Editing Profile

The term "'''Profile'''" refers to a specific format of biographical information about a Transformer following that established by the 1986 [[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe]] comic book series from [[Marvel Comics]] (which in turn was based on the format of the [[wikipedia:Official_Handbook_of_the_Marvel_Universe|Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe]].)

Profiles are distinct from the [[bio]]s featured on [[Tech Spec]]s or any other layout of character information in their standard format, including the character's name, affiliation(s) and sub-group(s); as well as sections containing a biographical overview, abilities and weaknesses.  Unlike many other character information formats, profiles feature no numbering system for rating strength, speed, rank etc. Unless you're a [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] free subscription toy, in which case, hey, the hell with tradition, you can have a G.I. Joe filecard instead!

Profiles are almost exclusively done for characters from the Transformers toyline, though a handful of exceptions to this rule exist.

Many fans attach a particular importance to Profiles because they often provide in-depth character information or background - "transforming" characters who may previously have been complete ciphers into distinct individuals.

==Profile books==
:''For further information, see: [[:Category:Profile books|Category: Profile books]]''

Profile books have been published for the American [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] (twice), ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', and the ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' franchise, which included characters from the two Japanese Beast Wars series ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]''. An [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] profile book series was planned, but canceled due to [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s bankruptcy.

Approximately 1/3 of the Transformers franchise has received profile book treatment. Portions which have received no profile book treatment include several years of the European Generation 1 toyline and ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'', ''[[Machine Wars]]'', ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'', ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'', ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'', the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie franchise]] and much of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]''.

==Other Profiles==
Character Profiles are frequently included as extras or backups in comics, official fan-club or convention materials.  Which characters are covered tends to be selective rather than encyclopedic.

{|class="wikitable"
|+ Profiles outside of Profile books
|-
!Series 
!Characters
|-valign="top"
!Beast Wars
|
* Packrat [http://www.botcon.com/archive/story/characters/packrat.html Botcon 1998 booklet]
* Fractyl [http://www.botcon.com/archive/story/characters/fractyl.html Botcon 1998 booklet]
* Onyx Primal [http://www.botcon.com/archive/story/characters/onyxprimal.html (online)]

|-valign="top"&gt;
!Universe
|
*OTFCC Magazine #1
**Dreadwind
**Smokejumper
**Megabolt
**Jhiaxus
**Optimus Prime (RiD, yellow)
**Sunstorm (standard seeker)
* Wreckers #2
** Apelinq
** Ramulus
*Wreckers #3 SE
**Catscan
**Cryotek [http://www.botcon.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html]
**Cyclonus
**Devcon
**Glyph
**Tap-Out
*Universe #1 SE
**Razorclaw
**Reptillion
**Rook
**Roulette
**Sideswipe
**Snarl
**Sunstreaker

|}

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[[Category:Profile books| ]]