Protoform
- 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.<sup id="cite_ref-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-0" title="">[1]</a></sup>
- Japanese name: Prototype (Beast Wars), Cyberdrone (Car Robots)
Fiction
Beast Wars
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
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.
<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">Note: 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.</div>
Dreamwave comics continuity
Protoforms are the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals are sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the Combaticons.
Robots in Disguise
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
Cybertron
Protoforms are established as the first stage of Transformer life, which is usually followed by Primary programming.
Transformers (2007)
Protoforms in this continuity are more than just the first stage of a Transformer's life, they are the "base" form that exists down 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.
<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">Note: "Protoform" is used as a term for the movieverse Transformers' Cybertronian forms, although this is also a chosen appearance for the self-regenerating molecular armor formed by the protoform.</div>
Animated
According to Bumblebee, Megatron eats them for breakfast. Transform and Roll Out! Also, Ratchet refers to Sari as a protoform, suggesting that protoforms are an early stage in a Cybertronian's life cycle that is similar to childhood. Lost and Found Ironically, this would later turn out to be true, indicating that Transformers can become technorganic in Animated merely by transcanning an organic form. Apparently, different Transformers could also be created by the same protoform templates, a fact that could explain similarities in body form and transformation schemes (or, in real life terms, retools and redecos.) Autoboot Camp
"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.
Toys
Toys representing transitional protoform modes have been made for several characters from the live-action Movie universe:
- Protoform Optimus Prime (Deluxe Class, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Optimus Prime Fusion Cluster Edition.
- Protoform Starscream (Deluxe, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Starscream Fusion Cluster Edition.
- Trans Scanning Bumblebee
- Trans Scanning Optimus Prime
Trivia
- A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?" <sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-1" title="">[2]</a></sup>
- 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.
Footnotes
<ol class="references"><li id="cite_note-0"><a href="#cite_ref-0" title="">↑</a> Protoform states seen in "The Spark". <li id="cite_note-1"><a href="#cite_ref-1" title="">↑</a> "Black Horizon, Part 1", G.I. Joe vs. Transformers Volume 4</ol> <center> <table cellspacing="0" style="width:90%;">
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