Overload (Armada): Difference between revisions
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: 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 [[The Transformers (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 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 [[The Transformers (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. He can also attach to the trailer for an undocumented Super Mode, by detaching the lower half of Overload's legs and plugging the trailer-legs into the sockets on his thighs. | :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. He can also attach to the trailer for an undocumented Super Mode, by detaching the lower half of Overload's legs and plugging the trailer-legs into the sockets on his thighs, though this arrangement becomes pretty doofy when you realize that he now has four thighs and two crotches, which is probably the very reason it went undocumented. | ||
: 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. | ||
Revision as of 02:01, 18 January 2021
| 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.
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 or even what Overload is depends on which universe one is in, or whatever source you find. 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 or weapons platform... who uses someone else to form his robot-mode chest and head.
Fiction
Toy pack-in comics
When Optimus Prime defeated Galvatron on Cybertron, Overload and Rollout accompanied Optimus in transporting Galvatron to prison. Tidal Wave attacked the duo, rescuing Galvatron. The two Decepticons combined, and Overload in robot mode was set to battle him, but then transformed into a battle platform manned by Rollout. His firepower was of little concern to Galvatron, who swatted the two away. Overload transformed into robot mode just in time to see Unicron take over the sky. Armada Volume 4
Dreamwave Armada continuity
Dreamwave Armada comic
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 One 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 Overload's theory, and he was quickly taken out by a blast from the Terrorcon's tail-gun after having Dropshot thrown in his face. Multiplicity, Pt. 4 Left alone to face not only Scorponok but also Megatron, Ironhide tried desperately to rouse the unconscious Overload and Dropshot, to no avail. No Exit
More Than Meets The Eye (Armada)
Overload was commissioned in the "Second year of the earthen conflict" by Optimus Prime to serve as a weapons platform, using Rollout as a Headmaster unit. More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada
Cartoon continuity
Armada cartoon
Overload suddenly appeared 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-controlled 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
Upon their arrival on Cybertron, Optimus Prime used Overload's combination firepower once more. Uprising
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. However, 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. Union
Ask Vector Prime
Overload was an Autobot who developed an addiction to powerlinxing, to the point where he would forcibly merge with Mini-Cons who didn't want to join with him. Realizing that his addiction had turned self-destructive, he went into voluntary exile until he could overcome his problem. By the time that he sought refuge on Nebulos, his Spark had begun a fatal diminishment as a result of withdrawal from the powerlinx process.
Fortunately, the Nebulan doctors Hi-Q and Arcana were treating another Cybertronian patient: Rollout, who had lost the ability to transform as a result of nucleon. The two doctors consulted the archives and discovered an ancient medical technique known as the Headmaster process, which could save both lives with a single operation. The new composite being would survive, but their mind and body could not accommodate two sparks simultaneously.
Seeking a Cybertronian physician, they found Rhinox, who brought them back to Cybertron and completely rebuilt them using the same techniques he had used when refitting Jetfire. The new Overload was deployed before he was completed to help Optimus Prime defeat an evil clone of himself.
Rhinox was killed in the battle against Unicron, and thus could never complete his upgrade. For many years, Overload never truly understood the mystery of his origins, until he discovered his original schematics. After upgrading himself again, he left Cybertron in search of clues. He eventually discovered Hi-Q, solving the mystery. Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/18
Linkage
Overload, flanked by Tidal Wave, 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
Universe toy bio
Overload used to be a partner to Optimus Prime himself. But those days were past: he left Cybertron years ago. With his origins and past a mystery, even to himself, Overload hunted for the answers to his past on the lost Cybertronian colony worlds.
Energon toy bio
Overload was a traveling companion of Optimus Prime for thousands of years. Through time and battle, they developed the ability to combine into the mighty Mega Weapon mode of Optimus Prime. Costco exclusive Optimus Prime & Overload toy bio
Toys
Armada
- 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. He can also attach to the trailer for an undocumented Super Mode, by detaching the lower half of Overload's legs and plugging the trailer-legs into the sockets on his thighs, though this arrangement becomes pretty doofy when you realize that he now has four thighs and two crotches, which is probably the very reason it went undocumented.
- 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.
(Takara version pictured)
- 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 for OTFCC 2004's Universe Sentinel Maximus with a new head mold.
- Magna Convoy DX Set (Multi-pack, November 11 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
- 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)
- Overload (Voyager, 2009)
- Part of the fifth wave of Universe Voyagers, Overload is a redeco of Cybertron Cybertron Defense Scattorshot, transforming into a mobile multiple-launch rocket system with a color scheme reminiscent of the Generation 1 Micromaster Flak. He has "
MDL 823-75" on the right side of the launcher, the significance of which is not yet known.
- The halves of the (non-firing) launcher end up on his arms in robot mode. In either mode, inserting a Cyber Key in each half reveals a new weapon: the right side has a slide-out double spring-loaded missile launcher which ends up on his left robot arm, while the left has a flip-out non-firing cannon barrel which ends up on his right robot arm. Both key-activated weapons feature fake handles which end up being "held" by his hands in robot mode, although the missile launcher on his right arm needs to be slid forward for him to be able to reach the deployed blaster's handle. He also comes with an extra long green hand-held rifle that can be mounted in tank mode thanks to his Mini-Con-compatible Powerlinx plugs.
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.
- Years later, he finally got to give Overload a proper origin via the Facebook edition of Ask Vector Prime!
- 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 a quest to discover the mystery of his origins.
- This bit of info was also incorporated into Ask Vector Prime's explanation of Linkage Overload's origin!
Foreign names
- Japanese: Ultra Magnus (ウルトラマグナス Urutora Magunasu)
- Hungarian: Túltöltés
- Korean: Ultra Magnus (울트라매그너스 Ulteura Maegeuneoseu)
- Ukrainian: Perehriv (Перегрів, "Overheat")
