Brain module

This article is about . For other uses of "brain", see brain (disambiguation)|The name or term "brain" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see brain (disambiguation).}}

Goldbug's brain module. Human hand and forceps included for scale.

A Transformer's mind and personality is housed in its brain module. The brain module is a tiny cluster of microchips<ref>Decepticon Graffiti!</ref> located in the Transformer's head. Transplanting the brain module into another piece of machinery effectively transfers the Transformer into a new body.

They give off a distinctive odor, which can be detected by Transformers with sensitive enough olfactory sensors. Their relation to brain chips is unknown.

Fiction

Marvel Comics continuity

Events from the UK-only comic stories are in italics.

Shockwave built brain modules for each of the Constructicons. The modules had to be infused with life by the Creation Matrix. These modules were of a rectangular design. The Next Best Thing to Being There!

One of Bombshell's cerebro-shells implanted itself in Optimus Prime's brain module. Heavy Traffic!

After dissecting captured Autobots, Circuit Breaker discovered that it was the brain module that controlled a Transformer's actions. She was able to manipulate it with electrical currents. She put this knowledge to use in putting together her Autobot suit. Decepticon Graffiti!

The Throttlebots were in the custody of the Intelligence and Information Institute (I.I.I.) and scheduled for termination. One of I.I.I.'s agents, Walter Barnett, became convinced that not all Transformers were the same and that the Throttlebots were on the humans' side. In order to save them, he transferred their brain modules into toy cars and snuck out of I.I.I. headquarters with them. Goldbug and Barnett went to Witwicky Auto Repair to ask for Buster's help in getting to the Ark. After the Throttlebots' empty bodies were compacted, I.I.I. headquarters was attacked by the Predacons and Ratbat. Ratbat inspected the remains of the Throttlebots and noticed their brain modules were missing. He was able to track them by scent to Witwicky Auto Repair, but Buster already left with Barnett and the Throttlebots. They stopped at a mall to get batteries for the toy cars from a Radio Shed. Ratbat and the Predacons arrived and chased the cars through the mall. Buster escaped with Goldbug, leaving Barnett and the other Throttlebots behind. They traveled to the Ark, only to find it gone with only some leftover equipment. Buster used the equipment to radio for Autobot help. Ratbat revealed himself after stowing a ride inside Buster's portable stereo. Toy Soldiers!

Fortress Maximus's Autobots received the message from Nebulos and decided to travel to Earth. Brothers in Armor!! When they arrived at the location of the Ark, they found Spike, who was looking for his brother, and Goldbug, who was still a toy car. Goldbug was able to communicate by faint radio signals. Trial by Fire! Barnett revealed that after Buster left the mall with Goldbug, the Predacons broke off their pursuit. Barnett then took the remaining Throttlebots to an aircraft carrier where I.I.I. was monitoring the Decepticons on their desert island.

Brainstorm and Highbrow rebuilt Goldbug's body aboard the Steelhaven and installed his brain module. Pretender to the Throne! Optimus Prime rebuilt the Throttlebots into stronger bodies. Dark Star

Ultra Magnus, Fizzle, Guzzle, Sizzle, and their prisoner Flywheels were attacked by zombies in Kalis. Ultra Magnus theorized that without brain modules, the dormant circuitry of the deceased Transformers were being controlled by a strong computer signal. He was proven right when they were able to jam the signal and the "zombies" went dormant. City of Fear! One of the zombies was the body of Impactor, who was able to regain some sense of himself despite not having a functioning brain module. Legion of the Lost! Meltdown! Perhaps he had some residual programming on secondary hard drives. Or something.

Marvel UK future timelines

In 2008 the freelance peacekeeping agent Death's Head killed the Decepticon leader Shockwave by blasting him open, extracting his brain module and crushing it. The Legacy of Unicron!

IDW Generation 1 continuity

The brain module was part of Rossum's Trinity with the spark and the transformation cog. The Chaos of Warm Things

Before the war, cerebroscientists at the Institute developed "Shadowplay", a forbidden science that let them brainwash Transformers by accessing their brain modules and implanting new patterns of behavior. Patternism

When Snare was mortally wounded helping the Wreckers, Impactor gave him a mercy kill by crushing his brain module. Last Stand of the Wreckers #4

The Sparkeater that menaced the Lost Light paralyzed its victims by using some kind of mental powers to remotely disconnect their brain module without destroying it, leaving the spark intact for the monster to absorb. The Chaos of Warm Things

After discovering a P-6 Worldsweeper ship on the planet Clemency, the Decepticons Misfire and Crankcase were most disconcerted to discover that the ceiling in one of its passageways was covered in brain modules. Rules of Disengagement

References

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