Rite of the Autobrand
The Rite of the Autobrand is an initiation ritual that is used by the Autobots. It involves getting branded with the Autobot insignia, then accepting a flask of mingled fuel donated from all the other Autobots. This makes him part of the team, but it remains the right of any Autobot to leave if they wish.
Fiction
Marvel The Transformers comics
Very soon after his spark of life was ignited by the Creation Matrix, Jetfire was inducted into the ranks of the Autobots through the Rite of the Autobrand. Prowl and Mirage operated the branding equipment. Rock and Roll-Out!
2005 IDW continuity
Rewind and Dominus Ambus underwent the Rite of the Autobrand when they became Autobots. Before & After
Tailgate requested Ultra Magnus that he wanted to undergo the ritual. This meant he had to learn the entirety of the Autobot Code, though that's probably less of a requirement of the Rite and more of a side-effect of letting the rule-loving Magnus guide you through it. How Ratchet Got His Hands Back Rodimus was supposed to draw a "probationary symbol" on Tailgate's chest during the Act of Affiliation, a ceremony which comes before the Rite of the Autobrand in becoming an Autobot. You, Me, and Other Revelations
He apparently underwent the Rite while comatose recovering from cybercrosis, as he discovered a new Autobrand on his chest, much to his delight, when he awoke. Words Hang in the Air
Notes
Foreign names
- Japanese: Autobrand no Gishiki (Marvel, オートブランドの儀式), Autobot he no Nyūdan (IDW MTMTE #5, オートボットへの入団), Autobot no Nyūdan Gishiki (IDW MTMTE #12, オートボットの入団儀式）, Autobot Kanyū Shikiten (IDW MTMTE #16, オートボット加入式典）
