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{{factions|autobot}}
{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Overload}}
{{disambig3|Overload}}
:''Overload is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Armada (franchise)|Armada]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''
:''Overload is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''


[[Image:Overload-armada-cardart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey guys, I'm totally in ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', seriously!]]
[[Image:Overload-armada-cardart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey guys, I'm totally in ''[[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.
'''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'' Overload is depends on which continuity you're looking at. 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... who uses someone else to form his robot-mode chest and head.
Just ''who'' Overload is depends on which universe one is in. 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... who uses someone else to form his robot-mode chest and head.


:''Japanese name:'' '''Ultra Magnus'''
:''Japanese name:'' '''Ultra Magnus'''


==Fiction==
==Fiction==
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
====''Armada''====
====''Armada'' comic====
[[Image:Jetfireblurrsideswiperhinoxoverload.jpg|left|300px|thumb|I'm in the background a lot.]]
[[Image:Jetfireblurrsideswiperhinoxoverload.jpg|left|300px|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|space bridges]] opening at [[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|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}}
Overload was an Autobot under [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. When the Autobots detected multiple [[space bridge]]s opening at [[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}}


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|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}
Overload was in the command center of [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase: Cybertron]] as the Autobots readied their defenses against [[Unicron]].  {{storylink|The End}}


Overload was in the command center of [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase: Cybertron]] as the Autobots readied their defenses against [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|The End|The End}}
====''Energon'' comic====
[[Image:Overloadmultiplicity.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]


====''Energon''====
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 1]] in [[Canada]]'s [[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}}
[[Image:Overloadmultiplicity.jpg|right|300px|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 1]] in [[Canada]]'s [[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|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}}
The arrival of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] confirmed Dropshot's theory.  Overload and Dropshot were quickly put out of commission, leaving Ironhide alone to face Scorponok... and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]!  {{storylink|No Exit|No Exit}}


The arrival of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] confirmed Dropshot's theory.  Overload and Dropshot were quickly put out of commission, leaving Ironhide alone to face Scorponok... and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]! {{storylink|No Exit}}
{{-}}
{{-}}


===Cartoon continuity===
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
====''Armada'' cartoon====
{{note|Overload was never given an introduction into the series and never had any lines, so exactly where he came from is a mystery.}}
[[Image:ArmOverloadToon01.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Hey! Over here! Behind the geek and the undead guy!]]
[[Image:ArmOverloadToon01.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Hey! Over here! Behind the geek and the undead guy!]]
Overload appeared suddenly 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 (RID)|Sideways]]-possessed clone [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], Overload powerlinked with Optimus' super mode to form a pair of massive, shoulder-mounted cannons. Together, Optimus and [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] destroyed the monstrous marionette. {{storylink|Puppet|Puppet}}
Overload's origin is unknown.


Later on Cybertron, 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 to form Jet Magna Convoy. However, in this form he did not engage in battle with the similarly powerlinked Galvatron, instead using his power to lead the Decepticon away from battle. {{storylink|Cramp|Cramp}}
Overload appeared suddenly 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 (RID)|Sideways]]-possessed 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}}


After the formation of an alliance between the Autobots and Decepticons, Overload stood behind [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] during the mission briefing. {{storylink|Alliance (episode)|Alliance}}
Later on Cybertron, 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 to form Jet Magna Convoy. However, in this form he did not engage in battle with the similarly powerlinked Galvatron, instead using his power to lead the Decepticon away from battle. {{storylink|Cramp}}


{{note|This was the only time he ever appeared in robot mode (with a blue face, like the US toy, instead of gray, like the usually more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] Japanese toys.)}}
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|Alliance (episode)|Alliance}}
{{-}}
{{-}}


====''Linkage'' mini-comics====
====''Linkage'' comic====
[[Image:LinkageOverload.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Cheesebot Spam-a-lot.]]
[[Image:LinkageOverload.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Cheesebot Spam-a-lot.]]
Overload, flanked by [[Tidal Wave]] (who happens to form extra artillery for the [[Megatron (Armada)|Decepticon leader]]), engaged the forces of [[Unicron]] with some heavy [[Powerlinx]] artillery, using [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] and [[Kingbolt]] in their pistol modes, plus [[Quench]] in his missile launcher mode. {{storylink|Linkage Part 13|Linkage Part 13}}
Overload, flanked by [[Tidal Wave]] (who happens to form extra artillery for the [[Megatron (Armada)|Decepticon leader]]), engaged the forces of [[Unicron]] with some heavy [[Powerlinx]] artillery, using [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] and [[Kingbolt]] in their pistol modes, plus [[Quench]] in his missile launcher mode. {{storylink|Linkage Part 13}}
 
{{-}}
{{-}}


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*''Accessories:'' 2 missiles
*''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 ''[[Generation 1 (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' 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.
: 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 [[Generation 1 (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.


: 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.
: 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.
Line 65: Line 64:
*''Accessories:'' 2 missiles
*''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|exclusive]] multi-pack, coming with Optimus Prime in his "Final Battle Color Version" (aka [[Powerlinx]] colors), [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Corona Sparkplug]], and an [[X-Dimension]] [[Redeco|redeco]] of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]].
: 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|exclusive]] multi-pack, coming with Optimus Prime in his "Final Battle Color Version" (aka [[Powerlinx]] colors), [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Corona Sparkplug]], and an [[X-Dimension]] [[redeco]] of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]].
 
{{-}}
{{-}}


Line 78: Line 76:
*'''Optimus Prime with Mini-Con Corona Sparkplug & Overload with Mini-Con Rollout''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
*'''Optimus Prime with Mini-Con Corona Sparkplug & Overload with Mini-Con Rollout''' (Multi-pack, 2004)


: For this Costco-[[Exclusive|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).
: 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).
 
{{-}}
{{-}}


===Universe (2008)===
===Universe (2008)===
====Cybertron Series====
[[Image:Overloaduniverse2009.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Autonomy at last!]]
[[Image:Overloaduniverse2009.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Autonomy at last!]]
*'''Overload''' (Voyager, 2009)
*'''Overload''' (Voyager, 2009)
*''Accessories'': 2 missiles, rifle, Cyber Key {{fact}}
*''Accessories'': 2 missiles, rifle, Cyber Key


: Part of the fifth wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' Voyagers, "Cybertron Series" Overload is a [[Redeco|redeco]] of [[Scattorshot#CybDef|Cybertron Defense Scattorshot]], transforming into a [[wikipedia:TOS-1|TOS-1 Buratino]] multiple-launch rocket system. The halves of the (non-firing) launcher end up on his arms in robot mode. In either mode, inserting a [[Cyber Planet Key]] in each half reveals a new weapon: one side has a pull-out double spring-loaded missile launcher, while the other has a flip-out non-firing blaster barrel.  He also comes with an extra long hand-held rifle that can be mounted in tank mode thanks to his [[Mini-con]]-compatible [[Powerlinx]] plugs.
: Part of the fifth wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' Voyagers, "Cybertron Series" Overload is a [[redeco]] of [[Scattorshot#CybDef|Cybertron Defense Scattorshot]], transforming into a [[wikipedia:TOS-1|TOS-1 Buratino]] multiple-launch rocket system. The halves of the (non-firing) launcher end up on his arms in robot mode. In either mode, inserting a [[Cyber Planet Key]] in each half reveals a new weapon: one side has a pull-out double spring-loaded missile launcher, while the other has a flip-out non-firing blaster barrel.  He also comes with an extra long 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)|Dropshot]].
: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]].
{{--}}


{{-}}
==Notes==
 
* Overload's entry in Dreamwave's ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (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.
==Trivia==
* 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.
* Overload's entry in Dreamwave's ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (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.
* 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 quest to discover the mystery of his origins.
* According to [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], he intended to have a sub-plot explaining just where the hell Overload came from in the [[Linkage (comic)|"Linkage" mini-comics]], 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.
* Overload's whole "appearing out of nowhere without explanation" deal from the cartoon got a slight ribbing in the [[Bio|bio]] for his 2008 ''Universe'' toy, which established that he was now on quest to discover the mystery of his origins.


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 23:50, 20 May 2009

The name or term "Overload" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Overload (disambiguation).
Overload is an Autobot from the Unicron Trilogy continuity family.
Hey guys, I'm totally in 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, forming an enormously powerful set of cannons for the Autobot leader.

Just who Overload is depends on which universe one is in. Sometimes "Overload" is simply the name used by the Mini-Con Rollout when he combines with his armored trailer. And sometimes the trailer itself is Overload, a separate living entity... who uses someone else to form his robot-mode chest and head.

Japanese name: Ultra Magnus

Fiction

Dreamwave comics continuity

Armada comic

File:Jetfireblurrsideswiperhinoxoverload.jpg
I'm in the background a lot.

Overload was an Autobot under Jetfire on Cybertron. When the Autobots detected multiple space bridges opening at 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 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. 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 returned in spiffy new colours with spiffy new powers. Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4

Overload was in the command center of Autobase: Cybertron as the Autobots readied their defenses against Unicron. The End

Energon comic

Ten years later, during the worldwide Terrorcon assault on Earth, Overload, Dropshot, and Ironhide were stationed at Base Site 1 in Canada's Yukon Territory, where their equipment included a planetary shield generator. Base Site 1 had lost contact with 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. Multiplicity, Pt. 3

The arrival of Scorponok confirmed Dropshot's theory. Overload and Dropshot were quickly put out of commission, leaving Ironhide alone to face Scorponok... and Megatron! No Exit

Cartoon continuity

Armada cartoon

Hey! Over here! Behind the geek and the undead guy!

Overload's origin is unknown.

Overload appeared suddenly as a trailer attached to the rear of Optimus Prime's container as the Autobot leader launched himself from the Axalon. Faced with the powerful Sideways-possessed clone Nemesis Prime, Overload powerlinked with Optimus's super mode to form a pair of massive, shoulder-mounted cannons. Together, Optimus and Galvatron destroyed the monstrous marionette. Puppet

Later on Cybertron, 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 to form Jet Magna Convoy. However, in this form he did not engage in battle with the similarly powerlinked Galvatron, instead using his power to lead the Decepticon away from battle. Cramp

After the formation of an alliance between the Autobots and Decepticons, Overload, in robot mode, stood behind Side Swipe and Hoist during the mission briefing. Alliance

Linkage comic

Cheesebot Spam-a-lot.

Overload, flanked by Tidal Wave (who happens to form extra artillery for the Decepticon leader), engaged the forces of Unicron with some heavy Powerlinx artillery, using Prowl and Kingbolt in their pistol modes, plus Quench in his missile launcher mode. Linkage Part 13

Toys

Armada

"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 in his vehicle mode. His robot mode, in which his Mini-Con, Rollout, acts as his head, is a heavily armed robot with a vague resemblance to Generation 1's Ultra Magnus (thus the Japanese name) such as the gimmick of his shoulders, though it actually (according to the designer) has more details from the Action Master Rollout. Overload can be pulled by Rollout in his altmode, 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.
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.
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, and was retooled by OTFCC for Universe Sentinel Maximus with a new head mold.
File:Armada MagnaConvoyDX1.jpg
Some day I'll be more than an accessory!
  • Magna Convoy DX Set (Multi-pack, 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), Corona Sparkplug, and an X-Dimension redeco of the Street Action Mini-Con Team.


  • 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.

Energon

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 (who, despite his larger partner's new duds, remained pretty much the same).


Universe (2008)

Autonomy at last!
  • Overload (Voyager, 2009)
  • Accessories: 2 missiles, rifle, Cyber Key
Part of the fifth wave of Universe Voyagers, "Cybertron Series" Overload is a redeco of Cybertron Defense Scattorshot, transforming into a TOS-1 Buratino multiple-launch rocket system. The halves of the (non-firing) launcher end up on his arms in robot mode. In either mode, inserting a Cyber Planet Key in each half reveals a new weapon: one side has a pull-out double spring-loaded missile launcher, while the other has a flip-out non-firing blaster barrel. He also comes with an extra long 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.

Notes

  • Overload's entry in Dreamwave's Armada: More Than Meets The Eye profile series claims that his combination with Rollout uses "Headmaster technology". The 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, 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.
  • 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 quest to discover the mystery of his origins.