Protoform: Difference between revisions
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[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] protoforms were shown moving about the Predacon warship using their own power, though they were not shown to speak or have any kind of personality. After the Predacons had gathered enough information about the machines of [[Gaea]]'s past, they then fed the information into the protoforms via energy waves. The protoforms were then altered into the [[Autoroller|Autorollers]]. | [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] protoforms were shown moving about the Predacon warship using their own power, though they were not shown to speak or have any kind of personality. After the Predacons had gathered enough information about the machines of [[Gaea]]'s past, they then fed the information into the protoforms via energy waves. The protoforms were then altered into the [[Autoroller|Autorollers]]. | ||
The atmosphere of the Planet Gaea could have | The atmosphere of the Planet Gaea could have caused the protoforms to rust. | ||
{{Note|Given that the Autorollers were apparently extant veterans, this would be a case similar to that of [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]] in "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]", in which an already living Cybertronian had been downloaded into a new protoform body.}} | {{Note|Given that the Autorollers were apparently extant veterans, this would be a case similar to that of [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]] in "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]", in which an already living Cybertronian had been downloaded into a new protoform body.}} | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
===''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon=== | |||
Autobots (and possibly Predacons) can change into a protoform state during long journeys, presumably to conserve energy. Attributes of an Autobot's original form remain in whatever new form the being takes. For instance, [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] retained the ability to detect [[O-Part]]s. | |||
A downside to the protoform process is that it leaves the Autobots vulnerable to tampering. [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] was able to use his [[spark]]'s energy to turn Autobot protoforms into [[Decepticon|malevolent entities]]. {{storylink|The Decepticons}} | |||
===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics=== | ===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics=== | ||
Protoforms are the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals are sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the [[Combaticon | Protoforms are the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals are sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the [[Combaticon]]s. {{Storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}} | ||
==='' | ===''G.I. Joe vs the Transformers''== | ||
A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?" {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}} | |||
A | |||
===''Cybertron'' cartoon=== | ===''Cybertron'' cartoon=== | ||
Protoforms are | Protoforms are the first stage of Transformer life, which is usually followed by [[primary programming]]. | ||
===''Transformers'' (2007)=== | ===''Transformers'' (2007)=== | ||
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime protoform.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus Prime | [[Image:Movie OptimusPrime protoform.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus Prime's protoform]] | ||
Protoforms | Protoforms are more than just the first stage of a Transformer's life, they are the "base" form that exists inside each robot. Protoforms are made of an ultra-dense, liquid metal material and are extremely hard to damage. | ||
In the rare case they are not actively practicing their natural proclivity for chameleon-like disguise (usually only when engaged in interstellar travel), Transformers shed their exo-structure and return to their protoform state. This protoform is capable of transforming into its [[transition form]]: an armored, cometary shape capable of interstellar travel. Upon landing on a new world and transforming back into a protoform, the Transformer immediately begins [[ | In the rare case they are not actively practicing their natural proclivity for chameleon-like disguise (usually only when engaged in interstellar travel), Transformers shed their exo-structure and return to their protoform state. This protoform is capable of transforming into its [[transition form]]: an armored, cometary shape capable of interstellar travel. Upon landing on a new world and transforming back into a protoform, the Transformer immediately begins [[trans-scan]]ning for new alternate forms to adopt. When one is chosen, the protoform draws on its own ultra-dense substance and any extraneous matter nearby to generate a new exostructure disguise. {{Storylink|Transformers: The Movie Guide}} | ||
{{Note|"Protoform" is used as a term for the | {{Note|"Protoform" is used as a term for the movie continuity Transformers' Cybertronian forms, although this is also a chosen appearance for the [[self-regenerating molecular armor]] formed by the protoform.}} | ||
{{-}} | |||
===''Animated'' cartoon=== | ===''Animated'' cartoon=== | ||
[[Image:TransWarpedProtoform.jpg|thumb|right|My Meebas live inside this tube, we grow and change with help from you!]] | [[Image:TransWarpedProtoform.jpg|thumb|right|My Meebas live inside this tube, we grow and change with help from you!]] | ||
New Transformers are created by putting protoforms into pre-built robot shells, which they "fill" out, then using the All Spark. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} The same templates could be used for multiple protoforms, leading to [[Redeco|similarities]] in body form and transformation schemes. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} | |||
"Protoform" seems to be a derogatory nickname amongst Cybertronians, translating roughly to "baby" or "kid". The word "protoform''ed''" has been used, presumably in reference to a protoform's coming into existence. | "Protoform" seems to be a derogatory nickname amongst Cybertronians, translating roughly to "baby" or "kid". The word "protoform''ed''" has been used, presumably in reference to a protoform's coming into existence. | ||
A large number of protoforms were in the care of [[Yoketron]], either to be Cybertron's next generation or a last-resort if [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Project Omega]] failed. [[Lockdown]] went on to attack and steal most of them {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} for the Decepticons, who would place them inside the [[Nemesis (Animated)|Nemesis]]. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} | A large number of protoforms were in the care of [[Yoketron]], either to be Cybertron's next generation or a last-resort if [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Project Omega]] failed. [[Lockdown]] went on to attack and steal most of them {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} for the Decepticons, who would place them inside the ''[[Nemesis (Animated)|Nemesis]]''. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} | ||
A protoform somehow appeared in [[Isaac Sumdac]]'s lab. After Isaac touched it, the protoform became [[Sari Sumdac]], a technorganic Transformer. {{storylink|TransWarped}} | |||
According to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] eats protoforms for breakfast. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}} | |||
The protoforms stored on the ''Nemesis'' were used by [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] to create a barrage of clones of himself. The spark of life was provided by silvers of the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] fragment embedded in Starscream. {{storylink|Three's a Crowd}} More clones were constructed later: [[Skywarp (Animated)|Skywarp]], [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]], [[Thundercracker (Animated)|Thundercracker]], the [[Female Starscream]], and the [[Liar Starscream]]. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}} | |||
Megatron used a few of the stolen protoforms and an AllSpark fragment to create the [[Lugnut Supreme]]s. Starscream used one to create himself a new body. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} | |||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
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==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s Cybertronian form depicted in ''Transformers'' comics and toys greatly resembles a protoform, presumably because it was Hasbro's only reference for an alien Autobot appearance. | * [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s Cybertronian form depicted in ''Transformers'' comics and toys greatly resembles a protoform, presumably because it was Hasbro's only reference for an alien Autobot appearance. | ||
{{Stub}} | {{Stub}} | ||
Revision as of 19:05, 20 May 2009
- Protoforms are part of a Transformer's life cycle in many Transformers continuities.
Protoforms consist of an unspecified, free-flowing, metallic matter layered over basic robotic systems. In many continuities, a protoform is the first stage in a Transformer's life cycle. These protoforms only await a life-giving spark and the alt-form information necessary to transform them into fully functional, living Transformer beings. Often, protoform modes are used to transport Transformers on intergalactic journeys.
Protoforms are transported or stored in stasis lock, in which state they look like smooth, robotic humanoids (right). When not in stasis lock, protoforms are a roiling mass of liquid metal around their internal frame.[1]
- Japanese name: Prototype (Beast Wars), Cyberdrone (Car Robots)
Fiction
Beast Wars cartoon
Protoforms are often contained within stasis pods and dropped into unexplored worlds. The Axalon carried many such stasis pods for exploration reasons. When a protoform lands, it scans for compatible life-forms. When a suitable lifeform is found, the protoform is reformatted by hitherto unknown means.
Beast Wars II cartoon
Predacon protoforms were shown moving about the Predacon warship using their own power, though they were not shown to speak or have any kind of personality. After the Predacons had gathered enough information about the machines of Gaea's past, they then fed the information into the protoforms via energy waves. The protoforms were then altered into the Autorollers.
The atmosphere of the Planet Gaea could have caused the protoforms to rust.
Robots in Disguise cartoon
Autobots (and possibly Predacons) can change into a protoform state during long journeys, presumably to conserve energy. Attributes of an Autobot's original form remain in whatever new form the being takes. For instance, Scourge retained the ability to detect O-Parts.
A downside to the protoform process is that it leaves the Autobots vulnerable to tampering. Megatron was able to use his spark's energy to turn Autobot protoforms into malevolent entities. The Decepticons
Dreamwave Generation One comics
Protoforms are the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals are sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the Combaticons. Revelation
=G.I. Joe vs the Transformers
A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?" Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2
Cybertron cartoon
Protoforms are the first stage of Transformer life, which is usually followed by primary programming.
Transformers (2007)
Protoforms are more than just the first stage of a Transformer's life, they are the "base" form that exists inside each robot. Protoforms are made of an ultra-dense, liquid metal material and are extremely hard to damage.
In the rare case they are not actively practicing their natural proclivity for chameleon-like disguise (usually only when engaged in interstellar travel), Transformers shed their exo-structure and return to their protoform state. This protoform is capable of transforming into its transition form: an armored, cometary shape capable of interstellar travel. Upon landing on a new world and transforming back into a protoform, the Transformer immediately begins trans-scanning for new alternate forms to adopt. When one is chosen, the protoform draws on its own ultra-dense substance and any extraneous matter nearby to generate a new exostructure disguise. Transformers: The Movie Guide
Animated cartoon
New Transformers are created by putting protoforms into pre-built robot shells, which they "fill" out, then using the All Spark. Endgame, Part I The same templates could be used for multiple protoforms, leading to similarities in body form and transformation schemes. Autoboot Camp Endgame, Part I
"Protoform" seems to be a derogatory nickname amongst Cybertronians, translating roughly to "baby" or "kid". The word "protoformed" has been used, presumably in reference to a protoform's coming into existence.
A large number of protoforms were in the care of Yoketron, either to be Cybertron's next generation or a last-resort if Project Omega failed. Lockdown went on to attack and steal most of them Five Servos of Doom for the Decepticons, who would place them inside the Nemesis. Endgame, Part I
A protoform somehow appeared in Isaac Sumdac's lab. After Isaac touched it, the protoform became Sari Sumdac, a technorganic Transformer. TransWarped
According to Bumblebee, Megatron eats protoforms for breakfast. Transform and Roll Out
The protoforms stored on the Nemesis were used by Starscream to create a barrage of clones of himself. The spark of life was provided by silvers of the AllSpark fragment embedded in Starscream. Three's a Crowd More clones were constructed later: Skywarp, Sunstorm, Thundercracker, the Female Starscream, and the Liar Starscream. A Bridge Too Close, Part I
Megatron used a few of the stolen protoforms and an AllSpark fragment to create the Lugnut Supremes. Starscream used one to create himself a new body. Endgame, Part I
Toys
Toys representing transitional protoform modes have been made for several characters from the live-action Movie universe:
Transformers (2007)
- Protoform Optimus Prime (Deluxe Class, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Optimus Prime Fusion Cluster Edition. This form is usually Optimus Prime's pre-Earth body in IDW Publishing's Transformers movie prequel comics.
- Protoform Starscream (Deluxe, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Starscream Fusion Cluster Edition. This form is usually Starscream's pre-Earth body in IDW's Transformers movie prequel comics.
- Trans Scanning Bumblebee (2008)
- Trans Scanning Optimus Prime (2008)
- Both Trans-Scanning Bumblebee and Optimus Prime feature a highly articulated protoform robot mode that can transform into its comet-like transition mode. Snap-on armour based on their Earth robot and vehicle modes represent the character after they have trans-scanned a vehicle.
Robot Heroes
Notes
- Optimus Prime's Cybertronian form depicted in Transformers comics and toys greatly resembles a protoform, presumably because it was Hasbro's only reference for an alien Autobot appearance.
