key to Vector Sigma, but Optimus managed to distract him long enough to throw him off balance. Together, the two enemies plunged into the heart of Cybertron and ushered in the reformatting that returned the deactivated population to life and gave birth to the new, technorganic Cybertron. As the surviving Maximals looked out over their new home, Primal and the Oracle spoke to [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], and Primal departed with the words "Transform, and Transcend", as his Spark joined the Matrix. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{--}}

==Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===''Kiss Players''===
Optimus Primal, unbeknownst to him, had "[[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] fragments" (in actuality [[Angolmois Energy]]) at various stages of his life. The invisible [[Atari Hitotonari]] and [[Star Dust]] attempted to retrieve it while Optimus was locked in battle with Waspinator, but it was snatched away by [[Primus]] before the two could get a decent grip on it. {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 2}} This sequence of events would happen every time Atari would kiss other forms of Optimus to acquire the different fragments. {{Storylink|Kiss Players episode 45|Kiss Players #45}}

===''Cloud''===
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Optimus Primal encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]]. With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

During a later battle with the Decepticons, Hot Rodimus thought back to his time with the Maximals, including Optimus Primal. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

===''Beast Wars Diorama Story''===
[[File:BWDS 1.jpg|thumb|left|I'm ready to unleash my primal rage!]]
Some time after Starscream fled from prehistorical Earth, Optimus Primal and a group of Maximals, including [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and a time-displaced [[Colada]], battled a contingent of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] comprising [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], [[Archadis]], and [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]] in a forest. After all the Transformers transformed into robot mode, Megatron attacked Optimus Primal with the jaws of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. Primal blocked the attack with his dual Cyber Blades and then fought Megatron off with his Mega Blasters. {{storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Though Primal blocked his "Tyranno Fang" attack, Megatron was able to counter by shooting a "Laser Buster" from the mouth of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. {{storylink|Megatron Chapter}}

[[File:BWDS 11.jpg|thumb|Empirical evidence suggests... I'm a ''real'' animal.]]

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], who were all from another [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|universe]]. [[Tigatron]] and [[Gimlet]] also joined the battle, and the Autobots and Maximals teamed up against the combined Predacon and Decepticon forces. Primal and Prime punched Starscream at the same time and then shook hands to commemorate their accomplishment of teamwork. The Maximals and Ratchet looked upon with approval. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and battled Optimus Primal during the next infraction. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from the other universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Gimlet Chapter}}

Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. Optimus Primal battled the Predacon Megatron and then Blackout in the ensuing skirmish. The Maximals' savior came in the form of [[Motorarm (BW)|Motorarm]], who then went on to battle [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Primal battled Megatron and Blackout again, and the two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. With Motorarm leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

Later, through the power of energon, both Optimus Primal and Megatron attained the giant "Energon Power Mode". The energies coursing in their bodies granted both improved abilities and the two battled. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Diorama Story#TM-SP Character Data File|TM-SP Character Data File}}

===''Beast Wars II'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Burningconvoy.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|All these compliments are making me blush.]]

In order to counter the threat of [[Majin Zarak]], the injured [[Magnaboss (BWII)|Magnaboss]] activated an alien teleport gate and transported Optimus Primal from [[Earth|Energoa]] to [[Gaia]]. Upon arriving, Optimus helped the injured Maximal to his feet and immediately issued a challenge to the Predacon [[Emperor of Destruction]], [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]]: "You think you've won, but we won't be defeated. Let us settle this. Come to point B-2."

As the enraged Galvatron headed to point B-2 to meet the challenge, Optimus Primal found what was left of the soundly defeated [[Lio Convoy]], buried beneath tons of rock and debris after a crushing battle with Majin Zarak. Communicating to him via cyberspace, Primal encouraged his companion to muster up the fighting spirit needed to dig himself out and face Majin Zarak down a second time. Spurred by the words of the strange glowing stranger, Lio Convoy broke free from his tomb to be greeted by Magnaboss, who had dug out the other injured Maximals who had also been defeated.

Optimus Primal then made his grand, melodramatic entrance from atop a cliff with the sun to his back, bathing him in a holy glow. The Maximals stood in awe, regarding him as a "legendary commander". Joining forces with Lio Convoy, the pair of [[Supreme Commander]]s then went about developing a strategy to defeat Majin Zarak.

Point B-2 happened to be a narrow canyon, making Zarak's massive, bulky body useless in battle. With the beast trapped Optimus and Lio Convoy made their presence known, enraging Galvatron greatly to see two commanders, and Magnaboss swiftly defeated Zarak. After disarming Zarak Optimus commended Magnaboss but suddenly, Zarak began to transform on his own. Scuba then discovered that Majin Zarak is alive and Galvatron never had control of him to begin with. While [[Diver (BW)|Diver]] and Scuba researched for his weakness Optimus, Lio Convoy, Magnaboss, [[Bighorn]], [[Apache]] attacked him head on but their weapons were almost completely ineffective. However Diver and Scuba eventually learned that their foe had a third eye where all its nerve endings were clustered; a good hit in the eye would destroy the behemoth for good.

[[File:BWIIMovieMonkeyRidesLion.jpg|left|thumb|"The fiery ape shall ride a glowing lion" was by far the most misunderstood passage in the ''[[Covenant of Primus]]''.]]

As Majin Zarak closed in on them, Optimus Primal and Lio Convoy held hands, synchronized their [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]] and transformed themselves into Flash Lio Convoy and '''Burning Optimus Primal'''.<ref>"Burning Convoy" (バーニングコンボイ ''Bāningu Konboi'')</ref> Transforming to monkey mode, Burning Optimus Primal jumped onto Flash Lio Convoy's lion mode's back and rode his buddy up to Majin Zarak's face. Leaping off his back, he then transformed back to robot mode and landed a mighty robot punch into Zarak's third eye. Weakened by the blow, Zarak was rendered immobile. Burning Optimus Primal and Flash Lio Convoy then hovered together and with the power of their twin Energon Matrices unleashed the "Double Matrix Blaster". The absurdly powerful attack blew straight through Zarak's head, causing the monster to explode and die.

With the battle won, Optimus Primal returned to the alien teleport gate and asked to be sent home. The Maximals didn't want him to leave, but he insisted that he still had a Beast War on Energoa to win. He then assured them that they were all such good soldiers, they didn't need his help to win their war, ensuring them they were more than capable of winning their war on their own. As Optimus went through the gate, the Maximals then destroyed the device behind him so that its power could never be used to destroy the universe ever again. {{storylink|Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!}}
{{--}}

===''Robotmasters'' comic===
[[File:Robot Masters comic Blastizone.jpg|thumb]]
After a suspicious period of inactivity during the Beast Wars, Optimus Primal personally went out to seek [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and found the [[Blastizone]], which took him to Earth in the year [[2004]]. Emerging from the time-space distortion, Primal found [[R-Blade]] under attack from [[Decepticon]]s. Their banter revealed to Primal that Megatron was in this time period, and the Maximal scared the Decepticons away. {{storylink|To War! Optimus Primal}} Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime would soon meet up, facing Beast Megatron in the meantime. {{Storylink|The New Battle Begins!}} Optimus Primal later teamed up with [[Bound Rogue]] and helped defend [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] from [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and other Decepticons. At the end of the battle, Primal joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots. {{storylink|Bonds Stronger than Steel}}

[[File:Starsaber robotmasters minicomic.jpg|thumb|left]]

Later, Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime attempted to push Gigant Bomb and Smokesniper away from Bound Rogue and Mirage. Their efforts did little, as Gigant Bomb was powered by a piece of solitarium in his chest. Star Saber and Victory Leo soon came to the rescue, slicing the solitarium piece into two and sending the Decepticon duo into retreat. The two new Autobots then joined the Optimuses in their struggle against Megatron. {{Storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}}

The Autobots developed the "[[Black body (technology)|black body]]" upgrade, which would allow them to safely absorb [[solitarium]] as a power source. Optimus Primal volunteered to be first in line for the process, but Optimus Prime would not have his soldiers take the risk before he would. Something did go wrong with the upgrade, as the Decepticons had managed to replace some of the process's data. This led to Optimus Prime needing to isolate himself so as to not drain his soldiers dry of their energy.

When the Predacon Megatron, also empowered by a "black body" upgrade, attacked the Autobots, Optimus Primal puzzled out that the corrupted version of the black body upgrade had no ill effects on transformers with "beast" physiology such as him and his rival. He applied the upgrade to himself, and took off to rescue Optimus Prime from his volatile state. Optimus Primal siphoned the excess solitarium from Prime's body, allowing the Autobot leader to return to his troops. Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime then defeated the Predacon Megatron together. {{storylink|Black Body (prose)|Black Body}}

[[File:RM online 10.jpg|thumb]]

On a tip from [[Sideways (RM)|Sideways]], Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime were led by [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] to a [[solitarium]] horde on [[Chaar]]. However, Double Face turned out to be with the Decepticons and had set up a trap for the Autobots at the solitarium. The Autobots survived, but the Decepticons ran off with the solitarium. {{storylink|Defend the Solitarium!}} Later, in [[2005]], Optimus Primal joined R-Blade and [[Delta Seeker]] in an aerial patrol. They came across Starscream, [[X-Gunner]], and [[Wingstun]], who challenged the Autobots to a race. Optimus Primal proved to be the slowest competitor, but the race was won by R-Blade. {{storylink|Through Sea and Sky: The World's Fastest Race}} Optimus Primal later intervened with Optimus Prime when a confused [[Lio Convoy]] attacked [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]]. Once Lio Convoy was convinced of the good nature of the Autobots of the time, the four [[Supreme Commander]]s used the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and the [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]] to attack and send the Decepticons fleeing. {{Storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

When [[Reverse Convoy]] was rescued by the Autobots and claimed to have been attacked by the [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|original Megatron]] at [[Sherman Dam]], Optimus Primal joined Optimus Prime, Reverse Convoy, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and Victory Leo to Sherman Dam to confirm Reverse Convoy's story. {{Storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} It turned out to be a Decepticon trap, and the five were incapacitated. To lure the other Autobots to the Dam, Reverse Convoy sent out an SOS call, which [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and Lio Convoy answered. Reverse Convoy shortly revealed himself to be Rebirth Megatron, the original Megatron reborn! Nevertheless, Star Saber freed the bound Autobots and Rebirth Megatron destroyed the Dam to cover his escape. {{Storylink|The Dark Emperor of Destruction, Reborn}} Rebirth Megatron joined with Beast Megatron and the two led a force to make one final attack on the Autobots for more solitarium. The battle went on for three days and three nights till the Megatrons were finally defeated. With the power of solitarium, Optimus Primal and Beast Megatron returned to their rightful time. {{Storylink|And Then}}
{{--}}

===''Generations Selects Special Comic''===
In the [[Precursor World]], Star Convoy did battle with [[King Poseidon]]. Through the power of the [[Silver Matrix]], he connected with the future Supreme Commanders he had met during the [[Robotmasters (franchise)|solitarium conflict]]—Lio Convoy, Star Saber, and Optimus Primal. With their strength feeding his own, Star Convoy healed his wounds and was revitalized. {{storylink|Seacons comic 5}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Before his death in the core of Cybertron, Optimus Primal somehow learned that Rhinox's spirit had moved into the [[Legends World]] and shared this information with Cheetor, who would send a search party after the war was over.

At some point, the [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] of [[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|another universe]] retold the story of Primal's final battle with Megatron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Rattrap}}

===''Beast Wars Reborn''===
[[File:BeastWarsRebornMegatronArtwork1.jpg|left|thumb|Rebirth control.]]
After their death in the core of Cybertron, both Megatron and Optimus Primal awoke inside a bizarre temple-like spaceship which was hurtling through space. Neither had any memory of who they were or how they got there, only of their own names and a feeling of discomfort between one another. The pair went about investigating the ship in search of answers. While Megatron's memory was lost, his personality remained mostly intact: he was more concerned with seizing control of the ship before Primal did in order to gain the upper hand.

They eventually found a data log and discovered that their sparks had been taken and they were reborn into new bodies (unbeknownst to them, bodies identical to their original forms). However, their memories were intentionally not uploaded into their new bodies. While searching the log they discovered that the ship's main power source was a [[Golden Disk (BWR)|Golden Disk]] lodged within a giant pillar. Megatron immediately raced to obtain the Disk and Primal followed him. The closer they got to the disk, the more the ship attempted to thwart their advance by manipulating its atmospheric conditions.

Once they reached the chamber, the ship's environment suddenly morphed to that of a decaying planet littered with the corpses of robots. The corpses came to life and began shambling toward them, intent on eating their sparks. They made short work of the zombies, leaving Megatron to obtain the Golden Disk and Primal with a feeling that he shouldn't entirely trust Megatron. This was confirmed quite quickly when Megatron discovered a part of the ship capable of turning anything—or anyone—into pure [[antimatter]] and announced his intention to use it as a weapon. (Also, Primal somehow got [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#G2reissue|the Laser body]] of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#G-2 story pages and pack-in manga|his predecessor]] after Megatron started fiddling with the ship's computer.) As the two of them prepared to fight, a strange Transformer interrupted them, causing the entire ship to shut itself off (and giving Primal his old body back in the process). This Transformer introduced himself as [[Logos Prime|Soundblaster]], announcing that the ship's power over space and time was his own—and that he wished to pass it to Megatron.

From another dimension beyond time and space, [[Primus]] recognized that something was amiss and sent [[Vector Prime]] to meet Primal and Megatron within the spaceship. {{storylink|The Mysterious Temple in Space}} He arrived just in time to confront Soundblaster. Referring to him by his true name of Logos Prime, Vector Prime questioned the Ancient's motives, only for Soundblaster to repeat his intention of passing his powers to Megatron. {{storylink|Master of the Game}}

[[File:Animatron form Optimus Megatron.jpg|thumb|right]]

Optimus tried to take down Soundblaster in response, only for his attack to prove ineffective against his opponent's infrasonic wave counter-attack. Soundblaster then declared that a rite of succession would take place in order for his power to be passed on. The details of the rite were contained on the Golden Disk, which Optimus snatched away before Soundblaster could finish his explanation. Soundblaster then restored both Optimus and Megatron's memories, and warped the two competitors down onto an [[Jungle Planet (colony)|organic planet]]. Optimus first mistook the place for Earth, but the appearance of [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] duking it out with a [[Bear Transformer]] changed his mind on the matter. Optimus readied himself to join the tussle, only to be slammed away by Scourge's tail. Fighting unconsciousness, Optimus was approached by [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]]. {{Storylink|Planetfall (BWR)|Planetfall}}

After explaining his origins to Backstop, Optimus Primal was brought to the [[Rectangular Valley]] temple, where he analyzed the Golden Disk with the attending priests' technology. Megatron would make an appearance a few days later in a new body adapted to their new universe's [[Cyber Key|properties]]. Primal had a plan for himself, borrowing Animatron's [[Cyber Planet Key]] from the local viceroy, Optimus Primal used its power to evolve into a new Animatronian form that could access the [[Zeonomicon]] left behind for Soundlaster's successor. The two nemeses rushed to the obelisk where the successor would have to lay the Golden Disk to become the inheritor of the Ancient's powers. Both vanished from sight of the others in the battle, but Backstop believed that the dawn of a new day signaled who won out. {{Storylink|The Extraordinary Reformat}}

===''Kiss Players''===
Upon meeting the lost [[Shaoshao Li]] on his universe's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] noted that [[Logos Prime]] had brought two Transformers from Shaoshao's [[G1 World|world]] to this universe a long time ago. It was prudent for Shaoshao to find how they may have returned to their native universe, as she needed to return the [[Angolmois Energy|"Allspark" fragments she collected]] to ensure its future. {{storylink|Kiss Players episode 50|Kiss Players #50}}

==3H comics==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English)}}
Some time after Optimus Primal's rebirth as a Transmetal, [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]] arrived on prehistoric [[Earth]] in search for an artifact. Optimus was called in to assist the other Maximals in subduding the Predacon. She eventually ran out of power and collapsed. Before he could have a look at the mysterious assailant, Optimus was knocked out by Megatron, who abducted Antagony. {{storylink|Visitations}}

[[File:Terminus-OptimalOptimus.jpg|thumb|right]]
When another traveler from Antagony's time came, Megatron engineered a battle between his Predacons and Optimus Primal's Maximals so that he could personally investigate. Realizing Megatron's intentions, Optimus followed him into a cavern that contained [[Unicron]]'s [[Dark Essence]]. The time traveler, [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], was soon possessed by the Dark Essence, and it used its powers to play with both Maximal and Predacon alike. However, thanks to the [[Cub]] and the [[Swoop (G1)|Veteran]] within Windrazor, the Dark Essence was expelled, but the future possessor of the Dark Essence, [[Shokaract]], arrived right after from the 32nd century. {{storylink|Paradox}} The Maximals' efforts against Shokaract were of little consequence and Optimus Primal in particular had a hole blasted in his chest, although he survived. Optimus watched as many warriors from various timelines and dimensions, such as [[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] and the [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]], arrived to [[Point Omega]] to battle the threat. While the Covenant battled the Dark Essence within Shokaract, Optimus Primal joined the others on the physical plane in distracting the demigod; with Shokaract's attention elsewhere, the Covenant were successful at separating the Dark Essence from Shokaract, destroying the warlord's timeline and erasing the battle and its build-up from existence in the process. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Apelinqseemsfamiliar.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Like many beasts, Primal often has trouble recognizing himself in mirrors.]]

Some time after his return to Cybertron and his subsequent [[reformatting]], Optimus Primal recovered the [[Deployer (BM)|Deployer]] combat drones with [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]. They were cornered by [[Tank Drone]]s, but were saved with the intervention of [[Ramulus]], who had a dislike of Optimus for "abandoning" him on Earth, and [[Primal Prime]]. He soon met with Apelinq, whom he felt a familiarity with and who explained Point Omega and their presence to Optimus. They all went before the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and Optimus Primal met the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]] and the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]]. He was elated at the existence of more free Cybertronians, but the Oracle deemed that he had seen too much and wiped Optimus Primal and Nightscream's memories of the others. The Oracle ordered Apelinq to return them to their base, which he did so. {{Storylink|Departure}}

[[File:Csoptimusprimalu2.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Look, up in the sky! It's... an ape?]]

As the denizens of post-Vehicon [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] just began to settle into their peaceful, [[technorganic]] world that Optimus Primal had given his life to create, [[Unicron]] unexpectedly struck from afar. He teleported several [[Transformer]]s into himself, a handful of the countless victims across the [[multiverse]] whom he pitted against each other in order to harvest their [[energon radiation]] and, eventually, [[spark]]s. Damaged in some unknown battle and trapped between dimensions, Unicron sought to revitalize himself in this fashion.

Deep within Cybertron, [[Primus]] and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] summoned Optimus Primal back from the dead and sent him on a raid to free Unicron's captives. {{storylink|Abduction}} Once inside the Chaos-Bringer, he found allies in the form of a [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and even a [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] from variant timelines. {{storylink|OTFCC Live-Action Drama}} He also found himself discolored by sinister [[Unicron virus|radiation]] that threatened not only his body, but also his spark. Nevertheless, he was quite successful in his mission, battling Unicron's [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions]] until he had freed dozens of abductees. Then, still within Unicron, he sent them back to their home dimensions by the power of prayer.

Returning to Cybertron, Primal was glad for his victory, but he wondered if his own resurrection could bring about Megatron's return as well. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} More pressingly, Primal was unable to convince the [[Maximal High Council]] that any of this was actually ''happening'', so he ended up turning to the dead for new troops. Primus gave him a selection of fallen warriors to choose from, and he picked [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. They were to launch more raids within Unicron while an orbital defense platform was being constructed above Cybertron. But Depth Charge refused to take part in more violence, so Alpha Trion took a cue from Unicron and transported [[Omega Prime]] into their universe to fight in his place. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

[[File:Primal FPUnivBio.jpg|thumb|left|"Did I say ''Matrix'' of Purification? I meant Fist."]]

Optimus Primal took Omega Prime and others on raids within Unicron's internal "prison cities", freeing more captives. Primal then embarked on an even more proactive venture, leading teams to other universes in anticipation of Unicron's strikes and setting up defensive measures before the Chaos-Bringer could gather more victims. Despite gaining more followers in this process, Primal and other veterans were being worn down by Unicron's corruptive influence. Certainly, those who had been abducted and reformatted by Unicron were affected, but some (such as Primal himself) who had been exposed to Unicron's nanotech virus and its accompanying radiation were also suffering. In order to avert madness and death, Primus [[Reformatting|reformatted]] Primal and several of his [[Cheetor (BW)|comrades]]. Not only was his new form immune to the virus and radiation, but it also possessed the [[Matrix of Purification]], which could heal others of Unicronian corruption.

[[File:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|right|thumb|It's 11:00pm. Do you know where your Beast Wars cast is?]]

Months passed as the competing armies grew, their battles raging on a level comparable to the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|Great Wars]]. Cybertron itself remained stable, but only for a time. The planet fell victim to a massive invasion, later called "the [[Culling]]", in which Unicron's Minions swept across the globe in a killing frenzy, with the sparks of their victims feeding the Chaos-Bringer. Primal's army fended the invaders off, but, in the chaotic aftermath, Primal's earlier fears were realized as [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] returned to lead the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s back to glory. He initially fought Primal, but he eventually called a truce to better face their common foe. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|Optimus Primal's profile in Club magazine #9}}

Continued raids saved many more captives and brought the Minions to near-defeat. Then as one raiding party including Primal and Omega Prime battled their way out, Unicron suddenly began to disappear. The raiders rapidly teleported away, but Omega Prime did not materialize with the rest. He was pulled in mid-teleport by [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] into the Cybertron of the [[Unicron Singularity]], which had been the cause of the Unicron-war Unicron's disappearance. Presumably Optimus Primal made it back to his own universe safely, but this is unconfirmed. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

===''Wings Universe''===
In [[Primax 509.28 Epsilon|another universe]], another [[Apelinq (BM)#Wings Universe|Apelinq]] had visions of the great battle known as [[Point Omega]]. He saw Optimus Primal, whom he did not recognize. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

==Razorclaw continuity==
In one splinter timeline which diverged from [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] shortly after Optimus Primal's death, Primal was not resurrected, and his remaining Maximals except for Tigatron and Airazor were killed by the Predacons. {{storylink|ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} This timeline's [[Tigerhawk]], who later became the evil [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], hated the memory of his constituents' commander, and this carried over to the [[Universe War]] wherein he fought [[Primax 797.18 Epsilon|another universe]]'s Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}}

==''Robotmasters'' 3D diorama manga==
[[File:RM 3D Optimus Primal Starscream.jpg|thumb|left]]
Optimus Primal was part of an [[Autobot]] force helping in construction at [[Athens]] in preparation of the [[Olympics]]. [[Gigant Bomb]] and [[Smokesniper]], sent by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], attacked, but the two [[Decepticon]]s soon discovered that they were outnumbered. After turning themselves over to the Autobots for mercy, they were put to work in helping out Athens. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 1}}

While on a mission in the [[Congo]], Optimus Primal received a message from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] about a strange frequency detected in the jungle. Investigating, Primal found [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] building a Decepticon airbase. After using vines to tie up Starscream, Optimus Primal used his Blast Jet Pu~nch on him, thwarting his dastardly plot. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 2}}

Primal borne witness to [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Reverse Convoy]]'s arrival at the Autobot base and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] chasing after him to stop him from revealing the location of the secret Decepticon base. Primal joined in the fight against Starscream, but it was Reverse Convoy who ultimately sent him fleeing. At the conclusion of the battle, Reverse Convoy agreed to lead the Autobots to the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 9}} It turned out that Reverse Convoy was the reborn G1 Megatron and that he led the Autobot leaders to a trap that sapped them of their energies. Thankfully, they were saved by the intervention of [[Lio Convoy]] and another [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. Together with the new Optimus Prime's Galaxy Cannon, G1 Optimus Prime, Lio Convoy, [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]], and Optimus Primal blasted away the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 11}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 5}}}}

==''Robotmasters'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Yūto Kazama]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:RM Optimus Primal.jpg|thumb|I can manipulate Lightning!]]

Optimus Primal chased Megatron into a time warp to Earth in 2004. There, he met and joined forces with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] during a battle against Megatron and his Decepticons. Together, the Optimuses performed a special attack, a massive energon whirlwind called the "Double Convoy Tornado" to force the malevolent robots away. {{storylink|Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!}}

Optimus Primal was later part of an Autobot force battling the Decepticons in a city. When he was assisted by a new arrival, [[Reverse Convoy]], Optimus Primal met him for introductions, and the Convoy explained that he wanted to assist in the fight against Megatron. However, Reverse Convoy soon shot [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] out of the sky and revealed himself to be [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rebirth Megatron]]. Optimus Primal was shocked, and Rebirth Megatron joined forces with Beast Megatron, creating the Double Megatron Tornado to counter the Double Convoy Tornado. But the Autobot tornado emerged victorious with the addition of Lio Convoy's Lio Typhoon Arrow, creating the Triple Convoy Tornado Link attack and sending the Megatrons into retreat. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (episode)|Lio Convoy Storms In}}
{{--}}

==Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity==
On the trip back to Cybertron at the conclusion of the Beast Wars, Optimus Primal dozed off, but was woken up by Rattrap talking in his sleep. Primal asked Rattrap if he was okay, and he replied that it wasn't anything to be concerned about. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
Optimus reflected on the events that had taken them through the Beast Wars to their current situation, riding aboard an Autobot shuttlecraft through transwarp, and made a speech to his Maximals about sticking together. Little did he know that a Transwarp agitator had been placed on the shuttle by a new team on Predacons hiding on Earth. The device caused Optimus and the rest of the Maximals to act aggressively towards one another. The only one unaffected was Rattrap, who was experiencing troubles of a different sort; he was being plagued by visions of Maximals he had supposedly "abandoned" on Earth. In response to the rodent's own unusual behavior, Optimus tried to force him in the C.R. Chamber with excessive force. Rattrap got away from him and managed to deactivate the ship's Transwarp drive, annulling the effects of the Transwarp agitator. Unfortunately, this also returned their ship to prehistoric Earth. Worse yet, Megatron took advantage of the situation and escaped his bonds from atop of the shuttle, and melted a hole into its bulkhead to attack the Maximals within. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

==''Transformers Legends'' anthology==
Following the explosion of the Planet Buster, Optimus Primal found himself in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]], where he encountered [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], an [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] from a [[Unicron Trilogy|different universe]], and a future version of himself. The four of them were able to overcome the alternate Prime's doubts about his leadership, before they all returned to the time streams from whence they came. Optimus Primal repeated the whole thing again much later, after his destruction facing Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] on Cybertron. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

Much later, while angsting over the way the Predacons had used him to access the Ark, Optimus Primal failed to notice [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] flying overhead to deliver a device to the Maximal base. He was alerted a short time later when the device whipped up tensions in the Maximal ranks, causing them to fight amongst themselves. Primal fell prey to it for a brief period of time, but his recent experiences with mind control enabled him to overcome it and he was able to free his fellow Maximals from its grip before leading them in fighting off Megatron. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

While Megatron was being guided through the afterlife by Rhinox, he beheld a vision of himself slaughtering his allies and foes alike, Optimus Primal among them. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity==
[[File:BWGatherOptimalOptimus.jpg|thumb|left]]
The 'bot that would one day call himself "Optimus Primal" was aboard the ''Axalon'', along with the rest of its original crew, tasked with performing orbital scans of Cybertron. All the while, he had to put up with teasing from one of his [[Rattrap (BW)|subordinates]], who took to razzing him about his "Optimus Primey" look and behavior. The crew's survey yielded Transmatter energy signatures coming from the head of [[Unicron]], in orbit around the planet. Upon their approach, they detected a whole lot of activity within the satellite; several units evacuating a concealed base. The ship's captain had just enough time to order his crew to activate their shield before a Transmatter bomb erupted out of the satellite, and the Axalon accidentally came to meet its path. The ship avoided damage thanks to its shields, and the bomb was deflected away from the planet. Some Transmatter debris did reach Cybertron however, and all those touched by it were reduced to protoforms. A few of these unfortunates were later entrusted to the crew of the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

Though the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard computers originally suggested that Optimus Primal take on a bat as an [[alternate mode]], he knew that such a form would be insufficient to combat Megatron. Optimus Primal chose a more powerful gorilla form instead. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed various events of the Beast Wars, he witnessed several key moments involving Optimus Primal. Among them was Optimus's duel with Dinobot on the stone bridge leading to the Maximal base, and the events leading to Optimus's transformation into the Optimal Optimus body. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Some time after Depth Charge arrived on Earth, Optimus somehow felt the presence of [[Razorbeast]], [[Optimus Minor]], and [[Snarl (BW)|Snarl]] as they sneaked aboard the Ark, even though they were [[Chronal phase|chronically displaced]]. Optimus explained to Rhinox and Cheetor that he felt something familiar, yet wrong... Unable to feel the presence as Optimus did, Rhinox convinced him that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}
{{--}}

==Waspscream continuity==
In [[Primax 208.06 Zeta]], Megatron's Predacons were aided by the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from [[Primax 206.15 Gamma]], resulting in all the Maximals, including Optimus Primal, being defeated. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}}

==''Timelines''==
[[File:Optimusprimalbwtimelines.jpg|right|thumb|Pre-fur Primal, Maximal nobody.]]
Optimus Primal was a veteran of the last [[Great War (BW)|Great War]], one waged between the Maximals and the Predacons. He was a distinguished graduate of the [[Maximal Military Academy]], where he was a diligent student of the accomplishments of past generations, both militaristic and scientific. {{Storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|Optimus Primal's bio}}

Captain of the ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus Primal and his crew had been stuck on a space station for weeks while awaiting [[Rampage (BW)|additional cargo]]. Finally, they were leaving and ready to return to embarking on their mission of exploration, but the [[Maximal Defense Command Center]] had a different idea. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] had been stolen by [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], and Optimus Primal's ship was closest to intercept.

They closed in on Megatron's stolen ship, the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', but the ''Axalon'' suddenly came under attack by a [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|second Predacon ship]]. The odds were evened again by the arrival of another Maximal ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', which was crewed by its [[Airazor (BW)|Maximal owner]] and [[Tigatron|Unit 2]], a member of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]]. Both of these ships were ultimately destroyed, but Primal ordered the Maximals on board the ''Chromia 10'' be [[Spark core transfer|downloaded]] into [[blank]] [[stasis pod]]s to save their lives. The ''Axalon'' subsequently resumed its pursuit of the ''Darksyde''.

Via transmission, Megatron taunted Optimus Primal and his crew. The ''Darksyde'' opened a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal and jumped through. The ''Axalon'' followed. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

Later, once the Beast Wars were underway, Optimus Primal was accompanied by Airazor on a mission to stop the Predacons from launching an orbital weapon that could attack anywhere on the planet's surface. The pair rendezvoused with Cheetor and Rhinox, and took on Megatron and his Predacons. Thanks to Airazor, the launch of the satellite failed. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

==''Wings Universe''==
After Primal's death and the Great Transformation, Cheetor felt lost and meditated hard in an attempt to reach his leader via the Oracle. Cheetor instead met [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] and became Alpha Trizer. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} In [[2984]] as Alpha Trizer was engaged in combat against the [[Star Seeker]]s, the face of his mentor Optimus Primal flashed through his mind. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

==The Protector==
===''Robots in Disguise'' toy bio===
[[File:Air-attack-optimus-primal.jpg|right|thumb]]
After the conclusion of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], while on their way back to their home time, the Maximals' shuttle was struck by temporal interference waves caused by the time-displaced [[Ravage (G1)#Story of Binaltech|Ravage]]'s alteration of history in the year 2005 of [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]]. Caught in the disruption, the shuttle and its crew were essentially "split" in two—one version of them continued home to Cybertron and battled Megatron for all the sparks of Cybertron, but one version wound up in the "[[BT World]]", the parallel universe Ravage's meddling had created. In this parallel world, the ship was observed by [[Unicron]] and blown to pieces, scattering Optimus, his crew, and Megatron into Transwarp space—temporal anomalies without a home. {{Storylink|Outlier (comic)|Outlier}}

Megatron found himself in the future time period of [[Viron 102.0 Beta]], where he joined forces with [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] to conquer that timeline's Cybertron. The guardians of causality known as the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]], a race of hyper-evolved Autobots from 900,000 years in the future, sought to give the lost Primal a purpose, and secretly directed him, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to Viron 102.0 Beta. There, they communed with him through the Oracle and guided him in stopping Megatron's schemes. In the war against Megatron that followed, Optimus took numerous forms; his final upgrade was into a flight-capable "Air Attack" body, so that he could battle the airborne "Megahead" form his arch-enemy had taken. Primal and his Maximals ultimately triumphed over Megatron, but Cryotek then took up his ally's ambition, seeking not just the ''domination'' of all sparks, but their outright destruction. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

Horrified to witness the results of Cryotek's horrendous experiments to replace sparks with physical operating systems, Primal—having already realized that there was a greater power behind the Oracle—petitioned the Alternity directly to send him after Cryotek, who had used Transwarp technology to escape to 21st century Earth and joined forces with the native Predacon leader [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]]. The Alternity agreed to his request, if he would join the ranks of their elite agents, the [[Protector]]s, in return. Primal accepted, and was sent to Earth with the former Spychanger [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage GT]] to serve as his guide. To reduce the risk of a time paradox, however, the Alternity had made it so that Primal's form while in the past was incorporeal, able to assume a physical aspect only to direct engage Cryotek. In this ghostly form, he served as a "spirit guide" to the native [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and helped him defeat the Megatron Megabolt-controlled [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], before the pair finally succeeded in defeating both Megatron and Cryotek. {{storylink|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Robots in Disguise (2001)|Air Attack Optimus Primal toy bio}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

His personal mission complete, Primal ascended into the ranks of the Protectors, and began combating threats to time and space all across the multiverse. For his first mission, he helped hunt down the Beast of Time, the [[Hytherion]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

===Controverse===
[[File:Controverse primal and elita.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5]]
The Alternity dispatched Optimus Primal and [[Arcee (Energon)|Elita Five]] to observe the trial of the ancient alien genius [[Primacron]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]]. {{storylink|Controverse}} The Alternity suspected Primacron of having created the Hytherion, though this theory was proven incorrect.

In the course of the trial, Primacron became aware of dimensions unlike his own, where robotic life was supposedly created by a [[Primus|divine being]]. After studying several such universes, Primacron concluded that such a thing could not possibly be true, and started attacking them instead. Primal and his fellow Protectors raced to stop the experiment, standing against Primacron's assault, but the power of the alien's [[Solduron]] exo-armor was too much for Primal to bear, and his body was destroyed completely. Fortunately, having had some experience as a non-corporeal being after his own "death" during the Beast Wars, Primal was able to maintain the cohesion of his consciousness, and succeeded in talking Primacron down. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

===''Story of Binaltech''===
[[File:AltNemesisPrimeArt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5]]
It was as a disembodied spark that Primal was charged with his most important mission: to ensure the very existence of the Alternity itself. The BT World, he learned, was the world from which the Alternity originated, but its existence was in danger as a result of the native Autobots of 2005 attempting to use the chronal energy of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] to undo the alteration of history that Ravage had wrought. The result was the unravelling of space and time itself—a maelstrom through which Primal's spark materialized, arriving in [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s laboratory, where he immediately possessed a black [[Binaltech (technology)|Binaltech]] body frame created by the doctor in the image of Optimus Prime. Primal proceeded to teleport to Dinobot Island, where he used the enhanced powers the Alternity had provided him to manipulate its chronal energy, accomplishing both objectives simultaneously: the restoration of the original timeline, and the preservation of the "BT World" as its own distinct parallel universe. In the wake of this great event, Primal met up with Optimus Prime's Autobots, and was able to drop a few cryptic hints about the future that awaited them before the personality data Arkeville had programmed into the black Prime body shell finally asserted itself, forcing Primal's spark out of the body. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

Some time later, at the same time as the Autobots were trying to shut down the rogue Binaltech projects happening around the world, they also began a series of experiments under Primal's direction that would eventually lead to their evolution into the Alternity. Chief among these was the [[Timaeus Project]], which would generate the [[Alternium]] the Alternity's bodies were composed of. While [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] was participating in that project, the Autobots prepared to transfer Primal's spark into a Binaltech body to restore him to mobility. Unfortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] remotely took control of the [[Autosoldier]] frame before Primal's spark could be downloaded into it, and the Autosoldiers began to run amok inside [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. Arcee attempted to come to Primal's aid, but when she exited the Timaeus Project's high-speed racetrack without initiating proper slowdown procedures, her body was crushed by the kinetic energy. In her unconscious state, Primal spoke directly to her spark, telling her to forget about him and to instead protect the project and its scientists, so vital were they were to the future. Reluctantly, Arcee did so, allowing the Shockwave-controlled Autosoldiers to make off with Primal's spark. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 3}}

The Autobots regrouped and went after Shockwave's agents, tracking Nemesis Prime and the Decepticons to Australia. Optimus Prime faced off against Nemesis Prime. but Prime found himself outmatched by Nemesis Prime's power, augmented by a synthetic Matrix he had created. During the battle, Arcee liberated Primal from the Decepticons, and he then merged his spark with Optimus Prime—something Prime [[Optimal Situation|had vague memories of experiencing previously]]. The power resulting from this fusion enabled Optimus Prime to deflect Nemesis Prime's attack, ultimately destroying the clone. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 4}}

In the aftermath of the battle, the Protector was given a new Binaltech body, a replica of Nemesis Prime's form. He joined the Autobots in defending the [[Earth Defense Command]] Space Center when it came under attack by [[Decepticharge]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Optimus Primal, recognizing his friend, attempted to stop the battle between her and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]]. However, [[Carly]] came to the rescue by using the [[Psychedevice]] to evolve into a telepathic entity that cured Grimlock and Blackarachnia's mental afflictions. Reacquainting with Blackarachnia, the Protector explained that he felt a responsibility to her to reunite her with their friends, since he helped maintain the timeline she was trapped in. {{storylink|Outlier (comic)|Outlier}}

===''Alternity''===
Following the Decepticons' defeat in Australia, the alien [[Quintesson]]s placed a [[quadrant lock]] on Earth's [[Star system|solar system]] in order to trap the powerful Binaltech Autobots. This lock left Primal unable to leave the dimension, and he remained on Earth for the next 900,000 years (though only a few months passed inside the quadrant lock), watching as the Autobots steadily evolved into the Alternity and then broke the lock.

When the Alternity became aware of the [[Planicron]]s, a race of two-dimensional beings who were attempting to become higher-dimensional life-forms, they concluded that the gateway through which they needed to pass in order to evolve themselves was located somewhere on the BT World. Primal and Grimlock met the Alternity envoys who arrived on the planet, and informed them that they had located the doorway: it was the circuit diagram for the [[Critias Gate]], a super-dimensional reactor the Autobots had been experimenting with at the same time as the Timaeus Project. With a little help from [[Vector Prime]], the gate was set up and the Planicrons passed through it, evolving into higher-dimensional beings and taking the Alternity's place as the defenders of time and space. {{storylink|Alternation}}

The last that Vector Prime knew, the Flaternity and the Protectors were still adapting to their new circumstances. Vector Prime believed that Optimus Primal would rise to whatever duty fate gave him. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

==A Change to the Agenda==
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Optimus Primal and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Optimus Primal's life would take [[Optimus Primal (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

==Games==
===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Optimus Primal.jpg|frame|Back in 1999, you thought these graphics were awesome! ADMIT IT!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}

The Beast Wars seemed over, but the captured Megatron had prepared for such a situation and was able to send a message to his past self via transwarp, causing history to be altered! These rewritten Beast Wars came to an end when Optimus led a final strike against the Predacon forces. The battle was hard-fought, resulting in tragic casualties on both sides, but ended with Megatron's capture.

After Megatron was secured to the outside of an Autobot escape shuttle, the remaining Maximals were on their way to return to Cybertron. Unfortunately, the captured Megatron had prepared for such a situation and was able to send a message to his past self via transwarp, causing history to be altered! These rewritten Beast Wars came to an end when Optimus... {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Optimus Primal|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Drumming Fury
|-
|C-Up||Primal Body Crush
|-
|C-Left||Primal Lariat
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Optimus saw the attack as an opening they could use to retake the Golden Disk. He quickly formulated a plan and led a team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Optimus ordered everyone to hurry back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Optimus led an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the ''Axalon''. Left battered on the ground of the ship's bridge, Primal remained defiant even as Megatron prepared to finish him off. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses, forcing the Predacons to retreat and saving Primal's life. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Prime Blaster
|Special attack||Drumming Fury
|-
|Super attack||Prime Gun Barrage
|Super attack||Primal Launch
|}

==Notes==
*Very rarely in the show's first season, Optimus Primal's open faceguard would "close" into a fully shielded Optimus Prime-like mouthless faceguard, typically when going into battle. Presumably this was done to better reflect his toy, which did not include a visible mouth.
*In his Transmetal form, Optimus Primal's spark chamber is on a hinge in his chest to swing down to the opening in his abdomen. In his Optimal Optimus form, he stored Prime's spark in his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] [[cockpit]].
*According to the diagram of Optimus Primal on the catalog packed with "TM-SP DX Convoy", his spark chamber is [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-shaped.
*Although the "Protector" iteration of Optimus Primal debuted in Japanese fiction, he originates from [[Primax 496.22 Alpha|the universe]] of the original American version of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon. This is presumably due to his creator [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]'s love for original American iterations of ''Transformers'' fiction and dislike of the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Alternators characters]]
[[Category:Alternity characters]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II Maximals]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Convoys]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity

2025-03-07T02:40:28Z

RepFedYESS: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{factions|maximal|maximalbm|autobot|protector}}
{{suite}}

[[File:Call of the Wild Optimus scope.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|In Destiny's sights.]]
'''Optimus Primal''' is one of the most prominent and well recognized Maximals in Transformers history. He has saved the [[Maximal]]s, [[Earth]], [[time|history]], [[human]]ity, the universe, the [[Autobot]]s, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the [[Transformer]]s, and the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]], starting from humble beginnings as an exploratory starship captain.

{{quote|Eh, sometimes crazy works.|Optimus Primal|"Power Surge"}}

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)|[[Alexandr Novikov]] (Russian, 1st dub), [[Zhang Wenyu]] (Chinese), [[Guilherme Lopes]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Ben Hecker]] (German), [[Pascal Renwick]] (French), [[Riccardo Lombardo]] (Italian), [[Mario Sauret]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Luis Rovira]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Seong-ho Shin]] (Korean)}}

Optimus Primal was the captain of the exploration ship ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} He and his crew were ordered to dispose the experiment gone wrong, Protoform X, {{storylink|Bad Spark}} who was brought in by Primal's coworker, [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. Depth Charge wanted X destroyed, but the High Council ordered Primal's crew to dump Protoform X someplace far away and with minimal life. Depth Charge became resentful against Primal for this. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}

[[File:BeastWarsPt1 Primal in CR chamber.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Suddenly I have a lot more body hair.]]
On the way, they were tasked with pursuing the Predacon criminal [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who had stolen the Golden Disk and a [[unspace|transwarp]]-capable ship. In pursuit, the ''Axalon'' passed though a transwarp portal to a [[Earth|strange world]]. During the ensuing space battle, both ships were damaged and Primal ordered the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of the crew to be ejected into orbit before the ''Axalon'' crashed.

The planet was rich with raw [[energon]]—so much that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies—so the Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from local creatures. Primal took the form of a silverback gorilla, remarking that his new form was "interesting" upon exit from the [[CR chamber]]. During their first skirmish with the Predacons, Optimus ordered [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to retrieve the pinned-down [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]. Rattrap refused, resulting in Optimus having to rescue Cheetor himself—as he later said, he wouldn't give someone an order he wouldn't be able to carry out himself.

On their return to base, Optimus was challenged to a duel by the estranged Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] for leadership of the Maximals. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} When talking sense to Dinobot didn't work, Optimus engaged him in combat. The other Predacons took this as an opportunity to attack, and Optimus risked his own life to save Dinobot from falling to his death. Dinobot repaid the favor during a later battle atop a mountain, by deflecting a missile fired at Primal by Megatron. Although the huge energon cache on the mountaintop exploded, everyone survived, and Optimus announced the start of the "[[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]". {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[File:TheWeb Optimus and Dinobot.jpg|thumb|right|"Blame Rattrap?" "Blame Rattrap."]]
Optimus's men would often try his patience, such as when Cheetor's impulsive actions lead to an experimental comlink being destroyed. When the young Maximal left base in secret to try to put things right, the other Maximals covered for him when Primal asked where he was. {{storylink|The Web}} This perhaps led to Optimus scrubbing another of Cheetor's missions to install monitoring devices, though, again, the cat went out anyway. When lightning struck one of the devices and set up a two-way teleport between the Maximal and Predacon bases, Dinobot was able to persuade Optimus to send a bomb through, though Primal insisted on setting the timer to give the Predacons enough time to get to safety. Cheetor, meanwhile, had discovered that a common energon vein ran beneath both bases—an explosion at one would destroy both—and quickly got rid of the bomb. Optimus later lectured him on obeying orders, but Cheetor didn't seem too concerned. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

After a battle at the [[Standing Stones]] resulted in an alien signal being broadcast into space, an [[Vok probe|alien probe]] absorbed Primal's form. Optimus was still functional and aware, and able to contact the ''Axalon'' to cut off the Maximals squabbling over selecting a new leader, nominating Rattrap to be in charge. An attempt by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] to build a device to free Primal failed, but [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] inadvertently caused the probe to expel the Maximal leader. Optimus later commended Rattrap on his leadership. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}}

[[File:Fallen Comrades Dinobot Optimus core.jpg|thumb|left|What? Shiny blue gorilla? Never happen.]]
[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]'s discovery of a [[flying mountain]] laced with high-energy energon resulted in Optimus facing the super-powered Predacon in combat, and almost lost before Terrorsaur had to recharge. As Rattrap's bombs destroyed the mountain, Optimus leapt to safety with the rat on his back. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} When the first stasis pod crashed to the ground, Optimus set out first, being the Maximal's only flier, but no sooner had he left the ''Axalon'' than he was ambushed and badly damaged by Waspinator and Terrorsaur. Ensconced in a CR Chamber, Optimus's [[core consciousness]] was accessed by Dinobot, who took Primal's advice to set up a laser link. Dinobot was disabled by a Predacon attack, but Optimus himself was able to use the laser to link to the pod and command it to reformat the [[protoform]] inside. Repaired, Primal flew to the battlefield and greeted the new Maximal, [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[File:BetterMousetrap Optimus in flight.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"Oh crap, we're almost done with the episode, and I just realized my fly's undone."]]
After a particularly nasty ambush, during which Primal was shot down and the Predacons escaped with another stasis pod, Optimus hit on a new plan—faking Rattrap's defection in order to find out how the Predacons had been constantly warned of their plans in advance. Later, Optimus explained the plan to the other Maximals, who'd been left in the dark. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} After the unveiling of Rhinox's [[Sentinel (BW)|new defense system]], Optimus and Tigatron went hunting for some Predacons it had detected. While chasing Waspinator, Primal became aware something was up back at base, and returned to find that a "malfunction" had caused the defense system to chase the Maximals out. As it later appeared that Rattrap's attempt to disarm the system had resulted in his death, the Maximals eulogized him, but it turned out he was still alive, after all. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}}

Out on a specimen-gathering mission with Dinobot, Optimus took the opportunity to give the ex-Predacon a lesson in not underestimating flora. Unfortunately, they were soon attacked by [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]], who managed to attach a [[Cyberbee]] to Optimus before being driven off. The Cyberbee injected Optimus with a virus intended to turn him into a coward, but resulted in the opposite effect, turning him berserk with rage. Rhinox quickly determined that removing it would kill Optimus and cause it to explode, removing that option from consideration. Optimus ordered himself locked up, as he was a danger to himself and everyone around him. With time to think, he came up with a plan to take the Predacons by surprise, persuading Cheetor to release him. He then fell into a craze, leaving the ''Axalon'' and making a beeline for the Predacon base. After ripping through the rest of the Predacons, he confronted Megatron, who attempted to bargain but ended up instead with the Cyberbee stuck to his back. Cheetor was able to administer the anti-viral to Optimus in time to save him, and Megatron and Scorponok were caught at ground zero during the Cyberbee explosion. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

[[File:Victory Optimus jetpack rescue.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|His chiropractor just bought a new car.]]
During an attempt to contact a passing Maximal [[temporal probe]], Optimus was locked in his [[beast mode]] by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s [[Transformation Lock Lens]] and almost killed by Megatron, but Rhinox saved his life. As Optimus was poised to enter the code to signal the transwarp probe, the Predacons finally succeeded in destroying the communications array, dashing the Maximals' hopes for a rescue. {{storylink|The Probe}} After a spycam planted in the Predacon base showed the result of an apparently disastrous mutiny had wiped out the Predacons, the Maximals salvaged a [[transwarp cell]] from the Predacon ship. Although the ''Axalon'' was made ready to launch, Dinobot, who had elected to stay behind, stumbled on the concealed Predacons. The launch unable to be aborted, Optimus ordered the Maximals take off with or without him, and went to rescue Dinobot. As it turned out, Optimus was unable to get aboard before takeoff, being shot from the entry port by one of Scorponok's missiles. The ''Axalon'' was subsequently sent crashing again when Megatron trashed the controls. Optimus used his jetpack to slow the plummeting ship and allow it to land relatively safely. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

After another Predacon defeat, Rhinox was kidnapped by Tarantulas and turned into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]. Though the other Maximals wanted to rescue their friend, Optimus had them hold back, knowing that Rhinox would wreak havoc in the Predacon ranks. He only gave the order to attack once Megatron discovered that Rhinox had been undermining the Predacon cause. During the ensuing battle within the Predacons' ship, he managed to slice off one of Megatron's arms. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} A [[Clone One|fake Dinobot]] sent Optimus out on a wild goose chase to find Rattrap. By the time the Maximals got back, the real Dinobot had eaten the fake one, much to their disgust. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}} When Rhinox and Cheetor brought [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] online, they took her back to base to meet Optimus and the others. {{storylink|The Spark}}

[[File:Call of the Wild Optimus Megatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Megatron was forced to ask Terrorsaur to take up the mantle of Badass.]]
Optimus headed out to rescue Tigatron, after the Maximal was ambushed while radioing base, only to find Tigatron had gone missing. The Maximals soon received a Cyberbee, reprogrammed with a message from Tigatron showing the [[Brigadoon|flying island]] he'd found. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Optimus headed for the island with Rattrap on his back, the pair scuffling with Terrorsaur and Waspinator on the way. On the island, the Maximals desperately tried to head off [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], but were unable to prevent her from taking over the island's control center. Fortunately, Tigatron's destruction of the island's power source saved both the ''Axalon'' and the Maximals. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Optimus was running a strategic simulation when a [[magna pulse]] triggered by Tarantulas knocked out the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s power systems. He headed out to warn the others and was in time to save Tigatron from [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] by blasting the new Predacon to pieces. {{storylink|Spider's Game}} Another gambit saw the Predacons stealing the [[rectifier coil]] from the Maximal base, effectively trapping the Maximals in their beast modes. Overcome by bestial instincts, the Maximals wandered off into the jungle, and it was only through Tigatron's intervention that they were able to delete the blocks separating their robot and beast psyches. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

[[File:Possession Optimus thoughtful.jpg|left|thumb|Little do they know that I was the one who killed him, using the Candlestick, in the Ballroom.]]
After a group of Maximals were blinded by an energon explosion and trekked most of the way back to the base, Optimus arrived shortly after they'd fought off Terrorsaur and Waspinator, and gone into status lock. He was able to take them back to base for repairs. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} During a storm, the ''Axalon'' was badly damaged, leaving it open to attack, and attack the Predacons did. With the aid of a [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]-possessed Waspinator, they drove the Maximals out into the jungle. As Starscream was left in charge of the ''Axalon'', the Maximals surrendered as part of a plan to retake the base. Optimus easily escaped his bonds and recovered the Maximals' weapons, before defeating Starscream in combat and allowing Blackarachnia to deliver the ''coup de grâce''. {{storylink|Possession}}

Rattrap and Dinobot's habitual bickering finally came to a head when it resulted in Rhinox being hit with a new Predacon weapon, an [[energon discharge virus]]. Optimus sent the pair out to find an antidote, hoping that they would learn to work together. When this didn't get immediate results, he announced a frontal attack, and the Maximals arrived at Tarantulas's lab in time to help Dinobot and Rattrap recover the antidote. {{storylink|The Low Road}} [[Snowstalker]]'s death as the result of a battle motivated Tigatron to abandon the Maximal cause. Optimus lectured him that while they were on the planet, they had a duty to protect it from the Predacons. Dinobot and Optimus were subsequently defeated by the team of Terrorsaur, Waspinator and Inferno, leading Tigatron to lend a hand and rejoin the Maximal team. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}}

When [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] discovered evidence of the [[Vok]]'s imminent arrival, Megatron called a truce, to which Primal reluctantly agreed. Curious as to what was up, Optimus had Tigatron invade the Predacon base and find out what Megatron knew, and they discovered that the aliens behind the strange anomalies were on their way. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} While investigating a [[Bio-Dome|newly created Vok installation]], Primal was tortured and captured by the aliens, who spoke to him in the form of [[Unicron]], and told him of their plans to "sterilize" the planet. He was barely able to escape before the construct sent a signal to one of the planet's moons, triggering an activation sequence. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}}

[[File:Other Voices 2 Optimus pod.jpg|thumb|right|225px|"Oh, bother."]]

Returning to the ''Axalon'', Primal found that Tarantulas and Blackarachnia has turned a stasis pod into an escape ship in order to flee the doomed planet. As the planet's second moon was converted into a [[Planet Buster]], Primal took the ship to do battle with the superweapon, against the objections of his crew. Primal planned to detonate the ship's [[transwarp cell]] when in range of the weapon, after ejecting to safety. The plan worked—with the exception of the "ejecting" part. Megatron remotely seized control of the vessel, overriding Primal's ejection commands. The Predacon commander taunted Primal as he futilely beat his fists against the pod, until the detonation obliterated the pod, the Planet Buster, and Primal, reducing them all to so much space junk. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[File:ComingoftheFuzors2 Optimus surfingmonkeymode.jpg|left|350px|thumb|Board Ape Shot Clubs]]

Rhinox used a device to guide his core consciousness through the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]], retrieving Optimus Primal's spark and implanting it into a [[blank]] protoform. Reborn with a new [[Transmetal]] body, Optimus came to the aid of his troops as they were on the verge of defeat. [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], a newly online [[Fuzor]], took the opportunity to apply for the Maximal ranks by taking out Megatron just as the Predacon leader was about to destroy Optimus. Once the greetings were done, Optimus turned to Rattrap and requested the rodent remove his stuff from the commander's quarters. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

[[File:OtherVisits1-Primalface.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]

Optimus would later submit himself to a battery of tests, as Rhinox attempted to find out the limitations of the new Transmetal forms. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} After an attempt by Dinobot to switch sides back to the Predacons, Optimus accepted his apology and left the final decision of whether Dinobot would stay with them to Rattrap, who agreed to let him stay. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}} When Rhinox worked out that another alien site was located in an area Tigatron and Airazor were patrolling, Optimus set out to warn them, but was too late to prevent them being apparently shot into space. The plants in the area subsequently grew into another [[Metal Hunter|alien construct]], which knocked out everyone present with an energy wave. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} Though the Transmetals recovered quickly, Megatron was able to use the [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Golden Disk]] to take control of the construct, taking Optimus as a prisoner. Rattrap managed to get on board and free Optimus, allowing the Maximal leader to engage Megatron in a violent combat while Rattrap sabotaged the ship. Everyone was able to get clear before the ship exploded, and Optimus resolved that they would get Airazor and Tigatron back somehow. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[File:BadSpark Optimus robot mode.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Transmetal Rippedimus Primal.]]
After the discovery of a stasis pod containing [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]], Optimus explained the background of the Maximal experiment to Cheetor. The pair were damaged when a fight with the Predacons ignited an energon deposit beneath the pod and the Maximals were forced to return to base. Repairs were made, and the pair were able to return to the field in time to rescue Blackarachnia and Silverbolt from Protoform X, who was later named Rampage. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Optimus and all of the Maximals mourned the loss of Dinobot, after he was killed defending a valley of [[anthropoid]]s from the Predacons. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} The discovery of a [[Transmutate (BW)|strangely-mutated Transformer]] was tainted when it was subsequently destroyed in a fight between Silverbolt and Rampage. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

The [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster's destruction finally reached Cybertron and help arrived, but in the unexpected form of [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who had come to arrest Megatron for his crimes against the [[Pax Cybertronia]]. Despite Rattrap's misgivings, Optimus agreed to assist Ravage, and after storming the Predacon base, they captured Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Primal was forced to chastise Silverbolt for his dangerous relationship with Blackarachnia, sending Cheetor out to retrieve the arachnid. After Silverbolt decked Cheetor and went out in his stead, Optimus and Cheetor went to fetch some energon from one of Tarantulas's stashes, only to be ambushed by Inferno. The fight effectively ended when Inferno ignited the energon, blowing himself and the cave up. On their way back to the ''Axalon'', Optimus and Cheetor received some unpleasant news—Ravage had changed sides and teamed up with Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

[[File:OptimusPrimal OpSit Matrixspark.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Continuity error!]]

The Predacons began an assault on the Maximal base, with Primal and Cheetor pinned down outside. The assault failed, thanks mainly to the efforts of Rattrap, and the Maximals set off in pursuit of Megatron. As it turned out, Megatron had found the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], the then-resting place of the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s and, despite their efforts, Megatron was able to gain entry and shoot [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the head. As Megatron gloated, a [[timestorm]] raged, threatening to erase the Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-OpOpstandsup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Look at how big I am! And how full of Optimus Prime my cockpit is!]]
In a desperate gambit, Optimus Primal took Optimus Prime's [[spark]] into himself to protect it while repairs were effected on his body. The presence of the extra spark caused Primal's body to mutate and grow larger, gaining new jet and ground [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s along with his gorilla form. Megatron sardonically dubbed his new body as "Optimal Optimus". Despite the new power, he was unable to stop the Predacons from trashing the ''Axalon''. Optimus Prime's spark was returned to its rightful home, preserving history, but Primal retained his new form. With Megatron now desperate to end the war at any cost, Primal was forced to move his Maximals into the volcano where the Ark lay. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] arrived on the planet in search of Rampage, encountering Cheetor. By the time Optimus reached their position, Rampage had thoroughly beaten the new arrival, and Optimus took him back to base for repairs. Depth Charge rebuffed Primal's offer to let him join the Maximals, making it clear he wasn't impressed with the mess Optimus had made of things. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Primal came up with a new plan to salvage Sentinel from the wreck of the ''Axalon'' by sending Rattrap down in a [[subaquatic stealth vessel]]. Depth Charge's interference resulted in the Predacons gaining Sentinel instead. After Primal chewed him out, Depth Charge said he'd consider the offer to join the Maximals. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

[[File:OptimalSituation-OpOpjetandtank.jpg|right|thumb|350px]]

After [[Chak]] and [[Una]] were separated from their tribe, Optimus assigned Cheetor and Blackarachnia, by now part of the Maximal ranks, to return them. Optimus and Silverbolt provided reinforcement when the group ran into a squad of [[cyber raptor]]s engineered by Megatron, but Tarantulas's new [[cyber venom]] disabled the Maximal leader for the duration of the battle. He did prove to have a lovely singing voice when Rattrap contacted him, though. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Optimus was injured again during another battle to save a stasis pod, and was forced to return to base. Cheetor, despite Optimus's orders to wait for backup, went in alone, and was apparently destroyed while retrieving a [[Transmetal driver]] from Megatron's cloning machine. Anguished, Optimus blamed himself for Cheetor's death.

[[File:FeralScream2 Optimus gorillamode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.45|Oh riiiight...''Beast'' Wars. Now I get it.]]
Cheetor, however, was not dead, and stumbled back to base. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} After Cheetor was apparently spirited away by a savage feline monster during the night, Primal demanded the truth as to what happened from Depth Charge. Cheetor again returned to base, claiming that he'd destroyed the monster, but Optimus, suspecting the truth, insisted on viewing the remains. Cheetor was finally forced to admit that the monster was himself—the surge from the Transmetal driver had altered his form. Cheetor's new beast form turned out to be feral, and it was only through Optimus's coaxing that he was able to tame it. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

Optimus and Rhinox discussed the possibility of removing Blackarachnia's Predacon [[shell program]], causing her to flee when she overheard them talking. When they caught up to her, Primal explained that the decision to remove the shell program would always be hers to make. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} After Una was kidnapped by Waspinator, Optimus instructed Cheetor to return to base for repair and sent Rattrap and Depth Charge to mount a rescue. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} Blackarachnia attempted to use the Transmetal driver to upgrade herself, but only ended up beginning the degradation of her shell program. While Rhinox worked to separate the Predacon shell program, Optimus and the rest of the Maximals defended the Ark from a Predacon attack, but to no avail—the power was interrupted and Blackarachnia apparently killed. Luckily, she was resurrected as a Transmetal 2 and Primal later pointed out that out that her immediately rushing out to save Silverbolt wasn't a very Maximal thing to do. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

Drawn out of the Maximal base by Waspinator, Optimus was hit by a dart fired by Tarantulas, which burrowed inside him and allowed [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] to take control. Primal was forced to watch helplessly as his body was used to subjugate the Maximals and allow Megatron to take the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s spark in emulation of Primal's feat with Optimus Prime's spark. Blackarachnia was able to free Optimus from Quickstrike's control, and the Maximal leader subsequently fought at length with the newly upgraded Megatron. The rest of the Maximals were released from their imprisonment in time to help him drive the Predacon off. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

The tide was finally turned when the Vok combined Airazor and Tigatron into the mighty [[Tigerhawk]], who obliterated the Predacon base. Optimus immediately traveled to the site, concerned that the destruction of the original Megatron's spark would endanger history. While attempting to reason with Tigerhawk, the Vok emissary plunged Optimus into the ground before being captured by Tarantulas. Following Tarantulas's destruction, Tigerhawk accepted Optimus's offer to rejoin the Maximals. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

[[File:Nemesis1-RattrapOpOpCovenant.jpg|right|thumb|300px|”Do you know of our lord and savior-“ ”ME!” ”Shut Up Rattrap!”]]

Pursuing Megatron, Optimus discovered what Tarantulas had found—the ancient Decepticon warship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. He and Tigerhawk headed for the ship's location by air, encountering a massive explosion caused by Depth Charge terminating Rampage. Optimus believed that the ''Nemesis'' had been dealt with, until the ship itself rose out of the ocean. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} At Tigerhawk's instruction, Primal left him to face the ''Nemesis'' alone, and returned to the Ark to start a new plan to try to get the ship online. The Maximals were unable to do so before the ''Nemesis'' arrived and turned a tractor beam on the Ark, so Primal himself flew up to the ship, pulling off his own wing and jamming it in the gears of the ship's pulverizer so that he could get aboard. He began duking it out with Megatron on the bridge of the Nemesis, despite the knowledge he was no match for two Megatrons.

[[File:Nemesis2-finishthequote.jpg|thumb|left|"Finish the quote, Megatron!" "...It still says you lose." "Yeah but it also says I'll be real annoying about it!"]]

{{quote|'And there came a hero who said, "Hurt not the earth, nor the trees, nor the seas, nor the very fabric of time." But the hero would not prevail.'}}
{{quote|Finish the quote, Megatron. 'Nor would he surrender!'|Megatron and Optimus Primal|"Nemesis Part 2"}}

By continuing the hopeless battle, Optimus managed to buy the Maximals the time they needed, and Rhinox took out Megatron by flying [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|a borrowed Autobot shuttle]] through the bridge of the ''Nemesis''. As the ship began its descent, Optimus reached out to [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]], who had regained some measure of his old self, but the warrior insisted on satisfying honor by going down with the ship, and so Optimus left before the ship crashed.

With the captured Predacon leader strapped to the roof of the Autobot shuttle, the Maximals at last headed home. Leaving the planet and memorializing his fallen comrades, Optimus Primal declared that the Beast Wars were over. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Machines'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)|[[Zhang Wenyu]] (Chinese), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Portuguese), [[Alfonso Ramírez]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Juan Carballido]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Tilo Schmitz]] (German), [[Simone Mori]] (Italian), [[Erwin Grunspan]] (French)}}

[[File:Reformatting Primal technorganic beast mode.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|See this, this is what a gorilla looks like.]]

The flight through transwarp space was not a smooth one though, the shuttle encountering shockwaves in time that allowed Megatron to break free. After this caused one last shockwave, the shuttle emerged in orbit of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] where it was immediately shot down by the orbiting satellites. Finding the planet overrun by [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones, Optimus ordered a retreat only for he and Cheetor to be bombed by a gaseous form of the [[transformation virus]]. By virtue of being a [[Transmetal]], Primal was able to resist the full effects of the virus, though at the cost of his upgrades. Devolved back to the body he'd held at the start of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], unable to assume his [[robot mode]] and now having amnesia, Optimus continued his escape alone. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} As he leapt through an industrial complex, Optimus began experiencing visions, which led him one-by-one to Rattrap, Cheetor, and Blackarachnia, before leading them to a chamber deep within Cybertron, the access point for the powerful and legendary [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]]. As the other three Maximals watched, Primal entered into the bowels of the computer, within which he was granted visions he could not yet comprehend, including the prophetic statement that "the seeds of the future lie buried in the past". [[Reformatting|Reformatted]] by the Oracle, Primal emerged in a new, [[technorganic]] beast mode and urged the other dying Maximals to complete their "reformatting" as well. Shortly after this was achieved, the group was attacked by an underground army of Cycle Drones. During the ensuing fight, Primal plunged into a deep pit, but as he fell, was able to master the "art" of transformation and regain his [[robot mode]]. Flying out, Primal grabbed the nearest drone and demanded answers, but lost his concentration, causing him to revert to beast mode. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[File:MasteroftheHouse resolute Primal.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|"Must destroy the techno-organic".]]]]
Primal began to teach the three other Maximals the lost art of transformation, which was mastered by achieving an inner calmness and finding their spiritual centers. Though Cheetor and Blackarachnia were successful right off the bat, Rattrap was unable to transform at all. The search for answers lead them to the [[Council Citadel]], where Optimus encountered the mastermind behind the empty Cybertron—Megatron! Megatron claimed he had united Cybertron into one unified machine controlled by his mind, and purged his beast form from himself, however the combination of the Maximals besting his [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones and Optimus's goading increased Megatron's rage until he involuntarily transformed into his dragon mode. Recovering quickly, Megatron gloated that he had done away with the millions of [[Transformer]]s inhabiting the planet, and Optimus demanded to know what he'd done with them all. Primal had to be dragged physically from the Citadel by the other Maximals, yelling Megatron's name as he went. Later, Optimus told the others that he blamed his own failure to stop Megatron for the downfall of Cybertron. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

[[File:FiresofthePast Optimus runs.jpg|left|thumb|Dull heroic running!]]
Investigation of the [[Cybertron Archives]] revealed that they'd been erased clean. Optimus was so furious, he singlehandedly trashed an entire phalanx of tank drones, and later lectured his troops for their poor performance in combat. When Rattrap and Blackarachnia risked their own lives consulting the logs on the shuttle they arrived in, only to be attacked by Megatron's new [[Vehicon General]]s, Optimus came to their aid with Cheetor, but was even more furious at the loss of the ship and the fact they'd endangered themselves. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}} With the memories of Silverbolt and Rhinox reawakened, Optimus promised to find their lost friends. Sensing a [[spark]], Optimus led his men on a search, only for them all to be captured when Rattrap used a transformation enhancer to transform, alerting the Vehicons to their location. Taken to the Citadel, the Maximals were able to break free. Primal reached out to [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s spark, turning the Vehicon General to their side so that he helped them escape the building. Unfortunately he didn't remain their ally for long, as Megatron was subsequently able to erase his memory and lock Optimus out. Optimus told the others that he had sensed something... familiar about the Vehicon's spark. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

[[File:ForbiddenFruit Optimus takes a bite.jpg|right|upright=1.45|thumb| But I wanted bananas! Oh well, these'll do.]]
The Maximals discovered that someone had survived Megatron's planet-wide purge, a Maximal named [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] who seemed to suffer from the same transformation lock virus that the Maximals had upon arrival. Nightscream led them to an underground tree he had been living off. Optimus told the other Maximals they should eat the fruit, but the fruit caused their beast instincts to overtake them. Complicating things, [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] picked this moment to attack. The Maximals snapped out of it when Cheetor destroyed the tree. Following the battle, Primal showed a new talent granted by the Oracle, reformatting Nightscream into a new, technorganic body. Optimus was critically weakened by the effort and requested the over-eager Cheetor to take command in his absence. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

During his rest, the other Maximals managed to drive Rattrap to Megatron's side. Optimus later convinced Rattrap to rejoin his friends, and reminded the others not to underestimate their comrade's strength in the face of adversity. {{storylink|The Weak Component}} The hunt for what happened to the inhabitants of Cybertron took another step when the Maximals discovered the empty shells of hundreds of Transformers, their sparks torn out. Inevitably Vehicon drones arrived and a battle began. The other Maximals became separated from Blackarachnia and were forced to search for her, even as it became obvious that the factory they were in was on the verge of exploding. After the found her, Optimus froze at the sight of the desparked bodies, anguished at all he'd allowed Megatron to do, and Cheetor was forced to take command from him in order to mount a retreat. As they fled, Blackarachnia revealed that the Vehicon Generals contained the sparks of their missing comrades. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}}

[[File:Revelations2 Optimus waves arms.jpg|left|upright=1.55|thumb|What? Apes throw poop, it's an instinct.]]
Optimus became increasingly withdrawn, demanding the other Maximals leave him alone and spending all of his time with the Oracle, experiencing visions. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Confused by what the Oracle was showing him, he nonetheless persevered, and was rewarded with a meeting with Rhinox in a vision. Unfortunately their talk did not go well, Rhinox siding with Megatron's ideal of a technological Cybertron and openly hostile to the idea of reintroducing the organic. Optimus awoke and rejoined his fellow Maximals, who had awakened Rhinox's spark within Tankor, only to find the same thing Optimus had—their old friend had changed. Primal confided to the others that he had realised the true mission which the Oracle intended for them to carry out: to make Cybertron wholly organic once more. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}}

While they were in search of the fruit tree Nightscream had originally lead them to, the Maximals were attacked by the Vehicons and Nightscream kidnapped. During the rescue, Nightscream discovered a cave lined with fossils, and Primal realised this proved that Cybertron was once organic. {{storylink|Survivor}} Optimus and Cheetor would continue to butt heads over what course of action they should take. The discovery of a [[organic goop|green goop]] from Cybertron's core which caused plants to spontaneously sprout appeared to justify Optimus's opinion they should concentrate on restoring the organic to the planet. When a subsequent attack by Tankor left Nightscream in a [[Living metal#Beast Era|technomatter]] state, more disagreement over the proper course of action ensued. They eventually stole a mole drone at great risk, and Optimus was able to guide it downwards, unleashing a torrent of green goo which cured everyone. Following the victory, Cheetor told Optimus that he refused to be treated like a kid any more, but grudgingly accepted Optimus's leadership. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[File:Catalyst Optimus eulogizes Rhinox.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Think this will pass for mistletoe?]]
Believing Tankor to be dead, the Maximals were finally able to hold a memorial for Rhinox. Tankor, however, still functioned and plotted to have Megatron use the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to purge all organic life from Cybertron. Hoping to force Megatron's hand, Tankor surreptitiously provided Rattrap with a catalyst to increase the plant growth, and Optimus and the other Maximals subsequently had to rescue Rattrap from the marauding vines. Though Optimus turned down Cheetor's suggestion that they use the rapidly-growing vines as a weapon, Cheetor went ahead and tried it anyway, almost spelling doom when the plan backfired. Quick work by Optimus saved the orchard, and he scolded Cheetor before breaking the news that he believed the Oracle had been tampered with. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

[[File:EndofLine technomattered Optimus.jpg|left|thumb|Evil evil MONKEY!]]
Despite the apparent tampering, Optimus continued to follow the Oracle's visions, leading the Maximals to the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], capable of wiping out everything technological on the planet. The Oracle had bestowed on Optimus the power to open the chamber, however Cheetor managed to talk him out of opening the chamber outright, and the Maximals set about finding a way to deactivate the Keys instead. Rattrap, hacking into Megatron's computer, was disabled by Tankor. Optimus sensed something was wrong and rushed in to confront Megatron directly. As the pair fought, Megatron revealed the defeat of the other Maximals, but Optimus wouldn't yield, attempting to reformat his opponent. Tankor arrived in time to use a Key to turn Optimus into technomatter, lecturing the Maximal on sporting behavior, only to be promptly captured by Megatron, who took the opportunity to gloat over Optimus. In desperation, the Maximal leader finally opened the Plasma Energy Chamber. At the same time, Megatron ordered his Tank drones to fire the Key, the energies released creating a planetwide storm. Optimus's body began to crumble before his eyes. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

[[File:Fallout Optimus in Oracle.jpg|right|upright=1.45|thumb| Watch out! He'll start throwing barrels!]]
Though his body was destroyed, Primal's spirit was transported into the Matrix, the Transformers' afterlife. As he and Megatron fought in the void, he pondered if this was his destiny, to fight his nemesis for eternity. Before him, he saw the faces of his comrades, the Maximals, berate him for his poor leadership and near-genocidal behavior. He then found himself back on prehistoric Earth, where a red-eyed copy of Primal attacked him, scolding him for his fanatical behavior. Floating in space, he saw the collective sparks of Cybertron, who similarly warned him of the consequences of his choices. Awakening back in the maelstrom of energy, Primal used himself as a power conduit, taking advantage of his techno-organic body by channeling both plasma and key energies through himself and back into their respective sources before being blasted into atoms.

Meanwhile, the other Maximals journeyed downwards once more, speaking to Optimus via the Oracle. Primal refused to lead the Maximals, asking only for their forgiveness, but they merely told him there was nothing to forgive—without his guidance, they'd never have made it this far. Preparing to become one with the Allspark, Optimus realized his mistake: his mission was not to create an organic Cybertron, but to restore the balance between the technological and the organic. As he chose life and was returned to the other Maximals, the Oracle congratulated him for passing his greatest test. A forest of technorganic trees sprang up in the chamber around the Maximals, as the Oracle vanished.

[[File:SavageNoble Optimus contacts Megatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3| Okay, why did you come to ME for guidance?]]
Believing their next task was to find the missing sparks, the Maximals headed for the Council Citadel, only for a [[Grand Mal|giant head]] with the likeness of Megatron to hove into view. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} When the giant head failed to do anything, Optimus attempted to contact Megatron's spark directly, but received only confused images which didn't even come from a sentient mind. Meanwhile, the other Maximals had discovered two more beings roaming the city—an intelligent and sensitive wolf named [[Noble (BM)|Noble]] and a bestial dragon dubbed [[Savage]]. With Primal's help, they trapped Savage, only to discover that Savage and Noble were one and the same—a Transformer with two beast modes. Optimus vowed to do all he could to help their new friend. {{storylink|Savage Noble}}

Optimus ordered Noble and Nightscream remain outside the Council Citadel while he and the others ventured inside to look for clues to the lost sparks. His orders were, of course, disregarded, and it soon transpired that Noble was actually Megatron, attempting to access his control harness. After using a spark extractor on himself, Megatron took control of giant floating head, reactivating the drone armies and forcing the Maximals underground. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}} While rescuing Nightscream, who'd gone to try and find Noble, Optimus and Cheetor were pulled up to the floating head with a tractor beam. Megatron demanded information on the Oracle, attempting to take it from them by force, but they were rescued by Silverbolt, who has been reformatted from Jetstorm by Blackarachnia. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}

[[File:WolfintheFold Optimus and Silverbolt.jpg|thumb|right| I know it's hard not being a badass wolf anymore...]]
Though the Maximals were happy to have Silverbolt back, Optimus was reminded of the loss of Rhinox. Their introspection was interrupted by an attack—Megatron unleashed a variation of the [[Hate Plague]] on them, infecting all of the Maximals but Optimus, who was scooped up by the Megatron's floating head. Inside, Optimus and Megatron argued at length on the topic of free will versus the harmony of one mind. Seeing his Maximals furiously infighting, Optimus returned to them to try to quell their anger, only to be infected himself. Still, with his help, the Maximals were able to overcome the effects of the virus. Despite their success through teamwork, Primal believed that the virus had only magnified existing tensions in the group. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

Down in the [[technorganic orchard]], the plants were faring poorly and beginning to wither. Worried, Primal wondered if the orchard was to be in vain. When an extraterrestrial shuttle crashed into Cybertron, Optimus led the Maximals toward the site. Discovering organic matter inside, the team was attacked by a strange plant-creature which headed for the orchard. Following it there, Optimus reformatted the creature into a techno-organic plant. The plant introduced itself as [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a fellow Maximal scientist, and revealed that the only problem the orchard had was incorrect lighting. {{storylink|Home Soil}}

[[File:Sparkwar1 Optimus attacks.jpg|thumb|left|270px|Darn fireflies. Shoo! Shoo!]]
Optimus's depression about their inability to locate the missing sparks was interrupted by a vision, cluing him in to the fact that something was amiss. In fact, Megatron had taken two of the sparks and created two new Vehicon Generals, [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]], who subsequently almost bested the Maximals in combat. The timely intervention of Botanica allowed the Maximals to escape, but Optimus vowed not to let Megatron violate any more sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} Another vision lead Optimus to believe the sparks were being moved. He and Nightscream ventured deep underground to the lost great city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. There Optimus encountered a giant hologram of Optimus Prime, however it turned out to be a trick on the part of Megatron, who forcibly extracted the Oracle access codes from Primal. As Primal later revealed, he had allowed it to happen so that he could access Megatron's systems and find out the location of the missing sparks. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

The Maximals infiltrated the Megatron's giant head, finally finding the lost sparks. They found themselves bound by metal tentacles as Megatron's spark began consuming their prize. Horrified, Optimus implored the sparks to resist, but to no avail. When Megatron killed Noble, Nightscream was moved to turn his sonic attack on Megatron, stopping their foe as he was on the verge of ripping the sparks from the Maximals' bodies. Megatron thus defeated, Rattrap managed to switch the plummeting Grand Mal to manual control, allowing Optimus to halt its descent. The Maximals later held a memorial for Noble and Primal gave a eulogy. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

[[File:BMEndgame2 Optimus spark power.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4| Barrier burst!]]
The Maximals celebrated Megatron's defeat, with Optimus assuring the others he could confirm Megatron was definitely dead through virtue of the link to the Oracle which the two shared. However Megatron was not dead, existing as a free-floating spark and though Primal initially welcomed Obsidian and Strika to the Maximal team, they abandoned the cause when Megatron turned up, trapped in a [[Diagnostic Drone]] thanks to Rattrap's handiwork. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[File:Optimalmegatronoptimusprimal.jpg|left|thumb|"Yesss, I've skinned you and I'm wearing your head as a hat."]]
In control of the Grand Mal and the sparks within, the Maximals failed to convince Optimus they should give the sparks new bodies. He was worried it would leave the spark vulnerable to recapture by Megatron, and they needed to reformat Cybertron first. With Megatron back in control of the drone armies, the Maximals soon found themselves under siege in the giant head anyway. Rattrap's gamble to save Botanica's life backfired, leaving them vulnerable to the drones, who managed to penetrate the head's shields. Despite the best efforts of the Maximals, the ship plunged to the ground. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} Down, but not out, the Maximals began preparing their defenses for the impending Vehicon assault. The shields did not hold long, and the Maximals found themselves fighting against hordes of drones. Outnumbered, the Maximals used spark power bestowed on them by the Oracle to decimate the drones, until Megatron took the Oracle from them. Finally, Optimus was confronted by Megatron in a new form—a replica of Primal's own "Optimal Optimus" body—while the other Maximals had their sparks ripped from their bodies. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

{{quote|We must seek the balance, Megatron. Not only between the organic and the technological, but the balance between eternal enemies.|Optimus Primal|"Seeds of the Future"}}

Enraged, Optimus struck out at Megatron, and their battle raged across the city. As the moved from location to location, Optimus found the bodies of his Maximal friends, and found the technorganic orchard ravaged. Returning above ground, Megatron unveiled a huge throne, drawing all of the sparks into himself, despite Primal's protests. Megatron began to reformat Cybertron's core using the Key to Vector Sigma, but Optimus managed to distract him long enough to throw him off balance. Together, the two enemies plunged into the heart of Cybertron and ushered in the reformatting that returned the deactivated population to life and gave birth to the new, technorganic Cybertron. As the surviving Maximals looked out over their new home, Primal and the Oracle spoke to [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], and Primal departed with the words "Transform, and Transcend", as his Spark joined the Matrix. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{--}}

==Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===''Kiss Players''===
Optimus Primal, unbeknownst to him, had "[[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] fragments" (in actuality [[Angolmois Energy]]) at various stages of his life. The invisible [[Atari Hitotonari]] and [[Star Dust]] attempted to retrieve it while Optimus was locked in battle with Waspinator, but it was snatched away by [[Primus]] before the two could get a decent grip on it. {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 2}} This sequence of events would happen every time Atari would kiss other forms of Optimus to acquire the different fragments. {{Storylink|Kiss Players episode 45|Kiss Players #45}}

===''Cloud''===
While investigating an energon mine with the other Maximals in the 9-BW Spacetime, Optimus Primal encountered [[Hot Rodimus]] and [[SARA]], lost denizens of [[Cloud World]] who allowed most of the Maximals to believe they were from outer space and hunting [[Shockwave (Cloud)|a criminal]]. With their two new friends, the Maximals were about to reach the energon mine when they were ambushed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. Hot Rodimus's battle with [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]] caused an energon eruption that sent the Predacons fleeing and almost consumed the Maximals who were trying to save the local wildlife. Fortunately, SARA was able to convert the eruption into less dangerous [[energon crystal]]s and the visitors returned to their proper spacetime. {{storylink|Wild (Cloud)|Wild}}

During a later battle with the Decepticons, Hot Rodimus thought back to his time with the Maximals, including Optimus Primal. {{storylink|TFC-A03}}

===''Beast Wars Diorama Story''===
[[File:BWDS 1.jpg|thumb|left|I'm ready to unleash my primal rage!]]
Some time after Starscream fled from prehistorical Earth, Optimus Primal and a group of Maximals, including [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and a time-displaced [[Colada]], battled a contingent of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] comprising [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], [[Archadis]], and [[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]] in a forest. After all the Transformers transformed into robot mode, Megatron attacked Optimus Primal with the jaws of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. Primal blocked the attack with his dual Cyber Blades and then fought Megatron off with his Mega Blasters. {{storylink|Optimus Primal Chapter}} Though Primal blocked his "Tyranno Fang" attack, Megatron was able to counter by shooting a "Laser Buster" from the mouth of his ''T. rex'' head-hand. {{storylink|Megatron Chapter}}

[[File:BWDS 11.jpg|thumb|Empirical evidence suggests... I'm a ''real'' animal.]]

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], who were all from another [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|universe]]. [[Tigatron]] and [[Gimlet]] also joined the battle, and the Autobots and Maximals teamed up against the combined Predacon and Decepticon forces. Primal and Prime punched Starscream at the same time and then shook hands to commemorate their accomplishment of teamwork. The Maximals and Ratchet looked upon with approval. {{storylink|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and battled Optimus Primal during the next infraction. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from the other universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Gimlet Chapter}}

Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. Optimus Primal battled the Predacon Megatron and then Blackout in the ensuing skirmish. The Maximals' savior came in the form of [[Motorarm (BW)|Motorarm]], who then went on to battle [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]. Primal battled Megatron and Blackout again, and the two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. With Motorarm leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}

Later, through the power of energon, both Optimus Primal and Megatron attained the giant "Energon Power Mode". The energies coursing in their bodies granted both improved abilities and the two battled. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Diorama Story#TM-SP Character Data File|TM-SP Character Data File}}

===''Beast Wars II'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Burningconvoy.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|All these compliments are making me blush.]]

In order to counter the threat of [[Majin Zarak]], the injured [[Magnaboss (BWII)|Magnaboss]] activated an alien teleport gate and transported Optimus Primal from [[Earth|Energoa]] to [[Gaia]]. Upon arriving, Optimus helped the injured Maximal to his feet and immediately issued a challenge to the Predacon [[Emperor of Destruction]], [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]]: "You think you've won, but we won't be defeated. Let us settle this. Come to point B-2."

As the enraged Galvatron headed to point B-2 to meet the challenge, Optimus Primal found what was left of the soundly defeated [[Lio Convoy]], buried beneath tons of rock and debris after a crushing battle with Majin Zarak. Communicating to him via cyberspace, Primal encouraged his companion to muster up the fighting spirit needed to dig himself out and face Majin Zarak down a second time. Spurred by the words of the strange glowing stranger, Lio Convoy broke free from his tomb to be greeted by Magnaboss, who had dug out the other injured Maximals who had also been defeated.

Optimus Primal then made his grand, melodramatic entrance from atop a cliff with the sun to his back, bathing him in a holy glow. The Maximals stood in awe, regarding him as a "legendary commander". Joining forces with Lio Convoy, the pair of [[Supreme Commander]]s then went about developing a strategy to defeat Majin Zarak.

Point B-2 happened to be a narrow canyon, making Zarak's massive, bulky body useless in battle. With the beast trapped Optimus and Lio Convoy made their presence known, enraging Galvatron greatly to see two commanders, and Magnaboss swiftly defeated Zarak. After disarming Zarak Optimus commended Magnaboss but suddenly, Zarak began to transform on his own. Scuba then discovered that Majin Zarak is alive and Galvatron never had control of him to begin with. While [[Diver (BW)|Diver]] and Scuba researched for his weakness Optimus, Lio Convoy, Magnaboss, [[Bighorn]], [[Apache]] attacked him head on but their weapons were almost completely ineffective. However Diver and Scuba eventually learned that their foe had a third eye where all its nerve endings were clustered; a good hit in the eye would destroy the behemoth for good.

[[File:BWIIMovieMonkeyRidesLion.jpg|left|thumb|"The fiery ape shall ride a glowing lion" was by far the most misunderstood passage in the ''[[Covenant of Primus]]''.]]

As Majin Zarak closed in on them, Optimus Primal and Lio Convoy held hands, synchronized their [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]] and transformed themselves into Flash Lio Convoy and '''Burning Optimus Primal'''.<ref>"Burning Convoy" (バーニングコンボイ ''Bāningu Konboi'')</ref> Transforming to monkey mode, Burning Optimus Primal jumped onto Flash Lio Convoy's lion mode's back and rode his buddy up to Majin Zarak's face. Leaping off his back, he then transformed back to robot mode and landed a mighty robot punch into Zarak's third eye. Weakened by the blow, Zarak was rendered immobile. Burning Optimus Primal and Flash Lio Convoy then hovered together and with the power of their twin Energon Matrices unleashed the "Double Matrix Blaster". The absurdly powerful attack blew straight through Zarak's head, causing the monster to explode and die.

With the battle won, Optimus Primal returned to the alien teleport gate and asked to be sent home. The Maximals didn't want him to leave, but he insisted that he still had a Beast War on Energoa to win. He then assured them that they were all such good soldiers, they didn't need his help to win their war, ensuring them they were more than capable of winning their war on their own. As Optimus went through the gate, the Maximals then destroyed the device behind him so that its power could never be used to destroy the universe ever again. {{storylink|Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!}}
{{--}}

===''Robotmasters'' comic===
[[File:Robot Masters comic Blastizone.jpg|thumb]]
After a suspicious period of inactivity during the Beast Wars, Optimus Primal personally went out to seek [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and found the [[Blastizone]], which took him to Earth in the year [[2004]]. Emerging from the time-space distortion, Primal found [[R-Blade]] under attack from [[Decepticon]]s. Their banter revealed to Primal that Megatron was in this time period, and the Maximal scared the Decepticons away. {{storylink|To War! Optimus Primal}} Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime would soon meet up, facing Beast Megatron in the meantime. {{Storylink|The New Battle Begins!}} Optimus Primal later teamed up with [[Bound Rogue]] and helped defend [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] from [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and other Decepticons. At the end of the battle, Primal joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots. {{storylink|Bonds Stronger than Steel}}

[[File:Starsaber robotmasters minicomic.jpg|thumb|left]]

Later, Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime attempted to push Gigant Bomb and Smokesniper away from Bound Rogue and Mirage. Their efforts did little, as Gigant Bomb was powered by a piece of solitarium in his chest. Star Saber and Victory Leo soon came to the rescue, slicing the solitarium piece into two and sending the Decepticon duo into retreat. The two new Autobots then joined the Optimuses in their struggle against Megatron. {{Storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}}

The Autobots developed the "[[Black body (technology)|black body]]" upgrade, which would allow them to safely absorb [[solitarium]] as a power source. Optimus Primal volunteered to be first in line for the process, but Optimus Prime would not have his soldiers take the risk before he would. Something did go wrong with the upgrade, as the Decepticons had managed to replace some of the process's data. This led to Optimus Prime needing to isolate himself so as to not drain his soldiers dry of their energy.

When the Predacon Megatron, also empowered by a "black body" upgrade, attacked the Autobots, Optimus Primal puzzled out that the corrupted version of the black body upgrade had no ill effects on transformers with "beast" physiology such as him and his rival. He applied the upgrade to himself, and took off to rescue Optimus Prime from his volatile state. Optimus Primal siphoned the excess solitarium from Prime's body, allowing the Autobot leader to return to his troops. Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime then defeated the Predacon Megatron together. {{storylink|Black Body (prose)|Black Body}}

[[File:RM online 10.jpg|thumb]]

On a tip from [[Sideways (RM)|Sideways]], Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime were led by [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] to a [[solitarium]] horde on [[Chaar]]. However, Double Face turned out to be with the Decepticons and had set up a trap for the Autobots at the solitarium. The Autobots survived, but the Decepticons ran off with the solitarium. {{storylink|Defend the Solitarium!}} Later, in [[2005]], Optimus Primal joined R-Blade and [[Delta Seeker]] in an aerial patrol. They came across Starscream, [[X-Gunner]], and [[Wingstun]], who challenged the Autobots to a race. Optimus Primal proved to be the slowest competitor, but the race was won by R-Blade. {{storylink|Through Sea and Sky: The World's Fastest Race}} Optimus Primal later intervened with Optimus Prime when a confused [[Lio Convoy]] attacked [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]]. Once Lio Convoy was convinced of the good nature of the Autobots of the time, the four [[Supreme Commander]]s used the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and the [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matrices]] to attack and send the Decepticons fleeing. {{Storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

When [[Reverse Convoy]] was rescued by the Autobots and claimed to have been attacked by the [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|original Megatron]] at [[Sherman Dam]], Optimus Primal joined Optimus Prime, Reverse Convoy, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and Victory Leo to Sherman Dam to confirm Reverse Convoy's story. {{Storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} It turned out to be a Decepticon trap, and the five were incapacitated. To lure the other Autobots to the Dam, Reverse Convoy sent out an SOS call, which [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and Lio Convoy answered. Reverse Convoy shortly revealed himself to be Rebirth Megatron, the original Megatron reborn! Nevertheless, Star Saber freed the bound Autobots and Rebirth Megatron destroyed the Dam to cover his escape. {{Storylink|The Dark Emperor of Destruction, Reborn}} Rebirth Megatron joined with Beast Megatron and the two led a force to make one final attack on the Autobots for more solitarium. The battle went on for three days and three nights till the Megatrons were finally defeated. With the power of solitarium, Optimus Primal and Beast Megatron returned to their rightful time. {{Storylink|And Then}}
{{--}}

===''Generations Selects Special Comic''===
In the [[Precursor World]], Star Convoy did battle with [[King Poseidon]]. Through the power of the [[Silver Matrix]], he connected with the future Supreme Commanders he had met during the [[Robotmasters (franchise)|solitarium conflict]]—Lio Convoy, Star Saber, and Optimus Primal. With their strength feeding his own, Star Convoy healed his wounds and was revitalized. {{storylink|Seacons comic 5}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Before his death in the core of Cybertron, Optimus Primal somehow learned that Rhinox's spirit had moved into the [[Legends World]] and shared this information with Cheetor, who would send a search party after the war was over.

At some point, the [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] of [[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|another universe]] retold the story of Primal's final battle with Megatron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Rattrap}}

===''Beast Wars Reborn''===
[[File:BeastWarsRebornMegatronArtwork1.jpg|left|thumb|Rebirth control.]]
After their death in the core of Cybertron, both Megatron and Optimus Primal awoke inside a bizarre temple-like spaceship which was hurtling through space. Neither had any memory of who they were or how they got there, only of their own names and a feeling of discomfort between one another. The pair went about investigating the ship in search of answers. While Megatron's memory was lost, his personality remained mostly intact: he was more concerned with seizing control of the ship before Primal did in order to gain the upper hand.

They eventually found a data log and discovered that their sparks had been taken and they were reborn into new bodies (unbeknownst to them, bodies identical to their original forms). However, their memories were intentionally not uploaded into their new bodies. While searching the log they discovered that the ship's main power source was a [[Golden Disk (BWR)|Golden Disk]] lodged within a giant pillar. Megatron immediately raced to obtain the Disk and Primal followed him. The closer they got to the disk, the more the ship attempted to thwart their advance by manipulating its atmospheric conditions.

Once they reached the chamber, the ship's environment suddenly morphed to that of a decaying planet littered with the corpses of robots. The corpses came to life and began shambling toward them, intent on eating their sparks. They made short work of the zombies, leaving Megatron to obtain the Golden Disk and Primal with a feeling that he shouldn't entirely trust Megatron. This was confirmed quite quickly when Megatron discovered a part of the ship capable of turning anything—or anyone—into pure [[antimatter]] and announced his intention to use it as a weapon. (Also, Primal somehow got [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#G2reissue|the Laser body]] of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#G-2 story pages and pack-in manga|his predecessor]] after Megatron started fiddling with the ship's computer.) As the two of them prepared to fight, a strange Transformer interrupted them, causing the entire ship to shut itself off (and giving Primal his old body back in the process). This Transformer introduced himself as [[Logos Prime|Soundblaster]], announcing that the ship's power over space and time was his own—and that he wished to pass it to Megatron.

From another dimension beyond time and space, [[Primus]] recognized that something was amiss and sent [[Vector Prime]] to meet Primal and Megatron within the spaceship. {{storylink|The Mysterious Temple in Space}} He arrived just in time to confront Soundblaster. Referring to him by his true name of Logos Prime, Vector Prime questioned the Ancient's motives, only for Soundblaster to repeat his intention of passing his powers to Megatron. {{storylink|Master of the Game}}

[[File:Animatron form Optimus Megatron.jpg|thumb|right]]

Optimus tried to take down Soundblaster in response, only for his attack to prove ineffective against his opponent's infrasonic wave counter-attack. Soundblaster then declared that a rite of succession would take place in order for his power to be passed on. The details of the rite were contained on the Golden Disk, which Optimus snatched away before Soundblaster could finish his explanation. Soundblaster then restored both Optimus and Megatron's memories, and warped the two competitors down onto an [[Jungle Planet (colony)|organic planet]]. Optimus first mistook the place for Earth, but the appearance of [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] duking it out with a [[Bear Transformer]] changed his mind on the matter. Optimus readied himself to join the tussle, only to be slammed away by Scourge's tail. Fighting unconsciousness, Optimus was approached by [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]]. {{Storylink|Planetfall (BWR)|Planetfall}}

After explaining his origins to Backstop, Optimus Primal was brought to the [[Rectangular Valley]] temple, where he analyzed the Golden Disk with the attending priests' technology. Megatron would make an appearance a few days later in a new body adapted to their new universe's [[Cyber Key|properties]]. Primal had a plan for himself, borrowing Animatron's [[Cyber Planet Key]] from the local viceroy, Optimus Primal used its power to evolve into a new Animatronian form that could access the [[Zeonomicon]] left behind for Soundlaster's successor. The two nemeses rushed to the obelisk where the successor would have to lay the Golden Disk to become the inheritor of the Ancient's powers. Both vanished from sight of the others in the battle, but Backstop believed that the dawn of a new day signaled who won out. {{Storylink|The Extraordinary Reformat}}

===''Kiss Players''===
Upon meeting the lost [[Shaoshao Li]] on his universe's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] noted that [[Logos Prime]] had brought two Transformers from Shaoshao's [[G1 World|world]] to this universe a long time ago. It was prudent for Shaoshao to find how they may have returned to their native universe, as she needed to return the [[Angolmois Energy|"Allspark" fragments she collected]] to ensure its future. {{storylink|Kiss Players episode 50|Kiss Players #50}}

==3H comics==
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English)}}
Some time after Optimus Primal's rebirth as a Transmetal, [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]] arrived on prehistoric [[Earth]] in search for an artifact. Optimus was called in to assist the other Maximals in subduding the Predacon. She eventually ran out of power and collapsed. Before he could have a look at the mysterious assailant, Optimus was knocked out by Megatron, who abducted Antagony. {{storylink|Visitations}}

[[File:Terminus-OptimalOptimus.jpg|thumb|right]]
When another traveler from Antagony's time came, Megatron engineered a battle between his Predacons and Optimus Primal's Maximals so that he could personally investigate. Realizing Megatron's intentions, Optimus followed him into a cavern that contained [[Unicron]]'s [[Dark Essence]]. The time traveler, [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], was soon possessed by the Dark Essence, and it used its powers to play with both Maximal and Predacon alike. However, thanks to the [[Cub]] and the [[Swoop (G1)|Veteran]] within Windrazor, the Dark Essence was expelled, but the future possessor of the Dark Essence, [[Shokaract]], arrived right after from the 32nd century. {{storylink|Paradox}} The Maximals' efforts against Shokaract were of little consequence and Optimus Primal in particular had a hole blasted in his chest, although he survived. Optimus watched as many warriors from various timelines and dimensions, such as [[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] and the [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]], arrived to [[Point Omega]] to battle the threat. While the Covenant battled the Dark Essence within Shokaract, Optimus Primal joined the others on the physical plane in distracting the demigod; with Shokaract's attention elsewhere, the Covenant were successful at separating the Dark Essence from Shokaract, destroying the warlord's timeline and erasing the battle and its build-up from existence in the process. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

[[File:Apelinqseemsfamiliar.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Like many beasts, Primal often has trouble recognizing himself in mirrors.]]

Some time after his return to Cybertron and his subsequent [[reformatting]], Optimus Primal recovered the [[Deployer (BM)|Deployer]] combat drones with [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]. They were cornered by [[Tank Drone]]s, but were saved with the intervention of [[Ramulus]], who had a dislike of Optimus for "abandoning" him on Earth, and [[Primal Prime]]. He soon met with Apelinq, whom he felt a familiarity with and who explained Point Omega and their presence to Optimus. They all went before the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and Optimus Primal met the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]] and the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]]. He was elated at the existence of more free Cybertronians, but the Oracle deemed that he had seen too much and wiped Optimus Primal and Nightscream's memories of the others. The Oracle ordered Apelinq to return them to their base, which he did so. {{Storylink|Departure}}

[[File:Csoptimusprimalu2.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Look, up in the sky! It's... an ape?]]

As the denizens of post-Vehicon [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] just began to settle into their peaceful, [[technorganic]] world that Optimus Primal had given his life to create, [[Unicron]] unexpectedly struck from afar. He teleported several [[Transformer]]s into himself, a handful of the countless victims across the [[multiverse]] whom he pitted against each other in order to harvest their [[energon radiation]] and, eventually, [[spark]]s. Damaged in some unknown battle and trapped between dimensions, Unicron sought to revitalize himself in this fashion.

Deep within Cybertron, [[Primus]] and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] summoned Optimus Primal back from the dead and sent him on a raid to free Unicron's captives. {{storylink|Abduction}} Once inside the Chaos-Bringer, he found allies in the form of a [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and even a [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] from variant timelines. {{storylink|OTFCC Live-Action Drama}} He also found himself discolored by sinister [[Unicron virus|radiation]] that threatened not only his body, but also his spark. Nevertheless, he was quite successful in his mission, battling Unicron's [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions]] until he had freed dozens of abductees. Then, still within Unicron, he sent them back to their home dimensions by the power of prayer.

Returning to Cybertron, Primal was glad for his victory, but he wondered if his own resurrection could bring about Megatron's return as well. {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} More pressingly, Primal was unable to convince the [[Maximal High Council]] that any of this was actually ''happening'', so he ended up turning to the dead for new troops. Primus gave him a selection of fallen warriors to choose from, and he picked [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. They were to launch more raids within Unicron while an orbital defense platform was being constructed above Cybertron. But Depth Charge refused to take part in more violence, so Alpha Trion took a cue from Unicron and transported [[Omega Prime]] into their universe to fight in his place. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}

[[File:Primal FPUnivBio.jpg|thumb|left|"Did I say ''Matrix'' of Purification? I meant Fist."]]

Optimus Primal took Omega Prime and others on raids within Unicron's internal "prison cities", freeing more captives. Primal then embarked on an even more proactive venture, leading teams to other universes in anticipation of Unicron's strikes and setting up defensive measures before the Chaos-Bringer could gather more victims. Despite gaining more followers in this process, Primal and other veterans were being worn down by Unicron's corruptive influence. Certainly, those who had been abducted and reformatted by Unicron were affected, but some (such as Primal himself) who had been exposed to Unicron's nanotech virus and its accompanying radiation were also suffering. In order to avert madness and death, Primus [[Reformatting|reformatted]] Primal and several of his [[Cheetor (BW)|comrades]]. Not only was his new form immune to the virus and radiation, but it also possessed the [[Matrix of Purification]], which could heal others of Unicronian corruption.

[[File:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|right|thumb|It's 11:00pm. Do you know where your Beast Wars cast is?]]

Months passed as the competing armies grew, their battles raging on a level comparable to the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|Great Wars]]. Cybertron itself remained stable, but only for a time. The planet fell victim to a massive invasion, later called "the [[Culling]]", in which Unicron's Minions swept across the globe in a killing frenzy, with the sparks of their victims feeding the Chaos-Bringer. Primal's army fended the invaders off, but, in the chaotic aftermath, Primal's earlier fears were realized as [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] returned to lead the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s back to glory. He initially fought Primal, but he eventually called a truce to better face their common foe. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|Optimus Primal's profile in Club magazine #9}}

Continued raids saved many more captives and brought the Minions to near-defeat. Then as one raiding party including Primal and Omega Prime battled their way out, Unicron suddenly began to disappear. The raiders rapidly teleported away, but Omega Prime did not materialize with the rest. He was pulled in mid-teleport by [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] into the Cybertron of the [[Unicron Singularity]], which had been the cause of the Unicron-war Unicron's disappearance. Presumably Optimus Primal made it back to his own universe safely, but this is unconfirmed. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

===''Wings Universe''===
In [[Primax 509.28 Epsilon|another universe]], another [[Apelinq (BM)#Wings Universe|Apelinq]] had visions of the great battle known as [[Point Omega]]. He saw Optimus Primal, whom he did not recognize. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

==Razorclaw continuity==
In one splinter timeline which diverged from [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]] shortly after Optimus Primal's death, Primal was not resurrected, and his remaining Maximals except for Tigatron and Airazor were killed by the Predacons. {{storylink|ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} This timeline's [[Tigerhawk]], who later became the evil [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], hated the memory of his constituents' commander, and this carried over to the [[Universe War]] wherein he fought [[Primax 797.18 Epsilon|another universe]]'s Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' Razorclaw profile}}

==''Robotmasters'' 3D diorama manga==
[[File:RM 3D Optimus Primal Starscream.jpg|thumb|left]]
Optimus Primal was part of an [[Autobot]] force helping in construction at [[Athens]] in preparation of the [[Olympics]]. [[Gigant Bomb]] and [[Smokesniper]], sent by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], attacked, but the two [[Decepticon]]s soon discovered that they were outnumbered. After turning themselves over to the Autobots for mercy, they were put to work in helping out Athens. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 1}}

While on a mission in the [[Congo]], Optimus Primal received a message from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] about a strange frequency detected in the jungle. Investigating, Primal found [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] building a Decepticon airbase. After using vines to tie up Starscream, Optimus Primal used his Blast Jet Pu~nch on him, thwarting his dastardly plot. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 2}}

Primal borne witness to [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Reverse Convoy]]'s arrival at the Autobot base and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] chasing after him to stop him from revealing the location of the secret Decepticon base. Primal joined in the fight against Starscream, but it was Reverse Convoy who ultimately sent him fleeing. At the conclusion of the battle, Reverse Convoy agreed to lead the Autobots to the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 9}} It turned out that Reverse Convoy was the reborn G1 Megatron and that he led the Autobot leaders to a trap that sapped them of their energies. Thankfully, they were saved by the intervention of [[Lio Convoy]] and another [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. Together with the new Optimus Prime's Galaxy Cannon, G1 Optimus Prime, Lio Convoy, [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]], and Optimus Primal blasted away the Decepticons. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 11}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 5}}}}

==''Robotmasters'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Yūto Kazama]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:RM Optimus Primal.jpg|thumb|I can manipulate Lightning!]]

Optimus Primal chased Megatron into a time warp to Earth in 2004. There, he met and joined forces with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] during a battle against Megatron and his Decepticons. Together, the Optimuses performed a special attack, a massive energon whirlwind called the "Double Convoy Tornado" to force the malevolent robots away. {{storylink|Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!}}

Optimus Primal was later part of an Autobot force battling the Decepticons in a city. When he was assisted by a new arrival, [[Reverse Convoy]], Optimus Primal met him for introductions, and the Convoy explained that he wanted to assist in the fight against Megatron. However, Reverse Convoy soon shot [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] out of the sky and revealed himself to be [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rebirth Megatron]]. Optimus Primal was shocked, and Rebirth Megatron joined forces with Beast Megatron, creating the Double Megatron Tornado to counter the Double Convoy Tornado. But the Autobot tornado emerged victorious with the addition of Lio Convoy's Lio Typhoon Arrow, creating the Triple Convoy Tornado Link attack and sending the Megatrons into retreat. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (episode)|Lio Convoy Storms In}}
{{--}}

==Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity==
On the trip back to Cybertron at the conclusion of the Beast Wars, Optimus Primal dozed off, but was woken up by Rattrap talking in his sleep. Primal asked Rattrap if he was okay, and he replied that it wasn't anything to be concerned about. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}

{{BW Shell Game}}
Optimus reflected on the events that had taken them through the Beast Wars to their current situation, riding aboard an Autobot shuttlecraft through transwarp, and made a speech to his Maximals about sticking together. Little did he know that a Transwarp agitator had been placed on the shuttle by a new team on Predacons hiding on Earth. The device caused Optimus and the rest of the Maximals to act aggressively towards one another. The only one unaffected was Rattrap, who was experiencing troubles of a different sort; he was being plagued by visions of Maximals he had supposedly "abandoned" on Earth. In response to the rodent's own unusual behavior, Optimus tried to force him in the C.R. Chamber with excessive force. Rattrap got away from him and managed to deactivate the ship's Transwarp drive, annulling the effects of the Transwarp agitator. Unfortunately, this also returned their ship to prehistoric Earth. Worse yet, Megatron took advantage of the situation and escaped his bonds from atop of the shuttle, and melted a hole into its bulkhead to attack the Maximals within. {{storylink|Shell Game issue 1|Shell Game #1}}

==''Transformers Legends'' anthology==
Following the explosion of the Planet Buster, Optimus Primal found himself in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]], where he encountered [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], an [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] from a [[Unicron Trilogy|different universe]], and a future version of himself. The four of them were able to overcome the alternate Prime's doubts about his leadership, before they all returned to the time streams from whence they came. Optimus Primal repeated the whole thing again much later, after his destruction facing Megatron in the [[Council Citadel]] on Cybertron. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

Much later, while angsting over the way the Predacons had used him to access the Ark, Optimus Primal failed to notice [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] flying overhead to deliver a device to the Maximal base. He was alerted a short time later when the device whipped up tensions in the Maximal ranks, causing them to fight amongst themselves. Primal fell prey to it for a brief period of time, but his recent experiences with mind control enabled him to overcome it and he was able to free his fellow Maximals from its grip before leading them in fighting off Megatron. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

While Megatron was being guided through the afterlife by Rhinox, he beheld a vision of himself slaughtering his allies and foes alike, Optimus Primal among them. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity==
[[File:BWGatherOptimalOptimus.jpg|thumb|left]]
The 'bot that would one day call himself "Optimus Primal" was aboard the ''Axalon'', along with the rest of its original crew, tasked with performing orbital scans of Cybertron. All the while, he had to put up with teasing from one of his [[Rattrap (BW)|subordinates]], who took to razzing him about his "Optimus Primey" look and behavior. The crew's survey yielded Transmatter energy signatures coming from the head of [[Unicron]], in orbit around the planet. Upon their approach, they detected a whole lot of activity within the satellite; several units evacuating a concealed base. The ship's captain had just enough time to order his crew to activate their shield before a Transmatter bomb erupted out of the satellite, and the Axalon accidentally came to meet its path. The ship avoided damage thanks to its shields, and the bomb was deflected away from the planet. Some Transmatter debris did reach Cybertron however, and all those touched by it were reduced to protoforms. A few of these unfortunates were later entrusted to the crew of the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}

Though the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard computers originally suggested that Optimus Primal take on a bat as an [[alternate mode]], he knew that such a form would be insufficient to combat Megatron. Optimus Primal chose a more powerful gorilla form instead. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}

As [[Magmatron]] surveyed various events of the Beast Wars, he witnessed several key moments involving Optimus Primal. Among them was Optimus's duel with Dinobot on the stone bridge leading to the Maximal base, and the events leading to Optimus's transformation into the Optimal Optimus body. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Some time after Depth Charge arrived on Earth, Optimus somehow felt the presence of [[Razorbeast]], [[Optimus Minor]], and [[Snarl (BW)|Snarl]] as they sneaked aboard the Ark, even though they were [[Chronal phase|chronically displaced]]. Optimus explained to Rhinox and Cheetor that he felt something familiar, yet wrong... Unable to feel the presence as Optimus did, Rhinox convinced him that he was simply "chasing ghosts". {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3|The Gathering #3}}
{{--}}

==Waspscream continuity==
In [[Primax 208.06 Zeta]], Megatron's Predacons were aided by the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from [[Primax 206.15 Gamma]], resulting in all the Maximals, including Optimus Primal, being defeated. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}}

==''Timelines''==
[[File:Optimusprimalbwtimelines.jpg|right|thumb|Pre-fur Primal, Maximal nobody.]]
Optimus Primal was a veteran of the last [[Great War (BW)|Great War]], one waged between the Maximals and the Predacons. He was a distinguished graduate of the [[Maximal Military Academy]], where he was a diligent student of the accomplishments of past generations, both militaristic and scientific. {{Storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|Optimus Primal's bio}}

Captain of the ship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus Primal and his crew had been stuck on a space station for weeks while awaiting [[Rampage (BW)|additional cargo]]. Finally, they were leaving and ready to return to embarking on their mission of exploration, but the [[Maximal Defense Command Center]] had a different idea. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] had been stolen by [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and a group of rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], and Optimus Primal's ship was closest to intercept.

They closed in on Megatron's stolen ship, the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', but the ''Axalon'' suddenly came under attack by a [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|second Predacon ship]]. The odds were evened again by the arrival of another Maximal ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', which was crewed by its [[Airazor (BW)|Maximal owner]] and [[Tigatron|Unit 2]], a member of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]]. Both of these ships were ultimately destroyed, but Primal ordered the Maximals on board the ''Chromia 10'' be [[Spark core transfer|downloaded]] into [[blank]] [[stasis pod]]s to save their lives. The ''Axalon'' subsequently resumed its pursuit of the ''Darksyde''.

Via transmission, Megatron taunted Optimus Primal and his crew. The ''Darksyde'' opened a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal and jumped through. The ''Axalon'' followed. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

Later, once the Beast Wars were underway, Optimus Primal was accompanied by Airazor on a mission to stop the Predacons from launching an orbital weapon that could attack anywhere on the planet's surface. The pair rendezvoused with Cheetor and Rhinox, and took on Megatron and his Predacons. Thanks to Airazor, the launch of the satellite failed. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

==''Wings Universe''==
After Primal's death and the Great Transformation, Cheetor felt lost and meditated hard in an attempt to reach his leader via the Oracle. Cheetor instead met [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] and became Alpha Trizer. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} In [[2984]] as Alpha Trizer was engaged in combat against the [[Star Seeker]]s, the face of his mentor Optimus Primal flashed through his mind. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

==The Protector==
===''Robots in Disguise'' toy bio===
[[File:Air-attack-optimus-primal.jpg|right|thumb]]
After the conclusion of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] in [[Primax 496.22 Alpha]], while on their way back to their home time, the Maximals' shuttle was struck by temporal interference waves caused by the time-displaced [[Ravage (G1)#Story of Binaltech|Ravage]]'s alteration of history in the year 2005 of [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]]. Caught in the disruption, the shuttle and its crew were essentially "split" in two—one version of them continued home to Cybertron and battled Megatron for all the sparks of Cybertron, but one version wound up in the "[[BT World]]", the parallel universe Ravage's meddling had created. In this parallel world, the ship was observed by [[Unicron]] and blown to pieces, scattering Optimus, his crew, and Megatron into Transwarp space—temporal anomalies without a home. {{Storylink|Outlier (comic)|Outlier}}

Megatron found himself in the future time period of [[Viron 102.0 Beta]], where he joined forces with [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] to conquer that timeline's Cybertron. The guardians of causality known as the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]], a race of hyper-evolved Autobots from 900,000 years in the future, sought to give the lost Primal a purpose, and secretly directed him, Rhinox, Rattrap, and Silverbolt to Viron 102.0 Beta. There, they communed with him through the Oracle and guided him in stopping Megatron's schemes. In the war against Megatron that followed, Optimus took numerous forms; his final upgrade was into a flight-capable "Air Attack" body, so that he could battle the airborne "Megahead" form his arch-enemy had taken. Primal and his Maximals ultimately triumphed over Megatron, but Cryotek then took up his ally's ambition, seeking not just the ''domination'' of all sparks, but their outright destruction. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

Horrified to witness the results of Cryotek's horrendous experiments to replace sparks with physical operating systems, Primal—having already realized that there was a greater power behind the Oracle—petitioned the Alternity directly to send him after Cryotek, who had used Transwarp technology to escape to 21st century Earth and joined forces with the native Predacon leader [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]]. The Alternity agreed to his request, if he would join the ranks of their elite agents, the [[Protector]]s, in return. Primal accepted, and was sent to Earth with the former Spychanger [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage GT]] to serve as his guide. To reduce the risk of a time paradox, however, the Alternity had made it so that Primal's form while in the past was incorporeal, able to assume a physical aspect only to direct engage Cryotek. In this ghostly form, he served as a "spirit guide" to the native [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and helped him defeat the Megatron Megabolt-controlled [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], before the pair finally succeeded in defeating both Megatron and Cryotek. {{storylink|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Robots in Disguise (2001)|Air Attack Optimus Primal toy bio}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

His personal mission complete, Primal ascended into the ranks of the Protectors, and began combating threats to time and space all across the multiverse. For his first mission, he helped hunt down the Beast of Time, the [[Hytherion]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

===Controverse===
[[File:Controverse primal and elita.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5]]
The Alternity dispatched Optimus Primal and [[Arcee (Energon)|Elita Five]] to observe the trial of the ancient alien genius [[Primacron]] in [[G1 World|Primax 785.06 Alpha]]. {{storylink|Controverse}} The Alternity suspected Primacron of having created the Hytherion, though this theory was proven incorrect.

In the course of the trial, Primacron became aware of dimensions unlike his own, where robotic life was supposedly created by a [[Primus|divine being]]. After studying several such universes, Primacron concluded that such a thing could not possibly be true, and started attacking them instead. Primal and his fellow Protectors raced to stop the experiment, standing against Primacron's assault, but the power of the alien's [[Solduron]] exo-armor was too much for Primal to bear, and his body was destroyed completely. Fortunately, having had some experience as a non-corporeal being after his own "death" during the Beast Wars, Primal was able to maintain the cohesion of his consciousness, and succeeded in talking Primacron down. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

===''Story of Binaltech''===
[[File:AltNemesisPrimeArt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5]]
It was as a disembodied spark that Primal was charged with his most important mission: to ensure the very existence of the Alternity itself. The BT World, he learned, was the world from which the Alternity originated, but its existence was in danger as a result of the native Autobots of 2005 attempting to use the chronal energy of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] to undo the alteration of history that Ravage had wrought. The result was the unravelling of space and time itself—a maelstrom through which Primal's spark materialized, arriving in [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s laboratory, where he immediately possessed a black [[Binaltech (technology)|Binaltech]] body frame created by the doctor in the image of Optimus Prime. Primal proceeded to teleport to Dinobot Island, where he used the enhanced powers the Alternity had provided him to manipulate its chronal energy, accomplishing both objectives simultaneously: the restoration of the original timeline, and the preservation of the "BT World" as its own distinct parallel universe. In the wake of this great event, Primal met up with Optimus Prime's Autobots, and was able to drop a few cryptic hints about the future that awaited them before the personality data Arkeville had programmed into the black Prime body shell finally asserted itself, forcing Primal's spark out of the body. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

Some time later, at the same time as the Autobots were trying to shut down the rogue Binaltech projects happening around the world, they also began a series of experiments under Primal's direction that would eventually lead to their evolution into the Alternity. Chief among these was the [[Timaeus Project]], which would generate the [[Alternium]] the Alternity's bodies were composed of. While [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] was participating in that project, the Autobots prepared to transfer Primal's spark into a Binaltech body to restore him to mobility. Unfortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] remotely took control of the [[Autosoldier]] frame before Primal's spark could be downloaded into it, and the Autosoldiers began to run amok inside [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. Arcee attempted to come to Primal's aid, but when she exited the Timaeus Project's high-speed racetrack without initiating proper slowdown procedures, her body was crushed by the kinetic energy. In her unconscious state, Primal spoke directly to her spark, telling her to forget about him and to instead protect the project and its scientists, so vital were they were to the future. Reluctantly, Arcee did so, allowing the Shockwave-controlled Autosoldiers to make off with Primal's spark. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 3}}

The Autobots regrouped and went after Shockwave's agents, tracking Nemesis Prime and the Decepticons to Australia. Optimus Prime faced off against Nemesis Prime. but Prime found himself outmatched by Nemesis Prime's power, augmented by a synthetic Matrix he had created. During the battle, Arcee liberated Primal from the Decepticons, and he then merged his spark with Optimus Prime—something Prime [[Optimal Situation|had vague memories of experiencing previously]]. The power resulting from this fusion enabled Optimus Prime to deflect Nemesis Prime's attack, ultimately destroying the clone. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 4}}

In the aftermath of the battle, the Protector was given a new Binaltech body, a replica of Nemesis Prime's form. He joined the Autobots in defending the [[Earth Defense Command]] Space Center when it came under attack by [[Decepticharge]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Optimus Primal, recognizing his friend, attempted to stop the battle between her and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]]. However, [[Carly]] came to the rescue by using the [[Psychedevice]] to evolve into a telepathic entity that cured Grimlock and Blackarachnia's mental afflictions. Reacquainting with Blackarachnia, the Protector explained that he felt a responsibility to her to reunite her with their friends, since he helped maintain the timeline she was trapped in. {{storylink|Outlier (comic)|Outlier}}

===''Alternity''===
Following the Decepticons' defeat in Australia, the alien [[Quintesson]]s placed a [[quadrant lock]] on Earth's [[Star system|solar system]] in order to trap the powerful Binaltech Autobots. This lock left Primal unable to leave the dimension, and he remained on Earth for the next 900,000 years (though only a few months passed inside the quadrant lock), watching as the Autobots steadily evolved into the Alternity and then broke the lock.

When the Alternity became aware of the [[Planicron]]s, a race of two-dimensional beings who were attempting to become higher-dimensional life-forms, they concluded that the gateway through which they needed to pass in order to evolve themselves was located somewhere on the BT World. Primal and Grimlock met the Alternity envoys who arrived on the planet, and informed them that they had located the doorway: it was the circuit diagram for the [[Critias Gate]], a super-dimensional reactor the Autobots had been experimenting with at the same time as the Timaeus Project. With a little help from [[Vector Prime]], the gate was set up and the Planicrons passed through it, evolving into higher-dimensional beings and taking the Alternity's place as the defenders of time and space. {{storylink|Alternation}}

The last that Vector Prime knew, the Flaternity and the Protectors were still adapting to their new circumstances. Vector Prime believed that Optimus Primal would rise to whatever duty fate gave him. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/30}}

==A Change to the Agenda==
After [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and was thrown out of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] activated the ship's defense systems, Optimus Primal and the other Maximals attempted to heal the wounded Autobot. However, Megatron was not thrown far enough and the Predacon managed to reenter the Ark and blast the Autobot leader, decisively erasing the Maximals from the timeline. {{storylink|A Change to the Agenda}} In [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|the wildly different timeline]] that followed, Optimus Primal's life would take [[Optimus Primal (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|a very different track]].

==Games==
===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[File:N64 Optimus Primal.jpg|frame|Back in 1999, you thought these graphics were awesome! ADMIT IT!]]
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}

The Beast Wars seemed over, but the captured Megatron had prepared for such a situation and was able to send a message to his past self via transwarp, causing history to be altered! These rewritten Beast Wars came to an end when Optimus led a final strike against the Predacon forces. The battle was hard-fought, resulting in tragic casualties on both sides, but ended with Megatron's capture.

After Megatron was secured to the outside of an Autobot escape shuttle, the remaining Maximals were on their way to return to Cybertron. Unfortunately, the captured Megatron had prepared for such a situation and was able to send a message to his past self via transwarp, causing history to be altered! These rewritten Beast Wars came to an end when Optimus... {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{BW fighter ending|Optimus Primal|N64}}

====Move list====
{{note|This list only includes the character's unique special moves in Beast Mode, as their attacks in Robot Mode and Vehicle Mode are identical to those of every other character.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Beast Attacks'''
|-
|C-Right||Drumming Fury
|-
|C-Up||Primal Body Crush
|-
|C-Left||Primal Lariat
|}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (PS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)}}
====Maximal story====
When the ''Axalon'' came under heavy Predacon fire, Optimus saw the attack as an opening they could use to retake the Golden Disk. He quickly formulated a plan and led a team in chasing the Predacons back to the ''Darkside'', successfully retaking the Disk. However, though Megatron appeared cornered, the group learned that the Predacons had managed to infiltrate the ''Axalon'' in their absence. As Megatron took off, Optimus ordered everyone to hurry back to base. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Predacon story====
Optimus led an attack on the ''Darkside'', but this was revealed to be part of a plot by Megatron, and he and the other Maximals were swiftly overtaken, being beaten all the way back to the ''Axalon''. Left battered on the ground of the ship's bridge, Primal remained defiant even as Megatron prepared to finish him off. Fortunately, Rhinox arrived and activated Sentinel's defenses, forcing the Predacons to retreat and saving Primal's life. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS)}}

====Move list====
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Special attack||Prime Blaster
|Special attack||Drumming Fury
|-
|Super attack||Prime Gun Barrage
|Super attack||Primal Launch
|}

==Notes==
*Very rarely in the show's first season, Optimus Primal's open faceguard would "close" into a fully shielded Optimus Prime-like mouthless faceguard, typically when going into battle. Presumably this was done to better reflect his toy, which did not include a visible mouth.
*In his Transmetal form, Optimus Primal's spark chamber is on a hinge in his chest to swing down to the opening in his abdomen. In his Optimal Optimus form, he stored Prime's spark in his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] [[cockpit]].
*According to the diagram of Optimus Primal on the catalog packed with "TM-SP DX Convoy", his spark chamber is [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-shaped.
*Although the "Protector" iteration of Optimus Primal debuted in Japanese fiction, he originates from [[Primax 496.22 Alpha|the universe]] of the original American version of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon. This is presumably due to his creator [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]'s love for original American iterations of ''Transformers'' fiction and dislike of the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Alternators characters]]
[[Category:Alternity characters]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II Maximals]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Cloud characters]]
[[Category:Convoys]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Maximals]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]