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Star Harvester

2009-08-26T02:31:16Z

TransRyan:

{{disambigr|Harvester|the machines that collected Tranformer bodies for the [[smelting pool]] in [[Marvel Comics]]|harvester unit}}
:''A solar harvester is a piece of technology from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Harvester Defiance4.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Ark (G1)|And no one on earth discovered this for millions of years]].]]

When the [[All Spark (Movie)|All Spark]] runs low on energy, only the destruction of a star can replenish it. In order to harness the power of stars, [[Transformer|workers]] in service to the All Spark built ''' solar harvesters'''.

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===

In the distant past, the mysterious relic known as the All Spark cube created life on the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and terraformed its surface to make the world suitable for habitation for its creations. However, this effort depleted the All Spark, and the power from a star was the one thing that could re-energize it. The cube created a servant race of transforming workers who would seek out stars and build devices called solar harvesters to aid in collecting the solar energy.

One "[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Seeker]]" discovered [[Sun|a suitable star]] for this purpose and led his masters and the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|builders]] to the [[Earth|third planet]] of its star system. The builders constructed the harvester and prepared to drain the Sun's energy, but it was discovered that this world contained life. Twelve of the [[Thirteen original Transformers|thirteen master beings]] refused to utilize the harvester, for the process would destroy this world. Unfortunately, [[The Fallen|the remaining being]] felt no such obligation to protect life and merely wanted all of the All Spark's energy for himself. His twelve brothers gave their lives to seal him in his own [[sarcophagus]], and the harvester was hidden by the [[human|native sentient inhabitants]].

Thousands of years later, [[Decepticon]]s under the command of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] arrived on Earth in search of the harvester. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
The [[Seven Primes]] came to [[Earth]] around 17,000 BC. Although they had sworn never to take a life in their pursuit of [[energon (fuel)|energon]], one of their kind hated the [[human]] inhabitants of the planet and was going to activate the [[solar harvester]] until his brothers stopped him by stealing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] needed to power it. They sealed it in a [[Tomb of the Primes|tomb]] made of their own bodies.

In 2009 AD, [[The Fallen]] Prime returned to Earth, seeking to use his machine two years after the [[All Spark]]'s apparent destruction. [[Sam Witwicky]] uncovered the tomb and recovered the Matrix, which he intended to use to resurrect [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], the only one who could kill The Fallen. [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] excavated the harvester from the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]] before he was destroyed, and The Fallen snatched the Matrix to activate his machine: but Optimus had returned, and combined with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] to destroy the harvester. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

==Notes==
* Yeah, it's the same idea as the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]'s [[Solar Needle]]. ''That doesn't make it a reference!''
*This device potentially makes the Transformers a Type II or even Type III civilization on the [[Wikipedia:Kardashev scale|Kardashev scale]].

[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Star Harvester

2009-08-26T02:23:55Z

TransRyan:

{{disambigr|Harvester|the machines that collected Tranformer bodies for the [[smelting pool]] in [[Marvel Comics]]|harvester unit}}
:''A solar harvester is a piece of technology from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Harvester Defiance4.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Ark (G1)|And no one on earth noticed this for millions of years]].]]

When the [[All Spark (Movie)|All Spark]] runs low on energy, only the destruction of a star can replenish it. In order to harness the power of stars, [[Transformer|workers]] in service to the All Spark built ''' solar harvesters'''.

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===

In the distant past, the mysterious relic known as the All Spark cube created life on the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and terraformed its surface to make the world suitable for habitation for its creations. However, this effort depleted the All Spark, and the power from a star was the one thing that could re-energize it. The cube created a servant race of transforming workers who would seek out stars and build devices called solar harvesters to aid in collecting the solar energy.

One "[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Seeker]]" discovered [[Sun|a suitable star]] for this purpose and led his masters and the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|builders]] to the [[Earth|third planet]] of its star system. The builders constructed the harvester and prepared to drain the Sun's energy, but it was discovered that this world contained life. Twelve of the [[Thirteen original Transformers|thirteen master beings]] refused to utilize the harvester, for the process would destroy this world. Unfortunately, [[The Fallen|the remaining being]] felt no such obligation to protect life and merely wanted all of the All Spark's energy for himself. His twelve brothers gave their lives to seal him in his own [[sarcophagus]], and the harvester was hidden by the [[human|native sentient inhabitants]].

Thousands of years later, [[Decepticon]]s under the command of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] arrived on Earth in search of the harvester. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
The [[Seven Primes]] came to [[Earth]] around 17,000 BC. Although they had sworn never to take a life in their pursuit of [[energon (fuel)|energon]], one of their kind hated the [[human]] inhabitants of the planet and was going to activate the [[solar harvester]] until his brothers stopped him by stealing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] needed to power it. They sealed it in a [[Tomb of the Primes|tomb]] made of their own bodies.

In 2009 AD, [[The Fallen]] Prime returned to Earth, seeking to use his machine two years after the [[All Spark]]'s apparent destruction. [[Sam Witwicky]] uncovered the tomb and recovered the Matrix, which he intended to use to resurrect [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], the only one who could kill The Fallen. [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] excavated the harvester from the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]] before he was destroyed, and The Fallen snatched the Matrix to activate his machine: but Optimus had returned, and combined with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] to destroy the harvester. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

==Notes==
* Yeah, it's the same idea as the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]'s [[Solar Needle]]. ''That doesn't make it a reference!''
*This device potentially makes the Transformers a Type II or even Type III civilization on the [[Wikipedia:Kardashev scale|Kardashev scale]].

[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Star Harvester

2009-08-26T02:23:28Z

TransRyan:

{{disambigr|Harvester|the machines that collected Tranformer bodies for the [[smelting pool]] in [[Marvel Comics]]|harvester unit}}
:''A solar harvester is a piece of technology from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Harvester Defiance4.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Ark|And no one on earth noticed this for millions of years]].]]

When the [[All Spark (Movie)|All Spark]] runs low on energy, only the destruction of a star can replenish it. In order to harness the power of stars, [[Transformer|workers]] in service to the All Spark built ''' solar harvesters'''.

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===

In the distant past, the mysterious relic known as the All Spark cube created life on the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and terraformed its surface to make the world suitable for habitation for its creations. However, this effort depleted the All Spark, and the power from a star was the one thing that could re-energize it. The cube created a servant race of transforming workers who would seek out stars and build devices called solar harvesters to aid in collecting the solar energy.

One "[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Seeker]]" discovered [[Sun|a suitable star]] for this purpose and led his masters and the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|builders]] to the [[Earth|third planet]] of its star system. The builders constructed the harvester and prepared to drain the Sun's energy, but it was discovered that this world contained life. Twelve of the [[Thirteen original Transformers|thirteen master beings]] refused to utilize the harvester, for the process would destroy this world. Unfortunately, [[The Fallen|the remaining being]] felt no such obligation to protect life and merely wanted all of the All Spark's energy for himself. His twelve brothers gave their lives to seal him in his own [[sarcophagus]], and the harvester was hidden by the [[human|native sentient inhabitants]].

Thousands of years later, [[Decepticon]]s under the command of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] arrived on Earth in search of the harvester. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
The [[Seven Primes]] came to [[Earth]] around 17,000 BC. Although they had sworn never to take a life in their pursuit of [[energon (fuel)|energon]], one of their kind hated the [[human]] inhabitants of the planet and was going to activate the [[solar harvester]] until his brothers stopped him by stealing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] needed to power it. They sealed it in a [[Tomb of the Primes|tomb]] made of their own bodies.

In 2009 AD, [[The Fallen]] Prime returned to Earth, seeking to use his machine two years after the [[All Spark]]'s apparent destruction. [[Sam Witwicky]] uncovered the tomb and recovered the Matrix, which he intended to use to resurrect [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], the only one who could kill The Fallen. [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] excavated the harvester from the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]] before he was destroyed, and The Fallen snatched the Matrix to activate his machine: but Optimus had returned, and combined with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] to destroy the harvester. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

==Notes==
* Yeah, it's the same idea as the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]'s [[Solar Needle]]. ''That doesn't make it a reference!''
*This device potentially makes the Transformers a Type II or even Type III civilization on the [[Wikipedia:Kardashev scale|Kardashev scale]].

[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Star Harvester

2009-08-26T02:23:04Z

TransRyan:

{{disambigr|Harvester|the machines that collected Tranformer bodies for the [[smelting pool]] in [[Marvel Comics]]|harvester unit}}
:''A solar harvester is a piece of technology from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Harvester Defiance4.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Ark|And no one on earth noticed this for millions of years.]].]]

When the [[All Spark (Movie)|All Spark]] runs low on energy, only the destruction of a star can replenish it. In order to harness the power of stars, [[Transformer|workers]] in service to the All Spark built ''' solar harvesters'''.

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===

In the distant past, the mysterious relic known as the All Spark cube created life on the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and terraformed its surface to make the world suitable for habitation for its creations. However, this effort depleted the All Spark, and the power from a star was the one thing that could re-energize it. The cube created a servant race of transforming workers who would seek out stars and build devices called solar harvesters to aid in collecting the solar energy.

One "[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Seeker]]" discovered [[Sun|a suitable star]] for this purpose and led his masters and the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|builders]] to the [[Earth|third planet]] of its star system. The builders constructed the harvester and prepared to drain the Sun's energy, but it was discovered that this world contained life. Twelve of the [[Thirteen original Transformers|thirteen master beings]] refused to utilize the harvester, for the process would destroy this world. Unfortunately, [[The Fallen|the remaining being]] felt no such obligation to protect life and merely wanted all of the All Spark's energy for himself. His twelve brothers gave their lives to seal him in his own [[sarcophagus]], and the harvester was hidden by the [[human|native sentient inhabitants]].

Thousands of years later, [[Decepticon]]s under the command of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] arrived on Earth in search of the harvester. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
The [[Seven Primes]] came to [[Earth]] around 17,000 BC. Although they had sworn never to take a life in their pursuit of [[energon (fuel)|energon]], one of their kind hated the [[human]] inhabitants of the planet and was going to activate the [[solar harvester]] until his brothers stopped him by stealing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] needed to power it. They sealed it in a [[Tomb of the Primes|tomb]] made of their own bodies.

In 2009 AD, [[The Fallen]] Prime returned to Earth, seeking to use his machine two years after the [[All Spark]]'s apparent destruction. [[Sam Witwicky]] uncovered the tomb and recovered the Matrix, which he intended to use to resurrect [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], the only one who could kill The Fallen. [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] excavated the harvester from the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]] before he was destroyed, and The Fallen snatched the Matrix to activate his machine: but Optimus had returned, and combined with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] to destroy the harvester. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

==Notes==
* Yeah, it's the same idea as the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]'s [[Solar Needle]]. ''That doesn't make it a reference!''
*This device potentially makes the Transformers a Type II or even Type III civilization on the [[Wikipedia:Kardashev scale|Kardashev scale]].

[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Hound (G1)

2009-08-24T03:17:20Z

TransRyan:

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Hound}}
:''Hound is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:G1 Hound reissueart1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Rejected as kid appeal character. Why? [[Bumblebee (G1)|Not]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)|yellow]] [[Bumblebee (Animated)|enough]].]]
'''Hound''' wishes he were [[human]]. The dark, barren metalscapes of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] no longer interest him. Now that Hound has been shipwrecked on [[Earth]], he considers this planet his home. He sees humankind as beautiful and wishes he could interact with their ecosphere the same way they do, to feel what they feel and to see what they see.

He treasures his job as an Autobot scout, making good use of his ability to project [[hologram]]s for added disguise. He uses this opportunity to explore the breathtaking caverns and mountainous expanses that Earth provides. He's a meek, benevolent soul, even compared to his fellow Autobots. He gets along with the [[Cliffjumper (G1)|more blood-thirsty of their ranks]] but not the [[Blades (G1)|''most'' blood-thirsty of their ranks]].

:''Nicknames'': '''Sarge''', '''Nose''', '''Sniffer'''<ref>Nicknames found in early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style profiles published in [[The Transformers Comics Magazine]].</ref>
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Dépisteur''' ("The Tracker")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Vadászeb''' ("Hound / Hunter")
:''Italian name'': '''Canguro''' ("Kangaroo")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Caçador'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Rastreador''' ("Tracker")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Lìeh-chǐuan''' (獵犬, "Hound")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Tan Zhang''' (探長，"Chief Detective")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Houndfirstappearance.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Hi, I'm friendly!]]
Hound was a part of the crew on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while clearing an asteroid field in the path of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron.]] Upon reviving in 1984, Hound marveled at this world's strange and diverse lifeforms, and couldn't wait to explore its surface -- not for business, but for pleasure. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] cautioned him, reminding Hound that their primary purpose was to spare Earth's inhabitants from the onslaught of the Decepticons. Hound was chosen as part of the first field expedition into the world under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s command, and his new surroundings overwhelmed him. His sensors alerted them to a drive-in movie theatre, a serene scene that quickly turned into a battle when the Decepticons arrived. Hound was able to divert [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], though Hound worried more about [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s whereabouts, as the small scout had gone missing. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:Tellhimwhodefeatedyouthisday.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Ravage, who defeated you this day?!" "Uh, the guy that Jazz keeps getting colored as, I think?"]]
Fortunately, Bumblebee was later able to radio his location to Hound, who informed the other Autobots. Better still, he had located a [[human]] who could convert Earth fuel into a substance they could use! Hound and the others traveled to the home (and auto repair shop) of [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], where they were, of course, attacked again by the Decepticons! [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] apologized for leaping in front of Hound to get closer to their enemies, but Hound was fine with it so long as Decepticons were destroyed one way or the other. Unfortunately, the Decepticons left the battle with their prize, Sparkplug Witwicky, in the hopes that the human could convert fuel for them instead! {{storylink|Power Play!}}

The battle left Hound and Sideswipe low on fuel, so Optimus Prime offered to carry the two home inside his trailer. After Hound had been attended to, he and the other Autobots met with the amazing [[Spider-Man]], who offered to help them rescue Sparkplug from the Decepticons' [[Fortress Sinister|cliffside headquarters]]. Hound drove Spider-Man past the Earth military blockade himself with Spider-Man posing as his driver, but Hound stayed behind to help draw the Decepticons' fire while Spider-Man and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] slipped into the headquarters. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

''Following this, he was present when the Autobots countered the Decepticons when the latter attacked the [[Sherman Dam]], hoping to steal its energy. At Prime's order, Hound submerged into the water to locate the source of the dam's problems and found [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. After a fight between the two, Hound was blasted out of the water by Rumble's piledrivers. The sight of this distracted Optimus Prime during his fight with Megatron atop the dam, and Megatron was able to use this distraction to knock Prime from the dam. {{storylink|Decepticon Dam-Busters!}}''

When Hound was next seen, he was hanging from the ceiling of the Ark with the other Autobots, the work of the evil Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], who had returned and taken leadership of the Decepticons for himself. [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] was shocked to discover this terrible development, and the human returned to tell [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], the sole Autobot survivor. {{storylink|The New Order}} Ratchet was eventually able to restore the Ark to the Autobots after outwitting Megatron, and Hound and the others were repaired. However, Optimus Prime's head was still in the hands of the Decepticons. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

Hound's next mission involved stopping [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] from sending a message to the Decepticons back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but matters were complicated when they faced the newly-created [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Their merging into the mighty [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] did not help things, either, but thanks to help from [[Bomber Bill]], a human trucker, the communications array was destroyed before the entire message could be sent. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

[[Image:Houndholomap.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Google Maps later rendered Hound obsolete.]]
The conversations of Shockwave's Decepticons, stationed at [[Blackrock Aerospace Plant Number One]], were being listened in on by Hound and the other Autobots, and so they overheard Shockwave's plans to dump Prime's head into a nearby swamp now that he was no longer useful to them. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} Hound led a long Autobot convoy to the swamp, and they were able to form a human-chain to rescue the head from sinking to the bottom of it, but when the head was placed on Optimus Prime's body, it attacked them. This was not the real head of Optimus Prime, but an imposter head controlled by Shockwave! A group of Decepticons led by Soundwave joined the imposter Optimus Prime in destroying them, but during the course of battle the real head was restored and the Decepticons defeated. Hound was one of the few Autobots left standing. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

[[Image:Houndravagecrisisofcommand.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Noticing a pattern?]]
''Now that Prime and the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] had been returned to them, Hound was one of the Autobots who opposed using the Matrix to create super-warriors. Soon after, he assisted [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] in capturing [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], though Ravage's capture was part of the Decepticon's plan. Once Ravage learned what he wanted to know, he escaped. {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}}''

Hound was next seen being reconstructed, along with a handful of other Autobots. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Cyclonus and Scourge made their time-jump to 1986, Optimus Prime, Ratchet and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] were lost in [[Limbo]]. Suspecting Decepticon involvement, Hound and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] were sent to spy on their foes. [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] discovered the spying Autobots and attacked, taking out Jazz and beating Hound within an inch of his life while expositing about his [[Life Spark|past self]]. Only the arrival of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] saved Hound.''

[[Image:Target2006-houndandmagnus.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Well, someone had the scale guide, at least.]]
''After getting a lift back to the Ark from Magnus, Hound tried several times to get Ultra Magnus to assist the Autobots against Galvatron; he also defended their strategy of allying with Megatron. Hound was part of the raiding party which captured Scourgetook a critical view of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s tactics, especially as the Autobots were beaten again and again. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He should really stick to fighting Ravage.]]
''In the wake of Galvatron's trip from the future, Optimus Prime faked his death to teach the Autobots how to survive without him. Hound was one of the Autobots who attended his funeral, moments before Optimus Prime reappeared. {{storylink|Resurrection!}}''

When [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] fought on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]] for leadership of the Autobots, Hound was among the dozens who disembarked from the Ark to be spectators. {{storylink|Totaled!|Totaled!}}

Some time after, he and the other Autobots answered a distress call from Buster Witwicky, but when they arrived to rescue him, they were attacked by both Earth-based Decepticon armies. Hound was pounced upon by [[Weirdwolf]].

The battle was discovered to be a ruse by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to cover his efforts to claim the powers of the [[Underbase]]. Hound was subsequently part of a team sent to confront Starscream in [[New York City]]. Unfortunately, Hound and several of his peers ended up slaughtered by Starscream on the Brooklyn Bridge. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}
{{-}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:G2houndprimalfear.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"This is my O Face!!"]]
Hound joined Grimlock's unit in leaving Cybertron to find new conflicts and fought against the technoforming fleets of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]]. He was disgusted by the bloodlust shown by [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], who berated Hound for being a liability. {{storylink|War Without End!}} Following this, he was the only Autobot not infected by the psychic parasites of the [[K'Tord Nebula]], due to a blow to the head that knocked him off-line. After Prime and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] managed to temporarily cease fighting long enough to deal with the parasites, Hound scanned the Transformers for any remnants in their systems. {{storylink|Primal Fear!}}

As one of the more level-headed Autobots, Hound did not participate in Grimlock's ill-advised strike on the Liege Centuro and his fleet. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}} Still, he knew good sense when he heard it, even from Grimlock, and when Prime thought it was a good idea for him to go meet the Decepticons alone, Hound arrived with Grimlock and a rescue battalion just in time to keep Megatron from destroying his old nemesis. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} Later, Hound also got involved in protecting the planet [[Ethos]] from genocide. {{storylink|Escalation!}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Ken Sansom]] (English), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese)

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Houndlifting.jpg|left|200px|thumb|To beat this guy, you need speed. You don't have it. You've got arthritis in your neck, and calcium deposits on most o' yer joints, so sparring is out. So what we're gonna be calling on is good old blunt force trauma - heavy duty power punches that're gonna rattle his ancestors. Yeah!!! Let's start buildin' some Hurtin' Bombs.]]
Hound was one of the original Autobots aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crash-landed on Earth four million years ago. When awakened in 1984, he was reformatted to have a terrestrial alt-mode, that of a Mitsubishi military jeep.

As the Autobots got their bearings on this strange, new planet, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] dispatched Hound on a recon mission to find the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. The impetuous [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] tagged along uninvited, itching to start a fight, and took a pot-shot at [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] once Hound sniffed out the Decepticon base. Cliffjumper missed, and the Decepticons gave chase. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] pursued the two Autobot eavesdroppers, and Hound took the brunt of the assault, getting blasted by Laserbeak's cannons. Hound spun out of control on the winding mountain roads and crashed into a ravine.

Cliffjumper returned with help: the Autobot medic, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Hound was too injured even to transform, so the crane truck [[Hauler]] had to lift him out of the gulch so he could be dragged back to the Ark for repairs. Despite the mishap, Hound bore no ill will against Cliffjumper. The scout had heard enough about the Megatron's plans to plunder the Earth's resources that Optimus immediately launched a mission to stop the Decepticons. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

[[Image:Houndfootball.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Another potentially humorous image ruined by some pedant calculating that the football has to be about ten feet long.]]
Later, when the [[Autobot|Autobots]] counter-attacked the Decepticon siege of [[Sherman Dam]], Hound got into an underwater fight with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. The pint-sized Decepticon managed to trap Hound under a pile of boulders so that he couldn't move. Then [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] jumped in and removed the boulders, thus saving Hound from non-danger since the Autobot can't drown anyway. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

After the came back from the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], Hound and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] came up with a plan to fool the Decepticons. They would create a hologram of a rocket fuel base. The Decepticons would go there to use the resources to create energon cubes, at which point the trap could be sprung. Optimus Prime agreed, and the then-imprisoned [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] was allowed to escape with the false information. However, Megatron outsmarted the Autobots, went to the real rocket fuel base and used its resources. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

{{storylink|Roll for It}} {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

After the Autobots discovered fossilized dinosaur bones inside a cavern in the [[Mount St. Hilary|Autobot volcano]], Hound was accompanied Spike on a trip to the the museum, a new Earth experience that excited him. He scanned three dinosaur skeletons with his hologram gun, and the resulting holographic simulation inspired [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and Ratchet to build the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. However, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] severely damaged [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] when the exceptionally dim-witted Dinobots went on a rampage, forcing Hound and Spike to scout for Decepticon activity while the Autobot base computer was being repaired. Hound didn't mind the extra work, as it allowed him to do sightseeing of the surrounding Earth landscape. He managed to detect Decepticon activity at the [[Great Falls]] hydroelectric power facility and relayed the information to Optimus Prime. Arriving at the Falls, he was extremely impressed with the view. When no Decepticons were in immediate view, [[Bluestreak]] jokingly wondered about the occupancy of [[glitch mice]] in Hound's database, to the amusement of no one. Hound was among the Autobots subsequently captured by the Decepticons, but was freed when Wheeljack and the Dinobots arrived to save the day. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

{{storylink|War of the Dinobots}} {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

{{storylink|Autobot Spike}} {{storylink|Changing Gears}} {{storylink|City of Steel}} {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}} {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} {{storylink|Day of the Machines}} {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} {{storylink|The Core}} {{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}} {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}} {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} {{storylink|Make Tracks}} {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust}} {{storylink|Masquerade}}

{{charstubfiction}}

In the year 2005, Hound was stationed at [[Autobot City]] on Earth. Shortly before [[Battle of Autobot City|the Decepticon attack]], Hound was part of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s detail, placing a roadblock on the trail to Lookout Mountain. During the battle, he managed to get to the shuttle landing pad as Optimus Prime began his counter attack on the Decepticon forces. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

{{note|While Sunstreaker is clearly shown to be arriving on Optimus Prime's shuttle despite having earlier appeared at Kup's roadblock (creating a continuity error), it is less clear with Hound as he is merely shown outside of Prime's landed shuttle. However, the way he is drawn heavily implies that he disembarked from the shuttle.}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformer'' comic====
Hound appears as the leader of the [[4-Wheel-Drive Brigade]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3}}

[[Image:FourWarriors HotRod Hound.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hey, it's that green guy!]]
====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michitaka Kobayashi]] (Japanese)

When Optimus Prime wondered how the Decepticons managed to invade Cybertron so easily, Hound theorized that releasing the energy of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] may have destabilized [[Vector Sigma]]. He was right. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
During the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Hound was an Autobot warrior under the command of Optimus Prime. When Prime disappeared, and the Autobots fractioned into several smaller armies, Hound remained with the primary Autobot faction under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s leadership. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Some time later (and four million years ago), Hound was part of the crew of the ''Ark'' spaceship, and crashlanded on the planet Earth after a conflict with the Decepticons. The Autobots and Decepticons on board remained in [[stasis lock]], buried at the base of [[Mount St. Hilary]] in Oregon, until the volcano exploded in 1984, freeing them. Hound and the other Autobots under Prime's command waged war against the Decepticons on Earth, until finally capturing them all. Roughly a decade after they arrived, the Autobots planned to return to Cybertron with their prisoners aboard the ''[[Ark II]]''. Tragically, however, sabotage led to the spaceship exploding on its maiden voyage, and all aboard were believed dead.

Not so. In fact, a human mercenary named [[Lazarus]] had recovered a great number of the Transformers that had been on-board, including Hound. He went to work on these deactivated robots, installing programming directives that would turn the Cybertronians into mindless drones for his own purposes. In 2002, Hound was repurposed as Lazarus' transport jeep when he entertained the "freedom fighter" Bishop, and stood guard against anybody following them. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1}} Lazarus was prepared to unleash his robot soldiers on the world, only to fail at the starting gate when Megatron reasserted control over his own programming and resumed the war. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}} Hound, along with the other Autobots Lazarus had salvaged, were used to power Megatron's metallic virus. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] reported barely functional state. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

Not long thereafter, Hound and the Autobots were confronted with an envoy from Cybertron, which had apparently ended the war sometime ago, creating a Unified Cybertronian government. Allegedly in order to prevent the warlike Transformers of Earth from igniting old passions, Hound and many of his fellow Autobots were captured by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], and their operatives. Brought back to Cybertron aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], Hound and the Autobots were removed from their prison cells by the [[Triple Changer]] named [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], and brought into contact with a resistance cell led by [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. It seemed Shockwave actually had a hidden agenda (of course), and many Autobots had begun taking up arms again to fight back against his regime. Hound joined in the insurrection at [[Iacon]], and the resistance ultimately pushed Shockwave out of command, retaking Cybertron for the Autobots. {{storylink|War and Peace}}

As Ultra Magnus began re-establishing Autobot control over the planet, Prowl decided the ''Ark'''s crew would be best served by returning to Earth and establishing a permanent base of operations there. Being the Earth-lover that he is, Hound was all for the idea. He was last seen at the site of the future [[Autobot City]], using his holograms to help [[Grapple]] visualize his plans for the city. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:MegsOrigin4 Hound.jpg|left|250px|thumb|It's rainin' Hounds!]]
Before the war on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Hound was a veteran member of the Autobots, having served under [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] with the Security Services force in [[Kaon]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}} During the mass prison break of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s gladiators and Kaon's most dangerous criminals, Hound and the Autobot security forces struggled to hold the line against the rioting malcontents. After Sentinel Prime returned to the battlefield in his Apex armor, Hound served as optic lead for Sentinel's heads-up scanners in targeting Megatron. However, Megatron destroyed Sentinel Prime's display helmet by throwing Hound's apparently dead body at the Autobot commander. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

[[Image:SpotlightGalvatron Hound.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Guido Guidi draws Cybertronian Hound and makes me cry.]]
Except he survived. Much later, he was the current leader of a combat unit consisting of [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Leadfoot]], [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] and [[Skram]], manning a permanent guard post around [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s hidden base in [[Thunderhead Pass]]. Hound was a by-the-book guy who followed his mission parameters. Sideswipe was an authority-challenging, loud-talking belligerent who constantly insulted this dull posting and demanded they head for Earth to search for his missing brother [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. Working with him makes Hound cry.

To add insult to injury [[Galvatron (G1)|a mysterious and powerful being]] barged into the base, killed Leadfoot, seriously damaged everyone else, and then stole the inactive form of [[Thunderwing (G1)|the planet-murdering Thunderwing]] himself. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}} In the middle of briefing [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] on this event, Hound was interrupted by Sideswipe going on about Sunstreaker again. To Hound's surprise, Optimus agreed and called the team to Earth, {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} only for him to then order them to [[Garrus-9]] instead when the "[[Pretender Monster|Monstructor Six]]" were broken out of the prison there. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

As they headed off in ''[[Ark-12]]'', Hound had to listen to, yep, Sideswipe moaning they weren't looking for Sunstreaker. His angry retort to Sideswipe to take it up with Prime was interrupted by an attack from [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]; Hound followed protocol in fighting him off and prepared to carry on instead of investigating the incident (necessity before need), only for the dead Cyclonus to ''get up again'' and keep shooting. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] received Hound's distress call from and drove off the threat, but poor Hound got berated by Sideswipe into diverting from their mission to investigate. That divergence led them to [[Corata-Vaz]] where Sideswipe goaded Cyclonus into attacking instead of surrendering and then insulted Hound when criticised over this, Cyclonus deadened Hound's arm, and then Thunderwing was awakened to swat the Autobots all aside. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}}

Prowl regarded the battle with Hound's unit and the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] versus Thunderwing as suicidal. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}} Observing that the battle was not going well, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] decided to try and take control of Thunderwing using [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Axis Cradle, telling [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] to take their forces into the [[Nega-Core]] chamber as quickly as possible should he be successful. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

Hound's unit were pulled out of Corata-Vaz and, along with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], dispatched to Earth to mess up the enemy's Space Bridge set-up there. Hound sent his men through the Bridge portals to nab all the [[Nega-Core|Nega-Cores]], except for Skram who was sent to get [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and Sideswipe who volunteered to keep the enemy forces off their backs. Hound didn't understand Sideswipe's reasons but admitted he'd been wrong about the mech, and announced it was an honour to have served with him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Some time later, both Hound, Mirage and Sideswipe were among the battle damaged Autobots hiding out on Cybertron while the Decepticons rampaged across Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage Hound dies.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Second death, but it still doesn't count.]]
On Earth, Hound's friend Mirage was seriously injured, and as he recuperated, he was haunted repeatedly by dreams of being a Decepticon. In this dream, Hound was among the last of the Autobots holding out in a losing battle with the Decepticons. He was working on a way to convert the cross-dimensional [[Zodiac]] energy for consumption in lieu of energon when Mirage tricked the Autobots into letting him enter their hideout. During the subsequent scuffle, Hound killed Soundwave, but the Autobots were forced to surrender when Mirage held Jetfire hostage, yet promised to spare their lives. Unfortunately for Hound, Mirage was ordered by Megatron to execute the Autobots. Hound was killed by Mirage as defiance to Optimus Prime's pleas for him to see reason. But it was just a dream (or some alternate dimension mumbo-jumbo), so it didn't matter. Right? {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===

{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8|Henkei! Henkei! #8}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Hound toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Short but sweet.]]
* '''Hound''' (Autobot, 1984/1985/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''02''', '''TFC-14'''
**''Accessories:'' "Hologram Gun", machine gun, missile launcher, 3 missiles, spare tire, gas can

: Hound was released as part of the initial Autobot assortment in 1984, transforming into a Mitsubishi J59 Jeep. Mounted on the back of the vehicle mode is a large, [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] silver machine gun turret which doesn't really go anywhere in robot mode. Other vehicle accessories include a spare tire and a fuel canister which also don't really go anywhere in robot mode.

: In robot mode, Hound is armed with a large, silver "holographic rifle" and a shoulder-mounted, spring-loaded, firing rocket launcher with three silver projectiles. The US version of this launcher had severely weakened springs [[for safety reasons]].

: He was reissued in 2004 by [[Takara]] in their [[Transformers Collection]] "bookbox" reissue series.

: This mold was used to make the [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]] [[Detritus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Hound/hound.htm More information on Generation 1 Hound at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Generation 2===
[[Image:Un autorollers.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Sgt. Hound. Starring Steve Martin. (Hound is the white payloader.)]]
*'''Sgt. Hound''' (Auto Roller, 1995)
**''Accessories'': 4 missiles

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Auto Roller]] [[Roadblock (G2)|Roadblock]] was planned for release in 1995 as "Sgt. Hound", but was one of several redecos and molds that were canceled with the end of the [[Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' line]]. He would have transformed into a payloader. As an [[Auto Roller]], a switch on his vehicle-mode back end connects a gearing mechanism attached to his rear axle, which makes him [[autotransform]] from vehicle to robot mode when pushed forward, and back when pulled in reverse. His right arm ends in a spring-loaded missile launcher, while his left features a spring-gear-activated spinning circular saw. All four of his missiles can be stowed on his rear wheel wells. No known samples of the toy have surfaced.

: This mold was also used to make [[Autocrasher]] from ''[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]''.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[Image:Alternators Hound toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"At long last, I HAVE ELBOWS!!!"]]
* '''Autobot Hound''' (2004)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''3'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-04'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol

: For the ''[[Alternators]]'' line, Hound's vehicle mode was updated to a Jeep Wrangler, with opening doors, hood (with mock engine bay) and tailgate, and a detailed interior. Hound also features a working suspension system, similar to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]], but lacks steering. In robot mode, he greatly resembles both the original toy in detail and the Generation 1 cartoon model in proportions and personality. In this form, Hound is armed with a holographic projector gun stored inside his spare tire.

: The Japanese ''Binaltech'' release of the toy is largely identical to the [[Hasbro]] version, except for the use of painted [[die-cast]] metal for numerous vehicle-mode panels.

:The mold was [[Retool|retooled]] into ''Alternators'' [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/AltHound/hound.htm More info on Alternators Hound at TFU.info]''

===Universe (2008)===
====Classic Series====
[[Image:Hounduniverselegends.jpg|right|250px|thumb|But not any more...]]
*'''Autobot Hound''' (Legends, 2008)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Legends Class|Legends-class]] figures (but the first wave to feature new-mold items, not simply ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]''-series [[Redeco|redecoes]]), the first ''Universe'' Hound toy is sculpted to closely resemble his Generation 1 design, particularly in the way his vehicle mode resembles a somewhat outdated, old-fashioned army jeep. Due to his small size and [[pricepoint]], he has no weapon in either mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/LegendsHound/hound.htm More information on Universe Legends Hound at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Generation 1 Series====
{{anchor|Univ2008Dx}}

[[Image:Universe2008 G1Hound.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Wait, never mind! I found them!]]
*'''Autobot Hound''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Missile launcher

:Part of the fourth wave of ''Universe'' Deluxe-class toys, this version of Hound is more of an evolution of the character rather than the reproduction the Legends class toy represents. His vehicle mode resembles a Jeep Hurricane concept car. Unlike his Legends class toy, Deluxe class Hound features his familiar (non-firing) rocket launcher in both vehicle and robot modes.

:Hound comes with a figure of [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage in an all-new sculpt]], who can fit (in tape form) on the back of Hound's vehicle mode. Other [[Mini-Cassette]] Transformers can fit there too, though not as well as the new Ravage.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TFUHound/hound.htm More information on Universe Deluxe Hound at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
*'''Hound''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-13'''
**''Accessories'': Missile launcher

:The Japanese version of ''Universe'' (2008) Hound, ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Hound is primary cast in a darker shade of green plastic for a better match to his original toy and appearances in fiction. Where ''Universe'' Hound had white plastic, ''Henkei'' Hound replaces it with grey, and overall has more elaborate paint applications, such as the toy-homaging yellow stripe around the edges of his his hood and silver paint on his hubcaps. As with all ''Henkei! Henkei!'' toys, Hound has [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] plastic, specifically his grill guard, albeit in an unusually dark color that almost defeats the purpose.

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroeshoundblitzwing.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not included: Awkwardly-positioned Spike.]]
*'''Autobot Hound''' vs '''Blitzwing''' (2008)

: Released in the first wave of ''Universe''-branded ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'', Hound is posed, like many Robot Heroes, in a squat crouching pose. However, he has a few noteworthy aspects: he's one of the few Generation 1 characters to be sculpted with a handheld weapon. More surprising than that, Hound is currently the ''most'' articulated Generation 1 Robot Hero, having swivel joints at his head, shoulders and ''waist''.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:Hound braver roadking armada generics.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
* The Hound toy was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "J59 Jeep", coming with a blue-and-white pilot figure and several IP-infringing decals.
* Ken Sansom's voice for Hound sounds not unlike famous actor [[Wikipedia:James Stewart (actor)|Jimmy Stewart]].

* Due to the animation models of the characters being based on box art as much as the actual toy, Hound's holographic rifle was misinterpreted as a small pistol thanks to the foreshortening used. The Alternators toy uses the "pistol", which led people more familiar with the original figure's gigantic rifle to quip that his new weapon was "far too small".

* Like those of many Generation 1 characters, Hound's animation model has appeared as an unnamed cameo in the [[Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]]. He is visible both reacting to the [[Mini-Con]] beacon alongside [[Braver]] and [[Road King]] in "[[First Encounter]]" (seen at right), and in a flashback in "[[Prehistory]]".

[[Image:HoundCyb.gif|thumb|]]

* The Alternators version of Hound was originally planned as a Jeep Rubicon, sporting a slightly different transformation that would have somewhat reduced the back kibble. The change from the Rubicon to the Wrangler model Hound ultimately came out as it did presumably due to Jeep wanting their more common model featured.

* For [[trademark]] reasons, the Alternators and Universe toys required an additional "Autobot" prefix in front of the name, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Hound'''".

* Going by [[Guido Guidi]]'s color guide for Hound's IDW Cybertronic form, he is consistently miscolored in "[[Spotlight: Galvatron]]" (compare above).

*The Japanese book [[Transformers Generations 2009|Transformers Generations 2009 Vol. 1]] contains concept art for an earlier version of ''Universe'' Hound, resembling a Humvee instead of the Jeep form of the final figure. [[Image:Universe Hound concept.jpg|200px|thumb|Not [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]].]]

{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Hound Hound's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Hound/hound.htm Hound at TFU.info]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Sari Sumdac (Animated)

2009-07-31T18:44:07Z

TransRyan: /* Animated cartoon */

:''Sari Sumdac is a [[technorganic]] humanoid from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Sari_Animated.JPG|thumb|150px|[[Isaac Sumdac|Daddies]], don't let your babies grow up to be [[Kiss Player]]s.]]
'''Sari Sumdac''', the technorganic daughter of robotics genius [[Isaac Sumdac]], didn't used get out much. She spent all her time within her father's laboratories, receiving her education from [[Tutor Bot|robots]]. Despite this, she doesn't seem like a shut-in. She's curious, excitable, adventurous, and knows that crying can sometimes get her what she wants. She's just never known what it's like to be around other kids. Fortunately, she has [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] to help with that, and she claims that 'Bee is the best friend she's ever had. In fact, she's become very possessive of all her robotic friends.

It was believed that Sari was a normal human, until it was revealed that she was made from a [[protoform]] and her father's DNA. Hence, the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] viewed her with great regard, bestowing upon her a [[key]] with miraculous powers (though her guardian, the robotic dog [[Sparkplug (robot dog)|Sparkplug]], thought it was just another chew toy).

Since discovering her true origin, she has absorbed the power of the Key to gain incredible Cybertronian abilities such as increased strength, speed, and the ability to create destructive spheres of energy with her hands, as well as the ability to transform into an armoured form with technological weaponry (most of which [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] was forced to seal away after she proved unable to control it). She also owns a scooter which can transform into a jet pack.

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Tara Strong]] (English), [[Tanja Schmitz]] (German), [[Agnieszka Wajs]] (Polish)

[[Image:TransWarpedProtoform.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Megatron was also a cute little protoform like this once. Makes you think, doesn't it?]]
Sari's origins are shrouded in mystery. She came into existence when a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] [[protoform]] appeared in Isaac Sumdac's laboratory. The baffled scientist reached out to touch the small, liquid metal creature, and received an electric shock that knocked him unconscious. When he awoke, the protoform had scanned his DNA and reconfigured into a techno-organic creature that appeared to be a human baby. Sumdac "adopted" the robot child and named it "Sari", and raised it as his own daughter over the next eight years. Understandably, Sumdac was reluctant to let Sari out into the world, and instead kept her mostly confined to [[Sumdac Tower]], educating her with [[Tutor Bot|robot tutors]] and creating robotic companions like her pet Sparkplug to keep her company. {{storylink|TransWarped}} Precisely ''how'' the protoform that became Sari appeared in Sumdac's lab is unknown; Sari herself seems to believe that she was one of the protoforms stolen from the [[Cyber-Ninja Corps]] by [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] millions of years ago and stored aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Animated)|Nemesis]]'', but given that those protoforms were [[blank]]s, and that it was a different size and shape to all the other protoforms seen, this seems unlikely. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

[[Image:SariLayingDown1.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Yūki Ōshima]] is drooling as we speak.]]
One day, when Sparkplug stole her security key card, Sari chased it outside and was confronted by the Autobots [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]], who hadn't quite yet fathomed what humans were, and spoke to her as if she were Sparkplug's pet. Naturally, she freaked out, but quickly befriended Bumblebee once he saved her from a giant bug that had grown from her father's nanite experiment gone awry. Stowing away on Bumblebee and coming aboard the [[Teletran-1|Autobots' ship]], she came across the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]], which infused part of its power into her security key. This allowed her to heal [[Transformer|Transformers]], such as the injured [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]], earning her brownie points with the 'Bots. She also managed to talk the police down from shooting the Autobots, saying they were friendly (except [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], who was grumpy, but not evil). Sari later helped teach the Autobots about [[Earth]] and [[Human|humans]], explaining their method of reproduction to a ''very'' startled [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]].

[[Image:Sariprime.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Prime was never the same after this.]]
During the unveiling of her father's new transit system, [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] arrived and attacked. Bumblebee took a shot meant for Sari, allowing Starscream to capture him, Professor Sumdac, the Mayor, and [[Captain Fanzone]]. Sari came up with the idea to distract Starscream while she and Prowl rescued the others (even faking some tears to make it happen). The Key later saved Optimus Prime's life when she used it, in concert with the AllSpark itself, to revive his [[Spark]]. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

Sari would go on to be Bumblebee's usual partner in crime, encouraging him to engage in such questionable activities as high-profile wrestling matches {{storylink|Total Meltdown}} and installing rocket boosters to make him go faster. {{storylink|Nanosec (episode)|Nanosec}} Sari likely hangs out with Bumblebee because she knows she can scare the holy be[[Primus]] out of him. {{storylink|Along Came a Spider}}

[[Image:Saricostume.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Trivia: Transformers [[Generation 1|used to]] look like this.]]
On Sari's eighth birthday, the only other kids who turned up were the children of her dad's employees. None of them really wanted to be there and soon focused their attention on the Autobots. Sari was left alone and shunned along with Bulkhead, both morose that the kids didn't like them. Her father's present, a music robot called [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]], cheered her up, and she soon began neglecting her friendship with Bulkhead in favour of her new toy. Repeated uses of the Key turned Soundwave into a malevolent, sentient being who tried to enslave Humanity, and she learnt she'd been wrong to ignore her friend. {{storylink|Sound and Fury}}

When the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Lugnut]] arrived on Earth, the two Decepticons manhandled the Autobots. Although they survived, it made apparent the fact that more would come looking for the AllSpark, so the Autobots decided to repair their ship and leave Earth. Sari's reaction to this was displeasure (in the form of a high pitch shout of NO!). However, they needed the Key to assist Ratchet in repairing the ship. Sari was unwilling to help them leave, and neither was she pleased to work with a grouch like Ratchet (who was not that keen on working with a [[Protoform]]), but they managed to get her to the ship. While alone with the AllSpark, Sari decided to try and sabotage the ship, thereby keeping the Autobots on Earth (and dooming her species to enslavement and/or extinction) but the Key repaired the damage. After that, the AllSpark showed her an image of [[Megatron (Animated)|a giant Transformer]]. In her panic, Sari opened the air lock, nearly drowning, but Ratchet saved her. Ratchet then explained that they were leaving because they couldn't risk anything happening to Earth or her. Swayed by his compassion, Sari used the Key to reactivate the Autobot ship's decommissioned weapons, reducing Blitzwing and Lugnut to pieces. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}}

Eventually, [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] decided that the Key was no longer safe in Sari's hands, and he ordered Ratchet to take it from her. Distraught, Sari ran off crying, only to be captured later by [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]], who was looking for the Key herself. Sari basically told her "too little, too late," and the two seemed to have a heart-to-heart about their gripes with the Autobots. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}}

[[Image:Megatron_Rising_Sari_chomp.JPG|thumb|left|175px|Isaac isn't the world's best dad, but he does know a good dentist.]]
While Sari was actually misleading Blackarachnia in circles around the frozen Lake Erie, she was grabbed by Ratchet as he brought the Autobots' ship out of the lake. She was ticked that Ratchet had lost the Key and that her dad had helped rebuild [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], but the blame game ceased after the ship crashed on [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]]. Prime told the Sumdacs to stay with the ship while they went to fight off Megatron. Fearing that they might die, Isaac Sumdac said that there was something that he needed to tell Sari, but she was more interested in finding something else the AllSpark could charge. The AllSpark refused to respond, other than cryptically displaying an image of a DNA strand. Suddenly, Megatron and Prime burst through the hull of the ship, and during their fight, the Key once again fell into her hands. Sari tossed it to Optimus Prime, who used the Key destroy the AllSpark and disperse its energy. Acknowledging that he had been wrong in taking from her, Optimus Prime gave the Key back to Sari, saying that as the most powerful Cybertronian artefact on Earth, it was too important to be left in the hands of an Autobot.

Unfortunately, all was not well, for Sari could not find her dad...as he was now a prisoner of Megatron. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

[[Image:Dramatic_change_in_plot.jpg|thumb|The tide has turned!]]
After her father's disappearance, Sari took over running [[Sumdac Systems]]. Board chairman [[Porter C. Powell]] opposed her, saying that she was too young and wasting company resources searching for her father. When the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]] arrived, Sari was cut off from the Autobots and her only source of emotional support. She soon needed them, as police drones coming out of a Sumdac assembly line began to malfunction, and Powell was unwilling to do anything about it. Sneaking aboard the [[Elite Guard flagship]], Sari put the fear of god into [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] before Bulkhead explained that Sari was okay (and Bumblebee explained that [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] was a jerk). With Optimus, Prowl, and Jazz's help, Sari managed to get into the plant's assembly line and shut down the systems. When she returned home, she found that she had been locked out of her office, as Powell was now CEO and Chairman of Sumdac Systems. Insisting that it was still her company, Sari was shocked when Powell revealed that she had no birth certificate, no adoption papers, and no social security number. Powell's smug revelation made Sari realize that not only was there no proof that she was Sumdac's daughter, there was no legal proof she even existed. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}}

After that, Powell kicked Sari out of Sumdac Tower, took Tutor Bot and Sparkplug, and gave her room to [[Headmaster (Animated)|Henry Masterson]] as an office. With nowhere else to go, she went to Autobot headquarters. Bumblebee and Bulkhead tried their best to cheer her up, employing such methods as loud music, inedible food, and unedifying teaching lesson. All they did was make things worse. Eventually, Prowl put the two bots in their place and told them to ''listen'' to her. Sari opened up about all her frustrations, such as her missing father, being kicked out of her home, her fear of Powell ruining her father's company, and the fact that there was no record of her existence. Bumblebee promised that they were there for her, no matter what, and Sari finally started to feel a little better. {{storylink|The Return of the Headmaster}}

[[Image:MissionAccomplished-Fanzoneindressinggown.jpg|thumb|left|Peekaboo!]]
And then [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] decided that the Autobots couldn't be there for her, as the Decepticons had begun attacking the fringes of Autobot space, so Prime's crew were needed elsewhere. The Autobots decided that Captain Fanzone was the best human with whom to leave her. (Granted, their list of known humans was rather short and included [[Meltdown (Animated)|Prometheus Black]] and [[Nanosec]].) Before anything close to adoption could occur, they managed to convince Magnus that there were Decepticons on Earth (mostly because Starscream fell out of the sky and landed about ten feet in front of them), allowing them to stay on planet. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}}

Sari amused herself after settling in with the Autobots by hooking up illegal satellite TV, which she used to watch pay-per-view races. (The races were also illegal, as the Autobots found out from Fanzone.) When Bumblebee wanted to join the races to compete against a mysterious blue car, Sari came along with him. Sari discovered that man in charge of the races, [[Master Disaster]], had a remote control containing an AllSpark fragment, which he used to control the blue car. Blitzwing showed up to take the fragment, so and Bumblebee had to run for their lives. Eventually, she used the remote to get rid of Blitzwing, allowing the Autobots to get the AllSpark fragment. After that, Bumblebee severed her satellite connection, saying that he had to set a better example for her. Sari advised him not to try too hard, or she wouldn't recognize him. {{storylink|Velocity}}

[[Image:Rise_Constructicons_Sari_no_pigtails.jpg|thumb|Don't mess the 'do.]]
Sari was awakened from her night's rest by the loud cavorting of the [[Constructicon (Animated)|"Constructobots"]]. A game of flattened-oil-barrel frisbee severed her trademark pigtails, which left her none too pleased. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}} Subsequently she proved that she was still more mature than Bumblebee in a number of ways, warning him off of taking on villains solo just to prove a point. Sadly he wouldn't realize this until the Decepticon behind the villains' success, [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] was revealed. By then it was too late, and she had to team up with those same villains to take his immobilized chassis to Sumdac Tower. Alarmed that the receptionist robot was now declaring it to be Powell Tower, she utilized the Key to rectify that little situation before heading off and successfully disabling Swindle's technology jamming device. {{storylink|SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy}}

A while after, Prowl and Sari were honing their agility using the factory's old assembly line. Sari claimed she could complete the exercise at full speed, like Prowl, but it was set to a quarter-speed, which proved to be too much for her at that and got a massive whack upside the head for her pains. After the Autobots discovered the return of the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]], Sari was left at the base at the command of Optimus, who told reminded her that they had almost decapitated her [[Rise of the Constructicons|the last time they met]]. Also, he doubted she would be able to take on a pair of two-story robots. At first Sari sulked at her situation, before realizing that she was completely alone in the base and did what any eight-year-old kid would do in an abandoned factory: raid the vending machines, use cranes as miniature G-force slings and try to take on Prowl's obstacle course at full speed (which went as well as last time).

[[Image:SariNoOne%27sHome-Mixmaster%2CScrapperandSari.jpg|thumb|left|200px|They're here to kick aft and drink oil. And they're still looking for the oil.]]
While listening to her music, Sari failed to notice the alarms going off, which heralded the invasion of the Constructicons who were looking for [[Oil|a drink]]. After the two louts accidentally crushed her cell phone and left her with the option of sneaking to the communications room to call the Autobots for help, Sari decided—after a council of war with her teddy bear—to take on the two bots using her trusty hockey stick (which shatters soon after she strikes them with it). She escaped and made it to the communication room, contacting Bumblebee who told her to hide and wait until they finish fighting off the recently appeared [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]], who was also looking for the Constructicons. Sari concluded that it would be too long and set up a trap for the two invaders, using three barrels of oil to trip them up and the plant's assembly line to knock them around for a while, forcing [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] to flee. The Autobots returned to find the place in ruins, but Sari showed them that she was all right. Optimus both apologized for his previous comments and lauded her for her bravery, and all was well for Sari—if she could just explain away the mountain of candy wrappers Optimus discovered... {{storylink|Sari, No One's Home}}

Sari later posed for a Picasso-style picture done by Bulkhead. The results were...interesting, to say the least. After criticism by the Autobots, a depressed Bulkhead walked out, and Sari and Bumblebee went to cheer him up. During a walk in the park, Megatron attacked them, carrying an imprisoned Isaac Sumdac with him, and Sari realized that Megatron had kidnapped him all those months ago. (Apparently, that hadn't occurred to anyone else.) While she looked on helplessly, Megatron managed to kidnap Bulkhead. When she returned to the plant, she heard the Autobot [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]] reveal that Professor Sumdac was helping the Decepticons build a [[space bridge]] to conquer Cybertron. Sari refused to believe that her father was willingly helping the Decepticons and got a promise out of Optimus Prime to bring him home alive. Heading to Dinobot Island, Ratchet and Sari worked to bring the Autobots' ship back online. Ratchet realized that they would need riskier repairs to bring achieve their goal. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

[[Image:TFA_ABTC_Sari_spoilers.jpg|thumb|150px|It's a strange thing when the human companion's story arc is more interesting than the robots.]]
As Ratchet worked, he explained that the ship was an Autobot who had sacrificed his spark two million years ago. Sari was doubtful that it would come back online...until it spoke to her. She proceeded to use the Key on several of the ship's systems, under Ratchet's direction, until it was able to take off. Taking it to the mine where the Decepticons were based, Sari managed to give the ship enough power to transform into its robot mode, [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]]. The massive Autobot turned the tide of the battle, but sacrificed himself to save the others from being sucked into the space bridge. The Autobots managed to escape, with both Sari and Isaac in tow, and Isaac revealed that he had been forced to work with the Decepticons. Overjoyed that her father was safe and still a good guy, Sari dubbed Isaac Sumdac the most honest and trust-worthy guy that anyone could hope to find. It was at that point that everyone assembled noticed that the skin on Sari's elbow had torn away, revealing robotic circuitry underneath. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

Although Sari was at first scared by this strange discovery, her fear quickly gave way to anger at her father for having kept the secret that she was a robot from her for years. As they returned to Detroit, Sumdac explained how he had found Sari in his lab years before, but the girl remained incredulous, and things only got worse when the pair confronted Porter C. Powell and Henry Masterson back in Sumdac Tower. When the two men refused to vacate the building, Sari's strained patience snapped, and her hands suddenly transformed into energy projectors, which created a shock wave that knocked the pair of do-badders into the elevator. Struggling to comprehend her true nature, Sari went with the Autobots to their headquarters, unable even to be in the same building as the man she could no longer even think of as her father. Optimus Prime did his best to patch up the damaged family relationship by tricking Sari into meeting with Sumdac at [[Burger Bot]], but it wasn't until Masterson returned with his Headmaster unit attached to Starscream's body that the bonds between father and daughter were repaired, as Sari and Sumdac defended each other from the villain.

[[Image:TransWarpedSariFocus.jpg|thumb|left|Okay Sari, focus. Let go of old thinking, focus on the transformation within. The key is finding the balance in yourself. Then, and only then, can you truly say...]]
Sari quickly began to get a handle on her new Cybertronian powers, learning to project spheres of energy from her hands, but the Autobots still refused to allow her to accompany them into battle against a rock-like alien creature that had just [[transwarp]]ed into the middle of Detroit. Seeking a means to increase her powers, Sari turned her Key upon herself and underwent a surprising metamorphosis: Her body was "aged" so that she appeared to be a teenager, and she sprouted powerful battle armour equipped with jet-skates, arm-blades and an energy-hammer.

[[Image:TransWarpedSariUpgrade.jpg|thumb|150x200px|..."I am transformed!"]]
Although Sari's new powers amazed the Autobots when she made short work of the rock-alien, things soon started to go wrong, as the Key's energy began overloading Sari's circuitry, causing her to run out of control. Unable to control her own body and causing objects around her to explode with her merest touch, Sari nearly killed Bumblebee by stabbing him with one of her blades before the Autobots were able to remove the key from her system. Even with the Key extracted, Sari's energies were still running wild, and she was in danger of exploding and destroying the entire city before Ratchet knocked her out with his EMP generator. Once they returned to the Autobot base, he bypassed the circuitry responsible for her overload.

[[Image:TransWarpedBumblebeeSari.jpg|thumb|left|''You've been hit by/ You've been struck by/ A smooth criminal'']]

As Sari convalesced, her father at her side, Megatron returned to Earth in control of Omega Supreme. Optimus Prime was forced to contemplate undoing the repairs done to Sari and using her to stop the rampaging superweapon as a last-ditch desperation play. When Starscream took control of Omega away from Megatron and locked down all the entrance hatches to prevent the Autobots from infiltrating the robot (again), he came to the point of ordering Ratchet to do so. Fortunately for Sari's (and Detroit's) continued existence, Ratchet refused, and the Autobots ultimately transwarped the threat off Earth. Soon after, Sari awoke and apologized to her friends for her foolishness, while her father apologized to her for holding back the truth for so long. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

After convalescing, she was next seen on [[Christmas]] Eve, making some [[oil-nog]] for the Autobots and warning them to stay off Santa's naughty list. When they went to bed early, thanks to a [[Sound Wave]] toy spiking the 'nog, she called them a bunch of party-poopers, but wished them a Merry Christmas and went home.

The next morning, she wasn't happy to receive another Sound Wave toy from her father, given [[Sound and Fury|what had happened with the last one]], and was further disappointed when she was given a motor scooter rather than a car...until she found out that it transformed into a jet pack. Overjoyed, she transformed to her robot mode and flew off to show Bumblebee. When she arrived at the Autobots' base, she found it apparently deserted, and was further puzzled when the base's scanners showed their energy signatures in the factory itself. The appearance of a [[Laserbeak (Animated)|creepy robot bird]], leading a number of Sound Wave toys from an elevator in the floor (which she'd not known about before), didn't help matters, so she used her palm blasters on them and took the lift down.

In the basement, she found the Autobots wired into a VR machine by a fully rebuilt Soundwave. With most of her weaponry offline, she was no match for him and his instruments when she tried to stop him. She was forced to retreat, promising to come back for her friends... {{storylink|Human Error, Part I}}

While she was flying back to Sumdac Tower, Soundwave decided to take over the whole city of Detroit, using the small Sound Waves to carry his hypnotic tunes, since reprogramming the Autobots was taking too long. As such, she arrived back to find a Sound Wave toy blaring hypnotic music at her...and kicked it out of the way. Soundwave deduced that her techno-organic nature made her immune to the music, and he shifted focus to trying to force everyone ''else'' to kill her, starting with her father!

After reluctantly dropping a shelving unit on her dad to make her escape, she flew to Dinobot Island for help. Her initial foray met with little success, since [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] and [[Swoop (Animated)|his pteranadon comrade]] refused to help, tried to kill her, then left her alone when she blasted at them. Grimlock's mention that the third member of his group had been kicked out for becoming someone's "pet" raised her curiosity, though, and she soon found Scrapper, separated from the other two Constructicons by [[Three's a Crowd|a big explosion]], on the island's shore playing with "[[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]]", and she managed to conscript the two into rescuing the other Autobots.

On their way back to the mainland on a makeshift raft, [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]] abruptly popped up from the lake's bottom and immediately became the fourth member of the troupe of [[Substitute Autobot|Substitute Autobots]]. Once they were ashore, Sari's chaotic attempt to get them to transform and roll out nearly had them leave her behind, but it became moot before too long when Soundwave flew out of the ground, followed by the brainwashed Autobots. Initial attempts by her group at fighting them went badly, as the Substitute Autobots proved incapable of working at a team, while the zombie-Autobots acted as a single, elegant machine under Soundwave, and Soundwave could even control her own jet pack. Sari then changed tack, abandoning efforts to co-ordinate her group and ordering them to attack as individuals. Soundwave's single, elegant machine had trouble multitasking, apparently leading to Prowl saving Sari from death at Bumblebee's stingers in an attempt to deliver his own blow.

This lasted until, with four Autobots down, only Optimus Prime remained...whereupon Soundwave could concentrate on controlling just one Autobot properly. As a result, Sari was almost killed by the enslaved Optimus—but was saved again by Prowl, who openly revealed that he'd broken Soundwave's control in knocking Ratbat away from him. Shortly after, Soundwave was again shattered into many pieces, and Sari could once again concentrate on celebrating Christmas with her adopted family and her father. {{storylink|Human Error, Part II}}

[[Image:TFA-DecepticonAir-SariHands.jpg|thumb|(Insert ''Ghost in the Shell'' joke here)]]
When Bulkhead and her father belatedly completed the space bridge they'd been working on (after the purpose they'd been making it for had been accomplished), Sari objected that they would have gotten it working sooner if they'd let her help. They scoffed and went back to bickering about the final tweaks...so Sari took it upon herself to head over to the console, where her eyes glowed, her hands separated into wires, and she finished the setup in seconds. When Optimus asked just ''how'' she'd managed that, she replied that she didn't know how, she just...had. Further, when Sentinel Prime sent an encoded message to Optimus that things had gone horribly wrong on the Elite Guard's ship, Sari managed to lock onto the transwarp signature of Swindle's personal storage dimension to get Optimus aboard, after Bulkhead wasn't sure it was even possible.

[[Image:TFA-DecepticonAir-SariKnowsStuff.jpg|thumb|left|"I'm Sari Sumdac. I know stuff."]]
Later, after Swindle had departed the ship and Bulkhead wasn't sure he could retrieve Optimus, she claimed she could fix it and that she'd figured out why, guessing she must have upgraded her "processor...or brain or whatever" as part of her wider upgrade. However, putting it to the test wasn't necessary, as the ship dropped off Optimus at Sumdac Tower, safe and sound. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

When Optimus Prime abruptly decided he needed a jetpack of his own, Sari, along with Ratchet and her dad, was called into service to make it happen, which included Sari diagnosing a problem just by touching it. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} The flight pack soon got its baptism of fire when Megatron unleashed a trio of [[Lugnut Supreme]]s on Detroit. Initially, Sari wanted to confront the giant Decepticons with Optimus and Prowl, but Optimus told her no. As she began to throw a hissy-fit about being kept back for her own safety again, he cut her off and told her he wanted her to help protect her "fellow organics" with the other Autobots. Embarrassed, she backed down.

Later, when Ratchet, Bumblebee and Bulkhead were about to depart for the Moon in an attempt to take back the original Omega Supreme, she insisted on transwarping there with them. Her worried father attempted to forbid her, but she told him that she knew there was something there she needed to do, and flew into the space bridge. Once there, Sari could hardly believe she was really on the Moon, but her amazement was soon tabled when Ratchet spotted Arcee, leading to the quartet being ambushed by [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]]. While Bumblebee and Bulkhead held the shape-shifting Decepticon off, Sari and Ratchet headed into Omega Supreme's inactive body with the damaged fembot and found the lab Shockwave had been using. Although slightly freaked out by the female robot's mindless repetition of lessons for young Cybertronian 'bots, Sari was able to use her technopathy to tell Ratchet how to restore her mind. Shortly after Arcee came fully back online, Bumblebee and Bulkhead came in with news for Sari. They took her down into the hold of the [[Nemesis (Animated)|Decepticons' ship]], where several blank protoforms lay. Believing that this was where she had come from, Sari reached out to touch one of the protoforms, confirming for herself that there really had been a reason for her to be there.

Meanwhile, Ratchet and Arcee had broken Lugnut's hold over Omega Supreme and reactivated the giant Autobot, and Sari joined the others in flying back to Earth aboard the ship. As he fought with his purple duplicates, those inside were shaken about. After a particularly hard hit from the last clone standing, which forced Omega to transform to ship mode and crash-land, he checked that those inside were all right, whereupon Sari noted that "all Autobots, half-bots and almost-bots" were present and accounted for. Shortly afterward, Prowl gave his spark to shield the city from the last Omega-clone's detonation, and Megatron was defeated and arrested. Sari accompanied the Autobots back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to share in their triumphant return. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

===Titan Magazines===
[[Image:Bumblebeepizza_Titan25.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Why said pizza didn't fly out of the box is another story.]]

When Starscream and [[Starscream clone|his clones]] seized the Autobot base, Sari immediately fled to Dinobot Island to get help. She found out the Dinobots were being made grouchy by the constant rain, so she promised they could stay in the Autobot base until it stopped if they drove out the Decepticons. That made Sari Grimlock's friend and left the Autobots crying when they saw the weather forecast. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 17|Dino-MIGHT!}}

Being present for [[Quake-Maker|Quake-Maker's]] first attack on Detroit, she got to see the arrival of shiny new hero [[Afterburn]]. She was smitten at first sight. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 1|Burnout}} She even got to hang with him on a mission to Dinobot Island! As well as be stunned by his ace moves, she used her Key to heal a wounded Grimlock and suffered emotional abuse when Ratchet faked his death to test Afterburn. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 2|Ratchet & Grimlock Are DEAD?}}

Later, while watching a basketball game, Sari had to help stop an attack on the city by the villainous [[Crossroads]]. She'd met the supervillain when he'd worked at [[Sumdac Systems]] but his awesome disguise of a blue strip of cloth on his head threw her for a few minutes. Once she'd worked it out, she was able to inform the Autobots he was heading for [[Sumdac Tower]] and helped see to his defeat. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 3|Crossroads!}}

Sari hit on a solution to Bumblebee and Prowl's macho posturing, setting up a race between the two in [[Crazy Coyote Canyon]] to determine who was the fastest. And she draw [[:Image:CoyoteCanyonmap.jpg|an adorable little map]] of the race track. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|The Race}}

==Notes==
[[Image:TFA_Sari_Sumdac_prelim_promo.JPG|thumb|left|120px|NOT show accurate.]]
[[Image:Sari_tbob_trike.jpg|thumb|right|I d-d-don't think th-this is s-such a g-g-good idea, Scott!]]
* A promotional image of Sari from the [[Cartoon Network]] ''Transformers Animated'' press kit showed her with different shoes, a different Key design, and a slightly darker skin tone.

* In a preliminary version of the opening credits, Sari appeared riding on a tricycle which she used the Key to transform into a jet pack. The footage was dropped from the finished credits, but was screened at conventions and was later included on the DVD packaged with the Optimus Prime and Megatron "The Battle Begins" action figure two-pack. The concept was later recycled as a Christmas present from her father in "[[Human Error, Part I]]"; instead of a tricycle, she has an [[Sureshock (Armada)|orange scooter]] which transforms into a jet pack compatible with her robotic body. She may have been gone for four episodes, but now she can fly!

* Sari's pigtails do ''not'' grow back overnight...or do they?

* Sari has a transformation noise shared only with her scooter/jetpack, likely because of her rather unique origin.

* Sari did not appear for four episodes in S3—between "[[Three's a Crowd]]" and "[[Predacons Rising]]"—after her almost-disastrous upgrade, the longest time she has been absent in the series so far. Well, considering the shift in focus...not to mention [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]]'s presence on Earth for three of those episodes, perhaps it's just as well. He'd probably have totally freaked out as soon as he saw her.

* Ever since her [[TransWarped]] upgrade, she has what appear to be [[articulation]] lines on her sleeves and stockings/socks.

* Sari's hands can transform into several different modes, two of which pay homage to the anime ''Ghost in the Shell'' and ''[[Iron Man]]''.

* From [[TransWarped]] onward, her eyes were an inverted version of Autobot eyes, with the lighter shade of cyan as the "whites" and the darker shade as the "iris".

* Despite the controversial [[Key]] no longer being a part of the series, it can be argued that Sari is slowly turning into a ''deus ex machina'' just like it in her own right, merely by virtue of [[Decepticon Air|"knowing stuff" crucial to the storyline]] (often ''without'' a proper explanation), as well as being able to diagnose mechanical problems [[Endgame, Part I|merely by touching a given machine]].

* According to the panel at the 2009 Botcon,Sari's Cybertronian/robotic nature was planned from the very beginning.[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/236269-botcon-2009-animating-animated-panel-coverage.html]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sumdac, Sari}}
[[Category:Animated characters]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Transformers]]

Electronic paint job

2009-07-29T01:10:28Z

TransRyan:

:''A electronic paint job is a technology in the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]] continuity.''
Useful for infiltration and espionage, an '''electronic paint job''' is a technological innovation that allows a Transformer to alter their coloration as circumstances dictate. As such, it is popular with [[Wasp|fugitives]] and [[Shockwave (Animated)|Spies]].

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Wasp]] utilized an electronic paint job when he infiltrated the Autobot base in [[Detroit]] and switched places with [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]. This allowed him to work quickly, and easily make his escape once the ruse was discovered. {{storylink|Where Is Thy Sting?}}

[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] later revealed that his coloration while posing as Longarm Prime was a electronic paint job, hiding his true (purple) colors during his extended infiltration of the Autobot ranks. {{storylink|This Is Why I Hate Machines}}

==Notes==
*The electronic paint job used by Wasp is push-button activated.

[[Category:Animated]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Soundwave (G1)/toys

2009-07-07T00:59:08Z

TransRyan: /* Titanium Series */

'''[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]''': popular. Amount of merchandise: sufficient for its own page.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Soundwave toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Soundwave superior. 'Nuf said.]]
* '''Soundwave''' (Decepticon, 1984/1985, 2003, 2007)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''17''', '''TFC-10'''
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: Soundwave transforms into a realistically sized microcassette recorder of indeterminate manufacture and includes weapons that turn into imitation batteries to power his nonexistent circuitry. [[Takara]]'s release of Soundwave in the ''[[Transformers]]'' line was nearly identical to the ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "MC-10 Cassette Man" toy on which he was based. This meant that along with being packaged with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (previously a red "MC-01 Micross"), he came with a set of non-functioning headphones that allowed you not to listen to the silence not recorded on his non-functioning tapes with the non-functioning microphone. [[Hasbro]] packaged Soundwave with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] rather than Rumble and omitted the other non-functioning accessories.

: Soundwave was included in the VS-Y versus pack along with Rumble and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]].

: In 2003, Soundwave was reissued as part of Takara's [[Transformers Collection]] "book-box" series. This iteration of Soundwave was packaged with [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].

: Another reissue of Soundwave and Laserbeak was seen in 2007 with Takara's [[Encore|Transformers Encore]] series. This release featured significantly lighter blue and tweaked stickers to match this new shade.

{{-}}{{anchor|SoundblasterG1}}
[[Image:G1Soundblaster toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Once you go black, you can never go b—]]
*'''Soundblaster''' (Decepticon, 1987, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-101''', '''TFC-18'''
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: As part of the Japanese ''[[The Headmasters (toyline)|Headmasters]]'' series, Soundwave was [[Redeco|redecoed]] and [[Retool|retooled]] so that he could hold two cassettes in his chest at once. Soundblaster's tape door was cast in transparent red plastic to allow the information on the "readout" decal to be seen, functioning in the same manner as the Tech Specs decoders. This was unique to the ''Headmasters'' decos of the cassettes. The readouts of the Decepticon cassettes showed the "weak points" of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Soundblaster came packaged with Buzzsaw.

: Soundblaster saw reissue in the Transformers Collection series in 2005, packaged together with Buzzsaw and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].

{{-}}{{anchor|ActionMaster}}
[[Image:G1 ActionMaster Soundwave toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|—uh, never mind.]]
*'''Soundwave with Wingthing''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' "Photon Negator" rifle

: Part of the very first wave of [[Action Master|Action Masters]], Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure which combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. He came packaged with his new partner, [[Wingthing]].

{{-}}
===Transform Gōkin===
*'''Soundwave''' (1985)
{{charstubtoys}}

===Transform Jr===
*'''Soundblaster''' (1987)
{{charstubtoys}}

===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2 Gobot Soundwave toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|The goggles, they do nothing.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Gearhead]], Soundwave transforms into a Ford Thunderbird stock car with precision wheels and wire axles, compatible with "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" playsets and tracks (which he was properly sized to fit). Notably, his color scheme is very '''loud''', being bright shades of fluorescent yellow, pink and blue. This is one time fans can actually get away with describing a toy's color scheme as [[neon]].

[[Image:JG2 Soundwave.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Soundhead. Or Gearwave.]]
: In Japan, Soundwave was one of three Go-Bots releases, on a normal [[Hasbro]] card with stickers over key parts to add Japanese text to the mix. While this version uses the same bright yellow outer car shell, his internal parts are the same as the second-series all-opaque version of Gearhead. Interestingly enough, his giant "T" hood deco was also applied to the other two toys in the series, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[W.A.R.S.]] and the ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' incarnation of [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]. It was planned to be used to make ''Generation 2'' [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]], but that toy was canceled.

{{-}}{{anchor|LaserCycle}}
[[Image:LaserCycleSoundwvProtoMOC1a.jpg|right|150px|thumb|His bio actually says this isn't his favorite form. No foolin'.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Laser Cycle, 1995)

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Laser Cycle]] [[Road Pig (Decepticon)|Road Pig]] was planned as Soundwave, but ultimately never released, one of many planned late-1995 ''Generation 2'' redecos that never made it to release. Interestingly, many of these —including Soundwave and fellow Laser Cycle redeco [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] ''were'' solicited in various store catalogues. Some packaged samples of this toy do exist, but there are estimated to be less than a dozen in existence. Soundwave would have transformed to a blue and silver Honda Goldwing motorcycle, with an LED-lit tailpipe that becomes an arm-mounted weapon in robot mode.

: This mold was later [[Retool|retooled]] to make ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Axer]] and ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]].

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
===Machine Wars===
[[Image:MW Soundwave toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Not my scene, baby!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Mega, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Giant missile, radar dish

:Originally a [[KB Toys]] exclusive, ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Soundwave is a [[redeco]] of the [[Predator]] [[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]], minus Stalker's handgun and its missiles and with the sighting gimmick having been removed from the missile. In this incarnation, Soundwave transforms into a tracked ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile) carrier of probably made-up model. His ICBM can mount on either shoulder or his back in robot mode, and features a see-through "scope" gimmick that is considerably neutered from Stalker's original version. The top panel slides open to allow the small Predator jets to attach to it via their [[Megavisor]] gimmicks.

: This mold was also used to make the ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[#Universe_.282003.29|incarnation of Soundwave]].
{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[Image:SmallestTF Soundwave toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Size: small. Taste: Big]]
*'''Soundwave and Ravage''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: Like all of the ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'', this version of Soundwave is a tiny replica of his Generation 1 form. He came with ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who is probably ''the'' smallest Transformer ever.

{{-}}

===Universe (2003)===
[[Image:Universe Soundwave%26Space-Case toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Now, let's see Space Case jump out of Soundwave's chest!]]
*'''Soundwave & Space Case''' (Ultra, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Giant missile, radar

: The [[#Machine_Wars|''Machine Wars'' version of Soundwave]] was redecoed for release in the ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' line in an Ultra-level two-pack with [[Space Case]]. It retains basically all the same neutered gimmicks from the previous release of the mold.

: Due to the lack of fiction for either toy in the set, it is ''possible'' that this incarnation is in fact an alternate-universe version of Soundwave, or possibly even a new character altogether.

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
{{anchor|TiCR}}
[[Image:Titanium CybHeroes Soundwave toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Steel Band.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: A new representation of his Generation 1 form, [[Titanium Series]] Soundwave transforms into a slightly redesigned version of his original microcassette player mode. Included is a VERY tiny Laserbeak that transforms into a black rectangle, vaguely resembling a microcassette, and is almost (but not quite) as small as ''Smallest TF'' Ravage. He can also fit inside of Soundwave's chest. Both of Soundwave's guns resemble batteries and fit into the battery compartment on his back. Some fans have complained that oddly-shaped crotch area makes it look like Soundwave is wearing a diaper, and that poor leg engineering makes it impossible for them to stay extended, and as a result unable to stand up ([http://www.reprolabels.com/Misc/babywave.asp much like a baby].)

{{anchor|TiSoundblaster}}
*'''Soundblaster''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: A planned redeco of the transforming ''Titanium'' Soundwave in Soundblaster colors, this toy would have come with a new ''Titanium'' version of [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] instead of Laserbeak. However, this toy was ultimately canceled along with many other solicited 6" Cybertron Heroes. According to the packaging for Titanium [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], he would have been "also available" as of November 2008, as Hasbro was unwilling to spend the resources on altering the packaging for these already complete toy packages.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{anchor|Ti3inch}}
[[Image:Titanium-toy RMSoundwave.JPG|right|160px|thumb|]]
*'''Soundwave''' (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
**'' Accessories'': Decepticon stand

: Soundwave was also planned to be released as a 3" Robot Masters non-transformable figurine, though it never saw release.

{{-}}
{{canceledtoy}}

===Classics===
[[Image:Classics Commemorative Soundwave toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ravage, Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Reissue.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Commemorative Edition, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: Despite having packaging that claims ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Soundwave is "identical to the original toy," this version is actually a redeco of the [[Transformers Collection]] Sound''blaster'' reissue in Soundwave's original colors. This is presumably due to reported mold degradation on the cassette door of the Soundwave mold. While later releases such as the [[Encore|Transformers Encore]] edition would feature a single-cassette bay, it is noteworthy that this release featured the much more rarely used Cassetteman version of the door mold. Like the Soundblaster reissue, ''Classics'' Soundwave is packaged with "Battle" Ravage, as well as Laserbeak, recolored from Soundblaster's Buzzsaw. In a move rare for a US release of this toy, the set included two [[Takara]] clear-plastic cassette cases.

: Exclusive to Toys 'R' Us stores, Soundwave had been intended for the [[Commemorative Series]], but after the cancellation of that line, he was added to ''Classics'', although the phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box.

{{note|While the actual product uses the Soundblaster mold, the package photos show Soundwave with the single-tape door mold used for Takara's TFC-10 reissue.}}
===Music Label===
[[Image:Music label soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Soundwave finally enters the digital age after only what, a decade and a half?]]
*'''Soundwave Playing Audio Player''' (2007)
**''Accessories:'' Electric launcher, "Wave Bluster", 2 closed fists (left & right), 2 gun-holding pose fists (left & right), 2 eject-button pose fists (left & right), headphones

: Released by [[TakaraTomy]]'s [[Music Label]] (which also puts out a not-half-as-cool [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys|Convoy iPod stand]]), Soundwave is an MP3 player which takes a miniSD card. The box says it can take up to 1 GB, but many claims have shown it can support up to 2 GB. The player uses 1 AAA battery. An optional accessory, sold separately, features headphones that transform into [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. The player also features a transformation almost entirely accurate to his ''Generation 1'' appearance. He also comes with two sets of hands, his shoulder cannon, and a sidearm. It's totally awesome to so many degrees.

: '''Controls'''
:* Play/Pause (Press and hold for three seconds to power on or off)
:* Next
:* Previous
:* Volume Up
:* Volume Down.

: It also treats Folders as Albums.

[[Image:MusicLabel Soundwave whiteblack.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Actually is Shattered Glass Soundwave]]
: An LED behind the "cassette" door turns on and flashes to indicate the power's on. The single AAA battery lasts for about 6 hours of continuous play. Soundwave was initially released in two color schemes: "Spark Blue", his normal blue and silver colors; and "Sonic White", a mostly white color scheme with some blue detailing, echoing the traditional iPod color scheme. While the "Spark Blue" version reappeared in a second production run, the "Sonic White" version was replaced with "Blaster Black". In this deco, the figure bears a deliberate resemblance to Soundblaster. However, the packaging and other materials still refer to it as "Soundwave".

: The "Sonic White" version was also later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the mirror-universe "[[Shattered Glass]]" [[Soundwave (Shattered Glass)|Soundwave]].

{{-}}

===Attacktix===
[[Image:Attacktix G1Soundwave toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I like big blasters and I can not lie!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Booster, 2007)

: Part of a planned second series of ''Transformers [[Attacktix]]'' boosters, Soundwave was to be a 30-point "Leader" class piece.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===Soundwave Tape Player===
* '''Soundwave''' (1985)

:A non-Transforming cassette player in the shape of Soundwave in his robot mode, made by Hasbro in 1985. It runs on 3 C batteries (not included, of course).

===Decoy===
*'''Soundwave''' (Decoy, 1986)
**''Decoy ID number'':

: Coming packaged at random on carded ''Transformers'' toys during 1986, [[Decoy]] Soundwave is a soft-rubber figure depicting his robot mode. Like all Decepticon Decoys, Soundwave was available in both purple and red, with the red version being considerably rarer.

===Super Collection Figure/Heroes of Cybertron===
[[Image:HOC-figure Soundwave.JPG|right|125px|thumb|]]
* '''Soundwave''' (2001)

:A PVC figure of Soundwave made up of multiple pieces, that comes pre-assembled. Soundwave has his left hand posed as if he's pressing the button on his chest to eject a tape. Or perhaps he could be pointing crookedly at something just off camera moments before he lets out his gasping breath? Maybe not.
{{-}}
* '''Soundblaster''' (2002)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

===Hard Hero===
[[Image:HardHero Soundwave bust.JPG|right|160px|thumb|]]
* '''Soundwave''' (2002)

:The fourth in [[Hard Hero]]'s series of ''Transformers'' busts, Soundwave is 6 inches tall and made out of cold-cast porcelain. 100 copies of the bust were signed by sculptor [[Jason Ray]].

{{-}}
===MyClone===
* '''Soundwave (2003)'''

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

===Transformers - Wall Plaque===
[[Image:Soundwave plaque.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Arrival: Imminent. Party: Started.]]
* '''Soundwave''' (Diamond Select, 2006)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2006, Soundwave was sculpted by [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1,000 pieces. He is seen emerging from the space bridge with Frenzy, Laserbeak, and Ravage in tow.
{{-}}

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[Image:Soundwave statue.jpg|right|175px|thumb|An elegant but succinct summation.]]
* '''Soundwave''' (Diamond Select, 2007)

: Released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2007, Soundwave was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1,000 pieces. The sculpt features both his concussion blaster gun and shoulder cannon with Laserbeak perched on his left shoulder. His tape deck altmode is sculpted on the base of the bust.

{{-}}
[[Image:Soundblaster statue.jpg|right|175px|thumb|So this is what having your own mold feels like.]]
* '''Sound Blaster''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

:Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Sound Blaster was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]], limited to 1,000 pieces. He comes with [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] perched on his shoulder, and a scale version of Frenzy in tape mode that can be freely removed. This is Sound Blaster's first North American release. His name has been changed from "Soundblaster" to "Sound Blaster".

:His [[Tech Spec]] contains some interesting new information, notably that his body was reconstructed using technology stolen from [[Nebulos]] and his shoulder cannon is now an "electric launcher" capable of firing charged particles at 38,000 volts. His tech spec stats are STR 10 INT 7 SPD 8 END 10 RNK 9 CRG 10 FBL 10 SKL 8 and completely different from the ones on his original Japanese release. His motto reads "Volume the same, destructive power doubled."

{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Bumblebee & Soundwave''' (2007)

[[Image:G1 RobotHeroes BumblebeeVsSoundwave.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Be vewy, vewy qwiet...]]
: ''[[Robot Heroes]]'' Soundwave is a soft-plastic figurine sculpted in a [[super-deformed]] style, with joints at his head and shoulders (although his shoulder cannon prevents his big head from turning to the right). He came in a two-pack with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].

{{-}}

===Mighty Muggs===
[[Image:MightyMuggs_Soundwave.jpg|right|thumb|175px]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: This [[super-deformed]], non-transformable Soundwave figure uses the standard [[Mighty Muggs]] body template, with swivel joints in his neck and arms. His colors are based on those of his original toy, including yellow eyes, and he comes with a super-deformed version of his concussion blaster.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* According to an interview in the magazine ''Otaku USA'' (issue 3, pg. 102-3), the original Microchange toy and the accompanying cassettes were at least partially designed by famed mecha designer and anime director [[Shinji Aramaki]]. He did not come up with the transformation scheme, but designed most of the outward appearance and details. He also worked on the toys that became the deluxe [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]], and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]].

* Including the ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "Cassette Man" version, the original Soundwave mold has sported at least four different tape doors:
** The original MC-10 version had a cassette door that had "Cassette Man" emblazoned on it and featured a hinge that was internal to the robot's body.
** For the initial ''Transformers'' release by Hasbro, the "Cassette Man" text was removed.
** When [[Takara]] released the ''Transformers'' version of Soundwave in Japan, they [[retool]]ed the hinge so the bottom of the door attached to the outside of the robot, on either side of the "buttons", which had also been retooled. Both versions of Soundwave were available in Japan, making the retool a running change [[variant]].
** The Soundblaster version had a door that retained the external hinge and added the capacity for holding a second cassette.

[[Image:Classics Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Pimp My Ride.]]
* The Decepticon faction insignia appears to be roughly based on Soundwave's head.

* Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)

* "Years ago", [[Don Figueroa]] created a concept drawing for a potential SUV-esque Soundwave toy — either for ''[[Alternators]]'' or ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'', he no longer remembers — which went unused.[http://www.unicron.com/news_item/1132/] Despite the [[fandom]]'s immediate assumptions, ''Transformers Animated'' character designer [[Derrick Wyatt]] has said that this particular design did ''not'' in fact influence the [[Soundwave (Animated)|Animated version of Soundwave]], meaning any resemblance between the two is coincidental.

* During one of Hasbro's designer panels at [[BotCon 2008]], an audience member questioned the feasibility of releasing the [[Soundwave (G1)|''Music Label'' Soundwave toy]] in the [[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'']] toyline, but '''''without''''' the expensive MP3 player electronics. Bizarrely, Hasbro design director [[Aaron Archer]] gave a seemingly prepared statement that did not answer the question at all, and instead stated that Hasbro were unlikely to release ''Music Label'' Soundwave in their markets due to the obscurity of the MiniSD memory card format. (For what it's worth, Hasbro's [[Greg Lombardo]] had given an actual answer to the same question at [[BotCon 2007]], when he stated that ML Soundwave's innards are so devoted to electronics that removing them might adversely impact the leftover toy's appearance and stability.)

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Skywarp (G1)

2009-07-06T05:17:54Z

TransRyan: /* Generation 1 cartoon */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|wreckers}}
{{disambig3|Skywarp}}
:''Skywarp is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Skywarp1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Skywarp, Decepticon Stair-Pusher-Downer]]
[[Teleportation]] is a dangerous tool in the hands of a capable adversary. Thankfully for the [[Autobot|Autobots]], '''Skywarp''' is the Decepticon who possesses that ability. Skywarp's not so bright, so without supervision he's worthless as a warrior. He mostly uses his teleportation power for immature pranks on both friend and foe. He takes a charmingly puerile angle at thuggery, so his pranks are well-received amongst his Decepticon peers (excepting the victim, of course).

Because, come on, a surprise push down a staircase is ''hilarious''.

{{quote|Don't think. Just do.|Skywarp's life motto|"[[Megatron Origin issue 4]]"}}

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Fraudeur''' ("Cheater" or "Evader" or "Smuggler")
:''Hungarian name'': '''Égretörő''' ("Sky-springer")
:''Italian name'': '''Corvo''' ("Crow")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics)'': '''Espião Celeste'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics)'': '''Viajante'''
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Tīen Wān''' (天彎, "Sky Warp")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Nao Fan Tian''' (鬧翻天, "Extreme Ruckus")
:''Russian TV dub name:'' '''Deformer'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|left|300px|thumb|You can tell Skywarp apart from Thundercracker in the Marvel Comics by, uh.... let us get back to you on that.]]
Skywarp was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] troops who attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] during its mission to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid field. He was deactivated when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he lay dormant for four million years. When he and his fellow Decepticons awoke, Skywarp was given a new [[Alternate mode|altmode]], that of an Earth jet. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} He aided the Decepticons in their building of their new base constructed of parts from [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and joined in their attack on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s auto repair shop. After the successful abduction of Sparkplug Witwicky, Skywarp, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] defended their base from [[Autobot|Autobots]], though [[Gears]] and [[Spider-Man]] were able to sneak through and rescue Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

''When Starscream fired upon his teammate [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] for eavesdropping on his plot to overthrow Megatron, Skywarp and the other Decepticons sought deadly revenge on the Decepticon [[Air Commander]]. {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} Though Starscream escaped, the Decepticons soon regrouped to attack the Ark, but their battle was ended prematurely when [[Auntie]], the Ark's computer system, magnetized the walls, immobilizing both factions. {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}} On another occasion, he and Thundercracker made a strafing run on two Autobot spies, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. Jazz was deafened and blasted off the road, but Sunstreaker led them into a human military zone, prompting Megatron to call them back to base. {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}} Skywarp also traveled with the Decepticons to the [[United Kingdom]], where he and his teammates attempted to learn about a mysterious Autobot rescue ship buried under a castle. An initial attack on the Autobots left Skywarp seriously wounded by a bomb from [[Bluestreak]]. {{storylink|Man of Iron!}}''

Though Sparkplug Witwicky was able to devise a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable substance, he also poisoned the result, so Skywarp and his fellow Decepticons were immobilized at the climax of their would-be final battle with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took command of the Decepticons and the Ark shortly thereafter and nursed Skywarp and his comrades back to full health. Skywarp may have helped Shockwave attempt to capture and brainwash [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] into a Decepticon, or it may have been Thundercracker without red stripes. It's hard to tell. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

[[Image:Skywarpgoofyteleportation.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Upon close inspection, Skywarp's teleportation power is merely a goofy loop-de-loop.]]
He served the Decepticon cause up until he was deactivated while battling [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and placed in prison stasis at Autobot headquarters. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] traveled back from the year 2006 to build a super-weapon to destroy [[Unicron]], Skywarp was a key player in the defeat of the mad Decepticon. Sorta.''

''The Autobots took Skywarp out of stasis, painted him to look like [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and sent him stumbling toward Galvatron with a tape-recorder of Starscream's voice on his back. Galvatron, still sore about Starscream tossing him out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] during his Megatron days, shot and presumably killed Skywarp. Galvatron then realized that if he killed Starscream in the past then there'd be no way he could have killed Starscream in the future (never mind that killing Skywarp now opens up that whole issue of [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus' identity]]). Believing he was in an alternate past and thus nothing he did there would affect his personal timeline, Galvatron hurried back to his proper time. Way to take one for the team, Skywarp. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

During a massive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth's moon, Skywarp and the other Decepticons held in stasis aboard the Ark were liberated by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and subsequently brought back online. {{storylink|Totaled!}} During the first Decepticon Civil War, Skywarp battled with [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s Decepticons against [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s Decepticons. Skywarp surprised [[Bugly]] with his teleportation powers and blasted him, temporarily stunning him. However, Bugly successfully returned fire, striking where he guessed Skywarp would next teleport. {{storylink|Cold War!}} Skywarp was repaired in time to face an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream in [[Tokyo]], but both he and Thundercracker were destroyed by their former flying partner. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

====''Generation 2''====
The Autobots and the Decepticons had just agreed to make an alliance against the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]], but the Decepticons disagreed about aiding other planets' people. When the Autobots went alone to fight the Cybertronians, they almost were defeated, until Skywarp (yes, this article is about him) suddenly appeared, followed by the rest of the Decepticon army, to aid the Autobots.

And you just know he mocked the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] he saved. ''Relentlessly.'' {{storylink|Escalation!}}

====''Classics''====
{{note|Classics is a [[splinter timeline]] from the Marvel US continuity that does not include events from either ''Generation 2'' or the Marvel UK issues.}}
His broken body rescued from [[Tokyo]], Skywarp was rebuilt using Shockwave's upgraded [[Seeker]] schematics. He was told that it was Starscream, driven mad with the power of the [[Underbase]], who did him in. Skywarp's okay with that. After all, the traitor's going to have to let down his guard sometime. {{fact}}

After the appearance of the mysterious crossdimensional Decepticon [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], Skywarp and the other rebuilt Decepticons under Megatron's command traveled to [[South America]] to investigate an equally mysterious power source that seemed to share traits with Landquake. En route, they were attacked by [[Walter Barnett]]'s [[RUNT]] squad. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 2}} Skywarp managed to shake off these interlopers just before Optimus Prime and his Autobots arrived in search of this same power source, and a new battle between the factions began in the jungles surrounding the power source. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}} As the battle escalated, Skywarp and Starscream fought [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] across the skies, {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}} but ultimately, Megatron was forced to call for a withdrawal. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Masashi Ebara]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Cybertron alt-mode (left). The early Decepticons promoted geometry.]]
In the early days of the Decepticon rebellion, Skywarp and Thundercracker both faced the powerful protectors of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron's]] cities, the [[Guardian Robots]]. Even millions of years later, the powerful Guardians struck fear into Skywarp's spark. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

Skywarp was one of the elite Decepticons that accompanied [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in attacking and boarding the Autobot Ark four million years ago. After crash-landing on Earth, the Decepticons and [[Autobot|Autobots]] laid dormant for four million years, until volcanic activity stirred them into consciousness. Skywarp was the first of the Ark's Transformers to be reformatted and awakened by the ship's computer, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]. Now an Earthen F-15 fighter jet, Skywarp next dragged his master Megatron's body into the reformatting rays of the Ark's computer. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

Since the Decepticons were so badly short-staffed during their early days on Earth, Skywarp was usually involved in whatever crazy plot for universal domination Megatron was hatching. This included attacks on an off-shore oil rig, [[Sherman Dam]] and the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma|ruby crystal mines of Burma]]. When the Decepticons escaped the Burma operation with a cache of energon cubes, Skywarp requested permission from Megatron to teleport in order to scare off Autobot pursuers. Teleporting behind the strangely airborne duo of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Bluestreak]], Skywarp pasted the ornery old Autobot with a heat-seeking missile, knocking him out of the sky that he probably shouldn't have been able to fly around in. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:TransporttoOblivion Skywarp Prowl punchy.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"[[Bumblebee (G1)|Punch-buggy yellow]]!"]]
After their failure to escape Earth, Skywarp continued to serve the Decepticons for many more years, never really doing anything notable. When [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] was caught spying on the Decepticons' new [[Space Bridge]] and was reprogrammed to led the Autobots into a trap, Skywarp successfully attacked [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] from behind, causing him to fall down in an almost pushing-down-stairs-like fashion. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} He was first to fall victim to an invention developed by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] that allowed Teletraan I to take brief control of his body. [[Chip Chase]], a human ally of the Autobots, planted the device on Skywarp's ankle in the thick of battle, causing Skywarp to fire an [[antimatter]]-powered Megatron (who was in gun form) at the other Decepticons. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

{{quote|You little fool... You're no match for Skywarp!|Skywarp announces his superiority to a kid in a wheelchair.|"[[Roll for It]]"}}

When the Decepticons recovered the long-lost [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] from an icy tomb in the [[Arctic Circle]], Skywarp helped perform repairs on the giant flier, though it was probably better for all concerned if somebody with actual knowledge had performed these repairs. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}} During a battle at [[Great Falls]] hydroelectric power facility, the newly-constructed [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] arrived to rescue the beleagured Autobots, who had been captured by the Decepticons. Skywarp foolishly attempted to take on the mighty [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], only to be chomped on the wing and thrown into his fellow Megatron loyalist [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} Soon afterwards, during an operation in [[Peru]], Skywarp mocked Starscream's punishment/[[Crystal of Power]] baby-sitting duty after the vain Air Commander stole low-quality steel that nearly ruined Megatron's plans. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

Skywarp's teleportation power did come in useful when he was needed to sneak up on the Autobots (who were all in vehicle mode) and zap them with the [[Transfixatron]]. However, he failed to zap ALL the Autobots, which meant the undoing of Megatron's scheme. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

{{charstubfiction}}

In 2005, Skywarp was part of a massive [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticon attack]] on [[Autobot City]] on Earth. He was badly damaged during the battle, but managed to escape with the rest of his comrades aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]. However, en route to Cybertron he was tossed out into space with other badly damaged Decepticons so that the rest would be able to make it home. Skywarp's body was gathered by [[Unicron]] and, among others, used to make [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s new warriors. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

{{note|Skywarp arguably became either [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] or [[Cyclonus's Armada]], the identical warrior who was never seen again. Either way, Skywarp effectively ceased existing.}}

====''Robot Masters'' online comic====
{{charstubfiction}}

===3H comics===
[[Image:Wreckersskywarpcyclonus.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Looks like Cyclonus was Bombshell. Neener neener.]]
After the Decepticons lost the Great War and [[Maximal|Maximals]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] claimed [[Cybertron (planet)|the planet]], [[Megatron (BW)|another Megatron]] subjugated nearly every Transformer alive with a transformation-lock virus and an army of [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]]. Skywarp was one of the handful of Transformers who had slipped through Megatron's fingers, and eventually he and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] joined up with the legendary strike team, the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]]. Given a mission by the [[Vector Sigma|Oracle]], the Wreckers fought through an army of Vehicons to steal an Autobot shuttle in order to get off-planet. {{storylink|Departure}}

{{note|Though no reason is stated in-story as to how or why or when Skywarp got this new body between the Great War and the [[Beast Era]], ''Wreckers'' plotter [[Glen Hallit]] noted that Skywarp's body was based on a mass-production body type of its day, similar to Generation 1's [[Seeker|Seekers]].}}

{{charstubfiction}}

{{storylink|Betrayal}} {{storylink|Disclosure}} {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

Under undisclosed circumstances, Skywarp betrayed his fellow Wreckers and joined [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]]'s [[Minions of Unicron]] during the [[Universe war|Universe conflict]]. During the final battle within the [[Pit]], he was defeated by [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{note|Events from the [[Keepers Trilogy]] novels are in italics.}}
Skywarp was one of Megatron's earliest recruits for the Decepticons, gathered to his inner circle after word spread about treachery in the [[Council of Elders]]. He served under the primary Decepticon faction for millennia, under Megatron and for a time under Shockwave in the Dark Ages. His teleporting power enabled him to get the best of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] during [[The Fallen]]'s ceremony at the [[Well of All Sparks]]. {{storylink|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Skywarp was one of several Decepticon invaders on board the Ark when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while the Autobot ship was clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron.

In 2002, he was one of the Transformers who survived the disastrous launch of the sabotaged ''[[Ark II]]'', and was later captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam "Lazarus" Rook]], who intended to rent out the services of the enslaved robots to various terrorist groups. After Megatron reactivated himself, he freed his Decepticon subordinates in order to put forward his plans to infect Earth with a metallic virus of doom. To pass the time while this happened, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp busied themselves by tearing apart the Autobot Minicar team. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3}}

Skywarp later participated in Megatron's attack on [[San Francisco]], where he followed Starscream's orders to maintain formation and drop cluster bombs on the Autobot giant [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], forcing the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] to split into their separate robot forms. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

Skywarp presumably stood watch over the defeated Autobots while Megatron tried to persuade [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to help the Decepticons conquer Earth. After some human firefighters distracted the Decepticons long enough for Optimus Prime to free the Autobots, Skywarp was presumably beaten up and escaped when Superion sacrificed himself to stop a nuclear missile launched by rogue US General [[Robert Hallo]].

''When Megatron was kidnapped by the [[Keepers]], and Decepticon leadership was up for grabs, Skywarp began acting more serious and ambitious than his regular "lunatic prankster" persona would suggest. One of the few Decepticons who aggressively refused to follow Starscream in Megatron's absence, Skywarp teamed up with the [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] trio in an attempt to seize power for himself. He lured Starscream into leaving his new kingdom in [[Las Vegas]] and travelling to Hoover Dam. Once there, Skywarp challenged Starscream directly for leadership of the Decepticons. He failed miserably, however—Starscream dealt Skywarp severe damage using his [[Null-ray|null bolts]] at close range, then tossed his former wingman over the falls. Skywarp was in [[stasis lock]] for some time thereafter, and begrudgingly chose to serve under Starscream after his repair cycle aboard the ''Nemesis'' was completed. {{storylink|Hardwired}}''

''When [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and his private army of humans attacked Las Vegas, along with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Skywarp was among the Decepticons who charged out to meet them in battle along the Strip. As Thundercracker and Soundwave kept the rampaging [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]'s attention, Skywarp prepared a delicious, under-handed sneak attack. Diving at Grimlock at full speed, Skywarp planned on unleashing his heat-seeking missiles at near point-blank range for maximum devastation. Luckily for Grimlock, the little Autobot Bumblebee was willing to sacrifice his functionality in order to keep the more powerful Autobot warrior in play, and took the full impact of the missiles at the last second. Enraged, Grimlock struck Skywarp with enough force to send him flying miles away into the desert, and out of the fight for the immediate future. ''

''Curiously, Skywarp chose NOT to leave Las Vegas with Megatron once the former Decepticon leader returned to Earth. Damaged after his time with the Keepers, Megatron lost a fight with Starscream and was forced to relinquish his leadership to the Aerospace Commander. Still, Megatron refused to serve under Starscream, and led a revolt of several Decepticons into exile. For whatever reason, Skywarp remained at Starscream's side until the Keepers attacked, possessing Starscream as a host body and caging the rest of the Decepticons still in Las Vegas inside a dome of impenetrable energy. Skywarp assumed command of the remaining Decepticons in Starscream's absence, and directed the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] into not attacking the dome directly as [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], but digging beneath the energy field to forge a tunnel they could exit through. He also made contact with Megatron's forces outside the city, and agreed to wait patiently until the time was right for all the Transformers to assault the Keepers as one. ''

''When the time came, Skywarp "allowed" his Decepticons to join forces with Megatron's, because it was the only "logical" thing to do. During the fight, he blasted the [[Bluestreak]]-Keeper with an explosive gamma radiation blast. The attack was effective, but proved moot when the Bluestreak-Keeper fused with the Starscream-Keeper, creating one massive and deformed robotic god figure. In the end, it was Optimus Prime and the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] which finally ended the war with the Keepers, diverting the force of a nuclear missile launched by the American government. In the aftermath, Starscream's scrap was salvaged and rebuilt, but Megatron chose to make Skywarp his new second-in-command for a time, mostly just to piss Starscream off. Still, Skywarp certainly saw it as the most "logical" thing to do. {{storylink|Annihilation}}''

''In Washington D.C., Megatron and the Decepticons stormed the White House to show their displeasure to the [[President of the United States|President]] for trying to wipe them out with a nuclear strike. Megatron assigned Skywarp to deal with the SWAT teams in the streets, then sent him into the skies to join Starscream in shooting down the air support called in by the military. Final tally—Starscream: 12, Skywarp: 5. Sometime later, Skywarp was present in the Nevada desert when the Autobots and Decepticons confronted the United States military. Thanks to their airborne tactics, Thundercracker and Skywarp did significant injury to the troops and survived the [[deconstructionite]] assault virtually unscathed. After the Keepers were finally defeated and Starscream had been restored to his normal irascible self, Megatron chose to restore the status quo and replaced Skywarp with Starscream as his second-in-command yet again. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

{{note|Although it's hard to see how, the author(s) of the Keepers Trilogy may have confused Skywarp with Shockwave, or at least combined their roles and personalities into one character. Throughout the trilogy, Skywarp made repeated references to the "logical" course of action, and once made an oblique reference to his gift over the electromagnetic spectrum. Whether there was actual confusion involved, or if the pick-up writer [[David Cian]] was forcing Skywarp to fit a role once Dreamwave's comics made using Shockwave off-limits, is unknown.}}

When Shockwave arrived on Earth with his new army, he quickly disposed of Megatron and demanded loyalty from Skywarp and the others. Somewhat begrudgingly, they assented and accompanied him back to Cybertron. Back on their home planet, Skywarp and Thundercracker were amazed at what Shockwave had accomplished in their absence and were planning to sign on for the duration. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} After getting run down and beaten up by Optimus Prime on his way to Shockwave, though, the Seekers took an offer from Starscream and Soundwave to abandon the rising conflict on Cybertron and return to Earth for some good ol' fashioned looting. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

On Earth, Skywarp was part of Starscream's initial salvo against the Ark, a decoy to be deliberately taken prisoner in order to draw out the remaining Autobots where the newly reformatted [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] could get at them. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} After decimating the Autobots' ranks, [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] freed the fallen Decepticons, and they were about ready to terminate their opponents when the awe-inspiring clone known as [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] emerged from fold-space, looking to have words with Starscream. Sunstorm's "purifying light" induced an energon overload in their systems, knocking them into stasis lock. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} Skywarp and the others remained Autobot prisoners until Starscream negotiated a deal for their release in exchange for his aid against Sunstorm. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}}

Skywarp fell back under Megatron's command once the former leader arrived on Earth and forced Starscream back under his thumb. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
Skywarp, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] were early recruits for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], helping sow terror across Cybertron and kidnap Senator [[Decimus]] just prior to the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] and founding of the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}

[[Image:Infiltration5 Skywarptotalled.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Skywarp learns what happens when he pushes Megatron down a flight of stairs.]]
In the modern era, Skywarp is part of a Decepticon infiltration unit that has operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3}} His alternate form is an [[wikipedia:F-22_Raptor|F-22 Raptor]] fighter jet, and his main job seems to be using his teleporting powers to transport his comrades to places.

Starscream assigned him and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] to destroy all traces of the [[Nebraska]] operation, but after demolishing the abandoned Nebraska command bunker, he was severely damaged by Megatron, who, unfortunately for Skywarp, had been inside at the time. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 5}} Megatron was apparently not one to hold grudges, and he soon had Skywarp repaired and functioning again, under the understanding that there would be no further second chances. {{storylink|Escalation issue 1}} While on a mission to destabilize Middle Eastern energy supplies, Skywarp confessed to Thundercracker that he believed Megatron had it in for all of them, especially himself, though his fellow Decepticon pointed out the fact that Megatron did have him repaired. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2}} Skywarp participated in the operation at [[Brasnya]] where he injured [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and evacuated Megatron before the Autobots could destroy him. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

When [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] began his coup, he first contacted Skywarp in an effort to get a viable ally. Skywarp thought it was a big load of crap, but said that if Ramjet could get some results in one day, they'd talk. However, Skywarp did mention that he always "bets on the leader." This turned out to be a prudent decision. {{storylink|Spotlight: Ramjet}}

Skywarp was among the concerned Decepticons who feared that Megatron had lost all sense of reason when he deployed [[Sixshot]] on Earth. They conspired to bring Starscream back into the fold to talk some sense into their leader. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} Emboldened by Starscream's lone stand against the Reapers, the Decepticons attacked and eventually the alien invaders, with Skywarp participating in the destruction of their starship. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

A year later, Megatron had somehow regained Skywarp's confidence, with the Seeker bigging him up to Starscream during the Decepticon attack on [[New York City]]. During that attack, Skywarp got to make stuff go boom and kill a lotta folks, and it was the best day out ever. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}}

After taking out several military helicopters, Skywarp was assigned to accompany Soundwave, Hook and Astrotrain as they took Frenzy to deal with a large ground force. [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] voiced his doubt that the tiny Decepticon had a chance against such a huge number of enemies, but Skywarp, enjoying a chance for a dig at the new guy, simply told him to make sure he kept his distance. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 2}}

All the fun of smashing things and killing millions of people soon soured though, as Skywarp started clashing with the [[Insecticon (G1)|uppity Insecticons]] and getting lonely now Thundercracker was being mopey and Starscream wasn't around much. Even mindlessly killing eight million people in [[China]] couldn't perk him up. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
Skywarp listened to Starscream discussing his plans for conquering Earth and was ordered to fly ahead of the [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], leading the way towards [[New York City]]. His altmode is the same as Starscream's one-engine-per-wing body. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2}}

{{note|There's no evidence in the story that Skywarp actually ''did'' fly ahead of Astrotrain, but if it's true, he may have survived the Decepticon defeat unharmed.}}

==Commercial appearances==
Skywarp's history of [[commercial]] appearances includes:

* The very first Transformers animation, a commercial for [[The Transformers (issue)|Issue #1]] of Marvel's ''[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|The Transformers]]'' comic book. On Earth, he flies across the desert with Starscream and Thundercracker to attack a power plant.

* He is briefly seen battling in the desert against Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr, until Cyclonus and Scourge (!!) swoop in to counterattack.

* Skywarp attacks an Autobot power station along with Thrust and Starscream in a commercial for Ultra Magnus.

* He can be very briefly glimpsed swooping into battle alongside Galvatron (!!) on Earth in a subsequent commercial for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and Galvatron.

* Along with his original Seeker wingmates, he gets barreled over by the Dinobots in a commercial for the Predacons.

* A [[commercial]] for Transformers reflective iron-on patches advertised the "[[Prizes in Disguise]]" competition. When the [[iron-on patch]] was used, it was possible to find instead an instant win ticket for a Transformers voice changer (of the [[Enemy]] variety)—or to have a party with "life-size" Transformers! Among the "life-size" Transformers shown were [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Skywarp. In all likelihood, you did not party with them.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1-toy SkywarpCommSeries.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The Commemorative Series retooled Skywarp. Robot mode... that's okay. Jet? Not so much.]]
* '''Skywarp''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/2001/2003/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''23'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, 2 "Machine Guns", 2 wings (left & right), 2 rudders (left & right), 2 tailfins (left & right), 2 fists (left & right), front landing gear

: The only 1984 [[Seeker]] with a deco not used previously in [[Takara]]'s ''[[Diaclone]]'' line, Skywarp transforms into an [[wikipedia:F-15_Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. Many parts need to be removed completely for transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is rare to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of ''Transformers'', really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.

: [[:Image:Redeco.jpg|Early Hasbro stock photos of Skywarp]] show him with a plastic purple nosecone. This was changed to a soft, black rubber nosecone when the toy was actually released. However, a [http://tfarchive.com/toys/articles/toypics/mex_skywarp.jpg Mexican variant] retained the purple plastic nosecone. The same stock photos also show him with purple launchers with black triggers and muzzle rings, black feet, black shins, black outer arm panels, purple horizontal stabilizers, and both sets of purple missiles. These stock photos were also later used to promote Takara's 2001 reissue.

: In 2001, Skywarp was given a short-run reissue (limited to only 1,000 pieces) by Takara as a convention-[[exclusive]] item, bundled together with Thundercracker as "[[Collector's Edition]]" Set C. The toy would later be more extensively released in 2003 as part of [[Hasbro]]'s [[Commemorative Series]] series IV, though due to US [[For safety reasons|toy-safety regulations]], his missiles were made extra-long since his spring-loaded launchers were now fully-functional.

: In August, 2008, Skywarp was released with Thundercracker as number 11 in Takara's [[Transformers Encore]] line. For this release Skywarp's Decepticon symbols were painted and his purple stickers were changed to a much bluer shade of purple. Curiously, Skywarp's wing stripes in this release are factory-applied stickers, instead of the [[tampograph]]s on his two-pack buddy.

: This mold was [[Redeco|redecoed]] into [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and retooled to make [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].

:For some reason, the stats on Skywarp's, Starscream's and Thundercracker's [[tech specs]] were switched around. Skywarp's box was given Starscream's numbers, which explains his high intelligence and rank. The actual specs intended for this toy, but accidentally given to Thundercracker, are presented here. Hasbro's Commemorative Series Skywarp reissue had his bio rewritten to explain his higher stats.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Skywarp/skywarp.htm More information on Skywarp at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
[[Image:MWSkywarp.jpg|right|300px|thumb|After his near-fatal encounter with the Invert Colors function.]]
* '''Skywarp''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' 2 rifle halves
: Sharing a mold once again with [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], Skywarp transforms into a white [[wikipedia:Rafale|Dassault Rafale]] fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all ''[[Machine Wars]]'' toys, Skywarp was an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.

: This mold is also used by ''[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' [[Wingstun]] and ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

::*[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Decepticon/Skywarp/skywarp.htm ''More information on ''Machine Wars'' Skywarp at TFU.info'']

{{-}}
===Universe (2003)===
[[Image:TFU03-toy Skywarp.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Like Mirage, except he can fly.]]
* '''Skywarp''' (Deluxe, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles

:''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Skywarp is a redeco of ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] in his Generation 1 colors. He transforms into a Cybertronic fighter jet, armed with two spring-loaded projectile launchers that can fire orange "energon" bolts. These launchers end up in his arms in robot mode. He has a third robot mode that collapses the legs around the cockpit (oh hush), with flip-out panels revealing an extra pair of thrusters. His [[spark]] crystal, revealed by flipping the purple hatch on his back, has a Decepticon [[insignia]] [[tampograph]]ed on top of it.

:Skywarp was also used to make ''Beast Machines'' [[Sonic Attack Jet]], ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Storm Jet (RID)|Storm Jet]], and ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Skywarp/skywarp.htm More information on Universe Skywarp at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
* '''Skywarp''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GTF X-1'''

: ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Skywarp was a very small-scale simplification of the original Generation 1 Seeker toy, retaining most of its functionality and accessories, except for his long null-rays. Skywarp was one of two [[Chase figure|chase figures]] from the first wave of the line.

: This mold was redecoed from Starscream, then re-redecoed into Thundercracker, and finally retooled to make Thrust.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Destron/SmallestSkywarp/skywarp.htm ''More information on ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' Skywarp at TFU.info'']

===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMSkywarp toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Now with the proper articulation for down-stair-pushing.]]
* '''Skywarp & Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' 2 "Machine Guns"

: ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' Skywarp is a redeco of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of [[Partformer|part-forming]] required. He was available only in a two-pack with Thundercracker, which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the ''Robot Masters'' line and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an [[e-Hobby]] ''Generation 1'' reissue box, with a small ''Robot Masters'' sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/Skywarp/skywarp.htm ''More information on ''Robot Masters'' Skywarp at TFU.info'']

{{-}}
===Classics (2006)===
[[Image:Class06-toy Skywarp.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ultra Magnus isn't pictured because he was just pushed-well, you know.]]
* '''Ultra Magnus vs Skywarp: Battle For Autobot City''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right missile launchers, 2 missiles

: ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Skywarp is a slight retool of the ''Classics'' Starscream mold, transforming into an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|F-15 Eagle fighter jet]], though with a canopy like that of an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|F-14 Tomcat]]. He comes with a pair of spring-loaded missile launchers that can be mounted on his biceps or used as hand-held weapons in robot mode and can attach under his wings in vehicle mode. As with most ''Classics'' toys, he also features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

: Skywarp was slightly [[Retool|retooled]] from the earlier Starscream figures. The retool is present in the jet intake area. The slope of his shoulders was decreased from Starscream's, and a rectangle added to the vertical area, making the number now five instead of four. This retooled version was used for all subsequent releases of the mold: ''Classics'' [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], as well as [[Acid Storm]] from ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]''. At the end of ''Classics'' Starscream's production run, he too used this version of the mold.

: He was only available as part of a Target stores [[exclusive]] two-pack with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. The set's price was $19.99, despite including both a Voyager-class and Deluxe-class mold in it, which was approximately $30 worth of toys if they'd been sold separately. He was also available in Woolworth stores throughout the United Kingdom.

: [[:Image:Classics Skywarp toy.jpg|Stock photos of ''Classics'' Skywarp]] showed a more detailed color scheme than the actual released figure. Much like ''Classics'' Ultra Magnus, the changes were most likely due to an overabundance of [[Paint application|paint applications]]. This more detailed version was shown at [[BotCon 2006]] and at least one sample found its way to a collector's hands. The sample also used the original Starscream mold, and not the retooled version used for every version of the mold since and even including Starscream.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsSkywarp/skywarp.htm ''More information on ''Classics'' Skywarp at TFU.info'']

{{-}}
===Masterpiece===
[[Image:MP-6 Skywarp.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Takara finally remembered what colors the Seekers are supposed to be.]]
* '''Masterpiece Skywarp''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-6'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 "Machine Guns", 2 AIM missile racks, Doctor Arkeville pilot, Megatron Gun clasp, display stand

: ''[[Masterpiece]]'' Skywarp was released in Japan in September of 2007. He is a redeco of the Masterpiece Starscream mold in black, gray, silver, and purple, though the purple and silver are more minimal than usual. Skywarp is able to switch between a minimally retooled stoic face and a new snarly face, retooled from Starscream's previous smirk. The tiny [[Doctor Arkeville]] pilot figurine (this time molded black) is also included, as well as a clasp for jet-mode Skywarp to hold the gun-mode Megatron that came with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Masterpiece Convoy/20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]].

[[Image:MPSkywarp stickers.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Sadly, no stair-pusher sticker.]]
: The sticker sheet includes Skywarp-esque stripes, as well as several whimsical squadron markings.

:The second pressing of Masterpiece Skywarp (released in October 2008) features an assembly error: his left and right pectorals are flipped. This misassembly does not affect transformation at all, and is really only noticeable when compared to prior Masterpiece Seekers. The September 2007 pressing of Masterpiece Skywarp is assembled correctly. Masterpiece Thundercracker is misassembled as well.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Destron/Skywarp/skywarp.htm ''More information on ''Masterpiece'' Skywarp at TFU.info'']

{{-}}
===Attacktix===
*'''Skywarp'''

{{canceledtoy}}
===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Titanium-toy WWSkywarp.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''War Within Skywarp''' (San Diego Comic-Con 2008 exclusive)

: [[Titanium Series]] ''[[War Within]]'' Skywarp is a redeco of Thundercracker, transforming into a Cybertronian "tetrajet" as reimagined by [[Don Figueroa]]. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal. He was available only at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] after the Titanium line had already been cancelled, and also Hasbro Toy Shop's booth at [[wikipedia:San_Diego_Comic-Con|San Diego Comic-Con]] 2008.

: This mold was also used to make ''War Within'' Starscream and Sunstorm.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/SDCCSkywarp/skywarp.htm ''More information on ''Titanium'' Skywarp at TFU.info'']

{{-}}
===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Skywarp.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Skywarp grabbed the wrong launchers.]]
*'''Skywarp''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles

: ''[[Henkei]]'' Skywarp is a redeco of ''Henkei'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. He features a colour scheme similar to his ''Generation 1'' cartoon appearance. ''Henkei'' Skywarp and his fellow [[Seeker]] ''Henkei'' [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] were released in September, 2008 as an exclusive through Toy Hobby Market.

:Soon after release, there were numerous complaints from both Japanese and Western collectors about the poor quality control for both Thundercracker and Skywarp. Skywarp's most common fault was missing paint for one of his shoulders. Some reported both toys suffering misassembly issues such as having two left or two right thighs.

:Several minor changes were made to this mold for this release. The holes for his missile launchers in his arms were widened, as were the launcher's insertion pegs. The wing's missile launcher insertion points were lengthened and are now curved at the end. The last rectangle on his air intakes, was further modified from the [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] version this time the bottom most rectangle goes completely across the air intake's surface rather than just the center. Henkei [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]] Starscream also saw most of these changes.

{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
*'''Masterpiece Skywarp''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' 2 "Machine Guns", 2 AIM missile racks, Doctor Arkeville pilot, Megatron Gun clasp, display stand
: A Wal-Mart exclusive redeco of the Takara version, featuring a more classic styled scheme.

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
* '''Skywarp''' (1986)

: ''[[Decoy]]'' Skywarp is a tiny, purple, soft-rubber figurine randomly packed with smaller toys at the time. To differentiate him from Starscream and Thundercracker, Skywarp is sculpted holding his arms above his head in a cheering pose.

===Heroes of Cybertron===
* '''Skywarp''' (2002)

: Recolor of the Japanese SCF Skywarp figure. Non-transforming, true to the animation model. Distinctive from the Japanese release with its glossy paint, "light-up" eyes, and slightly different paint details. The Japanese version was a [[Lucky Draw figure]] limited to 200 pieces and was one of the two prizes, the other being a mostly clear reissue Starscream (not to be confused with Ghost Starscream reissue), offered from the original run of the ''Transformers: Generations'' book.

* '''Skywarp''' (2003)

: Above, but part of a six-pack of figures which also included Starscream, Thundercracker, and three Clones from the [[OTFCC 2003]] convention set. It featured a more metallic paint job from the normal release and slightly different paint details.

===Legends of Cybertron===
* '''Skywarp''' (2004 - Unreleased)

: A recolor of Mega ''Super Figure Collection'' G1 Starscream (minus the extra coronation accessories, open-palm hands, and the hand wielding Megatron in gun mode), Skywarp was to be among the first of the fan club exclusives offered by [[The Official Transformers Collectors Convention|OTFCC]] as well as the first in their ''Legends of Cybertron'' line. The figure was delayed and never saw a full release due to [[3H Productions|3H Enterprises]] losing the license to run the official Transformers fan club. At least a couple of sample versions were produced.

{{canceledtoy}}
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Skywarp''' (2007)

[[Image:Robot Hero Skywarp.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Clearly just after shoving Starscream down a flight of stairs.]]
: Skywarp is one of the five exclusive figures in Wal-Mart's "Decepticon Sneak Attack" set. He's a black and purple redeco of Starscream, yes. His left hand's for pushing you down stairs, his right fist's for pumping the air in victory. Sweet, sweet stair-based victory.

{{-}}
===3D Battle-Card Game===
*'''Skywarp''' (2007)

: A 25-point "uncommon" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Skywarp "transforms" into a black and purple jet. He uses the same parts layout as [[Transformers (2007)|Movie]] [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]].

==Trivia==
[[Image:LiveActionJazz-Skywarp01.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I bet he spiked the punch.]]
* Skywarp's one-line characterization in the original Transformers [[production bible]] was "sneaky but dumb". Hee hee. [http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#034] In a more peculiar note, his longer write-up in the production bible noted that he was colored olive drab. [http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#038] This error isn't as unusual as one might first think, as Skywarp was the only first-year jet whose colors didn't originate in ''[[Diaclone]]''—thus, they simply may not have been decided upon when the production bible was written.

[[Image:Skywarpatron.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Skywarp really DID need close supervision.]]
* In a possible fit of madness, a triple changer was proposed that would switch between Skywarp (possibly mistaken for Starscream), [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and Skywarp's jet mode.

* Character bios written by unknown persons for the Australian (Madman) DVD release of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' definitely claim that [[Cyclonus (G1)|Skywarp became Cyclonus]]. Basically, nobody considers that weighty "evidence".

* Skywarp is the only Seeker with wing stripes that are not red.

* For such a popular character, Skywarp doesn't DO much of anything in the original show.

==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Skywarp Skywarp's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category:Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]

The Decepticons

2009-07-06T03:12:50Z

TransRyan: /* Changes */

{{disambig2|the ''Robots in Disguise'' episode|the Transformers faction|Decepticon}}
{{episode|
|series=RiD
|ep=14
|prev=Hope for the Future
|series2=Car Robots
|ep2=14
|prev2=Megatron's Ambitions Revealed!
|title="The Decepticons"
|japanese=敵? 味方!? ブラックコンボイ
|romaji=Teki? Mikata!? Black Convoy
|translation=Friend? Foe!? Black Convoy
|image=The Decepticons Decepticontroops.jpg
|caption=The Coming of the Redecos
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], NAS, Studio Gallop
|written by=[[Junki Takegami]] (Japanese) [[Tom Wyner]] (English)
|director=[[Akira Katō]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[July 5|5 July]] 2000 (Japanese) [[September 22]], 2001 (English)
|continuity=
}}

'''Find six protoforms''' 
'''Megatron hatches a plan''' 
'''Six Decepticons'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] talks to [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] about [[Earth]]'s history of UFO sightings, [[T-AI]] breaks in to announce that she has managed to decode [[Doctor Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Onishi]]'s microchip. It shows a location at grid co-ordinates L3, Delta 5.2.; Koji explains that that's [[Castle Peak]], where eyewitnesses claimed to have seen UFOs sixty years ago. Prime decides to investigate the site with the [[Autobot Brothers]]. When they arrive they pass by [[Kelly]].

[[Image:The Decepticons Optimusship.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prime is a peeping tom.]]
The four [[Autobot|Autobots]] at first find a expedition site run by the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]]. [[Sky-Byte]] hits a weak point in the ground with his claw, causing a cave to collapse onto him and unearthing the ship in question. Caught in the disaster (of course), Kelly yells that another vacation has gone down the drain. The ship turns out to have come from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] sixty years ago, with six Autobots who'd been sent to Earth. Optimus scans the ship to find the six Autobots in [[protoform]] mode and intends to bring them to base to help the battle against the Predacons. The Predacons have other plans, arguing the ship is theirs because they found it first. Optimus counters that this is only valid if the ship is abandoned by its crew. Then [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] arrives and renders the point moot by stealing the protoforms, with the Predacons stalling the Autobots enough to allow him to get away with it.

[[Image:The Decepticons Stasispods.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They're already here, you're next!]]
He then brings the protoforms to [[McKinley Army Base]], where [[Kelly]], who has been rescued by the soldiers there, is sitting on a jeep, griping that her vacation's been ruined again. Megatron hopes to make the protoforms scan the most powerful vehicles in the army base and then infuse them with his spark energy to turn them to his command. [[Dark Scream]] and [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] then scan a missile truck, despite being fired at by the base's vehicles. T-AI informs Optimus what's happening at the base, but by the time the Autobots arrive, they're too late; [[Mega-Octane]] has been created. He transforms to robot mode, and Optimus welcomes him to Earth as an Autobot, only to be refused and fired upon.

While Mega-Octane provides cover for the completion of the scanning process, Slapper scans a tank, [[Gas Skunk]] scans a jeep armed with a large cannon, and Dark Scream scans a helicopter. Sky-Byte starts to look for a vehicle, only for Optimus Prime to intervene. Prime's action backfires when the beam scans a shuttle. Megatron infused all four protoforms with his spark energy, which turns them into Decepticons. He still holds the last protoform, however.

[[Image:Decepticons Optimus truck scan.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hey! This isn't [[Wikipedia:Tron (film)#Kingdom Hearts II|Space Paranoids]]!]]
Kelly boards a tanker truck holding 10,000 gallons of rocket fuel and tries to get away, but almost overturns it. Optimus saves her, but this allows Megatron to scan the tanker, Optimus and Kelly all at once, creating [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]. After a dramatic pause, Scourge declares allegiance to Megatron and says his purpose is to lead the Decepticons to victory. Mega-Octane at first objects, insisting ''he'' should be leader, but Scourge manages to retain his position. The Decepticons open fire on the Autobots with all weapons. Optimus tries to convince Scourge to reject Megatron's evil, but to no avail. Prime then fires a Blizzard Storm attack, which proves equally ineffective. Even so, Megatron tells Scourge that he is not at full strength and that they should withdraw. After the Decepticons leave, Optimus hopes that they will reject the evil in them and realize their true selves, but notes they are dangerous enemies until that happens. Meanwhile, the Predacons are (not unreasonably) concerned that they may be out of a job.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[T-AI]] (3)
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (4)
*[[X-Brawn]] (5)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (6)

|h2=[[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]]
|c2=
*[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] (8)
*[[Gas Skunk]] (9)
*[[Dark Scream]] (10)
*[[Sky-Byte]] (11)
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Mega-Octane]] (13)
*[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] (14)
*[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]] (15)
*[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]] (16)
*[[Movor]] (17)
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] (18)

|c3=
*[[Koji Onishi]] (1)
*[[Kelly]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==
"In the past 60 years, there have been thousands of UFO sightings all over the world. My dad is one of the scientists that would investigate them, Optimus." 
"It's a fascinating subject. I find it strange that many people on Earth still refuse to believe they exist."
:—'''Koji''' and '''Optimus Prime''' discuss those weird people who don't believe in alien robots.

"That incompetent fool must've gotten his tongue caught in the drill again."
:—'''Sky-Byte''' has the utmost confidence in Slapper.

'''Megatron''': "They will be my loyal and dedicated servants! Invincible warriors!" 
'''Sky-Byte''': "With your spark energy they'll be unbeatable..." 
'''Dark Scream''': "...not to mention sneaky, sly, and deceitful...." 
'''Gas Skunk''': "...underhanded, diabolical, and devious..." 
'''Slapper''': "Let's not forget overbearing, egotistical, arrogant, conceited and verbose! Bombastic, power-hungry, vain, self-serving, greedy, maniacal and a real pain in—" 
[''Megatron punches his head down into his shoulders''] 
:—Slapper just doesn't know when to quit

"Whenever I try to take a vacation something always ruins it. It's not fair. On the other hand, the soldiers that rescued me after the earthquake are really cute! And I think one of them has a crush on me! This could be a pretty good vacation after all!"
:—'''Kelly''', trying to look on the bright side, unaware that it's all about to go horribly wrong (again).

"I have only one purpose: to serve Megatron. I have only one desire: to destroy Megatron's enemies. I have only one mission: to lead the Decepticons to victory!"
:—'''Scourge''' has a clear mission statement.

==Notes==
* The microchip T-AI finds the ship's location on was retrieved by the Autobots in "[[The Secret of the Ruins]]".
===Changes===
* In ''Car Robots'', there is an additional shot that was edited out for ''Robots in Disguise''. Before the missed protoform beam hits Movor, it ends up heading for a bird in the sky. Sky-byte then imagines what a Predacon bird would look like. This is gone in the US version. The reason for this edit is unclear, since it's doubtful that it was a [[An Explosive Situation|post-9/11 edit]] due to the fact it does not entail buildings getting damaged or destroyed.

===Real-world references===
* There are several mountains in the US named [[wikipedia:Castle_Peak|Castle Peak]], but none of them at the co-ordinates indicated on T-AI's map.

===Transformers references===
* The UFO over the Great Wall looks like a [[Path Finder|blue version]] of [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]].
* The idea of Transformers existing as protoforms in stasis pods originated in [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]].
* The protoforms are also referred to variously as "Transformers", "Cybertrons", "Autobots", and "proto-entities".

==External links==
* [http://www.ridforever.info/transformers-transcripts/rid-episode-14-the-decepticons.php "The Decepticons" transcript on RiDForever.info]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Decepticons}}
[[Category:Robots in Disguise episodes]]

Fortress Maximus (RID)

2009-07-05T04:07:27Z

TransRyan: /* Robots in Disguise cartoon */

{{faction|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Fortress Maximus}}
:''Fortress Maximus is an [[Autobot]] from the Japanese [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] and American [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] [[Continuity family|continuity families]].''

[[Image:Bravemax giant.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Friend to all children! But not a giant turtle.]]
'''Fortress Maximus''' is a colossal Autobot guardian hidden on [[Earth]] to protect the planet from evil. Immense in strength, unmatchable in firepower and impregnable in durability, Fortress Maximus' only weakness is his compassion for children.

Fortress Maximus does not appear to be sentient in and of himself, but rather, is controlled by [[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]]. Even Cerebros himself does not make his own decisions, instead operating on a tri-lateral recognition program that defines the actions he will take. Cerebros on his own will only respond to an Autobot energy signature, and when combined with Fortress Maximus, will react only to the bio-energy of human beings. To prevent his power being used for evil, his recognition program operates on "harmonic resonance," which allows him to sense the intentions of those that would command him. He will not follow commands of an evil or self-serving nature; consequently, due to their worldly innocence, human children are particularly adept at controlling him.

:''Japanese Name:'' '''Brave Maximus''', whose head is '''Brave''', head-on by '''Plasma'''

==Fiction==
===''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Steve Blum]] (English), [[Masayuki Kiyama]] (Japanese)

{{note|Most websites list [[Steve Kramer]] as Fortress Maximus due to the fact that he provided the voice of Cerebros, but from the small number of lines he actually speaks, it does not appear to be Kramer behind the microphone.}}
[[Image:Bravemax city.jpg|left|180px|thumb|...Well, actually, if he keeps sitting in green liquid, he might become a giant turtle.]]
Fortress Maximus was hidden on [[Earth]] eons ago in order to protect the planet, slumbering in stasis beneath the surface of the planet, where [[Metro City]] would come to be built. The various keys that would enable his reactivation—the [[O-Parts]], the [[Orb of Sigma]] and his [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] component, Cerebros—were scattered across the globe and sealed within ancient structures, suggesting that ancient human civilizations had some hand in the process. Although his existence went on to slip into the realm of legend amongst most of the populace on Cybertron, certain high-ranking Autobots and Predacons were well aware of the truth behind the story, and, in the mid-20th century, a team of six Autobots were sent to Earth to reactivate Maximus, only for their ship to crash into the mountain that would come to be known as [[Castle Peak]], trapping them all in stasis. {{storylink|The Decepticons|The Decepticons}}

Around the beginning of the 21st century, the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacon]] leader [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] was dispatched to Earth by the Predacon Council to acquire Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Surprise Attack!|Surprise Attack!}} Attacking the National Scientific Symposium, he captured archaeologist [[Doctor Kenneth Onishi]], whose research had led him to discover the trail that led to Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Battle Protocol!|Battle Protocol!}} The Predacons' battles with their [[Autobot]] enemies steadily led to the discovery of several O-Parts, which fell into Autobot hands; the Autobot craft in Castle Peak, however, was uncovered by Megatron and the Autobots within co-opted into [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], led by [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]].
[[Image:Bravemax head.jpg|right|200px|thumb|And I'll form the head!]]
While tunnelling beneath Metro City, the [[Build Team]] found themselves affected by a strange energy field that caused them to hallucinate and fight amongst each other, eventually forcing them to withdraw. Investigating, the Autobots discovered that the cavern beneath the city containing Fortress Maximus, and that the energy field was a defense mechanism designed to keep away any intruders. {{storylink|Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus}} Exposure to Maximus's energies reawakened Scourge's memories of his original mission to reawaken the fortress, but his Decepticon programming twisted the mission, and he now sought to acquire Maximus's power for himself. As [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] held him off, the Build Team relocated Maximus—in his city mode—to a concealed structure in the middle of Metro City, hiding him from the Decepticons. {{storylink|Koji Gets His Wish|Koji Gets His Wish}}

During this battle, Doctor Onishi was freed from the Predacons, and equipped the Autobots with tracking devices that allowed them to quickly and easily track down all the remaining O-Parts. {{storylink|A Friendly Contest|A Friendly Contest}} United, the O-Parts led to the Orb of Sigma, resulting in a battle that ended with Megatron's disappearance. {{storylink|Peril from the Past|Peril from the Past}} The Orb in turn led to Cerebros, who the Decepticons and Predacons—now led by Scourge—were able to capture. Having discovered the hiding place of Fortress Maximus, Scourge utilised the Autobot portion of his energy-signature to activate Cerebros, who then brought Fortress Maximus online. Maximus, however, then proceeded to run wild, stomping his way through Metro City unheeding of Scourge's commands, until the Autobots' human ally [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] called out for him to stop, and he obeyed. Transforming back to city mode, Maximus vanished beneath the Earth, and the villains absconded with Cerebros once more. {{storylink|Maximus Emerges|Maximus Emerges}}

Realising that Koji had been able to control Fortress Maximus because he was human, Scourge amplified the portion of his bio-signature that was human (derived from [[Kelly]]) to seize control of Maximus once more when the city reappeared in the Sahara Desert, only for the Autobots to gather a mass of human children together to override his command. {{storylink|The Human Element|The Human Element}} Deciding that he required a human of his own to control Maximus for him, a case of mistaken identity led Scourge to kidnap Koji's friend [[Karl]]; nevertheless, Maximus was successfully activated and piloted by Karl when he resurfaced in a jungle. By this point, Megatron had returned—having been upgraded to Galvatron by the power of the Orb of Sigma's pyramid—and Scourge chose this moment to reveal his treachery, ordering Fortress Maximus to crush his former leader. However, Karl's selfish desire to defeat the villains himself and show up Koji caused Maximus to power down, and the Autobots arrived in time to save him and finally take possession of Cerebros, as Maximus vanished once more. {{storylink|Mistaken Identity|Mistaken Identity}}

[[Image:Bravemax megastar.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Clash of the Really Big Hands]]
With the Autobots having acquired a full understanding of Fortress Maximus's activation protocols thanks to Cerebros, their base was then attacked by the Predacons and Decepticons, the latter having been reprogrammed back to loyalty by Galvatron. In the midst of the battle, [[Wedge]]'s determination to defeat Galvatron resonated with Cerebros, and he summoned and activated Fortress Maximus. Galvatron combined with his ship, the ''[[Megastar]]'' and battled with Maximus, but was defeated when Maximus unleashed his Maximum Firepower attack and blew the ship to smithereens. {{storylink|Surprise Attack!|Surprise Attack!}}

[[Image:Bravemax finalburn.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ka-BOOM!]]
Galvatron survived the barrage, however, and restored his strength by affixing himself to Maximus and draining the giant robot's energy, supercharging himself. {{storylink|Galvatron's Revenge|Galvatron's Revenge}} [[Omega Prime]] proceeded to challenge Galvatron to a final battle at the Earth's core. Koji, meanwhile, contacted as many children as he could, instructing them to send their energy to Fortress Maximus to re-power him; Maximus absorbed and re-channeled the energy to Omega Prime in the form of the [[Matrix Blade]], which Prime used to finally defeat Galvatron. With the Predacons and Decepticons at last beaten and captured, Fortress Maximus transformed to starship mode and transported the villains to the [[asteroid prison colony]]. {{storylink|The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle}}

{{note|As of 2007, ''Car Robots'' has been retconned into being part of the Japanese Generation 1 animated continuity, with a large number of story expansions and tie-ins centering on Fortress Maximus. This does not apply to the American version of either series, however, which remain separate continuities.}}

===''Robot Masters''===
After taking the Predacons to prison, Fortress Maximus returned to Earth. When construction of [[Autobot City]] began in 2003, Maximus formed the core of the fortress. Later, in 2004, Maximus (also known as "Cybertron Base" at the time) had his central systems re-written to comply with the new [[Solitarium]]-based enhancements made to the [[Scramble City]] project.

===''Kiss Players'' radio drama===
[[Image:KPMaximus1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Continuity, shmontinuity.]]
[[Image:KPBraveMax.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Kiss Players? Oh slag, there goes the planet."]]
In 2007, after a year-long anti-Transformer campaign by the [[Earth Defense Command]], Fortress Maximus played a part in the goodwill campaign to repair human-Transformer relations by serving as a performance stage for the singing group, the [[Kiss Players (singing group)|Kiss Players]]. During one of their shows, the mysterious [[Sparkbot|Sparkbots]] suddenly appeared and demanded that the human group members kiss them. When they complied, they and Maximus were all whisked away on a whirlwind tour of time and space, with Maximus serving as their transport and base as they collected fragments of the so-called "[[Allspark]]" from famous Autobot and [[Maximal]] leaders throught Transformer history. Notably, he did not demonstrate any signs of intelligence or independence during the journey.

Near the end of the adventure, while being piloted in pursuit of a mysterious golden hand that had taken several Allspark fragments, Maximus accidentally struck the "Wall of Time". With its passengers scattered across dimensions, Maximus was hurled back in time 4 million years and crash-landed on the planet [[Master]]. His planetfall was observed by a group of Cybertronians who had migrated there, and their leader, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] used the technology of Maximus to refine his own "Headmaster" theory, creating [[Transtector|Transtectors]], including his own gigantic one, Battleship Maximus.

Meanwhile, after briefly adventuring in the [[Unicron Trilogy]] universe, the Kiss Players returned to their home dimension and accompanied [[Primus]] back through time to prehistoric [[Earth]]. There, it was revealed that they had not been collecting fragments of the Allspark, but portions of the scattered lifeforce of [[Unicron]]. Resurrected by the Sparkbots, the resurrected Unicron was then destroyed by Primus and his lifeforce was sealed deep within the planet. The heretofore unknown origin of Fortress Maximus was then revealed when Primus created him to serve as the eternal guardian of Unicron's lifeforce. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
{{picsneeded|Toys}}
===Car Robots===
* '''Brave Maximus''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-027'''
**''Accessories:'' Plasma Headmaster unit, Brave large Headmaster unit, Brave's Mini Laser Rifle, Radar Scope

: Brave Maximus is an extensive [[redeco]] of ''Generation 1'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], essentially replacing much of Fortress's lighter colors with darker ones. Due to marketing campaign concerns, Brave Maximus was never released with all of Fortress Maximus' accessories, missing his two hand guns, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]]'s components, and the two [[Master Sword|Master Swords]]. These parts were later offered as campaign and lucky draw prizes by [[Takara]].

: Despite this, Brave Maximus retains all of Fortress' functionality, being able to transform from his 2 foot tall robot mode to battleship mode to city mode and back again. In city mode he features a rotating radar, a jail cell, a working elevator that leads to a button-activated car launcher, and two manual car launchers on his arm-ramps. The [[Spy Changers]] are the only figures from the toyline that interact with him particularly well, although his two arm-ramps can also launch the Autobot Brothers. In particular, the Spy Changer toy of Scourge fits in the robot's control room perfectly, allowing you to replicate the scenes from the cartoon, as well as actually providing an "evil" figure to lock in the jail cell. (Of course, Spychanger Scourge wasn't part of the ''Car Robots'' toyline, and Maximus wasn't part of ''Robots in Disguise''! Still, Japanese fans were eventually able buy chibi-Scourge like they buy many US-"exclusive" toys, as a "US Edition" in its American packaging.)

: The back of Maximus's instruction leaflet features a color play mat that the city connects to for use with other ''Car Robots/Robots in Disguise'' toys.

: This mold was also used to make [[Grand Maximus]] and Cybertron Base.

===Robot Masters===
*'''Cybertron Base''' (Contest prize, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Zebres Headmaster unit, Master large Headmaster unit, Brave's Mini Laser Rifle, Radar Scope

: First Prize in a ''Robot Masters'' contest where only 10 were awarded, Cybertron Base is completely identical to the retail-release ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Car Robots]]'' Brave Maximus toy, down to what accessories are lacking from the other incarnations of the mold, coming only with the two head-robots, a radar dish and the gun for the mid-robot. His head modules are renamed [[Zebres]] and [[Master (RM)|Master]] - fictionally speaking, whether or not these are just renamed versions of the Emissary and Cerebros, or if they were replaced by these new robots, is unknown.

: Cybertron Base was shipped in a fairly plain white box, and came with newly-printed instructions. He ''also'' came with the exact same paperwork packet as ''Car Robots'' Brave Maximus, including unchanged instructions, a ''Car Robots'' catalogue, and the Brave Maximus bio card.

==Trivia==
* According to the toy's profile card, Brave Maximus' robot mode is 350 meters tall (1,148 feet).

* In 2002, [[Hasbro]] began to solicit a United States release of Brave Maximus as ''Robots in Disguise'' Fortress Maximus. The toy was to be an exclusive to the retailer FAO Schwartz. However, it was later canceled due to the toy's failure of [[For safety reasons|standard industry drop tests]].

* The figure was released by in Korea by [[Sonokong]] in 2003, identical to the Takara version save for one detail—the Autobot [[insignia]] sticker on the city's central tower was upside-down.

==External links==
* [http://tfu.info/2000/Cybertron/BraveMaximus/fortressmaximus.htm Fortress Maximus at TFU.info]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Kiss Players characters]]
[[Category:MacGuffins]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise characters]]
[[Category:Starships]]

Fortress Maximus (RID)

2009-07-05T04:06:24Z

TransRyan: /* Robots in Disguise cartoon */

{{faction|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Fortress Maximus}}
:''Fortress Maximus is an [[Autobot]] from the Japanese [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] and American [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] [[Continuity family|continuity families]].''

[[Image:Bravemax giant.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Friend to all children! But not a giant turtle.]]
'''Fortress Maximus''' is a colossal Autobot guardian hidden on [[Earth]] to protect the planet from evil. Immense in strength, unmatchable in firepower and impregnable in durability, Fortress Maximus' only weakness is his compassion for children.

Fortress Maximus does not appear to be sentient in and of himself, but rather, is controlled by [[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]]. Even Cerebros himself does not make his own decisions, instead operating on a tri-lateral recognition program that defines the actions he will take. Cerebros on his own will only respond to an Autobot energy signature, and when combined with Fortress Maximus, will react only to the bio-energy of human beings. To prevent his power being used for evil, his recognition program operates on "harmonic resonance," which allows him to sense the intentions of those that would command him. He will not follow commands of an evil or self-serving nature; consequently, due to their worldly innocence, human children are particularly adept at controlling him.

:''Japanese Name:'' '''Brave Maximus''', whose head is '''Brave''', head-on by '''Plasma'''

==Fiction==
===''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Steve Blum]] (English), [[Masayuki Kiyama]] (Japanese)

{{note|Most websites list [[Steve Kramer]] as Fortress Maximus due to the fact that he provided the voice of Cerebros, but from the small number of lines he actually speaks, it does not appear to be Kramer behind the microphone.}}
[[Image:Bravemax head.jpg|left|200px|thumb|And I'll form the head!]]
[[Image:Bravemax city.jpg|right|180px|thumb|...Well, actually, if he keeps sitting in green liquid, he might become a giant turtle.]]
Fortress Maximus was hidden on [[Earth]] eons ago in order to protect the planet, slumbering in stasis beneath the surface of the planet, where [[Metro City]] would come to be built. The various keys that would enable his reactivation—the [[O-Parts]], the [[Orb of Sigma]] and his [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] component, Cerebros—were scattered across the globe and sealed within ancient structures, suggesting that ancient human civilizations had some hand in the process. Although his existence went on to slip into the realm of legend amongst most of the populace on Cybertron, certain high-ranking Autobots and Predacons were well aware of the truth behind the story, and, in the mid-20th century, a team of six Autobots were sent to Earth to reactivate Maximus, only for their ship to crash into the mountain that would come to be known as [[Castle Peak]], trapping them all in stasis. {{storylink|The Decepticons|The Decepticons}}

Around the beginning of the 21st century, the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacon]] leader [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] was dispatched to Earth by the Predacon Council to acquire Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Surprise Attack!|Surprise Attack!}} Attacking the National Scientific Symposium, he captured archaeologist [[Doctor Kenneth Onishi]], whose research had led him to discover the trail that led to Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Battle Protocol!|Battle Protocol!}} The Predacons' battles with their [[Autobot]] enemies steadily led to the discovery of several O-Parts, which fell into Autobot hands; the Autobot craft in Castle Peak, however, was uncovered by Megatron and the Autobots within co-opted into [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], led by [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]].
[[Image:Bravemax head.jpg|left|200px|thumb|And I'll form the head!]]
While tunnelling beneath Metro City, the [[Build Team]] found themselves affected by a strange energy field that caused them to hallucinate and fight amongst each other, eventually forcing them to withdraw. Investigating, the Autobots discovered that the cavern beneath the city containing Fortress Maximus, and that the energy field was a defense mechanism designed to keep away any intruders. {{storylink|Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus}} Exposure to Maximus's energies reawakened Scourge's memories of his original mission to reawaken the fortress, but his Decepticon programming twisted the mission, and he now sought to acquire Maximus's power for himself. As [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] held him off, the Build Team relocated Maximus—in his city mode—to a concealed structure in the middle of Metro City, hiding him from the Decepticons. {{storylink|Koji Gets His Wish|Koji Gets His Wish}}

During this battle, Doctor Onishi was freed from the Predacons, and equipped the Autobots with tracking devices that allowed them to quickly and easily track down all the remaining O-Parts. {{storylink|A Friendly Contest|A Friendly Contest}} United, the O-Parts led to the Orb of Sigma, resulting in a battle that ended with Megatron's disappearance. {{storylink|Peril from the Past|Peril from the Past}} The Orb in turn led to Cerebros, who the Decepticons and Predacons—now led by Scourge—were able to capture. Having discovered the hiding place of Fortress Maximus, Scourge utilised the Autobot portion of his energy-signature to activate Cerebros, who then brought Fortress Maximus online. Maximus, however, then proceeded to run wild, stomping his way through Metro City unheeding of Scourge's commands, until the Autobots' human ally [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] called out for him to stop, and he obeyed. Transforming back to city mode, Maximus vanished beneath the Earth, and the villains absconded with Cerebros once more. {{storylink|Maximus Emerges|Maximus Emerges}}

Realising that Koji had been able to control Fortress Maximus because he was human, Scourge amplified the portion of his bio-signature that was human (derived from [[Kelly]]) to seize control of Maximus once more when the city reappeared in the Sahara Desert, only for the Autobots to gather a mass of human children together to override his command. {{storylink|The Human Element|The Human Element}} Deciding that he required a human of his own to control Maximus for him, a case of mistaken identity led Scourge to kidnap Koji's friend [[Karl]]; nevertheless, Maximus was successfully activated and piloted by Karl when he resurfaced in a jungle. By this point, Megatron had returned—having been upgraded to Galvatron by the power of the Orb of Sigma's pyramid—and Scourge chose this moment to reveal his treachery, ordering Fortress Maximus to crush his former leader. However, Karl's selfish desire to defeat the villains himself and show up Koji caused Maximus to power down, and the Autobots arrived in time to save him and finally take possession of Cerebros, as Maximus vanished once more. {{storylink|Mistaken Identity|Mistaken Identity}}

[[Image:Bravemax megastar.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Clash of the Really Big Hands]]
With the Autobots having acquired a full understanding of Fortress Maximus's activation protocols thanks to Cerebros, their base was then attacked by the Predacons and Decepticons, the latter having been reprogrammed back to loyalty by Galvatron. In the midst of the battle, [[Wedge]]'s determination to defeat Galvatron resonated with Cerebros, and he summoned and activated Fortress Maximus. Galvatron combined with his ship, the ''[[Megastar]]'' and battled with Maximus, but was defeated when Maximus unleashed his Maximum Firepower attack and blew the ship to smithereens. {{storylink|Surprise Attack!|Surprise Attack!}}

[[Image:Bravemax finalburn.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ka-BOOM!]]
Galvatron survived the barrage, however, and restored his strength by affixing himself to Maximus and draining the giant robot's energy, supercharging himself. {{storylink|Galvatron's Revenge|Galvatron's Revenge}} [[Omega Prime]] proceeded to challenge Galvatron to a final battle at the Earth's core. Koji, meanwhile, contacted as many children as he could, instructing them to send their energy to Fortress Maximus to re-power him; Maximus absorbed and re-channeled the energy to Omega Prime in the form of the [[Matrix Blade]], which Prime used to finally defeat Galvatron. With the Predacons and Decepticons at last beaten and captured, Fortress Maximus transformed to starship mode and transported the villains to the [[asteroid prison colony]]. {{storylink|The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle}}

{{note|As of 2007, ''Car Robots'' has been retconned into being part of the Japanese Generation 1 animated continuity, with a large number of story expansions and tie-ins centering on Fortress Maximus. This does not apply to the American version of either series, however, which remain separate continuities.}}

===''Robot Masters''===
After taking the Predacons to prison, Fortress Maximus returned to Earth. When construction of [[Autobot City]] began in 2003, Maximus formed the core of the fortress. Later, in 2004, Maximus (also known as "Cybertron Base" at the time) had his central systems re-written to comply with the new [[Solitarium]]-based enhancements made to the [[Scramble City]] project.

===''Kiss Players'' radio drama===
[[Image:KPMaximus1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Continuity, shmontinuity.]]
[[Image:KPBraveMax.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Kiss Players? Oh slag, there goes the planet."]]
In 2007, after a year-long anti-Transformer campaign by the [[Earth Defense Command]], Fortress Maximus played a part in the goodwill campaign to repair human-Transformer relations by serving as a performance stage for the singing group, the [[Kiss Players (singing group)|Kiss Players]]. During one of their shows, the mysterious [[Sparkbot|Sparkbots]] suddenly appeared and demanded that the human group members kiss them. When they complied, they and Maximus were all whisked away on a whirlwind tour of time and space, with Maximus serving as their transport and base as they collected fragments of the so-called "[[Allspark]]" from famous Autobot and [[Maximal]] leaders throught Transformer history. Notably, he did not demonstrate any signs of intelligence or independence during the journey.

Near the end of the adventure, while being piloted in pursuit of a mysterious golden hand that had taken several Allspark fragments, Maximus accidentally struck the "Wall of Time". With its passengers scattered across dimensions, Maximus was hurled back in time 4 million years and crash-landed on the planet [[Master]]. His planetfall was observed by a group of Cybertronians who had migrated there, and their leader, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] used the technology of Maximus to refine his own "Headmaster" theory, creating [[Transtector|Transtectors]], including his own gigantic one, Battleship Maximus.

Meanwhile, after briefly adventuring in the [[Unicron Trilogy]] universe, the Kiss Players returned to their home dimension and accompanied [[Primus]] back through time to prehistoric [[Earth]]. There, it was revealed that they had not been collecting fragments of the Allspark, but portions of the scattered lifeforce of [[Unicron]]. Resurrected by the Sparkbots, the resurrected Unicron was then destroyed by Primus and his lifeforce was sealed deep within the planet. The heretofore unknown origin of Fortress Maximus was then revealed when Primus created him to serve as the eternal guardian of Unicron's lifeforce. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
{{picsneeded|Toys}}
===Car Robots===
* '''Brave Maximus''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-027'''
**''Accessories:'' Plasma Headmaster unit, Brave large Headmaster unit, Brave's Mini Laser Rifle, Radar Scope

: Brave Maximus is an extensive [[redeco]] of ''Generation 1'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], essentially replacing much of Fortress's lighter colors with darker ones. Due to marketing campaign concerns, Brave Maximus was never released with all of Fortress Maximus' accessories, missing his two hand guns, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]]'s components, and the two [[Master Sword|Master Swords]]. These parts were later offered as campaign and lucky draw prizes by [[Takara]].

: Despite this, Brave Maximus retains all of Fortress' functionality, being able to transform from his 2 foot tall robot mode to battleship mode to city mode and back again. In city mode he features a rotating radar, a jail cell, a working elevator that leads to a button-activated car launcher, and two manual car launchers on his arm-ramps. The [[Spy Changers]] are the only figures from the toyline that interact with him particularly well, although his two arm-ramps can also launch the Autobot Brothers. In particular, the Spy Changer toy of Scourge fits in the robot's control room perfectly, allowing you to replicate the scenes from the cartoon, as well as actually providing an "evil" figure to lock in the jail cell. (Of course, Spychanger Scourge wasn't part of the ''Car Robots'' toyline, and Maximus wasn't part of ''Robots in Disguise''! Still, Japanese fans were eventually able buy chibi-Scourge like they buy many US-"exclusive" toys, as a "US Edition" in its American packaging.)

: The back of Maximus's instruction leaflet features a color play mat that the city connects to for use with other ''Car Robots/Robots in Disguise'' toys.

: This mold was also used to make [[Grand Maximus]] and Cybertron Base.

===Robot Masters===
*'''Cybertron Base''' (Contest prize, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Zebres Headmaster unit, Master large Headmaster unit, Brave's Mini Laser Rifle, Radar Scope

: First Prize in a ''Robot Masters'' contest where only 10 were awarded, Cybertron Base is completely identical to the retail-release ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Car Robots]]'' Brave Maximus toy, down to what accessories are lacking from the other incarnations of the mold, coming only with the two head-robots, a radar dish and the gun for the mid-robot. His head modules are renamed [[Zebres]] and [[Master (RM)|Master]] - fictionally speaking, whether or not these are just renamed versions of the Emissary and Cerebros, or if they were replaced by these new robots, is unknown.

: Cybertron Base was shipped in a fairly plain white box, and came with newly-printed instructions. He ''also'' came with the exact same paperwork packet as ''Car Robots'' Brave Maximus, including unchanged instructions, a ''Car Robots'' catalogue, and the Brave Maximus bio card.

==Trivia==
* According to the toy's profile card, Brave Maximus' robot mode is 350 meters tall (1,148 feet).

* In 2002, [[Hasbro]] began to solicit a United States release of Brave Maximus as ''Robots in Disguise'' Fortress Maximus. The toy was to be an exclusive to the retailer FAO Schwartz. However, it was later canceled due to the toy's failure of [[For safety reasons|standard industry drop tests]].

* The figure was released by in Korea by [[Sonokong]] in 2003, identical to the Takara version save for one detail—the Autobot [[insignia]] sticker on the city's central tower was upside-down.

==External links==
* [http://tfu.info/2000/Cybertron/BraveMaximus/fortressmaximus.htm Fortress Maximus at TFU.info]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Kiss Players characters]]
[[Category:MacGuffins]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise characters]]
[[Category:Starships]]

Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)

2009-07-05T04:03:25Z

TransRyan:

{{picsneeded}}

{{nav-rid}}

[[Image:Ridcartoon.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus and Koji valiantly protect T-AI from becoming part of Kiss Players. But it's still [[Ai Kuruma|too late]].]]
'''''Robots in Disguise''''' was the first dubbed Transformers show ever broadcast for a US audience. (Rather [[RTM 1 dub|questionable English dubs]] of the Japan-exclusive G1 cartoons were produced in Asia, but have never aired in the US).

==Overview==
''Car Robots'', the original Japanese series from which it was adapted, premiered in Japan in 2000. Originally the series was not going to be imported from Japan, but when Hasbro scrapped the planned ''[[Transtech]]'' line at the eleventh hour the ''Car Robots'' line and its attendant cartoon were imported to fill the void until a new replacement could be designed.

''Robots in Disguise'' was produced and dubbed by [[Saban Entertainment]], and aired from September 2001 to March 2002. It was something of a return to roots for Transformers fiction, in the sense that many characters transformed into realistic, modern Earth vehicles instead of animals or abstract/futuristic vehicles, as was standard in the [[Beast Era]]. It also marked the return of the [[Autobot]] faction and sigil for the good guys. (The villains, initially, remained [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]], though the [[Decepticon]]s are eventually added to their ranks as well, as a sub-group.)

[[Image:RiD Cartoon Intro Title.JPG|left|210px|thumb|There's the signpost up ahead... your next stop: The T-AI-Light Zone.]]
Animation in the series was cel-based, moving away from the CGI that had been a hallmark of Transformers television series in the US since 1996. It 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.

Takara at the time tended to aim their Transformers line and its fiction at younger audiences than Hasbro, resulting in a more light-hearted, comedic tone overall. Storylines were typically light or goofy and sometimes relied on bad jokes, absurd imagery and slapstick. Many fans appreciated the series' humorous approach, and others did not, but comic foil [[Sky-Byte]] became a fan-favorite character.

Most of the voice actors, though veterans of other Saban properties (basically, ''everyone'' from ''Digimon''), had never worked on a Transformers series before--with the conspicuous exception of [[Michael McConnohie]], one of the series voice directors and himself the voice of [[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]]; McConnohie had provided voice talent for [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] in the original ''The Transformers'' cartoon.

All 39 episodes were scheduled to run during the afternoon Fox Kids programming block on the Fox television network. The third episode, "[[Bullet Train to the Rescue]]", was scheduled to air on [[September 11]], 2001, but was preempted in most areas because of the terrorist attacks in America that day. Areas where "[[Fox Kids]]" was aired on a secondary station (like KDFI 27 in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX) aired the episode that day. Later episodes were re-edited to remove scenes that might be jarring to a newly sensitive viewing public, causing these episodes to air out-of-order. Other episodes were cut entirely and were not seen in the US. Disney now owns the cartoon through their acquisition of Saban.

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Autobot#Robots in Disguise|Autobots]]|c1=
* [[Omega Prime]] ([[Daniel Riordan]])
** [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Neil Kaplan]])
** [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Kim Strauss]])
* [[T-AI]] ([[Sandy Fox]])
* [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]] ([[Michael Lindsay]])
* [[Tow-Line (RID)|Tow-Line]] ([[Lex Lang]])
* [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] ([[Steve Blum]])
* [[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] ([[Steve Kramer]])
* [[The Emissary]]
;[[Autobot Brothers]]
* [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] ([[Wankus]])
* [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] ([[Wally Wingert]])
* [[X-Brawn]] ([[Bob Joles]])
;[[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)
;[[Spy Changer]]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]]
* [[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] ([[Michael Reisz]])
* [[Wedge]] (Michael Reisz)
* [[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]] ([[Daran Norris]])
* [[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]] ([[Keith Anthony]])
* [[Grimlock (RID)|Grimlock]] ([[Tom Wyner]])
|h2=[[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]]|c2=
* [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron/Galvatron]] (Daniel Riordan)
* [[Sky-Byte]] ([[Peter Spellos]])
* [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] ([[Peter Lurie]])
* [[Gas Skunk]] ([[Jerry DeCapua]])
* [[Dark Scream]] (Steve Blum)
;[[Decepticon]]s
* [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] ([[Barry Stigler]])
* '''[[Commando]]s'''
** [[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=
* [[Koji Onishi]] ([[Jason Spisak]])
* [[Doctor Kenneth Onishi]] ([[Kirk Thornton]])
* [[Doctor Bridget]] ([[Brianne Siddall]])
* [[Kelly]] ([[Philece Sampler]])
* [[Dorie Dutton]] ([[Tifanie Christun]])
* [[Karl]] ([[Joshua Seth]])
* [[Jenny (RID)|Jenny]] ([[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]])
}}

== Premise ==
The Predacons attack (a just-slightly futuristic) Earth and kidnap a famous scientist. The Autobots, who'd already established themselves in secret on Earth are ready for them and together with the scientist's son, [[Koji Onishi|Koji]], fight to stop the Predacons from finding the ancient hidden secret they've come to Earth to claim.

== Connections to other fiction ==
The ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon was the first total reboot of Transformers fiction. As the first official material not set in any Generation 1 universe it established the first alternate continuity family in the line's history. Many episodes of ''Robots in Disguise'' featured references to characters and events from earlier ''Transformers'' series. These were typically not written by the dub team but, rather, were added by Hasbro employee [[Andrew Frankel]] after the scripts were submitted to the company for broadcast approval. These "easter egg" continuity references lead some fans to speculate on possible connections between the ''Robots in Disguise'' universe and previous franchises; but this died down as the series progressed, as the fact remains that despite these easter egg references, much of the ''Robots in Disguise'''s story is too different from any existing Generation 1 universe for it to fit well together.

The first ''Car Robots'' toy catalog established Optimus Prime/Fire Convoy's crew as a "Dimensional Patrol" that followed the Predacons/Destrongers from another dimension to 21st-century Earth. This concept does not seem to have been played up in the Japanese version of the show — if it was mentioned at all — to the point that ''Robots in Disguise'' was able to dub entirely around it.

Things got more complicated in 2006, however, when [[TakaraTomy]] initiated a super-special awesome [[retcon]]. Through online timelines and flowcharts, and [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|more detailed printed material]] from the [[Kiss Players (franchise)|''Kiss Players'' franchise]], ''Car Robots'' was retroactively established as part of the Japanese Generation 1 animated continuity, occurring in the year 2000. Broadly speaking, this was accomplished by exploiting the unresolved ending of a G1-based manga published in [[Super Robot Magazine]], which had the majority of Transformers on Earth leave the planet and/or get lost in space in the late 90s, allowing ''Car Robots'' to slip in with minimal opposition. Most connections between ''Car Robots'' and other aspects of the fiction center on [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], who was tied into important events from ''[[Robot Masters]]'', ''[[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' and ''[[The Headmasters (franchise)|The Headmasters]]''.

''Robots in Disguise'', mind you, remains unconnected to the Western Generation 1 universe, and is still a separate continuity family there. And that's despite the fact RID contains more references to the Generation 1 universe than the original (and now in G1 continuity) ''Car Robots'' show because of the aforementioned easter eggs. Your head can start to hurt now!

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Robots in Disguise 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]] [[Megatron's Ambitions Revealed!]]
#[[The Decepticons]]
#[[Commandos]]
#[[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]] [[Assemble! New Troops]]
#[[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]] [[Sky-Byte's Blues]]
#[[Mistaken Identity]]
#[[Surprise Attack!]]
#[[Galvatron's Revenge]]
#[[The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle]]
}}

==DVD releases==

===''Car Robots''===
The ''Car Robots'' version of ''Robots in Disguise'' was released on DVD by Pony Canyon in [[Japan]] while the series was still on air.
<gallery perrow=5>
Image:Tf car robots vol 01.jpg|'''Volume 1 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 02.jpg|'''Volume 2 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 03.jpg|'''Volume 3 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 04.jpg|'''Volume 4 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 05.jpg|'''Volume 5 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 06.jpg|'''Volume 6 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 07.jpg|'''Volume 7 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 08.jpg|'''Volume 8 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 09.jpg|'''Volume 9 DVD cover'''
Image:Tf car robots vol 10.jpg|'''Volume 10 DVD cover'''
</gallery>

===''Robots in Disguise''===
====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''' (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)

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info RiD Forever]

*[http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC_%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%9C%E3%83%83%E3%83%88 Japanese Wiki '''Transformers Car Robots''' article]

[[Category:Robots in Disguise]]
[[Category:Television series]]

Scale

2009-07-03T04:30:18Z

TransRyan: /* The 2007 Transformers movie */

[[Image:OptimusSnakeEyes.jpg|right|300px|thumb|And the truck's how big...?]]
'''Scale''' in ''Transformers'' is, not to put too fine a point on it, screwed.

Virtually no era, franchise, fiction, [[Toy|toyline]] or other incarnation of ''Transformers'' has presented scale in a logical or believable fashion. (The only exceptions are the 1:24 toys for ''[[Alternators]]'' and ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'', but they [[Atari Hitotonari|have their own problems]].) Most fans agree that one must either ignore it or accept it, lest they be tempted to explain these problems and in the process fanwank themselves into oblivion.

However, the scale problems of ''Transformers'' still merit description.

{{bigquote|"Clearly, the pitiful humans at Hasbro are so overwhelmed by the awesomeness of Cybertronian life forms that they can't get the scale right."|[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]|[[Transformers Comic issue 23|Star Scream's #23]]}}

==Scale within toylines==

===Toys out of scale with others in the same line===
[[Image:DiacloneScale.jpg|right|350px|thumb|That little guy — who comes from the same toyline as all those vehicles — is supposed to be a normal-sized human. Yeeeah.]]
The early [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1 toyline]], especially the pre-[[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] lines, were repackaged and [[Redeco|redecoed]] toys from several different Japanese toylines. The crucial point is that the toylines were initially unrelated. The characters ''should'' be in scale to each other as they all have real-world altmodes that (should) pass for real vehicles. However, since ''[[Diaclone]]'' toys were not part of the same line as ''[[Microman]]'' toys, scale issues arose. ''Diaclone'' figures such as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] are more-or-less in correct scale to each other (though problems already arise with [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], whose [[alternate mode]]s are based on ''the same car'' yet are not quite the same size), but many of the [[Mini Vehicle]]s from the ''New Microman'' line are clearly far too small by comparison. Even aside from their deformed penny-racer proportions, a [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Volkswagen Beetle]] Microman toy is disproportionately tiny when compared to a [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Porsche 935]] Diaclone toy. The disparity becomes even more obvious with [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] such as [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (a tank) and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (a hovercraft), who should be many times their actual size.

Another glaring scale problem comes in the form of the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], who turn into F-15 Eagles which, in real life, are 19.4 m (63.8 feet) long. Correctly scaled, this would make their robot modes ''colossal'' compared to most Autobots. Similarly, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], despite also coming from the ''Diaclone'' line, are too small. Far worse is the other ''Diaclone'' combiner team, the [[Trainbot]]s, who have train engine altmodes, yet their toys are among the ''smallest'' of the ''Diaclone'' releases.

Transformers are currently formalised to a variety of [[size class|size classes]], which dictate the approximate cost and dimensions of a figure. Consequently, if the powers that be release toys of two characters in the same line in the same size class, they're going to come out in the same size. Even if one character's a [[Starscream (Movie)|twenty-metre fighter jet]] and the other's a [[Ironhide (Movie)|five-metre pickup truck]]. So don't expect this one to go away any time soon.

===Toys out of scale within teams===
Even toys specifically designed to interact with each other suffer from this problem. The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] are wildly out of scale to each other—[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]'s space shuttle mode should dwarf [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], with the others somewhere in between. Instead, they're about the same size. Among the Constructicons, [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] is designed to look like a gigantic [[Wikipedia:Image:Liebherr t282 1.jpg|"earth-mover" mining truck]]. He should be able to carry all his teammates in his bed, with some crowding. Similarly, [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (a Concorde jet) is dramatically undersized compared to his fighter-jet [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]] teammates. These scale problems are necessary to avoid misproportioned gestalt forms.

Don't even ask about the Protectobots with their [[Groove (G1)|motorcycle]] and [[Blades|helicopter]] limbs...

===Same altmode, different sizes===
Other scale problems come from characters who transform into the same (or similar) altmodes but whose toys are different sizes. For example [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but his toy is half the size of [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]'s. The same can be said for the Lamborghini Countach [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], who should be the same size as [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], not significantly smaller. These discrepancies are also seen in the other [[Scramble City]] combiners with Earth altmodes, whose toys are all smaller than similar earlier toys.

===Multiple scales of same character===
Although it was never really a problem in G1 (later retro-iterations of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|G1 Prime]] e.g. [[Masterpiece]] don't count), later franchises sometimes released multiple versions of the same character in different [[size class]]es ''within the same product line'', usually limited to the leader characters. Multiple versions of [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]] in ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' weren't exactly an example of this, as they represented different bodies, but ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' began the problem in earnest with three different [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor toys]] released over the course of the line. With one toy at the Supreme size point, one at the Mega point, and a third slight variant at the Deluxe point, there was no real indication of which size if any was the "correct" one. The same line also released two different [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] toys, two different Tankor toys, two different Thrust toys, and two different Optimus Primals. (Though in the case of the Vehicons one of each pair could be considered a distinct "drone" version; in the media the "drones" and the "sparked" Vehicons were physically indistinguishable.)

[[Image:TFAnimated RolloutCommand OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|230px|thumb|Hooray. I'm in scale with nobody.]]
''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' continued the trend, with several prominent characters receiving a smaller [[Spy Changer]] toy in addition to their larger toy, such as [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] and [[X-Brawn]]. The ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line featured both a Super-Con and Super-Base version of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] featuring the same design at different size-classes, an issue repeated with [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Megatron]] in ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]''. The introduction of the "Legends of Cybertron" size class in ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' only compounded matters, as a plethora of different characters were released at a size wildly out of scale with any of their contemporaries. ''Cybertron'' also featured the first notable case of out-of-scale toys being at least partially explained in the fiction with [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], who did change size over the course of the series.

With the explosion of toys for the [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]], even more scale problems erupted. The line offered both Voyager and Leader-class iterations of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], not to mention nearly all of the movie's onscreen cast getting a Fast Action Battler toy which introduces scale problems between the toys and one another. The fact that [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] came with a small Scorponok, and a separate Deluxe class [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] was released, only expands the scale problems when one realizes that the Blackout and Deluxe Scorponok toys are meant to interact. Blackout can carry the small Scorponok ''while'' clipped on to the larger one as well, effectively transporting ''both'' at the same time, which makes the entire assembly a nightmare of scaling problems.

This mishmash has expanded even further in the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' line, with Deluxe, Voyager, and even Supreme-class versions of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]]. [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], has an Activators, Deluxe, Voyager and Leader mode. And there's even three different sizes for poor [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]]: Leader, Voyager, and Activator.

Originally, the intent was apparently to make the popular [[Optimus (disambiguation)|Optimus]] and [[Megatron (disambiguation)|Megatron]] characters available at lower price points than just "leader" class so that children with less money would not miss out, while also forcing [[completist]] [[User:ItsWalky|collectors]] to buy multiple versions of one character. The result, however, is that it creates further confusion about scale within the toyline, as the contradictory sizes of these toys leave it [[Personal canon|up to the fans]] to determine which is the "correct" version, either using apparent [[show-accuracy]] or other criteria. Sometimes this creates even further problems, though—if one assumes that the Voyager-class Movie Prime is the "correct" version, then he either has comically small seats for human passengers or [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] has absurdly large seats.

===Toys out of scale with themselves===
[[Image:G1 Broadside toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Kill me. Just... kill me now.]]
[[Triple Changer]]s create a whole new set of problems. [[Octane]] transforms from a 20 m (60') tanker truck into a 65 m (200') jumbo jet. [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] transforms from an Earth jet into an entire ''aircraft carrier.''

Even a two-mode toy can have this problem. Twentieth Anniversary Optimus Prime has wheels which are pretty tiny for a Freightliner truck, while his rear hitch section is too thick. These out-of-proportion vehicle parts were necessary to give his robot mode [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] proportions.

===Toys with roleplay altmodes===
The characters with roleplay altmodes such as Generation 1 [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], or [[Laserbeak (Armada)|''Armada'' Laserbeak]] are scaled to be human-scale (well, kid-scale). Since the [[size changing]] seen in the fiction is not possible for real toys (at least, that's what [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''wants'' us to think), this human-scaling makes in some cases for inordinately large robot modes. E.g., [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s toy, in robot mode, is taller than most other Transformers.

The opposite problem is seen with [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Masterpiece Megatron]], whose robot mode is in scale with Masterpiece Optimus Prime. The result is that, while he may transform into a very accurately-proportioned handgun, it's unmistakably much larger than the real thing. (Not that this has stopped him being widely banned as a "realistic firearm replica"...)

===Fanciful altmodes===
Most post-[[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] Generation 1 characters (for that matter, most post-Generation 1 lines) are difficult to accurately scale, as they generally transform into futuristic or Cybertronian vehicles whose size we don't really know. (Or, indeed, they don't transform into vehicles at all.) The scale of characters such as [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] or [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] is fairly arbitrary and can only be estimated by their relative size to other characters in the fiction (although most fiction is highly inconsistent in this regard, see below). Nevertheless, if one assumes that most vehicle altmodes are intended for human-sized passengers, comparing toys such as [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]] suggests the combiner scale problem continues.

===Big toys===
It goes without saying that the [[city-bot]] and planetbot toys (such as [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Unicron]]) are not remotely to scale with normal Transformer toys. While they are indeed ''large'' toys, they're only two to five times bigger than typical Transformer toys, and thus transform into "cities" and "planets" about the (relative) size of a bungalow. The scale problems extend to the details. Some of the citybot toys have visible windows, which are too large for a city, suggesting instead a medium-sized building.

However, it's hard to begrudge Hasbro not offering us a [[Primus]] toy the size of an asteroid. Where would we keep it?

===An exception===
There has only been one notable exception to all of this scale weirdness in the toys: the ''Alternators'' toyline, where every toy is a 1:24-scale representation of a real car, and thus they are in perfect scale with each other. Unfortunately, for practical reasons this limits the choice of altmodes. A Blast Off (space shuttle) toy in scale with the Alternators toys would be 1.6 m (5.1') long, while a Broadside (aircraft carrier) toy at that scale would be over 12 m (40'). (Hasbro actually displayed [[Prototype|mock-ups]] for an unproduced line of "military" Transformers in scale with the Alternators during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour; two of them recycled parts of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron]], and were thus [[Size class|Supreme-sized]], which made said potential toyline not particularly commercially viable for Hasbro.)

== Scale within fictions ==
Scale issues abound within the fiction, especially the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]. Some can be attributed to [[animation error]]s, such as layering problems,[[:Image:Tinybluestreak.jpg|1]][[:Image:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|2]][[:Image:CarnageMiniBlaster.jpg|3]] but some "errors" were deliberate choices, for a variety of reasons.

===Fictional scale vs. toy scale===
[[Image:TeenyCliff.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Frighteningly toy-accurate.]]
[[Image:Powerglide Astoria Marygoaround.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Actually, [[Kiss Players (franchise)|disturbing fiction]] is probably more of a concern than scale issues.]]
G1 ''Transformers'' fiction often depicts characters to the same relative scale as the toys, which duplicates the intra-toyline problems described above. The cartoon, for example, shows Prime, Megatron and Soundwave as about the same height, Seekers and Autobot cars as slightly shorter (though not as much as the toys are), and Minibots as smaller yet. This scale was carried over to their vehicle forms, resulting in differently-sized cars that, based on real world measurements, should be virtually the same size.

[[Image:Omegasupreme astrotrain.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I know he's meant to be big, but holy crap, dude!]]
For another example, the Marvel Comics portrayed the Pretenders as literal interpretations of their toys: 60-foot humans with full scale Transformers inside. The "disguise" aspect of this was later explained by having Landmine and Cloudburst encounter giant, transformer-sized humanoids on an alien planet which made them appear to be of a "normal" scale.

Transformers fiction commonly shrinks or inflates characters, relative to their toy sizes. "Giant" characters such as [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] are, even aside from any [[size changing]] for transport purposes, clearly not in the same scale in toy form as they are depicted on screen. [[Mini-Cassette|Cassette characters]] such as [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s toys are roughly the same height as most Minibots, while in the show they are usually portrayed as human-sized.

[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] are usually shown to be of a fairly similar height (although Magnus is much bulkier), whereas there is a considerable difference between the size of their toys. By the same token, Rodimus is always depicted as being an equal stature to his opposing leader [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], whereas the toy Galvatron is instead the same size as Magnus. Optimus Prime is also usually shown as only a head or so shorter than Magnus (if that), which gets very strange when you realise that a [[redeco]] of Prime's toy forms but a small part of Magnus' robot mode.

[[Image:Beastwarsmaxgroup.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Airazor picks the Ultra-class figure.]]
The cast of ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' were size-tweaked quite a bit, relative to the toyline. The most noticeable problem is Optimus Primal, who has an Ultra toy (the "level four" size, almost twice the size of the "level three" Mega next-largest Maximal toys), but is shorter than both Dinobot and Rhinox (both of whom are "level two" Deluxe sized toys). Further, Cheetor and Tigatron's toys use the same (Deluxe) mold, but Tigatron is a head taller in the show (both because tigers are larger than cheetahs, and because Cheetor is "a kid"). New and altered characters in later seasons were generally more consistent in size (and appearance) with the toys.

The ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]''' toyline was ''far'' worse in size discrepancies with the cartoon. Of the Maximals featured in the show, the tallest character, [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], is the ''shortest'' toy, while the diminutive [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] is a massive Ultra-class toy. And, sadly, the most show-accurate toy, Air Attack [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]], is a ''ginormous'' Supreme figure, towering over the other toys. (Weirdly, the King Kong-like size of this toy became canon in one specific [[micro-continuity]]. {{storylink|Prime Spark}})
{{-}}

[[Image:ShrinkingHeavy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I lost thirty tons, thanks to the Jump-Cut! Thank you, Jump-Cut!]]
In the otherwise fairly toy-scale-savvy [[Unicron Trilogy]], [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Metroplex]] and the other citizens of [[Gigantion]] are depicted as gargantuan in animation, whereas the toys are merely among the normal boxed size-classes. Within the animation, this causes problems with their Mini-Con partners, who are depicted as human-sized in robot mode by themselves, but when shown directly interacting with their larger partners, are scaled up right along with their partner... resulting in some temporarily gigantic Mini-Cons!

The Japanese ''[[Cybertron (franchise)#Galaxy Force|Galaxy Force]]'' release of Metroplex, dubbed "Megalo Convoy", included an exclusive [[redeco]] of the [[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime toy]] to indicate the "correct" scale.

The ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' franchise has its share of scale problems when comparing its toyline to the cartoon (not helped by multiple releases of some characters in different sizes—see above), with several characters seeming roughly one [[size class]] too small, such as the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] being a mix of one Voyager size and two Deluxes, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] looking rather diminutive as a Deluxe, and, most egregiously, [[Lugnut]] as a ''very'' squat Voyager who's shorter than even some Deluxes. (As with Voyager-class Bulkhead, more of his mass went into his width, plus his weapon takes away some from his robot mode.) Conversely, the traditionally stunted [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] is marginally too tall and bulky to be in correct scale to his otherwise fairly accurate core teammates, assuming one includes Voyager [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] and Leader [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] in their lineup. In fact, Animated is one of those toylines where you're not quite sure who you're supposed to base correct scale on.

===Inconsistent portrayal===
[[Image:OmegaSupremeintro.jpg|left|175px|thumb|No! Don't wash him in hot water! He'll...]]
[[Image:Omegasupreme-blasterandgrimlock.jpg|right|200px|thumb|...too late.]]
Even if a size was decided on, it often didn't remain consistent. The height of the cartoon's [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], just to name one, frequently varied between episodes.

The [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|Generation 1 Marvel comic]] is notorious for changing the relative sizes of various characters. A single Transformer's size is rarely consistent between artists. For example, Rumble and Frenzy vary in height relative to Soundwave. A panel in the "[[Time Wars]]" shows [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Scattershot]], and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] all the same height. [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], titanic in his original appearance, {{storylink|Command Performances!}} shrunk steadily in subsequent issues until he was not much taller than the average Transformer. Fortress Maximus suffered a similar problem, shrinking in size even though he was explicitly rebuilt to be twice as tall as the average Transformer.

[[Image:Beastwarriors scale.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Beast Megatron's size vs. Optimus Prime's in America... and Japan. Looks like the Blasty Zone adds on a few tons to Beast Era characters.]]
Between the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] and the [[Beast Era]], the majority of the Cybertronian race considerably downgraded in size at the [[Great Upgrade]]. When entering the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], the Beast Warriors are quite small compared to the dormant Generation 1 characters, especially [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]—but just ''how'' much bigger varies quite a bit from scene to scene and episode to episode. When interacting with the Autobot technology of the Ark and the [[Autobot shuttle]], the Maximals are often dealing with equipment grossly oversized for them (standing on the chairs to reach the controls, turning knobs the size of their heads); yet the Ark also seems to feature some human-sized computer control panels. {{storylink|Master Blaster|Master Blaster}} Without any height booster, Blackarachnia can interface well with these controls.

On the other hand, ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' depicted Generation 1 and ''Beast Wars'' characters like Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal as being exactly the same size. Lovely. It's possible that passage through the [[Blasty Zone]] may somehow [[Wikipedia:Boom tube#Later Additions to the Concept|account for this discrepancy]].

===Explicit size changes===
{{main|size changing}}

Numerous characters are explicitly shown to shrink or expand at various times.

====Human-scaled alternate modes====
Blaster becomes a human-size radio; Megatron shrinks into a Transformer-scaled handgun. The cartoons and comics typically show this without explanation, leaving the reader to attribute it to advanced alien technology.

====Pretenders====
Some versions of the Pretenders are shown to explicitly shrink when hiding in their human-sized outer shells. In the U.S. toy commercials, Grimlock, Bumblebee, and Jazz in their new Pretender forms were small enough to fit in Powermaster Optimus Prime's hand. So, at least in that [[micro-continuity]], they were human-sized. ''[[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' featured Pretenders who did not have outer shells but rather an ill-defined holistic transformation which explicitly involved size changing. A vaguely similar explanation appeared in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' encyclopedia.

===Implicit size changes===
Characters often change size when transforming in a less explicit fashion. These changes in scale are usually attributed to size changing by that portion of the fanbase who like to find explanations for things. The other explanation is that the artists hoped the audience wouldn't notice.

====Transport characters====
In the original cartoon, Transformers that act as transport for other Transformers, such as [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], will often dramatically change size relative to their compatriots between one shot and the next. For example, Cosmos is ''much'' shorter than Blaster in robot form; yet Blaster easily fits within his spacecraft mode. Likewise, a whole squad of Decepticons can fit into Astrotrain's shuttle mode easily, yet he's an ordinary-sized trooper in his robot form.

Sometimes the cartoon would show ordinarily-scaled characters such as Cyclonus, Thrust or Huffer carrying another Transformer in their cockpit, implying either a tiny passenger or a huge vehicle. Even Omega Supreme, who is supposed to be huge, would have to have a greatly expanded scale for his rocket ship component to accommodate passengers as shown on the cartoon.

The Marvel comics commonly sidestepped this issue by not using Transformers as transport characters, or else requiring the passengers to transform into their explicitly smaller forms to be carried. Yet they were not immune to this problem. In one story, the Pretender [[Cloudburst]] exited his shell, transformed into jet mode, and then his shell (and [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]) boarded him as a passenger. The fact that his ''outer'' shell was now much smaller than the ''inner'' robot was quietly ignored. {{storylink|Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?}}

Dreamwave's ''More Than Meets The Eye'' series of bio comics tried to explain this for characters such as Astrotrain and Broadside by saying they're able to expand themselves to increase cargo space in vehicle mode, though their armor becomes thinner as it is spread out more. Conversely, the series notes, in robot mode, all that armor and structure being compressed into a smaller form makes that mode stronger and more durable for combat.

<center><gallery>
Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|Definitely ''not'' toy-accurate.
Image:Ironhide carried into Ratchet.jpg|...And not to mention [[Ironhide (G1)|th]][[Ratchet (G1)|is]].
</gallery></center>

====Combiner characters====
[[Image:DreamwaveCover6.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Since when is a sedan nine stories tall?]]
[[Combiner]] characters are often depicted as far larger than the sum of their parts. Characters such as [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] are frequently shown as [[That big green, fire-snortin' lizard|Godzilla]]-sized. Given that their limbs are mere cars and construction vehicles, this is patently absurd. ([[Superion (G1)|Superion]], by contrast, ''would'' be building-sized, given that his torso is a 100-seat jetliner.)

Combiners are also often out-of-scale with other Transformers; a combiner with cars for legs and another car for its torso should be only twice as tall as a one-car Transformer, but they are routinely drawn as five to dozens of times taller than their comrades.

====Scale problems and size-changing====
Some fans interpret the many otherwise-unexplained scale issues above to all be the result of [[size changing]], but this is debatable. If virtually all characters use mass-shifting (or whatever) to gain or drop a few feet of height for no logical reason, the technology would be pointlessly mundane. There's also no known reason for (e.g.) the Seekers to choose to get ''shorter'' when going into battle. A to-scale Starscream in robot mode could kick Bumblebee around like a soccer ball. There's simply no positive evidence that size-changing is so widespread.

===Undersized alternate modes===
Many Transformers are portrayed in fiction as having alternate modes that are smaller than the real-life objects they are imitating. Sometimes this is deliberate, allowing them to match their toy scale and/or be of a similar size to other characters; in other cases, it is essentially an artistic error.

Toys at the lowest price points usually include "mini" or "micro" in their name. [[Mini Vehicle]]s [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] are usually depicted as smaller than other Transformers in fiction, even though their alternate modes should have them towering over other characters. This often results in minuscule vehicle forms; Seaspray is a tiny hovercraft, despite being covered with doors and windows.

[[Image:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Do you have change for four hot rods?]]
The [[Micromaster]]s are explicitly downsized Transformers, roughly the size of a human in the comics, meaning that they ''should'' have explicitly tiny vehicle modes... which wouldn't make for very convincing disguises. The Micromasters are about the same height in robot mode, but they transform into equally tiny cars, trucks, planes, tanks, and other vehicles that should be vastly different sizes.

Despite this, the Marvel comic featured [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]] carrying a human passenger in his vehicle form, as though he were a full-sized car. The Dreamwave miniseries ''[[Micromasters]]'' suggested that the Micromasters were scaled down to interact more easily with "smaller beings". Whether that meant creatures of human scale or even smaller stature is never clarified, but the Micromasters' passenger compartments are presumably too small to accommodate human passengers.

The [[Mini-Con]]s of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] are another race of small robots who stand approximately the same height as humans and, like the Micromasters before them, are clearly modeled to carry passengers. Really teeny passengers. (Notable exceptions are [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (in his original body), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]], and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], who become small one-man conveyances.) This results from the Mini-Cons scanning normal vehicles and then resizing them to fit, retaining now-useless passenger compartments. In the [[Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]], the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] have slightly-larger-than-human robot modes, but their alternate modes are large enough for a single human passenger, implying either a little size-changing or that their cockpits are kinda cramped. Though the Recon Team all originate from Gigantion, and seeing how partnered Mini-Cons seem to change size to fit their larger companions, a little size shift to accomodate a passenger doesn't seem too far-fetched compared to other scale issues.

Likewise, the [[Beast Era]] Maximals and Predacons possess roughly human-size bodies; yet when portrayed as vehicles on Cybertron ("[[Dawn of Future's Past]]", the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]] in ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''), they feature seats and cockpits that, at their size, should be basically useless.

====Citybots====
[[Image:EarlyGalvatronTVMagazine1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|If you were ever this big in the cartoon, then we might call you a city.]]
[[City-bot|A few characters]] have "city" alternate modes. As actual real-life cities can sprawl for many miles, a [[city-bot]] that can notionally house a population of humans, ''let alone'' Transformers, should have a robot-mode that'd make [[Hojoni|Godzilla]] look like a gecko. Suffice to say, almost no fiction even ''begins'' to approximate the logical size of a true "city-bot". In the American and Japanese cartoons, all four were shown as massive robots capable of housing many normal-sized Transformers. Even so, it would take something along the lines of the grossly undersized depictions of [[Unicron]] (see below) even to begin to represent reasonably the colossal size of a transformed city; so in the context of Transformers, "city" is perhaps better read as "building" or "fortress".

These city-bots often have "small" robots forming vital components. Scorponok has a "human-sized" being forming his head. [[Full-Tilt]], [[Six-Gun]], and [[Slammer]] must logically be building-sized in robot-mode to be in-scale with Trypticon and Metroplex, but, again, are not drawn as such.

The Marvel Generation 1 comic sidestepped this issue by depicting Trypticon, Fortress Maximus and Scorponok as merely "large-standard" characters. However, Metroplex, during his one, brief appearance, was depicted as being immensely larger, crushing Quintesson attack cruisers under foot without batting an eyelid. He was still considerably smaller than a city, however, but this was justified by him merely serving as the 'transformation core' for Autobot City: Earth, not the actual city itself.

{{-}}

====Planets and planetbots====
[[Image:Cybertronplanet.jpg|left|250px|thumb|If we're generous and assume Cybertron is only the size of Earth's moon, then the larger visible buildings are roughly the size of Massachusetts stood on end, and you could wedge France into that gash. (Which would probably improve both Cybertron and France.)]]
Scale when it comes to planets is so fraught it's painful. The problems of describing citybots as "cities" is a thousand times worse if [[Unicron]] is supposed to have a planet alternate mode, and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] is in turn supposed to be of similar size. Though different stories have compared Cybertron/Primus and Unicron to drastically different real planets, the fact remains that they are ''planets'', and yet are shown in such insane scale to characters as to suggest they are the size of a ''very'' small moon (or [[Darth Vader|space station]]).

To start with, Cybertron was shown throughout ''Generation 1'' with buildings visible from space. Although this was intended to show that the planet was technological in nature, it makes little sense, as the structures would have to be the size of small ''nations'' to be visible. If the buildings were in fact supposed to be skyscrapers (or even ''2000 A.D.''-style arcologies) sized for 10 m (30') robots, Cybertron would still be less than 150km (100 miles) across. The rather [http://www.starwars.com/databank/location/coruscant/index.html Coruscant]-like shots of Cybertron in ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' may be less distinctive or "Cybertronian", but are ''far'' more believable. (Some people reason that the Transformers' advanced technology, along with their large size and their not needing to breathe, means that buildings actually CAN be that big.)

Unicron is a more extreme problem. Assuming no [[size changing]] occurs during his transformation (and really, what possible reason would he have to become ''smaller''?), in robot mode he would be so massive that any shot featuring a recognizable ''part'' of his body, let alone the whole thing, would be on a scale such that no normal Transformer would even be visible. [[Image:UnicronEatsGalvyMmmm.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Either Galvy is humungo, or Lithone is tiiinyyy!!!]]Scenes in the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]] in which he directly interacts with normal Cybertronians are blatantly absurd (though totally phat-looking). Shots such as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] fleeing his grasping hand, a starship penetrating his eye, impaling [[Brainstorm]] on his fingernail, {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} or ''especially'' him picking up Galvatron between his fingers before swallowing him, break any concept of "planetary" scale.

If Cybertron is the size of Earth's moon (and that's generous), and Unicron is about the size of Cybertron, his hands would be about the size of Europe and Galvatron (to the right) would be about the size of Denmark.

There is no explanation for any of this. Just go with it.

The depiction of Unicron's scale in ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' was (debatably) a slight improvement, in that physical interaction with normal beings was not attempted. He preferred instead to communicate with normal Transformers by possessing one of them. {{storylink|Sideways (RID)|Sideways}} Nevertheless, shots featuring [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] standing on his neck are still ''farcically'' out of scale.

===Oversized alternate modes===
[[Image:RattrapLOVEScheetor.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I'm tellin' ya, all da rats in Brooklyn are dis big!]]
Much less common are instances of a Transformer turning into an overscaled real-world object. Most such instances occur in the ''Beast Wars'' era.

Although the Beast Warriors are consistent day-to-day in their relative size to each other, their scale in relation to their real-world animal equivalents is more complex. While the bug characters such as [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] are obviously scaled-up, other characters are more subtly not quite the right size.

[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Tigatron]] are shown standing next to real members of their species, and they are both the same size as the animals in question. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} This makes them (and Cheetor in particular, since he's around more) the measuring sticks for the other characters. Therefore, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] is a rather small rhinoceros, and [[Optimus Primal]] is a roughly normal (or female) gorilla. However [[Rattrap]] is a monstrously huge rat, the size of a large dog (indeed, the writers stated that Season 1 Rattrap was 5' (1.5 m) tall<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/8227a6ca84c0238d Bob Forward gives Rattrap's height from the show bible]</ref>). Likewise [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] is considerably larger than a real velociraptor. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], however, is a tiny specimen of a T. Rex. In their interactions with adult [[protohuman]]s, the Transformer characters seem between twice and three times their height. Considering our ancestors really were smaller than modern humans, this is not extremely wrong, but it deserves noting.

However, thanks to the scaling up of the bug characters, it is relatively safe to assume that the Transformers scanned only animal ''forms'' and then rescaled them to fit their own size, which is actually slightly more believable than all other series, in which the Transformers use mass shifting to make their alt modes the ''right'' size.

===Artistic license===
====Variation for characterization====
[[Image:Prime has a huge head.jpg|left|150px|thumb|With 20th Anniversary Prime and Smallest Transformers Bumblebee, you can actually recreate this scene.]]
Some scale problems are for the sake of characterization. For example, Optimus Prime is routinely shown as thoroughly gargantuan, several stories in height, and capable of cradling humans in his palm. If he's the size of a real truck, Prime in robot mode should be 8–10 m (25'–30') tall, at best. He's drawn large because he's a leader character.

Conversely, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] is sometimes shown only a few feet taller than an average human, while in reality he would be 3–5 m (10'–15') tall (the Marvel comic actually states he's 15' tall {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}). He's drawn small because he's a human-friendly character, and a junior member of the Autobots.

With fighter jet alternate modes, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] should be among the largest everyday Transformers and would ''tower'' over their Autobot adversaries; instead, the animation depicts characters such as [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] as about the same height. Though jets are much larger than cars, they're drawn the same height so the battles appear fair. (And also to make it easier to animate; blocking a shot where characters differ radically in height is difficult.)

In a related vein, sometimes Transformers are able to enter human buildings, fitting through their doors and running up their staircases without crashing through. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}} A cast that couldn't enter buildings would be grossly inconvenient for telling some stories, so the animators fudge things.

{{-}}

====Intentionally strange scale====
[[Image:MarvelUS-01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|One side makes you larger, one side makes you small. (Op's been noshing on the first side too much.)]]
Sometimes artists draw a character at a different size [[Authorial intent|intentionally]]. For example, on the cover of the [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue]] of [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|the original ''Transformers'' comics series]], Optimus Prime is extremely huge compared to the highway, bridge, and normal cars. ([[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] is bigger than usual, too.) This is purely for dramatic effect.

Another notable example is the splash screen for the "[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/bible/index.html World of the TRANSFORMERS]" website, which depicts [[Optimus Primal]] (in his original gorilla body) as the same size as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Movie Optimus Prime]], directly contradicting the size difference seen in "[[Optimal Situation]]" and elsewhere (except for ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'').

Artwork for the [[:Image:VaderVsPrime.jpg|''Star Wars'']] subline features [[:Image:Megatronvsluke.jpg|humans from another galaxy]] standing at the same height as Transformers.

[[Image:World of the Transformers ent.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Meet the Supreme class Munky Optimus Primal.]]
{{-}}

===The 2007 ''Transformers'' movie===
[[Image:Moviescale1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Scale is absolutely not an issue in the movie. Riiight.]]
The creators of the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]] took great pains to avoid out-of-scale issues. (Well, greater than previous franchises.) This is sometimes reflected in the choice of vehicle or the design of their robot mode. E.g., [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] is an extended-hood cab in order to have more mass with which to make a taller robot mode. [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s robot mode is nearly as wide as it is tall, with shorter, digitigrade legs, so the massive jet-former won't end up twice as tall as Optimus. In the case of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], his huge alternate mode simply results in a hulking, towering robot mode.

There are still minor scale issues to be found, though. For example, Optimus Prime can hold both [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] in one hand. Comparing this shot with when he picks up [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s glasses a few minutes later, it seems the glasses have lenses a foot (30cm) in diameter. This is a visual cheat so the glasses are visible to the audience. There's also debate about whether [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]'s head could compact itself into a slim mobile phone. The [[Movie (toyline)|movie-franchise toys]], meanwhile, are only intermittently consistent (particularly since some of the secondary ones are redecos of toys from previous lines), with the largest contrast among the "primary" toys being between Deluxe Class [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], a motorcycle, and Voyager Class Decepticons with helicopters as their [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]], such as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]]. However, many of the wheeled vehicles are close to 1:35 scale, although Deluxe Class [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] and Classic Camaro [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] are ''obviously'' not the same scale. Even more oddly, the vehicle modes of Classic Camaro Bumblebee and Concept Camaro Bumblebee are not the same scale, yet their robot heads are the same size (albeit different sculpts).

{{-}}

==Official scale guides ==
[[Image:Tfcartoonscaleguideic1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Official Scale Guides]]
[[Image:Beastwarsscalepreliminary.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Beast Wars Season 1 scale guide]]
Animators and comic book artists received official scale guides showing relative and (in some cases) absolute heights. Some of these were published in the character model guides ''[[The Ark: A Complete Compendium of Character Designs|The Ark]]'' and ''[[The Ark II — A Compendium of Japanese Character Designs|The Ark II]].'' Though they were sometimes ignored, they still give insight into the official scale of characters in Generation 1. However, even here, there are problems. Devastator in the Season One scale guide was approximately 2.5 times the height of Optimus Prime, but by Season Two he was somewhat less than twice Prime's height.

''Beast Wars'' likewise had an official scale guide, which appeared as a bonus on the DVD set of Season 2. Despite this guide, the series writers have indicated some measure of disregard for relative scale, when it suited the needs of dramatic tension.<ref>[http://builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html BotCon 98 report - see "ON THE SIZES OF CHARACTERS"]</ref> Thus, Optimal Optimus is ''ungodly'' tall in his first appearance, later reduced to perhaps two times the height of the rest of the cast.

{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/6db411e03e75a342?dmode=source Estimated "real-life" heights for several Transformers, derived from the size of their alt-modes, archived from alt.toys.transformers on groups.google.com]

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Things that don't exist]]

Scale

2009-07-03T04:29:11Z

TransRyan: /* The 2007 Transformers movie */

[[Image:OptimusSnakeEyes.jpg|right|300px|thumb|And the truck's how big...?]]
'''Scale''' in ''Transformers'' is, not to put too fine a point on it, screwed.

Virtually no era, franchise, fiction, [[Toy|toyline]] or other incarnation of ''Transformers'' has presented scale in a logical or believable fashion. (The only exceptions are the 1:24 toys for ''[[Alternators]]'' and ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'', but they [[Atari Hitotonari|have their own problems]].) Most fans agree that one must either ignore it or accept it, lest they be tempted to explain these problems and in the process fanwank themselves into oblivion.

However, the scale problems of ''Transformers'' still merit description.

{{bigquote|"Clearly, the pitiful humans at Hasbro are so overwhelmed by the awesomeness of Cybertronian life forms that they can't get the scale right."|[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]|[[Transformers Comic issue 23|Star Scream's #23]]}}

==Scale within toylines==

===Toys out of scale with others in the same line===
[[Image:DiacloneScale.jpg|right|350px|thumb|That little guy — who comes from the same toyline as all those vehicles — is supposed to be a normal-sized human. Yeeeah.]]
The early [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1 toyline]], especially the pre-[[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] lines, were repackaged and [[Redeco|redecoed]] toys from several different Japanese toylines. The crucial point is that the toylines were initially unrelated. The characters ''should'' be in scale to each other as they all have real-world altmodes that (should) pass for real vehicles. However, since ''[[Diaclone]]'' toys were not part of the same line as ''[[Microman]]'' toys, scale issues arose. ''Diaclone'' figures such as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] are more-or-less in correct scale to each other (though problems already arise with [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], whose [[alternate mode]]s are based on ''the same car'' yet are not quite the same size), but many of the [[Mini Vehicle]]s from the ''New Microman'' line are clearly far too small by comparison. Even aside from their deformed penny-racer proportions, a [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Volkswagen Beetle]] Microman toy is disproportionately tiny when compared to a [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Porsche 935]] Diaclone toy. The disparity becomes even more obvious with [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] such as [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (a tank) and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (a hovercraft), who should be many times their actual size.

Another glaring scale problem comes in the form of the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], who turn into F-15 Eagles which, in real life, are 19.4 m (63.8 feet) long. Correctly scaled, this would make their robot modes ''colossal'' compared to most Autobots. Similarly, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], despite also coming from the ''Diaclone'' line, are too small. Far worse is the other ''Diaclone'' combiner team, the [[Trainbot]]s, who have train engine altmodes, yet their toys are among the ''smallest'' of the ''Diaclone'' releases.

Transformers are currently formalised to a variety of [[size class|size classes]], which dictate the approximate cost and dimensions of a figure. Consequently, if the powers that be release toys of two characters in the same line in the same size class, they're going to come out in the same size. Even if one character's a [[Starscream (Movie)|twenty-metre fighter jet]] and the other's a [[Ironhide (Movie)|five-metre pickup truck]]. So don't expect this one to go away any time soon.

===Toys out of scale within teams===
Even toys specifically designed to interact with each other suffer from this problem. The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] are wildly out of scale to each other—[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]'s space shuttle mode should dwarf [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], with the others somewhere in between. Instead, they're about the same size. Among the Constructicons, [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] is designed to look like a gigantic [[Wikipedia:Image:Liebherr t282 1.jpg|"earth-mover" mining truck]]. He should be able to carry all his teammates in his bed, with some crowding. Similarly, [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (a Concorde jet) is dramatically undersized compared to his fighter-jet [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]] teammates. These scale problems are necessary to avoid misproportioned gestalt forms.

Don't even ask about the Protectobots with their [[Groove (G1)|motorcycle]] and [[Blades|helicopter]] limbs...

===Same altmode, different sizes===
Other scale problems come from characters who transform into the same (or similar) altmodes but whose toys are different sizes. For example [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but his toy is half the size of [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]'s. The same can be said for the Lamborghini Countach [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], who should be the same size as [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], not significantly smaller. These discrepancies are also seen in the other [[Scramble City]] combiners with Earth altmodes, whose toys are all smaller than similar earlier toys.

===Multiple scales of same character===
Although it was never really a problem in G1 (later retro-iterations of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|G1 Prime]] e.g. [[Masterpiece]] don't count), later franchises sometimes released multiple versions of the same character in different [[size class]]es ''within the same product line'', usually limited to the leader characters. Multiple versions of [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]] in ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' weren't exactly an example of this, as they represented different bodies, but ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' began the problem in earnest with three different [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor toys]] released over the course of the line. With one toy at the Supreme size point, one at the Mega point, and a third slight variant at the Deluxe point, there was no real indication of which size if any was the "correct" one. The same line also released two different [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] toys, two different Tankor toys, two different Thrust toys, and two different Optimus Primals. (Though in the case of the Vehicons one of each pair could be considered a distinct "drone" version; in the media the "drones" and the "sparked" Vehicons were physically indistinguishable.)

[[Image:TFAnimated RolloutCommand OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|230px|thumb|Hooray. I'm in scale with nobody.]]
''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' continued the trend, with several prominent characters receiving a smaller [[Spy Changer]] toy in addition to their larger toy, such as [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] and [[X-Brawn]]. The ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line featured both a Super-Con and Super-Base version of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] featuring the same design at different size-classes, an issue repeated with [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Megatron]] in ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]''. The introduction of the "Legends of Cybertron" size class in ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' only compounded matters, as a plethora of different characters were released at a size wildly out of scale with any of their contemporaries. ''Cybertron'' also featured the first notable case of out-of-scale toys being at least partially explained in the fiction with [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], who did change size over the course of the series.

With the explosion of toys for the [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]], even more scale problems erupted. The line offered both Voyager and Leader-class iterations of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], not to mention nearly all of the movie's onscreen cast getting a Fast Action Battler toy which introduces scale problems between the toys and one another. The fact that [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] came with a small Scorponok, and a separate Deluxe class [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] was released, only expands the scale problems when one realizes that the Blackout and Deluxe Scorponok toys are meant to interact. Blackout can carry the small Scorponok ''while'' clipped on to the larger one as well, effectively transporting ''both'' at the same time, which makes the entire assembly a nightmare of scaling problems.

This mishmash has expanded even further in the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' line, with Deluxe, Voyager, and even Supreme-class versions of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]]. [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], has an Activators, Deluxe, Voyager and Leader mode. And there's even three different sizes for poor [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]]: Leader, Voyager, and Activator.

Originally, the intent was apparently to make the popular [[Optimus (disambiguation)|Optimus]] and [[Megatron (disambiguation)|Megatron]] characters available at lower price points than just "leader" class so that children with less money would not miss out, while also forcing [[completist]] [[User:ItsWalky|collectors]] to buy multiple versions of one character. The result, however, is that it creates further confusion about scale within the toyline, as the contradictory sizes of these toys leave it [[Personal canon|up to the fans]] to determine which is the "correct" version, either using apparent [[show-accuracy]] or other criteria. Sometimes this creates even further problems, though—if one assumes that the Voyager-class Movie Prime is the "correct" version, then he either has comically small seats for human passengers or [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] has absurdly large seats.

===Toys out of scale with themselves===
[[Image:G1 Broadside toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Kill me. Just... kill me now.]]
[[Triple Changer]]s create a whole new set of problems. [[Octane]] transforms from a 20 m (60') tanker truck into a 65 m (200') jumbo jet. [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] transforms from an Earth jet into an entire ''aircraft carrier.''

Even a two-mode toy can have this problem. Twentieth Anniversary Optimus Prime has wheels which are pretty tiny for a Freightliner truck, while his rear hitch section is too thick. These out-of-proportion vehicle parts were necessary to give his robot mode [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] proportions.

===Toys with roleplay altmodes===
The characters with roleplay altmodes such as Generation 1 [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], or [[Laserbeak (Armada)|''Armada'' Laserbeak]] are scaled to be human-scale (well, kid-scale). Since the [[size changing]] seen in the fiction is not possible for real toys (at least, that's what [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''wants'' us to think), this human-scaling makes in some cases for inordinately large robot modes. E.g., [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s toy, in robot mode, is taller than most other Transformers.

The opposite problem is seen with [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Masterpiece Megatron]], whose robot mode is in scale with Masterpiece Optimus Prime. The result is that, while he may transform into a very accurately-proportioned handgun, it's unmistakably much larger than the real thing. (Not that this has stopped him being widely banned as a "realistic firearm replica"...)

===Fanciful altmodes===
Most post-[[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] Generation 1 characters (for that matter, most post-Generation 1 lines) are difficult to accurately scale, as they generally transform into futuristic or Cybertronian vehicles whose size we don't really know. (Or, indeed, they don't transform into vehicles at all.) The scale of characters such as [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] or [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] is fairly arbitrary and can only be estimated by their relative size to other characters in the fiction (although most fiction is highly inconsistent in this regard, see below). Nevertheless, if one assumes that most vehicle altmodes are intended for human-sized passengers, comparing toys such as [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]] suggests the combiner scale problem continues.

===Big toys===
It goes without saying that the [[city-bot]] and planetbot toys (such as [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Unicron]]) are not remotely to scale with normal Transformer toys. While they are indeed ''large'' toys, they're only two to five times bigger than typical Transformer toys, and thus transform into "cities" and "planets" about the (relative) size of a bungalow. The scale problems extend to the details. Some of the citybot toys have visible windows, which are too large for a city, suggesting instead a medium-sized building.

However, it's hard to begrudge Hasbro not offering us a [[Primus]] toy the size of an asteroid. Where would we keep it?

===An exception===
There has only been one notable exception to all of this scale weirdness in the toys: the ''Alternators'' toyline, where every toy is a 1:24-scale representation of a real car, and thus they are in perfect scale with each other. Unfortunately, for practical reasons this limits the choice of altmodes. A Blast Off (space shuttle) toy in scale with the Alternators toys would be 1.6 m (5.1') long, while a Broadside (aircraft carrier) toy at that scale would be over 12 m (40'). (Hasbro actually displayed [[Prototype|mock-ups]] for an unproduced line of "military" Transformers in scale with the Alternators during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour; two of them recycled parts of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron]], and were thus [[Size class|Supreme-sized]], which made said potential toyline not particularly commercially viable for Hasbro.)

== Scale within fictions ==
Scale issues abound within the fiction, especially the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]. Some can be attributed to [[animation error]]s, such as layering problems,[[:Image:Tinybluestreak.jpg|1]][[:Image:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|2]][[:Image:CarnageMiniBlaster.jpg|3]] but some "errors" were deliberate choices, for a variety of reasons.

===Fictional scale vs. toy scale===
[[Image:TeenyCliff.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Frighteningly toy-accurate.]]
[[Image:Powerglide Astoria Marygoaround.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Actually, [[Kiss Players (franchise)|disturbing fiction]] is probably more of a concern than scale issues.]]
G1 ''Transformers'' fiction often depicts characters to the same relative scale as the toys, which duplicates the intra-toyline problems described above. The cartoon, for example, shows Prime, Megatron and Soundwave as about the same height, Seekers and Autobot cars as slightly shorter (though not as much as the toys are), and Minibots as smaller yet. This scale was carried over to their vehicle forms, resulting in differently-sized cars that, based on real world measurements, should be virtually the same size.

[[Image:Omegasupreme astrotrain.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I know he's meant to be big, but holy crap, dude!]]
For another example, the Marvel Comics portrayed the Pretenders as literal interpretations of their toys: 60-foot humans with full scale Transformers inside. The "disguise" aspect of this was later explained by having Landmine and Cloudburst encounter giant, transformer-sized humanoids on an alien planet which made them appear to be of a "normal" scale.

Transformers fiction commonly shrinks or inflates characters, relative to their toy sizes. "Giant" characters such as [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] are, even aside from any [[size changing]] for transport purposes, clearly not in the same scale in toy form as they are depicted on screen. [[Mini-Cassette|Cassette characters]] such as [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s toys are roughly the same height as most Minibots, while in the show they are usually portrayed as human-sized.

[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] are usually shown to be of a fairly similar height (although Magnus is much bulkier), whereas there is a considerable difference between the size of their toys. By the same token, Rodimus is always depicted as being an equal stature to his opposing leader [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], whereas the toy Galvatron is instead the same size as Magnus. Optimus Prime is also usually shown as only a head or so shorter than Magnus (if that), which gets very strange when you realise that a [[redeco]] of Prime's toy forms but a small part of Magnus' robot mode.

[[Image:Beastwarsmaxgroup.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Airazor picks the Ultra-class figure.]]
The cast of ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' were size-tweaked quite a bit, relative to the toyline. The most noticeable problem is Optimus Primal, who has an Ultra toy (the "level four" size, almost twice the size of the "level three" Mega next-largest Maximal toys), but is shorter than both Dinobot and Rhinox (both of whom are "level two" Deluxe sized toys). Further, Cheetor and Tigatron's toys use the same (Deluxe) mold, but Tigatron is a head taller in the show (both because tigers are larger than cheetahs, and because Cheetor is "a kid"). New and altered characters in later seasons were generally more consistent in size (and appearance) with the toys.

The ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]''' toyline was ''far'' worse in size discrepancies with the cartoon. Of the Maximals featured in the show, the tallest character, [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], is the ''shortest'' toy, while the diminutive [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] is a massive Ultra-class toy. And, sadly, the most show-accurate toy, Air Attack [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]], is a ''ginormous'' Supreme figure, towering over the other toys. (Weirdly, the King Kong-like size of this toy became canon in one specific [[micro-continuity]]. {{storylink|Prime Spark}})
{{-}}

[[Image:ShrinkingHeavy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I lost thirty tons, thanks to the Jump-Cut! Thank you, Jump-Cut!]]
In the otherwise fairly toy-scale-savvy [[Unicron Trilogy]], [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Metroplex]] and the other citizens of [[Gigantion]] are depicted as gargantuan in animation, whereas the toys are merely among the normal boxed size-classes. Within the animation, this causes problems with their Mini-Con partners, who are depicted as human-sized in robot mode by themselves, but when shown directly interacting with their larger partners, are scaled up right along with their partner... resulting in some temporarily gigantic Mini-Cons!

The Japanese ''[[Cybertron (franchise)#Galaxy Force|Galaxy Force]]'' release of Metroplex, dubbed "Megalo Convoy", included an exclusive [[redeco]] of the [[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime toy]] to indicate the "correct" scale.

The ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' franchise has its share of scale problems when comparing its toyline to the cartoon (not helped by multiple releases of some characters in different sizes—see above), with several characters seeming roughly one [[size class]] too small, such as the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] being a mix of one Voyager size and two Deluxes, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] looking rather diminutive as a Deluxe, and, most egregiously, [[Lugnut]] as a ''very'' squat Voyager who's shorter than even some Deluxes. (As with Voyager-class Bulkhead, more of his mass went into his width, plus his weapon takes away some from his robot mode.) Conversely, the traditionally stunted [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] is marginally too tall and bulky to be in correct scale to his otherwise fairly accurate core teammates, assuming one includes Voyager [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] and Leader [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] in their lineup. In fact, Animated is one of those toylines where you're not quite sure who you're supposed to base correct scale on.

===Inconsistent portrayal===
[[Image:OmegaSupremeintro.jpg|left|175px|thumb|No! Don't wash him in hot water! He'll...]]
[[Image:Omegasupreme-blasterandgrimlock.jpg|right|200px|thumb|...too late.]]
Even if a size was decided on, it often didn't remain consistent. The height of the cartoon's [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], just to name one, frequently varied between episodes.

The [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|Generation 1 Marvel comic]] is notorious for changing the relative sizes of various characters. A single Transformer's size is rarely consistent between artists. For example, Rumble and Frenzy vary in height relative to Soundwave. A panel in the "[[Time Wars]]" shows [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Scattershot]], and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] all the same height. [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], titanic in his original appearance, {{storylink|Command Performances!}} shrunk steadily in subsequent issues until he was not much taller than the average Transformer. Fortress Maximus suffered a similar problem, shrinking in size even though he was explicitly rebuilt to be twice as tall as the average Transformer.

[[Image:Beastwarriors scale.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Beast Megatron's size vs. Optimus Prime's in America... and Japan. Looks like the Blasty Zone adds on a few tons to Beast Era characters.]]
Between the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] and the [[Beast Era]], the majority of the Cybertronian race considerably downgraded in size at the [[Great Upgrade]]. When entering the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], the Beast Warriors are quite small compared to the dormant Generation 1 characters, especially [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]—but just ''how'' much bigger varies quite a bit from scene to scene and episode to episode. When interacting with the Autobot technology of the Ark and the [[Autobot shuttle]], the Maximals are often dealing with equipment grossly oversized for them (standing on the chairs to reach the controls, turning knobs the size of their heads); yet the Ark also seems to feature some human-sized computer control panels. {{storylink|Master Blaster|Master Blaster}} Without any height booster, Blackarachnia can interface well with these controls.

On the other hand, ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' depicted Generation 1 and ''Beast Wars'' characters like Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal as being exactly the same size. Lovely. It's possible that passage through the [[Blasty Zone]] may somehow [[Wikipedia:Boom tube#Later Additions to the Concept|account for this discrepancy]].

===Explicit size changes===
{{main|size changing}}

Numerous characters are explicitly shown to shrink or expand at various times.

====Human-scaled alternate modes====
Blaster becomes a human-size radio; Megatron shrinks into a Transformer-scaled handgun. The cartoons and comics typically show this without explanation, leaving the reader to attribute it to advanced alien technology.

====Pretenders====
Some versions of the Pretenders are shown to explicitly shrink when hiding in their human-sized outer shells. In the U.S. toy commercials, Grimlock, Bumblebee, and Jazz in their new Pretender forms were small enough to fit in Powermaster Optimus Prime's hand. So, at least in that [[micro-continuity]], they were human-sized. ''[[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' featured Pretenders who did not have outer shells but rather an ill-defined holistic transformation which explicitly involved size changing. A vaguely similar explanation appeared in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' encyclopedia.

===Implicit size changes===
Characters often change size when transforming in a less explicit fashion. These changes in scale are usually attributed to size changing by that portion of the fanbase who like to find explanations for things. The other explanation is that the artists hoped the audience wouldn't notice.

====Transport characters====
In the original cartoon, Transformers that act as transport for other Transformers, such as [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], will often dramatically change size relative to their compatriots between one shot and the next. For example, Cosmos is ''much'' shorter than Blaster in robot form; yet Blaster easily fits within his spacecraft mode. Likewise, a whole squad of Decepticons can fit into Astrotrain's shuttle mode easily, yet he's an ordinary-sized trooper in his robot form.

Sometimes the cartoon would show ordinarily-scaled characters such as Cyclonus, Thrust or Huffer carrying another Transformer in their cockpit, implying either a tiny passenger or a huge vehicle. Even Omega Supreme, who is supposed to be huge, would have to have a greatly expanded scale for his rocket ship component to accommodate passengers as shown on the cartoon.

The Marvel comics commonly sidestepped this issue by not using Transformers as transport characters, or else requiring the passengers to transform into their explicitly smaller forms to be carried. Yet they were not immune to this problem. In one story, the Pretender [[Cloudburst]] exited his shell, transformed into jet mode, and then his shell (and [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]) boarded him as a passenger. The fact that his ''outer'' shell was now much smaller than the ''inner'' robot was quietly ignored. {{storylink|Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?}}

Dreamwave's ''More Than Meets The Eye'' series of bio comics tried to explain this for characters such as Astrotrain and Broadside by saying they're able to expand themselves to increase cargo space in vehicle mode, though their armor becomes thinner as it is spread out more. Conversely, the series notes, in robot mode, all that armor and structure being compressed into a smaller form makes that mode stronger and more durable for combat.

<center><gallery>
Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|Definitely ''not'' toy-accurate.
Image:Ironhide carried into Ratchet.jpg|...And not to mention [[Ironhide (G1)|th]][[Ratchet (G1)|is]].
</gallery></center>

====Combiner characters====
[[Image:DreamwaveCover6.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Since when is a sedan nine stories tall?]]
[[Combiner]] characters are often depicted as far larger than the sum of their parts. Characters such as [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] are frequently shown as [[That big green, fire-snortin' lizard|Godzilla]]-sized. Given that their limbs are mere cars and construction vehicles, this is patently absurd. ([[Superion (G1)|Superion]], by contrast, ''would'' be building-sized, given that his torso is a 100-seat jetliner.)

Combiners are also often out-of-scale with other Transformers; a combiner with cars for legs and another car for its torso should be only twice as tall as a one-car Transformer, but they are routinely drawn as five to dozens of times taller than their comrades.

====Scale problems and size-changing====
Some fans interpret the many otherwise-unexplained scale issues above to all be the result of [[size changing]], but this is debatable. If virtually all characters use mass-shifting (or whatever) to gain or drop a few feet of height for no logical reason, the technology would be pointlessly mundane. There's also no known reason for (e.g.) the Seekers to choose to get ''shorter'' when going into battle. A to-scale Starscream in robot mode could kick Bumblebee around like a soccer ball. There's simply no positive evidence that size-changing is so widespread.

===Undersized alternate modes===
Many Transformers are portrayed in fiction as having alternate modes that are smaller than the real-life objects they are imitating. Sometimes this is deliberate, allowing them to match their toy scale and/or be of a similar size to other characters; in other cases, it is essentially an artistic error.

Toys at the lowest price points usually include "mini" or "micro" in their name. [[Mini Vehicle]]s [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] are usually depicted as smaller than other Transformers in fiction, even though their alternate modes should have them towering over other characters. This often results in minuscule vehicle forms; Seaspray is a tiny hovercraft, despite being covered with doors and windows.

[[Image:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Do you have change for four hot rods?]]
The [[Micromaster]]s are explicitly downsized Transformers, roughly the size of a human in the comics, meaning that they ''should'' have explicitly tiny vehicle modes... which wouldn't make for very convincing disguises. The Micromasters are about the same height in robot mode, but they transform into equally tiny cars, trucks, planes, tanks, and other vehicles that should be vastly different sizes.

Despite this, the Marvel comic featured [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]] carrying a human passenger in his vehicle form, as though he were a full-sized car. The Dreamwave miniseries ''[[Micromasters]]'' suggested that the Micromasters were scaled down to interact more easily with "smaller beings". Whether that meant creatures of human scale or even smaller stature is never clarified, but the Micromasters' passenger compartments are presumably too small to accommodate human passengers.

The [[Mini-Con]]s of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] are another race of small robots who stand approximately the same height as humans and, like the Micromasters before them, are clearly modeled to carry passengers. Really teeny passengers. (Notable exceptions are [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (in his original body), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]], and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], who become small one-man conveyances.) This results from the Mini-Cons scanning normal vehicles and then resizing them to fit, retaining now-useless passenger compartments. In the [[Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]], the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] have slightly-larger-than-human robot modes, but their alternate modes are large enough for a single human passenger, implying either a little size-changing or that their cockpits are kinda cramped. Though the Recon Team all originate from Gigantion, and seeing how partnered Mini-Cons seem to change size to fit their larger companions, a little size shift to accomodate a passenger doesn't seem too far-fetched compared to other scale issues.

Likewise, the [[Beast Era]] Maximals and Predacons possess roughly human-size bodies; yet when portrayed as vehicles on Cybertron ("[[Dawn of Future's Past]]", the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]] in ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''), they feature seats and cockpits that, at their size, should be basically useless.

====Citybots====
[[Image:EarlyGalvatronTVMagazine1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|If you were ever this big in the cartoon, then we might call you a city.]]
[[City-bot|A few characters]] have "city" alternate modes. As actual real-life cities can sprawl for many miles, a [[city-bot]] that can notionally house a population of humans, ''let alone'' Transformers, should have a robot-mode that'd make [[Hojoni|Godzilla]] look like a gecko. Suffice to say, almost no fiction even ''begins'' to approximate the logical size of a true "city-bot". In the American and Japanese cartoons, all four were shown as massive robots capable of housing many normal-sized Transformers. Even so, it would take something along the lines of the grossly undersized depictions of [[Unicron]] (see below) even to begin to represent reasonably the colossal size of a transformed city; so in the context of Transformers, "city" is perhaps better read as "building" or "fortress".

These city-bots often have "small" robots forming vital components. Scorponok has a "human-sized" being forming his head. [[Full-Tilt]], [[Six-Gun]], and [[Slammer]] must logically be building-sized in robot-mode to be in-scale with Trypticon and Metroplex, but, again, are not drawn as such.

The Marvel Generation 1 comic sidestepped this issue by depicting Trypticon, Fortress Maximus and Scorponok as merely "large-standard" characters. However, Metroplex, during his one, brief appearance, was depicted as being immensely larger, crushing Quintesson attack cruisers under foot without batting an eyelid. He was still considerably smaller than a city, however, but this was justified by him merely serving as the 'transformation core' for Autobot City: Earth, not the actual city itself.

{{-}}

====Planets and planetbots====
[[Image:Cybertronplanet.jpg|left|250px|thumb|If we're generous and assume Cybertron is only the size of Earth's moon, then the larger visible buildings are roughly the size of Massachusetts stood on end, and you could wedge France into that gash. (Which would probably improve both Cybertron and France.)]]
Scale when it comes to planets is so fraught it's painful. The problems of describing citybots as "cities" is a thousand times worse if [[Unicron]] is supposed to have a planet alternate mode, and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] is in turn supposed to be of similar size. Though different stories have compared Cybertron/Primus and Unicron to drastically different real planets, the fact remains that they are ''planets'', and yet are shown in such insane scale to characters as to suggest they are the size of a ''very'' small moon (or [[Darth Vader|space station]]).

To start with, Cybertron was shown throughout ''Generation 1'' with buildings visible from space. Although this was intended to show that the planet was technological in nature, it makes little sense, as the structures would have to be the size of small ''nations'' to be visible. If the buildings were in fact supposed to be skyscrapers (or even ''2000 A.D.''-style arcologies) sized for 10 m (30') robots, Cybertron would still be less than 150km (100 miles) across. The rather [http://www.starwars.com/databank/location/coruscant/index.html Coruscant]-like shots of Cybertron in ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' may be less distinctive or "Cybertronian", but are ''far'' more believable. (Some people reason that the Transformers' advanced technology, along with their large size and their not needing to breathe, means that buildings actually CAN be that big.)

Unicron is a more extreme problem. Assuming no [[size changing]] occurs during his transformation (and really, what possible reason would he have to become ''smaller''?), in robot mode he would be so massive that any shot featuring a recognizable ''part'' of his body, let alone the whole thing, would be on a scale such that no normal Transformer would even be visible. [[Image:UnicronEatsGalvyMmmm.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Either Galvy is humungo, or Lithone is tiiinyyy!!!]]Scenes in the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]] in which he directly interacts with normal Cybertronians are blatantly absurd (though totally phat-looking). Shots such as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] fleeing his grasping hand, a starship penetrating his eye, impaling [[Brainstorm]] on his fingernail, {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} or ''especially'' him picking up Galvatron between his fingers before swallowing him, break any concept of "planetary" scale.

If Cybertron is the size of Earth's moon (and that's generous), and Unicron is about the size of Cybertron, his hands would be about the size of Europe and Galvatron (to the right) would be about the size of Denmark.

There is no explanation for any of this. Just go with it.

The depiction of Unicron's scale in ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' was (debatably) a slight improvement, in that physical interaction with normal beings was not attempted. He preferred instead to communicate with normal Transformers by possessing one of them. {{storylink|Sideways (RID)|Sideways}} Nevertheless, shots featuring [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] standing on his neck are still ''farcically'' out of scale.

===Oversized alternate modes===
[[Image:RattrapLOVEScheetor.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I'm tellin' ya, all da rats in Brooklyn are dis big!]]
Much less common are instances of a Transformer turning into an overscaled real-world object. Most such instances occur in the ''Beast Wars'' era.

Although the Beast Warriors are consistent day-to-day in their relative size to each other, their scale in relation to their real-world animal equivalents is more complex. While the bug characters such as [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] are obviously scaled-up, other characters are more subtly not quite the right size.

[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Tigatron]] are shown standing next to real members of their species, and they are both the same size as the animals in question. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} This makes them (and Cheetor in particular, since he's around more) the measuring sticks for the other characters. Therefore, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] is a rather small rhinoceros, and [[Optimus Primal]] is a roughly normal (or female) gorilla. However [[Rattrap]] is a monstrously huge rat, the size of a large dog (indeed, the writers stated that Season 1 Rattrap was 5' (1.5 m) tall<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/8227a6ca84c0238d Bob Forward gives Rattrap's height from the show bible]</ref>). Likewise [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] is considerably larger than a real velociraptor. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], however, is a tiny specimen of a T. Rex. In their interactions with adult [[protohuman]]s, the Transformer characters seem between twice and three times their height. Considering our ancestors really were smaller than modern humans, this is not extremely wrong, but it deserves noting.

However, thanks to the scaling up of the bug characters, it is relatively safe to assume that the Transformers scanned only animal ''forms'' and then rescaled them to fit their own size, which is actually slightly more believable than all other series, in which the Transformers use mass shifting to make their alt modes the ''right'' size.

===Artistic license===
====Variation for characterization====
[[Image:Prime has a huge head.jpg|left|150px|thumb|With 20th Anniversary Prime and Smallest Transformers Bumblebee, you can actually recreate this scene.]]
Some scale problems are for the sake of characterization. For example, Optimus Prime is routinely shown as thoroughly gargantuan, several stories in height, and capable of cradling humans in his palm. If he's the size of a real truck, Prime in robot mode should be 8–10 m (25'–30') tall, at best. He's drawn large because he's a leader character.

Conversely, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] is sometimes shown only a few feet taller than an average human, while in reality he would be 3–5 m (10'–15') tall (the Marvel comic actually states he's 15' tall {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}). He's drawn small because he's a human-friendly character, and a junior member of the Autobots.

With fighter jet alternate modes, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] should be among the largest everyday Transformers and would ''tower'' over their Autobot adversaries; instead, the animation depicts characters such as [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] as about the same height. Though jets are much larger than cars, they're drawn the same height so the battles appear fair. (And also to make it easier to animate; blocking a shot where characters differ radically in height is difficult.)

In a related vein, sometimes Transformers are able to enter human buildings, fitting through their doors and running up their staircases without crashing through. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}} A cast that couldn't enter buildings would be grossly inconvenient for telling some stories, so the animators fudge things.

{{-}}

====Intentionally strange scale====
[[Image:MarvelUS-01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|One side makes you larger, one side makes you small. (Op's been noshing on the first side too much.)]]
Sometimes artists draw a character at a different size [[Authorial intent|intentionally]]. For example, on the cover of the [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue]] of [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|the original ''Transformers'' comics series]], Optimus Prime is extremely huge compared to the highway, bridge, and normal cars. ([[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] is bigger than usual, too.) This is purely for dramatic effect.

Another notable example is the splash screen for the "[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/bible/index.html World of the TRANSFORMERS]" website, which depicts [[Optimus Primal]] (in his original gorilla body) as the same size as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Movie Optimus Prime]], directly contradicting the size difference seen in "[[Optimal Situation]]" and elsewhere (except for ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'').

Artwork for the [[:Image:VaderVsPrime.jpg|''Star Wars'']] subline features [[:Image:Megatronvsluke.jpg|humans from another galaxy]] standing at the same height as Transformers.

[[Image:World of the Transformers ent.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Meet the Supreme class Munky Optimus Primal.]]
{{-}}

===The 2007 ''Transformers'' movie===
[[Image:Moviescale1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Scale is absolutely not an issue in the movie. Riiight.]]
The creators of the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]] took great pains to avoid out-of-scale issues. (Well, greater than previous franchises.) This is sometimes reflected in the choice of vehicle or the design of their robot mode. E.g., [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] is an extended-hood cab in order to have more mass with which to make a taller robot mode. [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s robot mode is nearly as wide as it is tall, with shorter, digitigrade legs, so the massive jet-former won't end up twice as tall as Optimus. In the case of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], his huge alternate mode simply results in a hulking, towering robot mode.[[image:Mikaela&Prime.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Kiss Players|Oh god]]...]]

There are still minor scale issues to be found, though. For example, Optimus Prime can hold both [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] in one hand. Comparing this shot with when he picks up [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s glasses a few minutes later, it seems the glasses have lenses a foot (30cm) in diameter. This is a visual cheat so the glasses are visible to the audience. There's also debate about whether [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]'s head could compact itself into a slim mobile phone. The [[Movie (toyline)|movie-franchise toys]], meanwhile, are only intermittently consistent (particularly since some of the secondary ones are redecos of toys from previous lines), with the largest contrast among the "primary" toys being between Deluxe Class [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], a motorcycle, and Voyager Class Decepticons with helicopters as their [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]], such as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]]. However, many of the wheeled vehicles are close to 1:35 scale, although Deluxe Class [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] and Classic Camaro [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] are ''obviously'' not the same scale. Even more oddly, the vehicle modes of Classic Camaro Bumblebee and Concept Camaro Bumblebee are not the same scale, yet their robot heads are the same size (albeit different sculpts).

{{-}}

==Official scale guides ==
[[Image:Tfcartoonscaleguideic1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Official Scale Guides]]
[[Image:Beastwarsscalepreliminary.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Beast Wars Season 1 scale guide]]
Animators and comic book artists received official scale guides showing relative and (in some cases) absolute heights. Some of these were published in the character model guides ''[[The Ark: A Complete Compendium of Character Designs|The Ark]]'' and ''[[The Ark II — A Compendium of Japanese Character Designs|The Ark II]].'' Though they were sometimes ignored, they still give insight into the official scale of characters in Generation 1. However, even here, there are problems. Devastator in the Season One scale guide was approximately 2.5 times the height of Optimus Prime, but by Season Two he was somewhat less than twice Prime's height.

''Beast Wars'' likewise had an official scale guide, which appeared as a bonus on the DVD set of Season 2. Despite this guide, the series writers have indicated some measure of disregard for relative scale, when it suited the needs of dramatic tension.<ref>[http://builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html BotCon 98 report - see "ON THE SIZES OF CHARACTERS"]</ref> Thus, Optimal Optimus is ''ungodly'' tall in his first appearance, later reduced to perhaps two times the height of the rest of the cast.

{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/6db411e03e75a342?dmode=source Estimated "real-life" heights for several Transformers, derived from the size of their alt-modes, archived from alt.toys.transformers on groups.google.com]

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Things that don't exist]]

Bumblebee (Movie)

2009-07-01T18:05:34Z

TransRyan: /* Titan Magazines Transformers movie comics */

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Bumblebee}}
:''Bumblebee is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''N.B.E.-02'''.''

[[Image:TF-Alliance03 Cover Nizzi.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Groovy, bee-otch!"]]
'''Bumblebee''' is one of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s most trusted lieutenants. Although he is not the strongest or most powerful of the Autobots, Bumblebee more than makes up for this with a bottomless well of luck, determination and bravery. He would gladly give his life to protect others and stop the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]].

Badly damaged in battle, Bumblebee lost the ability to speak verbally, though he can still communicate over inter-Autobot frequencies (in a fashion that seems somewhat akin to instant messaging, a usable but more distant and less personal means of interaction).

{{quote|[[William Lennox|You]] wanna lay the fate of the world on [[Sam Witwicky|the kid]]'s Camaro? That's cool.|[[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]]|[[Transformers (2007)]]}}

:''Spanish name:'' '''Abejorro''' ("Bumblebee")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Dà Húang-fēng''' (大黃蜂, "Bumblebee")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Űrdongó''' ("Space Bumblebee")

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Defiance1_Cliffjumper_Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|left|300px|]]

Many years in the past, Bumblebee and [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] were guardians of the [[All Spark]] at the Temple of [[Simfur]]. One day, Bumblebee wondered aloud why Optimus and Lord High Protector [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] were out investigating the nearby excavation site when the All Spark was "freaking" out with energy spikes. Cliffjumper assured him that whatever Optimus and the others were investigating, it must have been important, then reminded his colleague that they had their duties. When Bumblebee admitted nerves, Cliffjumper said that the two of them could handle anything, and just to let trouble come to them. He would soon regret those words when aliens attacked Simfur. They were seeking cover inside the temple when Lord Megatron swooped in, berated them for not taking the fight to the enemy and destroyed their opponent. He then told commander [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] to keep the lowly security guards out of the way of the military. {{storylink|Defiance issue 1}}

Bumblebee was concerned this was the start of something ''big'', to which Cliffjumper agreed, but he felt that as little cogs in the great machine, all they needed to do was stand guard. [[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] advised them to stay at their posts and report to him of any unusual activity from the All Spark during the battle. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 2}}

[[Image:Defiance3_Optimus_Bumblebee_orders.jpg|thumb|300px|Well, that's one way to make a first impression.]]

After [[The Fallen|the relic]] informed Megatron of Optimus' break and enter of his personal quarters, Bumblebee, [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]], Cliffjumper, [[Camshaft (Movie)|Camshaft]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] and Prowl were sent to the ruins near [[Burthov]] to arrest Optimus ''Prime's'' party on trumped-up charges of treason. When Optimus angrily demanded to know just what he did to be charged with treason, Bumblebee pointed his weapon at the science leader and said they were just following orders, which seemed to satisfy Optimus. What the security officers didn't know was they were being lead into a trap, and soldiers loyal to Megatron were under orders to eliminate all but Optimus. After being hit by an explosive round, the group banded together, realising they had all been marked for death. Optimus ordered them to flee to Burthov while he took care of Starscream's group personally. {{storylink|Defiance issue 3}}

[[Image:Defiance_Bumblebee_vehiclemodes.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

While on an apparent scouting mission, Bumblebee and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] discovered the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'' while it was under construction and reported their findings back to Prowl. Then Bumblebee transformed into a ball and Arcee transformed into a hover-bike and they both headed back to base. When the ''Nemesis'' was completed, Bumblebee and Arcee were there once again to witness the majority of the Decepticon forces board and take off for parts unknown to them.

With the bulk of the war-like Decepticons gone into space, the Autobots were able to hold their own in their resistance to Megatron's rule, but the war was ever-escalating in intensity leading to increasing casualties and devastation to Cybertron. When it was clear to Optimus Prime that the conflict was locked in a stalemate, he made the desperate decision to capture the AllSpark and launch it into space. This decision took Bumblebee by surprise, but he supported Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}}

[[Image:MovieMegatron Bumblebee torture comic.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]

During the raid to capture the AllSpark, Bumblebee commanded the Autobot forces at [[Tyger Pax]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] attempting to hold the [[Decepticon]]s off while the All Spark was launched off-planet. He succeeded, but Megatron crushed his voice box, and he lost his ability to speak in the process. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}}{{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Prime Directive issue 1}} [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] has been having trouble fixing it ever since. Bumblebee was declared a hero for his actions, but he feared all they did was potentially spread their war to other worlds. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Prime Directive issue 1}}

Later, he was the first to track the All Spark to [[Earth]], making planetfall in 2003. Here, he learned to express his emotions by tuning in appropriately emotive music on his car radio. Though the clandestine [[human]] organization [[Sector Seven]] tracked his descent and secured the area in [[Virginia]] where he landed, his quick assumption of a local alternate mode disguise allowed him to escape via Interstate 64. Bumblebee's search for the All Spark began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he used a remote link to a coffee shop computer to search [[Shwiggle]] for any signs of extra-terrestrial sightings. There, he discovered the legend of the [[Ice-Man]], and the story of Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Prime Directive issue 3}}

Bumblebee's quest took him to [[Baton Rouge]], Louisiana, where Captain Witwicky had been committed. First he visited the ruins of the long-abandoned [[Psychopathic Institute for the Long-Term Insane]], Witwicky's final home. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Prime Directive issue 4}} From there, Bumblebee headed into downtown, where he scanned the records of Captain Witwicky from an unnamed [[asylum]]. This action unfortunately put Sector Seven onto his trail.

The Baton Rouge clues led Bumblebee to [[Springfield]], Missouri, in search of Witwicky's son [[Clarence Witwicky|Clarence]]. En route, he evaded the first of several attacks by Sector Seven. In Springfield, he found records of Clarence's descendants, and started out to track them down. The oldest son, [[Ben Witwicky|Ben]], had resided in Denver, Colorado, but the trail ended there. En route to his next stop in Tuscon, Bumblebee was again attacked by Sector Seven, evading their helicopters by blinding them and rocketing off at high speed. Not long after, he was attacked by [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] in the desert. {{storylink|Interlude}}

Damaged and smoking, Bumblebee stopped by the roadside to rest and recover. Suddenly detecting a burst of All Spark energy, he continued onwards out of Colorado. In New Mexico, as he approached the source of the All Spark energy, he came under attack once again from Barricade. Other Decepticons, meanwhile, attacked the energy source and found it to be a Sector Seven ruse. Bumblebee managed to escape Barricade again, though unbeknown to him the Decepticons let him go so that they could track him. Eventually, his search took him to [[Tranquility]], [[Nevada]], {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Prime Directive issue 4}} where he would soon encounter [[Sam Witwicky]].

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]]

[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] entrusted Bumblebee with the secret that the AllSpark would be sent into deep space to prevent Lord Megatron from possessing and corrupting it. Just after the launch, Megatron attacked Bumblebee in rage at losing the AllSpark and shattered the Autobot's voice capacitor beyond repair.

Bumblebee arrived on Earth and, sensing the AllSpark was near, took on local camouflage to search for the artifact. He immediately attracted the attention of Sector Seven agents and the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW]] [[Prime Directive (IDW)|Prime Directive]] Movie Prequel that is detailed above this section.}}

===''Ghosts of Yesterday'' prequel novel===
Between Tyger Pax and his arrival on Earth, Bumblebee and the rest of the [[Ark (Movie)|''Ark'']] crew encountered some humans in deep space and got their first clues to where Megatron and the All Spark rested. Bumblebee discovered a human shuttle, the Ghost 1, which had been made by reverse-engineering from Megatron's body. He was attacked by Starscream and escaped. Attacked by giant, metal-eating worms, he was ultimately saved by Optimus Prime. Bumblebee participated in the final battle against the Decepticons. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]] (English), [[Hiroshi Iwasaki]] (Japan radio voice) [[Akio Kato]] (Japan normal voice), [[Helmut Gauß]] (German)

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee dealership.jpg|left|250px|thumb|The old old and the new old.]]
Bumblebee, having made his way to a second-rate car dealership, became [[Sam Witwicky]]'s first car. Sam's father promised his son a car if Sam paid half of the money and achieved three A's in school. After doing so with the help of his genealogy project, Sam rode with [[Ron Witwicky|his father]] to [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo|a car lot with an exceedingly long name]]. Following them to the lot, Bumblebee quietly placed himself among the other cars. To prevent Sam from having to choose another car, he used a high-frequency sound wave to blow out the windows of every other car in the lot, leaving [[Bobby Bolivia]] with no choice but to sell Bumblebee to the Witwickys.

The next day, Sam and his friend [[Miles Lancaster]] drove Bumblebee down to the lake in a misguided attempt to impress the popular girls at a party. Observing the exchange of thinly veiled insults between Sam and the football jocks, Bumblebee decided to help out Sam when the boy noticed [[Mikaela Banes]] walking home after a falling-out with her now ex-boyfriend. Playing "Drive" on his radio, Bumblebee inspired Sam to kick Miles out and drive Mikaela home. As the two awkwardly chatted, Bumblebee suddenly turned off his engine when they neared a romantic spot overlooking the city, this time playing "Sexual Healing" and "I Feel Good". Not knowing his car has a mind of its own, Sam misinterpreted this as a breakdown. Mikaela attempted to fix Bumblebee with her mechanical knowhow, only to leave after Sam asked her why she tolerated jerks like her ex-boyfriend. Trying to help as much as he could, Bumblebee allowed Sam to start up his engine as she walked away, this time playing "Baby, Come Back". Arriving at Mikaela's house, Sam advanced a step towards her by stating that he didn't believe her to be shallow at all, that there was "more than meets the eye" with her. After she left, Sam quietly enthused that he loved his car.

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee firstsighting.jpg|right|250px|thumb|One of the clearer shots in the film.]]
Later that night, Bumblebee drove off by himself with Sam in hot pursuit, believing it to be a car theft. Unwittingly leading his human owner to a junkyard, Bumblebee transformed and activated his communications beacon, requesting assistance from Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Unknown to him, Sam had seen his robot form and run off, and was now being being pursued by the junkyard's two guard dogs. Bumblebee came to Sam's aid, scaring off the dogs, but had to escape when the police (whom Sam had previously summoned when Bumblebee drove away from his house) arrived to arrest Sam for breaking into the junkyard.

The next day, Bumblebee drove back to the Witwicky house sometime after Sam had been bailed out by his dad. Frightened and confused, Sam rode away from what he dubbed "[[Unicron|Satan]]'s Camaro", ending up in the city and encountering Mikaela in front of a Burger King. Bumblebee followed Sam towards an industrial area, not realizing that the Decepticon [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] was stalking the boy, intent on finding glasses belonging to [[Archibald Witwicky|Sam's ancestor]], which Sam had been auctioning on eBay. Sam ran away from the attacking Decepticon and literally ran into Mikaela after she had followed him. As Barricade bore down on the pair, Bumblebee suddenly appeared, knocking the Decepticon off his feet, then drove the humans away as Barricade gave chase.

[[Image:Movie Bumblebee winner.jpg|left|250px|thumb|YOU BIG WINNER, HAHAHA.]]
Racing through dilapidated factories and warehouses, Bumblebee eventually arrived at a deserted chemical plant on the outskirts of town. There he waited until Barricade's back was turned before dumping Sam and Mikaela out of his passenger side door, then transforming into robot mode to protect his friends. Barricade transformed and attacked, hitting Bumblebee with his tire spikes and knocking the Autobot into a chemical tank. In retaliation, Bumblebee grabbed Barricade and threw him into an electrical substation, seriously damaging the Decepticon and putting him into stasis lock. After Sam and Mikaela took care of [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], Bumblebee introduced himself to them entirely through the use of his radio, explaining that it was the only way he could communicate, that he was an alien, and that Sam had witnessed him calling to his friends the previous night. Transforming back into vehicle mode, Bumblebee invited his friends to enter (which they did after a brief hesitation) and began to drive them to nearby [[Griffith Observatory]].

[[Image:Movie Bumblebee Mikaela observatory.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Still think I'm a piece of crap, lady?]]
On the way, Mikaela (who had refused to sit in the driver's seat, as Bumblebee was driving), rhetorically asked Sam that if Bumblebee was a super-advanced robot, why did he turn into a piece-of-crap Camaro? Mildly insulted, Bumblebee stopped in the middle of a packed tunnel and forced the humans out, then drove away. As Sam lamented the fact that "four thousand dollars just drove away," Bumblebee passed another car and scanned it, driving back to the pair as a sleek and shiny 2009 Camaro. Amazed and impressed, Sam and Mikaela got back in, and Bumblebee continued their journey to the observatory. Arriving, the humans observed as the other Autobots entered the Earth's atmosphere and crash-landed in various parts of the city.

Bumblebee then took his friends to a secluded alleyway, where Sam and Mikaela met the other Autobots. Introducing themselves, Sam learned that Bumblebee was his guardian and that the Autobot's vocal processors had been damaged in battle. [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was still working on them as he fired a regenerative plasma beam<ref name="Orci">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showthread.php?t=12054 Post-movie Q&A with screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman]</ref> at the damaged area. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] explained that their mission was to find the [[All Spark]], and that Sam Witwicky was the key due to his grandfather discovering [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] on an Arctic voyage.

[[Image:Movie BumblebeeCC guardian.jpg|left|250px|thumb|I may be your guardian, but I will not carry you through a crowd to the music of Whitney Houston.]]
Arriving at the Witwicky residence, Bumblebee attempted to convince his comrades to remain out of sight while Sam was talking to his father. When Sam and Mikaela were captured by [[Sector Seven]], Bumblebee helped rescue them. The interrogation of [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]] went nowhere, however, and Bumblebee became so annoyed with his attitude that he released lubricant onto the agent. Soon, Sector Seven reinforcements arrived, intent on recapturing the kids and any "N.B.E.s" they could get their hands on. Optimus Prime tried to protect Sam and Mikaela as they hid under a bridge, but both almost fell to their deaths when they slipped. Bumblebee raced forward, transforming and catching them in mid-air. Unfortunately, this also gave Sector Seven a clear and obvious target for them to attack. Firing harpoon cables from helicopters, the clandestine human organization dragged Bumblebee to the ground, and its soldiers began to freeze the helpless Autobot, who reached out to Sam. The boy broke free from an agent's grip, pushing the soldiers aside until he was tackled by several agents and taken away. Though [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] objected to allowing Sector Seven to leave with their friend, Optimus Prime ordered his troops to stand down, as there was no way to save the prisoners without incurring human casualties.

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee AllSpark.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Also available in pocket size.]]
Taken to [[Hoover Dam]], Bumblebee was continually doused with cryoblasts to keep him docile and inert as Sector Seven performed experiments on him. Sam and Mikaela (with some armed persuasion from [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]]) convinced Sector Seven to release Bumblebee. Upon his release, Bumblebee converted to battle mode and almost lashed out at his human oppressors until Sam calmed him down, informing him of the presence of the All Spark and Megatron in the facility, and that the Decepticons were coming for both. Following the humans to the All Spark's chamber, Bumblebee hesitantly reached out to the life source of his people and reformatted it, shrinking the cube until it was a size that the humans could manipulate. Bumblebee and a military escort fled to [[Mission City]], meeting the Autobots en route.

Soon after they arrived at the city, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] appeared. Recognizing the Decepticon, [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and Bumblebee lifted up an abandoned truck in order to shield the humans from any collateral damage Starscream's attack would inevitably bring. One of the Decepticon's missiles struck the truck, sending both Autobots flying, with Bumblebee landing in a store front. The attack tore off Bumblebee's legs and left him barely functional, as Sam discovered to his horror when Bumblebee crawled from the wreckage. Soon, the other Decepticons arrived, led by Megatron, and the remaining Autobots were engaged. Mikaela and Sam hoisted Bumblebee onto a abandoned tow truck, but refused to leave his side. The Autobot silently handed his friend the All Spark, trusting the fate of his people into the boy's hands, and urged him to run while he still could. As Sam ran off, Mikaela drove Bumblebee away from the fighting to relative safety.

[[Image:Movie2007_Sam_Mikaela_makingoutonBumblebee.jpg|left|250px|thumb|]]

However, she was soon overcome with guilt for leaving Sam and the battle. With Bumblebee's assent, she turned the truck around and headed back in. As Mikaela drove down the street in reverse, Bumblebee activated his weapon systems, then fired his [[plasma cannon]] and missiles at [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]], who was pinning down Captain Lennox and the rest of the combined Ranger/Sector Seven soldiers. His contribution was the deciding factor, confusing Devastator enough for the soldiers to counterattack, and the Decepticon was destroyed at last when Bumblebee's final cannon blast pierced his spark. Bumblebee was rather pleased with himself, and Mikaela complimented his shooting.

After the destruction of Megatron and the All Spark, Bumblebee (who had regained his voice<ref name="Orci">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showthread.php?t=12054 Post-movie Q&A with screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman]</ref> requested permission to remain with Sam, to which the young man agreed. After his legs were repaired, he allowed Sam and Mikaela to make out on top of him as the other Autobots watched. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}

It was the best day ever. Well, maybe not for Jazz.

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{notetitantlg}}
In an alternate reality, it was the crappiest day ever because Sam failed and was killed, and Megatron went on to conquer much of the Earth. Bumblebee liked to believe that there was a universe out there in which Megatron lost.

[[Image:Titan MikaelaBumblebee.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Why is he apologizing you ask? Look where his left hand is.]]

Bumblebee and Mikaela went on to become old comrades in guerrilla warfare, and in 2008 went on a mission to rescue Optimus Prime from a Decepticon bunker in Denver. Bumblebee, now with missile launchers in car mode and increased physical strength, took out the bunker guard, [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]], (nearly crushing Mikaela by accident—"My bad.") and found Prime...or what was left of him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}} Now stuck in the base, Bumblebee was being hunted by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 10|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 2}}, and baited into revealing himself when the tyrant threatened to kill Mikaela. Bumblebee made a desperate attack, only to be beaten aside with ease. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 11|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 3}}

Despite his defeat, he remained defiant to the end and refused to beg for mercy. Luckily the Autobot reinforcements arrived; unluckily, they couldn't stop Megatron; luckily again, Mikaela had revived Optimus Prime to save them {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 12|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 4}} and arrived with Phase Two of their plan, a Sector Seven nanovirus that targeted All Spark energy. Plugging it to himself, Bumblebee charged at the super-powered Megatron and forcibly uploaded the nano-virus, killing the tyrant once and for all. Not that he patted himself on the back over this, for he knew too well that this just left a [[Starscream (Movie)|power vacuum]]... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5}}

Still partnered with Mikaela near the Savannah, Georgia refugee camp post-occupation, Bumblebee appeared frustrated with how the humans were frightened of him and, to be listened to, Mikaela had to do the talking for him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14}} They went back into battle again to end a [[NATO]] bombardment of the Autobots in Savannah, running a gauntlet of tanks and [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercrackers]] before freeing the NATO field commander from Decepticon mind control. During the course of the battle he roasted a drone with fiery exhaust. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|Aftermath Part 2}}

Following this battle, Bumblebee was involved in many clashes with Decepticons to protect human infrastructure, including leading a small group to protect an oil pipeline in Alaska. [[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]] did not follow orders well. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}}

[[Image:Bumblebeehandlesthis.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yes, you ''did'' see this happen.]]

Following ''that'', he was sent with Arcee and Armorhide to Cybertron, under Ironhide's command. The mission was to retrieve [[Nucleon]]. Bumblebee was ordered to do recon and discovered a strange satellite dish, but investigating it saw the team jumped by [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade]]. Then a strange energy anomaly appeared in orbit, and when Bumblebee asked what it was, Stockade babbled "BLBLBLBLBBL!". {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 17|Return to Cybertron: Part 1}} Bumblebee's subsequent attempt at dialogue (after first convincing Ironhide to stop throwing his face at Stockade's fists) was more successful, finding out the anomaly was a living entity the Decepticons had deliberately summoned, believing it would rejuvenate Cybertron.

Not trusting this entity and wanting to stop all the Nucleon being used up, Bumblebee organised the Autobots to create a distraction while he snuck around and turned the Nucleon transfer off. He also intended to send a message to Optimus, and considering [[Unicron|the entity was Unicron the Anti-Life]], it's a good thing he did. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 18|Return to Cybertron: Part 2}} In the resulting chaos, Bumblebee had [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]] barge past him, had to rescue Ironhide from rubble, and found out the guy wanted to stop Unicron by destroying the world. He wasn't having a good day. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 19|Return to Cybertron: Part 3}}

The day improved when Optimus arrived with a better plan: Cut off the Nucleon that Unicron's body was using for power. Bumblebee and Armorhide were dispatched to drain the Nucleon seam. This took too long, though, so Ratchet came up with a quicker alternative. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 20|Return to Cybertron: Part 4}}

[[Image:Titan MikaelaBumblebeereunion.jpg|left|200px|thumb|OTP!]]

Upon returning to Earth, the Autobots found the Decepticons had pinched their base and all 600 square miles around it. They retreated, leaving Mikaela in Decepticon hands; Bumblebee was distraught over this. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|Hard Target}} He would be part of the raid to get her back, knowing and ignoring that it was an obvious trap due to how much they owed Mikaela. The raid was successful and the two were reunited, awwww! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself}}

It didn't last long, with the Decepticon-blackmailed American government ordering the Autobots out; Bumblebee got dispatched with Ironhide on a mission related to this. The next day, Bumblebee got one last hour with Mikaela (and to beat up [[Dropkick]] as an "up yours" gesture) before joining the Autobots in departing... ''and then they got nuked!'' {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part 1}}

Optimus had anticipated this though, and the Autobots faked their deaths with a decoy ship. Bumblebee, however, couldn't tell Mikaela this due to a decision to minimise any possible exposure. He was part of the spearhead team on return to Earth, intended to raise the Decepticon Heartland and teleport all the enemy there to the dead Cybertron. Mikaela was ''not'' happy to see him back, feeling they'd kept the plan from her because they didn't fully trust her to not be captured; Bumblebee tried to deny this.

In the final battle, Bumblebee 'tagged' Megatron and so is responsible for the tyrant being exiled forever—third time lucky!

In the aftermath, after it became clear the Autobots had just exiled ''themselves'' to Earth forever—"Hey, there are worse fates," said Bumblebee—Mikaela forgave Bumblebee. Both had a lot of clean-up work to do, but also a brave new world to explore together...!{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part 3}}

===Toy bios===
{{notemoviebio}}

Bumblebee and [[Hardtop (Movie)|Hardtop]], as two opposing elite spies, have crossed paths many times across the galaxy in a grueling test of endurance. Lately Hardtop has been taking this rivalry very personally, turning it into a vendetta. It was a crack shot by Hardtop that damaged Bumblebee's vocal processors, causing the Autobot pain when he tries to speak. {{storylink|Hardtop (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Hardtop}}

During the [[Mission City]] battle, Bumblebee required assistance and had to be towed to safety by [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]]. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie) toys#Deluxe Class toys|Towed to Safety}}

With the initial threat over, Bumblebee decided to kick back and relax. Transcanning a rally car, he began hanging around at race tracks, pitting himself against the human racers. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie) toys#Fast Action Battlers|Rally Rocket Bumblebee}}

He would later be sent on a mop-up duty, hunting [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] across the [[Middle East]]. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie) toys#Legend Class toys|Bumblebee vs. Scorponok}}

Eventually, with pictures of him all over the internet, Bumblebee found to his discomfort that ''everyone'' recognised him... including newly arriving Decepticons, which put Sam and others in danger! With Mikaela's help, Bumblebee recoloured himself to help restore his disguise and make it easier to sneak up on the enemy. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie) toys#Deluxe Class toys|Stealth Bumblebee}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance2_Bumblebee_takecove-rrk.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Why do they always aim for the throat!?"]]

Shortly after the battle in [[Mission City]], Bumblebee's injuries were tended to by Ratchet while Ironhide and Captain Lennox's men searched for the creatures inadvertently created by the All Spark's energy. After his legs were attached, he rolled out with the Autobots to escape Sector Seven's inquiries. A month later, when asked by Lennox, Optimus Prime informed the human that Bumblebee had resumed his role as Sam Witwicky's protector. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1}}

[[Image:Alliance3_Ironhide_Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|200px|]]

Bumblebee accompanied the other Autobots to escort the convoy transporting the dead Decepticons to a navy base in [[California|San Diego, California]], where they would be taken out to sea and dumped. Optimus Prime gave the surviving All Spark sliver to [[Professor Vine]] of Sector Seven, but after deciding this was a bad idea later on, he sent Ironhide and Bumblebee back to the [[Nevada]] facility to retrieve it. Bumblebee raced ahead and arrived to inadvertently save [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s life by disarming the revived [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]]. A grateful Starscream shot Bumblebee as he was protecting the humans, {{storylink|Alliance issue 2}} leaving his vocal processor damaged. Though Ironhide praised him for his bravery and selflessness, Bumblebee regretted not being able to save everybody. By the time the Navy and the Autobots were out at sea to bury Jazz and dump the Decepticon corpses, Ratchet had repaired Bumblebee's body (giving him a modified vehicle mode in the process), but was evidently unable to fully restore his vocal processor. In an effort to prevent mistakes of the past occurring again and to protect Earth, the Autobots and the United States Military formed a special unit under Major Lennox and Optimus Prime's command. When the Decepticon [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] was detected in [[San Francisco]], Bumblebee and the others rolled out from [[Diego Garcia]]. {{storylink|Alliance issue 3}}

After Optimus Prime destroyed a surprised [[Dead End (Movie)|Dead End]], Bumblebee chased Swindle onto the deserted Golden Gate Bridge. Though cornered, the Decepticon was amused that they sent his old nemesis Bumblebee against him, and quickly set to clobbering the Autobot. Major [[William Lennox|Lennox]] distracted the Decepticon, allowing Bumblebee to pay Swindle back for his inept attempt to torture him thousands of years ago. On the plane trip back to Diego Garcia, Lennox and Optimus agreed that Sam Witwicky would become the target of the Decepticons again, and that he ''must'' be protected. Bumblebee was chosen to act as Sam's guardian again, and before he left, Prime pressed upon him that the protection of the boy was his first priority. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4}}
{{-}}

===''The Veiled Threat'' prequel novel===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}

Bumblebee does not appear in the novel, but is mentioned by NEST personnel that he is guarding Sam Witwicky.

{{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
{{spoilers}}
Bumblebee was dozing in the Witwicky garage the day Sam was packing for [[Princeton University]] when he heard the boy scream out his name. Bumblebee drove through, transformed and started blasting away at [[Allspark Mutation|Allspark Mutations]] of the Witwicky kitchen appliances. [[Judy Witwicky]] was horrified that Bumblebee blew up much of their house, but he shrugged her off and went back into the garage. As firefighters and local police arrived, Sam and the arriving [[Mikaela Banes]] went inside the garage. Mikaela asked whether Bumblebee was still having voice problems, to which Sam replied the Autobot was just playing it up. Sam revealed he did not want Bumblebee to come to college as he wanted a normal life, and he couldn't do that with Bumblebee watching over him. Bumblebee was heartbroken and began crying, refusing to listen anymore.

However, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was having difficulties with [[NEST]] director [[Theodore Galloway]], who believed protecting the human race required drawing away the Decepticons from Earth by making the Autobots leave. Optimus believed Sam would be a worthy ambassador to convince the [[President of the United States]] otherwise. Bumblebee picked up Sam from a frat party, only to get an unwanted passenger in [[Alice]]. Bumblebee knew something wasn't right about the girl interested in Sam, smashing her head against his dashboard, and dousing her in liquid to get rid of her. Bumblebee dropped Sam off to meet Optimus at a graveyard, where the boy turned down Optimus' offer.

When [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] returned from the dead, Bumblebee was deployed to rescue Sam, Mikaela and [[Leo Spitz]], driving away with the latter two while Optimus drove off with Sam. Optimus died protecting the boy, and Bumblebee took him with [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to an abandoned prison where they would be safe. Following Optimus' death, [[the Fallen]] and a new army of Decepticons struck out across Earth and announced their existence, promising to leave if they were given Witwicky. Bumblebee was now protecting a fugitive.

Under Leo's suggestion, the group came to [[New York City]] to meet [[Seymour Simmons]], who elaborated on evidence of the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] that came to Earth before Megatron and the All Spark. Bumblebee watched from the sideline as the humans and [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] awoke [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], who transported them to [[Egypt]]. Bumblebee continued his role as chauffeur, and helped open the [[Tomb of the Primes]] in [[Petra]]. In his rush to get the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to Prime, Sam seemed to forget about his car. Bumblebee caught up with his owner, protecting him, Mikaela, and his captured parents [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and Judy from [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]] and [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]], killing both Decepticons. Sam ordered Bumblebee to take his parents to safety, while he continued his quest to save Optimus. Bumblebee watched as Sam was killed by Megatron, then as he was revived and resurrected Optimus, who combined with Jetfire and killed the Fallen. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)}}

==Games==
==="Flight of the Bumblebee" online game===
At some point in time Bumblebee was trapped in a canyon with several Decepticons, among them Brawl, Barricade, Wreckage, and Scorponok. He valiantly fought through them all to make it to the other side. He did it without even bending a fender. {{storylink|Flight of the Bumblebee|Flight of the Bumblebee}}

===''Transformers: The Game''===
(No voice actor, considering the fact that his voice box got blown before the events of the game)

[[Image:TransformersTheGame wallpaper BumblebeeVsBarricade.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Coming up with a Flight of the Bumblebee joke would be too easy.]]

Bumblebee landed in Tranquility while being briefed by Optimus Prime on his mission to find clues on the All Spark. While on Earth, he took the form of a beat-up 1976 Chevrolet Camaro in possibly a dump or a demolitions bay. Some Decepticon drones were also in Tranquility at a nearby construction site, so Bumblebee confronted and destroyed the drones before any civilian casualties could ensue.<ref>Even though in the game, you actually can't step on or run over civilians.</ref> Prime detected a Cybertronian code matching that on an artifact owned by a boy named Sam Witwicky, who was reported to be buying a car at Bobby Bolivia's. Unfortunately, some more drones heard of Prime's report, so Bumblebee had to get involved in a high-speed car chase and defeat the drones.

With Sam buying the Camaro-ed Bumblebee, the first phase of finding the All Spark was complete. The next day, Prime warned Bumblebee that the Decepticon named Barricade was also on Earth and threatening to take Sam and his new female friend, Mikaela. So the Autobot had to incapacitate the arm-spinning, spike-punching, tantrum-throwing Decepticon while the humans escaped. Now that Bumblebee knew of the Decepicons' growing involvement in finding the All Spark's location, he obviously needed help. The only problem now with the Autobots' landing was their radar systems. The Decepticons had built radio towers throughout Tranquility to mess up any aircraft radar. Naturally, Bumblebee went to the scene and destroyed the towers. With the Autobots having landed, it was time to find the All Spark.

Optimus Prime explained to Sam and Mikaela about the All Spark, the importance of the glasses, and Humanity's fate. Before moving on the matter at hand, Mikaela questioned Bumblebee's alt-mode being such a beater. The mildly insulted Autobot then copied a more current version of the Camaro (2009 Concept). Later, a government group called Sector 7 went after the Autobots with their helicopters and cars. After Jazz's successful distraction, Sector 7 then switched their sights to Bumblebee, who got captured, but then got away with the efforts of Prime.

Sector 7 sent Bumblebee to Hoover Dam. The Autobot immediately saw the All Spark and a frozen Megatron. After a mysterious blackout, Bumblebee got free and started to shut down the power faster by ripping out the mainframe, blowing up the cooling fans, and removing nuclear canisters from their generators. The All Spark was his, but he had to wait for it to shrink while fending off Sector 7 troops, a lot of Energon drones, and a defrosting Megatron. (Oy!) Eventually, Sam and Mikaela got to the dam and fled with Bumblebee to Mission City before Megatron could get his huge, pointy clutches near the cube.

The Autobots' first priority was then keeping the cube from Megatron. Unfortunately for Bumblebee, he crashed into a building due to interference from energon drones generated by the cube's radiation. Ironhide came in and helped. While the rest of the Autobots fought the Decepticons, Bumblebee had one final showdown with Barricade. After a lot of punches, blasts, and car chases, Barricade finally went down for good. Megatron then went to the scene and incapacitated the wounded Autobot with one shot from his fusion cannon. Bumblebee urged the two humans to take the cube to Optimus for he could not go on any longer.

After the battle was won by the Autobots, Bumblebee struck a pose with the other remaining four as they listened in on Prime's final speech. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

===''Transformers: Autobots''===
Bumblebee arrived in Tranquility to meet up with [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-A-Bot]], and after a short discussion created from radio sound clips, instructed Create-a-Bot to scan a number of vehicles, the last of which was a Decepticon. After a short battle, Bumblebee then used Create-a-Bot's mad h4x0r skills to break into the internet and find the location of [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s glasses, which turned out to be conveniently in Tranquility. Going to retrieve them, Bumblebee arrived at the Witwicky house to find [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], who then blew up a car and ran, blaming the explosion on the yellow car now chasing him down the highway. Meeting on a bridge, they fought. Once Bumblebee won, Barricade once again ran.

Later, Bumblebee received a mission to destroy several [[Sector Seven]] turrets designed to shoot down the reported [[Non-Biological Extraterrestrial|N.B.E.s]] seen around the city. Afterward, he served as a distraction, driving to various markers to fight off the police while the other Autobots did their thing. Once that task was completed, he got captured by S7 forces and taken to Hoover Dam, where he had to be rescued by the others. Once free of his restraints, he searched the base for the All Spark, finding it in the deepest part of the dam. Upon being discovered, the All Spark turns the site's computers into mechanical scorpions...to defend itself. From the good guys. After retrieving the All Spark, Bumblebee had to escape in under 30 seconds to avoid getting locked in. After a quick getaway with Create-a-Bot providing cover fire, they met with Optimus. Following another quick gun-and-cover mission, a drone and Barricade were waiting for a two-on-two battle, in which Prime had to keep both Bumblebee and himself alive.

Finally, Bumblebee's last mission once again took place in Tranquility. All Spark in hand, he had to run to meet up with the Autobots, avoiding as many Decepticons as possible, within a time limit. Blackout was gunning for him the entire time, and lots of Decepticons were in the way. Once there, Create-a-Bot needed to keep Bumblebee from being [[Blastification|blasted]] into [[Slag (slang)|slag]] as they raced to meet up with Optimus. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

===''Transformers: Decepticons''===
After sending troops to slow down Barricade and the Decepticon [[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|Create-A-Bot]], Bumblebee showed up in person to take care of business himself, serving as little more than a distraction. After running away, Bumblebee later acquired the All Spark, transporting it across Tranquility while [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] gave chase. Stopping in the suburbs, Starscream pounded Bumblebee's face to custard and pried the All Spark from his cold, non-functioning fingers. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'': The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]]

{{comingsoon}}

==Toys==
{{main|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Merchandise}}

==''Second Life''==
In the online virtual world simulation/game ''Second Life'', there is a full replica of the Sector Seven base which contains a giant discussion room where Michael Bay held a question board. This room contains a giant frozen Megatron replica and free avatars of both Bumblebee and Barricade. Both freebies are non-transforming. Also, the Bumblebee avatar has his battle mask down and it can't be raised. However, some sellers have created a transforming version.

==Trivia==
* According to an article on [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121138?imw=Y#12 Edmunds.com], the film makers wanted Bumblebee's original Earth form to be the 1976 iteration of the Camaro because it was the worst Camaro possible that also had chrome bumpers.

* The same article indicates that the 1976 Camaros used in the film were all purchased via online auction for under $6000 each, one for less than $2000. That one didn't run.

* One of the 1976 Camaros was sold on eBay. The bidding ended on July 18, 2007; the final price was $40,100.01.

* The Bumblebee computer-generated model consisted of 7608 individual parts, 1,511,727 polygons, 19,722 rig nodes, and 8094 texture maps. The volume of all the pieces came to 1069.01 cubic feet.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12-17.</ref>

* Bumblebee stands approximately 16 feet tall, according to the [[Transformers: The Game|official game]] strategy guide

* Bumblebee's character animation is based on the performance of [[wikipedia:Michael_J._Fox|Michael J. Fox]] in the ''[[wikipedia:Back_to_the_Future|Back to the Future]]'' movies.<ref>From ''Cinefex'' magazine, issue number 111, published October 2007.</ref>

* The 2008 Concept Camaro used for Bumblebee in the first movie was built by Saleen in 30 days, using a heavily modified 2006 Pontiac GTO body as the basis. The '08 Camaro was not in production at the time that the first film was being made, hence an identical mock-up was needed to fill the role.<ref>[http://www.saleen.com/transformers.htm Saleen article about the construction of the Barricade and Bumblebee vehicles]</ref>

[[Image:MovieBumblebeeStinger.jpg|right|150px|thumb|He uses it once, then dies.]]
* A weapon considered for Bumblebee was a pair of arm-mounted electrical "stingers". The idea was ultimately abandoned for the movie, but influenced [[Bumblebee (Animated)|other media]].

* Speaking of weapons, for someone whose main job is being subtle, Bumblebee is quite well armed, with a cannon powerful enough to rattle [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] and a ring-shaped light missile launcher in either shoulder. He is also a capable close-combat fighter, as seen in his fight against [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]].

* The Bumblebee Camaro '09 toy's blade weapon might be influenced by the arm-mounted stingers from early concepts.

* According to the [[Movie Prequel issue 1|prequel comic]] by IDW Publishing, Megatron ripped out and crushed Bumblebee's voice capacitor during the battle at [[Tyger Pax]] back on Cybertron. [[Hardtop (Movie)]]'s toy bio claims the damage came from a shot fired by Hardtop. In the film itself, Ratchet only states to Sam that Bumblebee's "vocal processors were damaged in battle" and he was "still working on them" after firing a single plasma beam at Bumblebee's throat; by the end of all the conflict (the climax of the film proper), Bumblebee has regained his ability to speak. Although it was not confirmed on-screen, screenwriter Roberto Orci did confirm ''off''-screen<ref name="Orci"/> that Ratchet's (regenerative) beam was indeed the reason. It could be that the doc didn't have enough time/resources, what with all the war and inter-stellar space travel, to fully perfect the healing plasma early enough. And even if he did, 'Bee took off for the Cube after only a marginal amount of repairs were performed on him after his encounter with Megs, so a vial of even faster-acting plasma could be sitting in Ratchet's lab back on ol' Cybertron, if the 'Cons didn't trash it of course.

* Just as well, Roberto Orci ''also'' admitted that Bumblebee's brief contact with the All Spark would be an equally valid (and an even more "in-continuity") explanation.<ref name="Orci"/>

* In the film (2007), Bumblebee scanned a working, driveable Camaro—with the same paint job—that won't be released until some time this year (2009). However, it is possible that the Camaro in question was being road-tested by GM engineers, like they are doing in the real world.

* Although unexplained in the film, Bumblebee's vehicle mode changes appearance between movies one an two. This is probably more of a product placement issue than anything, as his new look is most likely the canceled Z/28 Camaro.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm Bumblebee at TFU.info]
* [http://www.seibertron.com/toys/index.php?f_series=40&f_name=bumblebee&f_type=exact&Submit=Search Galleries of various different Bumblebee toys from the Movie]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Live-action film ARG characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys with sound]]

Mudflap (ROTF)

2009-07-01T17:56:35Z

TransRyan:

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Mudflap}}
:''Mudflap is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ROTF_Mudflap_promo.jpg|thumb|350px|''excuse me'', my face is ''up here''.]]

When a [[Spark]] splits into two separate sparks, the resulting two Cybertronians are considered [[twin]]s and have an incredibly close bond. The goofy-looking '''Mudflap''' and his twin [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] are a result of one such division. He's hyperactive, noisy, argumentative, and eager...and so's Mudflap, though he's so desperate to impress that he comes off as having the robot equivalent of ADHD. <ref>[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe|The Movie Universe]]</ref> When they're not trying to outdo each other in crazy, daredevil antics, the twins are usually bickering with each other over anything. Like Skids, he possesses hyper-reactive optical imaging scanners, making him able to process tactical information faster than any other Transformer (except Skids). <ref>[[Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Skids Profile, Transformers #1 (Titan, Vol.2)]]</ref>

Each twin can transform into smaller, separate vehicles or combine into a single, more durable alternate mode, <ref>[[Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Skids Profile, Transformers #1 (Titan, Vol.2)]]—greatly expanded from his ''[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe|The Movie Universe]]'' bio</ref> but whether they can combine similarly into a larger robot mode remains to be seen. Upon first arriving on [[Earth]], Mudflap and his brother took the form of a beat-up old ice cream truck, but he later [[Scanning|scanned]] a Chevy Trax for a disguise. That being said, it's unlikely the twins will keep an alt-mode for long.

{{bigquote|Nobody messes with the twins!|Mudflap, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]''}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance04 icecreamtruck.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Mudflap is the one in back.]]
Skids and Mudflap arrived on [[Earth]] as part of Autobot reinforcements that [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] requested. They both chose the form of an old, beat-up ice cream truck. The newly arrived Autobots joined the human-Transformer military alliance [[NEST]] and began training in earnest at [[Diego Garcia]], but soon had to be deployed to [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan2-1_Mudflap.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Quick! We have to get to auditions before the cool characters!]]

Mudflap and Skids happily stayed on Cybertron, going through intensive training (which ''totally'' wasn't goofing off) and having extreme-sports contests. Neither wanted to leave their homeworld, and they were the only Transformers on it until [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] turned up with a Decepticon army. When they heard him mention a [[Solar Harvester|star harvester]], Mudflap said they should tell someone...but was a bit upset to find out the fastest way to do that would be to leave Cybertron and tell the Autobots in person.

The decision was made for them when the Decepticons attacked. Mudflap took some hits, causing Skids to obliterate the Decepticons responsible, but for the most part, their training paid off. However, he realised they were running out of places to run, so he followed his brother in leaving the planet and heading for [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Training Day}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Reno Wilson]] (English) [[Gerald Schaale]] (German)

{{spoiler|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|July 24, 2009}}

In the combined form of an old ice cream truck, the twins were active in Shanghai along with other [[NEST]] Autobots. The twins tried to pursue the escaping [[Decepticon]] [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]]. However, their slow and ungainly choice of vehicle could not keep up with the fugitive.

Upon arrival to Diego Garcia and NEST headquarters, the twins were given new alternate forms to make sure another incident like that never happened. Mudflap wanted the Chevy Beat as a vehicle form, but after a brief wrestling match with his brother, he was relegated to the form of the [[wikipedia: Chevy Trax|Chevrolet Trax]].

Later, the twins, along with the other NEST-allied Autobots, were dispatched to look for [[Sam Witwicky]] when Decepticons were detected heading towards his college. After [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was killed by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], the twins helped the Autobot force fight off the Decepticon leader and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], allowing Sam, [[Leo Spitz]], [[Mikaela Banes]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] to make good their escape. Skids and Mudflap met up with Bumblebee and the humans, and together they fled to a remote location. After the twins teased Leo for a while for his panic attack, Sam inquired whether one of them could interpret the Cybertronic symbols with which he had become obsessed. The twins claimed that they couldn't read the ancient Language of the Primes and weren't much into reading, anyway.

[[Image:ROTF_movie_SkidsMudflap_bigmother.jpg|thumb|left|250px|And this is us when we traveled to...hey, Skids, where did we go again?]]

With the help of the Decepticon [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and former [[Sector Seven]] agent [[Seymour Simmons]], the group made their way to the Smithsonian, where the humans reactivated the venerable ex-Decepticon [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]]. He teleported them all to [[Egypt]] before telling them the tale of the original [[Prime (ROTF)|Primes]], the [[Solar harvester]], which had the potential to destroy all life on Earth, and finally, the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the key to activating the harvester and possibly the only thing that could bring Optimus Prime back to life. When the Matrix could not be found at the ruins of [[Petra]], the twins began to fight with one another, and their bickering created a hole in the wall where the [[Tomb of the Primes]] lay, and with it, the Matrix.

Making their way back to the Pyramids where NEST waited with Optimus Prime's body, the group came under attack by Starscream. Mudflap, Skids, Leo and Simmons acted as a decoy to lure the Decepticons away from Sam and Mikaela. Unfortunately, they attracted the attention of the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]], who [[combiner|combined]] into [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] and attacked by vacuuming up loose objects such as sand, cars, and Mudflap. Hanging on for dear life inside the monster's mouth, he tried to use his "[[Wikipedia:Kung-Fu grip|kung-fu grip]]", but was sucked further inside. A vengeful Skids made his way up Devastator's leg, only to discover that Mudflap had survived and blasted a hole directly through the titan's head to escape. Together, the twins attacked the combiner, but were unable to stop him from reaching the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===

====Legends Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTF_Legends_Mudflap.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Mudflap''' (Legends, 2009)
{{charstubtoys}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LawsonsLegend}}
[[Image:ROTF_LegendsMudflap_Lawson.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Bumblebee / EZ Collection Mudflap''' (2009)

: Available exclusively at the Lawson's convenience store in Japan (and the only way to obtain this figure via TakaraTomy), this version of Legends class Mudflap has more paint applications than the Hasbro release. The Deluxe-class Preview Bumblebee it comes with is unchanged from the regular release. Preorders opened on the [[May 1|1st of May]] and closed on [[June 30]]th, and the figure itself shipped on the [[October 16|16th of October]].

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTFMudflap Deluxe 2009.jpg|right|250px|thumb|E.T.'s healing touch is bigger and better than ever]]
*'''Mudflap''' (Deluxe Class, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-15'''
**''Accessories:'' Projectile

:Part of the third wave of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class figures, Mudflap transforms into a rust-orange Chevy Trax. He transforms similarly to (but not exactly like) the Deluxe toy of his twin brother, Skids. He also has similar gimmickry; for example, his [[Mech Alive]] gimmick is also activated by pushing in the grill on his chest. This causes some panels in his chest to sway and his head to, uh, headbang. Additional Mech Alive action is engineered into his larger left arm. When his fist folds in towards his wrist, panels on the outside of his forearm spread and reveal a raising, spring-loaded missile launcher. In vehicle mode, this missile is stored through a cross-shaped hole on the rear bumper. On a sadder note, the clip which holds his chest to his back has a lot of trouble actually connecting, so you're going to be stuck with just carefully posing him so that he doesn't come undone.

: His feet are misassembled in the package. Swap them! The bigger, separated toe should be on the outside.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_Skids&Mudflap_toy.jpg|thumb|250px|He was always the horse's rear end in school plays]]
*'''Autobot Skids And Mudflap''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''

:This two-pack of the twin Autobot brothers can combine into a single, old-fashioned ice cream truck. Unfortunately, they are each SMALLER than a Scout-class figure.

:This may actually be the most outstanding combiner figure of the ROTF toyline...
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:ROTF_FAB_GrappleGripMudflap.jpg|thumb|250px|His special arm: There's no other like it.]]
*'''Grapple Grip Mudflap''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Gravity Bots====
[[Image:Mudflap Gravity Bot.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Believe it or not, his head looked like that before he entered the car compacter.]]
*'''Mudflap''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GB-05'''

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====R.P.M.s - Robot Powered Machines====
=====Battle Series=====
*'''Mudflap vs Autobot Skids''' (R.P.M. Mini-Vehicle, 2009)
**''Number:'' '''04 of 08'''

: Number four in a series of eight [[Robot Powered Machines]] [[Mini-Vehicle]] versus packs, Mudflap is packaged with his twin Skids. It's a non-transformable Hot Wheels-like car, with his robot mode sculpted and painted onto his car-mode underside.

{{comingsoontoy}}
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Mudflap and Rampage''' (2009)

{{charstubtoys}}

==Trivia==
*Oddly enough, even though Mudflap's Chevy Trax form features big blue "eyes" on his chest and the truck seems to have a similar "face" on its grill that does not appear on his brother (and fellow combiner) Skids's Chevy Beat form, he makes up the ''back'' of the ice cream truck.

*The ice cream truck's bumper sticker reads "Decepticons, suck my popsicle." This is very vulgar, yet awesome.

*The twins have been accused of being derogatory racial stereotypes. Voice actor [[Reno Wilson]] was sad to learn his way of speaking was apparently offensive to himself.<ref>[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/jivetalking-twin-transformers-raise-race-issues-ap Yahoo's coverage of the furore over the Twins]</ref> Writers [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] said the twins portrayal was not in their script, that they were disappoined in the characters and admitted that they could understand if others were offended by the characters.<ref>[http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/orci-and-kurtzman-respond-to-claims-of-racism-in-transformers-2.php Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman respond to claims of racism on ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Film School Rejects, June 24, 2009 ]</ref>

*Mudflap fights his way out of [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator's]] head by punching and shooting his way through his eye and cheek and then continues to punch and shoot him, doing quite a bit of damage to the giant—and still some say the Twins don't do anything to justify their part in the film.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)

2009-07-01T17:48:39Z

TransRyan: /* Quotes */

{{nav-rotf}}
'''''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen''''' is the first of two planned sequels to ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]''. It was released in North America on [[June 24]], 2009.

{{quote|Revenge is mine!|The Fallen, ''[[Revenge of the Fallen]]''}}

:''Japanese title:'' '''''Transformers: Revenge'''''
:''French title:'' '''''Transformers 2: La Revanche''''' (''Transformers 2: The Revenge'')
:''German title:'' '''''Transformers: Die Rache''''' (''Transformers: The Revenge'')
:''Polish title:'' '''''Transformers: Zemsta Upadłych''''' (''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Ones'')
:''Italian title:'' '''''Transformers 2: La Vendetta del Caduto''''' (''Transformers 2: The Revenge Of The Fallen'')
:''Serbian title:'' '''''Transformers 2: Najveće govno ikada''''' (''Transformers 2: The Revenge Of The Fallen'')
:''Spanish title:'' '''''Transformers: La Venganza de los Caídos''''' (''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Ones'')
:''Russian title:'' '''''Transformery: Mest' Padshikh''''', cyrillic: '''''Трансформеры: Месть падших''''' (''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Ones'')

==Main cast==
{{spoiler|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|July 24, 2009}}

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]]) (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]]) (6)
*[[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] ([[Grey DeLisle]]) (8)
*[[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]] (8)
*[[Purple motorcycle Autobot]] (8)
*[[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] ([[André Sogliuzzo]]) (9)
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] ([[Tom Kenny]]) (10)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] ([[Reno Wilson]]) (11)
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]]) (15)
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]]) (17)
*[[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] (18)
*[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] ([[Mark Ryan]]) (38)
|c2=
*[[The Fallen]] ([[Tony Todd]]) (1)
*[[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] ([[Calvin Wimmer]]) (6)
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] (7)
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]]) (16)
*[[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] (20)
*[[Reedman]] ([[Frank Welker]]) (21)
*[[Alice]] ([[Isabel Lucas]]) (25)
*[[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]]) (26)
*[[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]] (27)
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] (28)
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] (29)
*[[Hightower (ROTF)|Hightower]] (30)
*[[Scalpel]] ([[John Di Crosta]]) (31)
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]]) (32)
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]]) (33)
*[[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] (35)
*[[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] ([[Frank Welker]]) (39)
*[[Protoform]] army (42)
*[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] (42)
*An [[Mine-protected vehicle Decepticon|unnamed Decepticon]] (43)
|c3=
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]]) (2)
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]]) (3)
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]]) (9)
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]]) (10)
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]]) (11)
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]]) (14)
*[[General Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]]) (16)
*[[Theodore Galloway]] ([[John Benjamin Hickey]]) (19)
*[[Leo Spitz]] ([[Ramon Rodriguez]]) (22)
*[[Fassbinder]] ([[Jonathon Trent]]) (23)
*[[Sharsky]] ([[Walker Howard]]) (24)
*[[Professor Colan]] ([[Rainn Wilson]]) (34)
*[[Tova Simmons]] ([[Annie Korzen]]) (36)
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]]) (37)
|c4=
*[[Appliancebot]]s (12)
}}

==Technical details==
{{stub}}

==Short synopsis==
[[Image:ROTFteaserposter.jpg|right|250px|thumb|For dry, red eyes, the difference is clear: Clear Eyes.]]

The Autobots have found a home in "NEST", a secret military unit created to seek out and eliminate the remaining Decepticons. All is not well, however. Unbeknownst to them, Soundwave is in orbit, coordinating the Decepticon counterstrike. After Ravage steals the Allspark shard from NEST, a team of Constructicons and The Doctor journey to the bottom of the ocean and use it revive Megatron. The Decepticon leader journeys to the crashed Nemesis, rebukes Starscream, and meets with his master, The Fallen.

The Fallen explains that he had constructed a Solar Harvester on Earth, in violation of the Primes' code to never harm an inhabited planet. The Primes turned on him, banished and imprisoned him. However the Harvester still stands, and only one Prime remains. If Megatron destroys Optimus Prime, The Fallen will be freed to activate the Harvester, which will kill off the humans and provide the Decepticons with enough energon to raise an army. Megatron eagerly agrees, and returns to Earth with a vengeance.

It transpires that the location of the Harvester is hidden within Sam Witwicky, who absorbed the knowledge from another Allspark fragment. The Decepticons begin an all-out war across the Earth as they hunt down the human, and the Autobots and NEST are blamed for the ensuing carnage. Witwicky goes to ground, and must turn to unlikely allies in the race to find a solution. Ultimately, the last of the Primes defeats The Fallen, destroys the Harvester, and proves the Transformers' greatest power is found in their unexpectedly-ancient alliance with the humans.

==Full synopsis==
In 17,000 B.C., Transformers already were on Earth and built a machine.

Two years after the battle of [[Mission City]], the Autobots have teamed up with the American soldiers, including [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps|Epps]], in a secret team named [[NEST]] under the command of the [[United States military|US military]], but also incorporating soldiers from other countries such as the United Kingdom. Officially, the US government still keeps the Transformers' existence a secret. In Shanghai, [[China]], NEST tracks down the Decepticons [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] and [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] and kill them. Just before he is killed by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], Demolishor delivers a cryptic message that someone named "[[The Fallen]]" will rise again.

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]] is preparing for his move to college when he finds a shard of the [[All Spark]] which brings numerous kitchen devices to life. After [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] has destroyed the kitchen robots (and parts of the Witwickys' house with them), Sam hands the All Spark shard to [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]]. He then tells Bumblebee to stay behind, since he isn't allowed to have a car at college.

Arriving at college, Sam meets his roommate, [[Leo Spitz]], who operates a [[The Real Effing Deal|conspiracy website]] and is convinced that alien robots are hiding on Earth. At a frat party, Sam also meets his fellow student [[Alice]], who attempts to seduce Sam. Whens Bumblebee shows up, she takes a ride with Sam, but Bumblebee does everything he can to convince her to leave. Bumblebee then takes Sam to Optimus Prime, who is convinced—for some reason—that Sam is in danger.

Meanwhile, NEST is visited by National Security Advisor [[Theodore Galloway]], who is convinced that the only reason the new Decepticons have come to Earth is because the Autobots are still there. Therefore, he suggests that they may leave the planet. When Galloway reveals the location of the All Spark shard Optimus Prime had picked up after killing [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] over an unsecure line, the transmission is picked up by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], who is stationed in orbit around Earth, disguised as a satellite. Soundwave promptly sends his minion [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] to Earth, where he he infiltrates the NEST base on Diego Garcia and steals the shard. Ravage and several [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]] then dive to the bottom of the [[Laurentian Abyss]], where the US military has dumped Megatron's remains. Using the shard and spare parts from one of the Constructicons (who is presumably killed), [[Scalpel|"The Doctor"]] is able to revive Megatron, who promptly travels to one of [[Saturn]]'s moons, where the [[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]] is used as a base by the Decepticons. He is awaited by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and his master, The Fallen.

[[Image:ROTF_Optimus_vs_Grindor.jpg|right|thumb|300px|This scene sold so many toys.]]

Meanwhile, Sam is starting to see [[Cyberglyphics|strange symbols]], and believes it may have something to do with him touching the All Spark shard. When he calls Mikaela to warn her not to touch it, a Decepticon named [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]], disguised as a remote-controlled toy pickup, tries to steal the shard, but is captured by Mikaela. Mikaela promtply boards a plane to see Sam, but whens he arrives, she finds him in what appears to be an intimate moment with Alice. It soon turns out, however, that Alice is a Decepticon as well. Mikaela, Sam and Leo, who has stumbled across her robotic self by coincidence, try to escape, but are captured by the Decepticons. Megatron orders "The Doctor" to remove Sam's brain in order to access the information from the All Spark shard, but Optimus Prime and Bumblebee have managed to locate them and free Sam, Mikaela and Leo. Together, they attempt to flee, but in order for Sam to escape, Optimus Prime has to fight Megatron, Starscream and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] all by himself. After killing Grindor, Optimus is impaled by Megatron and dies. Just then, the other Autobots arrive, causing Megatron and Starscream to retreat.

In a hijacked TV broadcast, The Fallen reveals his existence to the world public and demands Sam to be surrendered to him. Decepticons land around the globe, killing several thousand people. In Paris, [[Barricade |one of them]] tracks down Sam's parents, [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky]]. Galloway uses the attacks an as excuse to shut down NEST and have the Autobots placed under guard, while a manhunt begins for Sam.

Sam, meanwhile, is hiding out with Mikaela, Leo, Bumblebee and the Autobot twins, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Leo eventually suggests they may ask his rival, "[[Robo-Warrior]]", owner of a [[GiantEffingRobots.com|competing website]], for help. To everyone's surprise, Robo-Warrior turns out to be non other than [[Seymour Simmons]], former agent of [[Sector Seven]]. Simmons reveals that symbols similar to those Sam is obsessed with have been found on numerous excavation sites around the world, but in order to read them, they may need a Decepticon. Mikaela then interrogates Wheelie, who suggests they may track down one of the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]]. At the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, they discover an old Decepticon named [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], disguised as an SR-71 Blackbird.

Jetfire claims he has defected to the Autobots and tells them about The Fallen, who betrayed his brothers, the [[Seven Primes|Primes]], many millennia ago. The Fallen intends to destroy the Earth's sun in order to create [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]], the Transformers' source of energy. The symbols in Sam's head are a map to the location of the [[solar harvester]], the weapon the Fallen intends to use to destroy the sun. Jetfire also reveals that only a Prime can stop The Fallen, and a key is needed to activate the Harvester, the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Sam suggests that they may use the Matrix to revive Optimus Prime, which is backed up by Jetfire.

Jetfire opens a [[space bridge]] and teleports himself as well as Sam, Mikaela, Leo, Simmons, Bumblebee and the Twins to [[Egypt]]. Between the Pyramids of Giza, they find the next clue and travel to Jordan. On the way, Simmons calls Lennox and instructs him to get his team, as well as the dead body of Optimus Prime, to Egypt. In Petra, they discover the tomb of the Primes. Inside, Sam finds the Matrix, which instantly crumbles into dust into his hands. Sam collects the dust regardless, and together, they travel back to Egypt. Meanwhile, Lennox has tricked Galloway into parachuting out of the cargo plane, and eventually the NEST team parachutes down and prepares for battle near the pyramids.

Before Sam and the others can get back to Lennox and his people, the Decepticons start there attack. The Constructicons merge into [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]], who proceeds to swallow Mudflap. Mudflap, however, is able to free himself, and together with Skids, they try to slow Devastator down. While the Autobots and NEST fight the Decepticons, Megatron intends to use Sam's parents to lure him into a trap. Sam, falling into the trap, offers to hand over the Matrix dust to the Constructicon [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]], but only to stall for time until Bumblebee is able to attack and destroy Rampage. Ravage attacks Bumblebee from behind, but is killed as well. Sam then orders Bumblebee to get his parents to safety while he and Mikaela try to reach Optimus Prime's body.

In the meantime, Devastator has begun to to take apart the pyramid that has been built around the Harvester. Simmons calls a navy ship off the coast of Egypt and orders the use of a railgun, which is fired at Devastator and apparently destroys him. Meanwhile, Sam is mortally hit by the blast of a shot fired by Megatron. While paramedics try to reanimate him, the Matrix dust gets spilled across his hand, and Sam encounters the dead Primes in a vision. The Primes tell him that he was destined to find the Matrix and save the life of the last Prime. Sam returns to life, and the dust in his hand turns back into the Matrix. With the Matrix, Sam is able to revive Optimus Prime.

Just then, The Fallen teleports himself next to Optimus Prime, grabs the Matrix and teleports himself to the pyramid, where he uses the Matrix to activate the Harvester. Jetfire, who has joined the battle, killing [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]] before being fatally wounded by [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], instructs Optimus Prime to use his parts to battle The Fallen, and then rips out his own Spark. [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] and [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] then proceed to turn Jetfire's remains into a battle armor for Optimus Prime, who is then able to destroy the Harvester and kill The Fallen. After the death of his master, Megatron, who has been severely damaged in the battle, follows Starscream's suggestion and retreats.

With the battle won, the Autobots, NEST, Sam and his friends return to the USA on board of an aircraft carrier. Upon his return, Sam continues to attend college.

==Quotes==


"Ding-a-ling, come out an' get yo' ice cream. Any bad robot out there better get ready for an ass-whoopin'."
:— '''Skids''' and '''Mudflap''' speaking their first line in the movie as the ice cream truck.

"Sam, fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing."
:— '''Optimus Prime'''

"Need parts. Kill ze little one!"
:— '''Scalpel''' instructs the Constructicons to kill one of their own, and they happily oblige.

"Starscream, I'm home!"
:— '''Megatron'''. And the fangirls go wild!

"I know you’re pissed-I know you’re pissed, I tried to kill you, right? It’s totally understandable. I mean, if you tried to kill me, I’d be pissed, too."
:— '''Sam Witwicky''' tries to relate with '''Megatron''', to no avail.

"Is the fate of our race not worth one human life?" 
"You'd never stop at ''one''. '''I'll take you all on!'''"
:— '''Megatron''' tries to justify killing Sam, but '''Optimus Prime''' disapproves based on the potato chip theory. Beatdown ensues.

"What planet am I on?" 
"Earth." 
"''Earth''? Terrible name for a planet. Might as well call it ''Dirt''. Planet Dirt."
:— '''Jetfire''' asks '''Simmons''' where he is, only to have negative thoughts.

"You know what my father was? [[Scrounge|A wheel]]! The first wheel! And you know what he transformed into? NOTHING! But he did so with honor! Dignity!"
:— '''Jetfire''' tells a story.

"Beginning. Middle. End. Facts. Details. Condense. Plot. Tell it."
:— '''Simmons''' demands more coherent exposition from Jetfire.

"Lemme show ya how we brought the pain in ''my'' day!!"
:—'''Jetfire''' enters the fray to show us young whippersnappers how it's ''really'' done.

"One man, alone, betrayed by the country he loves."
:— '''Agent Simmons''' being, well, Agent Simmons as he bravely charges off to lure the Decepticons away.

"GIVE ME YOUR FACE."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' warns The Fallen of his violent fetish.

"Not to call you a coward, master, but, sometimes, cowards do survive."
:— '''Starscream''' pitches his usual battle plan to an unusually receptive Megatron.

----

==Production staff==
* Writers [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] recruited [[Ehren Kruger]] to help them write the screenplay. [[Michael Bay]] and producers [[Don Murphy]], [[Tom DeSanto]], and [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] also returned.<ref>[http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6372 Transformers 2 Writers Confirmed]</ref>
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}
===Locations department===
{{stub}}

==Prequel material==
===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
While the Decepticons were disgusted with the pro-Autobot propaganda of Bay's first documentary {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|#13's Star Screams}}, they're quite optimistic about the second film. [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] has taken a strong interest in it, going to the trouble of personally convincing [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] to be in the film {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|15's Star Screams}}.

The Decepticons promise this new documentary will show a glorious Decepticon victory {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 10|#10's Star Screams}} - whether it's in the script or not. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 18|#18's Star Screams}}

Shockingly, even ''they'' are under a non-disclosure agreement regarding the script; Starscream fearfully refers to a greater power keeping him quiet. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|#22's Star Screams}} Talking about it could even undermine the Decepticon war effort! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|#23's Star Screams}}

In the same week the film came out, the Decepticons suddenly became unhappy with it and the detente period ended. Bay, Kurtzman, and Orci are once again marked for extermination for their propaganda films. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|#1's Law and Disorder}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{stub}}

==Adaptations==
:''Main article:'' [[Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation]]
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)}}
'''Children's adaptations'''
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen: The Junior Novel}}
{{main|The Last Prime}}
{{main|Operation Autobot}}
{{main|When Robots Attack!}}
{{main|I Am Optimus Prime (ROTF)}}
{{main|Rise of the Decepticons}}
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen: Sound Like the Transformers}}

==Sequels==
{{stub}}

==Soundtrack==
:''Main article:'' [[Revenge of the Fallen: The Soundtrack]]

==Score==
{{cleanup|June 25, 2009}}
:''Main article:'' [[Revenge of the Fallen: The Score]]
* [[Linkin Park]] and Hans Zimmer worked with Steve Jablonsky on the score of the movie. Linkin Park also wrote a song, called "New Divide". It was one of the theme songs for the movie, and they did several interpretations on that theme. <ref>[http://www.mikeshinoba.com/blog/special_events-recommended_music-in_the_studio-featured-linkin_park_/transformers_2_new_linkin_park_song_and_score]</ref>

==DVD release==

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery perrow="3">
Image:ROTFteaserposter.jpg|Teaser poster
Image:ROTF Theatrical poster.jpg|Theatrical poster
Image:ROTF International poster.jpg|International poster
Image:ROTF Prime poster.jpg|Prime poster
Image:ROTF bumblebee poster.jpg|Bumblebee poster
Image:ROTF Starscream poster.jpg|Wait...Starscream gets a poster but Megatron doesn't? That's just wrong.
</gallery></center>

==Reception==
{{quote|Transformers: ROTF has mostly gotten pretty hideous reviews, but that's because people don't understand that this isn't a movie, in the conventional sense.|[http://io9.com/5301898/michael-bay-finally-made-an-art-movie Michael Bay Finally Made An Art Movie], Charlie Jane Anders|[http://i09.com i09.com,] [[June 24]], [[2009]]}}
{{quote|[The critics] never seem to understand that I make movies for people to take a ride and escape.|[http://tinyurl.com/nyscnv forum post] by Michael Bay|[http://shootfortheedit.com shootfortheedit.com,] [[June 25]], [[2009]]}}

''Revenge of the Fallen'' had its world premiere on June 8th, 2009, in Tokyo, Japan. Michael Bay, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Isabel Lucas and Ramon Rodriguez attended.<ref>[http://www.michaelbay.com/newsblog/files/47a23fdbb6ddc8ece6a0a6c87ccc2bbe-499.html Japanese Premiere photos at Michael Bay.com, June 8, 2009]</ref>. Other countries such as South Korea<ref>[http://www.michaelbay.com/newsblog/files/f7a7af7e754cfa877a635b95d8908eea-506.html Korean Premiere photos at Michael Bay.com, June 9, 2009]</ref>, the United Kingdom and Germany followed over the course of the next few days. The United States premiere was held on June 22nd, 2009, in Los Angeles.

In the week leading up to the United States release, while the film had been released in Japan and the United Kingdom, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was ranking 38% fresh on [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_revenge_of_the_fallen/ Rotten Tomatoes.com]. As American reviews were added into the ranking on June 24, the movie's freshness slipped slowly to 22%. RottenTomatoes.com's consensus was that "''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' is a noisy, underplotted, and overlong special effects extravaganza that lacks a human touch." Roger Ebert, who gave the movie one star, remarked that "if you want to save yourself the ticket price, go into the kitchen, cue up a male choir singing the music of hell, and get a kid to start banging pots and pans together." <ref>[http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090623/REVIEWS/906239997 Roger Ebert's ''Revenge of the Fallen'' review] on RogerEbert.com</ref> Todd Gilchrist of Cinematical.com said Michael Bay "has exceeded even the possibilities of sequel-driven 'moreness,' combining his own muscular, high-gloss sensibility with the conventions of blockbusters past, present, and probably future to create a monolithic action masterpiece that feels destined to be the biggest movie of all time." <ref>[http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/22/review-transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen/ Review: Transformers Revenge of the Fallen] on Cinematical.com</ref> Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune said "the first, comparatively lucid ''Transformers'' was a headache, but I sort of enjoyed it....''Revenge of the Fallen'' is more like listening to rocks in a clothes dryer for 2½ hours." <ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-tc-mov-transformers-0623-0624jun23,0,7350387.story 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel] on chicagotribune.com </ref> Roger Ebert went back for more in a second article, declaring not only that ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was awful, but that it'd [[Ruined FOREVER|ruined action films FOREVER]]. <ref>[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/06/the_fall_of_the_revengers.html "The Fall of the Revengers"] on suntimes.com</ref>

A huge controversy revolved around the characters of the "Twins", [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], which many critics and viewers believed to be racist stereotypes of poorly educated black American teenagers. Director Michael Bay, when confronted with those accusations, claimed that the personalities of the two characters were primarily created in the recording studio by voice actors [[Tom Kenny]] and [[Reno Wilson]] (the latter of which is an African American himself).<ref name="jive"/> Screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci confirmed that this portrayal of the characters hadn't been in the script, and admitted that they could understand the controversy.<ref name="racism">[http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/orci-and-kurtzman-respond-to-claims-of-racism-in-transformers-2.php Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman respond to accusations of racism]</ref>

Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' poised itself quickly as a blockbuster maelstrom. It grossed $16 million in its opening midnight showings alone, an all-time record for Wednesday openings and a second-best for openings on any day of the week behind ''The Dark Knight''. After the full Wednesday was over, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had grossed $55 million in domestic ticket sales, surpassing the previous Wednesday release record, held by ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', by over $10 million. <ref> [http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1614673/story.jhtml 'Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen' Breaks Wednesday Box-Office Record] on MTV.com</ref> By the end of the first five days, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had taken an estimated $201.2 million in the United States, just shy of ''The Dark Knight's'' record $203.8 million 5-day US total. In the same period, international markets took in $186.1 million, bringing the 5-day worldwide total to $387.3 million.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2601&p=.htm BoxOfficeMojo.com - Weekend Report: ‘Revenge of the Fallen' Rises with Optimal Debut, June 28, 2009]</ref>

==Trivia==
*The official title of the film is ''Revenge of the Fallen'' (with a lower-case "t" in "the") even though it is apparently referring to [[The Fallen]] (with a capital "T" in "The").
*Leo's room features posters for [[Wikipedia:Naruto|Naruto]], [[Wikipedia:Cloverfield|Cloverfield]], and [[Wikipedia:Bad Boys 2|Bad Boys 2]].
*During the scenes set in and around the deli in NYC, posters for the bands [[Wikipedia:Catch 22 (band)|Catch Twenty-Two]] and [[wikipedia:Voodoo Glow Skulls|Voodoo Glow Skulls]] are prominently featured.
*Even though ''Revenge'' features mostly domestic voice actors for the foreign market dubs, [[Frank Welker]] is credited for voicing [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] not only in English, but also in the Italian and German dub.<ref name="germandub">[http://215072.homepagemodules.de/topic-threaded.php?board=215072&forum=11775323&threaded=1&id=511643&message=7158760 List of German dubbing voices]</ref> As a result, in the Italian dub of the movie, Soundwave speaks with a strange, foreign accent. Meanwhile, German voice acting experts are convinced that the German credit is wrong, as they believe to recognize a different German voice actor.

==Transformers references==
In addition to carryovers from the previous film, various concepts and characters are derived from previous iterations of Transformers:
* The whole concept of "Transformers disguised as a human" used for [[Alice]] is inspired by the [[Pretender]]s. Roberto Orci even used the term "Pretender" during an interview before the movie's release.<ref name="pretender">[http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00021244.html Aceshowbiz interview with Roberto Orci]</ref> However, a Transformer with an "organic" alt-mode instead of an external shell is a concept more reminiscent of the [[Beast Era]].
* The Generation 1 iteration of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] is frequently portrayed as switching from Decepticon to Autobot (he's usually a young and technologically up-to-the-minute 'bot, however.)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his ejectible minion [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] both have Generation 1 counterparts. Movie Soundwave even has the same voice actor as 1984 cartoon Soundwave, using the same voice, though without the synthetic vocal processing that made the cartoon voice so distinctive.
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] bears little physical resemblance to his Generation 1 namesake, but is a vaguely similar character archetype, and he ''does'' have that characteristic door armor hanging from his elbows.
* Generation 1 [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] was the first female Transformer with a starring role, and was likewise a pink-colored girlbot. The idea of Arcee the pink girlbot as a motorcycle dates back to ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''.
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], the combined form of the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], was the first [[combiner]] robot in Generation 1.
* The characters are new, but the names "[[Mudflap (disambiguation)|Mudflap]]", "[[Skids (disambiguation)|Skids]]", "[[Jolt (disambiguation)|Jolt]]", "[[Rampage (disambiguation)|Rampage]]" and "[[Wheelie (disambiguation)|Wheelie]]" are not. Likewise for the concept of "[[Seeker (disambiguation)|Seekers]]".
* [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]] dying and coming back to life has been done [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|times beyond counting]].
* Prime combining with another 'bot to increase his power (and often gain flight capabilities) is a trope that has occurred in many recent Transformers series (''Robots in Disguise'', ''Armada'', ''Energon'', ''Cybertron''.) In ''Armada'', a different [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] was his most frequent combination partner. This is the first time the other 'bot had to die for it to happen, though.
* [[The Fallen]] is based on a comic book character that made his debut in the 2004 miniseries [[The War Within: The Dark Ages]]. In fact, according to Hasbro, he is the ''exact'' same character!
* The [[Matrix of Leadership]] is one of the franchise's oldest MacGuffins.
* [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] (mentioned though never seen) is the Transformers' power source in numerous incarnations, beginning with the original cartoon.
* Though it is almost certainly not an actual ''reference'' (it's a pretty generic and predictable sci-fi trope), the [[solar harvester]] is quite similar in function to the [[Solar Needle]] from the Generation 1 episode "[[Changing Gears]]", sucking energy from the [[Sun]] to produce energon. Both devices would have destroyed the Sun if allowed to fulfill their function.
* The same is true for Sam having Cybertronian knowledge pumped directly into his brain via a sacred Transformer talisman, which is reminiscent of [[Buster Witwicky]]'s similar situation in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] G1 comics.

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On may 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> [[Megan Fox]] had already been confirmed for the first of those sequels twelve days eaerlier<ref name="foxcon">[http://www.mtvmoviesblog.com/2007/05/18/megan-fox-confirmed-for-transformers-sequel/ MTV confirming Megan Fox for the sequel]</ref>, while [[Shia LaBeouf]] had already confirmed his participation in an–at that time still theoretical–sequel in November 2006.<ref name="shias">Rebecca Murray: [http://movies.about.com/od/bobby/a/bobbysl111006_4.htm Interview with Shia LaBeouf from 2006, confirming his participation in a theoretical sequel]</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]], meanwhile, only once briefly questioned his involvement in a sequel in August 2007, when [[Paramount Pictures]] announced that ''Transformers'' would be released on HD DVD, but not on Blu-ray Disc.<ref name="bayhd">[http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/21/michael-bay-responds-to-paramounts-abandonment-of-blu-ray-no/ One of many sites reporting Michael Bay's announcement that he would not direct the sequel if the first movie wouldn't be released on Blu-ray]. Bay deleted his original post after changing his mind.</ref> Bay quickly changed his mind, however, and Paramount would later release the first movie on Blu-ray anyway, after the HD DVD had been abandoned.

In September of 2007, Paramount officially announced the first sequel for June 2009.<ref name="reldat">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972852.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 Variety reporting Paramount's official announcement of the first sequel]</ref> Bay was given a budget of $200 million, and ultimately managed to come in $4 million below that.<ref name="showest">[http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/11461/tcid/1 Michael Bay talking the ''Transformers'' sequel at ShoWest“]</ref>

The ''Transformers'' screenwriters, [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], initially hesitated writing the sequel, but ultimately had a change of mind.<ref name="sciforc">[http://scifiwire.com/2009/03/orci-kurtzman-reveal-tran.php Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman talking to Sci Fi Wire.]</ref> In October 2007, [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as a third writer, who, according to Kurtzman, brought in a "fresh perspective"<ref name="kickoff">[http://www.firstshowing.net/2009/01/14/kicking-off-2009-with-writers-alex-kurtzman-and-roberto-orci-part-two-transformers-2/ Another interview with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci]</ref>, and who reportedly impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In April 2009, Roberto Orci confirmed that cartoon voice actor [[Frank Welker]] would voice Soundwave.<ref name="welkers">[http://www.cinemablend.com/new.php?id=12917 Roberto orci confirming Welker as Soundwave]</ref> Welker had previously been considered as [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] voice actor in the first movie, but ultimately Michael Bay had given that part to [[Hugo Weaving]] instead. Both Bay and the writers were also hoping that [[Leonard Nimoy]] could voice a character in the movie.<ref name="sciforc"> Bay later stated that he was nervous of asking his relative Nimoy to voice The Fallen for fear of offending him with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer'', MTV.com Movies blog, April 21, 2009]</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review</ref> it ultimately never worked out: after watching his guest appearance on ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_The_Brave_and_the_Bold Batman: The Brave and the Bold]'', Bay selected [[Tony Todd]] - whom he worked on with ''The Rock'' - for the voice of The Fallen instead.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaN2g5i2k2E Interview with The Fallen himself - Tony Todd]</ref>

===Writing and production===
For the movie, Orci and Kurtzman searched the various ''Transformers'' comics and cartoons for "the most elemental bad guy", and eventually found one in [[The Fallen]].<ref name="sciforc"/>

In addition to that, they wanted to include many things in the sequel that hadn't made it into the first movie, including the Decepticon [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Likewise, the [[Matrix of Leadership]] had initially been intended to be used in the first movie, but for fear of confusion with the ''Matrix'' movies, the cube had been renamed into [[All Spark]]. In return, the Matrix in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' bears more resemblance to the ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] Matrix.

In late 2007, during pre-production for then-untitled ''Transformers'' sequel, the [[wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|Writers Guild of America went on strike]], but according to all parties involved, this didn't slow down preparations of the movie much in the long run. Screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci turned in their first outline of the script the night before the strike officially began. During the strike, director Michael Bay used the script as a basis for preparing the movie. After the strike had ended, Kurtzman, Orci and Ehren Kruger continued their work on the script, based on Bay's changes.<ref name="kickoff"/> One consequence of this development was that Michael Bay and Hasbro had selected some of the new Transformers characters that were to would appear in the movie during the strike, because of the long production run of the toys, while they had legally not been allowed to consult with the screenwriters.<ref name="sciforc"/> The "Twins", [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], are Bay's creation.<ref name="jive">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-06-24-transformers_N.htm?csp=34 USA Today article on accusations of racism with the "Twins", and Michael Bay's response.]</ref>

In early June of 2008, DreamWorks, Paramount and Hasbro officially confirmed the movie's title to be ''Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen''.<ref name="titleann">[http://www.reserveresult.com/2008/06/transformers-2-revenge-of-fallen.html One of the first announcements of the title, still with a "2" in it]</ref> A few weeks later, Roberto Orci confirmed that there would be no "2" in the title.<ref name="no2orci">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180738-no-2-transformers-2-a.html#post2173364 ROberto Orci confirming that there will be no "2" in the movie's title]</ref>

Principal shooting began in June 2008 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.<ref name="pennlive">[http://blog.pennlive.com/lvbreakingnews/2008/06/shooting_starts_today_on_trans_1.html Pennlive story about the beginning of ROTF's principal shooting in Bethlehem]</ref> Other shooting sites were Philadelphia, the campus of Princeton University, Long Beach, the Holloman Air Force Base and the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Some scenes were also shot in other countries, at the [[Wikipedia:Egyptian pyramids|Pyramids of Giza]] and in Luxor, Egypt, in Jordan and in Paris.

According to director Michael Bay, ''Revenge'' is the first movie in abour 30 years to be given permission to shoot at the Pyramids of Giza, and the first movie ''ever'' to film on top of [[Wikipedia:Petra|Petra]].<ref name="bayclub">[http://www.transformersclub.com/tfrof-intv09.cfm Transformers Collectors' Club interview with Michael Bay]</ref> He obtained permission to film in Egypt by contacting Zahi Hawass, secretary general of Egypt's council of antiquities, who turned out to be a fan of the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie.<ref>[http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/10866/tcid/1 The Collider article and video interview with Michael Bay, February 9, 2009]</ref>

During the time of shooting, actor Shia LaBeouf suffered a severe injury of his left hand in a car accident. Ultimately, however, filming was only briefly halted, and his injury worked into the film, thereby not adversely affecting the filming schedule.<ref name="TheList2008">[http://www.list.co.uk/article/10788-shia-labeoufs-transformers-hand/ The List 1 August 2008]</ref> For the movie, director Michael Bay earned himself an entry in the Guiness Book of Records for the "biggest explosion on film with actors present".<ref name="guiness">[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10579085 New zealand Herald article mentioning Bay' Guiness Book entry]</ref>

===Sponsors and partners===
====Hasbro====
[[Hasbro]] once again acted both as a licensor and actively participated in the development of the movie. Together with the first ''Transformers'' movie, the ''[[G.I. Joe]]'' movie ''Rise of the Cobra'' and several other planned movie projects such as ''Monopoly'', ''Stretch Armstrong'' and ''Battleships'', ''Revenge of the Fallen'' marks the beginning of a new company policy for Hasbro, believing that the new "the movie of the toy" strategy will be more lucrative than the old "the toy of the movie" concept, which involves hefty licensing fees.<ref name="brandweek">[http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jun2009/db20090611_333306.htm Brandweek article on Hasbro's new movie-related business strategy]</ref> Still, director [[Michael Bay]] receives an 8% cut of all toy sales from the ''Transformers'' movies.<ref name="forbesbay">[http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0622/celebrity-09-transformers-michael-bay-making-movies-enemies-money.html Michael Bay article on Forbes.com June 4, 2009]</ref> During the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, when nobody was legally allowed to consult with the screenwriters, Hasbro and Bay selected several of the new Transformers characters that were to appear in the movie.<ref name="sciforc"/>

====US military====
The [[United States military]] also supported the movie again, providing vehicles, shooting locations and military personnel that appear as extras in the movie.<ref name="milit">[http://www.military.com/entertainment/movies/movie-news/military-unites-with-hollywood-on-transformers?wh=entertainment American Forces Press Service press relase about the US military's contribution to ROTF]</ref> Due to scheduling coincidences, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was given a larger support by the US Department of Defense than ''G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra'', which was produced at the same time. <ref name="dod">Jeff Schogol: [http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=62955 Stars and Stripes article about DOD support for ''revenge of the Fallen'' and ''G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra'']</ref> Initially, Bay had intended to include German soldiers in the movie (presumably as members of [[NEST]]), but even though the soldiers were eager to participate, the German government denied the request.<ref name="szpremiere">[http://newsticker.sueddeutsche.de/list/id/657558 Report from the German press conference (in German laguage)]</ref>

====General Motors====
American car manufacturer General Motors once again provided vehicles that were used by the Autobots as their [[alternate mode]]s. Returning from the first movie were the GMC Topkick ([[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]), the Hummer H2 ([[ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]) and the new Chevrolet Camaro ([[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]), the latter this time as a slightly updated Z/28 model as compared to the first movie's concept car model. Newcomers for ''Revenge of the Fallen'' are all from the Chevrolet brand, namely the Chevrolet Beat ([[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]), the Chevrolet Trax ([[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]), a new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept car ([[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]]) and, as a last minute addition, the new Chevrolet Volt electric car ([[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]]).

In total, General Motors provided 67 vehicles, 52 of them being prototypes not intended for sale.<ref name="chevytroubles">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-06-15-gm-transformers_N.htm USA Tosday story on Chevrolet's participation in the movie]</ref> As a consequence of the 2007-onwards financial crisis, however, General Motors reduced their financial support for ''Revenge'' in April of 2009.<ref name="horsep">[http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cotown-transformers6-2009apr06,0,5419006.story LA Times story on General Motors cutting their support for ''Revenge of the Fallen'']</ref>

Director Michael Bay estimates that, without the support of general Motors and the military, production of the movie would have cost $10 million more than the $195 million ultimate spent.<ref name="forbesbay"/> Coinciding with the release of ''Revenge of the Fallen'', General Motors reported that sales of the new Chevrolet Camaro were so strong that orders were outrunning the supply, even though the car was being sold above MSRP in many places. A direct connection to the movie, however, could not be proven.<ref name="camarosells">[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aZCnXEtqqTcc Bloomberg reporting on strong sales for the new Chevrolet Camaro</ref>

====Product placement====
Like in the first movie, numerous companies signed a deal with the filmmakers which allowed for their product being featured in prominent places in the movie. A Mountain Dew vending machine can be seen in [[Leo Spitz|Leo's]] room, computer screens feature visible Cisco logos, [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] intend to communicate via iChat, a huge HSBC logo is seen at Times Squre in New York City, a Budweiser bottle is prominently featured in one of the Paris scenes, CNN is everyone's preferred news channel, and a giant IMAX logo is seen inside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. In return, Mars heavily advertized ''Revenge of the Fallen'' with their chocolate candy brand M&M's.

===Changes before, during and after production===
*According to comic book writer [[Simon Furman]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] had been in an early draft of the movie's plot, but were dropped from the cast very early in development.<ref>[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/01/29/no-dinobots-in-transformers-2-revenge-of-the-fallen-original-film-consultant-explains-why/ MTV Movie Blog interview with Simon Furman, January 29, 2009.]</ref>
*One scene that didn't make it into the final movie would have explained [[Alice|Alice's]] sorta-human disguise: In it, [[Leo Spitz|Leo]] watches a TV ad featuring an Alice in Wonderland animatronic from an amusement park, which heavily resembles Alice. The scene was featured in the [[Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation issue 2|comic adaptation]] and the [[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|novelization]]. It's unclear if the scene has actually been filmed; however, the movie still features the follow-up scene in which Leo shows up to tell Sam ''something'' about Alice, only to see her robot tongue strangle him.

===Disinformation===
In April of 2008, director Michael Bay claimed he had initiated a huge disinformation campaign in order to prevent content details from the movie from being revealed to the public before he wanted them to.<ref name="misinf">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a94406/bay-tries-to-fool-transformers-fans.html Mirrored copy of Michael Bay's original claims about his alleged "disinformation campaign"]. Bay apparently deleted his original post from his official message board.</ref> Ultimately, Bay himself turned out to be the main source of genuine disinformation, despite claiming that ''only'' what he said was 100% true. Therefore, the disinformation campaign mostly hinged on fans believing in its existence, and rejecting any genuinely "leaked" information, including set photos, statements by third parties such as [[Hasbro]] or [[IDW Publishing]] and stolen toy [[prototype]]s, as "disinformation". Screenwriter Roberto Orci eventually admitted that the disinformation campaign wasn't really working.<ref name="orcicampaign">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-150.html#post2437185 Roberto Orci confirming Michael Bay's biggest fear: The disinformation campaign doesn't work!]</ref>

For the longest time, Bay upheld the position that [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] would ''not'' return in ''Revenge of the Fallen''. After concept designs of Megatron's new [[alternate mode]] had surfaced (some of which would later turn out to be designs of the RPM Megatron toy), Bay insisted that this was "just Hasbro coming up with a new toy", and Megatron would not appear in the movie.<ref name="EmpireFeb2009">''Empire'' magazine issue 236, dated February 2009, pages 68 and 69, article entitled "20 to watch in 2009", written by Nick de Semelyn</ref> Following ''officially released'' evidence to the contrary (including Megatron's brief appearance in the February 1 Superbowl TV spot and the February teaser trailer), screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] confirmed that Megatron would indeed return.<ref name="mreturns">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-211.html#post3333713 Roberto Orci confirming Megatron's return on TFW2005.com - February 22, 2009]</ref> Shortly afterwards, Bay retracted from his claims, but not entirely, suggesting that Megatron would only appear in a flashback scene "from the long lost past", despite the fact Megatron could be seen pinning [[Sam Witwicky]] to the ground in the aforementioned TV spot and teaser trailer. He also denied that Megatron would transform into a tank.<ref name="catoutbag">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=66825&postcount=4 Bay retracting from his claims about Megatron on his forum - March 6, 2009]</ref>

Bay also tried to have information prematurely revealed by third parties contained after the fact: During San Diego Comic-Con 2008, in an interview on July 25th, comic book writer [[Simon Furman]] revealed that the film would feature a character called [[The Fallen]], which was a character they had created for [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[The War Within: The Dark Ages]]''.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17412 Simon Furman confirms The Fallen as a character in the movie in an interview with Comic Book Resources]</ref> Three days later, [[IDW Publishing]] writer [[Chris Mowry]] corroborated the claim in an interview with MTV Splash Page, calling "The Fallen" the main villain of ''Revenge''. [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] was also confirmed in the same interview.<ref>[http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/07/28/exclusive-transformers-2-prequel-comic-gives-inside-scoop-on-2009-movie/ MTV Splash Page interviews Chris Mowry]</ref> Less than a week after this, however, Michael Bay reiterated that everything leaked thus far was part of his alleged disinformation campaign, and that only a handful of people involved with the production of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had actually seen the script, contradicting IDW's interviews where their representatives confirm that they have the script. Additionally, Bay claimed the only truth about the film revealed up to that point was Sam going to college.<ref>[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=44729&postcount=2 Michael Bay's forum post claiming that only he and the writers had seen the script]</ref> Curiously, on August 5th 2008, after a fan had pointed out the contradiction to Bay, all references to The Fallen (and Arcee) were removed from the aforementioned interviews, as well as any references to IDW Publishing having the script.

==Errors==
*Bumblebee picks up Sam at a frat party in the evening. He then takes him to a graveyard where it's daytime.

*During Sam's campus freakout, when he drops his notes on the steps, a blonde woman in a suit can be seen coming down the steps to his left, nearly reaching him. However, when the camera angle shifts, the woman is suddenly at the top of the stairs again.

*On the sonar, there are "five contacts" diving down to Megatron's location, and "six contacts" going up after his resurrection. Since one Constructicon was killed to repair Megatron, shouldn't there be only five contacts going up as well? Keep in mind, Scalpel is too small to register on sonar, but Ravage is just large enough.

*When the [[Wikipedia:USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)|USS ''Theodore Roosevelt'']] is sunk by Decepticon [[transition form]]s, the hull number of 74 can clearly be seen.{{fact}} CVN-74 belongs to the [[Wikipedia:USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)|USS ''John C. Stennis'']], a carrier that shows up later in the film and was also the carrier used for filming.

*When Jetfire is activated at the [[Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum]] (actually the [[Wikipedia:Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center|Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]], an annex of the Smithsonian) in Washington, he leaves the exhibition center and exits into the desert location of the [[Wikipedia:309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group|309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (aka The Boneyard)]], which is in Tuscon, Arizona. When Jetfire breaks out of the building, we can see a composited image of the Boneyard's rows of planes, so it's arguable that in this universe the middle of Washington DC happens to be a desert full of old planes, and no buildings and uh... heh heh. Given that this and the Transformers are the ''only'' changes between this universe and ours, that's a stretch.

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com Dreamworks/Paramount's ''Transformers'' Movie website]
*[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/ Hasbro's ''Transformers'' homepage]
*[http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/10866/tcid/1 Interview with Michael Bay 02/09/2009] — Collider.com

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

[[Category:Films]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]

Mudflap (ROTF)

2009-07-01T03:53:48Z

TransRyan:

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Mudflap}}
:''Mudflap is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ROTF_Mudflap_promo.jpg|thumb|350px|''Ahem'', my face is ''up here''.]]

When a [[Spark]] splits into two separate sparks, the resulting two Cybertronians are considered [[twin]]s and have an incredibly close bond. The goofy-looking '''Mudflap''' and his twin [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] are a result of one such division. He's hyperactive, noisy, argumentative, and eager...and so's Mudflap, though he's so desperate to impress that he comes off as having the robot equivalent of ADHD. <ref>[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe|The Movie Universe]]</ref> When they're not trying to outdo each other in crazy, daredevil antics, the twins are usually bickering with each other over anything. Like Skids, he possesses hyper-reactive optical imaging scanners, making him able to process tactical information faster than any other Transformer (except Skids). <ref>[[Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Skids Profile, Transformers #1 (Titan, Vol.2)]]</ref>

Each twin can transform into smaller, separate vehicles or combine into a single, more durable alternate mode, <ref>[[Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Skids Profile, Transformers #1 (Titan, Vol.2)]]—greatly expanded from his ''[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe|The Movie Universe]]'' bio</ref> but whether they can combine similarly into a larger robot mode remains to be seen. Upon first arriving on [[Earth]], Mudflap and his brother took the form of a beat-up old ice cream truck, but he later [[Scanning|scanned]] a Chevy Trax for a disguise. That being said, it's unlikely the twins will keep an alt-mode for long.

{{bigquote|Nobody messes with the twins!|Mudflap, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]''}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance04 icecreamtruck.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Mudflap is the one in back.]]
Skids and Mudflap arrived on [[Earth]] as part of Autobot reinforcements that [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] requested. They both chose the form of an old, beat-up ice cream truck. The newly arrived Autobots joined the human-Transformer military alliance [[NEST]] and began training in earnest at [[Diego Garcia]], but soon had to be deployed to [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan2-1_Mudflap.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Quick! We have to get to auditions before the cool characters!]]

Mudflap and Skids happily stayed on Cybertron, going through intensive training (which ''totally'' wasn't goofing off) and having extreme-sports contests. Neither wanted to leave their homeworld, and they were the only Transformers on it until [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] turned up with a Decepticon army. When they heard him mention a [[Solar Harvester|star harvester]], Mudflap said they should tell someone...but was a bit upset to find out the fastest way to do that would be to leave Cybertron and tell the Autobots in person.

The decision was made for them when the Decepticons attacked. Mudflap took some hits, causing Skids to obliterate the Decepticons responsible, but for the most part, their training paid off. However, he realised they were running out of places to run, so he followed his brother in leaving the planet and heading for [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Training Day}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Reno Wilson]] (English) [[Gerald Schaale]] (German)

{{spoiler|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|July 24, 2009}}

In the combined form of an old ice cream truck, the twins were active in Shanghai along with other [[NEST]] Autobots. The twins tried to pursue the escaping [[Decepticon]] [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]]. However, their slow and ungainly choice of vehicle could not keep up with the fugitive.

Upon arrival to Diego Garcia and NEST headquarters, the twins were given new alternate forms to make sure another incident like that never happened. Mudflap wanted the Chevy Beat as a vehicle form, but after a brief wrestling match with his brother, he was relegated to the form of the [[wikipedia: Chevy Trax|Chevrolet Trax]].

Later, the twins, along with the other NEST-allied Autobots, were dispatched to look for [[Sam Witwicky]] when Decepticons were detected heading towards his college. After [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was killed by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], the twins helped the Autobot force fight off the Decepticon leader and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], allowing Sam, [[Leo Spitz]], [[Mikaela Banes]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] to make good their escape. Skids and Mudflap met up with Bumblebee and the humans, and together they fled to a remote location. After the twins teased Leo for a while for his panic attack, Sam inquired whether one of them could interpret the Cybertronic symbols with which he had become obsessed. The twins claimed that they couldn't read the ancient Language of the Primes and weren't much into reading, anyway.

[[Image:ROTF_movie_SkidsMudflap_bigmother.jpg|thumb|left|250px|And this is us when we traveled to..hey Skids, where did we go again?]]

With the help of the Decepticon [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and former [[Sector Seven]] agent [[Seymour Simmons]], the group made their way to the Smithsonian, where the humans reactivated the venerable ex-Decepticon [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]]. He teleported them all to [[Egypt]] before telling them the tale of the original [[Prime (ROTF)|Primes]], the [[Solar harvester]], which had the potential to destroy all life on Earth, and finally, the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the key to activating the harvester and possibly the only thing that could bring Optimus Prime back to life. When the Matrix could not be found at the ruins of [[Petra]], the twins began to fight with one another, and their bickering created a hole in the wall where the [[Tomb of the Primes]] lay, and with it, the Matrix.

Making their way back to the Pyramids where NEST waited with Optimus Prime's body, the group came under attack by Starscream. Mudflap, Skids, Leo and Simmons acted as a decoy to lure the Decepticons away from Sam and Mikaela. Unfortunately, they attracted the attention of the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]], who [[combiner|combined]] into [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] and attacked by vacuuming up loose objects such as sand, cars, and Mudflap. Hanging on for dear life inside the monster's mouth, he tried to use his "[[Wikipedia:Kung-Fu grip|kung-fu grip]]", but was sucked further inside. A vengeful Skids made his way up Devastator's leg, only to discover that Mudflap had survived and blasted a hole directly through the titan's head to escape. Together, the twins attacked the combiner, but were unable to stop him from reaching the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===

====Legends Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTF_Legends_Mudflap.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Mudflap''' (Legends, 2009)
{{charstubtoys}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LawsonsLegend}}
[[Image:ROTF_LegendsMudflap_Lawson.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Bumblebee / EZ Collection Mudflap''' (2009)

: Available exclusively at the Lawson's convenience store in Japan (and the only way to obtain this figure via TakaraTomy), this version of Legends class Mudflap has more paint applications than the Hasbro release. The Deluxe-class Preview Bumblebee it comes with is unchanged from the regular release. Preorders opened on the [[May 1|1st of May]] and closed on [[June 30]]th, and the figure itself shipped on the [[October 16|16th of October]].

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTFMudflap Deluxe 2009.jpg|right|250px|thumb|E.T.'s healing touch is bigger and better than ever]]
*'''Mudflap''' (Deluxe Class, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-15'''
**''Accessories:'' Projectile

:Part of the third wave of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class figures, Mudflap transforms into a rust-orange Chevy Trax. He transforms similarly to (but not exactly like) the Deluxe toy of his twin brother, Skids. He also has similar gimmickry; for example, his [[Mech Alive]] gimmick is also activated by pushing in the grill on his chest. This causes some panels in his chest to sway and his head to, uh, headbang. Additional Mech Alive action is engineered into his larger left arm. When his fist folds in towards his wrist, panels on the outside of his forearm spread and reveal a raising, spring-loaded missile launcher. In vehicle mode, this missile is stored through a cross-shaped hole on the rear bumper. On a sadder note, the clip which holds his chest to his back has a lot of trouble actually connecting, so you're going to be stuck with just carefully posing him so that he doesn't come undone.

: His feet are misassembled in the package. Swap them! The bigger, separated toe should be on the outside.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_Skids&Mudflap_toy.jpg|thumb|250px|He was always the horse's rear end in school plays]]
*'''Autobot Skids And Mudflap''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''

:This two-pack of the twin Autobot brothers can combine into a single, old-fashioned ice cream truck. Unfortunately, they are each SMALLER than a Scout-class figure.

:This may actually be the most outstanding combiner figure of the ROTF toyline...
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:ROTF_FAB_GrappleGripMudflap.jpg|thumb|250px|His special arm: There's no other like it.]]
*'''Grapple Grip Mudflap''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Gravity Bots====
[[Image:Mudflap Gravity Bot.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Believe it or not, his head looked like that before he entered the car compacter.]]
*'''Mudflap''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GB-05'''

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====R.P.M.s - Robot Powered Machines====
=====Battle Series=====
*'''Mudflap vs Autobot Skids''' (R.P.M. Mini-Vehicle, 2009)
**''Number:'' '''04 of 08'''

: Number four in a series of eight [[Robot Powered Machines]] [[Mini-Vehicle]] versus packs, Mudflap is packaged with his twin Skids. It's a non-transformable Hot Wheels-like car, with his robot mode sculpted and painted onto his car-mode underside.

{{comingsoontoy}}
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Mudflap and Rampage''' (2009)

{{charstubtoys}}

==Trivia==
*Oddly enough, even though Mudflap's Chevy Trax form features big blue "eyes" on his chest and the truck seems to have a similar "face" on its grill that does not appear on his brother (and fellow combiner) Skids's Chevy Beat form, he makes up the ''back'' of the ice cream truck.

*The ice cream truck's bumper sticker reads "Decepticons, suck my popsicle." This is very vulgar, yet awesome.

*The twins have been accused of being derogatory racial stereotypes. [http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/jivetalking-twin-transformers-raise-race-issues-ap] Voice actor [[Reno Wilson]] was sad to learn his way of speaking was offensive to himself.

*Mudflap fights his way out of [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator's]] head by punching and shooting his way through his eye and cheek and then continues to punch and shoot him, doing quite a bit of damage to the giant—and still some say the Twins don't do anything to justify their part in the film.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Mudflap (ROTF)

2009-07-01T03:53:11Z

TransRyan:

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Mudflap}}
:''Mudflap is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ROTF_Mudflap_promo.jpg|thumb|350px|Ahem, my face is up ''here''.]]

When a [[Spark]] splits into two separate sparks, the resulting two Cybertronians are considered [[twin]]s and have an incredibly close bond. The goofy-looking '''Mudflap''' and his twin [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] are a result of one such division. He's hyperactive, noisy, argumentative, and eager...and so's Mudflap, though he's so desperate to impress that he comes off as having the robot equivalent of ADHD. <ref>[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe|The Movie Universe]]</ref> When they're not trying to outdo each other in crazy, daredevil antics, the twins are usually bickering with each other over anything. Like Skids, he possesses hyper-reactive optical imaging scanners, making him able to process tactical information faster than any other Transformer (except Skids). <ref>[[Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Skids Profile, Transformers #1 (Titan, Vol.2)]]</ref>

Each twin can transform into smaller, separate vehicles or combine into a single, more durable alternate mode, <ref>[[Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Skids Profile, Transformers #1 (Titan, Vol.2)]]—greatly expanded from his ''[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe|The Movie Universe]]'' bio</ref> but whether they can combine similarly into a larger robot mode remains to be seen. Upon first arriving on [[Earth]], Mudflap and his brother took the form of a beat-up old ice cream truck, but he later [[Scanning|scanned]] a Chevy Trax for a disguise. That being said, it's unlikely the twins will keep an alt-mode for long.

{{bigquote|Nobody messes with the twins!|Mudflap, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]''}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance04 icecreamtruck.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Mudflap is the one in back.]]
Skids and Mudflap arrived on [[Earth]] as part of Autobot reinforcements that [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] requested. They both chose the form of an old, beat-up ice cream truck. The newly arrived Autobots joined the human-Transformer military alliance [[NEST]] and began training in earnest at [[Diego Garcia]], but soon had to be deployed to [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan2-1_Mudflap.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Quick! We have to get to auditions before the cool characters!]]

Mudflap and Skids happily stayed on Cybertron, going through intensive training (which ''totally'' wasn't goofing off) and having extreme-sports contests. Neither wanted to leave their homeworld, and they were the only Transformers on it until [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] turned up with a Decepticon army. When they heard him mention a [[Solar Harvester|star harvester]], Mudflap said they should tell someone...but was a bit upset to find out the fastest way to do that would be to leave Cybertron and tell the Autobots in person.

The decision was made for them when the Decepticons attacked. Mudflap took some hits, causing Skids to obliterate the Decepticons responsible, but for the most part, their training paid off. However, he realised they were running out of places to run, so he followed his brother in leaving the planet and heading for [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Training Day}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Reno Wilson]] (English) [[Gerald Schaale]] (German)

{{spoiler|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|July 24, 2009}}

In the combined form of an old ice cream truck, the twins were active in Shanghai along with other [[NEST]] Autobots. The twins tried to pursue the escaping [[Decepticon]] [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]]. However, their slow and ungainly choice of vehicle could not keep up with the fugitive.

Upon arrival to Diego Garcia and NEST headquarters, the twins were given new alternate forms to make sure another incident like that never happened. Mudflap wanted the Chevy Beat as a vehicle form, but after a brief wrestling match with his brother, he was relegated to the form of the [[wikipedia: Chevy Trax|Chevrolet Trax]].

Later, the twins, along with the other NEST-allied Autobots, were dispatched to look for [[Sam Witwicky]] when Decepticons were detected heading towards his college. After [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was killed by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], the twins helped the Autobot force fight off the Decepticon leader and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], allowing Sam, [[Leo Spitz]], [[Mikaela Banes]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] to make good their escape. Skids and Mudflap met up with Bumblebee and the humans, and together they fled to a remote location. After the twins teased Leo for a while for his panic attack, Sam inquired whether one of them could interpret the Cybertronic symbols with which he had become obsessed. The twins claimed that they couldn't read the ancient Language of the Primes and weren't much into reading, anyway.

[[Image:ROTF_movie_SkidsMudflap_bigmother.jpg|thumb|left|250px|And this is us when we traveled to..hey Skids, where did we go again?]]

With the help of the Decepticon [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and former [[Sector Seven]] agent [[Seymour Simmons]], the group made their way to the Smithsonian, where the humans reactivated the venerable ex-Decepticon [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]]. He teleported them all to [[Egypt]] before telling them the tale of the original [[Prime (ROTF)|Primes]], the [[Solar harvester]], which had the potential to destroy all life on Earth, and finally, the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the key to activating the harvester and possibly the only thing that could bring Optimus Prime back to life. When the Matrix could not be found at the ruins of [[Petra]], the twins began to fight with one another, and their bickering created a hole in the wall where the [[Tomb of the Primes]] lay, and with it, the Matrix.

Making their way back to the Pyramids where NEST waited with Optimus Prime's body, the group came under attack by Starscream. Mudflap, Skids, Leo and Simmons acted as a decoy to lure the Decepticons away from Sam and Mikaela. Unfortunately, they attracted the attention of the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]], who [[combiner|combined]] into [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] and attacked by vacuuming up loose objects such as sand, cars, and Mudflap. Hanging on for dear life inside the monster's mouth, he tried to use his "[[Wikipedia:Kung-Fu grip|kung-fu grip]]", but was sucked further inside. A vengeful Skids made his way up Devastator's leg, only to discover that Mudflap had survived and blasted a hole directly through the titan's head to escape. Together, the twins attacked the combiner, but were unable to stop him from reaching the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===

====Legends Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTF_Legends_Mudflap.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Mudflap''' (Legends, 2009)
{{charstubtoys}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LawsonsLegend}}
[[Image:ROTF_LegendsMudflap_Lawson.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Bumblebee / EZ Collection Mudflap''' (2009)

: Available exclusively at the Lawson's convenience store in Japan (and the only way to obtain this figure via TakaraTomy), this version of Legends class Mudflap has more paint applications than the Hasbro release. The Deluxe-class Preview Bumblebee it comes with is unchanged from the regular release. Preorders opened on the [[May 1|1st of May]] and closed on [[June 30]]th, and the figure itself shipped on the [[October 16|16th of October]].

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTFMudflap Deluxe 2009.jpg|right|250px|thumb|E.T.'s healing touch is bigger and better than ever]]
*'''Mudflap''' (Deluxe Class, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-15'''
**''Accessories:'' Projectile

:Part of the third wave of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class figures, Mudflap transforms into a rust-orange Chevy Trax. He transforms similarly to (but not exactly like) the Deluxe toy of his twin brother, Skids. He also has similar gimmickry; for example, his [[Mech Alive]] gimmick is also activated by pushing in the grill on his chest. This causes some panels in his chest to sway and his head to, uh, headbang. Additional Mech Alive action is engineered into his larger left arm. When his fist folds in towards his wrist, panels on the outside of his forearm spread and reveal a raising, spring-loaded missile launcher. In vehicle mode, this missile is stored through a cross-shaped hole on the rear bumper. On a sadder note, the clip which holds his chest to his back has a lot of trouble actually connecting, so you're going to be stuck with just carefully posing him so that he doesn't come undone.

: His feet are misassembled in the package. Swap them! The bigger, separated toe should be on the outside.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_Skids&Mudflap_toy.jpg|thumb|250px|He was always the horse's rear end in school plays]]
*'''Autobot Skids And Mudflap''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''

:This two-pack of the twin Autobot brothers can combine into a single, old-fashioned ice cream truck. Unfortunately, they are each SMALLER than a Scout-class figure.

:This may actually be the most outstanding combiner figure of the ROTF toyline...
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:ROTF_FAB_GrappleGripMudflap.jpg|thumb|250px|His special arm: There's no other like it.]]
*'''Grapple Grip Mudflap''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Gravity Bots====
[[Image:Mudflap Gravity Bot.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Believe it or not, his head looked like that before he entered the car compacter.]]
*'''Mudflap''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GB-05'''

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====R.P.M.s - Robot Powered Machines====
=====Battle Series=====
*'''Mudflap vs Autobot Skids''' (R.P.M. Mini-Vehicle, 2009)
**''Number:'' '''04 of 08'''

: Number four in a series of eight [[Robot Powered Machines]] [[Mini-Vehicle]] versus packs, Mudflap is packaged with his twin Skids. It's a non-transformable Hot Wheels-like car, with his robot mode sculpted and painted onto his car-mode underside.

{{comingsoontoy}}
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Mudflap and Rampage''' (2009)

{{charstubtoys}}

==Trivia==
*Oddly enough, even though Mudflap's Chevy Trax form features big blue "eyes" on his chest and the truck seems to have a similar "face" on its grill that does not appear on his brother (and fellow combiner) Skids's Chevy Beat form, he makes up the ''back'' of the ice cream truck.

*The ice cream truck's bumper sticker reads "Decepticons, suck my popsicle." This is very vulgar, yet awesome.

*The twins have been accused of being derogatory racial stereotypes. [http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/jivetalking-twin-transformers-raise-race-issues-ap] Voice actor [[Reno Wilson]] was sad to learn his way of speaking was offensive to himself.

*Mudflap fights his way out of [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator's]] head by punching and shooting his way through his eye and cheek and then continues to punch and shoot him, doing quite a bit of damage to the giant—and still some say the Twins don't do anything to justify their part in the film.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]