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Transformers (2023) issue 22

2025-07-10T09:12:17Z

Warlic:

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' #22
|prev=Transformers (2023) issue 21
|next=Transformers (2023) issue 23
|image=Transformers 2023 22 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[July 9]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=July 2025
|written by=[[Daniel Warren Johnson]]
|art by=[[Jorge Corona]]
|colors by=[[Mike Spicer]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editor=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|publication design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Humans come to the aid of the Autobots as Megatron prepares to make his final assault on the planet Earth. But Optimus Prime may have an even stranger journey ahead of him...'''

==Synopsis==
Gravely wounded by the blast from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and the [[Autobot]]s crash back down to [[Earth]], with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in particular falling unconscious. Exhausted and struggling to stay moving, all hope seems lost until the arrival of [[Doctor Lio]] and the residents of [[Farmingham]]. After all that the Autobots have done to help and protect them, the community has now come together to help them, loading the injured Autobots onto several tractor trailers.

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] reveals to [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] that they have repaired [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s portal to Earth, but that they only have enough power to send back one individual. To his surprise, Elita has chosen Cliffjumper to be that bot. Cliff asks about [[Shredhead]], but Elita believes their power will be better served helping them take Cybertron back from the [[Decepticon]]s. She leaves to allow Cliffjumper to say his goodbyes to Shredhead, but Cliffjumper tells Shredhead to say hello to [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] for him before pushing them through the portal instead. As the portal overloads and explodes, a furious Elita orders [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] to put Cliffjumper in chains, calling him a traitor.

[[File:TF2023 no. 22 - Hall of the Primes.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
As the Autobots arrive in Farmingham, Prime awakens. He is immediately concerned that their presence will put the humans in danger, but both [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and Lio insist that they need their help right now. Lio brings Optimus to one of the tents they've set up outside the [[Farmingham Hospital]], revealing that the [[Coast Guard]] found the body of [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in the [[Pacific Ocean]]. Optimus takes a moment to mourn his lost friend, but then keels over in pain, the [[Matrix of Leadership]] flying out of his chest. When [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] asks what's wrong, Wheeljack reveals that Prime's spark is going out, with the infection from Megatron's arm blocking his connection to the Matrix and preventing the artifact from being able to recharge. Believing this to be the end, Optimus asks that one of the other Autobots take the Matrix and his place as leader. However, he looks over to see Spike reaching his hand into the Matrix, just as [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparky]] did before. Spike then reaches his other hand out to touch Optimus's. Their eyes both glow bright blue with energy… and Optimus finds himself awakening in the [[Hall of the Primes]]!

Meanwhile, Megatron and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] pursue the Autobots through the woods, coming across the site where Optimus first noticed Earth's beauty. Megatron discovers where Optimus had buried a dead deer. Megatron mocks Prime's soft heartedness, though admits that he understands his admiration for the Earth, for it reminds him of how glorious Cybertron was before the war led to its destruction. Crushing the remains of the deer, Megatron orders the search be called off. The Decepticons then mobilize for the attack, launching an assault on a number of nearby aircraft carriers just as the [[United States military]] prepares their own attack. The human soldiers are easily dispatched by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] wielding Megatron and the combined might of [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], who have turned the slaughter of humanity into a competition.

Inside the secret facility, [[General Flagg]] interrogates Carly, trying to figure out what she knows about the [[Transformer]]s, but Carly is unable to offer anything useful. Meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] continues to be examined and tortured by the facility's scientists, but [[Doc (G.I. Joe)|Doc]] has had enough of this and decides to help Magnus, deactivating the machines and freeing Magnus from his restraints. Magnus tears through the facility and grabs both Doc and Carly as he escapes. Flagg orders the soldiers to stop him, but their weapons are ineffectual. Once they are far enough away, Magnus lets Doc out of his chest cab. He asks Doc why he freed him, leading Doc to reveal that he was once a prisoner of war like him, tortured in the process. Magnus asks how he is able to go on living after that, but Doc simply says that he has people that need him. He has to keep going for their sake. His words give Magnus a renewed sense of purpose, and he transforms and rolls out to rejoin the people who need him.

In Farmingham, Optimus and Spike are still connected via the Matrix, both unconscious as though in a dream-like state. However, they have to find some way to transport them both, as the [[United States of America|United States]] government has ordered all residents to head east towards [[Chicago]], where they plan to make their final stand against the Decepticons.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (1)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (2)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (3)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (4)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (5)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (6)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (8)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (9)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (10)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (11)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (15)
* [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (16)
* [[Shredhead]] (17)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (18)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (19)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (38)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (26)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (27)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (33)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (34)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (35)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
* [[Doctor Lio]] (13)
* [[Farmingham]] Residents (14)
* [[Eagle Group Commander]] (28)
* [[Eagle Three]] (29)
* [[Eagle Two]] (30)
* [[Eagle Five]] (31)
* Soldiers (32)
* [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] (36)
* [[General Flagg]] (37)
* Scientist (39)
* [[Doc (G.I. Joe)|Doc]] (40)

|h4=Others|c4=
* [[Nexus Prime]] (20)
* [[Liege Maximo]] (21)
* [[Quintus Prime]] (22)
* [[Solus Prime]] (23)
* [[Maccadam|Alchemist Prime]] (24)
* [[Prima]] (25)
* [[Quintus Prime]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"When will this all be over? When will the hurt cease? It is... endless..."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"Even I can see how amazing this planet is. Its beauty reminds me of our home. How it used to be. I remember its glory well. All I have ever wanted was to bring our planet back to that harsh, angular splendor. But achieving that dream takes '''sacrifice'''."
:—'''Megatron'''

"It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not going to hurt anyone. But I do have to help someone."
:—'''Doc'''

"Why? Why did you free me?" 
"I was where you were once, a captive. Tortured." 
"How do you stand now? How do you live?" 
"I...have people that need me. They keep me going. Don't you have anyone like that?" 
"Yes. I do."
:—'''Doc''' restores '''Ultra Magnus'''' purpose.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Doctor Lio finally gets a name after first appearing way back in [[Transformers (2023) issue 4|issue #4]]. He, along with the Farmingham militia, were last seen in [[Transformers (2023) issue 9|issue #9]], which means they've been absent for ''just over a full year'' in real-time.
* Farmingham Hospital is still damaged from both Starscream's assault in issue #4 and from when [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] arrived to take Spike captive in issue #9.
* Ratchet was mortally wounded taking a blast meant for Optimus in issue #9.
* Sparky entered the Matrix in [[Transformers (2023) issue 6|issue #6]].
* We learned in [[Transformers (2023) issue 20|issue #20]] that the Matrix contained the spirits of past Primes, though Optimus said at the time that he couldn't commune with them through it. We couldn't help but note this seemingly-deliberate contradiction with the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Sunbow cartoon]], which the Energon Universe as a whole takes heavy inspiration from, and ''wouldn't you know it...''
* This issue reveals that Optimus buried the deer he accidentally stepped on in [[Transformers (2023) issue 2|issue #2]]. The panel of Megatron cradling the deer carcass also mirrors a panel of Optimus holding the deer from the same issue.
* Megatron recalls his trial at the hands of [[Dezimir]] from before the war, which we saw in [[Transformers (2023) issue 19|issue #19]].
* The Eagle Group commander mentions [[Frosting]], the fighter pilot killed by Starscream in issue #2.
* Carly mentions that the U.S. military bombed [[Orcas Island]] when they captured her and Magnus back in [[Transformers (2023) issue 18|issue #18]]. This gives us a more concrete location for where Magnus built his ramshackle fort, with the issue only captioning the location as "[[San Juan Islands]]".

===Transformers references===
* Optimus's near-death is composed in such a way as to mirror his iconic deathbed scene from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* Optimus's eyes are colored yellow when in the Hall of Primes, a reference to his original toy.
* The Hall of Primes features statues of the [[Thirteen|original Thirteen Primes]], drawn based on their [[Aligned continuity family]] designs as featured in the ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus]]'' book. Though their identities are as-of-yet unconfirmed, they appear to be based on [[Solus Prime]], [[Alchemist Prime]], [[Prima]], and [[Quintus Prime]].
* The [[Transformation#The noise|sound effect]] of Ultra Magnus transforming is rendered in onomatopoeia, specifically using the same rendering as was previously used in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 6|#6]].
* Chicago has appeared in multiple pieces of ''Transformers'' media up to this point, but the way it's been positioned here seems to be closely inspired by its appearance in ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]''.

===Other notes===
* From the letters pages:
** A fan from Germany pleads for [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] to survive in the hopes that [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] can appear in the comic. [[Ben Abernathy]] gives a quizzical "Hmmm...", while Daniel Warren Johnson excitedly states that he's a fan of Defensor.
** Another fan relates a question posed by the unofficial [https://www.tripletakeover.com/ Triple Takeover Podcast] (which counts noteworthy fan [[Sixo]] among its members), asking if Daniel or [[Robert Kirkman]] had ever considered mixing [[combiner]] teams' members together, akin to the interchangeability of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and 2010)|Scramble City]]'' teams. Ben loves the idea and notes to go Google ''Scramble City'' later, while Daniel kicks himself for not thinking of it.
** In rapid succession, Daniel says he can't confirm if the other Energon Universe comics will cross over with ''Transformers''' main story or if the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s will be appearing soon, reveals that [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] (in both regular and "Optimal" forms) is his favorite ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' character, and confirms that he ''had'' considered implementing characters from the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], but ultimately decided against it due to there already being ''so many'' characters from the western G1 canon to use.
* Energon Experience: Presented by Skybound Publisher [[Sean Mackiewicz]].
** '''Character Spotlight:''' A brief overview of Elita-1.
** '''Top Gun:''' Eagle Five was drawn to resemble Skybound Executive Editor Ben Abernathy.
** '''Creator Q&A:''' Sean asks artist Jorge Corona what his [[alternate mode]] would be. Corona answers, “a hammock,” complete with a goofy piece of black-and-white art depicting this.

===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Starscream looks through a window at a group of soldiers, by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover B:''' The Decepticons attack, by Jorge Corona and Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover C:''' Connecting cover by [[David Nakayama]].
* '''Cover D:''' Optimus stands over defeated enemies, by [[Manabu Yashiro]].
* '''Cover E:''' Arcee, by [[Pye Parr]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover A:''' Connecting cover by [[Tiago da Silva]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover B:''' The other half of Tiago da Silva's connecting cover.
* '''Big Time Collectibles/Black Saber Comics Cover:''' An angry, cannon arm-less Megatron, by [[Shelby Robertson]].
* '''Big Time Collectibles Cover:''' A chibi-fied Soundwave gets tangled up in his cassettes' tape, by [[Freely Abrigo]]. Exclusively available to attendees of [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2025.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover C.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover D.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover E.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 The 616 Comics Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 The 616 Comics Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Shelby Robertson Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Freely Abrigo Cover.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisement===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 9|#9]], ''Void Rivals'' [[Void Rivals issue 21|#21]], and ''Transformers'' #23.
* 4-page preview of ''{{w|Universal Monsters}}: {{w|The Invisible Man (1933 film)|The Invisible Man}}''

===Reprints===
* '''''Transformers Volume 4: Conquer and Control''''' ([[November 26]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534332588 / ISBN 978-1534332584
** Collects ''Transformers'' issues #19–24 and the [[Transformers Energon Universe 2025 Special story|''Transformers'' story]] from ''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]''.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 V4.jpg|'''''Volume 4: Conquer and Control''''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
</gallery>

==External links==

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]

Transformers (2023) issue 22

2025-07-10T08:32:29Z

Warlic: In the corner, but the flowing design with the pointed horns seems fairly obvious. Even has a similar outstretched pose.

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' #22
|prev=Transformers (2023) issue 21
|next=Transformers (2023) issue 23
|image=Transformers 2023 22 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[July 9]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=July 2025
|written by=[[Daniel Warren Johnson]]
|art by=[[Jorge Corona]]
|colors by=[[Mike Spicer]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editor=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|publication design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Humans come to the aid of the Autobots as Megatron prepares to make his final assault on the planet Earth. But Optimus Prime may have an even stranger journey ahead of him...'''

==Synopsis==
Gravely wounded by the blast from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and the [[Autobot]]s crash back down to [[Earth]], with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in particular falling unconscious. Exhausted and struggling to stay moving, all hope seems lost until the arrival of [[Doctor Lio]] and the residents of [[Farmingham]]. After all that the Autobots have done to help and protect them, the community has now come together to help them, loading the injured Autobots onto several tractor trailers.

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] reveals to [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] that they have repaired [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s portal to Earth, but that they only have enough power to send back one individual. To his surprise, Elita has chosen Cliffjumper to be that bot. Cliff asks about [[Shredhead]], but Elita believes their power will be better served helping them take Cybertron back from the [[Decepticon]]s. She leaves to allow Cliffjumper to say his goodbyes to Shredhead, but Cliffjumper tells Shredhead to say hello to [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] for him before pushing them through the portal instead. As the portal overloads and explodes, a furious Elita orders [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] to put Cliffjumper in chains, calling him a traitor.

[[File:TF2023 no. 22 - Hall of the Primes.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
As the Autobots arrive in Farmingham, Prime awakens. He is immediately concerned that their presence will put the humans in danger, but both [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and Lio insist that they need their help right now. Lio brings Optimus to one of the tents they've set up outside the [[Farmingham Hospital]], revealing that the [[Coast Guard]] found the body of [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in the [[Pacific Ocean]]. Optimus takes a moment to mourn his lost friend, but then keels over in pain, the [[Matrix of Leadership]] flying out of his chest. When [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] asks what's wrong, Wheeljack reveals that Prime's spark is going out, with the infection from Megatron's arm blocking his connection to the Matrix and preventing the artifact from being able to recharge. Believing this to be the end, Optimus asks that one of the other Autobots take the Matrix and his place as leader. However, he looks over to see Spike reaching his hand into the Matrix, just as [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparky]] did before. Spike then reaches his other hand out to touch Optimus's. Their eyes both glow bright blue with energy… and Optimus finds himself awakening in the [[Hall of the Primes]]!

Meanwhile, Megatron and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] pursue the Autobots through the woods, coming across the site where Optimus first noticed Earth's beauty. Megatron discovers where Optimus had buried a dead deer. Megatron mocks Prime's soft heartedness, though admits that he understands his admiration for the Earth, for it reminds him of how glorious Cybertron was before the war led to its destruction. Crushing the remains of the deer, Megatron orders the search be called off. The Decepticons then mobilize for the attack, launching an assault on a number of nearby aircraft carriers just as the [[United States military]] prepares their own attack. The human soldiers are easily dispatched by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] wielding Megatron and the combined might of [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], who have turned the slaughter of humanity into a competition.

Inside the secret facility, [[General Flagg]] interrogates Carly, trying to figure out what she knows about the [[Transformer]]s, but Carly is unable to offer anything useful. Meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] continues to be examined and tortured by the facility's scientists, but [[Doc (G.I. Joe)|Doc]] has had enough of this and decides to help Magnus, deactivating the machines and freeing Magnus from his restraints. Magnus tears through the facility and grabs both Doc and Carly as he escapes. Flagg orders the soldiers to stop him, but their weapons are ineffectual. Once they are far enough away, Magnus lets Doc out of his chest cab. He asks Doc why he freed him, leading Doc to reveal that he was once a prisoner of war like him, tortured in the process. Magnus asks how he is able to go on living after that, but Doc simply says that he has people that need him. He has to keep going for their sake. His words give Magnus a renewed sense of purpose, and he transforms and rolls out to rejoin the people who need him.

In Farmingham, Optimus and Spike are still connected via the Matrix, both unconscious as though in a dream-like state. However, they have to find some way to transport them both, as the [[United States of America|United States]] government has ordered all residents to head east towards [[Chicago]], where they plan to make their final stand against the Decepticons.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (1)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (2)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (3)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (4)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (5)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (6)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (8)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (9)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (10)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (11)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (15)
* [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (16)
* [[Shredhead]] (17)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (18)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (19)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (38)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (26)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (27)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (33)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (34)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (35)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
* [[Doctor Lio]] (13)
* [[Farmingham]] Residents (14)
* [[Eagle Group Commander]] (28)
* [[Eagle Three]] (29)
* [[Eagle Two]] (30)
* [[Eagle Five]] (31)
* Soldiers (32)
* [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] (36)
* [[General Flagg]] (37)
* Scientist (39)
* [[Doc (G.I. Joe)|Doc]] (40)

|h4=Others|c4=
* [[Nexus Prime]] (20)
* [[Liege Maximo]] (21)
* [[Quintus Prime]] (22)
* [[Solus Prime]] (23)
* [[Maccadam|Alchemist Prime]] (24)
* [[Prima]] (25)
* [[Quintus Prime]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"When will this all be over? When will the hurt cease? It is... endless..."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"Even I can see how amazing this planet is. Its beauty reminds me of our home. How it used to be. I remember its glory well. All I have ever wanted was to bring our planet back to that harsh, angular splendor. But achieving that dream takes '''sacrifice'''."
:—'''Megatron'''

"It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not going to hurt anyone. But I do have to help someone."
:—'''Doc'''

"Why? Why did you free me?" 
"I was where you were once, a captive. Tortured." 
"How do you stand now? How do you live?" 
"I...have people that need me. They keep me going. Don't you have anyone like that?" 
"Yes. I do."
:—'''Doc''' restores '''Ultra Magnus'''' purpose.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Doctor Lio finally gets a name after first appearing way back in [[Transformers (2023) issue 4|issue #4]]. He, along with the Farmingham militia, were last seen in [[Transformers (2023) issue 9|issue #9]], which means they've been absent for ''just over a full year'' in real-time.
* Farmingham Hospital is still damaged from both Starscream's assault in issue #4 and from when [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] arrived to take Spike captive in issue #9.
* Ratchet was mortally wounded taking a blast meant for Optimus in issue #9.
* Sparky entered the Matrix in [[Transformers (2023) issue 6|issue #6]].
* We learned in [[Transformers (2023) issue 20|issue #20]] that the Matrix contained the spirits of past Primes, though Optimus said at the time that he couldn't commune with them through it. We couldn't help but note this seemingly-deliberate contradiction with the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Sunbow cartoon]], which the Energon Universe as a whole takes heavy inspiration from, and ''wouldn't you know it...''
* This issue reveals that Optimus buried the deer he accidentally stepped on in [[Transformers (2023) issue 2|issue #2]]. The panel of Megatron cradling the deer carcass also mirrors a panel of Optimus holding the deer from the same issue.
* Megatron recalls his trial at the hands of [[Dezimir]] from before the war, which we saw in [[Transformers (2023) issue 19|issue #19]].
* The Eagle Group commander mentions [[Frosting]], the fighter pilot killed by Starscream in issue #2.
* Carly mentions that the U.S. military bombed [[Orcas Island]] when they captured her and Magnus back in [[Transformers (2023) issue 18|issue #18]]. This gives us a more concrete location for where Magnus built his ramshackle fort, with the issue only captioning the location as "[[San Juan Islands]]".

===Transformers references===
* Optimus's near-death is composed in such a way as to mirror his iconic deathbed scene from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* Optimus's eyes are colored yellow when in the Hall of Primes, a reference to his original toy.
* The Hall of Primes features statues of the [[Thirteen|original Thirteen Primes]], drawn based on their [[Aligned continuity family]] designs as featured in the ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus]]'' book. Though their identities are as-of-yet unconfirmed, they appear to be based on [[Solus Prime]], [[Alchemist Prime]], [[Prima]] and [[Quintus Prime]].
* The [[Transformation#The noise|sound effect]] of Ultra Magnus transforming is rendered in onomatopoeia, specifically using the same rendering as was previously used in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 6|#6]].
* Chicago has appeared in multiple pieces of ''Transformers'' media up to this point, but the way it's been positioned here seems to be closely inspired by its appearance in ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]''.

===Other notes===
* From the letters pages:
** A fan from Germany pleads for [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] to survive in the hopes that [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] can appear in the comic. [[Ben Abernathy]] gives a quizzical "Hmmm...", while Daniel Warren Johnson excitedly states that he's a fan of Defensor.
** Another fan relates a question posed by the unofficial [https://www.tripletakeover.com/ Triple Takeover Podcast] (which counts noteworthy fan [[Sixo]] among its members), asking if Daniel or [[Robert Kirkman]] had ever considered mixing [[combiner]] teams' members together, akin to the interchangeability of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and 2010)|Scramble City]]'' teams. Ben loves the idea and notes to go Google ''Scramble City'' later, while Daniel kicks himself for not thinking of it.
** In rapid succession, Daniel says he can't confirm if the other Energon Universe comics will cross over with ''Transformers''' main story or if the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s will be appearing soon, reveals that [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] (in both regular and "Optimal" forms) is his favorite ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' character, and confirms that he ''had'' considered implementing characters from the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], but ultimately decided against it due to there already being ''so many'' characters from the western G1 canon to use.
* Energon Experience: Presented by Skybound Publisher [[Sean Mackiewicz]].
** '''Character Spotlight:''' A brief overview of Elita-1.
** '''Top Gun:''' Eagle Five was drawn to resemble Skybound Executive Editor Ben Abernathy.
** '''Creator Q&A:''' Sean asks artist Jorge Corona what his [[alternate mode]] would be. Corona answers, “a hammock,” complete with a goofy piece of black-and-white art depicting this.

===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Starscream looks through a window at a group of soldiers, by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover B:''' The Decepticons attack, by Jorge Corona and Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover C:''' Connecting cover by [[David Nakayama]].
* '''Cover D:''' Optimus stands over defeated enemies, by [[Manabu Yashiro]].
* '''Cover E:''' Arcee, by [[Pye Parr]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover A:''' Connecting cover by [[Tiago da Silva]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover B:''' The other half of Tiago da Silva's connecting cover.
* '''Big Time Collectibles/Black Saber Comics Cover:''' An angry, cannon arm-less Megatron, by [[Shelby Robertson]].
* '''Big Time Collectibles Cover:''' A chibi-fied Soundwave gets tangled up in his cassettes' tape, by [[Freely Abrigo]]. Exclusively available to attendees of [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2025.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover C.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover D.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Cover E.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 The 616 Comics Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 The 616 Comics Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Shelby Robertson Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 22 Freely Abrigo Cover.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisement===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 9|#9]], ''Void Rivals'' [[Void Rivals issue 21|#21]], and ''Transformers'' #23.
* 4-page preview of ''{{w|Universal Monsters}}: {{w|The Invisible Man (1933 film)|The Invisible Man}}''

===Reprints===
* '''''Transformers Volume 4: Conquer and Control''''' ([[November 26]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534332588 / ISBN 978-1534332584
** Collects ''Transformers'' issues #19–24 and the [[Transformers Energon Universe 2025 Special story|''Transformers'' story]] from ''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]''.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 V4.jpg|'''''Volume 4: Conquer and Control''''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
</gallery>

==External links==

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]

Ironfist (Animated)

2025-03-26T23:48:16Z

Warlic:

{{faction|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Ironfist}}
:''Ironfist is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:IronfistAnimated-model.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Orange you glad to see me?]]
'''Ironfist''' (aka '''Fisitron''') is one of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s top weapon and modification designers. While he has his share of odd ideas, he has also been responsible for many of the Autobots' best pieces of equipment, including his friend [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Axe (weapon)|axe]] (though this is often mistakenly credited to [[Skyfall (Animated)|Skyfall]]).

He wears the [[256-OZU-004]] [[body-type]], one of his own creations.<ref>"Once selected for service, an Autobot goes through a remolding process into a uniform trooper shell, an antebellum model built for endurance and reliability, created by specialist Fisitron", from the Autotrooper [[Tech Spec]], shell established to be the 256-OZU-004 body-type in The Autotrooper page in the AllSpark Almanac II, page 82.</ref>

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Chris Ho]]}}
{{note|Events in italics occurred exclusively in [[BotCon 2011]]'s "The Stunti-Con Job" script reading.}}

[[Image:StuntiConJob-Ironfistlab.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1|Just... keep him away from the [[cerebro-sensitive bullet]]s.]]

[[Cheetor (Animated)|Cheetor]] and [[Sideswipe (Animated)|Sideswipe]] arrived at Ironfist's workshop to investigate a reported break-in, and found the weapons and modifications expert severely damaged on the floor, surrounded by debris. Though he was in terrible shape, he was strong enough to point out the window towards the silhouette of his attacker, Optimus Prime! But as Cheetor shattered the window, the perp was revealed to be not Optimus, but [[Toxitron (Animated)|Toxitron]]! Cheetor and Toxitron exchanged fire, and ultimately Toxitron was taken into custody.

''As Ironfist was being repaired by [[Minerva (Animated)|Minerva]], he was visited by his friend Optimus, who had an idea...''

At Optimus Prime's suggestion, Ironfist gave Optimus an electronic paint modification, allowing him to infiltrate [[the Motor Master]]'s Stunt Convoy and once again save [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Stunti-Con Job}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Timelines''===
[[Image:Animatedtoy-Fisitron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)| Revenge of the Fallen]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> color palette strikes again!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Fisitron''' (Deluxe, 2011)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right "[[Nucleon shock gauntlet]]s"

: A [[redeco]] and new-head [[retool]]ing of the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]'' Deluxe [[Ratchet (Animated)#Cybertron|Cybertron Mode Ratchet]] toy, "Fisitron" transforms into a futuristic quad-treaded van-like thing. He comes with the same "shock paddle" accessories as the other versions of the mold, repurposed by his [[bio]] as "[[Nucleon shock gauntlet]]s", which clip over his fists, plus his right fist punches forward when a tab on his elbow is pushed. These gauntlets plug into the rear of his vehicle mode. The toy also has a socket on its left forearm to accommodate the engine/EMP weapon from the Deluxe [[Lockdown (Animated)#Toys|Lockdown]] mold. However, how well that accessory actually ''fits'' in the socket seems to vary wildly from sample to sample.

: Care should be taken with the shock gauntlets, as his hands are tan plastic entirely painted over, and the gauntlets' peg-clip attachment can scrape the paint.

: Fisitron was only available as the at-show "attendance freebie" for attendees of [[BotCon 2011]] who also purchased the [[Team Stunticon#Toys|"The Stunti-Con-Job" box set]].

: This mold, with the new headsculpt, was also used to make his fellow at-show exclusive [[Autotrooper (Animated)#Toys|Autotrooper]]. The mold was also differently retooled to make [[Ironhide (Animated)#Toys|Ironhide]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/BCFisitron/fisitron.htm More information on Fisitron at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Everything about Ironfist is a reference to the version seen in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''. His toy's name is [[Fisitron (G1)|Ironfist's pseudonym]], his head deco mimics the way Ironfist's head was drawn, and his role as a weapon designer is the same. Even the situation with Skyfall being falsely credited for creating Optimus Prime's weapon is a shared trait, although ''this'' Optimus Prime, being Fisitron's old friend, is presumably aware of the truth.
* Fisitron is referred to as "Ironfist" in "[[The Stunti-Con Job]]", but as "Fisitron" in his [[bio]] and those of the [[Autotrooper (Animated)|Autotrooper]]s, almost certainly for [[trademark]] reasons involving the Marvel Comics superhero, {{w|Iron Fist (comics)|Iron Fist}}.
* Ironfist was going to be voiced by [[Jack Angel]] at [[BotCon 2011]]'s ''Animated'' script reading, but due to illness he was replaced last-minute by [[Chris Ho]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Animated Autobots]]
[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Convention-original characters]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]

256-OZU-004

2025-03-26T23:47:09Z

Warlic:

[[Image:TFA Autotrooper model.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I see you.]]
The sturdy '''256-OZU-004''' shell, developed by [[Ironfist (Animated)|Ironfist]],<ref>"Once selected for service, an Autobot goes through a remolding process into a uniform trooper shell, an antebellum model built for endurance and reliability, created by specialist Fisitron", from the Autotrooper [[Tech Spec]], shell established to be the 256-OZU-004 body-type in The Autotrooper page in the AllSpark Almanac II, page 82.</ref> is an oft-seen [[body-type]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] among [[Autobot]]s in the [[Malgus]] [[Universal stream|universal cluster]], particularly because it is the basis of the "uniform" adopted by the [[Autotrooper (Animated)|Autobots' police force]]. When a bot is inducted into the police force, they are given a [[spark core transfer|spark transplant]] into the 256-OZU-004 shell.

==Known wearers==
{{collist|3|
*[[Autotrooper (Animated)|Autotrooper]]s
*[[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]]
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]]
*[[Ironfist (Animated)|Ironfist]]
}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon continuity===
Known for its reliability and durability, the 256-OZU-004 body-type has been in use since before the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

==Notes==
*256-OZU-004 is the ID number of Jake Sully from the {{w|James Cameron}} movie ''{{w|Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar}}''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Animated Transformer anatomy]]

Talk:Ironfist (Animated)

2025-03-26T23:40:32Z

Warlic:

I'm sorry, Voice Actor? I thought it was a comic, --[[Special:Contributions/82.39.157.220|82.39.157.220]] 11:13, 7 June 2011 (EDT)
:This year's script-reading was a slightly touched-up version of the comic story, so he got voiced in that. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 11:08, 7 June 2011 (EDT)

According to the 2nd Allspark almanac the body type heinvented was a pre-war model. Wouldn't that make him older than Ratchet? It was in the Autotroopers bio. ([[Special:Contributions/184.56.19.73|184.56.19.73]] 16:18, 9 December 2011 (EST))
:Addendum, Ironfist being the creator is on the Autotrooper package profile[https://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/BCAutotrooper/autotrooper.htm], not the Almanac. warlic 19:40, 26 March 2025 (EDT)

Talk:Ironfist (Animated)

2025-03-26T10:13:24Z

Warlic:

I'm sorry, Voice Actor? I thought it was a comic, --[[Special:Contributions/82.39.157.220|82.39.157.220]] 11:13, 7 June 2011 (EDT)
:This year's script-reading was a slightly touched-up version of the comic story, so he got voiced in that. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 11:08, 7 June 2011 (EDT)

According to the 2nd Allspark almanac the body type heinvented was a pre-war model. Wouldn't that make him older than Ratchet? It was in the Autotroopers bio. ([[Special:Contributions/184.56.19.73|184.56.19.73]] 16:18, 9 December 2011 (EST))
:Which page was that? The Autotrooper mention the frame, but not it nor his own page state that he developed it. warlic 06:13, 26 March 2025 (EDT)

65356-9292-346

2025-03-25T10:15:32Z

Warlic: Per discussion page.

[[File:Bumblebeebodies.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|[[Primus|The Creator]], if He exists, has [http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/J._B._S._Haldane an inordinate fondness for Beetles].]]

The fuel efficient '''65356-9292-346''' [[body-type|body shell]] is the most popular one on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] among [[Autobot]]s in the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Malgus]] [[Universal stream|universal cluster]].

==Known wearers==
{{collist|3|
*"[[AlbinoBumbleBee]]"
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]
*''Shattered Glass'' [[Bumblebee (SG Animated)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Bumper (Animated)|Bumper]]
*[[Carrera (Animated)|Carrera]]
*[[Chase (Animated)|Chase]]
*[[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]]
*[[Freeway (Animated)|Freeway]]
*[[Furão]]
*[[Glyph (Animated)|Glyph]]
*[[Hubcap (Animated)|Hubcap]]
*[[Moscardo]]
*[[Rapier]]
*[[Searchlight (Animated)|Searchlight]]
*[[Sedan (Animated)|Sedan]]
*[[Siren (Animated)|Siren]]
*[[First Aid (Animated)|First Aid]]
*[[Tap-Out (Animated)|Tap-Out]]
*[[Volks (Animated)|Volks]]
*[[Wasp]]
}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated''===
Bots all across Cybertron made use of the 65356-9292-346 shell, {{storylink|Decepticon Air}} {{storylink|This Is Why I Hate Machines}}{{storylink|Endgame, Part II}} which by the present had become the most popular shell on Cybertron, with several bots, such as the boxer [[Tap-Out (Animated)|Tap-Out]], choosing to be reformatted into it over keeping their original shell. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II}}

The shell was used to forge fresh protoforms up to at least the [[Transformers Animated timeline|recent past]], as [[Elite Guard]] hopeful Bumblebee pointed out upon encountering the mold-sharing Wasp. The arrogant Autobot didn't put a lot of stock in how you were forged compared to who you knew. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

===''Wings Universe''===
[[Tap-Out (Universe)|Tap-Out]] had a 65356-9292-346 body. Presumably this meant so did everyone else who looked like him. {{storylink|A Team Effort}}

===''Of Masters and Mayhem''===
According to [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], Princess [[Adronitia]] had a 65356-9292-346 body. {{storylink|Lively Pursuit}}

==Note==
*65356-9292-364 is the barcode number for the [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#Deluxe Class|Deluxe Class ''Animated'' Bumblebee toy]], with the body shell swapping the last two digits.

[[Category:Animated Transformer anatomy]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Transformer anatomy]]
[[Category:Wings Universe]]

Talk:65356-9292-346

2025-03-25T07:30:44Z

Warlic:

The Parry Game Preserve [https://www.parrygamepreserve.com/toys/transformers/animated/deluxe/bumblebee.php] lists Bumblebee's barcode as 6 53569 29236 4, 364 being the three digits instead of 346, and the provided image for the box [https://www.parrygamepreserve.com/images/transformers/animated/deluxe/bumblebee7_M.jpg] seems to confirm that is accurate. Is -346 wrong? warlic 03:30, 25 March 2025 (EDT)

Talk:65356-9292-346

2025-03-25T07:28:55Z

Warlic:

The Parry Game Preserve [https://www.parrygamepreserve.com/toys/transformers/animated/deluxe/bumblebee.php] lists Bumblebee's barcode as 6 53569 29236 4, 364 being the three digits instead of 346. Is that site wrong? Is there some other source to compare to? (The wiki page does not provide a reference to confirm the barcode). Apologies if there is some obvious source. warlic 03:28, 25 March 2025 (EDT)

Talk:65356-9292-346

2025-03-25T07:27:59Z

Warlic: Created page with "The Parry Game Preserve [https://www.parrygamepreserve.com/toys/transformers/animated/deluxe/bumblebee.php] lists Bumblebee's barcode as 6 53569 29236 4, 364 being the three d..."

The Parry Game Preserve [https://www.parrygamepreserve.com/toys/transformers/animated/deluxe/bumblebee.php] lists Bumblebee's barcode as 6 53569 29236 4, 364 being the three digits instead of 346. Is that site wrong? Is there some other source to compare to? (The wiki page does not provide a reference to confirm the barcode). Apologies if there is some obvious source. The username is actually warlic, but the autocorrect has it wrong. 03:27, 25 March 2025 (EDT)

Aggressive depigmentation

2024-11-16T08:09:09Z

Warlic: /* One film */

[[File:TFTM optimus color fades.gif|thumb|300px]]

'''Aggressive depigmentation''' refers to the loss of colour that occurs in the [[living metal]] of a [[Transformer|Cybertronian]] after suffering traumatic damage or [[death|losing]] one's [[spark]]. When this happens, the natural colour of a Transformer will fade, leaving the body various shades of grey.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''The Transformers'' cartoon=====
[[File:SSBQ.jpg|thumb|250px]]
When taking a shot directly through his chest from [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]]'s mouth erupted in a fiery plume of smoke, and his body turned grey before hitting the floor of the shuttle. After he succumbed to his wounds sustained during the [[Battle of Autobot City]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s body turned black and grey. When [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] killed [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] for his treachery, the Air Commander's entire body turned black, then crumbled to ashes. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

=====Japanese cartoon continuity=====
======''The Headmasters'' cartoon======
After perishing from a mutual kill, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s bodies both decolourized. What was left of Soundwave's exploded remains turned white, while Blaster turned the bog-standard grey. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

When he died again, this time sacrificing himself to reset [[Vector Sigma]], Optimus' body turned grey in Rodimus's arms. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

======''Victory'' cartoon======
In the final fight between [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] and [[Liokaiser]] in front of Deathsaurus' [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], the Decepticon combiner was blasted into the fortress's main cannon, which drained him of all his energy, turning it grey and sending it flying off into the depths of space. {{storylink|Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
When [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] took several shots for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], his corpse began to desaturate within seconds of his death. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}}

After being shot in the back by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], Ultra Magnus died in Optimus's arms, the colour immediately fading from his body, only for it to return when Magnus sprang back to life a few minutes later. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
An Optimus Prime from [[Primax 703.09 Gamma|a doomed Cybertron]] was sent to another universe by [[Unicron]] as a perverse calling card. When found and brought to Autobase Earth, his colours had faded almost entirely before he died. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:SensuousFrame-ThunderClash.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''50 Shades of Thunderclash'']]
Aggressive depigmentation set in almost instantly after a spark expired. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} {{storylink|Sardines}} While not all Cybertronians displayed the condition upon death, {{storylink|The Gloaming}} those that experienced [[magic]]'s necrotic symptoms fell victim to aggressive depigmentation in moments. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}} {{storylink|Schismatic}} In certain cases of fatal damage, Cybertronians could display aggressive depigmentation before their spark expired. {{storylink|The Frail Gaze}} In some cases, the recently deceased only experienced a desaturation of their colours, rather than turning grey. {{storylink|Heavy}} {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}}

During [[World War II]], [[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] slew "[[Maximal Shockwave|Shockwave]]", the latter's corpse turning grey upon his demise. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

After the initial [[Expansion]], [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]]'s body turned grey upon his essence returning to the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]'s body underwent aggressive depigmentation after he voluntarily sacrificed his spark to unlock [[Aequitas]]. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}}

A [[NAIL]] protester who transformed himself to death demonstrated both aggressive depigmentation and ''[[rigor morphis]]''. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} When fatally wounded by an infestation of [[personality tick]]s, a dying [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] was drained of colour and also succumbed to ''rigor morphis'' until the ticks were defeated, restoring his health and palette. {{storylink|The Frail Gaze}}

After an accident had resulted in the ''[[Lost Light]]'' quantum duplicating itself, the [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] of one of the ships lost his life when he defeated the [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeater]], his body turning dark grey upon his demise. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

When Ravage was killed in a fight between [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]], the colour immediately began to fade from his corpse, only to restore itself when the properties of [[Ore-14]] they were surrounded by brought him back to life. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}}

[[File:Sardines-terrific.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9]]
[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]'s body lost its colours upon his demise. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}}

While travelling back to the ''[[Lost Light]]'' aboard [[Skip]], [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] inexplicably succumbed to aggressive depigmentation despite being alive. {{storylink|Sardines}} It was later revealed however that, as part of their master plan, the [[Omega Guardian]]s were slowly teleporting Ratchet to make it seem as though he was dying. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

Upon being exposed to the corrosive effects of [[Prysmosian]] magic, [[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}} and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] depigmented after death, while [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]]'s arm experienced similar effects immediately after coming into contact with magical energy. {{storylink|Schismatic}} [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]]'s analysis of magic however allowed him to devise a counter-frequency that returned Breakdown's arm to normal. Temporarily at least. {{storylink|Desperate Measures (Transformers vs. Visionaries)|Desperate Measures}}

After being at ground zero in an explosion, [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] perished, his corpse succumbing to aggressive depigmentation. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

When [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] had been slain by the [[Adaptus|Grand Architect]], {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}} his corpse experienced a notable, though not total, desaturation of its colours. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}}

In a confrontation between the [[Colonist Soldiers]] and [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], [[Gimlet]] thoughtlessly crushed [[Mainframe (G.I. Joe)|Mainframe]]'s [[VAMP]], killing the operator. In an equally thoughtless response, [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] cleaved the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] in half, his corpse instantly turning grey. {{storylink|Time Will Rust}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
When he was shot dead by the otherdimensional cyborg [[Vamp]], [[Overshoot]]'s body quickly turned grey. {{storylink|Cultural Appropriation}}

On the final day of the Buzzclaw Memorial Games, [[Preditron]] noted fellow unwilling combatant [[Torque (BWU)|Torque]], who was suffering from an unknown ailment, was already beginning to show signs of colour-fade before he was even dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

==== 2019 IDW continuity ====
The [[Titan (group)|Titans]] who had gone [[immersant]] to makeup the [[Cybertronian Mountains]] were all various shades of grey. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}} {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}}

[[File:Tread&Circuits4 CircuitDies.jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.0|He was such a colourful fellow...]]
When [[Rubble]] discovered [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]]'s corpse, the scientist's body had visibly desaturated. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} When Rubble passed not long afterwards, his own body lost its colours. {{storylink|The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part One}}

[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s body began to quickly desaturate when he died, {{storylink|War World: Prime|Prime}} later losing all of its colours when he was laid to rest. {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}}

Several desaturated Cybertronian body parts were visible when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] discovered a splice-thief den on [[Kworia]]. When Magnus later found a still living Cybertronian in the process of being vivisected, the unfortunate mechanoid's body had already turned grey. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 1}}

When [[Circuit (G1)|Circuit]] died, his body instantly lost all of its colours. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}

====''Transformers vs. The Terminator''====
Following the Decepticons reactivating in [[1984]], they turned their weapons against the stasis-locked Autobots in the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', executing them. When the [[T-800]] and [[Sarah Connor]] arrived, the bodies of several Autobots had turned grey. {{storylink|Enemy of My Enemy Part Two}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
[[File:WFC-Earthrise-Ep5-Optimus-dies-vision.jpg|thumb|300px|left]]

When in the [[Dead Universe]], Optimus Prime was shown a potential future by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] where he had died, Prime's corpse being a solid grey. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 5}}

====2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic====
When [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] killed [[Razorbeast]], a furious [[Skold]] avenged her friend by ripping out the flyer's spark, his corpse quickly turning monochrome. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

When [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] later slew [[Polar Claw]], the polar bear's body notably desaturated. {{storylink|Children of the Vok}}

===''Transformers: Animated'' cartoon===
[[File:TFAnimated transformandrollout DEATH.jpg|thumb|250px]]
[[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]]'s body turned grey when he was slain by his treacherous pupil [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]. [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] attempted to revive him by placing Yoketron's spark in a blank [[protoform]], but the ancient Autobot refused to sacrifice an unborn life to save himself, and died permanently, his new body turning grey instantly. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]]'s body turned grey when he temporarily died (for a grand total of seventy-five seconds). {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s body did not turn grey when he was first killed by [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}} or in any of his subsequent deaths, {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}} until his absolutely final death, when the [[AllSpark]] fragment keeping him alive was removed from his head. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

When he sacrificed himself to restore the AllSpark, Prowl's body went grey. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
When [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] merged with the [[AllSpark]], his first act was to drain the [[spark]]s of his [[Seeker (Cyberverse)|Seeker]] loyalists, their bodies quickly turning grey. {{storylink|I Am The Allspark}}

By the time of [[Tarn (Cyberverse)|Tarn]]'s power play, [[Iaconus]]' corpse had turned grey. {{storylink|The Perfect Decepticon}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
The bodies of several Senators turned grey during [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]]' attack on the [[Senate]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 1|Shattered Glass II #1}}

===''One'' film===
When [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]] fell down a chasm after being shot by [[Megatron (One)|D-16]], his dying body turned grey. His fall went all the way down to the [[Core]] of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The spirits of the [[Thirteen]] met Orion as [[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] told him that his noble sacrifice has made [[Primus]] deem him worthy of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Orion was rebuilt, revived, and returned to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon City]] as Optimus Prime.

When Megatron tore [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] in half, his body turned grey as he died. He was '''not''' revived. {{storylink|Transformers One (film)|Transformers One}}

==Toys==
===''Masterpiece''===
[[File:MP4Sconvoysleepmode.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
*'''Convoy Sleep Mode''' (2010)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-4S'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe

:Released by TakaraTomy as part of their ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#TakaraTomy Welcome to Transformers 2010 campaign|Welcome to Transformers 2010]]'' anniversary line honoring the "future era" of the original cartoon (which was set in 2010 in Japanese continuity, you see!), this exceptionally morbid re-release of the ''Masterpiece'' Convoy figure recolours the Autobot leader in <s>blacks and greys</s> ''very'' low-saturated reds and blues, representing ''his dead body'' from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''—but don't worry, kids, it's actually a "sleep mode", according to the figure's name! Limited to 2010 pieces in Japan (see what they did there?), it comes with all its customary accessories, including the Perfect Edition trailer, redecoed where appropriate: the trailer itself has become translucent, its energon-axe is now transparent grey, and Megatron, in another movie homage, is rendered in translucent purple, evoking the scene depicting his transformation into [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]]. The figure was also released in other parts of Asia as a limited edition of 2010 as well, combined with the Japanese edition for 4020 total. The Japanese version denotes "Serial Number in Japan: ####/2010" on its bio card with the number out of 2010, while the Asian version denotes "C1 - ####/2010" with the number out of 2010 on its bio card.

:This version of Convoy depicts [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] on its communicators.
{{MP1Mold}}
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Amazon-Prime-Day-Alt-Universe-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb]]
*'''Alternate Universe Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, 2020)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''ER EX-17'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[February 20]], [[2021]]
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Ion Blaster]], shield/ramp, trailer/[[Combat Deck (G1)#AltUniverseOP|Combat Deck]], artillery robot, [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Matrix of Leadership]]

:"Alternate Universe Optimus Prime" is a greyscaled redeco of ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]'' Optimus Prime with a new head that evokes the battle damage and his death in ''The Transformers: The Movie''. The Matrix of Leadership is the same as the mass retail Leader, though the Ion Blaster is painted completely silver and his rear calves are painted. Another change is the number of lugnuts on the wheels of the trailer. The normal retail version has 10 lug nuts per wheel, whilst this release has none. He is packaged in a ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Selects]]''-styled box that depicts Ultra Magnus, Hot Rod, and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] grieving during his death scene reflected on a window of his damaged truck mode.
:There are reported issues where the left chest piece is unable to tab in fully due to a deformed pin, leaving a small uneven gap visible in robot mode.

:This is the only ''Earthrise'' toy to lack an ID number and map piece and isn't part of the Galactic Odyssey Collection. Coincidentally, Hasbro ID number WFC-E28 is never used in the toyline within its range of E1 to E41, lending to the possibility that WFC-E28 was intended to be his.

:Alternate Universe Optimus Prime was supposed to release as an exclusive for Amazon Prime Day 2020, though the day was pushed back several months, making the toy release much earlier. The figure first saw release in some Malaysian hobby shops ''before'' it was fully revealed on Hasbro's June 26 [[Hasbro Pulse#Fan First Friday|Fan First Friday]] stream. The figure was later released in Japan as a [[TakaraTomy Mall]] exclusive as part of the 7th wave of TakaraTomy ''Selects'' toys.

{{WFCEarthriseOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''The Loyal Subjects''===
*'''8" Dead Optimus Prime''' (2013)
{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

===''Super Cyborg''===
*'''Optimus Prime (Dead)''' (2018)
**''Accessories'': Ion blaster, torso plate

:This dark grey version was exclusive to [[New York Comic Con]] 2018.
{{-}}

===''ReAction''===
{{anchor|ReActionFallenWave4}}
*'''Fallen Leader Optimus Prime''' (2021)
**''Accessories'': Ion Blaster

: Released in the fourth wave of ''ReAction'', this all-grey version of Optimus features a new torso tooling with open chest panels revealing a (non-removable) Matrix of Leadership.

: This is the first of ''three'' different figures of the same concept to be sold under the name "Fallen Leader Optimus Prime"; the other two (below) are [[Target]] exclusives.

: This figure was initially solicited to retailers as "Dead Optimus Prime" before the slightly gentler name change... but "Dead Optimus Prime" is still what the figure is labeled on the cardback checklist as of wave 6.

{{-}}{{anchor|ReActionFallenTarget}}
*'''Fallen Leader Optimus Prime''' (2022)
**''Accessories'': Ion Blaster

: This Target-exclusive version of the "Fallen Leader" concept is just the normal Optimus figure with the closed-up chest done in the greys of the initial "Fallen Leader" figure. Exciting! And clearance fodder!

: This figure was released alongside the "[[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#ReActionChromeCommander|Chrome Commander Megatron]]" figure.

===''ULTIMATES!''===
{{anchor|UltimatesOptimusPrime}}
[[File:Super7 Ultimates Optimus Prime (Fallen Leader).jpg|thumb|upright=1.44]]
*'''Optimus Prime (Fallen Leader)''' (2023)
**''Accessories'': 2 fists, 2 open hands, 2 Matrix-grip hands, trigger-grip right hand, Matrix of Leadership, ion blaster

: This retool and redeco of ''ULTIMATES!'' Optimus Prime is the latest of several representations of his dead body from "[[The Transformers: The Movie]]," now with a greyscale paint scheme, a heavily damaged left torso section, and cracks all over him (and on his rifle too for good measure). They also seem to have improved the elbow articulation.

: Preorders opened in June 2022, with the expectation that of figures shipping the following May. As of September 2023, [[BigBadToyStore]] says that it is estimated to arrive February 2024.

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|UltimatesStarscream}}
*'''King Starscream (Fallen)''' (2023)
**''Accessories'': 2 arm cannons, smirking alternate head, disintegrating alternate head, closed fists (L & R), gripping hands (L & R), "expressive" hands (L & R), crown

:In a change from the sizable squadron of "Coronation" Starscreams offered over the years, "King Starscream (Fallen)" represents the character as he looks when killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. His body is grey and cracked, his cape torn, one set of hands meant to powerlessly grasp at the air, and one of his alternate heads is screaming and partially crumbled.

:Preorders were open until [[January 13]], 2023, with the toys purportedly shipping the following Fall.
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Trivia==
*Aggressive depigmentation is, of course, a fancy name for the long tradition of Transformers turning grey upon death, with the term first being given in the [[2018]] comic issue ''[[The Transformers: Lost Light|Transformers: Lost Light]]'' [[Sardines|#13]].

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformer culture]]

Aggressive depigmentation

2024-11-16T08:07:47Z

Warlic: Page opens with colour, indicating British-English preference, so made to maintain across the page as per manual specification. If reverted, should revert all to American instead.

[[File:TFTM optimus color fades.gif|thumb|300px]]

'''Aggressive depigmentation''' refers to the loss of colour that occurs in the [[living metal]] of a [[Transformer|Cybertronian]] after suffering traumatic damage or [[death|losing]] one's [[spark]]. When this happens, the natural colour of a Transformer will fade, leaving the body various shades of grey.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''The Transformers'' cartoon=====
[[File:SSBQ.jpg|thumb|250px]]
When taking a shot directly through his chest from [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]]'s mouth erupted in a fiery plume of smoke, and his body turned grey before hitting the floor of the shuttle. After he succumbed to his wounds sustained during the [[Battle of Autobot City]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s body turned black and grey. When [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] killed [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] for his treachery, the Air Commander's entire body turned black, then crumbled to ashes. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

=====Japanese cartoon continuity=====
======''The Headmasters'' cartoon======
After perishing from a mutual kill, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s bodies both decolourized. What was left of Soundwave's exploded remains turned white, while Blaster turned the bog-standard grey. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

When he died again, this time sacrificing himself to reset [[Vector Sigma]], Optimus' body turned grey in Rodimus's arms. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

======''Victory'' cartoon======
In the final fight between [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] and [[Liokaiser]] in front of Deathsaurus' [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], the Decepticon combiner was blasted into the fortress's main cannon, which drained him of all his energy, turning it grey and sending it flying off into the depths of space. {{storylink|Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
When [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] took several shots for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], his corpse began to desaturate within seconds of his death. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}}

After being shot in the back by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], Ultra Magnus died in Optimus's arms, the colour immediately fading from his body, only for it to return when Magnus sprang back to life a few minutes later. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
An Optimus Prime from [[Primax 703.09 Gamma|a doomed Cybertron]] was sent to another universe by [[Unicron]] as a perverse calling card. When found and brought to Autobase Earth, his colours had faded almost entirely before he died. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:SensuousFrame-ThunderClash.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''50 Shades of Thunderclash'']]
Aggressive depigmentation set in almost instantly after a spark expired. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} {{storylink|Sardines}} While not all Cybertronians displayed the condition upon death, {{storylink|The Gloaming}} those that experienced [[magic]]'s necrotic symptoms fell victim to aggressive depigmentation in moments. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}} {{storylink|Schismatic}} In certain cases of fatal damage, Cybertronians could display aggressive depigmentation before their spark expired. {{storylink|The Frail Gaze}} In some cases, the recently deceased only experienced a desaturation of their colours, rather than turning grey. {{storylink|Heavy}} {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}}

During [[World War II]], [[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] slew "[[Maximal Shockwave|Shockwave]]", the latter's corpse turning grey upon his demise. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

After the initial [[Expansion]], [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]]'s body turned grey upon his essence returning to the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]'s body underwent aggressive depigmentation after he voluntarily sacrificed his spark to unlock [[Aequitas]]. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}}

A [[NAIL]] protester who transformed himself to death demonstrated both aggressive depigmentation and ''[[rigor morphis]]''. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} When fatally wounded by an infestation of [[personality tick]]s, a dying [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] was drained of colour and also succumbed to ''rigor morphis'' until the ticks were defeated, restoring his health and palette. {{storylink|The Frail Gaze}}

After an accident had resulted in the ''[[Lost Light]]'' quantum duplicating itself, the [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] of one of the ships lost his life when he defeated the [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeater]], his body turning dark grey upon his demise. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

When Ravage was killed in a fight between [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]], the colour immediately began to fade from his corpse, only to restore itself when the properties of [[Ore-14]] they were surrounded by brought him back to life. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}}

[[File:Sardines-terrific.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9]]
[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]'s body lost its colours upon his demise. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}}

While travelling back to the ''[[Lost Light]]'' aboard [[Skip]], [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] inexplicably succumbed to aggressive depigmentation despite being alive. {{storylink|Sardines}} It was later revealed however that, as part of their master plan, the [[Omega Guardian]]s were slowly teleporting Ratchet to make it seem as though he was dying. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

Upon being exposed to the corrosive effects of [[Prysmosian]] magic, [[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}} and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] depigmented after death, while [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]]'s arm experienced similar effects immediately after coming into contact with magical energy. {{storylink|Schismatic}} [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]]'s analysis of magic however allowed him to devise a counter-frequency that returned Breakdown's arm to normal. Temporarily at least. {{storylink|Desperate Measures (Transformers vs. Visionaries)|Desperate Measures}}

After being at ground zero in an explosion, [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] perished, his corpse succumbing to aggressive depigmentation. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

When [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] had been slain by the [[Adaptus|Grand Architect]], {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}} his corpse experienced a notable, though not total, desaturation of its colours. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}}

In a confrontation between the [[Colonist Soldiers]] and [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], [[Gimlet]] thoughtlessly crushed [[Mainframe (G.I. Joe)|Mainframe]]'s [[VAMP]], killing the operator. In an equally thoughtless response, [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] cleaved the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] in half, his corpse instantly turning grey. {{storylink|Time Will Rust}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
When he was shot dead by the otherdimensional cyborg [[Vamp]], [[Overshoot]]'s body quickly turned grey. {{storylink|Cultural Appropriation}}

On the final day of the Buzzclaw Memorial Games, [[Preditron]] noted fellow unwilling combatant [[Torque (BWU)|Torque]], who was suffering from an unknown ailment, was already beginning to show signs of colour-fade before he was even dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

==== 2019 IDW continuity ====
The [[Titan (group)|Titans]] who had gone [[immersant]] to makeup the [[Cybertronian Mountains]] were all various shades of grey. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}} {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}}

[[File:Tread&Circuits4 CircuitDies.jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.0|He was such a colourful fellow...]]
When [[Rubble]] discovered [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]]'s corpse, the scientist's body had visibly desaturated. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} When Rubble passed not long afterwards, his own body lost its colours. {{storylink|The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part One}}

[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s body began to quickly desaturate when he died, {{storylink|War World: Prime|Prime}} later losing all of its colours when he was laid to rest. {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}}

Several desaturated Cybertronian body parts were visible when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] discovered a splice-thief den on [[Kworia]]. When Magnus later found a still living Cybertronian in the process of being vivisected, the unfortunate mechanoid's body had already turned grey. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 1}}

When [[Circuit (G1)|Circuit]] died, his body instantly lost all of its colours. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}

====''Transformers vs. The Terminator''====
Following the Decepticons reactivating in [[1984]], they turned their weapons against the stasis-locked Autobots in the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', executing them. When the [[T-800]] and [[Sarah Connor]] arrived, the bodies of several Autobots had turned grey. {{storylink|Enemy of My Enemy Part Two}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
[[File:WFC-Earthrise-Ep5-Optimus-dies-vision.jpg|thumb|300px|left]]

When in the [[Dead Universe]], Optimus Prime was shown a potential future by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] where he had died, Prime's corpse being a solid grey. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 5}}

====2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic====
When [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] killed [[Razorbeast]], a furious [[Skold]] avenged her friend by ripping out the flyer's spark, his corpse quickly turning monochrome. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

When [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] later slew [[Polar Claw]], the polar bear's body notably desaturated. {{storylink|Children of the Vok}}

===''Transformers: Animated'' cartoon===
[[File:TFAnimated transformandrollout DEATH.jpg|thumb|250px]]
[[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]]'s body turned grey when he was slain by his treacherous pupil [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]. [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] attempted to revive him by placing Yoketron's spark in a blank [[protoform]], but the ancient Autobot refused to sacrifice an unborn life to save himself, and died permanently, his new body turning grey instantly. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]]'s body turned grey when he temporarily died (for a grand total of seventy-five seconds). {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s body did not turn grey when he was first killed by [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}} or in any of his subsequent deaths, {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}} until his absolutely final death, when the [[AllSpark]] fragment keeping him alive was removed from his head. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

When he sacrificed himself to restore the AllSpark, Prowl's body went grey. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
When [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] merged with the [[AllSpark]], his first act was to drain the [[spark]]s of his [[Seeker (Cyberverse)|Seeker]] loyalists, their bodies quickly turning grey. {{storylink|I Am The Allspark}}

By the time of [[Tarn (Cyberverse)|Tarn]]'s power play, [[Iaconus]]' corpse had turned grey. {{storylink|The Perfect Decepticon}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
The bodies of several Senators turned grey during [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]]' attack on the [[Senate]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 1|Shattered Glass II #1}}

===''One'' film===
{{spoiler|Transformers One (film)|October 20, 2024}}
When [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]] fell down a chasm after being shot by [[Megatron (One)|D-16]], his dying body turned grey. His fall went all the way down to the [[Core]] of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The spirits of the [[Thirteen]] met Orion as [[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] told him that his noble sacrifice has made [[Primus]] deem him worthy of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Orion was rebuilt, revived, and returned to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon City]] as Optimus Prime.

When Megatron tore [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] in half, his body turned grey as he died. He was '''not''' revived. {{storylink|Transformers One (film)|Transformers One}}

==Toys==
===''Masterpiece''===
[[File:MP4Sconvoysleepmode.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
*'''Convoy Sleep Mode''' (2010)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-4S'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe

:Released by TakaraTomy as part of their ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#TakaraTomy Welcome to Transformers 2010 campaign|Welcome to Transformers 2010]]'' anniversary line honoring the "future era" of the original cartoon (which was set in 2010 in Japanese continuity, you see!), this exceptionally morbid re-release of the ''Masterpiece'' Convoy figure recolours the Autobot leader in <s>blacks and greys</s> ''very'' low-saturated reds and blues, representing ''his dead body'' from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''—but don't worry, kids, it's actually a "sleep mode", according to the figure's name! Limited to 2010 pieces in Japan (see what they did there?), it comes with all its customary accessories, including the Perfect Edition trailer, redecoed where appropriate: the trailer itself has become translucent, its energon-axe is now transparent grey, and Megatron, in another movie homage, is rendered in translucent purple, evoking the scene depicting his transformation into [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]]. The figure was also released in other parts of Asia as a limited edition of 2010 as well, combined with the Japanese edition for 4020 total. The Japanese version denotes "Serial Number in Japan: ####/2010" on its bio card with the number out of 2010, while the Asian version denotes "C1 - ####/2010" with the number out of 2010 on its bio card.

:This version of Convoy depicts [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] on its communicators.
{{MP1Mold}}
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Amazon-Prime-Day-Alt-Universe-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb]]
*'''Alternate Universe Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, 2020)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''ER EX-17'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[February 20]], [[2021]]
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Ion Blaster]], shield/ramp, trailer/[[Combat Deck (G1)#AltUniverseOP|Combat Deck]], artillery robot, [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Matrix of Leadership]]

:"Alternate Universe Optimus Prime" is a greyscaled redeco of ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]'' Optimus Prime with a new head that evokes the battle damage and his death in ''The Transformers: The Movie''. The Matrix of Leadership is the same as the mass retail Leader, though the Ion Blaster is painted completely silver and his rear calves are painted. Another change is the number of lugnuts on the wheels of the trailer. The normal retail version has 10 lug nuts per wheel, whilst this release has none. He is packaged in a ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Selects]]''-styled box that depicts Ultra Magnus, Hot Rod, and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] grieving during his death scene reflected on a window of his damaged truck mode.
:There are reported issues where the left chest piece is unable to tab in fully due to a deformed pin, leaving a small uneven gap visible in robot mode.

:This is the only ''Earthrise'' toy to lack an ID number and map piece and isn't part of the Galactic Odyssey Collection. Coincidentally, Hasbro ID number WFC-E28 is never used in the toyline within its range of E1 to E41, lending to the possibility that WFC-E28 was intended to be his.

:Alternate Universe Optimus Prime was supposed to release as an exclusive for Amazon Prime Day 2020, though the day was pushed back several months, making the toy release much earlier. The figure first saw release in some Malaysian hobby shops ''before'' it was fully revealed on Hasbro's June 26 [[Hasbro Pulse#Fan First Friday|Fan First Friday]] stream. The figure was later released in Japan as a [[TakaraTomy Mall]] exclusive as part of the 7th wave of TakaraTomy ''Selects'' toys.

{{WFCEarthriseOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''The Loyal Subjects''===
*'''8" Dead Optimus Prime''' (2013)
{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

===''Super Cyborg''===
*'''Optimus Prime (Dead)''' (2018)
**''Accessories'': Ion blaster, torso plate

:This dark grey version was exclusive to [[New York Comic Con]] 2018.
{{-}}

===''ReAction''===
{{anchor|ReActionFallenWave4}}
*'''Fallen Leader Optimus Prime''' (2021)
**''Accessories'': Ion Blaster

: Released in the fourth wave of ''ReAction'', this all-grey version of Optimus features a new torso tooling with open chest panels revealing a (non-removable) Matrix of Leadership.

: This is the first of ''three'' different figures of the same concept to be sold under the name "Fallen Leader Optimus Prime"; the other two (below) are [[Target]] exclusives.

: This figure was initially solicited to retailers as "Dead Optimus Prime" before the slightly gentler name change... but "Dead Optimus Prime" is still what the figure is labeled on the cardback checklist as of wave 6.

{{-}}{{anchor|ReActionFallenTarget}}
*'''Fallen Leader Optimus Prime''' (2022)
**''Accessories'': Ion Blaster

: This Target-exclusive version of the "Fallen Leader" concept is just the normal Optimus figure with the closed-up chest done in the greys of the initial "Fallen Leader" figure. Exciting! And clearance fodder!

: This figure was released alongside the "[[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#ReActionChromeCommander|Chrome Commander Megatron]]" figure.

===''ULTIMATES!''===
{{anchor|UltimatesOptimusPrime}}
[[File:Super7 Ultimates Optimus Prime (Fallen Leader).jpg|thumb|upright=1.44]]
*'''Optimus Prime (Fallen Leader)''' (2023)
**''Accessories'': 2 fists, 2 open hands, 2 Matrix-grip hands, trigger-grip right hand, Matrix of Leadership, ion blaster

: This retool and redeco of ''ULTIMATES!'' Optimus Prime is the latest of several representations of his dead body from "[[The Transformers: The Movie]]," now with a greyscale paint scheme, a heavily damaged left torso section, and cracks all over him (and on his rifle too for good measure). They also seem to have improved the elbow articulation.

: Preorders opened in June 2022, with the expectation that of figures shipping the following May. As of September 2023, [[BigBadToyStore]] says that it is estimated to arrive February 2024.

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|UltimatesStarscream}}
*'''King Starscream (Fallen)''' (2023)
**''Accessories'': 2 arm cannons, smirking alternate head, disintegrating alternate head, closed fists (L & R), gripping hands (L & R), "expressive" hands (L & R), crown

:In a change from the sizable squadron of "Coronation" Starscreams offered over the years, "King Starscream (Fallen)" represents the character as he looks when killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. His body is grey and cracked, his cape torn, one set of hands meant to powerlessly grasp at the air, and one of his alternate heads is screaming and partially crumbled.

:Preorders were open until [[January 13]], 2023, with the toys purportedly shipping the following Fall.
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Trivia==
*Aggressive depigmentation is, of course, a fancy name for the long tradition of Transformers turning grey upon death, with the term first being given in the [[2018]] comic issue ''[[The Transformers: Lost Light|Transformers: Lost Light]]'' [[Sardines|#13]].

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformer culture]]

Aggressive depigmentation

2024-11-16T08:04:36Z

Warlic:

[[File:TFTM optimus color fades.gif|thumb|300px]]

'''Aggressive depigmentation''' refers to the loss of colour that occurs in the [[living metal]] of a [[Transformer|Cybertronian]] after suffering traumatic damage or [[death|losing]] one's [[spark]]. When this happens, the natural color of a Transformer will fade, leaving the body various shades of grey.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''The Transformers'' cartoon=====
[[File:SSBQ.jpg|thumb|250px]]
When taking a shot directly through his chest from [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]]'s mouth erupted in a fiery plume of smoke, and his body turned grey before hitting the floor of the shuttle. After he succumbed to his wounds sustained during the [[Battle of Autobot City]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s body turned black and grey. When [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] killed [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] for his treachery, the Air Commander's entire body turned black, then crumbled to ashes. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

=====Japanese cartoon continuity=====
======''The Headmasters'' cartoon======
After perishing from a mutual kill, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]'s bodies both decolourized. What was left of Soundwave's exploded remains turned white, while Blaster turned the bog-standard gray. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

When he died again, this time sacrificing himself to reset [[Vector Sigma]], Optimus' body turned grey in Rodimus's arms. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

======''Victory'' cartoon======
In the final fight between [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] and [[Liokaiser]] in front of Deathsaurus' [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], the Decepticon combiner was blasted into the fortress's main cannon, which drained him of all his energy, turning it grey and sending it flying off into the depths of space. {{storylink|Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
When [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] took several shots for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], his corpse began to desaturate within seconds of his death. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}}

After being shot in the back by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], Ultra Magnus died in Optimus's arms, the colour immediately fading from his body, only for it to return when Magnus sprang back to life a few minutes later. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
An Optimus Prime from [[Primax 703.09 Gamma|a doomed Cybertron]] was sent to another universe by [[Unicron]] as a perverse calling card. When found and brought to Autobase Earth, his colours had faded almost entirely before he died. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:SensuousFrame-ThunderClash.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''50 Shades of Thunderclash'']]
Aggressive depigmentation set in almost instantly after a spark expired. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} {{storylink|Sardines}} While not all Cybertronians displayed the condition upon death, {{storylink|The Gloaming}} those that experienced [[magic]]'s necrotic symptoms fell victim to aggressive depigmentation in moments. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}} {{storylink|Schismatic}} In certain cases of fatal damage, Cybertronians could display aggressive depigmentation before their spark expired. {{storylink|The Frail Gaze}} In some cases, the recently deceased only experienced a desaturation of their colours, rather than turning grey. {{storylink|Heavy}} {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}}

During [[World War II]], [[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] slew "[[Maximal Shockwave|Shockwave]]", the latter's corpse turning grey upon his demise. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

After the initial [[Expansion]], [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]]'s body turned grey upon his essence returning to the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]'s body underwent aggressive depigmentation after he voluntarily sacrificed his spark to unlock [[Aequitas]]. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}}

A [[NAIL]] protester who transformed himself to death demonstrated both aggressive depigmentation and ''[[rigor morphis]]''. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} When fatally wounded by an infestation of [[personality tick]]s, a dying [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] was drained of colour and also succumbed to ''rigor morphis'' until the ticks were defeated, restoring his health and palette. {{storylink|The Frail Gaze}}

After an accident had resulted in the ''[[Lost Light]]'' quantum duplicating itself, the [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] of one of the ships lost his life when he defeated the [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeater]], his body turning dark grey upon his demise. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

When Ravage was killed in a fight between [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]], the colour immediately began to fade from his corpse, only to restore itself when the properties of [[Ore-14]] they were surrounded by brought him back to life. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}}

[[File:Sardines-terrific.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9]]
[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]'s body lost its colours upon his demise. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}}

While travelling back to the ''[[Lost Light]]'' aboard [[Skip]], [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] inexplicably succumbed to aggressive depigmentation despite being alive. {{storylink|Sardines}} It was later revealed however that, as part of their master plan, the [[Omega Guardian]]s were slowly teleporting Ratchet to make it seem as though he was dying. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

Upon being exposed to the corrosive effects of [[Prysmosian]] magic, [[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}} and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] depigmented after death, while [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]]'s arm experienced similar effects immediately after coming into contact with magical energy. {{storylink|Schismatic}} [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]]'s analysis of magic however allowed him to devise a counter-frequency that returned Breakdown's arm to normal. Temporarily at least. {{storylink|Desperate Measures (Transformers vs. Visionaries)|Desperate Measures}}

After being at ground zero in an explosion, [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] perished, his corpse succumbing to aggressive depigmentation. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

When [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] had been slain by the [[Adaptus|Grand Architect]], {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}} his corpse experienced a notable, though not total, desaturation of its colours. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}}

In a confrontation between the [[Colonist Soldiers]] and [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], [[Gimlet]] thoughtlessly crushed [[Mainframe (G.I. Joe)|Mainframe]]'s [[VAMP]], killing the operator. In an equally thoughtless response, [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] cleaved the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] in half, his corpse instantly turning grey. {{storylink|Time Will Rust}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
When he was shot dead by the otherdimensional cyborg [[Vamp]], [[Overshoot]]'s body quickly turned grey. {{storylink|Cultural Appropriation}}

On the final day of the Buzzclaw Memorial Games, [[Preditron]] noted fellow unwilling combatant [[Torque (BWU)|Torque]], who was suffering from an unknown ailment, was already beginning to show signs of color-fade before he was even dead. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

==== 2019 IDW continuity ====
The [[Titan (group)|Titans]] who had gone [[immersant]] to makeup the [[Cybertronian Mountains]] were all various shades of grey. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}} {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}}

[[File:Tread&Circuits4 CircuitDies.jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.0|He was such a colorful fellow...]]
When [[Rubble]] discovered [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]]'s corpse, the scientist's body had visibly desaturated. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} When Rubble passed not long afterwards, his own body lost its colours. {{storylink|The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part One}}

[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s body began to quickly desaturate when he died, {{storylink|War World: Prime|Prime}} later losing all of its colours when he was laid to rest. {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}}

Several desaturated Cybertronian body parts were visible when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] discovered a splice-thief den on [[Kworia]]. When Magnus later found a still living Cybertronian in the process of being vivisected, the unfortunate mechanoid's body had already turned grey. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 1}}

When [[Circuit (G1)|Circuit]] died, his body instantly lost all of its colours. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}

====''Transformers vs. The Terminator''====
Following the Decepticons reactivating in [[1984]], they turned their weapons against the stasis-locked Autobots in the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', executing them. When the [[T-800]] and [[Sarah Connor]] arrived, the bodies of several Autobots had turned grey. {{storylink|Enemy of My Enemy Part Two}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
[[File:WFC-Earthrise-Ep5-Optimus-dies-vision.jpg|thumb|300px|left]]

When in the [[Dead Universe]], Optimus Prime was shown a potential future by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] where he had died, Prime's corpse being a solid grey. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 5}}

====2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic====
When [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] killed [[Razorbeast]], a furious [[Skold]] avenged her friend by ripping out the flyer's spark, his corpse quickly turning monochrome. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}}

When [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] later slew [[Polar Claw]], the polar bear's body notably desaturated. {{storylink|Children of the Vok}}

===''Transformers: Animated'' cartoon===
[[File:TFAnimated transformandrollout DEATH.jpg|thumb|250px]]
[[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]]'s body turned grey when he was slain by his treacherous pupil [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]. [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] attempted to revive him by placing Yoketron's spark in a blank [[protoform]], but the ancient Autobot refused to sacrifice an unborn life to save himself, and died permanently, his new body turning grey instantly. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]]'s body turned grey when he temporarily died (for a grand total of seventy-five seconds). {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s body did not turn grey when he was first killed by [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}} or in any of his subsequent deaths, {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}} until his absolutely final death, when the [[AllSpark]] fragment keeping him alive was removed from his head. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

When he sacrificed himself to restore the AllSpark, Prowl's body went grey. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
When [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] merged with the [[AllSpark]], his first act was to drain the [[spark]]s of his [[Seeker (Cyberverse)|Seeker]] loyalists, their bodies quickly turning grey. {{storylink|I Am The Allspark}}

By the time of [[Tarn (Cyberverse)|Tarn]]'s power play, [[Iaconus]]' corpse had turned grey. {{storylink|The Perfect Decepticon}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
The bodies of several Senators turned grey during [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]]' attack on the [[Senate]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 1|Shattered Glass II #1}}

===''One'' film===
{{spoiler|Transformers One (film)|October 20, 2024}}
When [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]] fell down a chasm after being shot by [[Megatron (One)|D-16]], his dying body turned grey. His fall went all the way down to the [[Core]] of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The spirits of the [[Thirteen]] met Orion as [[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] told him that his noble sacrifice has made [[Primus]] deem him worthy of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Orion was rebuilt, revived, and returned to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon City]] as Optimus Prime.

When Megatron tore [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] in half, his body turned grey as he died. He was '''not''' revived. {{storylink|Transformers One (film)|Transformers One}}

==Toys==
===''Masterpiece''===
[[File:MP4Sconvoysleepmode.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
*'''Convoy Sleep Mode''' (2010)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-4S'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe

:Released by TakaraTomy as part of their ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#TakaraTomy Welcome to Transformers 2010 campaign|Welcome to Transformers 2010]]'' anniversary line honoring the "future era" of the original cartoon (which was set in 2010 in Japanese continuity, you see!), this exceptionally morbid re-release of the ''Masterpiece'' Convoy figure recolors the Autobot leader in <s>blacks and greys</s> ''very'' low-saturated reds and blues, representing ''his dead body'' from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''—but don't worry, kids, it's actually a "sleep mode", according to the figure's name! Limited to 2010 pieces in Japan (see what they did there?), it comes with all its customary accessories, including the Perfect Edition trailer, redecoed where appropriate: the trailer itself has become translucent, its energon-axe is now transparent grey, and Megatron, in another movie homage, is rendered in translucent purple, evoking the scene depicting his transformation into [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]]. The figure was also released in other parts of Asia as a limited edition of 2010 as well, combined with the Japanese edition for 4020 total. The Japanese version denotes "Serial Number in Japan: ####/2010" on its bio card with the number out of 2010, while the Asian version denotes "C1 - ####/2010" with the number out of 2010 on its bio card.

:This version of Convoy depicts [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] on its communicators.
{{MP1Mold}}
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Amazon-Prime-Day-Alt-Universe-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb]]
*'''Alternate Universe Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, 2020)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''ER EX-17'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[February 20]], [[2021]]
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Ion Blaster]], shield/ramp, trailer/[[Combat Deck (G1)#AltUniverseOP|Combat Deck]], artillery robot, [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Matrix of Leadership]]

:"Alternate Universe Optimus Prime" is a grayscaled redeco of ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]'' Optimus Prime with a new head that evokes the battle damage and his death in ''The Transformers: The Movie''. The Matrix of Leadership is the same as the mass retail Leader, though the Ion Blaster is painted completely silver and his rear calves are painted. Another change is the number of lugnuts on the wheels of the trailer. The normal retail version has 10 lug nuts per wheel, whilst this release has none. He is packaged in a ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Selects]]''-styled box that depicts Ultra Magnus, Hot Rod, and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] grieving during his death scene reflected on a window of his damaged truck mode.
:There are reported issues where the left chest piece is unable to tab in fully due to a deformed pin, leaving a small uneven gap visible in robot mode.

:This is the only ''Earthrise'' toy to lack an ID number and map piece and isn't part of the Galactic Odyssey Collection. Coincidentally, Hasbro ID number WFC-E28 is never used in the toyline within its range of E1 to E41, lending to the possibility that WFC-E28 was intended to be his.

:Alternate Universe Optimus Prime was supposed to release as an exclusive for Amazon Prime Day 2020, though the day was pushed back several months, making the toy release much earlier. The figure first saw release in some Malaysian hobby shops ''before'' it was fully revealed on Hasbro's June 26 [[Hasbro Pulse#Fan First Friday|Fan First Friday]] stream. The figure was later released in Japan as a [[TakaraTomy Mall]] exclusive as part of the 7th wave of TakaraTomy ''Selects'' toys.

{{WFCEarthriseOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''The Loyal Subjects''===
*'''8" Dead Optimus Prime''' (2013)
{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

===''Super Cyborg''===
*'''Optimus Prime (Dead)''' (2018)
**''Accessories'': Ion blaster, torso plate

:This dark grey version was exclusive to [[New York Comic Con]] 2018.
{{-}}

===''ReAction''===
{{anchor|ReActionFallenWave4}}
*'''Fallen Leader Optimus Prime''' (2021)
**''Accessories'': Ion Blaster

: Released in the fourth wave of ''ReAction'', this all-gray version of Optimus features a new torso tooling with open chest panels revealing a (non-removable) Matrix of Leadership.

: This is the first of ''three'' different figures of the same concept to be sold under the name "Fallen Leader Optimus Prime"; the other two (below) are [[Target]] exclusives.

: This figure was initially solicited to retailers as "Dead Optimus Prime" before the slightly gentler name change... but "Dead Optimus Prime" is still what the figure is labeled on the cardback checklist as of wave 6.

{{-}}{{anchor|ReActionFallenTarget}}
*'''Fallen Leader Optimus Prime''' (2022)
**''Accessories'': Ion Blaster

: This Target-exclusive version of the "Fallen Leader" concept is just the normal Optimus figure with the closed-up chest done in the grays of the initial "Fallen Leader" figure. Exciting! And clearance fodder!

: This figure was released alongside the "[[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#ReActionChromeCommander|Chrome Commander Megatron]]" figure.

===''ULTIMATES!''===
{{anchor|UltimatesOptimusPrime}}
[[File:Super7 Ultimates Optimus Prime (Fallen Leader).jpg|thumb|upright=1.44]]
*'''Optimus Prime (Fallen Leader)''' (2023)
**''Accessories'': 2 fists, 2 open hands, 2 Matrix-grip hands, trigger-grip right hand, Matrix of Leadership, ion blaster

: This retool and redeco of ''ULTIMATES!'' Optimus Prime is the latest of several representations of his dead body from "[[The Transformers: The Movie]]," now with a greyscale paint scheme, a heavily damaged left torso section, and cracks all over him (and on his rifle too for good measure). They also seem to have improved the elbow articulation.

: Preorders opened in June 2022, with the expectation that of figures shipping the following May. As of September 2023, [[BigBadToyStore]] says that it is estimated to arrive February 2024.

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|UltimatesStarscream}}
*'''King Starscream (Fallen)''' (2023)
**''Accessories'': 2 arm cannons, smirking alternate head, disintegrating alternate head, closed fists (L & R), gripping hands (L & R), "expressive" hands (L & R), crown

:In a change from the sizable squadron of "Coronation" Starscreams offered over the years, "King Starscream (Fallen)" represents the character as he looks when killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. His body is grey and cracked, his cape torn, one set of hands meant to powerlessly grasp at the air, and one of his alternate heads is screaming and partially crumbled.

:Preorders were open until [[January 13]], 2023, with the toys purportedly shipping the following Fall.
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Trivia==
*Aggressive depigmentation is, of course, a fancy name for the long tradition of Transformers turning grey upon death, with the term first being given in the [[2018]] comic issue ''[[The Transformers: Lost Light|Transformers: Lost Light]]'' [[Sardines|#13]].

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformer culture]]