MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Dinobot (PCC)

2010-11-10T17:58:47Z

ShiningBlitz: A bit of Peaugh-inspired funny that can do no harm

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Dinobot}}
:''The Dinobots are a series of [[Autobot]] [[drone]]s from ''[[Power Core Combiners]]''.''
[[Image:PCC-toy_GrimstoneDinobots.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Fear the Popesaurus and his MIGHTY HAT]]

The '''Dinobots''' are four robot [[dinosaur]]s who can combine with their [[Commander (PCC)|Commander]] [[Grimstone]] to power him up in battle. They consist of a ''[[wikipedia:Dimetrodon|Dimetrodon]]'', a ''[[wikipedia:Parasaurolophus|Parasaurolophus]]'', a ''[[wikipedia:Pachycephalosaurus|Pachycephalosaurus]]'' and an ''[[wikipedia:Ankylosaurus|Ankylosaurus]]''.

==Toys==
===Power Core Combiners===
*'''Grimstone with Dinobots''' (Power Core Combiners 5-pack, 2010?)

:The Dinobots are available with their commander [[Grimstone]], who transforms into a robotic ''[[wikipedia:Styracosaurus|Styracosaurus]]''. They automatically transform from dinosaurs to limbs using [[Automorph Technology]] when clipped onto Grimstone's torso mode. When detached, they transform back into their beast modes.

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
*''Dimetrodon'' is not actually a dinosaur. As a [[wikipedia:Synapsid|synapsid]], it is actually a mammal-precursor. Inclusion of non-dinosaurs within the Dinobot roster [[Swoop (G1)|is]] [[Swoop (Animated)|not]] [[Terranotron (Dinobots)|a]] [[Terranotron (BM)|new]] [[Sludge (Dinobots)|development]].

[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Dinobots]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Power Core Combiners]]

Talk:Doctor

2010-01-06T17:56:26Z

ShiningBlitz:

I demand this be moved to "Doctor (Who)" --[[User:FortMax|FortMax]] 20:25, 8 October 2009 (EDT)

-Second [[User:ShiningBlitz|ShiningBlitz]] 12:56, 6 January 2010 (EST)

Ricochet (Headmasters)

2009-06-19T19:25:56Z

ShiningBlitz: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Ricochet}}
:''Ricochet is an [[Autobot]] from the [[The Headmasters (franchise)|Headmasters]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Ricochetdoesnthavemuchart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] gets pimped.]]
'''Ricochet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s function is Rapid-Fire Attack, and he's well suited to it. He is the most accurate marksman the Autobots have and a [[Targetmaster]] as well, further augmenting his incredible skill. Unfortunately he's also quick-tempered and very easily provoked. This leads to him having a hard time maintaining friendly relations or even conversations with his teammates. In his favor, Ricochet has an uncommonly strong sense of justice (exactly twice as strong as the ordinary Autobot).

His Targetmaster partner is [[Nightstick (Ricochet)|Nightstick]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Stepper'''

==Fiction==
===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''The Headmasters'' comic====
Ricochet accompanied [[Artfire]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] in responding to a building fire. While the Autobots attempted to rescue people and put out the flames, the [[Decepticon]] Targetmasters attacked. However, the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], who dropped [[fire-retardant foam]] on the buildings in starship mode, gave the two Autobot Targetmasters the chance they needed to combine with their gun-partners and send the Decepticons flying away uncontrollably. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 7|The Headmasters #7}}

====Transformers Collection reissue bio====
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Ricochet often had marksmanship contests with his friends [[Fusion (Autobot)|Fusion]] and [[Bluestreak]].
(It's anyone's guess how the hot-tempered Ricochet, who couldn't maintain friendly conversations with other Autobots, could be pals with the chatterbox Bluestreak.)

Ricochet's metabolic functions were damaged in an unspecified "incident." Nightstick, an engineer on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], volunteered to help him by undergoing a unique form of [[binary bonding]]. While ostensibly becoming a Targetmaster, Nightstick's gun mode wasn't merely hand-held. He instead plugged into Ricochet's robot-mode back, serving as a life-support system.

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Though he was never activated, Ricochet was apparently one of several [[Cloning|clones]] created by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in the same program that produced [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}}

{{note|This origin is at odds with what little else we know about Ricochet. Of course, [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] wasn't a clone in most stories either...}}

==Toys==
===The Headmasters===
[[Image:G1Stepper toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Former holy grail.]]
*'''Stepper''' (Targetmaster, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-109'''
**''Accessories:'' "Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack

: A [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of the 1984 Autobot [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], Stepper transforms into a 1976 Porsche 935 Turbo sports car. As a [[Targetmaster]], he came with a smaller partner robot named [[Nebulon (Autobot)|Nebulon]]. In gun mode, Nebulon could peg into Stepper's car mode spoiler, or could attach to a separate bracket that mounted over his robot-mode shoulder. Stepper did not come with any of Jazz's accessories.

: As a late addition to the Japanese ''Headmasters'' series (he was a tail-ender release and was unlikely to have been on shelves for very long as stores would reset for the new [[Super-God Masterforce (toyline)|''Super-God Masterforce'' toyline]]) and one of the earliest Japanese-only Transformers, though Stepper was not ''particularly'' rare, he was perceived as such in the West. As such, for several years Stepper commanded top dollar on the secondary market... until the reissue (see below) pretty much iced that.

{{-}}
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Stepper reissue.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Modern heavily-discounted shelfwarmer.]]
*'''Ricochet w/ Nightstick''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TFC-15'''
**''Accessories:'' "Nightstick/Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack, rifle, missile launcher backpack, 3 missiles

: Announced first by [[Hasbro]] but released almost simultaneously by both Hasbro and [[Takara]], Stepper (now called Ricochet for his Hasbro debut) was released through Toys "R" Us in the United States in ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' IX, and as part of Takara's ''[[Transformers Collection|T/F Collection]]'' reissue series. His arsenal was bolstered by the addition of Jazz's weapons, chromed gold for the Takara version, and solid black plastic for the Hasbro release. Additionally, Nightstick was retooled with a slender peg extension to allow Ricochet to actually hold him in his hand as well as changing the plastic clasp that held his legs in (this part was easily broken) to the more sturdy pin and solid plastic holder.

: Amusingly enough, neither version sold all that well, and in the United States was eventually sent to the "closeout" chain Tuesday Morning, where he could be purchased for $8 (original TRU price: $35). Japan saw similar clearance sales on the piece.

===Alternators===
[[Image:Alternators Ricochet toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, Ricochet's brilliant plan to score fembots by becoming a lifeguard failed miserably.]]
*'''Ricochet''' (Alternator, 2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''20'''
**''Accessories:'' Intercooler/gun

: A late-run [[Alternator]], Ricochet is a [[redeco]] of the Subaru Impreza WRX mold used to make [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]]. He features opening doors, hood and trunk, has a detailed interior, and his intercooler becomes a hand-held (non-firing) weapon. He is one of the few Alternators with a state-specific license plate; Ricochet is registered in New Jersey. With his attitude, he'll fit right in.

: Though publicity photography give Ricochet a fully-gold face, for unknown reasons the final product's nose was white. Contrary to popular belief, it was not left unpainted, as his head is made out of black plastic.

: This mold was retooled to make [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Ricochet vs Predaking''' (2-pack, 2009)

[[Image:Robotheroesricochetpredaking.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Finally, someone to redeco every Jazz into.]]
A two-pack with [[Predaking]].

The US release of this two-pack has been cancelled, but it has been found in Singapore, Germany and the UK.
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Stepper and Artfire's Targetmaster partners' names were switched from their [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|English-language]] [[Fracas|counterparts]]. There has been some speculation among fans that "Stepper" and "Artfire" may have been switched as well; this is fueled by the fact that [[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]], the Ricochet homage in ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'', was named Artfire in Japan, not Stepper.

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1987/Cybertron/Stepper/stepper.htm Ricochet at TFU.info]
* [http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/japanese/trans296.php Headmasters #7 translated in English]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]

Ricochet (Headmasters)

2009-06-19T19:25:30Z

ShiningBlitz: /* Notes */ Rewrite for clarity

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Ricochet}}
:''Ricochet is an [[Autobot]] from the [[The Headmasters (franchise)|Headmasters]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Ricochetdoesnthavemuchart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] gets pimped.]]
'''Ricochet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s function is Rapid-Fire Attack, and he's well suited to it. He is the most accurate marksman the Autobots have and a [[Targetmaster]] as well, further augmenting his incredible skill. Unfortunately he's also quick-tempered and very easily provoked. This leads to him having a hard time maintaining friendly relations or even conversations with his teammates. In his favor, Ricochet has an uncommonly strong sense of justice (exactly twice as strong as the ordinary Autobot).

His Targetmaster partner is [[Nightstick (Ricochet)|Nightstick]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Stepper'''

==Fiction==
===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''The Headmasters'' comic====
Ricochet accompanied [[Artfire]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] in responding to a building fire. While the Autobots attempted to rescue people and put out the flames, the [[Decepticon]] Targetmasters attacked. However, the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], who dropped [[fire-retardant foam]] on the buildings in starship mode, gave the two Autobot Targetmasters the chance they needed to combine with their gun-partners and send the Decepticons flying away uncontrollably. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 7|The Headmasters #7}}

====Transformers Collection reissue bio====
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Ricochet often had marksmanship contests with his friends [[Fusion (Autobot)|Fusion]] and [[Bluestreak]].
(It's anyone's guess how the hot-tempered Ricochet, who couldn't maintain friendly conversations with other Autobots, could be pals with the chatterbox Bluestreak.)

Ricochet's metabolic functions were damaged in an unspecified "incident." Nightstick, an engineer on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], volunteered to help him by undergoing a unique form of [[binary bonding]]. While ostensibly becoming a Targetmaster, Nightstick's gun mode wasn't merely hand-held. He instead plugged into Ricochet's robot-mode back, serving as a life-support system.

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Though he was never activated, Ricochet was apparently one of several [[Cloning|clones]] created by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in the same program that produced [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}}

{{note|This origin is at odds with what little else we know about Ricochet. Of course, [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] wasn't a clone in most stories either...}}

==Toys==
===The Headmasters===
[[Image:G1Stepper toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Former holy grail.]]
*'''Stepper''' (Targetmaster, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-109'''
**''Accessories:'' "Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack

: A [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of the 1984 Autobot [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], Stepper transforms into a 1976 Porsche 935 Turbo sports car. As a [[Targetmaster]], he came with a smaller partner robot named [[Nebulon (Autobot)|Nebulon]]. In gun mode, Nebulon could peg into Stepper's car mode spoiler, or could attach to a separate bracket that mounted over his robot-mode shoulder. Stepper did not come with any of Jazz's accessories.

: As a late addition to the Japanese ''Headmasters'' series (he was a tail-ender release and was unlikely to have been on shelves for very long as stores would reset for the new [[Super-God Masterforce (toyline)|''Super-God Masterforce'' toyline]]) and one of the earliest Japanese-only Transformers, though Stepper was not ''particularly'' rare, he was perceived as such in the West. As such, for several years Stepper commanded top dollar on the secondary market... until the reissue (see below) pretty much iced that.

{{-}}
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Stepper reissue.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Modern heavily-discounted shelfwarmer.]]
*'''Ricochet w/ Nightstick''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TFC-15'''
**''Accessories:'' "Nightstick/Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack, rifle, missile launcher backpack, 3 missiles

: Announced first by [[Hasbro]] but released almost simultaneously by both Hasbro and [[Takara]], Stepper (now called Ricochet for his Hasbro debut) was released through Toys "R" Us in the United States in ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' IX, and as part of Takara's ''[[Transformers Collection|T/F Collection]]'' reissue series. His arsenal was bolstered by the addition of Jazz's weapons, chromed gold for the Takara version, and solid black plastic for the Hasbro release. Additionally, Nightstick was retooled with a slender peg extension to allow Ricochet to actually hold him in his hand as well as changing the plastic clasp that held his legs in (this part was easily broken) to the more sturdy pin and solid plastic holder.

: Amusingly enough, neither version sold all that well, and in the United States was eventually sent to the "closeout" chain Tuesday Morning, where he could be purchased for $8 (original TRU price: $35). Japan saw similar clearance sales on the piece.

===Alternators===
[[Image:Alternators Ricochet toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, Ricochet's brilliant plan to score fembots by becoming a lifeguard failed miserably.]]
*'''Ricochet''' (Alternator, 2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''20'''
**''Accessories:'' Intercooler/gun

: A late-run [[Alternator]], Ricochet is a [[redeco]] of the Subaru Impreza WRX mold used to make [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]]. He features opening doors, hood and trunk, has a detailed interior, and his intercooler becomes a hand-held (non-firing) weapon. He is one of the few Alternators with a state-specific license plate; Ricochet is registered in New Jersey. With his attitude, he'll fit right in.

: Though publicity photography give Ricochet a fully-gold face, for unknown reasons the final product's nose was white. Contrary to popular belief, it was not left unpainted, as his head is made out of black plastic.

: This mold was retooled to make [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Ricochet vs Predaking''' (2-pack, 2009)

[[Image:Robotheroesricochetpredaking.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Finally, someone to redeco every Jazz into.]]
A two-pack with [[Predaking]].

The US release of this two-pack has been cancelled, but it has been found in Singapore, Germany and the UK.
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Stepper and Artfire's Targetmaster partners' names were switched from their [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|English-language]] [[Fracas|counterparts]]. There has been some speculation among fans that "Stepper" and "Artfire" may have been switched as well; this is fueled by the fact that [[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]], the Ricochet homage in ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'''was named Artfire in Japan, not Stepper.

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1987/Cybertron/Stepper/stepper.htm Ricochet at TFU.info]
* [http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/japanese/trans296.php Headmasters #7 translated in English]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]

Megatron (BW)/toys

2009-06-19T05:09:57Z

ShiningBlitz: /* Timelines */ fix typo on previous edit

The '''[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]''' of the [[Beast Wars]] has many toys, yeeess.

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronBasic.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It appears to be a harmless Earth creature!]]
* '''Optimus Primal VS Megatron''' (Basic 2-pack, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

: The initial version of ''Beast Wars'' Megatron transformed into a green alligator. The toy is a [[retool]] of [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] with new alligator and robot heads, and no frill. The screw hole for the frill bracket remains. Both toys were released at roughly the same time.

:Whether this toy can be considered the ''Beast Wars'' Megatron character as seen in the primary fiction is a matter of debate. Released before the animated series began, which established Megatron as a separate entity from [[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 Megatron]], the accompanying profiles and mini-comic seem to assume that the Beast Wars are a progression of the same characters from the Autobot/Decepticon war. Whether the animated series's [[retcon]] affected this set of toys is probably a matter of personal preference. It can be interpreted as representing one of the more interesting [[micro-continuities]].

:More recently, the ''[[Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' has asserted that, in [[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)|IDW's version of ''Beast Wars'' continuity]], Megatron's alligator body was suggested by the ''Darksyde'''s computer as a potential alternate mode, but he rejected it in favor of the more powerful T-Rex, without ever actually reformatting into it. Thus, this [[micro-continuity]] posits alligator-mode Megatron as an essentially theoretical alternate form that never actually came to be. ''Suuure.''

:This mold was additionally used to make the purple-recolored Megaligator (who may or may not be a separate character to either Megatron or [[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 Megatron]]). It was also proposed for [[Albitron]].

{{-}}{{anchor|BWultra}}
[[Image:Bwmegatron toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't call him Barney.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: This Megatron transformed into a purple organic ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. He has limited articulation in beast mode, but his dinosaur head can shoot water. In robot mode, he has no hands, as his right arm ends with his dinosaur head, and his tail, folded into a pincer, forms his left arm. The outer shells of his dinosaur thighs conceal spring-loaded missile launchers that fire anchor-shaped projectiles.

: His robot head feature two bat-like wing adornments that fold to become a [[mutant head]].

: This mold was also used to make the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobot]] [[T-Wrecks]].

{{-}}{{anchor|GatorJ}}
* '''Megaligator''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

: In Japan, the gator Megatron toy was also sold as an individual toy, as well as in a VS pack with Optimus. The individual release is identical to the two-pack version, which is in turn identical to the Hasbro version.

{{-}}{{anchor|CDgator}}
*'''Convobat vs Megaligator''' (Basic 2-pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''S-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

:This figure is a purple [[redeco]] of Megatron's alligator form, and was sold with a red and blue redeco of Bat Primal. This may or may not be intended to be the same character as Megatron or Generation 1 Megatron.

{{-}}{{anchor|Microverse}}
*'''Arachnid''' ([[MicroVerse]], 1997)

: A small, non-transforming micro-figure of Megatron in his alligator body came with the [[MicroVerse]] [[Arachnid]] playset.

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldUltra}}
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra, 199?)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''?'''
**''Accessories:'' Two misslies, water squirter

:A gold chrome redeco of Ultra-class Tyrannosaurus Megatron. It was a Japanese exclusive [[Lucky Draw]] figure, and at least ten were made.

{{-}}{{anchor|MegaTransmetal}}
[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ducky not included. Bummer.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Transmetal Mega, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-40'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail/whip

: The third ''Beast Wars'' Megatron toy transformed from a mechanical ''Tyrannosaurus'' to an organic robot mode. As with all Transmetal toys, he has a 'third' vehicle mode; roller skates fold out of his feet and his turbines flip open. These modifications can also be deployed in robot mode. In robot mode, his tail becomes a flexible, segmented cutlass weapon. He can either hold it or it can be stored at his side on the connector piece it was attached to when in beast mode.

:The Hasbro release of this figure was in gold, dark brown, and silver. The Hasbro release is known for being remarkably fragile — the deep brown plastic used for Megatron's waist and torso is prone to eventual breakage due to stress fractures. This is not [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]] ''per se'', but breakage is a known issue with the figure. The Takara version, which used a different plastic, does not have this problem.

[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronMetals.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm the one that doesn't crumble in your hands.]]
: The Japanese version of Transmetal Megatron is slightly different. The Japanese version uses black instead of the brown of the Hasbro version, a light gray for the beast-mode hands, tail, and skates instead of the metallic silver of the Hasbro release, and the copper is darker as well.

:This mold was retooled used to make ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Predacon (Armada)|Predacon]].

{{-}}{{anchor|MetalsVs}}
*'''Metals Convoy VS Metals Megatron''' (VS pack, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-40'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail/whip

: In Japan, Transmetal Megatron was available both individually and in a two-pack with [[Optimus Primal|Mega Transmetal Optimus Primal]]. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|TM2}}
[[Image:BWdragonmegs toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't call him Puff, either.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Transmetal 2 Ultra, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-47'''
**''Accessories:'' Three missiles

: The final version of ''Beast Wars'' Megatron transformed into a mostly mechanical dragon, with articulation in his legs, little dragon arms and his flexible, rubber neck with vacuum metallized overlapping plates attached on top. The neck was flexible able to be controlled and locked into position by a small lever located at its base. Two projectiles stored in his wings can be fired from a spring-loaded launcher inside his dragon's mouth.

:In robot mode, Megatron resembles a winged demon, appropriate given his characterization. His chest is dominated by a small cockpit with a control chair inside (see Trivia). Megatron's dragon neck and head replaces his left arm, with an additional missile launcher above his helmet. Transmetal 2 Megatron has a third 'vehicle' mode, which appears to be an afterthought, as it basically involves the dragon sitting very low to the ground so the wheels mounted on the legs and body can make contact and roll. His spark crystal, colored purple, is located on his dragon mode's right pectoral.

:This mold was also used to make [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]].

{{-}}

===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BMtoy-MegatronMega.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's a flasher! Mangle!]]
* '''Megatron''' (Mega, 2000)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' Mega-class toys, the first ''Beast Machines'' incarnation of Megatron was based on his Transmetal 2 dragon form, but with cues from his ''Beast Machines'' design added, specifically the gilded control helmet and the wrapping cape. A compartment on his chest can be lifted to reveal a [[spark]] chamber with a Vehicon spark crystal, similar to other Beast Machines toys. Other than a robot and dragon mode, a third mode, one that wraps and closes the dragon wings around the robot, mimics the shrouded appearance seen on the television show.

{{-}}
[[Image:BMtoy-MegatronMcD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Arms were too organic, so he had them removed.]]
* '''Megatron''' (McDonald's Happy Meal, 2000)

: Transforms from cloaked robot mode to a very weak dragon mode. Much of the toy is made of translucent plastic, and he uses light piping to light up the spark crystal on his dragon mode's tummy. He doesn't do it very well, though—you sorta have to hold him up sideways to the light and hope it's working.

{{-}}
* '''Megatron''' (Little Red Rooster Meal, 2000)

: The McDonald's Happy Meal Megatron was also released in Australia through the Red Rooster restaurant chain. Like the other three toys, it came in four color schemes. He was also retooled to remove the light piping on the original. Strangely enough, the toy was labeled as "Nightscream" on the plastic baggy it came in.

* '''Beast Changer''' (Deluxe, 2001)

: A toy version of [[Noble|Savage/Noble]], he transforms from a wolf-creature to a dragon creature, with no robot mode.

: It was later redecoed in show-accurate colors for the Japanese ''Beast Wars Returns'' toyline.

*'''Megatron''' (Jollibee Kids Meal, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Con Pencil Point Vise, wing unit

: Megatron was available as one of three figures in a Jollibee promotion. The toy is a greatly simplified version of his ''Beast Machines'' Mega toy. The dragon mode is him wearing his wings as a silly hat.

===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMtoy-Megatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Utahraptor, maybe in an alternate timeline I'm being less of a jerk right now, but that's just rampant speculation, okay?"]]
* '''Beast Megatron''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Claw/tail, missile launcher, missile

: Beast Megatron is a simplified version of the 1996 Ultra ''Beast Wars'' Megatron. Much smaller, it had a very similar transformation and had a sculpt resembling the television series CGI model, but a paint scheme similar to the original toy. The tail/claw weapon was now removeable, revealing a robot fist which the tail/claw weapon could clamp around. He also came with a small laser rifle.

{{-}}
===Beast Wars Returns===
* '''Megatron''' (Mega, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-05'''

:This release is the same as the American ''Beast Machines'' Mega toy.

* '''Noble Savage''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-11'''

: A toy version of [[Noble|Savage/Noble]] and a redeco of Beast Changer, he transforms from a wolf-creature to a dragon creature, with no robot mode. The difference lies in that select red plastic parts were changed to a blue color.

[[Image:Megaheadtoy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You will have to pay a lot for this, yessss...]]
* '''Megahead Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-12'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile

: This is a Japanese-[[exclusive]] redeco of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Megatron (RID)|Megabolt Megatron]]. Megahead Megatron transforms into a head (its design based on the [[Grand Mal]]) with scuttling spider-leg action, opening jaw for chip-eating action, and a hidden spring-loaded missile launcher in its mouth. In robot mode, the launcher swings over his head, placing a battle mask down over his face.

: If one removes the toy's spider-legs in head mode, it fits into the head socket to the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] main body. Though this is likely unintended, it is pointed out here as an extra play feature.

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Titanium RM BWMegatron.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
* '''Beast Wars Megatron''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Stand

: For the ''Titanium Series'', the initial 3" Megatron toy was based off his 1996 Ultra version. He's kind of squat.

:The toy features five points of articulation, including shoulders and head articulation. His dino-arm even features a 'wrist' and an articulated jaw. Despite his waist being a connection point it does not swivel.

:Megs features an enormous amount of paint for such a small toy, including cute little red eyes, and paint washes on most of his dinosaur features.

{{-}}
===Timelines===
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra-class, 2006)

[[Image:Timelinestoy-MegatronDoFP.jpg|right|300px|thumb|My face defies all photographic lighting!]]
:''Accessories'': Claw attachment, hammer attachment, spring-loaded shield, [[Golden Disk]] key

:Representing Megatron before his crash on [[Earth]], ''[[Timelines]]'' Megatron is a [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''-series [[Cybertron Defense Team|Cybertron Defense]] [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] toy. Megatron transforms into a large, purple military vehicle similar to a Russian [[wikipedia:R-400_Oka|R-400 Oka mobile ballistic missile launcher]]. The left side of his vehicle mode has a flip-up non-firing double-blaster, which can also be "used" in robot mode. Inserting the Golden Disk key into the rear of the missile pops it in half and exposes the inner spring-loaded missile launcher "laser cannon". Megatron comes with a shield that, when a Key is inserted, flips out a multi-tool arm that can be equipped with several tools stored in his shins (a spring-loaded hammer-head or a gripping claw). This shield can be mounted on either arm. He has two (nonfunctional) [[Mini-Con]] [[Powerlinx]] hardpoints in vehicle mode, and two ''different'' hardpoints in robot mode. He comes with a Golden Disk key marked with the [[Faction symbol|Predacon symbol]].

: Megatron was an at-show souvenir for [[BotCon 2006]], coming in a two-pack with [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

: This mold was also used to make [[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe (2008)]] [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]].
{{-}}

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BW 10th Megatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Grape-faces don't give up, they conquer!"]]
* '''Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail, missile, Jungle Planet Key

: For the 10th Anniversary of ''Beast Wars'', [[Hasbro]] created an all-new Deluxe-size tooling based mostly upon his original 1996 Tyrannosaurus form, but with technorganic detailing. When a [[Cyber Planet Key]] is inserted into his tail, it opens up to reveal a missile launcher.

: He is also packaged with a mini-comic-sized reprinting of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Gathering]]'' #1, a small ''[[Darksyde]]'' ship figurine, and a [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] style Cyber Planet Key ''without'' a [[Cyber Key Code]] stamped on it. On its packaging, "Predacon" is misspelled as "Preadcon", but a sticker was placed over it with the proper spelling.

:This mold was [[Redeco|redecoed]] and released as [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. The sculpts for both leader toys were intentionally designed to blend in with the Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" they didn't get a Beast Wars Anniversary release (according to [[Aaron Archer]]'s statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).

{{-}}
[[Image:BW Megatron BWReborn.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Is it me, or does his tail-weapon-thing have teeth?]]
* '''Optimus Primal vs. Megatron''' (multipack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: The same figures as the ''Beast Wars Reborn'' two-pack released in the United States as a Toys "R" Us exclusive and packaged with "[[Possession]]".

===Beast Wars Reborn===
* '''Convoy vs Megatron''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BWR-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: For the 10th Anniversary of ''Beast Wars'', [[Takara]] retooled the original 1996 Ultra-sized Megatron toy, giving him a new head sculpt and a new paint scheme based upon the appearance of the CGI model used in the ''Beast Wars'' television series.

: The 1996 Ultra-sized Optimus Primal was also retooled and redecoed in the same manner.

===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
*'''Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Claw/tail

: A redeco of ''Robot Masters'' Megatron, with extensive paint details based upon the larger Ultra class ''Beast Wars Reborn'' reissue. He came packed with a DVD of an episode of the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' dub.

{{-}}
[[Image:BWTelemochaMegatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Running out of caption ideas for same boring things rehashed over and over!]]
*'''DX Megatron''' (Ultra, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-SP'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

:An extensive show-accurate redeco of the original Ultra-class Megatron mold, even more so than the ''Reborn'' toy—''without'' the recently remolded show-accurate head. What the hell?

{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===Metal Monument===
* '''Metal Monument Megatron''' (TAKARA, 1999)

: As the name suggests, the product is a [[die-cast]] statue of Megatron. The head is convertible/removable in order to change the normal one with the battle mask/mutant head. The [[box art]] and the design of the product are both done by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]].

===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[Image:Megatron Predacon Battle Card.jpg|right|80px|thumb|"I dare you not to make fun of me."]]
*'''Predacon Megatron''' (2007)

: A 52-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Megatron "transforms" into a purple approximation of a ''T. rex''. He uses the same parts layout as [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Cruellock]], although his robot mode is assembled differently. Megatron is nominally the leader of the Decepticons in the set.

{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Rattrap vs. Megatron''' (2008)

[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Such a cute megalomaniac.]]
:Part of the "Beast Wars Series," Megatron comes packaged with [[Rattrap]]. He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.

{{-}}
* '''Silverbolt vs. Transmetal Megatron''' (2008)

[[Image:Robotheroessilverboltmegatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He has the Golden Disk, he has the power to change the future, and the only obstacle in the way of his path to unimaginable glory... is being two inches tall.]]
:Part of the "Beast Wars Series," Megatron comes packaged with [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]. Megatron holds the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in a special tail attachment seen in the episode "[[Code of Hero]]". He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.

{{-}}
==Trivia==
*The concept art for the original Ultra class figure was largely the same, except in one minor difference: The left arm would have housed an open three clawed hand. The idea of that wouldn't be revisited until the 10th anniversary Deluxe Megatron.

* In a bit of little known trivia, Hasbro originally intended Inferno to be the new body for Megatron. According to [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/b334d45514e26ab4/bc8e54e9165e0823?hl=en&lnk=st&q=bob+forward+interview+inferno+megatron&rnum=1#bc8e54e9165e0823 a 1997 interview conducted by fan HooksX], Bob Forward stated: "For a while there Hasbro was planning to make the Inferno toy the new Megatron. We were going to kill Megatron and bring him back as Inferno."

[[Image:BWRConcept35.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Transmetal 2 Megatron's control art. Look! Spark figure! Painful amounts of detail!]]
*Originally, Transmetal 2 Megatron, along with [[Optimus Primal|Optimal Optimus]] and [[Tigerhawk]] were to have small driver-like figures sitting on control chairs located in cockpits on their bodies. These drivers were meant to represent their sparks. But [[Hasbro]] then later realized that kids might confuse these spark representations as drivers controlling the robots, so they were abandoned, but the cockpits remain. The spark pilot was eventually used in the Japanese release of [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]].

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/MegatronGator/megatron.htm Megatron at TFU.info]
*[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Maximal/BeastChanger/beastchanger.htm Beast Changer at TFU.info]

[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Predacons]]
[[Category:Predacon leaders]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Vehicons]]

Megatron (BW)/toys

2009-06-19T05:09:10Z

ShiningBlitz: /* Timelines */ Change to grammer/phrasing at end of Timelines Megs' toy writeup

The '''[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]''' of the [[Beast Wars]] has many toys, yeeess.

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronBasic.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It appears to be a harmless Earth creature!]]
* '''Optimus Primal VS Megatron''' (Basic 2-pack, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

: The initial version of ''Beast Wars'' Megatron transformed into a green alligator. The toy is a [[retool]] of [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] with new alligator and robot heads, and no frill. The screw hole for the frill bracket remains. Both toys were released at roughly the same time.

:Whether this toy can be considered the ''Beast Wars'' Megatron character as seen in the primary fiction is a matter of debate. Released before the animated series began, which established Megatron as a separate entity from [[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 Megatron]], the accompanying profiles and mini-comic seem to assume that the Beast Wars are a progression of the same characters from the Autobot/Decepticon war. Whether the animated series's [[retcon]] affected this set of toys is probably a matter of personal preference. It can be interpreted as representing one of the more interesting [[micro-continuities]].

:More recently, the ''[[Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' has asserted that, in [[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)|IDW's version of ''Beast Wars'' continuity]], Megatron's alligator body was suggested by the ''Darksyde'''s computer as a potential alternate mode, but he rejected it in favor of the more powerful T-Rex, without ever actually reformatting into it. Thus, this [[micro-continuity]] posits alligator-mode Megatron as an essentially theoretical alternate form that never actually came to be. ''Suuure.''

:This mold was additionally used to make the purple-recolored Megaligator (who may or may not be a separate character to either Megatron or [[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 Megatron]]). It was also proposed for [[Albitron]].

{{-}}{{anchor|BWultra}}
[[Image:Bwmegatron toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't call him Barney.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: This Megatron transformed into a purple organic ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. He has limited articulation in beast mode, but his dinosaur head can shoot water. In robot mode, he has no hands, as his right arm ends with his dinosaur head, and his tail, folded into a pincer, forms his left arm. The outer shells of his dinosaur thighs conceal spring-loaded missile launchers that fire anchor-shaped projectiles.

: His robot head feature two bat-like wing adornments that fold to become a [[mutant head]].

: This mold was also used to make the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobot]] [[T-Wrecks]].

{{-}}{{anchor|GatorJ}}
* '''Megaligator''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

: In Japan, the gator Megatron toy was also sold as an individual toy, as well as in a VS pack with Optimus. The individual release is identical to the two-pack version, which is in turn identical to the Hasbro version.

{{-}}{{anchor|CDgator}}
*'''Convobat vs Megaligator''' (Basic 2-pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''S-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

:This figure is a purple [[redeco]] of Megatron's alligator form, and was sold with a red and blue redeco of Bat Primal. This may or may not be intended to be the same character as Megatron or Generation 1 Megatron.

{{-}}{{anchor|Microverse}}
*'''Arachnid''' ([[MicroVerse]], 1997)

: A small, non-transforming micro-figure of Megatron in his alligator body came with the [[MicroVerse]] [[Arachnid]] playset.

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldUltra}}
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra, 199?)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''?'''
**''Accessories:'' Two misslies, water squirter

:A gold chrome redeco of Ultra-class Tyrannosaurus Megatron. It was a Japanese exclusive [[Lucky Draw]] figure, and at least ten were made.

{{-}}{{anchor|MegaTransmetal}}
[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ducky not included. Bummer.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Transmetal Mega, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-40'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail/whip

: The third ''Beast Wars'' Megatron toy transformed from a mechanical ''Tyrannosaurus'' to an organic robot mode. As with all Transmetal toys, he has a 'third' vehicle mode; roller skates fold out of his feet and his turbines flip open. These modifications can also be deployed in robot mode. In robot mode, his tail becomes a flexible, segmented cutlass weapon. He can either hold it or it can be stored at his side on the connector piece it was attached to when in beast mode.

:The Hasbro release of this figure was in gold, dark brown, and silver. The Hasbro release is known for being remarkably fragile — the deep brown plastic used for Megatron's waist and torso is prone to eventual breakage due to stress fractures. This is not [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]] ''per se'', but breakage is a known issue with the figure. The Takara version, which used a different plastic, does not have this problem.

[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronMetals.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm the one that doesn't crumble in your hands.]]
: The Japanese version of Transmetal Megatron is slightly different. The Japanese version uses black instead of the brown of the Hasbro version, a light gray for the beast-mode hands, tail, and skates instead of the metallic silver of the Hasbro release, and the copper is darker as well.

:This mold was retooled used to make ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Predacon (Armada)|Predacon]].

{{-}}{{anchor|MetalsVs}}
*'''Metals Convoy VS Metals Megatron''' (VS pack, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-40'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail/whip

: In Japan, Transmetal Megatron was available both individually and in a two-pack with [[Optimus Primal|Mega Transmetal Optimus Primal]]. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|TM2}}
[[Image:BWdragonmegs toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't call him Puff, either.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Transmetal 2 Ultra, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-47'''
**''Accessories:'' Three missiles

: The final version of ''Beast Wars'' Megatron transformed into a mostly mechanical dragon, with articulation in his legs, little dragon arms and his flexible, rubber neck with vacuum metallized overlapping plates attached on top. The neck was flexible able to be controlled and locked into position by a small lever located at its base. Two projectiles stored in his wings can be fired from a spring-loaded launcher inside his dragon's mouth.

:In robot mode, Megatron resembles a winged demon, appropriate given his characterization. His chest is dominated by a small cockpit with a control chair inside (see Trivia). Megatron's dragon neck and head replaces his left arm, with an additional missile launcher above his helmet. Transmetal 2 Megatron has a third 'vehicle' mode, which appears to be an afterthought, as it basically involves the dragon sitting very low to the ground so the wheels mounted on the legs and body can make contact and roll. His spark crystal, colored purple, is located on his dragon mode's right pectoral.

:This mold was also used to make [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]].

{{-}}

===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BMtoy-MegatronMega.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's a flasher! Mangle!]]
* '''Megatron''' (Mega, 2000)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' Mega-class toys, the first ''Beast Machines'' incarnation of Megatron was based on his Transmetal 2 dragon form, but with cues from his ''Beast Machines'' design added, specifically the gilded control helmet and the wrapping cape. A compartment on his chest can be lifted to reveal a [[spark]] chamber with a Vehicon spark crystal, similar to other Beast Machines toys. Other than a robot and dragon mode, a third mode, one that wraps and closes the dragon wings around the robot, mimics the shrouded appearance seen on the television show.

{{-}}
[[Image:BMtoy-MegatronMcD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Arms were too organic, so he had them removed.]]
* '''Megatron''' (McDonald's Happy Meal, 2000)

: Transforms from cloaked robot mode to a very weak dragon mode. Much of the toy is made of translucent plastic, and he uses light piping to light up the spark crystal on his dragon mode's tummy. He doesn't do it very well, though—you sorta have to hold him up sideways to the light and hope it's working.

{{-}}
* '''Megatron''' (Little Red Rooster Meal, 2000)

: The McDonald's Happy Meal Megatron was also released in Australia through the Red Rooster restaurant chain. Like the other three toys, it came in four color schemes. He was also retooled to remove the light piping on the original. Strangely enough, the toy was labeled as "Nightscream" on the plastic baggy it came in.

* '''Beast Changer''' (Deluxe, 2001)

: A toy version of [[Noble|Savage/Noble]], he transforms from a wolf-creature to a dragon creature, with no robot mode.

: It was later redecoed in show-accurate colors for the Japanese ''Beast Wars Returns'' toyline.

*'''Megatron''' (Jollibee Kids Meal, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Con Pencil Point Vise, wing unit

: Megatron was available as one of three figures in a Jollibee promotion. The toy is a greatly simplified version of his ''Beast Machines'' Mega toy. The dragon mode is him wearing his wings as a silly hat.

===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMtoy-Megatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Utahraptor, maybe in an alternate timeline I'm being less of a jerk right now, but that's just rampant speculation, okay?"]]
* '''Beast Megatron''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Claw/tail, missile launcher, missile

: Beast Megatron is a simplified version of the 1996 Ultra ''Beast Wars'' Megatron. Much smaller, it had a very similar transformation and had a sculpt resembling the television series CGI model, but a paint scheme similar to the original toy. The tail/claw weapon was now removeable, revealing a robot fist which the tail/claw weapon could clamp around. He also came with a small laser rifle.

{{-}}
===Beast Wars Returns===
* '''Megatron''' (Mega, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-05'''

:This release is the same as the American ''Beast Machines'' Mega toy.

* '''Noble Savage''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-11'''

: A toy version of [[Noble|Savage/Noble]] and a redeco of Beast Changer, he transforms from a wolf-creature to a dragon creature, with no robot mode. The difference lies in that select red plastic parts were changed to a blue color.

[[Image:Megaheadtoy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You will have to pay a lot for this, yessss...]]
* '''Megahead Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-12'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile

: This is a Japanese-[[exclusive]] redeco of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Megatron (RID)|Megabolt Megatron]]. Megahead Megatron transforms into a head (its design based on the [[Grand Mal]]) with scuttling spider-leg action, opening jaw for chip-eating action, and a hidden spring-loaded missile launcher in its mouth. In robot mode, the launcher swings over his head, placing a battle mask down over his face.

: If one removes the toy's spider-legs in head mode, it fits into the head socket to the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] main body. Though this is likely unintended, it is pointed out here as an extra play feature.

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Titanium RM BWMegatron.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
* '''Beast Wars Megatron''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Stand

: For the ''Titanium Series'', the initial 3" Megatron toy was based off his 1996 Ultra version. He's kind of squat.

:The toy features five points of articulation, including shoulders and head articulation. His dino-arm even features a 'wrist' and an articulated jaw. Despite his waist being a connection point it does not swivel.

:Megs features an enormous amount of paint for such a small toy, including cute little red eyes, and paint washes on most of his dinosaur features.

{{-}}
===Timelines===
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra-class, 2006)

[[Image:Timelinestoy-MegatronDoFP.jpg|right|300px|thumb|My face defies all photographic lighting!]]
:''Accessories'': Claw attachment, hammer attachment, spring-loaded shield, [[Golden Disk]] key

:Representing Megatron before his crash on [[Earth]], ''[[Timelines]]'' Megatron is a [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''-series [[Cybertron Defense Team|Cybertron Defense]] [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] toy. Megatron transforms into a large, purple military vehicle similar to a Russian [[wikipedia:R-400_Oka|R-400 Oka mobile ballistic missile launcher]]. The left side of his vehicle mode has a flip-up non-firing double-blaster, which can also be "used" in robot mode. Inserting the Golden Disk key into the rear of the missile pops it in half and exposes the inner spring-loaded missile launcher "laser cannon". Megatron comes with a shield that, when a Key is inserted, flips out a multi-tool arm that can be equipped with several tools stored in his shins (a spring-loaded hammer-head or a gripping claw). This shield can be mounted on either arm. He has two (nonfunctional) [[Mini-Con]] [[Powerlinx]] hardpoints in vehicle mode, and two ''different'' hardpoints in robot mode. He comes with a Golden Disk key marked with the Predacon-[[Faction symbol|symbol]].

: Megatron was an at-show souvenir for [[BotCon 2006]], coming in a two-pack with [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

: This mold was also used to make [[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe (2008)]] [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]].
{{-}}

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BW 10th Megatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Grape-faces don't give up, they conquer!"]]
* '''Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail, missile, Jungle Planet Key

: For the 10th Anniversary of ''Beast Wars'', [[Hasbro]] created an all-new Deluxe-size tooling based mostly upon his original 1996 Tyrannosaurus form, but with technorganic detailing. When a [[Cyber Planet Key]] is inserted into his tail, it opens up to reveal a missile launcher.

: He is also packaged with a mini-comic-sized reprinting of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Gathering]]'' #1, a small ''[[Darksyde]]'' ship figurine, and a [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] style Cyber Planet Key ''without'' a [[Cyber Key Code]] stamped on it. On its packaging, "Predacon" is misspelled as "Preadcon", but a sticker was placed over it with the proper spelling.

:This mold was [[Redeco|redecoed]] and released as [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. The sculpts for both leader toys were intentionally designed to blend in with the Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" they didn't get a Beast Wars Anniversary release (according to [[Aaron Archer]]'s statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).

{{-}}
[[Image:BW Megatron BWReborn.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Is it me, or does his tail-weapon-thing have teeth?]]
* '''Optimus Primal vs. Megatron''' (multipack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: The same figures as the ''Beast Wars Reborn'' two-pack released in the United States as a Toys "R" Us exclusive and packaged with "[[Possession]]".

===Beast Wars Reborn===
* '''Convoy vs Megatron''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BWR-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: For the 10th Anniversary of ''Beast Wars'', [[Takara]] retooled the original 1996 Ultra-sized Megatron toy, giving him a new head sculpt and a new paint scheme based upon the appearance of the CGI model used in the ''Beast Wars'' television series.

: The 1996 Ultra-sized Optimus Primal was also retooled and redecoed in the same manner.

===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
*'''Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Claw/tail

: A redeco of ''Robot Masters'' Megatron, with extensive paint details based upon the larger Ultra class ''Beast Wars Reborn'' reissue. He came packed with a DVD of an episode of the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' dub.

{{-}}
[[Image:BWTelemochaMegatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Running out of caption ideas for same boring things rehashed over and over!]]
*'''DX Megatron''' (Ultra, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-SP'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

:An extensive show-accurate redeco of the original Ultra-class Megatron mold, even more so than the ''Reborn'' toy—''without'' the recently remolded show-accurate head. What the hell?

{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===Metal Monument===
* '''Metal Monument Megatron''' (TAKARA, 1999)

: As the name suggests, the product is a [[die-cast]] statue of Megatron. The head is convertible/removable in order to change the normal one with the battle mask/mutant head. The [[box art]] and the design of the product are both done by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]].

===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[Image:Megatron Predacon Battle Card.jpg|right|80px|thumb|"I dare you not to make fun of me."]]
*'''Predacon Megatron''' (2007)

: A 52-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Megatron "transforms" into a purple approximation of a ''T. rex''. He uses the same parts layout as [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Cruellock]], although his robot mode is assembled differently. Megatron is nominally the leader of the Decepticons in the set.

{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Rattrap vs. Megatron''' (2008)

[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Such a cute megalomaniac.]]
:Part of the "Beast Wars Series," Megatron comes packaged with [[Rattrap]]. He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.

{{-}}
* '''Silverbolt vs. Transmetal Megatron''' (2008)

[[Image:Robotheroessilverboltmegatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He has the Golden Disk, he has the power to change the future, and the only obstacle in the way of his path to unimaginable glory... is being two inches tall.]]
:Part of the "Beast Wars Series," Megatron comes packaged with [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]. Megatron holds the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in a special tail attachment seen in the episode "[[Code of Hero]]". He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.

{{-}}
==Trivia==
*The concept art for the original Ultra class figure was largely the same, except in one minor difference: The left arm would have housed an open three clawed hand. The idea of that wouldn't be revisited until the 10th anniversary Deluxe Megatron.

* In a bit of little known trivia, Hasbro originally intended Inferno to be the new body for Megatron. According to [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/b334d45514e26ab4/bc8e54e9165e0823?hl=en&lnk=st&q=bob+forward+interview+inferno+megatron&rnum=1#bc8e54e9165e0823 a 1997 interview conducted by fan HooksX], Bob Forward stated: "For a while there Hasbro was planning to make the Inferno toy the new Megatron. We were going to kill Megatron and bring him back as Inferno."

[[Image:BWRConcept35.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Transmetal 2 Megatron's control art. Look! Spark figure! Painful amounts of detail!]]
*Originally, Transmetal 2 Megatron, along with [[Optimus Primal|Optimal Optimus]] and [[Tigerhawk]] were to have small driver-like figures sitting on control chairs located in cockpits on their bodies. These drivers were meant to represent their sparks. But [[Hasbro]] then later realized that kids might confuse these spark representations as drivers controlling the robots, so they were abandoned, but the cockpits remain. The spark pilot was eventually used in the Japanese release of [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]].

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/MegatronGator/megatron.htm Megatron at TFU.info]
*[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Maximal/BeastChanger/beastchanger.htm Beast Changer at TFU.info]

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Trademark

2009-06-17T05:08:48Z

ShiningBlitz: Removing long-standing red link.

[[Image:Aniarrival04 tifof trademark.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Silly Porter C. Powell, you can't copyright a name! You're thinking of a Trademark!]]
A '''trademark''' is a name, phrase or symbol used by a company to distinguish their goods or services from those of other companies in a similar range, preventing "brand confusion". Trademarks are indicated by a ™ symbol, or in the case of '''registered trademarks''', a ® symbol. [[Hasbro]]'s ability to legally secure a trademark dictates what proper nouns they will use to describe a toy, gimmick, or line.

It is ''not'' the same thing as copyright.

Hasbro does not strictly ''need'' to claim trademarks for the character names applied to individual toys. Some toy companies do not claim them, though this is most often in the case of short-lived licensed lines based on movies or video games. But, Hasbro values the advantages of maintaining established characters (or character types) in the long term, and they wish to be able to hold exclusive claim to those names and use them as long as possible without fear of litigation from or loss to another company.

Trademark law is full of gray areas and complexity; otherwise lawyers couldn't charge exorbitant sums for their services in that field. The whims of the judges who look at the cases also play into the end results. However, there are guidelines and general rules that can explain why items end up named like they do.

{{note|This article deals with how trademark affects Hasbro product in the United States. Trademark law varies from country to country, and [[TakaraTomy]] has different naming practices because of this. For the longest time, it seemed like they had a general lack of worry about protecting individual character names; however, that appears to have changed in more recent years, with "Cybertron" and "Destron" prefixes also popping up more frequently. The [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline]] also sees the addition of extra "Autobot" and "Decepticon" prefixes not required by the Hasbro toys.}}

==Trademark basics==
Trademarks are categorized into groups of products/services, so when a company applies for a trademark, lawyers compare them to similar marks within the same category, not across all products ever. ''Transformers'' toys fall under '''International Class 28, "Toys and Sporting Goods."'''

The name "[[Bumblebee (disambiguation)|Bumblebee]]" provides an illustration of how these categories work: during the time Hasbro was unable to mark a ''Transformers'' toy named "Bumblebee" (see "notable cases", below), Hasbro licensee [[Fun-4-All]] was able to release a keychain named Bumblebee, because keychains are not categorized as "Toys and Sporting Goods". Similarly, the character of Bumblebee could be referred to by that name within a comic book, since the comic company was not actually claiming it as a trademark within that field. If they were to release a comic ''series'' titled "Bumblebee", though, a trademark search and claim for comics would have been needed.

This is also why there can be car batteries with "[[Megatron (disambiguation)|Megatron]]" as a brand name, despite having no connection to Hasbro or ''Transformers''. Hasbro does not make car batteries or anything along the lines of automobile parts, so the odds of "brand confusion" are exceedingly remote, making the battery-maker safe from litigation.

Often, companies that own character-based Intellectual Property (IP) will apply for trademarks across a vast swath of categories to maximize the range of product on which they can use that name. Around the time of ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'', Konami brought the wildly successful Japanese collectible card game franchise ''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' to the US. Among the trademarks they applied for across multiple categories was "Space Megatron," the name of one of the game cards (called simply "Megatron" in Japan). Some [[Fandom|fans]], upon hearing this, believed that Hasbro was in danger of losing the "Megatron" trademark. However, since Hasbro had made steady and repeated use of the name over the course of the previous decade ([[Megatron (G1)/toys|over a dozen toys branded “Megatron”]] between 1990 and 2001, plus media association thanks to five years of the name belonging to a central villain of the associated TV shows), this seems unlikely. The card in question did end up being called "Space Megatron" because at the time that Konami applied for that trademark, Hasbro did not have any ''Transformers'' trading or playing cards and thus could not contest the claim in that field. However, no "Megatron" toys were produced in association with the ''Yu-Gi-Oh'' brand. Still, Hasbro ultimately didn't manage to successfully register the name "Megatron" until 2005.

{{quote|How foolish is it that some other beings in the multiverse have stolen my name?|[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]|[[What Lies Beneath, Part Three|Energon #22]] (letters page)}}

==Relevance==
===Brand recognition===
Originally, Hasbro didn't put as much emphasis on outstanding characters for the ''Transformers'' toy line from a marketing standpoint as they do today. Toys were supposed to have a shelf life of two years at maximum, to be replaced by new toys, which would be entirely new characters. With the exception of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (only in the cartoon and comic fiction) and [[Goldbug (G1)|Goldbug]], all the new-toy line-ups from 1985 through 1987 were entirely new characters (not counting variants or reuses of existing sculpts, such as the [[Targetmaster]] versions of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] etc.), as were most of the [[Pretender|Pretenders]] and all of the [[Micromaster|Micromasters]] released by Hasbro. As a consequence, Hasbro only bothered to register a small number of trademarks in the 1980s, such as "[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]" or "[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]".

Hasbro didn't originally realize how much of a crucial part recognizable characters had played in the success of the original ''Transformers'' series, until they were facing the viewer backlash following Optimus Prime's death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. As a consequence, the first entirely new ''Transformers'' toy to be released under the name of an older toy intended to represent the same character was the [[Powermaster]] version of Optimus Prime in 1988, followed by the [[Classic Pretender]] versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in 1989. Following that, about half of the [[Action Master]] line-up in 1990 consisted of "classic" characters from the 1984-85 toy line-up.

Since then, Hasbro have been putting more emphasis on recognizable characters in all their ''Transformers'' lines (although ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' put it to a stretch with modified names such as "[[Optimus Primal]]" and numerous characters sporting the names of older ''Transformers'' toys, but not sharing any other similarities with those characters beyond the name).

===Market situation===
Hasbro wasn't the only company slowly coming to realize the importance of recognizable, "iconic" characters, however: Similar discoveries were made by competing companies at the same time. Since "characters" were no longer considered easily replaced throwaway elements of toy lines, companies began to put a stronger focus on developing, emphasizing and defending their intellectual properties—which included the characters' individual names: For comparison, back in the 1980s, it was possible for both [[Hasbro]] and [[Tonka]] to have toys named [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] in their respective ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' and ''[[Tonka GoBots|GoBots]]'' toy lines at the same time, without either company bothering to cause any legal problems with the other one. Likewise, Hasbro were able to release a [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]] named [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] in 1985 even though Tomy's US branch had registered the name as a trademark that same year (Tomy was still separate from [[Takara]] at that time).

In contrast to that, toy companies enforce their trademarks a lot more rigidly these days. As a consequence, Hasbro's lawyers have become a lot more conservative, objecting the use of any names they fear ''might'' interfere with another company's trademark. This has resulted in quite a few names becoming "off limits" for any further use as part of a ''Transformers'' toy line, at least until the other company decides to abandon the name in question. In return, Hasbro have also performed several not-so-nice maneuvers to seize a trademark in order to prevent their competitor Bandai from introducing certain toy lines on the US market under their original names, such as "Machine Robo Rescue" or "Crush Gear". Furthermore, Hasbro's legal department also prefers to modify certain names in order to make them easier to defend in court... since Hasbro wouldn't want one of their competitors to release a toy under a name so similar to a ''Transformers'' toy's that it could easily cause confusion on behalf of the customers.

==Protection and loss==
Once a trademark is claimed, legal protection of that mark hinges primarily on usage. A company cannot defend a trademark that they never actually use. Protection of a trademark in the action figure world typically lasts roughly a year, though this (like most anything involving trademark law) is not ironclad. ([[#BumblebeeCase|See "notable cases" below.]]) The longer and more frequently a company uses a trademark ("consistent use"), the stronger their case becomes to retain ownership of it should it be contested by a competitor.

Registered trademarks are a stronger level of protection, thanks to a more involved process (and some more fees): With a standard trademark claim (™), a company that feels that another company is infringing on one of their trademarks needs to ''actively'' prove that they have used the trademark (preferably consistently) if they want to take legal action against their competitor. With a registered trademark (®), on the other hand, that process becomes somewhat automated: A company regularly needs to provide the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with evidence of consistent use of the trademark in question anyway in order to guarantee continued registration—otherwise, the USPTO will consider the trademark "abandoned" and cancel the registration. If ''that'' company now feels another company is infringing on one of their their trademarks, the burden of proof of consistent use has become automated, and they have an 800–pound gorilla (i.e. the USPTO) backing them up on their case.

Note, however, that even registered trademarks are not by any means absolute protection: Even a registered trademark can be lost due to lack of use (abandonment) or a successful challenge from another company.

===Descriptive trademarks===
Defensibility is also determined by the name itself and its distinctive qualities regarding to what it’s being applied. One could not reasonably expect to claim trademark of "Apple" as a product name for apples. But for, say, computers, which would not otherwise be referred to as an "apple", that works. In regards to toys and ''Transformers'', "Car" would be basically impossible to defend successfully as a distinct trademark. "Carblast", however, is fairly strong, being a made-up compound word highly unlikely to be used elsewhere. "Autobot Carblast" is even more defensible, thanks to the addition of a clearly nonsensical word, which is ''by itself'' very strong, like "[[Rodimus (disambiguation)|Rodimus]]" or "[[Cybertron (disambiguation)|Cybertron]]".

Because Hasbro has been shoring up some of their infrequently-used "common word" names in recent years by adding prefixes (such as "Autobot [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]" or "Decepticon [[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]]"), fans sometimes mistake this to mean that reclaiming a trademark from another company is as simple as writing a faction name in front of it. This is ''not true''. If it were, then a competitor such as [[Bandai]] could release a line of robot toys called "Megazord Transformers" with an "Optimus Prime Zord" toy and get away with it. Hasbro's addition of extra words to these old names is primarily to strengthen the claim to a name that is currently (likely) uncontested and Hasbro is likely to try and use often in the future. It is also the case that the names Hasbro has reinforced in this way are all real English words, not made-up words. Real words are harder to defend as a trademark than [[Blastification|nonsense words]]. Adding nonsense to a real word makes it more defensible, but adding nonsense to somebody else's active trademark is only asking for trouble.

Based on some of Hasbro's naming choices, it could be argued that the strategy of Hasbro's IP lawyers is somewhat conservative or cautious. They may be able to defend more than they try to defend, but they choose not to take that risk.

===Genericized trademarks===
Trademarks can also be lost by allowing a term to become a "[[wikipedia:genericized_trademark|genericized trademark]]" — effectively, letting their mark become a common term, like "aspirin" for acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin was once a trademarked brand name controlled by Bayer, but in a 1921 court case it was ruled that the name had become genericized and could be used by all manufacturers of acetylsalicylic acid. Note that this applies to the US. Whilst "aspirin" is also a genericized word in the UK, in other countries it is still a protected trademark and other producers of acetylsalicylic acid must use a different term. The status of a trademarked word in one country often has little bearing on its use in other jurisdictions. Other brand names that have become genericized include "thermos" for [[Aladdin Industries|vacuum flasks]] (genericized in the USA in 1963), "linoleum" for floor covering, and "zipper" for a method of fastening fabric. Brand names that are also in danger of becoming genericized (but are currently still protected as trademarks) include "Kleenex" for facial tissues, "Jell-o" for processed, gelatinized pig hooves, "Xerox" for photocopies, and "Google" for computer searches.

[[Image:Productdoesnotconvert.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Product also does not xerox, kleenex, or jello.]]
Recently, Hasbro has realized that using the word "transform" as a verb to describe the [[Transformation|process of changing a ''Transformers'' toy from one mode into another one]] would make the brand name "Transformers" descriptive, making the mark indefensible. The end result would have been a loss of the mark ''Transformers'' as a registered trademark, allowing competitors to use the term "transformer" as a generic term for ''their'' shape-shifting robot toys and thus creating further confusion among parents when asked to buy a ''Transformer''.

As a consequence, Hasbro has implemented various methods of preventing this. For example, use of "transform" as a verb when being used to describe product is almost strictly forbidden in certain written materials<ref>[[Greg Sepelak]], author of the [[Transformers The Game|''Transformers The Game'']] strategy guide from [[BradyGames]]</ref>: If it's a toy that "converts", Hasbro can argue that ''Transformers'' is not merely a descriptive term, thus allowing for trademark protection to persist. Although this mandate does not extend to character dialogue within fiction, synonyms like "convert" (or simply "change") are used in Hasbro's own products (like packaging [[Call-out|call-outs]] and instructions) and in licensees' products (such as game guides).
{{-}}

===The international market===
Since Hasbro is a company rooted in the United States, the focus of trademarks is also naturally on the United States market. Unlike in the early 1990s, when name [[variant]]s were abundant across the various international (particularly European) markets—especially when the [[The Transformers (toyline)|''Generation 1'' toyline]] had been cancelled in the USA, but was still being continued with all-new toys in Europe and other places—Hasbro now aim for a uniform brand representation. In other words, a toy has the same name in every country it's released in by Hasbro (thus making Japanese names an anomaly). However, that could mean a toy that can't be released by Hasbro under its originally intended name in the USA (because another company is already using the trademark), but could easily be released under that name in the United Kingdom, will still be released under the substitute name chosen for the US market everywhere in the world, because it's easier to manage than individual names for individual markets.

In theory, however, this could also backfire: A toy's name that has been cleared for use in the USA by Hasbro's legal department might conflict with another company's trademark in another country. This ''has'' actually happened back in 1985, when Hasbro/[[Milton Bradley]] introduced the ''Generation 1'' toyline on the European market: A Dutch manufacturer of kitchen utensils held the trademark for "Optimus" and reportedly caused problems with name [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], initially resulting in MB holding back the release of the Optimus Prime toy and declaring [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] the leader of the Autobots instead. (The conflict was eventually settled, and the Optimus Prime toy released.) Note, however, that this is a rather unusual case: In general, European trademark law is a lot less rigid than it is in the USA, and Hasbro generally refrain from using any trademark claims after names on their international packaging, because that would require them to actively try to defend those trademarks in ''every single country'' they release those toys in.

Although there are no known recent examples of ''Transformers'' toys that couldn't be released in specific countries for ''trademark'' reasons, there is at least one case where the intention to release a toy on other markets ''did'' affect the ''United States'' name of the toy: For the [[Transformers Animated (toyline)|''Animated'' toyline]], Hasbro registered the name [[Snarl (Animated)|Slag]], in homage to the [[Slag (G1)|''Generation 1'' character of the same name]]. Even though the trademark was never opposed, and Hasbro renewed it as recently as Christmas of 2007, they were eventually informed that "[[Slag (slang)|slag]]" was considered a slur word not only in ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', but also in the United Kingdom. As a consequence, Hasbro decided to change the toy's name into "Snarl", and released it under that name on all worldwide markets, including the United States.

==Names that require(d) prefixes or suffixes==
===Hasbro===
*[[Blades]]: Autobot Blades
*[[Blaster]]: Autobot Blaster
*[[Brawl (disambiguation)|Brawl]]: Decepticon Brawl
*[[Bruticus (disambiguation)|Bruticus]]: Predacon Bruticus, Bruticus Maximus
*[[Camshaft]]: Autobot Camshaft
*[[Cosmos (disambiguation)|Cosmos]]: Autobot Cosmos
*[[Devastator (disambiguation)|Devastator]]: Constructicon Devastator
*[[Drag Strip]]: Decepticon Drag Strip
*[[Dropshot (disambiguation)|Dropshot]]: Decepticon Dropshot
*[[Fracture]]: Decepticon Fracture
*[[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]]: Decepticon Frenzy
*[[Grapple]]: Autobot Grapple (misspelled as "Auotbot Grapple" in several places on the ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' reissue's packaging)
*[[Groove (disambiguation)|Groove]]: Autobot Groove
*[[Heavy Load (disambiguation)|Heavy Load]]: Decepticon Heavy Load
*[[Hot Spot (disambiguation)|Hot Spot]]: Autobot Hot Zone (the ultimate real "Autobot Carblast" case - renaming "Hot Spot" into "Hot Zone" ''and'' adding an "Autobot" prefix) used only once, the [[Titanium Series]] figure is simply named "Hot Zone", without prefix
*[[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]]: Autobot Hound
*[[Jazz (disambiguation)|Jazz]]: Autobot Jazz
*[[Primus]]: Cybertron Primus (exceptional since it has never been used as a Transformers toy's name before)
*[[Ratchet (disambiguation)|Ratchet]]: Autobot Ratchet
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]: Battle Ravage, Command Ravage (both abandoned, back to simply "Ravage" since 2007)
*[[Reverb (Movie)|Reverb]]: Decepticon Reverb (for the unreleased [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]] Scout, only two years after a [[Reverb (Cybertron)|toy]] using the name without a prefix was released)
*[[Rumble]]: Decepticon Rumble
*[[Roadbuster]]: Autobot Roadbuster
*[[Scrapper (disambiguation)|Scrapper]]: Decepticon Scrapper
*[[Skids (disambiguation)|Skids]]: Autobot Skids
*[[Tarantulas]]: Predacon Tarantulus (using the spelling "Tarantul'''u'''s" only once), Predacon Tarantulas
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]: Autobot Tracks
*[[Whirl]]: Autobot Whirl
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]: Autobot Wheelie

===TakaraTomy===
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetas]]: Cybertron Cheetas
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Rod]]: Cybertron Hot Rod
*[[Inferno (disambiguation)|Inferno]]: Cybertron Inferno
*[[Octane|Octone]]: Destron Octone
*[[Perceptor (disambiguation)|Perceptor]]: Cybertron Perceptor
*[[Slingshot|Sling]]: Cybertron Sling
*[[Bluestreak|Streak]]: Cybertron Streak
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vorter]]: Destron Vorter
*[[Wildrider]]: Stuntron Wildrider

Oddly, while TakaraTomy's versions of the [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen toys]] use the same names as their Hasbro counterparts, including "Autobot" and "Decepticon" prefixes, TakaraTomy have largely kept "Autobot" and "Decepticon" prefixes intact... but dropped the "Autobot" prefix for [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Springer (ROTF)|Springer]], while adding ''more'' prefixes for toys whose Hasbro versions ''don't'' have prefixes:
*[[Blaze Master (ROTF)|Blaze Master]]: Autobot Blaze Master
*[[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]]: Autobot Breakaway
*[[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knock Out]]: Autobot Knock Out
*[[Overload (ROTF)|Overload]]: Decepticon Overload
*[[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]]: Decepticon Rampage
*[[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]]: Decepticon Mixmaster

==Notable/unusual cases==
{{note|This is not a list of every lost ''Transformers'' trademark ever, just some instances with unusual or interesting twists.}}
* <span id="BumblebeeCase">As mentioned above, "Bumblebee" was unavailable to Hasbro for many years.</span> The name was being used as a registered trademark by a company called Playcore for their "Buzz the Bumble Bee" swing as of 2003, and as Hasbro had not used the name for a toy since 1995, their case to contest was likely a weak one. The ''[[Super Collection Figure|Heroes of Cybertron]]'' PVC two-pack with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] was officially named "Autobot Espionage Team" for that reason, although the [[bio]] on the back of the packaging identified the two characters as "Bumblebee" and "Spike" (but without claiming them as trademarks). However, in March 2005, Hasbro tried to reclaim the trademark, due to its intended association with a principal character in the [[Transformers (2007)|big-deal live-action movie]] and its associated merchandise planned across a great many categories. However, the registration attempt was contested in July 2005, both by a production company named "Bumble Bee Productions, Inc." and by an online toy retailer named "Bumblebee Toys", both of which argued that the mark, as it was filed under the "toys" field, was too close to their own registered marks. Ultimately, Hasbro abandoned the registration attempt for "Bumblebee" in 2006 and simply decided to use the name as a "normal", non-registered trademark instead. The movie's release date being pushed back a year meant that the first "Bumblebee"-branded ''Transformers'' toys in over a decade were a 3" ''[[Titanium Series]]'' figure and a toy from the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' line. (Playcore, or more accurately, its subsidiary Swing-N-Slide no longer manufactures the "Buzz the Bumble Bee" swingset.<ref>[http://www.drillspot.com/products/291165/Swing-N-Slide_NE_4541_Buzz_Bumble_Bee_Swing Retailer site] mentioning the discontinuation. Also, said swing is no longer visible/available on Swing-N-Slide's official site.</ref>)

* "[[Bluestreak]]" is one of the most infamous cases of a name of a classic character being unavailable to Hasbro, since a company named Gendron, Inc. registered the name "Toledo 'Blue Streak'" in 2002. All toys based on the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' Bluestreak character released since then are officially named "Silverstreak" instead. (Note that this does only affect Hasbro; while the character is traditionally known as simply "Streak" in Japan, [[TakaraTomy]] have recently released a blue [[redeco]] of the ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' Streak toy, named "Bluestreak".)

* Next to Bluestreak, "[[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]" is the most well-known case of a name unavailable to Hasbro. Mattel has registered various "confusingly similar" trademarks over the years, among them "Ho! Ho! Hot Rod", "Hot Rods" and "Hott Rodd". Hasbro's original substitute name for the ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues was "Rodimus Major"; "[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]]" was used for [[Energon (toyline)|Energon]] and then later also for the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Deluxe toy and the [[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]] Legends toy; and the toy based on the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus Prime]] character has been confirmed to be named "Rodimus Minor".

* "[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]" was temporarily lost to a company named Lanard Toys, Ltd—who actually used it in their ''The Corps!'' military figure series, direct competitors to Hasbro's [[G.I. Joe]]. An ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' toy designed as an homage to ''Generation 1'' Shockwave was named "[[Shockblast (Energon)|Shockblast]]" instead, as was the ''[[Alternators]]'' toy. However, Lanard had abandoned the registration for the "Shockwave" trademark shortly prior to the release of the ''Alternators'' toy (too late to change the name on the packaging), so Hasbro seized the opportunity and slapped the name onto the next available [[Shockwave (Cybertron)|Mini-Con]] just to claim it back. They have since been able to use it for [[Shockwave (Animated)|other toys]] more closely based on the ''Generation 1'' character. Ironically, a figure from Hasbro's ''[[G.I. Joe]] 25th Anniversary'' line based on an older figure from 1988 named [http://www.yojoe.com/action/88/shockwave.shtml "Shockwave"] was relased under the name [http://www.yojoe.com/action/08/shockblast.shtml "Shockblast"] in 2008, presumably in an attempt to avoid brand confusion. Apparently, Hasbro consider the name "Shockwave" more iconic for the ''Transformers'' character.

* In 2001, Hasbro trademarked "[[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]]" for use in the ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' line. However, at the same time, their competitor Mattel applied for a registered trademark on the name for a vehicle/accessory in their ''Max Steel'' toy line. Without any past usage to call on to contend Mattel's claim, Hasbro lost the trademark for "Skyfire" to the stronger registered claim within a very short time frame. This resulted in the name "[[Sky Blast]]", used first on an ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Mini-Con]], then for the ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Omnicon]] [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]], who is a clear [[homage]] to the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] character, "[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]".

* A particularly odd case: During the 1990s, another company held the "[[Sideswipe (disambiguation)|Sideswipe]]" trademark in the "toys" field, even though Hasbro still released [[Sideswipe (G1)|two toys]] using that name as part of the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' line (it's unclear if this resulted in any legal repercussions for Hasbro). When Hasbro finally managed to reclaim the name for the [[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]] line, the name was now parsed as "[[Side Swipe (RID)|Side Swipe]]", in two words, for whatever reason. The only two toys since then to spell "Sideswipe" as one word again were the [[OTFCC 2003]] [[exclusive]] and the [[Armada (toyline)|''Armada'']] [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Super-Con]]. However, the former was referred to as "Side Swipe" when featured as a cross-sell on the packaging for the OTFCC 2003 [[Shadow Striker]]/[[Roulette]] two-pack, whereas a packaging variant for the latter released as part of the "[[The Unicron Battles|Unicron Battles]]" refresh of the ''Armada'' line also saw the name changed to "Side Swipe". After many years' worth of "Side Swipe" toys, the ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 Universe]]'' Deluxe toy finally hailed the return of "Sideswipe" (as one word).

* In 2005, [[Fun Publications]] was forced to change the name of a [[BotCon 2005]] exclusive intended as an homage to ''Generation 1'' [[Outback]] to "Fallback". The Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain has successfully applied for "Outback" across a ''vast'' number of categories. Since Hasbro had not used the name for a product since 1993, there seems to be no way for them to wrest control of Outback Steakhouse's active claim to the mark without heavy modification - the "Outback" name was used for a 2008 exclusive GIJoe figure, as well as a forthcoming limited release, as "Stuart 'Outback' Selkirk." TFWiki.net then presumes it is only a matter of time until fans start clamoring for a figure of [[Judd Nelson|Judd "Hot Rod" Nelson]], although [[Casey_Kasem#Trivia|Casey "Bluestreak" Kasem]] is still probably out of the question.

* Similar trademark problems affected other items in the BotCon 2005 set: notably, [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] began life as [[Moonracer]] until it was discovered Royal Treasury, LLC owned the "[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78095736 King Moonracer]" trademark for toys from the [[wikipedia:Rudolph_the_Red-Nosed_Reindeer_(TV_special)#The_Island_of_Misfit_Toys|Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer]] TV special. Unfortunately, Moonracer was already well into production when Fun Publications learned the name was unavailable, and due to the time involved in trademark searches, a suitably appropriate alternative could not be found. This necessitated the use of Chromia — reportedly their "third or fourth choice", but a name which ''had'' cleared legal.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/e39fbfb4b4bd2b3a alt.toys.transformers post] by [[Lanny Lathem]] explaining the Moonracer/Chromia SNAFU.</ref> [[Brian Savage]] expressed particular vexation with this turn of events at the BotCon 2005 organizer's panel.

* According to Hasbro copy writer [[Forest Lee]] at [[BotCon 2006]], Hasbro's IP lawyers were initially skittish about using the name "[[Matrix of Leadership]]" on packaging for the 20th Anniversary version of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], as they were unaware of the history of the term "[[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]" within the brand, and feared confusion with the franchise surrounding the film, ''[[wikipedia:The_Matrix_(series)|The Matrix]]''. Although the lawyers were satisfied and allowed "Matrix" to be used in that instance, it appears that some variation of the term "[[All Spark]]" may supplant "Matrix" in future ''Transformers'' franchises. "All Spark" is, of course, an easier mark to defend because — unlike "matrix" — it is a contrived compound word that doesn't have any other meaning.

==Footnotes==
<references />

==See Also==
* [[Transformers names in other Hasbro lines]]
* [[Blastification]]

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trademark Trademarks at Wikipedia]
* [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/tac/tmep/1400.htm#_Toc536248429 US Trademark & Patent Office]
*[http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/trademarks/g1_trademarks_intro.php Extensive article about Transformers-related trademarks at TFArchive.com]

[[Category:Toys]]

User:ShiningBlitz

2009-06-17T05:05:37Z

ShiningBlitz: Hello World.

Hello. I am Shining Blitz, also known as Blitz the Coyote.

I am happy to see you.

I have pipe dreams. Current: Custom Alt-scale Smart FourTwo TF, "Solar Flare", to be used as avatar.

I mispronounciate words. It's a character trait.

I hold my Grammar Hammer close to my heart. Except when I'm boink!ing people over the head with it.

I need a Softimus Prime, for it is love. Could someone help me? Please?

Slumblebee, however, is a better pun.

I await all challenges in transformation complexity. While some gape at MP Megatron or ROTF Optimus Prime, I look to them with great excitement.

I use too many commas, in addition to an abundance of semicolons; when this is combined (in speech) with my, shall we say, fast-talking and breathless ranting, it can be pretty annoying; at least, some of my friends think so.

I am a [http://www.tvtropes.org Troper]; TVTropes has ruined my life, my vocabulary, and my... um... I don't really have a third example.

I main Sonic in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Ness is my secondary. I also (my Wii is [http://www.wiibrew.org hacked] enjoy Brawl+ and similar projects.

More to come!