Protoform

Protoforms are part of a Transformer's life cycle in many Transformers continuities.

TeH Nekkid AiRrazzer!1! L@@K

Protoforms consist of an unspecified, free-flowing, metallic matter layered over basic robotic systems. In many universes, 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. When not in stasis lock, protoforms are a roiling mass of liquid metal around their internal frame.

In some universes, existing Transformers can place their sparks in a newly created protoform in order to assume a new form, or to recreate their old one. This is one way of rapidly repairing even the most extreme damage, by virtue of totally replacing the body.

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

Pretty spry for globs of pudding

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.

Given that the Autorollers were apparently extant veterans, this would be a case similar to that of 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 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.

Live-action films

Optimus Prime's protoform

Protoforms grow and survive by feeding inside energon wombs. Revenge of the Fallen 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

Starscream's attempts to breed a new army were met with failure because of low energon supplies, and the "hatchlings", as they were affectionately termed, were dying. When many Decepticons arrived on Earth with The Fallen to claim the Sun, they did not bother assuming alternate modes, and remained in their protoforms. Revenge of the Fallen

"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

My Meebas live inside this tube, we grow and change with help from you!

New Transformers are created by putting protoforms into "protoform moulds" - pre-built robot shells, which they "fill" out, and they are then granted sparks. (Although AllSpark fragments serve the same purpose) Endgame, Part I The same basic moulds could be used for multiple protoforms, leading to similarities in body-type and transformation schemes. Autoboot Camp Endgame, Part I. If they are granted sparks without involving a protoform mould, they apparently "collapse" into a small, baby-like form until they can scan something to base a body on. TransWarped

"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 which had been granted a spark without involving a protoform mould 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 slivers of the AllSpark fragment embedded in Starscream. A Fistful of Energon More clones were constructed later: Skywarp, Slipstream, Sunstorm, Thundercracker, 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

After the misuse of so many protoforms by Megatron and Starscream, the Autobots ultimately recovered only three of the stolen protoforms. Endgame, Part II

If one were to add up all of Starscream's clones, the three Lugnut Supremes, Starscream's final body, and the three recovered aboard Omega Supreme, the protoforms stolen from Yoketron's secret chamber total a mere 26.

Toys

Toys representing transitional protoform modes have been made for several characters from the live-action Movie universe:

Transformers (2007)

File:Movie ProtoformOptimusPrime toy.jpg

Munkytruck feet!

• 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 characters after they have trans-scanned vehicles.

Robot Heroes

• Robot Heroes Protoform Autobot Jazz vs. Decepticon Brawl

Notes

• Optimus Prime's Cybertronian form depicted in Transformers Movie comics and toys greatly resembles a protoform, presumably because it was Hasbro's only reference for an alien Autobot appearance.