MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Prime Force

2026-05-09T21:03:56Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* Energon cartoon */ You guys forgot an appearance.

{{disambig2|the drones that can [[Powerlinx]] with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]|[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|the Autobot leader's]] personal transport|Prime Force One}}

:''The Prime Force is a team of [[drone]]s from the [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[File:PrimeForce in Trailer.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Thunderbirds are go!]]

The '''Prime Force''' is a group of drones under the control of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. They are kept in Optimus's [[trailer]] until Optimus calls upon them to go out on their own or to [[Powerlinx]] with him to form a [[Super Mode]].

The Prime Force consists of:

* The fire truck '''Fire-1'''
* The helicopter '''Copter-2'''
* The drill tank '''Digger-3'''
* The submarine '''Submarine-4'''

==Fiction==
===''Energon'' comic===

In tapping the power of [[Alpha Trion|Sig-Omega]], Optimus Prime developed the [[Spark of Combination]] and with it, his Prime Force. Dubbed Optimus-1 through Optimus-4, these drones merged with Prime to give him a Super Mode powerful enough to temporarily drive off [[Unicron's Four Horsemen]]. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Two}} Optimus brought his trunk full of dangers to Earth for a battle with the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s. The Prime Force drones helped the Autobots catch their enemies with firepower from multiple directions until Optimus Prime engaged the Terrorcon leader [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] in personal combat, and combined with his drones to form Super Mode. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}} They remained in Prime's employ during the rest of the battle with the Terrorcons as well. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}

Optimus-4 was later seen exploring the waters outside of [[Ocean City]]. {{storylink|Omni-Potent}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Energon'' cartoon====
[[File:Optimus and PrimeForce combining.jpg|thumb|right|Many early battles were won through synchronized swimming.]]
Optimus Prime deployed the Prime Force to defend [[Ocean City]] from [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s. They worked independently for a while before Optimus Powerlinxed with them. They destroyed many enemies. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}}

Later, Optimus Prime Powerlinxed with the Prime Force in a battle against [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]. As Optimus ran low on [[energon]], he launched the Prime Force at Scorponok. Scorponok trashed them with [[Energon Sword|Megatron's sword]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

[[Rad White]] and [[Brian Jones]] repaired and upgraded the Prime Force in their lab. {{storylink|The New Cybertron City}}

Prime Force returns to help Optimus Prime defend [[Jungle City]]. {{storylink|Megatron Resurrected}}

[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] lured Optimus Prime to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] for a battle. Super Mode Optimus launched Copter-2 at Starscream, but Starscream soon obliterated it. Optimus was left to fight with one arm for a while until launching the remaining three drones. Starscream easily dispatched them as well. {{storylink|Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary}}

The Prime Force returned (without explanation) and Powerlinxed with Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Battle of the Asteroid Belt}}

Super Mode Optimus launched Copter-2 to keep an eye on Kicker. Copter-2 rescued Kicker from an energy wave. {{storylink|Kicker Beware!}}

Optimus Prime used Copter-2 to make an aerial survey of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Alpha Q: Identity}}

[[File:Optimus Supreme Prime Force.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
Inside [[Unicron]], Optimus and his team of Autobots were pinned down on their way to confront Megatron. Optimus launched Copter-2 to scout ahead, but the drone quickly took a hit and was taken out of action. The Autobots, including the remaining drones, transformed into [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s and headed deeper into Unicron. The Autobots were stopped by a huge crevasse until Megatron used the power of Unicron to create a staircase and challenge Optimus to face him. As he started up the stairs, super mode Optimus Prime was ambushed by [[Shockblast]], who blasted Fire-1 and Submarine-4 to pieces. The Autobots had no choice but to leave the injured Optimus Prime behind until his [[energon star]] healed his wounds. {{storylink|Open Fire!}} When he was ready, Optimus Prime reverted to normal mode, leaving the remains of the Prime Force behind. He soon met up with [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]], who served as his new power-up. Later, after a confrontation with Megatron, the Autobots retreated from Unicron, presumably leaving the Prime Force inside. {{storylink|Ripped Up Space}}

Much later, [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] and a team of Autobots were on Cybertron looking for his family when he got word that Optimus Prime was hurt and in trouble. He sent [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] to an industrial complex to pick the Prime Force to help Optimus. Optimus Prime and Wing Saber were pinned down by [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and some of his Decepticons by the time the Prime Force appeared on the scene. Optimus Powerlinxed with them to form his Super Mode. After fighting for a while, he disengaged from the Prime Force to Powerlinx with Wing Saber. Optimus Prime then used the Prime Force in "Meteor Attack Mode" which involved using the Prime Force to blast Galvatron with beams of energy. {{storylink|Decepticon Army}}

While a [[Unicron]]-enhanced Optimus Prime was fighting a Unicron-enhanced Galvatron, Omega Supreme and the Prime Force appeared out of nowhere to Powerlinx with Optimus Prime. He used the Prime Force to perform a "trans-final impact attack", which involved shooting the energized Prime Force at Galvatron. {{storylink|Spark (episode)|Spark}}

====''Super Link'' pack-in comic====
While investigating an Energon reaction, Optimus came face-to-face with a dark duplicate of himself. [[Grand Scourge]] attacked the Autobot leader, prompting Optimus to deploy the Prime Force in an attempt to overpower his double. {{storylink|Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge}} Grand Scourge combined with his own version of the Prime Force, and managed to commandeer Optimus's Digger-3 Unit to attack the Autobot leader with a diving double-drill press! His attack was broken off by Optimus's soldiers, and Grand Scourge dropped away Digger-3 before retreating. {{storylink|Supreme Commander Optimus Prime VS Dark Commander Scourge}}

==Toys==
===''Energon''===
[[File:Energon Prime toy.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|''Form feet and''—no, used that. ''It's [[Johnny Yong Bosch|Morphin]]'''—naah. Uh, give us a sec...]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, [[2003]]/[[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Grand Convoy Super Mode'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SC-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 25]], 2004
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (detailing)}}

: The Prime Force ("Grand Force" in Japan) was included with ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Energon|Optimus Prime]].

: Optimus's [[trailer]] is designed to carry the four Prime Force drone-vehicles: "Fire-1" (fire truck), "Copter-2" ("Gyro-2" in Japan; helicopter), "Digger-3" (drill tank with gear-wheel-activated spinning drill), and "Submarine-4" (submarine). Each of these drones can attach to one of Optimus's limbs to form a variety of [[Super Mode]]s (a combination the Japanese line dubbed "Grand Cross"). The base-robot can also combine with ''Energon'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] to form "Optimus Prime Fight Mode" and "Optimus Prime Flight Mode" (both called "Wing Convoy" in Japan), and [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] to form "Powerlinx Omega Supreme" ("Optimus Supreme" in the cartoon; "Omega Convoy" in Japan). The Omega Supreme combination can also employ the drone-units.

: The Prime Force was later [[redeco]]ed into "assault vehicles" for ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Year of the Snake" [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Platinum Edition|Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Energon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonGold}}
[[File:Energontoy gold grand convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Gold Grand Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2004)}}</ul>

: This golden-chromed redeco of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy figure was initially offered as a prize to five lucky winners of a colouring contest held in the pages of the ''TV Magazine''. Additional units were later given away via in-store draws at Toys"R"Us Japan; precisely how many is unknown, but the regularity with which the toy appeared on auction sites throughout 2005 suggests it was quite a few.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+grand+convoy/1094/gold+grand+convoy.html More information on Gold Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomColorEnergon}}
[[File:Energontoy custom color prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Grand Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''SC-01'''

: The color scheme of this special redeco of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy was decided through a colouring contest held in the [[December]] 2004 issue of ''TV Magazine'', in which entrants coloured in lineart of Convoy in the scheme they wanted to see. The winning entry rendered Convoy in a… ''distinct'' palette of grey, cream, dark red, and purple chrome, with blue, white, and yellow drones. It was limited to only ten pieces, making it one of the rarer ''Transformers'' toys in existence.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/custom+grand+convoy/1105/custom+grand+convoy.html More information on Custom Color Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Santa}}
[[File:Energontoy unreleased prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, unreleased)}}</ul>

:A redeco of the Leader Class Optimus Prime mold with a primarily red cab, much deeper blue, and a Prime Force uniformly colored in black was planned to be released with ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] as a [[Target]]-exclusive. The toy got far enough along in development to have package artwork created by [[Dan Khanna]], which was later revealed online, but it was canceled shortly before making it to full production. Its red, white, and black coloration earned it the festive nickname of "Santa Prime" among fans online.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/energon-autobots-166/optimus-prime-with-mini-optimus-prime-unreleased-4079/ More information on this unreleased Optimus Prime at TFW2005]''
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Grand Force''' (グランドフォース ''Gurando Fōsu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Főerő'''

[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Energon franchise]]

Decepticon Army

2026-05-09T20:15:33Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* Trivia */ Added trivia about Prime Force.

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=45
|prev=The Omega Train
|next=Ironhide Team
|title="Deception Army" "Decepticon Army"
|japanese=バラバラ、デストロン軍団
|romaji=Barabara, Destron Gundan
|translation=Scattered, the Destron Army
|image=Decepticon Army main.jpg
|caption=Hey, guess what this episode ''isn't'' about? At all? In any way?
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[November 12|12 November]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 11]], [[2005]] (Canada) [[May 23]], 2005 (USA)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Kicker searches for his family below Cybertron, while Galvatron and a damaged Optimus square off on the planet's surface.'''

==Synopsis==
A [[space bridge]] disgorges [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], carrying the injured [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]. Rodimus has Landmine take Jetfire to sick bay at [[Ocean City]], while he heads back through the space bridge.

The gas-covered [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] continues moving through space. On its surface, [[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]] is still trying to take out [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] with the [[Energon grid (technology)|energon grid]]. After sending [[Superion Maximus]] ahead to reach [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], Optimus finds himself under attack from [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. Galvatron goes to [[Super Mode|Hyper Mode]] to attack, but Six Shot finally nails Optimus with a blast from the energon grid, sending Optimus crashing to the surface in flames. Galvatron is predictably furious at the interference; he sends [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] and [[Constructicon Maximus]] to search for the fallen Autobot leader.

The Omega Train roars through a station full of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]], its passengers blasting them as they go. Kicker calls for a halt at the next station, figuring the Decepticons are waiting for them. He has [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] contact Optimus, knowing full well that this will give away their position.

[[File:Energon-Train-Attack.jpg‎|upright=1.3|thumb|left|Hot Shot and Arcee decide it's well and truly time they made a stand and deliver a short, sharp lesson to the awaiting Terrorcons.]] Optimus lies damaged and separated from [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]]. He tells Hot Shot and the rest to carry on with their mission. [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega]] decides to go to him, but when Kicker points out that Optimus mentioned a leg wound, he has Omega hold up.

The [[Construction Team|five nameless construction vehicles]] that make up Constructicon Maximus are digging through the rubble, searching for Optimus, as Galvatron watches.

Kicker sends Omega ahead to an industrial complex, there to take something to Optimus. He figures it's about time they did some looking after their leader, instead of the usual vice versa.

[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] leads [[Team Ironhide|his troops]] through Cybertron's tunnel, arriving at a firefight at the medical complex. The four troops move in. Ironhide wins the day with his "turbo blast attack", which involves spinning his head around at dizzying speed while firing randomly.

[[File:Energon-Terrorcons-Attack-Omnicons.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|War of the most minor characters in the series.]] While watching the monitors, Six Shot gets another rebuke from Galvatron, and promises not to do ''anything''. Period. He shuts off his monitors, and says that he quits.

In the medical center, Bulkhead seems fully recovered, enough to scare the other patients and prompt a reproach from a [[Autobot nurse|nurse-bot]]. Bulkhead replies by pulling out a paper fan. [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] ask Ironhide for updates from the surface, prompting Ironhide to tell them to ''shut up and listen'' while pumping his fist in triumph, which in turn causes his fanboys to come kneel at his feet.

Omega Supreme arrives somewhere, and says he can sense Kicker's presence.

Galvatron finally digs out Optimus. Optimus nearly has to take a blast meant for Wing Saber, but Superion Maximus arrives in time to save him, and challenges Galvatron. His firepower is ineffective, but before Galvatron can counter, Prime's [[Prime Force|drone squad]] arrives and attacks, followed by Omega Supreme. Prime links up with his drones and bashes Galvatron around.

[[File:Energon-Bulkheads-Fan.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|left|Don't ask.]]

Kicker and Hot Shot are almost to their destination.

Omega lends some firepower to Superion Maximus. Galvatron manages to exploit Optimus's injuries, and summons a fleet of Terrorcons.

Kicker finally finds his family's chamber... and it's empty. Spilled food and scattered possessions indicate a hasty exit. Kicker suspects they're hiding in The Core.

Galvatron tells Optimus that it's all over, but Ironhide arrives and challenges him. [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] arrives to lend a hand, followed by Prowl and Downshift. Lots of people shoot. Nobody gets hurts much. The Omnicons restore Optimus and Wing Saber, who promptly combine.

Optimus and Galvatron make a big explosion, and Galvatron comes out the loser. He's still laughing, though, and orders Six Shot to deploy the energon gas. He gets only silence in response. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], still climbing down the shaft toward the [[Super Energon Temple|Super Energon chamber]] with [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]], are equally unresponsive. Galvatron and Starscream fly off to deal with Six Shot, leaving Scorponok in charge of the battle.

[[File:Energon-Super-Optimus-Burning-Justice.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|[[Burning spirit]]. That's our story and we're sticking to it.]] Kicker finally finds [[Sally Jones|Sally]] and [[Miranda Jones|his mom]], and a reunion ensues. It only takes him a second to realize that Dr. Jones and [[Rad White|Rad]] are both absent.

Dr. Jones's captors make a rough landing at the bottom of the Super Energon shaft, leaving Dr. Jones with some nasty back pain. Snow Cat and Demolishor run off to rejoin Galvatron and get powered up, leaving Dr. Jones with a golden opportunity to get away.

Galvatron gives Six Shot a thrashing for ignoring him. But Starscream reports that they're locked out of the energon grid; Six Shot laughs and laughs, as Galvatron needs him to control the planet.

Demolishor and Snow Cat prepare to take a dip in the Super Energon pool, but a giant looming shadow bursts out of it. Amid their screams, [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] wonders what they saw, and wonders what the Autobots will do as Cybertron prepares to exit the space bridge.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (1)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (2)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (6)
*[[Superion Maximus]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] (12)
*[[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] (13)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Rhyming Omnicon fanboys]] (22–24)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (25)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (26)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (28)
*[[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] (29)
*[[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] (30)
*[[Autobot nurse]] (31)
*[[Prime Force|Digger-3]] (34)
*[[Prime Force|Copter-2]] (36)
*[[Prime Force|Submarine-4]] (37)
*[[Prime Force|Fire-1]] (38)
*[[Omega Supreme (Energon)#Omega|Omega]] (39)
*[[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] (46)

|c2=
*[[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]] (4)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (8)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]] drones (10)
*[[Cruellock]] drones (11)
*[[Construction Team]] (16–20)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] drones (27)
*[[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]] (32)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (33)
*[[Constructicon Maximus]] (35)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (40)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (41)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (14)
*[[Brian Jones]] (42)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (43)
*[[Sally Jones]] (44)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (45) (voice only)
}}

==Quotes==
"May I have your attention? As the train approaches the station, please remain behind the white line at all times, and GET READY TO EAT LEAD, FREAKS!"
:—'''Arcee''' speaks from the [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Train]] over the loudspeaker to the Terrorcons

"You and me! Got that, Galvatron?" 
"Why not? I'm an equal-opportunity destroyer of Autobots."
:—'''Superion Maximus''' and '''Galvatron'''

"I hope you have health insurance, Prime!"
:—'''Galvatron'''

==Notes==
===Lost in translation===
* As Rodimus prepares to re-enter the space bridge, the dub has him say that he hopes Optimus "can punch a hole to get us out", which... makes no sense at all. Punch a hole in ''what''? Get out of ''what''? The original line is Rodimus saying that he's sure they gave Optimus the opening he needed.
* The dub strangely parses Kicker's request for Omega Supreme to stop as "shut it down". Although an uncommon phrase from real railroading, more likely this is another of ''Energon''{{'}}s famous errors.
* When Hot Shot says that contacting Optimus will give away their position, dub Kicker cockily says "exactly!", as if he's planning a trap or something. In ''Super Link'', he just replies that the enemy already knows where they are.
* In the middle of Kicker's comments about Optimus's stubborn selflessness, the dub omits a key line about how Kicker once hated him. Without it, the rest of the speech kinda falls apart.
* The scene in the medical center is botched by the dub. In ''Super Link'', during the brief cut to the outside of the building, one of the nurses cries out in shock—ha ha, Bulkhead groped her! The dub paves it over, having the nurse say that Bulkhead is scaring the other patients....with his strangely animated bobbing, apparently.
* Ironhide's "Shut up and listen" should be "shut up and follow me", hence the pumped-up fist of triumph and the fanboys rallying to him.
* Omega Supreme doesn't "sense Kicker's presence" in the industrial complex; he just says that Kicker's wish has been carried out.
* Primus isn't in this episode, but the dub still replaces a mention of his name with "the core".
* Dub Starscream advises Galvatron "give back complete control to Six Shot". He's supposed to advise him to ''take'' control back ''from'' Six Shot.
* Demolishor and Snow Cat aren't "going back to Galvatron" to get powered up; it's a dub insertion.

===Pain count===
* "Uh?": 12
* Stock footage: 6
* Let's do it: 2
* You're mine: 1

===Animation and technical errors===
* [[Steamhammer (Energon)|The nameless construction vehicle that serves as Constructicon Maximus's torso]] rolls without actually moving its treads.

===Real-world references===
* As the Omega Train rolls through, Arcee makes station announcements over a PA system, warning passengers to stay behind the white line (and to prepare to eat lead), and wishing the commuters a pleasant day—''not!''

* As The Omega Force Gun fires, we can hear the classic ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' blaster sound.

===Trivia===
[[File:E45 titlecard.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|They got it right eventually.]]
* The episode's nonsensical broadcast title is semi-derived from the ''Super Link'' title, "Scattered, the Destron Army", referring to Galvatron's inability to summon his troops to help him out... which was kind of a stretch to begin with. Evidently, they intended to just call it "Decepticon Army", and typo'd it. [[Scorpinok (episode)|For the]] [[A Tale of Two Heros|fourth]] [[Imprisoned Inferno|time]]. Like "Improsoned Inferno", however, it was corrected for the DVD release.
* The dub keeps the original [[Taiyō no Transform!!|''Super Link'' theme song]]-based background music as Optimus and Wing Saber combine, rather than replacing it with the normal music (based on ''Energon''{{'}}s [[theme song]].)
*As in the last episode, Omega's combined train mode has his battleship half attached to the back of his train half. This is not possible with the toy but the two halves can combine the other way round, with the train's cab slotting into the battleship's engine compartment to create a "Cybertronian Armored Super Train".
* Prime and Galvatron's faces both get the hand-drawn upgrade in the following fight scene.
* Optimus introduces his "Meteor Attack Mode", which involves his drones spinning around him and Wing Saber amid lots of flying energy. It even comes with nifty 2D animation too!
* This is the last episode where Optimus combines with [[Prime Force]] all by himself, although Prime Force does appear one last time in [[Spark (episode)|Spark]] to combine with both him and Omega Supreme.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'armata dei Decepticon'''" ("The Decepticon Army")
::*Rodimus never says that he hopes Optimus "can punch a hole to get us out".
::*Arcee's line: "I hope you're having a pleasent day... not!" is changed to "We ask you to fasten your seatbelts... oh!". That final "oh!" makes the scene... weird.
::*Starscream's line about "give back complete control to Six Shot" and the one about Demolishor and Snow Cat "going back to Galvatron" are corrected.
::*"Meteor Attack Mode" is translated as "Attacco Meteoritico" ("Meteorites Attack"), despite it involving meteors, not meteorites.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 012 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)

2026-04-26T13:58:36Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* Cast */ Added Kiko Onishi to the cast list. She deserves to be there!

{{disambig3.5|the 2001 cartoon|the 2015 cartoon|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{nav-rid2001}}
[[File:Ridcartoon.jpg|200px|thumb|The George Lazenby of major ''Transformers'' iterations.]]

'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise''''', known as '''''Transformers: Car Robots''''' (トランスフォーマーカーロボット) in Japan, is the first Japanese-original ''Transformers'' cartoon ever officially dubbed and broadcast for a US audience. Debuting about eighteen months after its Japanese incarnation, it aired—not without problems—from [[September 8]], [[2001]] to [[March 30]], [[2002]], in support of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|toyline]] of the same name.

{{bigquote|Only Koji and the Autobots can save the Earth from the evil Predacons! The Predacons have been battling the Autobots for thousands of years, but this time, they're kidnapped the world's greatest minds, including Dr. Onishi, a brilliant scientist. Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots has dispatched his troops to try to save Onishi and the others, enlisting the help of Koji, Onishi's son. But can these heroes outwit the evil Megatron, leader of the Predacons in time to save the Earth?|"About The Show"|[http://web.archive.org/web/20020124163134/http://www.foxkids.com/tvshows/transformers/about.asp FoxKids.com]}}

==Story==
[[File:RiD Cartoon Intro Title.JPG|thumb|upright=1.15|left|There's the signpost up ahead... your next stop: The T-AI-Light Zone.]]
When Earth is targeted by [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] and his [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobots prepare for their coming by installing themselves in secret among human society, masquerading as everyday vehicles used by humankind with no knowledge of their true nature. When Megatron strikes and kidnaps famous scientist [[Kenneth Onishi|Dr. Kenneth Onishi]], the Autobots ally with his son [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] to rescue him before Megatron can pry from his mind the truth about an ancient secret hidden somewhere on Earth.

After successfully re-energizing his ailing craft, the ''[[Megastar]]'', Megatron rips the first clue from Doctor Onishi's mind, and tracks the location of an ancient Cybertronian [[O-Part]], only to lose it to the Autobots. Incensed by failure, Megatron recovers six Autobot [[protoform]]s from a crashed spaceship and brainwashes them into the [[Decepticon]]s, led by the dark clone of Optimus Prime, [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]. These new warriors prove much tougher opponents for the Autobots, who then have to deal with attacks from their own side when Optimus Prime's embittered brother, [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]], arrives on Earth to steal the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] from Prime. Realizing the Matrix can be shared between them, the brothers put aside their differences and gain the power to combine into [[Omega Prime]], as well as using the Matrix's power to give the [[Autobot Brothers]] new super-charged bodies.

Fearful of losing his position to Scourge, the bumbling [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] accidentally frees Doctor Onishi when he attempts to use the scientist to locate all the remaining missing O-Parts. Onishi is then able to help the Autobots gather all the O-Parts, which together form a map that points the way to [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], an ancient Cybertronian battle station hidden on Earth for untold ages and controlled by the will of human children. The awakening of Maximus in turn awakens Scourge's ambition, and he leaves Megatron to perish in a collapsing temple so that he can take command for himself. Megatron, however, is transformed into the more-powerful Galvatron and puts down Scourge's rebellion before confronting Omega Prime in a final battle at the [[Earth's core]], where he is defeated by the [[Matrix Blade]] created by a fusion of Maximus's energy with Magnus and Prime's Matrix.

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Autobot#2001 Robots in Disguise|Autobots]]|c1=
{{collist|2|
;Main Cast
*[[Omega Prime]] ([[Daniel Riordan]])
**[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Neil Kaplan]])
**[[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Kim Strauss]])
*[[T-AI]] ([[Sandy Fox]])
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] ([[Wayne C. Lewis]])
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] ([[Wally Wingert]])
*[[X-Brawn]] ([[Bob Joles]])
*[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] ([[Steve Blum]])
**[[Emissary (RID)|The Emissary]]
**[[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] ([[Steve Kramer]])
;[[Team Bullet Train]]
*[[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]] ([[David Lodge]])
**[[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] ([[Mike Reynolds]])
**[[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]] ([[Keith Diamond]])
**[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (David Lodge)
;[[Spychanger]]s
*[[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]] ([[Michael McConnohie]])
*[[R.E.V.]] (Steve Kramer)
*[[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] ([[Dan Woren]])
*[[W.A.R.S.]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] (Michael McConnohie)
*[[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]] (Wally Wingert)
;[[Build Team (RID)|Build Team]]
*[[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] ([[Michael Reisz]])
**[[Wedge (RID)|Wedge]] (Michael Reisz)
**[[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]] ([[Daran Norris]])
**[[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]] ([[Joe Ochman]])
**[[Grimlock (RID 2001)|Grimlock]] ([[Tom Wyner]])
;Others
*[[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]] ([[Michael Lindsay]])
*[[Tow-Line (RID)|Tow-Line]] ([[Lex Lang]])
}}

|h2=Antagonists |c2=
;[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron/Galvatron]] (Daniel Riordan)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] ([[Peter Spellos]])
*[[Predacon Field Squadron]]
**[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] ([[Peter Lurie]])
**[[Gas Skunk]] ([[Jerry DeCapua]])
**[[Dark Scream]] (Steve Blum)
;[[Decepticon]]s
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] ([[Barry Stigler]])
*[[Commando (RID)|Commandos]]: [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] ([[Bob Papenbrook]])
**[[Mega-Octane]] (Bob Papenbrook)
**[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]] (Neil Kaplan)
**[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] ([[Richard Epcar]])
**[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]] (Michael Lindsay)
**[[Movor]] ([[Robert Axelrod]])

|c3=
;Main Cast
*[[Koji Onishi]] ([[Jason Spisak]])
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] ([[Philece Sampler]])

;Others
*[[Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Kenneth Onishi]] ([[Kirk Thornton]])
*[[Dorie Dutton]] ([[Tifanie Christun]])
*[[Carl (RID)|Carl]] ([[Joshua Seth]])
*[[Jenny (RID)|Jenny]] ([[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]])
*[[Kiko Onishi]]

|nonumbering=true
}}

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Robots in Disguise (2001) episodes}}

The three clip shows of ''Robots in Disguise'' differ between the English and Japanese versions. Both are listed at the appropriate numbers.

{{collist|4|
#[[Battle Protocol!]]
#[[An Explosive Situation]]
#[[Bullet Train to the Rescue]]
#[[Spychangers to the Rescue]]
#[[The Hunt for Black Pyramid]]
#[[The Secret of the Ruins]]
#[[Sideburn's Obsession]]
#[[Secret Weapon: D-5]]
#[[Mirage's Betrayal]]
#[[Skid Z's Choice]]
#[[Tow-Line Goes Haywire]]
#[[The Ultimate Robot Warrior]]
#[[Hope for the Future]]{{dag|red}} [[Gigatron's Ambitions Revealed!]]{{dag|red}}
#[[The Decepticons]]
#[[Commandos]]
#[[Volcano (episode)|Volcano]]
#[[Attack from Outer Space]]
#[[The Test (episode)|The Test]]
#[[The Fish Test]]
#[[Wedge's Short Fuse]]
#[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]
#[[Sky-Byte Saves the Day]]
#[[A Test of Metal]]
#[[Ultra Magnus (episode)|Ultra Magnus]]
#[[Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion!]]
#[[Lessons of the Past]]{{dag|red}} [[Assemble! New Troops]]{{dag|red}}
#[[The Two Faces of Ultra Magnus]]
#[[Power to Burn!]]
#[[Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus]]
#[[Koji Gets His Wish]]
#[[A Friendly Contest]]
#[[Peril from the Past]]
#[[Maximus Emerges]]
#[[The Human Element]]
#[[Mystery of the Ultra Magnus]]{{dag|red}} [[Gelshark's Blues]]{{dag|red}}
#[[Mistaken Identity]]
#[[Surprise Attack!]]
#[[Galvatron's Revenge]]
#[[The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle]]
}}
{{dag|red}} ''[[Clip show]]''

==Original Japanese release==
{{Nav-cr}}
[[File:CarRobots poster.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
Running from [[April 5]] to [[December 17]], [[2000]] immediately following the conclusion of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals|Beast Wars Metals]]'', ''Transformers: Car Robots'' inherited the by-then-traditional ''Transformers'' slot at [[TV Tokyo]] from [[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers|Japan's ''Beast Wars'' franchise]], airing at 6:30 PM on Wednesdays. ''Car Robots'' utilized the same traditional cel-based 2D animation as prior Japanese-only productions ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', and featured a healthy contingent of returning cast and crew. In a major change from prior productions, principal animation duties were handled by [[Studio Gallop]] and [[Dong Woo Animation]] rather than long-time ''Transformers'' veterans [[Ashi Productions]]. The cartoon was produced by [[We've]], [[Nihon Ad Systems]], and (unsurprisingly) TV Tokyo, all also returning from the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' seasons and all of whom would return for the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]] in [[2002]].

Still set on [[Earth]] at the turn of the century, the story of original ''Car Robots'' cartoon features a subtly distinct framing from ''Robots in Disguise'' as it follows a "[[Dimensional Patrol]]" led by "[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]]" protecting the planet and its long-lost Cybertronian artifacts from the ambitions of the evil "[[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron]]" and his new "[[Predacon (BW)#Japanese Generation 1 continuity|Destronger]]" faction.

What exactly that *means* was the subject of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)#The continuity kerfuffle|no small amount of confusion]], but to skip to the end, ''Car Robots'' is the final Japan-exclusive season of the behemoth [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], with a cast composed of all new characters, having time-traveled from the distant future some time after the events of ''Neo''.

''Car Robots''<nowiki>'</nowiki> opening song is "[[Honō no Overdrive: Car Robot Cybertron|Honō no Overdrive ~Car Robot Cybertron~]]" and its ending theme is "[[Marionette]]".

==Continuity==
[[File:Convoy and Fire Convoy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|In Japan, these two are completely [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|separate]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)|characters]] in the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|same universe]]. In the West, they are instead [[Generation 1 continuity family|alternate]]-[[Robots in Disguise continuity family|universe]] versions of the [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|same character]].]]
{{main|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)#The continuity kerfuffle}}
When the series first aired in Japan as ''Car Robots'', and then later in the West as ''Robots in Disguise'', it was initially the subject of great debate and confusion, continuity-wise, within the [[fandom|''Transformers'' fandom]].

While not initially clear at the time, evidence from both pre-series production materials and post-series additions made by Takara indicate that ''Car Robots'' was always supposed to have been part of the larger Japanese continuity of series that had come before it. However, this was simply not made clear in the cartoon itself, which instead presented itself as a mostly standalone series. While such series as the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' cartoons were similarly standalone, both of them had a brief guest appearance by a familiar face ([[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], respectively) to help connect them to their immediate predecessors (''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''). By contrast, ''Car Robots'' received no such treatment; there were no guest appearances from any previous series' characters, nor any other obvious indications that the series actually took place in the same world as the shows that came before it.

There were hints, though. Small references to things originally from ''Beast Wars II'', ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', ''The Headmasters'', and even the American ''Beast Wars'' series. In hindsight, it has become apparent that these little nods ''were'' meant to help tie ''Car Robots'' back into the preceding Japanese continuity, but most of them came during the series' latter half. By that point, the majority of fans had largely given up on thinking of ''Car Robots'' as part of the existing continuity, and had instead grown to perceive it as the first brand new continuity. Anyone who did catch these references (which, admittedly, were also presented rather subtly) simply wrote them off as fan service-y aspects of the series' rebooted continuity, rather than their intended means of directly tying ''Car Robots'' back in with its predecessors.

When the show was brought over to the West as ''Robots in Disguise'', it was unquestionably treated as a new continuity separate from everything that had come before it. The English dub's scripts were written to indicate that this was a unique world of "Autobots vs. Predacons", as opposed to the traditional setup of "Autobots vs. Decepticons" or even the [[Beast Era]]'s "Maximals vs. Predacons/Vehicons" cases. Though the series would later introduce a group of Decepticons into the mix, they were explicitly depicted as an offshoot of the Predacons, a reverse of the normal relationship between the two. While the dub scripts also added even more overt references to past series, they were done in such a way that made the series even less compatible with either the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] or the [[Marvel Comics continuity]].

Since the concept of continuity reboots was still very new to ''Transformers'' at the time, some fans in the West initially didn't know what to make of ''Robots in Disguise'', confused over how it could possibly fit with any of the three English-language cartoons that had come before it. The aforementioned added references in the English dub certainly sparked numerous debates in the western fandom over how the series could possibly fit with any of the three preceding Transformers cartoons. But as the fandom grew to better understand the nature of reboots, ''Robots in Disguise'' became better accepted as such, helped along by the next series, ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Transformers: Armada]]'', being the first unambiguous continuity-reboot on ''both'' sides of the Pacific, and but one of many more major reboots yet to come.

All seemed to make sense until the mid-2000s, when Takara began to make more additions to their original ''Transformers'' continuity and even started to really organize everything together. Such additions as ''[[Transformers: The Battle of the Star Gate|The Battle of the Star Gate]]'', ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk|Binaltech Asterisk]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' made multiple efforts to illustrate the fact that ''Car Robots'' really had been part of the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]] all along. This was initially met with much shock and confusion by the fans, who had long since accepted ''Car Robots'' to be just as much of a reboot as its ''Robots in Disguise'' counterpart. Evidently, Takara never felt this way and always viewed ''Car Robots'' as merely the final televised installment of the original Japanese G1 continuity,<ref>That is, until ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' was later dubbed in Japanese and aired in Japan in [[2004]] as ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)#Japanese release|Beast Wars Returns]]'', making ''Car Robots'' instead the second-to-last "[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|JG1]]" cartoon.</ref> regardless of how much the fandom had felt otherwise thanks to ''Car Robots'' itself having been so halfhearted on the matter.

And with the English ''Robots in Disguise'' version remaining a distinctly non-G1 entity unrelated to any other series, what is left is the unique situation of one show that is simultaneously both a part and ''not'' a part of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]], depending on which language version of the show one watches. When viewed in Japanese, ''Car Robots'' is set in the same universe as the Japanese versions of all of the Generation 1 and ''Beast Wars'' cartoons from [[1985]]–[[2000]]. While, when viewed in English, ''Robots in Disguise'' takes place in [[Robots in Disguise continuity family|its own separate continuity family]], in a brand new reality where the dominant factions on Planet Cybertron are Autobots and Predacons, while the Decepticons are a new subfaction of the Predacons.

==Production==
When [[Hasbro]] scrapped their plans for the ''[[Transtech]]'' series that was initially intended to follow ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', material was suddenly needed to fill the void until a new series could be developed. At the eleventh hour, the Japanese series ''Car Robots'', which had screened in Japan the previous year, was selected for this task, and in the process, it became the first ''Transformers'' anime to make the leap across the Pacific in an official capacity. While essentially just a "filler" series, it marked a partial return to the roots of Transformers fiction, reintroducing to the brand the Autobot and Decepticon factions and [[insignia]]s along with realistic modern Earth vehicles, after the [[Beast Era]]'s five years of [[Maximal]]s, [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s and [[alternate mode]]s based on animals or abstract/futuristic vehicles.

Given Takara's method of operation at the time, ''Car Robots'' was aimed at a younger audience than that targeted by Hasbro, meaning that it featured a more light-hearted, comedic tone overall, with storylines that were typically light or goofy and sometimes relied on bad jokes, absurd imagery and slapstick. This approach divided fans, but regardless, comic foil [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] became the real breakout character of the series and a fan-favourite whose enduring popularity saw him not only break into the top five nominations for the [[Transformers Hall of Fame/2012|2012 Transformers Hall of Fame]]'s fan vote, but actually ''win'' the fan vote eleven years later in the [[Transformers Hall of Fame/2012|2023 Hall of Fame]].

The animation of the series, meanwhile, was cel-based, a significant change from the CGI that had been a hallmark of ''Transformers'' television series in the US since 1996. In-keeping with the show's general tone, the cartoon features many standard anime light-comedy stylings, and is replete with overdone facial expressions, comic effects like sweat drops surrounding a character's head to signify confusion or consternation, and the traditional streaked background behind the character for high-action shots or [[stock footage]] transformation/attack sequences.

The ''Robots in Disguise'' English dub was produced by [[Saban Entertainment]], who were riding high at the time with the early 21st Century anime boom in full force, and broadcast on the [[Fox Kids]] programming block, which was at the peak of its popularity. The series was subject to some notable editing and re-writing in the traditional Saban style ([[#Prominent adaptational changes|see below]]). As a dubbed product, most of the voice actors involved in the series, though veterans of other Saban properties, had never worked on a Transformers series before, save for actor/director [[Michael McConnohie]] who had previously voiced [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] in the original ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' cartoon.

Perhaps the most-remembered element of ''Robots in Disguise''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s legacy, however, was the fate that befell it following the [[September 11]], 2001 terrorist attacks, which occurred after only two episodes of the series had been broadcast. A scramble resulted to re-edit multiple episodes of the series before they reached air, in order to remove scenes that were considered distasteful after these events, but as the first two-thirds of the series was airing ''six days a week'', this quickly left the series airing in a somewhat disjointed, slightly out-of-order fashion, with sheer misfortune causing the majority of episodes effected to be ones that dealt with the show's already sporadically-referenced ongoing [[O-Part]]s plot. The first victim was "[[The Secret of the Ruins]]", production on which had already been finished, and had to be pulled from broadcast to be re-written. A trio of episodes—"[[Attack from Outer Space]]", "[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]" and "[[Sky-Byte Saves the Day]]"—could not be salvaged and were simply not aired in the US at all; it seems that at least two of the English dub's three clip shows (see "Prominent adaptational changes", below) were specifically created to patch over the holes in the plot that resulted from the removal of these "banned" episodes (though these three did later air in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Canada]] with their questionable plot elements intact).

[[Disney|The Walt Disney Company]] acquired ownership of ''Robots in Disguise'' when it purchased Saban's assets in late 2001. Disney's ownership and apparent lack of desire to do anything with the show has resulted in it being the only American-broadcast Transformers cartoon to not be even partially released on DVD in the United States (though the complete series was released in the UK). Although Saban did reacquire several of their programmes in 2010, there is presently no evidence that ''Robots in Disguise'' was among them. Due to these factors, as of this writing, it remains the sole cartoon released in English-language markets that Hasbro does not retain full ownership of.

===Prominent adaptational changes===
[[File:FishTest removed reaction shots.jpg|thumb|200px]]
As tended to be the wont of Saban productions, ''Robots in Disguise'' was altered from the original Japanese ''Car Robots'' in multiple ways—some subtle, others less so. Dialogue would, for the most part, stick to the intent of the original, but at times certain conversations could be about entirely different things in English versus Japanese; as a lighthearted show, ''Car Robots'' is particularly fond of Japanese cultural humor and wordplay, and ''Robots in Disguise'' often had to work around such exchanges, replacing them with English-language jokes that could either be comparable or entirely different. Several characters' personalities were entirely reworked for the English dub; Dark Scream, for instance, lost the samurai overtones of his Japanese counterpart and became more thuggish in character, Megatron went from being calm and collected to incredibly theatrical and prone to explosive tantrums (not unlike [[Lord Zedd]] of Saban's ''[[Power Rangers (franchise)|Power Rangers]]'' series), and Midnight Express was changed from the timid, child-like, junior member of Team Bullet Train into a British fusspot, to name a few.

The total episode count was originally slated to be 36, reduced from the Japanese version's 39 by removing the three [[clip show]]s that were originally part of ''Car Robots''.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Unlike the Japanese series, this show will feature 36 episodes, removing the three "clip shows" that only featured cuts of old footage with the voices of characters discussing the various scenes in the off screen. |link=http://web.archive.org/web/20010716204134/http://www.bwtf.com/rid/intro/|title=''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' (Introduction)|name=[[Ben Yee]]|site=Ben's World of Transformers|year=2001}}</ref> Serving mostly as digressions from the series' storytelling, these clip shows were presented in a format where the characters' disembodied voices simply talked over various recycled clips like a radio production or audio commentary—a practise not too uncommon for Japanese anime clip shows but very uncommon for children's television in the West. As such, these three episodes added very little to the plot, making them easily skippable by the English dub.

However, when the aforementioned September 11, 2001 attacks called for the removal of three ''other'' episodes, the American production team created three brand ''new'' clip shows whole cloth from reused footage, in order to fill in some of the story gaps left by the three "banned" episodes. Although, the banned episodes did eventually air in both Canada and the United Kingdom, which ended up restoring the series' total episode count back to 39, matching the same original number of ''Car Robots'' episodes. And when the series was released on DVD in the UK, the three dub-original clip shows were placed in the same spots as the original Japanese clip shows (to varying results, continuity-wise).

The visuals of the show were also edited, with new CGI [[scene transition]]s based on the classic [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] transitions inserted into the proceedings, sometimes in place of the simple wipes used in ''Car Robots''. In the early portion of the series, CGI "POV" overlays were occasionally added as characters targeted their opponents for attack, though this particular practise was not employed much as the series went on. The entire soundtrack of the show was also changed, with new tunes for ''Robots in Disguise'' being provided by Saban mainstays [[Shuki Levy]] and [[Paul Gordon]] as well as [[Glenn Scott Lacey]], and replacement of all sound effects.

Perhaps one of the most notable traits of the ''Robots in Disguise'' dub was the insertion of numerous references to other ''Transformers'' series, typically added to scripts by Hasbro employee [[Andrew Frankel]] after they were submitted for approval—though this did create some debate in the fandom (as noted above in "[[#Continuity|Continuity]]").

Outside of these major overarching examples, there are sometimes other changes both major and minor made to the content of individual episodes for numerous reasons. {{SITENAME SHORT}} notes such changes on the individual episode articles.
{{--}}

===Credits===
{{see|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)/credits}}

==Home video releases==
===''Car Robots''===
[[File:Tf car robots vol 01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
{{main|Pony Canyon}}
The ''Car Robots'' version of ''Robots in Disguise'' was released on VHS and DVD by Pony Canyon in [[Japan]] while the series was still on air.
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 1 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 2 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 3 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 4 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 5 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 6 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 7 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 8 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 9 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 10 (2001)
{{--}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
[[File:RiD Box Set 1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
{{main|Maximum Entertainment}}
Maximum Entertainment, in association with [[Fox Kids|Jetix]], released the entire ''RiD'' series in the UK... several times.
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One (2004)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (2004)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 2 of 2 ([[April 15]] 2005)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battle Protocol (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Evil Intent (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battling the Predacons (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — 3 DVD Mega Pack (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / RoboCop: The Animated Series / M.A.S.K.'' (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation / Action Man'' (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season Two (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (2008)

===Italy===
{{main|Stormovie}}
Stormovie released ''RiD'' in Italy, but... not entirely. At first the first 16 episodes were released in 4 DVDs, then the series was interrupted and later they released two "movies" made of various episodes. While the first one is just five episodes back to back, the second one is slightly messier, being made of five episodes back to back with two 1-minute clips from other episodes to stitch them (the scene in "[[Koji Gets His Wish]]" where Scourge lets Sky-Byte go to search for Cerebros and the part of "[[Maximus Emerges]]" when the Autobots find Cerebros), but still kinda confusing since the beginning part of "[[Surprise Attack!]]" has the characters talking about things that were left out from the "movie".
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 1''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 1-4.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 2''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 5-8.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 3''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 9-12.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 4''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 13-16.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Il Film''' (2007)
:Collage movie made from episodes [[Battle Protocol!|1]], [[An Explosive Situation|2]], [[The Decepticons|14]], [[Volcano (episode)|16]] and [[The Fish Test|19]].
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Il Film: Battaglia Finale''' (2007)
:Collage movie made from episodes [[Fortress Maximus (episode)|29]], [[Koji Gets His Wish|30]], [[Peril from the Past|32]], [[Maximus Emerges|33]], [[Surprise Attack!|37]], [[Galvatron's Revenge|38]] and [[The Final Battle (RID)|39]].
{{--}}

==Notes==
* ''Robots in Disguise'' is the lone ''Transformers'' show that aired between 1996 and 2006 that does not feature a Canadian voice cast for its English language release, being recorded in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]; all others, including its [[Beast Era]] predecessors and its [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] successors, were recorded in Vancouver, [[British Columbia]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Car Robots''''' (トランスフォーマーカーロボット ''Toransufōmā Kā Robotto'')
*''Korean:'' '''''Jeonguiui Yongsa: Car Bot''''' (정의의 용사 카봇, "Brave Heroes of Justice: Car-Bots")
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: A Nova Geração''''' (Brazil, "Transformers: The New Generation")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: Nueva Generación''''' (Latin America, "Transformers: New Generation")

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info RiD Forever]
*{{w|lang=ja|トランスフォーマーカーロボット|''Transformers Car Robots'' on Japanese Wikipedia}}
*[https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/carobot/index.html ''Transformers: Car Robots'' on TVTokyo]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Robots in Disguise (cartoon)}}
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001)| ]]
[[Category:Television series]]

Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Windblade

2026-04-13T17:26:25Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* Featured characters */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''Prelude to [[Transformers: Combiner Wars (cartoon)|Transformers: Combiner Wars]]''
|prev=Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Starscream
|next= The Fall
|image=PreludeToCombinerWarsWindblade.jpg
|caption=Edgy weeaboo, thy name is Murderblade.
|title=
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]], [[Machinima]]
|written by=[[Eric S. Calderon]], [[George Krstic]], and [[F.J. DeSanto]]
|executive producer=
|airdate=[[July 19]], 2016
|animation studio=[[Tatsunoko Production]]
|video=
|videosite=
}}

'''Tired of the violence and destruction on Caminus, Windblade decides to become violent and destructive.'''

==Synopsis==
As the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]] rage, [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] collapses to rubble, and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], former [[Cityspeaker]] for the [[Titan (group)|Titans]], has had enough. With the planet's leader, the [[Mistress of Flame]], having absconded to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and a council position, Windblade is no longer content to simply do her job and wait for diplomacy to win out–she is going to end the Combiner Wars herself before her planet suffers any more. Each and every Combiner ''will'' die at her hand, and she ''will'' avenge her people.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (7)
|c2=
*[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (1)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (6)
|h4=[[Caminus (planet)|Camiens]]
|c4=
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (2)
*[[Mistress of Flame]] (3)
}}

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
*Caminus being devastated by Combiners owes something to the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Combiner Wars (comic)|''Combiner Wars'' comic arc]], which saw the planet as the setting for many of the eponymous battles.

[[Category:Combiner Wars episodes]]

Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Windblade

2026-04-13T17:25:58Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* Featured characters */ Starscream isn't from Caminus bruh

{{episode|
|otherseries=''Prelude to [[Transformers: Combiner Wars (cartoon)|Transformers: Combiner Wars]]''
|prev=Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Starscream
|next= The Fall
|image=PreludeToCombinerWarsWindblade.jpg
|caption=Edgy weeaboo, thy name is Murderblade.
|title=
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]], [[Machinima]]
|written by=[[Eric S. Calderon]], [[George Krstic]], and [[F.J. DeSanto]]
|executive producer=
|airdate=[[July 19]], 2016
|animation studio=[[Tatsunoko Production]]
|video=
|videosite=
}}

'''Tired of the violence and destruction on Caminus, Windblade decides to become violent and destructive.'''

==Synopsis==
As the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]] rage, [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] collapses to rubble, and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], former [[Cityspeaker]] for the [[Titan (group)|Titans]], has had enough. With the planet's leader, the [[Mistress of Flame]], having absconded to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and a council position, Windblade is no longer content to simply do her job and wait for diplomacy to win out–she is going to end the Combiner Wars herself before her planet suffers any more. Each and every Combiner ''will'' die at her hand, and she ''will'' avenge her people.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (7)
|c2=
*[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (1)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (6)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (5)
|h4=[[Caminus (planet)|Camiens]]
|c4=
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (2)
*[[Mistress of Flame]] (3)
}}

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
*Caminus being devastated by Combiners owes something to the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Combiner Wars (comic)|''Combiner Wars'' comic arc]], which saw the planet as the setting for many of the eponymous battles.

[[Category:Combiner Wars episodes]]

Kirk Thornton

2026-04-03T09:57:07Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* Notes */

{{disambig3|Kirk}}
[[Image:Kirk Thornton.jpg|thumb|right|Wig out!]]
'''Kirk Thornton''' (born '''Sean Thornton''' on [[May 13]], [[1956]]) is an American actor and voice director. Thornton has voiced many, many characters during his busy career, including Jin on ''Samurai Champloo'', Gabumon and his various evolved forms on ''Digimon'', Brandon Heat on ''Gungrave'', Saïx from the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, Don Patch and Hydrate in ''BoBoBo-Bo Bo-BoBo'', Guile in ''Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie'' and ''Street Fighter II V'', Kaname Ohgi on ''Code Geass'', Father Fujimoto and Satan in ''Blue Exorcist'', Kisame Hoshigaki in ''[[Junko Takeuchi|Naruto]]'', Ramba Ral in ''Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin'', [[Hiroaki Hirata|Klein]] in ''Sword Art Online'', Takashi Nasujima & Drakon in ''Durarara!!'', Baby in ''Monster'', Asimov Solenson in ''Cowboy Bebop'', Kiritsugu Emiya in the original ''Fate/Stay Night'' anime, Electro in ''[[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]: Ultimate Alliance 2'', [[Batman]] in the [[Superman]] motion comic, ''Red Son'', and both Shadow the Hedgehog and Orbot in the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series (opposite [[Wally Wingert]]'s Cubot).

==Voice roles==
===''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)===
* [[Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Kenneth Onishi]]
*[[Carl (RID)|Carl]]'s Father

===''Robots in Disguise'' (2015)===
* [[Shadelock]]

==Notes==
* The Internet Movie Database lists ''nineteen'' different names Kirk Thornton has been credited under. Maybe he's a spy or something.
* Got into voice acting through [[Tom Wyner]], whom he ran into while at a dry cleaners. They previously worked together at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
* He's voiced in both "Robots in Disguise" tv shows, meaning he MUST be the goat!

==External links==
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0861558/ Kirk Thornton at the Internet Movie Database]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thornton, Kirk}}
[[Category:English voice actors]]
[[Category:Hasbro Studios]]

Introdump

2026-03-25T05:51:26Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* The Transformers cartoon */

[[File:Decepticonpretenders-behold.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The buying public will never suspect their TRUE NATURES as commercial products until it is TOO LATE!]]
An '''introdump''' (also known as name-dropping, name-checking, forced introduction, or "really awkward self-exposition") is a scene in which new characters are introduced, and the dialog goes out of its way to give each character's name. It is particularly prevalent in certain portions of ''Transformers'' fiction.

Sometimes the characters give their ''own'' names (referring to themselves in the third person). On other occasions, the characters will work each other's names into the dialog. The classic [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|G1 Marvel Comic]] was particularly guilty of this, not least because they introduced on the order of 200 characters across only 84 issues (counting ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]''). In '''that comic''', it was '''usually signified''' by the '''writing''' of '''each new character's name''' in '''bold typeface'''.

Because most ''Transformers'' fiction exists [[to sell toys]], it seems likely that [[Hasbro]] required the writers of the comic to make sure every new character was explicitly named, so the readers could then go out and ask the toy store employee for 'em by name.

Though the G1 comics were particularly notorious for it, introdumps pop up across the whole spectrum of ''Transformers'' fiction. In egregious examples, the characters also describe their "selling points" (weapons, etc.)

{{quote|And that is a flat-out unnatural speech pattern. I know Cerebros. Why is he introducing him to me?|[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]|"[[Ten to Midnight]]"}}

==Marvel Comics==
[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Ten characters, nine color schemes, and only six molds.]]
* A ''particularly'' heavy example, from [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue of the US comic]]. (Note [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s ironic comment of "Can the speeches.")
[[File:MarvelUS22 Stunticons.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Mouseketeer roll call!]]
* At right, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] introduce themselves in "[[Heavy Traffic!]]". Bonus points for [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]], who goes the extra mile by indicating his personality, too.
{{-}}

==''The Transformers'' cartoon==
* "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" features an extended "roll call" scene, where most of the Autobots line up and transform when their names are called.
* "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1]]" and "[[Dinobot Island, Part 2]]" shows off the 1985 cast for the first time, many having short but fairly explicit introductory lines, seemingly intended to sum up their personalities or abilities, and thus help sell their toys.
* "[[Heavy Metal War]]" has a sequential introduction of all the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] as they make their on-screen debut. Other episodes taking a similar approach include "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]" (for the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]) and "[[Starscream's Brigade]]" ([[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]).
* "[[The Rebirth]]" trilogy has ''three different sequences'' in which large groups of characters gather and introduce themselves in quick succession.

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{listen
|Introdump bwep1 thepain.ogg
|Painful Introductions
|The Maximals introduce themselves.
|350 KB
}}
* In the sound clip at right, from [[Beast Wars (Part 1)|the first episode]] of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', the writers at least have the justification that the characters are adopting new names at that moment. Through the opening two parter, we also get extended, individualized transformation sequences where the characters shout their names.
{{-}}

==''Transformers Animated'' cartoon==
* In "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", the [[Decepticon]]s bicker, giving their names and at least one important fact per character:

: '''Lugnut''': Megatron is wise! Megatron is bold! Megatron will return the Decepticons to Cybertron and...
: '''Blackarachnia''': ...and wipe our homeland clean of the stench of Autobot tyranny, blah-dee blah blah blah! Did you memorize that speech, Lugnut? Or is it just hardwired into that thick, one-track processor of yours?
: '''Blitzwing''': ''(as Icy)'' As usual, Blackarachnia, your demeanor is as unpleasant as that accursed organic mode of yours.
: '''Blackarachnia''': Blow it out your actuator, three-face.
: '''Blitzwing''': ''(switches to Hothead)'' Ze name is Blitzving, insect! Remember it! Cause it's ze last thing you're going to hear before I-''(switches to Random)'' express my feelings in song!
{{-}}

==IDW Publishing==
===2005 IDW continuity===
[[File:PrimusAllGoodThings-introdump.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|I, [[John Barber]], probably had way too much fun writing this.]]
By contrast, IDW's comics seem to go out of their way to avoid introdumps, meaning that sometimes a character with an all-new design will go unnamed for several issues, forcing readers to guess who they are. And the occasional new character is tossed in (and left unnamed) just to make things even more of a challenge. (For instance, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], who isn't even named in his first appearance except on the retailer incentive cover.) The [[The Transformers (IDW)|ongoing IDW series]] occasionally used captions to identify some (but not all) characters by name rather than dropping these names in dialogue. The concept returned in ''[[Revolution]]'' and ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'', supplying names and brief character blurbs with varying degrees of tongue-in-cheek humor.

One exception is in "[[Primus: All Good Things]]," during a flashback sequence designed to homage the early Marvel style, including a lovingly-crafted old-fashioned introdump. This issue's infodump references specifically the Decepticon introdump from the first Marvel issue, seen above.

===Other IDW comics===
Another exception to the above is IDW's ''[[Transformers: The Animated Movie|Animated Movie Adaptation]]'', in which writer [[Bob Budiansky]] gives characters whose toys had been available 20 years earlier (!) ''more'' blatant introdumps than in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' itself. Old habits, probably.

John Barber takes another excuse to spoof the convention in [[Age of Eggstinction!|issue #2]] of ''[[Angry Birds Transformers (comic)|Angry Birds Transformers]]'': as the recently created [[Autobird]]s stand around and introduce themselves, [[Blues|Bluestreak Bird]] demands to know why they're talking so strangely and saying their own names for no reason. He eventually gives up and yells his own name just to get it over with.
{{-}}

==''Prime Wars Trilogy'' cartoons==
* In the [[The Swamp|first episode]] of ''[[Transformers: Power of the Primes (cartoon)|Power of the Primes]]'', as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] surround the heroes, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] names off himself, [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] in sequence and introduces them as the Dinobots. [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] points out that they've already known each other for a long time, making the introductions rather pointless.

==External links==
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20120303004705/http://theswordreview.com/item.php?sub_id=1289 A parallel coining of "introdump", in the context of prose SF.]
* {{w|Exposition (narrative)#Information dump|"Information dump", a broader term, at Wikipedia}}.
* [[tvtropes:Main/Introdump|Introdump]] on TVTropes (because ''we'' are the trope namer)

[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Fan terminology]]

Introdump

2026-03-24T23:03:37Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* The Transformers cartoon */ Adding "Dinobot Island, Part 1" to the list.

[[File:Decepticonpretenders-behold.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The buying public will never suspect their TRUE NATURES as commercial products until it is TOO LATE!]]
An '''introdump''' (also known as name-dropping, name-checking, forced introduction, or "really awkward self-exposition") is a scene in which new characters are introduced, and the dialog goes out of its way to give each character's name. It is particularly prevalent in certain portions of ''Transformers'' fiction.

Sometimes the characters give their ''own'' names (referring to themselves in the third person). On other occasions, the characters will work each other's names into the dialog. The classic [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|G1 Marvel Comic]] was particularly guilty of this, not least because they introduced on the order of 200 characters across only 84 issues (counting ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]''). In '''that comic''', it was '''usually signified''' by the '''writing''' of '''each new character's name''' in '''bold typeface'''.

Because most ''Transformers'' fiction exists [[to sell toys]], it seems likely that [[Hasbro]] required the writers of the comic to make sure every new character was explicitly named, so the readers could then go out and ask the toy store employee for 'em by name.

Though the G1 comics were particularly notorious for it, introdumps pop up across the whole spectrum of ''Transformers'' fiction. In egregious examples, the characters also describe their "selling points" (weapons, etc.)

{{quote|And that is a flat-out unnatural speech pattern. I know Cerebros. Why is he introducing him to me?|[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]|"[[Ten to Midnight]]"}}

==Marvel Comics==
[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Ten characters, nine color schemes, and only six molds.]]
* A ''particularly'' heavy example, from [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue of the US comic]]. (Note [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s ironic comment of "Can the speeches.")
[[File:MarvelUS22 Stunticons.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Mouseketeer roll call!]]
* At right, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] introduce themselves in "[[Heavy Traffic!]]". Bonus points for [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]], who goes the extra mile by indicating his personality, too.
{{-}}

==''The Transformers'' cartoon==
* "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" features an extended "roll call" scene, where most of the Autobots line up and transform when their names are called.
* "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1]]" shows off the 1985 cast for the first time, many having short but fairly explicit introductory lines/scenes, seemingly intended to sum up their personalities or abilities, and thus help sell their toys.
* "[[Heavy Metal War]]" has a sequential introduction of all the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] as they make their on-screen debut. Other episodes taking a similar approach include "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]" (for the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]) and "[[Starscream's Brigade]]" ([[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]).
* "[[The Rebirth]]" trilogy has ''three different sequences'' in which large groups of characters gather and introduce themselves in quick succession.

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{listen
|Introdump bwep1 thepain.ogg
|Painful Introductions
|The Maximals introduce themselves.
|350 KB
}}
* In the sound clip at right, from [[Beast Wars (Part 1)|the first episode]] of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', the writers at least have the justification that the characters are adopting new names at that moment. Through the opening two parter, we also get extended, individualized transformation sequences where the characters shout their names.
{{-}}

==''Transformers Animated'' cartoon==
* In "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", the [[Decepticon]]s bicker, giving their names and at least one important fact per character:

: '''Lugnut''': Megatron is wise! Megatron is bold! Megatron will return the Decepticons to Cybertron and...
: '''Blackarachnia''': ...and wipe our homeland clean of the stench of Autobot tyranny, blah-dee blah blah blah! Did you memorize that speech, Lugnut? Or is it just hardwired into that thick, one-track processor of yours?
: '''Blitzwing''': ''(as Icy)'' As usual, Blackarachnia, your demeanor is as unpleasant as that accursed organic mode of yours.
: '''Blackarachnia''': Blow it out your actuator, three-face.
: '''Blitzwing''': ''(switches to Hothead)'' Ze name is Blitzving, insect! Remember it! Cause it's ze last thing you're going to hear before I-''(switches to Random)'' express my feelings in song!
{{-}}

==IDW Publishing==
===2005 IDW continuity===
[[File:PrimusAllGoodThings-introdump.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|I, [[John Barber]], probably had way too much fun writing this.]]
By contrast, IDW's comics seem to go out of their way to avoid introdumps, meaning that sometimes a character with an all-new design will go unnamed for several issues, forcing readers to guess who they are. And the occasional new character is tossed in (and left unnamed) just to make things even more of a challenge. (For instance, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], who isn't even named in his first appearance except on the retailer incentive cover.) The [[The Transformers (IDW)|ongoing IDW series]] occasionally used captions to identify some (but not all) characters by name rather than dropping these names in dialogue. The concept returned in ''[[Revolution]]'' and ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'', supplying names and brief character blurbs with varying degrees of tongue-in-cheek humor.

One exception is in "[[Primus: All Good Things]]," during a flashback sequence designed to homage the early Marvel style, including a lovingly-crafted old-fashioned introdump. This issue's infodump references specifically the Decepticon introdump from the first Marvel issue, seen above.

===Other IDW comics===
Another exception to the above is IDW's ''[[Transformers: The Animated Movie|Animated Movie Adaptation]]'', in which writer [[Bob Budiansky]] gives characters whose toys had been available 20 years earlier (!) ''more'' blatant introdumps than in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' itself. Old habits, probably.

John Barber takes another excuse to spoof the convention in [[Age of Eggstinction!|issue #2]] of ''[[Angry Birds Transformers (comic)|Angry Birds Transformers]]'': as the recently created [[Autobird]]s stand around and introduce themselves, [[Blues|Bluestreak Bird]] demands to know why they're talking so strangely and saying their own names for no reason. He eventually gives up and yells his own name just to get it over with.
{{-}}

==''Prime Wars Trilogy'' cartoons==
* In the [[The Swamp|first episode]] of ''[[Transformers: Power of the Primes (cartoon)|Power of the Primes]]'', as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] surround the heroes, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] names off himself, [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] in sequence and introduces them as the Dinobots. [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] points out that they've already known each other for a long time, making the introductions rather pointless.

==External links==
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20120303004705/http://theswordreview.com/item.php?sub_id=1289 A parallel coining of "introdump", in the context of prose SF.]
* {{w|Exposition (narrative)#Information dump|"Information dump", a broader term, at Wikipedia}}.
* [[tvtropes:Main/Introdump|Introdump]] on TVTropes (because ''we'' are the trope namer)

[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Fan terminology]]

Elita-One (Movie)

2026-03-16T22:55:24Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* IDW movie comics */ Fixed a mispelling of "planet"

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Elita One}}
:''Elita-One is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Movie continuity family]].''

[[File:Elita-oneros4.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|For once, we know what a version of Elita turns into.]]
'''Elita-One''' (also '''Elita-1''') is the first of the female Transformer robots. Naturally, she receives a lot of attention, which by no means displeases her, but she's more than a pretty face. She's a cunning fighter and an excellent marksman, capable of hitting a target from at least four miles away. When it comes time to rely on more than her gun, she's able to emit an "attraction field" that can cause those without protection to overheat without warning.<ref>''Transformers'' Scout Class Elita-One packaging bio</ref>

As the older sister to [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] and [[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]], and one of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s closest and longest-serving officers, Elita-One shares the Autobot commander's compassion and dedication for protecting the innocent and downtrodden. Every bit as skilled as she is compassionate, Elita-One is one of the Autobots' strongest leaders. Determined to protect the weaker from the ruthless Decepticons to the bitter end, she is a living definition of an Autobot.<ref>''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]'' trade paperback bonus material</ref>

==Fiction==
===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
{{voiceactor|[[Grey Griffin]] (English)|[[Masako Katsuki]] (Japanese), [[Chen Qian]] (Chinese), [[Martina Treger]] (German), [[Chiara Colizzi]] (Italian), [[Gabriela Bicalho]] (Brazil), [[Erica Edwards]] (Latin American-Spanish), [[Özlem Abacı]] (Turkish)}}
:''Holographic rider:'' [[Erin Naas]]
{{note|Internal to the film itself, both Elita-1 and Chromia are simply treated as components of Arcee. We list her exploits here for completeness.}}
[[File:ROTF Elita-1 in Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Elita-1? Flareup? Call me anything but Sweetie.]]
Elita-1 and her sisters were held in reserve as NEST entered Shanghai to deal with Demolishor, only being called into action when the presence of a second Decepticon, [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]], was detected. Together with the twins, the sisters pursued the sneaky speedster through the streets of Shanghai, smashing through buildings and everything else in their way, but ultimately they weren't able to do much damage, so Sideswipe was brought up to bat, and proceeded to make short work of Sideways.

When [[The Fallen]] issued an ultimatum to Earth, the US government decided that the Autobots would be shipped back to Diego Garcia, but NEST disobeyed the orders, instead shipping Elita and the others to [[Egypt]] on the advice of [[Sam Witwicky]], who had the means to resurrect the recently deceased Optimus Prime. During the climactic battle between NEST and The Fallen's Decepticons, the sisters arrived with [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to help escort Sam and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] through the warzone, but Elita-1 was one of the first Autobot casualties of the battle, being shot down from behind as she called for Sam and Mikaela to follow them. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

===IDW movie comics===
[[File:Foudnation2 ArceeChromiaElita.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]
Thousands of years ago on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Elita-One was one of [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s followers, alongside Optimus, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], and others who believed in his teachings of the [[Dynasty of Primes]] and the [[AllSpark]]. When Sentinel Prime proved the truth of his claims by unearthing the lost AllSpark from beneath the surface of Cybertron at [[Simfur]], Elita helped defend it against an attack by the non-believing [[Thetacon (tribe)|Thetacons]] until [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] was able to warp time and space and bring a sun into Cybertronic space, thereby repowering the AllSpark and the planet. With this, the Thetacons accepted that Sentinel Prime had been right all along, and an end was called to hostilities. In the wake of the conflict, as new life began to spring on Cybertron, Elita told Optimus of her two sisters in [[Metrotitan (ROTF)|Metrotitan]] and her desire to see them again, and Optimus decided to go with her. {{Storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}}

[[File:Defiance3 labwork RatchetArceeElita.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Elita-One can't get enough of Optimus's eyeing her.]]

Elita and her sisters were later present during Sentinel's speech on [[Unification Day]]. She told Optimus that her sisters would have ''killed her'' if they missed it. Elita and Arcee joined Optimus's [[Science Division]], while Chromia became part of Megatron's [[Defense Force]]. {{Storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}} Years later, when the Science Division unearthed a strange [[The Fallen|relic]] and Cybertron was attacked by the [[Ejoornian|aliens]] of the [[Eshems Nebula]], Megatron changed his military's mission to one of peaceful defense to aggressive offense, taking the fight to the aliens. Elita stayed behind on Cybertron, remaining true to Optimus's belief in the peaceful core values of their planet's society. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 2|Defiance #2}} Studying the relic fragments they had uncovered alongside Arcee and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Elita discovered that they all bore the same symbol in the same area: a symbol was also on Optimus's head. Drawing a correlation between the symbol and the Dynasty of Primes, Ratchet theorized that Optimus was involved with it somehow, redubbing him "Optimus Prime". {{Storylink|Defiance issue 3|Defiance #3}}

When Megatron reformed the military into the [[Decepticon]]s and ordered the Primes to be assassinated, Elita came under fire with Sentinel and Wheeljack at the excavation site. Optimus and Chromia came to their rescue, and they escaped via a tunnel to [[Tyger Pax]]. Elita witnessed the departure of the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'' with the other [[Autobot]]s, and became one of Optimus's closest advisors with Sentinel and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. With the war tearing Cybertron apart, Sentinel proposed using a "torch" to end the war without further loss of life. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} It required the AllSpark to work: as Optimus battled Megatron at [[Simfur Temple]], Elita successfully activated the torch and delivered it to Sentinel. Sentinel boarded the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]] and flew to Simfur, but it was all in vain after [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] blew up the ship. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

[[File:Foundation4ElitaoneOptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66|Nobody cares about your pain, woman.]]

Elita-One joined a vengeful Optimus Prime in a charge on [[Lord High Protector citadel|Megatron's citadel]]. Shocked at the coldness and violence her old friend was displaying on the battlefield, Elita entreated him to stand down, telling him that such actions were not who he was, but he retorted that Megatron's death was all that mattered. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}} She was left behind when Ironhide decided to help Optimus Prime. {{Storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}} Though Optimus did not go through with killing Megatron after her sisters stole the AllSpark, Elita still found herself unable to speak to him. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

Sometime in [[1908]], Elita-One were part of an Autobot team sent to steal [[energon]] from the Decepticons. Instead they were ambushed by [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his troops, and Chromia was killed in action. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}}

After the Autobots claimed victory in their first great battle with the Decepticons on Earth in 2007, Starscream began a plan of his own to create an artificial [[Replica AllSpark]], and had Elita-One, [[Grindcore (Movie)|Grindcore]], [[Signal Flare (Movie)|Signal Flare]], and [[Warpath (Movie)|Warpath]] captured and put to work constructing it at Simfur. When Starscream arrived to inspect the cube, Elita pled with him for mercy, but none was dispensed. Upon the AllSpark's completion, she was strapped to it, with the intention of draining her life-force to power the cube. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 4|The Reign of Starscream #4}} Arcee arrived too late to stop her sister's death, but blew up the generators used to store the life energy in revenge, throwing the Decepticons into disarray. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 5|The Reign of Starscream #5}}

[[File:TalesoftheFallen6-whereishe.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]

Not long after, Elita-One's remains were acquired by the deranged Decepticon experimentalist [[Flatline (ROTF)|Flatline]], along with those of her sister Chromia and taken to his lab at an outpost on an unknown planet to use in his attempts to create a new breed of tripartite soldier, three bodies fuelled by a single [[spark]]. After several failures, whether by coincidence or design, Flatline was presented by [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] with a new test subject: Elita and Chromia's sister, Arcee. Through the use of Arcee's spark, implanted in a new body, Flatline reignited the life-forces of Elita and Chromia in new shells, albeit not as they had truly had been before: now, they were at one with their sister, a singular entity at the spark, each feeling the sensations and emotions of the other, yet retaining some degree of autonomy and memory of their own identity. "One as three, and three as one". Grappling with their new forms, the sisters broke free, liberating Flatline's other victims, the twins [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], in the process. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 6|Tales of the Fallen #6}} {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1|Rising Storm #1}}

A short time later, the sisters, the twins, [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] and [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] arrived on Earth on the [[Wreckers]] ship [[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]. (While the ship and the Wreckers stayed behind in [[NASA]]) {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}} {{storylink|Dark of the Moon issue 3|Dark of the Moon #3}} in response to a summons beamed into space by Optimus Prime. Joining the allied Autobot-human strikeforce [[NEST]], the new recruits received some training, and were soon called upon to put it into use: the Decepticon [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] had been sighted in [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}

[[File:RisingStorm1 ElitaandOptimus.jpg|thumb]]
When NEST discovered that Starscream was selling Transformer weaponry to humans, a sting operation was staged in which [[Theodore Galloway]] would pose as a buyer to lure the Decepticons in. When [[Skystalker (ROTF)|Skystalker]], [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]] and [[Fearswoop (ROTF)|Fearswoop]] took the bait, Elita and her sisters joined the twins and the human forces of NEST in tackling them. The sisters did not take kindly to Skystalker's bewilderment that the Autobots were sending their women to do the fighting for them, and killed him with practised ease. The violent streak his old friend was now displaying gave Optimus Prime pause, reminding him of the time in the past when he too had sunk into the depths of rage, and how Elita had disapproved of it then.

Returning to base after the mission, Elita told Optimus she could feel things from her sisters whose spark she shared: The pain of Arcee's wounds, and the feel of Chromia's sword blade as she tested it against her fingertip. Prime quietly told her that she had never told him these things before, and she simply replied that he had never asked. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1|Rising Storm #1}}

When Starscream attacked [[Philadelphia]] and Sam Witwicky contacted NEST, Optimus decided that the sisters should be left behind due to damage that Arcee was still sustaining. However, in the end Optimus allowed Elita and her sisters to join the mission. {{Storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}}

During the flight, Optimus tried once more to have Arcee sit out of the mission. Elita reminded Optimus that was Arcee's decision, and her desire for revenge was as strong as Elita's. Optimus tried to explain to her that victory at any price comes at a high cost, recalling the time on Cybertron when Prime let such an emotion overcome him. Elita's anger boiled over and she chastised him for leaving her behind on Cybertron, only to witness Chromia's death and die herself, and said that she had come back to life only to fight and kill more Decepticons. Optimus reminded Elita that he too had experienced [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|death]], but Elita explained that when he died, the Autobots actually cared. She and her sisters were dispatched to upstate [[New York (state)|New York]] - thought to be Starscream's base of operations - and destroy it, although they quickly found out they were wrong and that Shockwave was on Earth. Elita tried to contact Optimus, but [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] jammed their communications and sent his minions after her sisters. She attempted to flee and warn Optimus, but Astrotrain pursued her. {{Storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}

[[File:Risingstorm4 Elitadies.jpg|thumb|left|She's dead, Jim.]]
After a short chase, Elita eventually got the drop on Astrotrain. A swipe of her blade cleaved his armor, causing him to explode above a building as Elita sped away. She was able to inform Optimus Prime that the events occurring were not Starscream's doing, but were in fact the result of Shockwave's manipulation. Just as she was delivering her message, she was caught off guard by a surprise attack by Shockwave and was brutally killed, while both of her sisters could only helplessly feel her pain as she died for a second time. Shockwave took a look at Elita-1's lifeless head and mockingly 'asked' her if he had interrupted her. Distraught and enraged by her death, Optimus battled the Decepticon and began to gain the upper hand, until Shockwave's pet Driller arrived and rescued the Decepticon. {{Storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}

Shortly after Elita's death, a "grave" was made for her and other Autobots in the form of shipping containers. Optimus Prime dwelled on their deaths for a few minutes, shortly before he left on a mission to [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant|Chernobyl]]. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon issue 1|Dark of the Moon #1}}
{{-}}

===Titan movie comics===
[[File:Elitag.jpg|left||thumb|Strike a pose.]]
In a [[Tyran 208.28 Gamma|divergent timeline]], the Decepticons succeeded at Mission City and conquered the United States. Elita-One was part of a small team of Autobot reinforcements summoned to Earth by the surviving Autobots on the planet. Touching down on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], Elita-One reminded [[Strongarm (Movie)|Strongarm]] that they were to wait until they heard from [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], as to act without the Earth-based Autobots' intel would be as good as just shooting themselves in the head there and then. Unfortunately, the Decepticons had detected the arrival, {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}} and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] arrived to attack them, ironically just as Elita was expressing her desire for a fight. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 10|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 2}} Starscream's appearance led Elita to mistakenly conclude that the Autobots on Earth must have been destroyed, meaning the mission was a bust, so they team decided to go to Earth themselves—just as Starscream wanted. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 11|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 3}}

[[File:Elitalendsahand-TwilightsLastGleamingpart4.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.75]]
Once on Earth, Elita-One's group unsuccessfully helped Bumblebee in battle against [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. The tables turned when the captive Optimus Prime was freed and joined the fight, so Elita hung back and warned Strongarm to keep out of the leaders' battle. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 12|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 4}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5}}

After the Decepticons were beaten, she was on sentry duty with [[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]]. She was too busy swearing to look in more than one direction, causing the Decepticon attack force to reach Savannah without warning simply because they were approaching from behind her. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14|Aftermath Part 1}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|Aftermath Part 2}} Somehow this didn't get her banned from further sentry duty. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}}

Elita-One joined Optimus, Longarm, Strongarm and Sky Blast in the [[Straxus (Movie)|Straxus]], on a mission to gather [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] from Cybertron. The team was surprised to find a [[Unicron]]-possessed Cybertron head in their direction after they had blasted off. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 19|Return to Cybertron: Part 3}} She managed to survive Unicron's initial assault against the Autobots' shuttle, and later helped in fending off Unicron's drones while the rest of her team worked out the means to force Unicron into fleeing. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 20|Return to Cybertron: Part 4}}

She later piloted the ''[[Straxus (Movie)|Straxus]]'' on its return flight to Earth, and was ordered to fly on to [[Washington, D.C.]] when it was discovered the Decepticons had taken over the Savannah base. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|Hard Target}}
{{-}}

===Toy bios===
Elita-1 came to find she had a lot in common with [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]. As such, she would team up to go Decepticon hunting with the Autobot swordsman whenever possible. In particular, the Decepticon bounty hunter [[Axor]] made an interesting challenge for the pair. {{storylink|#TF2010|''Hunt for the Decepticons'' Elita-1}}

Elita-1 and her sisters have hunted [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] in the past, but he always got away. After begging [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], the three of them got another shot at bringing him down. {{storylink|#SneakAttack|Sideways Sneak Attack}}

===''Unite for the Universe''===
[[File:UniteForUniverse3-HubcapPrimeScattorshotElita.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Elita, war isn't a spectator sport!]]
When [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], powered by [[Project Unite|Project: Unite]] attacked multiple [[human]] installations, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] led an Autobot force to combat the crazed Decepticon. Elita-One was among them, along with [[Scattorshot (ROTF)|Scattorshot]] and [[Hubcap (TF 2010)|Hubcap]]. They fired on Starscream, only managing to anger him, but he was soon blasted by even larger firepower, from a [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] seeking out Starscream's head for his disobedience. {{storylink|Unite for the Universe issue 2|On the Road of Destruction}}

As Megatron and Starscream battled it out without regard to their Autobot spectators, Elita muttered that she'd rather let the two wear each other down and then take the survivor. However, Optimus Prime knew that keeping their distance would still potentially leave the Unite technology in the wrong hands, meaning the Autobots would have to separate the two and defeat both. While Optimus went after Megatron, he directed Elita and the other Autobots at Starscream. They and Decepticons loyal to Megatron kept Starscream busy until [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was able to arrive and separate Starscream from his Unite technology. With the defunct Starscream still in the care of Elita and the Autobots, Megatron and his Decepticons fled. {{storylink|The Strongest Weapon}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2007)===
[[File:Movie-toy ElitaOne.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Elita-One''' (Scout Class, [[2007]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Missile, 2 tailpipes, scope, projectile launcher, Energon chip

: A pinkish-copper and silver [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Arcee (Energon)#Toys|Arcee]] toy, ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Transformers]]'' Elita-One transforms into a "superbike"-type racing motorcycle of undetermined and probably made-up model. Like previous versions of the mold, she comes with several separate weapon pieces that combine into her Energon bow, which pegs into a hole just above her hand, and an Autobot-style [[Energon star|energon chip]]. These items are cast in black plastic. One must take care when removing her black chip, as the star fits so tightly that careless removal can break her torso. Her deco meticulously matches that of [[Arcee (G1)|Generation 1 Arcee]].

: Elita-One is part of the third wave of [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|live-action movie toyline]] [[Target]]-[[exclusive]] Scouts, but is not marked as part of the [[Robo-Vision]] promotion. This toy was also sold as a Farmers exclusive in [[New Zealand]].

: This exact toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Arcee (SG)|Arcee]]. This mold also was used to make ''Superlink'' [[Arcee (Energon)#Paradron|Ariel Paradron Type]], as well as the [[BotCon 2005]] "[[Descent into Evil]]" set's [[Chromia (G1)#Toys|Chromia]], [[Flamewar (G1)#Toys|Flamewar]] and [[Flareup (G1)#Toys|Flareup]], and Elita-One's fellow Target exclusive, [[Arcee (Movie)#Toys|Arcee]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Elita-One/elita-one.htm More information on Elita-One at TFU.info]''
{{EnergonArceeMold}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (2010)===
{{anchor|TF2010}}
[[File:Hunt for the Decepticons Deluxe Elita-1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Clear a path, Prime. Your girl's just been ''swiped''! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:TakaraTomyAutobotAllianceElita.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Elita-2. (''Takara version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Elita-1''' (Deluxe Class, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''AA-08'''
:*''Accessories'': Missile, figure stand/cannons
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: Released in the second wave of Deluxes in the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Hunt for the Decepticons'' toyline]], Elita-1 is a black, white and purple(ish) [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)| Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Chromia (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Chromia]], transforming from a unicycle-robot into a {{w|Suzuki B-King}} motorcycle. Her vehicle mode weapon can attach as a display stand for either mode, ironically making a unicyclebot one of the most stable robot-modes. In robot mode, there is a spring-loaded missile between the tailpipes on Elita-1's left hand in addition to the aforementioned non-firing blaster-stand. She is slightly retooled from the original Chromia figure, sporting an extra tab that allows her chest to lock together more securely. She was released as part of the [[Hunt for the Decepticons]] promotion.

: Elita-1 features a small [[Mech Alive]] gimmick: swinging her left forearm towards and away from her body makes a blue piston slide back and forth inside the large gun. Her stand has sculpted tank treads on the bottom, most likely to make it look that she's still mobile while using it. Her [[license plate]] has ''3L 174'' written on it as a {{w|leet}} way of spelling her own name ("leet"/"Elita"... get it? Haw haw.). [[Headmaster (Animated)|A certain fellow]] would approve of that.

: [[TakaraTomy]] initially mistakenly solicited their release of Elita-1 using the purple Arcee redeco from the "Rotorwash Rumble" pack. The actual released toy uses the Chromia mold just like Hasbro, with a more [[show-accuracy|screen accurate]] deco that uses more purple paint.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Elita-1/elita-1.htm More information on Elita-1 at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|SneakAttack}}
[[File:TF2010toy sideways sneak attack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Sideways Sneak Attack''' (Multi-pack, <s>2010</s>)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: This [[Target]]-exclusive multi-pack was to contain redecos of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends class Arcee mold as Chromia and Elita-1, plus an Arcee who may or may not be different from the single ''ROTF'' release. The set furthermore includes a redeco of Deluxe class [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]], whose painted battle damage evokes the scene in the film where he's been cut in half. Ouchies.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Dark of the Moon''===
[[File:Humanallianceelitaone.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Can I have my real body now, Hasbro?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Skids / Elita-1 / Sergeant Epps''' (Human Alliance, 2011)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: A purple redeco of ''[[Human Alliance]]'' [[Arcee (Movie)#Human Alliance|Arcee]], ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Elita-1 comes with a redeco of ''Human Alliance'' [[Skids (ROTF)#Human Alliance|Skids]] and [[Robert Epps#Dark of the Moon|Sergeant Epps]]. Epps can ride her in vehicle mode.

:The mold that this Elita-1 is redecoed from actually uses Chromia's robot design (similarly to Elita-1's Deluxe-class toy), despite originally being named and colored like Arcee, meaning that the purple bike is a recolor of the red bike who somehow had the blue bike's body. Confused yet?

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/HAElita-1/elita-1.htm More information on Dark of the Moon Elita-1 at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:Studio_Series_52_Elita_toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''FINALLY'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Chromia • Arcee • Elita-1''' (Deluxe Class, [[2019]])}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''Revenge of the Fallen'''''
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''52'''
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-41'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[January 25]], [[2020]]
:*''Accessories'': 3 wheel stands, cannon, sword, shoulderpad, "Shanghai Pursuit" backdrop

: ''[[Studio Series]]'' Elita-One is a Legion Class-sized mold accurate to her appearance in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', transforming into a purple approximation of a MV Agusta F4. She comes packaged with [[Chromia (ROTF)#Studio Series|Chromia]] and [[Arcee (Movie)#Studio Series|Arcee]] in a three-pack priced at the standard Deluxe Class price value, making them the smallest transforming toys in the ''Studio Series'' line to date. The three-pack comes also comes with a stand for each sister's bottom wheels, helping them stay upright, and a cardboard backdrop display of their pursuit of [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] through Shanghai's streets.

:[[File:Studio_Series_52_Arcee_combiner.JPG|upright=0.85|thumb|left|Third-wheelin']]

: Though not included in the toys' instructions, the three sisters can combine into a kind of motorcycle-centaur form, as originally proposed for (but cut from) the movie (see [[Arcee (Movie)#Arcee triplets|Arcee's page]] for details). The combined form is assembled using special tabs on Elita-1 and Chromia's stands to link the figures together, and its appearance is completed with three accessories—a pink cannon, a blue sword, and a blue shoulder pad—which all attach to Arcee. Elita can somewhat wear the gun while in her individual robot mode, but neither it, the other weapons, nor the sisters' stands store anywhere in vehicle mode.

: This is notably the first transforming figure of Elita-1's on-screen robot design, as well as the first toy that doesn't depict her as a repaint of one of her sisters.

: Like the rest of the figures in the same wave, Elita-1 first saw release in some [[Toys"R"Us]] shops in Malaysia and independent stores in Hong Kong.
{{--}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SSROTF15th}}
* '''''Revenge of the Fallen'' 15th Anniversary Autobot Multipack''' (Multi-pack, [[2024]])
:*''Movie'': '''''Revenge of the Fallen'''''
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''52'''
:*''Accessories'': 3 wheel stands, cannon, sword, shoulderpad, "Race to Protect Earth" backdrop

:"''Revenge of the Fallen'' 15th Anniversary" Elita-1 is a re-release of the 2019 Elita-1 figure, featuring very little, if any deco differences. As to be expected, Elita-1 can still combine with Chromia and Arcee to form their merged form.

:As well as Chromia and Arcee, this version of Elita-1 comes in an [[Amazon_(website)|Amazon]] exclusive pack alongside ''Studio Series'' [[Optimus_Prime_(Movie)/toys#SSROTF15th|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Movie)#SSROTF15th|Jetfire]], released in commemoration of ''Revenge of the Fallen'''s 15th anniversary. The set also includes a unique reversible backdrop with the first version of the "Pyramid Desert Battle" scene on one side and the other side featuring the "Shanghai Pursuit" scene.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:TakaraWebsiteArceeTriplets.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|~"Wheeere did he go? / That Invisi-bo! / He's a menace to the town and to property / He wants to be in charge of you and me!"]]
* In both [[IDW Publishing]]'s comics and [[Titan Books|Titan]]'s [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers magazine]], Elita's head (her original body's head, that is) was redesigned to resemble that of [[Elita One (G1)|her Generation 1 counterpart]]. As far as Titan goes, however, apparent lack of communication between artists has meant that this was not consistent across various issues, and that she is sometimes drawn with her toy-based head instead. And there's about a ''million'' different versions of her G1-ised head, one for each Titan artist...
*For her ''Revenge of the Fallen'' incarnation, Elita-1's name was originally announced as "Flareup" at [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2hFSxnIsjE Hasbro's panel] during [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2009.
**Not long after, at BotCon 2009, it was claimed that she was going to be a redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Arcee.
**The three bike girls were originally going to combine into a larger robot-form, but this was cut from the final movie. A vestigal reference to this can be found in fold-out tabs attached to their action figures, but with Elita's relegation to a redeco, no real combination appears possible with the toys.
**Yeah, plans changed a lot with Elita.
*The third motorcycle in the movie was actually an {{w|MV Agusta F4 series|MV Agusta F4}}, a different model from both Arcee's {{w|Ducati 848}} and Chromia's {{w|Suzuki B-King}}.
*Elita-1 was originally planned to be yellow/gold. Evidence of this can be found multiple times on the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' special features DVD and other pieces of publicly released concept art. "The Human Factor", a segment on the DVD, features an image of her standard purple concept model in yellow behind several of the concept artists' during their interviews. The "Deconstructing Visual Bayhem" segment features the "Lamborghini Jump" which depicts the third member of the Arcee combiner in [[:File:ROTFAnimaticBikerGroups.jpg|yellow]]. And finally, one of the concepts for Arcee's proposed combined mode was shown to feature [http://web.archive.org/web/20160323144936/http://stevejung.net/gallery/displayimage.php?album=4&pos=0 gold components.]
**Other concepts for the combined mode also featured components in [[:File:ROTFConceptArceeCombinerDVD.jpg|green and silver]].
*A piece of (adorable!) TakaraTomy website art shows Chromia with her finalized design, but the other two bike girls as pink and red versions of Arcee. As Arcee's toy is red, this would ''ostensibly'' make the pink one Elita-1...despite her film design being entirely different and her toy being a redeco of Chromia.
*''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' [[Chromia (ROTF)#Robot Heroes|Chromia]] is actually Elita-1's model in Chromia's colors.
*While the film is wholly apathetic on whether or not the shot that takes down Elita is fatal, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman would claim that all three Arcee components were killed <ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/274058-dvd-blu-ray-commentary-4.html#post4226117 DVD/Blue-Ray Commentary - Page 4 - TFW2005 - The 2005 Boards]</ref> at the behest of director Michael Bay.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090406032626/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1608508/story.jhtml Michael Bay Reveals 'Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen' Death]</ref> IDW's comics ignored this and continued to feature the three sisters in ''Rising Storm''. However, Elita ''does'' get killed off by Shockwave towards the end of that comic, presumably to explain her absence in ''Dark of the Moon.''

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Elita-1''' (エリータ・ワン ''Erīta Wan'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Elita''' (艾丽塔 ''Àilìtǎ''), '''Jīng Yīng''' (菁英, "Elite")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Human Alliance]]
[[Category:Movie Autobots]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Studio Series Autobots]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]

Peter Cullen

2026-01-05T19:59:19Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* Transformers: Prime */

{{disambig3|Peter}}
{{factions|hofgold}}
[[File:PeterCullen1.jpg|216px|thumb|Scarier than Venger and the Predator combined.]]
'''Peter Cullen''' (born [[July 28]], [[1941]]) is a [[Canada|Canadian]] actor and voice actor, who has earned fame, respect, and admiration as the voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|the original Optimus Prime]], as well as that character's analogs from many subsequent series listed below. His tenure as the character would earn him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on [[December 17]], [[2023]].<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2023/11/15/Peter-Cullen-Lifetime-Achievement-Award/4011700075781/|title=Children & Family Emmy Awards to honor Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen|site=UPI.com|year=2023|month=11|day=15}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=2016 Lifetime Achievement Honoree Frank Welker presented award-winning voice performer Peter Cullen with the Lifetime Achievement Award.|link=https://theemmys.tv/cafe-2nd-annual-winners/|site=National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences|title=The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Announces 2nd Annual Children's & Family Emmy Awards Winners|year=2023|month=12|day=17}}</ref> Originally from Quebec, Cullen moved to the U.S. early in his career.

In programming that aired adjacent to ''Transformers'', Cullen provided the voice for ''{{gb|Challenge of the GoBots (cartoon)|Challenge of the GoBots}}'' characters [[Pincher (GoBots)|Pincher]], [[Spoiler]], [[Tank (GoBots)|Tank]] and [[Block Head]]; for ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' characters Airborne, [[Zandar]] and [[Nemesis Enforcer]]; and from the ''[[Visionaries]]'', [[Cindarr]]. Some of Cullen's other roles include Eeyore from ''Winnie the Pooh'', Monterey Jack from ''Chip 'N Dale - Rescue Rangers'', Venger from ''Dungeons & Dragons'', K.A.R.R. from ''[[Agent Knight|Knight Rider]]'', Bankjob Beagle and Admiral Grimitz on ''Ducktales'', Mysterio, [[Hulk]] and Red Skull on [[Spider-Man|Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends]], Coran and King Alfor on ''Voltron'', Thaedus from ''[[Skybound Entertainment|Invincible]]'', [[King Kong]] in the [[1976]] remake film and the titular villain of ''[[Predator (alien)|Predator]]''. He was also the announcer for several commercials for the [[United States Navy]] in 2007, filling in for [[Keith David]].

{{quote|Peter, if you're going to be a hero, be a '''real''' hero. Be strong enough to be gentle.|Peter quoting the advice his late brother, Larry, had on inspiring the voice of Optimus Prime.}}

==Generation 1==
===''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]''===
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] ([[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]] only).
*[[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]]
*[[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]]
*[[Wingspan]]
====Incidentals====
*[[Joe (MTMTE)|Joe]] ([[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]])
*[[Halonix Maximus|Giant Autobot]] ([[Heavy Metal War]])
*[[Frankenstein's monster]] ([[Autobot Spike]])
*[[Optimus Prime clone]] ([[A Prime Problem]])
*[[It]] ([[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]])

===''[[Transformers: Devastation]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Titans Return (cartoon)|Transformers: Titans Return]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Power of the Primes (cartoon)|Transformers: Power of the Primes]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[History of the Transformers]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Building Bridges with Optimus Prime]]''===
*Optimus Prime

==Movie franchise==
[[File:moviecullen.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|GIVE ME MY FACE!?]]
===[[Transformers (film)|''Transformers'' (2007 movie)]]===
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]

===[[Transformers The Game|''Transformers'': The Game]]===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Transformers: Beginnings]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|''Revenge of the Fallen'': The Game]]===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===[[Dark of the Moon (video games)|''Dark of the Moon'': The Game]]===
*Optimus Prime

===[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D]]===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Rise of the Beasts]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Fortnite]]''===
*Optimus Prime

==Aligned==

===''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]''===
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]

===''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]''===
*Optimus Prime
*[[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]]
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] Trooper #2 ("[[Thirst]]")

===''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Transformers: Rescue Bots]]''===
*Optimus Prime
*Scientist ("[[It's a Bot Time]]")

===''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]''===
*Optimus Prime

=== ''[[Transformers: Prime - The Game]]'' ===
*Optimus Prime

=== ''[[Transformers Universe (Jagex)|Transformers Universe]]'' ===
*Optimus Prime

=== ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark]]'' ===
*Optimus Prime

=== ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'' ===
*Optimus Prime

==Merchandise==
*''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' 25th Anniversary [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
*''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys 2|Optimus Prime]] (and its multiple versions)
*''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (toyline)|The Last Knight]]'' Allspark Tech Starter Pack [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Allspark Tech|Optimus Prime]] (and Shadow Spark Optimus Prime)
*''The Last Knight'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#The Last Knight|Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet]]
*''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-44 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP44|Convoy Ver.3.0]]
*[[Robosen]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Robosen Collector's Edition|Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Robot]] (and its multiple versions)
*Robosen ''Rise of the Beasts'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Robosen|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Killerbody]] ''Bumblebee'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#KillerbodyHelmet|Optimus Prime]] Helmet
*Killerbody ''The Transformers'' Optimus Prime Helmet
*''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (toyline)|EarthSpark]]'' [[Optimus_Prime_(ES)#HasbroBattleTrailer|Optimus Prime Battle Trailer]] (archival audio)

==Written works==
* ''[[Transformers Vault]]'' (foreword)

==Convention appearances==
* [[BotCon 1997]]
* [[BotCon 2004]]
* [[BotCon 2006]]
* [[BotCon 2007]]
* [[BotCon 2009]]
* [[BotCon 2010]]
* [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2010
* [[BotCon 2011]]
* [[BotCon 2012]]
* [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2012
* [[HasCon 2017]]
* [[Hasbro PulseCon 2020]]

==Notes==
[[File:Movieop voyager driver.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Now all it needs is a mustache.]]
[[File:AllianceOptimusHoloDriver.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|''Aah'', that's the stuff.]]
* In [[1984]], Cullen created the voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] by emulating the mannerisms of his older brother Larry, who had served in the [[United States Marine Corps]] in the Vietnam War. Specifically, he based Prime's voice and mannerisms upon Larry's calm, controlled and authoritative approach to serious situations.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=[Larry's] approach to serious situations was always calm and controlled an authoritative.|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20061015020510/https://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2006/09/a_chat_with_pet.html|name=Whitney Matheson|site=USA Today|title=A chat with ... Peter Cullen, aka Optimus Prime|year=2006|month=09|day=28}}</ref> The ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' episode "[[Partners (Prime)|Partners]]" was dedicated to his late brother's memory.
* At [[BotCon 2007]], Peter Cullen said he'd love to own one of the three modified {{w|Peterbilt 379}} trucks used in the filming of [[Transformers (film)|''Transformers'']]. Let's try and picture Optimus Prime driving himself for a moment. Has your brain exploded yet from the sheer awesomeness?
* Cullen has been included as an Easter Egg in various ways.
** The mid-range [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Voyager class ''Movie'' Optimus Prime toy (in its many releases)]] features a non-removable cowboy-hat-bedecked driver figurine that flips out of the seat when the driver's side door is closed. This appears to be based on Peter Cullen himself.
** In either an artistic case of toy-accuracy, or just [[Alex Milne]] having fun, Optimus Prime's holographic driver in ''[[Alliance issue 1|Transformers: Alliance #1]]'' is represented with Cullen's likeness.
* He was also the [[Toonami]] announcer (or as [[Steve Blum|TOM]] called him: "The Big Guy") for many years, allowing him to narrate commercials for ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''. Later, he narrated commercials for ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'', even though it wasn't on Toonami. Because he's Optimus Prime, that's why. However, he did not return to announce Toonami after its revival on [[May 26]], [[2012]].
* At one point, the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' crew considered having Cullen play a human "old west hero" character<ref>{{citesocial|quote=We had an idea that Peter Cullen could play some kind of old west hero that would teach Optimus how to be a stronger leader|link=https://ask.fm/DerrickJWyatt/answers/168792551796|name=Derrick J. Wyatt|site=Ask.fm|month=07|day=19|year=2021}}</ref> that would inspire [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] and teach him good leadership qualities, but the idea never came to fruition.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=We did have an idea for him to play a mentor character to Optimus [...] Our idea was for him to play a human mentor. [...] The basic idea was the Peter Cullen character would teach ''Animated'' Optimus some leadership qualities of G1 Prime|link=https://ask.fm/DerrickJWyatt/threads/163153290100|name=Derrick J. Wyatt|site=Ask.fm|month=06|day=17|year=2020}}</ref>
* Cullen was asked to reprise Optimus Prime for the first episode of ''{{w|Robot Chicken}}'', where the character would enact a dramatization that he's dying from prostate cancer. He turned down the offer as he took the role too seriously to make fun of it, which the show's staff respected him for.
* He expressed that he wanted [[Michael Bay]] to return for the fifth live-action film when Bay announced he departed from being the director's position.
* Cullen's voice is unmodified and is entirely his own in his role as ''Prime's'' Optimus Prime, work for which he received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 2011.
* According to DVD commentaries, Cullen was not informed that ''Prime'' Optimus would survive the [[Dawn of the Beast|first arc]] of the third season until the recording session for "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]" came along. Cullen apparently became depressed, worried that kids would go through the same trauma of Optimus dying as kids did in 1986 with the original movie. D'awww.
* On [[September 30]], [[2014]], Cullen was immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a cement printing ceremony outside of [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]]. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was also in attendance and provided his tire marks in lieu of handprints.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMw8LSScxLA Peter Cullen / Optimus Prime Walk-Of Fame Highlights]</ref>
* While the evil ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Optimus Prime (SG)|version]] of Optimus Prime has only ever depicted in comics and prose stories, writers [[Trent Troop]] and [[Greg Sepelak]] have stated that he sounds like Venger, the {{w|Dungeons & Dragons (TV series)|''Dungeons & Dragons'' cartoon}} character who was voiced by Peter Cullen.
* Cullen provided some motion capture reference during the Bay-directed films. A live-action cameo was also left on the cutting room floor in which Cullen would portray Optimus's holo-driver.
* In December 2023, Cullen received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Children's and Family Emmys for his work as Optimus Prime. The award was presented to him by his longtime costar [[Frank Welker]]; Cullen had presented Welker the same award seven years prior at a non-televised ceremony.
* During production on ''[[Transformers One (film)|Transformers One]]'', Cullen served as a consultant for [[Chris Hemsworth]] on getting the voice and mannerisms down.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-news-film-is-testing-very-well-and-peter-cullen-consulted-chris-hemsworth-on-voice/48127/ Transformers One News: Film is Testing Very Well and Peter Cullen Consulted Chris Hemsworth on Voice]</ref>
* Says Ironhide's voice was based off a friend of his named "Smokey".
{{--}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/play/details.cfm?R=3D1D7B52-19B9-F369-1081-07DF8C58072C:en_US Hall of Fame video]
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191520/ Peter Cullen at the Internet Movie Database]

===Interviews===
* [[September 17]], 2024's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uONSlRiYhNA The Voices of Optimus Prime & Megatron: Interview with Frank Welker & Peter Cullen | Transformers G1] on the [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel, with [[Frank Welker]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cullen, Peter}}
[[Category:Activision]]
[[Category:Convention guests]]
[[Category:DreamWorks]]
[[Category:English voice actors]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame creators]]
[[Category:Hasbro Studios]]
[[Category:Writers]]

Peter Cullen

2026-01-05T19:57:02Z

TiresomeRhinox: /* Aligned */ Added the specific episode that Peter voiced the vehicon in TFP

{{disambig3|Peter}}
{{factions|hofgold}}
[[File:PeterCullen1.jpg|216px|thumb|Scarier than Venger and the Predator combined.]]
'''Peter Cullen''' (born [[July 28]], [[1941]]) is a [[Canada|Canadian]] actor and voice actor, who has earned fame, respect, and admiration as the voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|the original Optimus Prime]], as well as that character's analogs from many subsequent series listed below. His tenure as the character would earn him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on [[December 17]], [[2023]].<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2023/11/15/Peter-Cullen-Lifetime-Achievement-Award/4011700075781/|title=Children & Family Emmy Awards to honor Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen|site=UPI.com|year=2023|month=11|day=15}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=2016 Lifetime Achievement Honoree Frank Welker presented award-winning voice performer Peter Cullen with the Lifetime Achievement Award.|link=https://theemmys.tv/cafe-2nd-annual-winners/|site=National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences|title=The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Announces 2nd Annual Children's & Family Emmy Awards Winners|year=2023|month=12|day=17}}</ref> Originally from Quebec, Cullen moved to the U.S. early in his career.

In programming that aired adjacent to ''Transformers'', Cullen provided the voice for ''{{gb|Challenge of the GoBots (cartoon)|Challenge of the GoBots}}'' characters [[Pincher (GoBots)|Pincher]], [[Spoiler]], [[Tank (GoBots)|Tank]] and [[Block Head]]; for ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' characters Airborne, [[Zandar]] and [[Nemesis Enforcer]]; and from the ''[[Visionaries]]'', [[Cindarr]]. Some of Cullen's other roles include Eeyore from ''Winnie the Pooh'', Monterey Jack from ''Chip 'N Dale - Rescue Rangers'', Venger from ''Dungeons & Dragons'', K.A.R.R. from ''[[Agent Knight|Knight Rider]]'', Bankjob Beagle and Admiral Grimitz on ''Ducktales'', Mysterio, [[Hulk]] and Red Skull on [[Spider-Man|Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends]], Coran and King Alfor on ''Voltron'', Thaedus from ''[[Skybound Entertainment|Invincible]]'', [[King Kong]] in the [[1976]] remake film and the titular villain of ''[[Predator (alien)|Predator]]''. He was also the announcer for several commercials for the [[United States Navy]] in 2007, filling in for [[Keith David]].

{{quote|Peter, if you're going to be a hero, be a '''real''' hero. Be strong enough to be gentle.|Peter quoting the advice his late brother, Larry, had on inspiring the voice of Optimus Prime.}}

==Generation 1==
===''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]''===
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] ([[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]] only).
*[[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]]
*[[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]]
*[[Wingspan]]
====Incidentals====
*[[Joe (MTMTE)|Joe]] ([[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]])
*[[Halonix Maximus|Giant Autobot]] ([[Heavy Metal War]])
*[[Frankenstein's monster]] ([[Autobot Spike]])
*[[Optimus Prime clone]] ([[A Prime Problem]])
*[[It]] ([[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]])

===''[[Transformers: Devastation]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Titans Return (cartoon)|Transformers: Titans Return]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Power of the Primes (cartoon)|Transformers: Power of the Primes]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[History of the Transformers]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Building Bridges with Optimus Prime]]''===
*Optimus Prime

==Movie franchise==
[[File:moviecullen.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|GIVE ME MY FACE!?]]
===[[Transformers (film)|''Transformers'' (2007 movie)]]===
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]

===[[Transformers The Game|''Transformers'': The Game]]===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Transformers: Beginnings]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|''Revenge of the Fallen'': The Game]]===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===[[Dark of the Moon (video games)|''Dark of the Moon'': The Game]]===
*Optimus Prime

===[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D]]===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Rise of the Beasts]]''===
*Optimus Prime

===''[[Fortnite]]''===
*Optimus Prime

==Aligned==

===''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]''===
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]

===''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]''===
*Optimus Prime
*[[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]]
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] ("[[Thirst]]")

===''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Transformers: Rescue Bots]]''===
*Optimus Prime
*Scientist ("[[It's a Bot Time]]")

===''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]''===
*Optimus Prime

=== ''[[Transformers: Prime - The Game]]'' ===
*Optimus Prime

=== ''[[Transformers Universe (Jagex)|Transformers Universe]]'' ===
*Optimus Prime

=== ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark]]'' ===
*Optimus Prime

=== ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'' ===
*Optimus Prime

==Merchandise==
*''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' 25th Anniversary [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
*''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys 2|Optimus Prime]] (and its multiple versions)
*''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (toyline)|The Last Knight]]'' Allspark Tech Starter Pack [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Allspark Tech|Optimus Prime]] (and Shadow Spark Optimus Prime)
*''The Last Knight'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#The Last Knight|Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet]]
*''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-44 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP44|Convoy Ver.3.0]]
*[[Robosen]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Robosen Collector's Edition|Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Robot]] (and its multiple versions)
*Robosen ''Rise of the Beasts'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Robosen|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Killerbody]] ''Bumblebee'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#KillerbodyHelmet|Optimus Prime]] Helmet
*Killerbody ''The Transformers'' Optimus Prime Helmet
*''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (toyline)|EarthSpark]]'' [[Optimus_Prime_(ES)#HasbroBattleTrailer|Optimus Prime Battle Trailer]] (archival audio)

==Written works==
* ''[[Transformers Vault]]'' (foreword)

==Convention appearances==
* [[BotCon 1997]]
* [[BotCon 2004]]
* [[BotCon 2006]]
* [[BotCon 2007]]
* [[BotCon 2009]]
* [[BotCon 2010]]
* [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2010
* [[BotCon 2011]]
* [[BotCon 2012]]
* [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2012
* [[HasCon 2017]]
* [[Hasbro PulseCon 2020]]

==Notes==
[[File:Movieop voyager driver.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Now all it needs is a mustache.]]
[[File:AllianceOptimusHoloDriver.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|''Aah'', that's the stuff.]]
* In [[1984]], Cullen created the voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] by emulating the mannerisms of his older brother Larry, who had served in the [[United States Marine Corps]] in the Vietnam War. Specifically, he based Prime's voice and mannerisms upon Larry's calm, controlled and authoritative approach to serious situations.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=[Larry's] approach to serious situations was always calm and controlled an authoritative.|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20061015020510/https://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2006/09/a_chat_with_pet.html|name=Whitney Matheson|site=USA Today|title=A chat with ... Peter Cullen, aka Optimus Prime|year=2006|month=09|day=28}}</ref> The ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' episode "[[Partners (Prime)|Partners]]" was dedicated to his late brother's memory.
* At [[BotCon 2007]], Peter Cullen said he'd love to own one of the three modified {{w|Peterbilt 379}} trucks used in the filming of [[Transformers (film)|''Transformers'']]. Let's try and picture Optimus Prime driving himself for a moment. Has your brain exploded yet from the sheer awesomeness?
* Cullen has been included as an Easter Egg in various ways.
** The mid-range [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Voyager class ''Movie'' Optimus Prime toy (in its many releases)]] features a non-removable cowboy-hat-bedecked driver figurine that flips out of the seat when the driver's side door is closed. This appears to be based on Peter Cullen himself.
** In either an artistic case of toy-accuracy, or just [[Alex Milne]] having fun, Optimus Prime's holographic driver in ''[[Alliance issue 1|Transformers: Alliance #1]]'' is represented with Cullen's likeness.
* He was also the [[Toonami]] announcer (or as [[Steve Blum|TOM]] called him: "The Big Guy") for many years, allowing him to narrate commercials for ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''. Later, he narrated commercials for ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'', even though it wasn't on Toonami. Because he's Optimus Prime, that's why. However, he did not return to announce Toonami after its revival on [[May 26]], [[2012]].
* At one point, the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' crew considered having Cullen play a human "old west hero" character<ref>{{citesocial|quote=We had an idea that Peter Cullen could play some kind of old west hero that would teach Optimus how to be a stronger leader|link=https://ask.fm/DerrickJWyatt/answers/168792551796|name=Derrick J. Wyatt|site=Ask.fm|month=07|day=19|year=2021}}</ref> that would inspire [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] and teach him good leadership qualities, but the idea never came to fruition.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=We did have an idea for him to play a mentor character to Optimus [...] Our idea was for him to play a human mentor. [...] The basic idea was the Peter Cullen character would teach ''Animated'' Optimus some leadership qualities of G1 Prime|link=https://ask.fm/DerrickJWyatt/threads/163153290100|name=Derrick J. Wyatt|site=Ask.fm|month=06|day=17|year=2020}}</ref>
* Cullen was asked to reprise Optimus Prime for the first episode of ''{{w|Robot Chicken}}'', where the character would enact a dramatization that he's dying from prostate cancer. He turned down the offer as he took the role too seriously to make fun of it, which the show's staff respected him for.
* He expressed that he wanted [[Michael Bay]] to return for the fifth live-action film when Bay announced he departed from being the director's position.
* Cullen's voice is unmodified and is entirely his own in his role as ''Prime's'' Optimus Prime, work for which he received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 2011.
* According to DVD commentaries, Cullen was not informed that ''Prime'' Optimus would survive the [[Dawn of the Beast|first arc]] of the third season until the recording session for "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]" came along. Cullen apparently became depressed, worried that kids would go through the same trauma of Optimus dying as kids did in 1986 with the original movie. D'awww.
* On [[September 30]], [[2014]], Cullen was immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a cement printing ceremony outside of [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]]. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was also in attendance and provided his tire marks in lieu of handprints.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMw8LSScxLA Peter Cullen / Optimus Prime Walk-Of Fame Highlights]</ref>
* While the evil ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Optimus Prime (SG)|version]] of Optimus Prime has only ever depicted in comics and prose stories, writers [[Trent Troop]] and [[Greg Sepelak]] have stated that he sounds like Venger, the {{w|Dungeons & Dragons (TV series)|''Dungeons & Dragons'' cartoon}} character who was voiced by Peter Cullen.
* Cullen provided some motion capture reference during the Bay-directed films. A live-action cameo was also left on the cutting room floor in which Cullen would portray Optimus's holo-driver.
* In December 2023, Cullen received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Children's and Family Emmys for his work as Optimus Prime. The award was presented to him by his longtime costar [[Frank Welker]]; Cullen had presented Welker the same award seven years prior at a non-televised ceremony.
* During production on ''[[Transformers One (film)|Transformers One]]'', Cullen served as a consultant for [[Chris Hemsworth]] on getting the voice and mannerisms down.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-news-film-is-testing-very-well-and-peter-cullen-consulted-chris-hemsworth-on-voice/48127/ Transformers One News: Film is Testing Very Well and Peter Cullen Consulted Chris Hemsworth on Voice]</ref>
* Says Ironhide's voice was based off a friend of his named "Smokey".
{{--}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/play/details.cfm?R=3D1D7B52-19B9-F369-1081-07DF8C58072C:en_US Hall of Fame video]
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191520/ Peter Cullen at the Internet Movie Database]

===Interviews===
* [[September 17]], 2024's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uONSlRiYhNA The Voices of Optimus Prime & Megatron: Interview with Frank Welker & Peter Cullen | Transformers G1] on the [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel, with [[Frank Welker]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cullen, Peter}}
[[Category:Activision]]
[[Category:Convention guests]]
[[Category:DreamWorks]]
[[Category:English voice actors]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame creators]]
[[Category:Hasbro Studios]]
[[Category:Writers]]

Victor Brandt

2025-07-18T23:45:32Z

TiresomeRhinox: Just added a credit for who he plays in StarCraft 2, just for fun!

[[File:Victor brandt.jpg|upright=1|thumb|"Just because you're destined to save the world, don't expect any special treatment."]]
'''Victor Brandt''' (born [[September 19]], [[1942]]) is an American actor. He voiced General Crozier on ''Metalocalypse'', Master Pakku on ''Avatar: The Last Airbender'', Alexi Stukov in "StarCraft II", Professor Emil Hamilton on ''Superman: The Animated Series'' and the narrator of the 2003 ''Cat in the Hat'' film. Also, he's in that ''[[Star Trek]]'' episode with the space hippies.

==Voice roles==
===''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' (2015)===
*[[Scorponok (WFC)|Scorponok]]

==External links==
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0105011/ Victor Brandt at the IMDB]

{{DEFAULTSORT: Brandt, Victor}}
[[Category: English voice actors]]
[[Category: Hasbro Studios]]