Editing Overload (Armada)

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Overload}}
:''Overload is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Overload-armada-cardart.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey guys, I'm totally in ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', seriously!]]
'''Overload''' is an Autobot powerhouse. On his own, he's strong, massive, and covered with guns and artillery. On top of this, he can combine with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], forming an enormously powerful set of cannons for the Autobot leader.

Just ''who'' or even what Overload is depends on which universe one is in, or whatever source you find. Sometimes "Overload" is simply the name used by the [[Mini-Con]] [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] when he combines with his armored trailer. And sometimes the trailer itself is Overload, a separate living entity or weapons platform... who uses someone else to form his robot-mode chest and head.

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
[[File:Armada V4 Rollout Overload.jpg|thumb|Stop talking to yourself!]]
When [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] defeated [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Overload and Rollout accompanied Optimus in transporting Galvatron to prison. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] attacked the duo, rescuing Galvatron. The two [[Decepticon]]s combined, and Overload in robot mode was set to battle him, but then transformed into a battle platform manned by Rollout. His firepower was of little concern to Galvatron, who swatted the two away. Overload transformed into robot mode just in time to see [[Unicron]] take over the sky. {{Storylink|Armada Volume 4}}
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===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===
====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
[[File:Jetfire breaks in.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm in the background a lot.]]

Overload was an Autobot under [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. When the Autobots detected multiple [[space bridge]]s opening at [[Decepticon Command Headquarters|Decepticon Command HQ]], causing disruptions in dimensional space, Jetfire led a team of Autobots to the Decepticon base to investigate. When they got there, they found carnage: All of the Decepticon inhabitants had been butchered and mutilated. As they wandered around the base, Overload questioned if they were going the right way, but they were soon attacked by [[Bludgeon (G1)|the mysterious killer]]. Overload pulled the injured Jetfire out of further harm's way before being ordered to transform into vehicle mode to light up the cavernous base (as well as their attacker). After Jetfire emptied his weapons bays, Overload asked Jetfire if they got him, but the situation was bad, as they'd only succeeded in destroying the creature's outer shell. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}}

Once they were in the Master Space-Bridge Nexus of the Decepticon base, the Autobots began setting detonation charges, intending to stop the damage to the fabric of space-time by destroying the Nexus. However, they were attacked, and Overload reported that it might have been their previous assailant, though it was difficult to know what was inside of that shell. Overload was glad to pull out when ordered, as all of his firepower was having little effect their opponent. He was pleased when the Nexus blowed up real good, until they noticed Jetfire was missing. However, both Jetfire and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] returned in spiffy new colours with spiffy new powers. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

Overload was in the command center of [[Autobase|Autobase: Cybertron]] as the Autobots readied their defenses against [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|The End}}

====''Energon'' comic====
[[File:Overloadmultiplicity.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]

Ten years later, during the worldwide [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] assault on [[Earth]], Overload, [[Dropshot (Armada)|Dropshot]], and [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] were stationed at [[Base Site One]] in [[Canada]]'s [[Yukon|Yukon Territory]], where their equipment included a planetary shield generator. Base Site 1 had lost contact with [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which would put the Autobots' countermeasures in jeopardy. While Overload suspected the Terrorcons may have something to do with their problem, Dropshot noted it could just as easily be an equipment malfunction. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}}

The arrival of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] confirmed Overload's theory, and he was quickly taken out by a blast from the Terrorcon's tail-gun after having Dropshot thrown in his face. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}} Left alone to face not only Scorponok but also [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], Ironhide tried desperately to rouse the unconscious Overload and Dropshot, to no avail.  {{storylink|No Exit}}
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====''More Than Meets The Eye'' (Armada)====
{{note|Although supposedly set in the same universe as Dreamwave's ''Armada'' comic book, the ''More Than Meets the Eye'' guidebook published after the conclusion of the series contained multiple scenarios that were completely incompatible with the comic's story.}}

Overload was commissioned in the "Second year of the earthen conflict" by Optimus Prime to serve as a weapons platform, using [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] as a Headmaster unit. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
[[File:ArmOverloadToon02.jpg|upright=1.3|left|thumb]]
Overload suddenly appeared as a trailer attached to the rear of Optimus Prime's container as the Autobot leader launched himself from the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]''. Faced with the powerful [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]-controlled clone [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], Overload powerlinked with Optimus's super mode to form a pair of massive, shoulder-mounted cannons. Together, Optimus and [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] destroyed the monstrous marionette. {{storylink|Puppet}}

[[File:ArmOverloadToon01.jpg|thumb|Hey! Over here! Behind the geek and the undead guy!]]
Upon their arrival on Cybertron, Optimus Prime used Overload's combination firepower once more. {{storylink|Uprising (Armada)|Uprising}}

Realizing the threat of Unicron, Optimus Prime attempted to reach out to Galvatron and forge an alliance against the Chaos Bringer. As expected, the Decepticon leader refused, forcing Optimus to powerlink with both Jetfire and Overload. However, he did not engage in battle with the similarly powerlinked Galvatron, instead using his power to lead the Decepticon away from battle. {{storylink|Cramp}}

After the formation of an alliance between the Autobots and Decepticons, Overload, in robot mode, stood behind [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] during the mission briefing. {{storylink|Union}}



====Ask Vector Prime====
Overload was an Autobot who developed an addiction to powerlinxing, to the point where he would forcibly merge with Mini-Cons who didn't want to join with him. Realizing that his addiction had turned self-destructive, he went into voluntary exile until he could overcome his problem. By the time that he sought refuge on [[Nebulos]], his Spark had begun a fatal diminishment as a result of withdrawal from the powerlinx process.

Fortunately, the Nebulan doctors [[Hi-Q]] and [[Arcana]] were treating another Cybertronian patient: Rollout, who had lost the ability to transform as a result of [[Nucleon (substance)|nucleon]]. The two doctors consulted the archives and discovered an ancient medical technique known as the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] process, which could save both lives with a single operation. The new composite being would survive, but their mind and body could not accommodate two sparks simultaneously.

Seeking a Cybertronian physician, they found [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]], who brought them back to Cybertron and completely rebuilt them using the same techniques he had used when refitting Jetfire. The new Overload was deployed before he was completed to help Optimus Prime defeat an evil clone of himself.

Rhinox was killed in the battle against Unicron, and thus could never complete his upgrade. For many years, Overload never truly understood the mystery of his origins, until he discovered his original schematics. After upgrading himself again, he left Cybertron in search of clues. He eventually discovered Hi-Q, solving the mystery. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/18}}
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====''Linkage''====
[[File:LinkageOverload.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Cheesebot Spam-a-lot.]]
Overload, flanked by [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], engaged the forces of [[Unicron]] with some heavy [[Powerlinx]] artillery, using [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] and [[Kingbolt (LOTM)|Kingbolt]] in their pistol modes, plus [[Quench]] in his missile launcher mode. {{storylink|Linkage Part 13}}

====''Universe'' toy bio====
Overload used to be a partner to Optimus Prime himself. But those days were past: he left Cybertron years ago. With his origins and past a mystery, even to himself, Overload hunted for the answers to his past on the lost Cybertronian colony worlds. {{storylink|#Universe (2008)|Overload's ''Universe'' toy bio}}
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===''Energon'' toy bio===
Overload was a traveling companion of Optimus Prime for thousands of years. Through time and battle, they developed the ability to combine into the mighty Mega Weapon mode of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|#Energon|Costco exclusive Optimus Prime & Overload toy bio}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
[[File:ArmadaOverload toy.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|"I'm not really sure ''what'' I transform into, but it's good... right?"]]
*'''Overload with Mini-Con Rollout''' (Max-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MC-14'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles

: Overload is a red and black carrier truck capable of carrying [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] in his vehicle mode. His robot mode, in which his [[Mini-Con]], [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]], acts as his [[Headmaster (technology)|head]], is a heavily armed robot with a vague resemblance to [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]'s [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (thus the Japanese name) such as the [[gimmick]] of his shoulders, though it actually (according to [[Joe Kyde|the designer]]) has more details from the [[Action Master]] [[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]]. 

:Overload can be pulled by Rollout in his altmode, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]]'s cab, or attached to Optimus's trailer to form a double trailer. Overload can also transform into a dual spring-loaded missile-firing cannon pack for Optimus Prime's Super Mode (forming '''Optimus Prime Megaweapon'''), and can also attach to Prime's trailer in its "base" mode. He can also attach to the trailer for an undocumented Super Mode, by detaching the lower half of Overload's legs and plugging the trailer-legs into the sockets on his thighs.

: Inserting Rollout into his chest cavity and pushing it into position to form his chest/head will press against a button, activating the ''Generation 1'' transformation sound effect.

[[File:LOTM Ultra Magnus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"Now I have splashes of dark red!" <br> ''(Takara version pictured)'']]
: The Japanese version features slightly more intricate paint applications and a silver face. This version also replaced some of the red plastic with maroon plastic.

: The Overload mold was reused for ''Energon'' [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)#Energon|Ultra Magnus]], and was retooled for [[OTFCC 2004]]'s ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Sentinel Maximus#Universe .282003.29|Sentinel Maximus]] with a new head mold.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Overload/overload.htm More information on ''Armada'' Overload at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MagnaConvoy}}
[[File:Armada MagnaConvoyDX1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Some day I'll be more than an accessory!]]
*'''Magna Convoy DX Set''' (Multi-pack, [[November 11]] 2003)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles

: Overload and Rollout were cast in colored-clear plastics (dubbed "'''Ultra Magnus Special Clear Version'''"), and made available only in a Japanese [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] multi-pack, coming with Optimus Prime in his "Final Battle Color Version" (aka [[Powerlinx]] colors), [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Corona Sparkplug]], and an [[X-Dimensions Micron|X-Dimension]] [[redeco]] of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]].

::*''[http://www.transformers-universe.com/i.php?ID=4460 More information on Ultra Magnus Clear Version at Transformers-Universe.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Blue}}
[[File:Ml-ice-magnus-001.jpg|upright=0.80|thumb|Probably the best deco of this mold... But still just an accessory. A very expensive, rare accessory.]]
*'''Special Ultra Magnus''' (Max-Con, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles

: 100 samples of this "sky blue" redeco of Overload and Rollout were given away as prizes in  a contest from the Japanese ''Tele-V Magazine'' in October 2003.

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===Energon===
[[File:Energon Costco OptimusPrimeOverload.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Not yet, but someday! I swear it!]]
*'''Optimus Prime with Mini-Con Corona Sparkplug & Overload with Mini-Con Rollout''' (Multi-pack, 2004)

: For this [[Costco]]-[[exclusive]] set, Overload (and Rollout) was redecoed into a predominantly yellow scheme with burgundy accents. He came with a new-deco version of ''Armada'' Optimus Prime and [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (who, despite his larger partner's new duds, remained pretty much the same).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/CostcoOverload/overload.htm More information on ''Energon'' Overload at TFU.info]''
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===Universe (2008)===
[[File:Overloaduniverse2009.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Autonomy at last!]]
*'''Overload''' (Voyager, 2009)
**''Series'': Cybertron Series
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles, rifle, clear green [[Earth]]-style [[Cyber Key]]

: Part of the fifth wave of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Voyagers, Overload is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)#CybDef|Cybertron Defense Scattorshot]], transforming into a mobile multiple-launch rocket system with a color scheme reminiscent of the Generation 1 Micromaster [[Flak (G1)|Flak]]. He has "'''[[File:Symbol autobot reg.png|15px]] MDL 823-75'''" on the right side of the launcher, the significance of which is not yet known.

: The halves of the (non-firing) launcher end up on his arms in robot mode. In either mode, inserting a Cyber Key in each half reveals a new weapon: the right side has a slide-out double spring-loaded missile launcher which ends up on his left robot arm, while the left has a flip-out non-firing cannon barrel which ends up on his right robot arm. Both key-activated weapons feature fake handles which end up being "held" by his hands in robot mode, although the missile launcher on his right arm needs to be slid forward for him to be able to reach the deployed blaster's handle. He also comes with an extra long green hand-held rifle that can be mounted in tank mode thanks to his [[Mini-Con]]-compatible [[Powerlinx]] plugs.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Dropshot (G1)#Universe (2008)|Dropshot]] and ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Flak (G1)#Timelines|Flak]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TFUOverload/overload.htm More information on ''Universe'' Overload at TFU.info]''
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==Notes==
* Overload's entry in Dreamwave's ''[[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|Armada: More Than Meets The Eye]]'' profile series claims that his combination with [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] uses "[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster technology]]". The [[Armada Fleer card series|Fleer card]] for Rollout also makes mention of this.
* According to [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], he intended to have a sub-plot explaining just where the hell Overload came from in the [[Linkage (comic)|''Linkage'' comic]], but didn't have the space to do so, so he dropped it in favor of focusing on the A-plot and cramming in what DVD-exclusive-character moments he could.
** Years later, he finally got to give Overload a proper origin via the Facebook edition of [[Ask Vector Prime]]!
* Overload's whole "appearing out of nowhere without explanation" deal from the cartoon got a slight ribbing in the [[bio]] for his 2008 ''Universe'' toy, which established that he was now on a quest to discover the mystery of his origins.
** This bit of info was also incorporated into Ask Vector Prime's explanation of ''Linkage'' Overload's origin!

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Ultra Magnus''' (ウルトラマグナス ''Urutora Magunasu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Túltöltés'''
*''Korean:'' '''Ultra Magnus''' (울트라매그너스 ''Ulteura Maegeuneoseu'')
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Perehriv''' (Перегрів, "Overheat")

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Overload/overload.htm Overload at TFU.info]

[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Blue Order]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]