Editing Heavy Metal War

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=16
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=10
|image=HeavyMetalWar Primedefeated.jpg
|caption=The agony of defeat
|title="Heavy Metal War"
|production code=#700-13
|airdate=[[December 15]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron challenges Optimus Prime to a one on one battle to end the war.'''

:''Japanese title:'' セイバートロン星の掟 (''Cybertron-sei no Okite'', "The Laws of Planet Cybertron")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Zweikampf'''" ("The Duel")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron invitation.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Silly Megs, tricks are for kids!]]
A busy construction site is attacked by driver-less construction equipment, and several components are stolen.  The construction vehicles return to Decepticon headquarters and are revealed to be the newly built [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]].  The components they stole are parts to a machine that will allow [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] to absorb the [[power chip rectifier]]s from his [[Decepticon]] warriors.

While the final preparations are completed on the machine, Megatron flies to [[Autobot]] headquarters and makes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] an offer he can't refuse.  Megatron offers the Autobot leader a one on one battle with the winner staying on [[Earth]] to do as he pleases, and the loser taking his army and exiling themselves to deep space.  Prime, confident in his own abilities, accepts the challenge and sets the match.

[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron powerup.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Fear me, for I have the power of... poo gas!!]]

Knowing that Prime would be unable to resist a chance to honorably end their conflict, Megatron returns to the Decepticon base and uses the newly completed machine to gain all of the special powers of his warriors. [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s teleportation, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s sonic boom, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s seismic attack, etc. Knowing that Megatron would now be unbeatable, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] voices concerns that the Autobot computer [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] would be able to detect what Megatron had done. Anticipating this problem, Megatron dispatches the Constructicons to take care of the computer.  

The two armies arrive at the battle site, and the contest begins. Megatron unleashes a barrage of powers (while Starscream gives a running commentary), and Prime is outclassed at every step. Not knowing that he has been deceived, Prime concedes the fight and comments that he underestimated Megatron. The shocked Autobots begin the trek back to base, and the Decepticons follow to make sure they leave.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Not Brawl.]]

Meanwhile, the Constructicons have nearly tunneled their way into the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and Teletraan I. Teletraan I, sensing the imminent danger, activates the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. The Dinobots respond and start pounding on the Constructicons, opening up a lava channel in the process. The battle not going in their favor, the Constructicons pull out one last trick and combine into the super warrior, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].  The returning Autobots see the battle, but are unable to help.  Inside the Ark, Teletraan I is able to show that Megatron cheated, and the Autobots rush outside to help the Dinobots.  

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Decepticons beat.JPG|right|200px|thumb|You&#39;d think Starscream would be used to this, but no...]]

Distracted by one of [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s holograms, Devastator is shot by Optimus Prime and falls apart and into the lava. The other Decepticons are routed by the Autobots and also pushed into the lava. There is much rejoicing.

...Until Megatron rises from the lava, vowing that the Decepticons will rise again.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (20)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (23)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (25)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (26)
*[[Bluestreak]] (27)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (29)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (30)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (31)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (32)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (35)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (36)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (37)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (38)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (40)
* Holographic giant [[Autobot]] (42)
|c2=
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (1)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (2)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (3)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (4)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (6)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (10)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (21)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (33)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (34)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (41)

|c3=
*Construction Workers (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Chip Chase]] (17)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Forgive me, but I believe your boast sounds vaguely familiar."
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing another of Megatron's promises to destroy the Autobots.


"Let's see how he likes my new [[Shock blast cannon|shockblast cannon]]! ''[The cannon explodes in his hands]'' Uhh... hnh... that's a shock, all right."
:—'''Wheeljack''' 


"But I need my power chip rectifier. Besides, the Cybertron Code of Combat requires each warrior to fight as he is, without additional reinforcement. You wouldn't want to cheat, would you, Megatron?"<br>
"I will win by any means! At any cost! Even if it means terminating ''you'', Starscream!"<br>
"I was only raising a legal point..."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''


"Doesn't this remind you of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome?"<br>
"Maybe it would if I knew what you were talkin' about."<br>
"It's Earth history, Ironhide! Skip it!"
:—'''Chip''' and '''Ironhide''' on the duel between Optimus and Megatron.


"No destroy Teletraan I. Dinobots destroy you!"
:—'''Grimlock''' after hearing the Constructicons' plans to destroy Teletraan I.


'''Sludge''': Sludge not see these Decepticons before.<br>
'''Snarl''': Not see again either. Because we dynamite them to pieces!<br>
'''Slag''': Dinobots no fool around!<br>
'''Grimlock''': Right! Dinobots transform!
:—'''Sludge, Snarl, Slag, and Grimlock''' carrying on a conversation while fighting the Constructicons.


"It's bad news, Scrapper. They've brought out the heavy artillery."<br>
"Then it's time we did the same! Only heavier!"
:—'''Hook''' and '''Scrapper''' as the Constructicons prepare to merge into Devastator for the first time


"Prepare to meet your doom. Nothing can withstand the might of Devastator!"
:—'''Devastator''' speaking to the Dinobots.


"Nothing defeats the Devastator! Nothing!"<br>
"Nothing, little one? Ha ha ha!  What would you say about ''me''? HAHAHAHAHA!"
:—'''Devastator''' and a '''"Giant Autobot"'''


"It is ended."<br>
"Is it really over, Optimus?  I mean, have we seen the end of this war?  Forever?"<br>
"Who can say, Spike? In this vast universe, is anything truly forever?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''', with a question that is quickly answered, at least for the audience


"Uhhh... we shall rise... AGAIN."
:—'''Megatron''' floating in lava

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
* The [[Kid Rhino]] DVD version of this episode is full of animation errors that do not appear in the original broadcast version or prior home video releases (as a result of incomplete film masters being used for the DVD), as well as crude attempts made by Rhino to fix some of these errors.  Some of these are aesthetic complaints—such as when the Rhino DVD portrays the power-chip smelter as a featureless rectangular smear, lacking all the light effects and animation that should be present.  The animation sequence of Megatron landing at the Autobot base ''is missing entirely'', and is replaced by looped animation from later in ithe episode of Megatron landing after a jump.  Other new errors actually confuse the plot—perhaps most notably, when Rhino DVD Optimus Prime hurls a boulder at Megatron, Megatron now does ''not'' use Skywarp's teleportation ability to get out of the way, and the boulder ''flies straight through him'' with nobody seeming to care, including Megatron himself.  Meanwhile, as the Constructicons are tunneling underground towards the Autobot base, the Rhino DVD visuals occasionally show them driving aboveground with a clear blue sky.  But, uhhh, hey, that silver DVD case sure is shiny and pretty!  

* When Megatron descends to speak to the Autobots, and at two points during the duel with Optimus Prime, he is colored dark gray.

* In the Rhino DVD version, during this confrontation, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] runs up and uses his [[glass gas]] on Megatron. However, he is coloured like [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].

* When Megatron is talking to Starscream while the Constructicons are building the infuser machine, Starscream is colored like Skywarp.

* When Megatron laughs maniacally after being infused with the power of the other Decepticons, his head is disproportionately small, and his Decepticon insignia moves independently of his body.

* When Megatron talks to Starscream after that, Starscream's air vent "boobs" are colored white instead of black.

* In the Rhino DVD version, when the Constructicons move out to dig the passage to the Autobot headquarters, [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] is constantly moving a bit back and forth while driving, as if the animation frames are not ordered properly.

*When the Autobots transform, Optimus Prime's left headlight blinks as if indicating to turn left, even though he turns right.

*During the duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron, where are the Autobots seen in the background sitting, in midair?

* In the Rhino DVD version, when Skywarp boasts that Megatron acquired the power of teleportation from him, he is colored like Starscream, who is seen sitting right next to him.

* When the Autobots cheer inside their headquarters, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s insignia is missing.

* When the Constructicons transform to dig a tunnel into the control room of the Ark, [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]'s head is colored yellow.
*When [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] is towing Optimus's trailer, at one point he is an orange-colored Optimus Prime.

* When the Autobots transform to robot mode for the war, Ironhide transforms from robot mode to vehicle mode. Wasn't it the other way round? He is also ''seen'' in his robot mode a second later. Uh...

* After coming online, Grimlock has his original head design, before quickly switching to his regular one.

* When [[Megatron (G1)|Megs]] finds out the "Giant [[Autobot]]" is a hologram, his cannon [[kibble]] is gone for a brief second.

===Continuity errors===
* This episode gives the first of [[Constructicon (G1)|three contradictory origins]] for the Constructicons. 

* The building site that the Constructicons raid is a power plant.  One of the construction workers states that it will be able to provide the whole planet with limitless energy, begging the question of why the Decepticons didn't raid such a powerful energy source for energon.

* Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", the Autobots were unable to detect the approaching Decepticons with Teletraan I sabotaged.

* Optimus Prime takes out Devastator with a single shot from his laser rifle, something rather at odds with the later portrayal of combiners as nigh-invulnerable. Maybe they were upgraded?

* It's a bit strange that Starscream of all mechs should be concerned with legalities and suggest that Megatron try to fight honorably... but there ''is'' a touch of sarcasm when he says "You wouldn't want to ''cheat'', would you, Megatron?"

* So the Decepticons couldn't '''FLY''' out of the lava when they fell in?

===Transformers references===
* This episode introduces the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].

* When the Constructicons are tunneling, Scrapper refers to [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] as "[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]". In their [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|''More Than Meets The Eye'']] bio, Dreamwave would paint this as a deliberate derogatory term other Decepticons sometimes refer to him as. 

* This episode is also the "source" of the aborted "Lava Bath Safety" deco for the original Megatron toy.

* The ''Law of Cybertron'' will be invoked again many years later, to resolve the Generation 2 War. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|The Autobots Triumph in the Battle of Good Vs. Evil!}}

===Trivia===
* Scenes and dialogue deleted from this episode include Wheeljack showing off the latest improvements he has made to the Dinobots outside Autobot Headquarters (during which Megatron arrives), Scavenger referring to Scrapper with the misnomer of "[[Gravedigger]]", and Megatron using Soundwave's mind-reading powers on Optimus Prime during their fight.
**An extended portion of dialogue is also cut from Megatron's address to Optimus Prime, resulting in the rather clumsy line in the finished episode, "Our war has gone on for millions of years -- Decepticons fighting Autobots -- in which opposing leaders -- you and I, Optimus Prime -- may do battle." In the episode's dialogue script, following "Decepticons fighting Autobots," Megatron finishes his first sentence by lamenting the endless nature of the war. Prime shares in his regret, but deems it necessary as long as Megatron continues his pursuit of conquest. Megatron then speaks again, raising the topic of the "age-old law of combat," then picking up the finished line from "in which opposing leaders..."
* During Teletraan's montage of the sources of Megatron's acquired powers, the descriptions for the individual Decepticons are verbatim quotes from the [http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage34.html Transformers Series Bible's "Decepticon Rollcall" page], albeit including several lost-in-translation typographical errors ("Decepticon Lider", "Decepticon Commicator", "Sky Warp"). The most notable of those is [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (misspelled as "Runble") being identified as a [[FIBRIR|"red robot"]]. Furthermore, the seemingly random numbers listed on those screens are actually Hasbro's product codes for the respective toys. Interestingly enough, [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] is given a product number, even though he was never released at mass retail. However, the renditions of the Decepticons are ''not'' the official model sheets for those characters, but rather all-new drawings.

==Home video releases==
*''[[The Original Transformers]]'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution (VHS, 2000)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/heavy_metal_war.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]


[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]