Prowl (G1)


 * Prowl is an Autobot and Maximal from the Generation 1 continuity family.



Prowl is the Autobot military strategist. As such, Autobot Commander Optimus Prime will keep Prowl near at hand for his indispensable expertise. He believes his dedication to logic and rational thought puts him next in line for Optimus Prime's job and dreams of making grand speeches even though in reality he's stoic and uncharismatic.

He really doesn't tend to get along well with his fellow Autobots, many of whom find his strict adherence to military protocol stifling, and his uptight personality sure doesn't help matters. He does not react well to the unexpected and despises disorder. The Dinobot commander Grimlock, who is disorder made manifest, especially honks Prowl off, and Grimlock feels pretty much the same way in return, only with more swear words. He's very fond of his acid pellets, though.

A possible alternate-universe version of Prowl is active during the Universe conflict.


 * French-Canadian name: Cervo, Rôdeur  (as Action Master)
 * Hungarian name: Portyázó (meaning Prowler)
 * Italian name: Pantera

Marvel Comics continuity
Before Optimus became leader, Prowl was part of the self-styled Magnificent Six, a team of Autobot warriors who would be tortured and humiliated by the sadistic Megadeath.

Prowl was one of the select Autobots chosen by Optimus Prime to travel aboard the Ark, and ended up in stasis lock for four million years at the base of Mount St. Hilary with the rest of the crew. Once the volcano exploded, Optimus chose Prowl to lead the first away mission into civilization. Like most of the Autobots, though, he soon ran out of energy without any option of refueling on Earth, and suffered even greater injuries when the Ark and the deactivated Autobots aboard were taken over by Shockwave and the Decepticons. ''He was eventually revived when Ratchet and the Dinobots reclaimed control of the Ark from Shockwave's drone, the Guardian. ''

With Optimus Prime's head still in Decepticon possession, Prowl took command of the Autobots until their true leader could be restored. At Jazz's suggestion, he forged an alliance with human fuel magnate, G.B. Blackrock, arranging an exchange of free gasoline for the Autobots for their help in protecting Blackrock's facilities from the Decepticons. The Autobots were eventually successful in recovering Prime's head, and restoring him to functionality, but Prowl suffered some injuries battling the Decepticons and a false Prime in the process.

''Shortly thereafter, Prowl was the ringleader of a group of Autobots strongly requesting that Prime use his Creation Matrix to create Ultimate Autobot super-warriors to wipe out the Decepticons for them. The lethal efficiency of Prowl's stance was just as strong opposed by another faction who saw such action as a perversion of their sacred lifeforce, and the potential for laying waste to Earth. Prime's long absence and relative weakness after his recent ordeals left Prowl and the others less deferential than normal to his will, but after he singlehandedly fought through the Decepticons to rescue Bumblebee, Prowl and the other Ultimate Autobot proponents backed down and accepted Prime's final word on the subject. When the Dinobots were driven feral by their primitive circuitry, Prowl nearly sacrificed himself crashing a shuttlecraft straight into the feuding Grimlock and Sludge. ''

Prowl's injuries kept him out of action for some time, though he was back in action briefly (and later deactivated by means unknown) during the Battlecharger's rampage, and attempted to bring them in despite the endangerment of human life. Ratchet did manage to briefly revive him in order to exploit Prowl's police car mode against a human thief named the Mechanic who had infiltrated the Ark. Prowl was fully revived in time for Grimlock and Blaster's grudge match on the moon, and fought alongside the combined crews of the Ark and Steelhaven against the Decepticon party-crashers. Unfortunately, it wasn't too long afterwards that Prowl was once again knocked off-line, this time battling the Underbase-charged Starscream in New York.

He would remain in stasis for some time, until Grimlock acquired a large supply of super-energy known as Nucleon, and pumped it into all of the Ark's stasis chambers. Prowl found himself revived just in time to engage the Chaos-Bringer known as Unicron for the sake of all Cybertron, and then bury his longterm friend and leader, Optimus Prime, who sacrificed himself to destroy Unicron. At Prime's last request, Prowl reluctantly supported Grimlock as new leader of the Autobots. While Grimlock pursued his own interests, though, Prowl found himself working almost alone trying to maintain the tenuous peace between the Autobots and Decepticons. He ended up overplaying his hand, and gave Decepticon leader Bludgeon a chance to betray the Autobots, leaving them trapped on the dying world of Cybertron, without transport, while the Decepticons fled to conquer new civilizations. Luckily for Prowl, Grimlock had anticipated the Decepticons' treachery (By Primus, how'd he manage that...?!?) and had secured alternate starships. The Autobots chased their foes to the planet of Klo and, thanks to the resurrection of Optimus Prime and the arrival of the Last Autobot, managed to drive off Bludgeon's forces, sending them into at least temporary exile.

Following the discovery of the Cybertronian Empire, Prowl once again took up arms and served under Optimus.

Earthforce

(Note: These stories do not fit into the normal Marvel UK continuity. See Earthforce for details.)

''Prowl was reactivated by Galvatron's interference; he easily shook off an attempt at brainwashing him via his baser instints and shot Galvatron in the face. Along with Wheeljack, he lamented about the proliferation of newer types of Transformers, claiming these newcomers gave him a headache just thinking about them. He went on to risk his life to stop a Decepticon weapon, leading to both being lost; it turned out he'd survived and deactivated the weapon weeks ago, and was just taking it easy in Louisiana. Now part of Earthforce, he became second-in-command under Grimlock - and had much more success with it than in US #76-80! He also pursued Megatron back into the past when he used Flashback technology to try and alter the events of Dark Star!; possessing his own past body, Prowl thwarted Megatron and then had to let his past self be killed by Starscream. ''

Along with the surviving Magnificent Six and Silverbolt, Prowl once more faced Megadeath in 1990 and, encouraged by Silverbolt to overcome the past, helped beat Megadeath half to death.

Animated continuity

 * Voice actor: Michael Bell (US), Toshirō Ishii (Japan)



Prowl was part of the crew of the Ark, the Autobot starship that left Cyberton looking for alternate sources of energy only to crashland on Earth. Four million years later, the Transformers were reawakened by the eruption of the volcano the Ark had crashed in and reformatted by Teletraan-1. Despite being situated in the United States, Prowl was reformatted as a Japanese police car. No one seemed to notice.

On Earth, Prowl continued to serve as Optimus Prime's right hand man, filling the role of military advisor and strategist. His precision thinking and by-the-books planning served as a valuable counterpoint to Jazz's more improvisational style, and it was up to Optimus Prime to weigh their views and come to a decision.

During an attack against Decepticons, Prowl's battle computer was knocked offline by a particularly fierce blow. Crippled, Prowl extended his antenna to seek out an online computer that he could patch into. He found Chip Chase's desktop terminal, and the young human ally momentarily took control of Prowl, animating the massive Autobot warrior with his computer.



Skids and Prowl attempted to stop the mayhem caused by Blitzwing's Decepticons, but instead the two Autobots crashed into each other and were temporarily rebuilt into a throne by Scrapper.

Prowl met his maker in the year 2005, alongside fellow Autobots Ironhide, Brawn and Ratchet. During a Decepticon assault of a shuttle run to earth from Moonbase One for energon. He was felled by a single blast from Scavenger, which penetrated his armour and extinguished his spark.

Prowl's body was evidently recovered for interment, as his grave was housed in the interstellar Autobot mausoleum. Along with the mausoleum itself, Prowl's remains were later plunged into a red sun as a side-effect of a Quintesson plot.

Headmasters cartoon
Prowl appears as an extra on Earth, even though he died in the movie five years or so previously.

(Note: Prowl's revival can be chalked up to error, especially since the Movie did not actually reach Japan until many years later. However, he was listed as deceased in Dark Awakening, which did air in Japan, so who knows? Maybe he got better like Wheeljack did?). Another possibility is that the robot identified as Prowl was in reality Bluestreak, mistakenly portrayed with Prowl's colour scheme.

Binaltech
When Prowl's laser core was lost to subspace in a GT Transfer accident, his longtime friend Chip Chase volunteered to sacrifice his very own soul in order to breathe life into the now-lifeless Prowl 2. With the help of Ratchet and Wheeljack Chip's consciousness was transported into Prowl's frame. The new entity created in this fusion is virtually indistinguishable from Prowl's old persona, thanks to copies of the original Prowl's memory core and datatrax, while a separate neurocomputer handles Chip's thought processes.

Kid Stuff Talking Story Books

 * Voice actor: Unknown


 * "OUR MISSILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!"

Prowl appears in this storyline as Optimus Prime's over-acting right-hand man.

Dreamwave comics continuity
Prowl was an Autobot from Praxus. After the death of Sentinel Prime, Grimlock called him, Jazz, and others to the ruins of Praxus, where he declared that if the new Prime was insufficient, they would take control of the Autobot military. Prowl was present at the ceremony when Optronix became Optimus Prime, and was restrained by Grimlock when Prime was attacked. Prowl became Optimus Prime's immediate subordinate and advisor. When Optimus ordered a planetary evacuation, Prowl told Prime that there were many voices raised in opposition against it. Prime asked if Prowl's own voice was raised in opposition, but he did not reply. The planetary turbines were activated by Megatron, and Prime left to investigate. As Shockwave lead an assault on Iacon, Prowl and Jazz lead the defense, and Prowl sent out an order to all Autobots outside Iacon to regroup and dig in elsewhere. After Iacon was devastated by the mecha-forming process, Prime aborted the evacuation.

After Prime and Megatron disappeared in a space bridge test, the Autobots fractured, leading to the Lightning Strike Coalition and Wreckers leaving the main Autobot army. Prowl took oever leadership of the Autobots. He worked with Shockwave, who had assumed command of the Decepticons, to prevent the Fallen's plans from coming to fruition. He and Shockwave agreed to let the Well of All Sparks remain sealed 'Til all are one, as Shockwave put it. Prowl thought the line was catchy. Eventually, however, Ultra Magnus took command of the Autobots, and reunited the three factions.

Prowl was one of many Transformers under the control of rogue government engineer-turned-arms dealer Adam Rook. He, along with several Autobots and Decepticons, attacked the Smitco Oil Refinery Artic facilty during Rook's sales demonstration to several terrorist organizations. Unfortunately, the invasive program that controlled Prowl killed a helpless human refinery worker escaping from the destruction.

Transformers Legends anthology
When Optimus Prime accidentally kills a fellow Autobot, Prowl--who never liked the dead guy anyway--covers it up so the rest of the team won't lose faith in their leader.

IDW Beast Wars: Ascending
Prowl is a member of the Maximal counter part to the Tripredacus Council, the Maximal Imperium, alongside former Autobot teammates Ironhide and Silverbolt.

IDW comics continuity
Prowl has been serving the Autobots for a long time, dating back to the days of Sentinel Prime if not earlier. He was part of the team that attempted - and failed - to crack down on the illegal bloodsports in Kaon. When Megatron defeated Sentinel and devastated the Security Team HQ, it was Prowl who took control and ordered the evacuation of security forces from Kaon. Currently, he is the leader of a detachment of Autobots that has operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency lead by Starscream, and blindly following the Autobot rules of counterinsurgency. He almost throws Ratchet in the brig for breaking cover to rescue three humans from the Decepticons, and subsequently refuses to contact Optimus Prime until further evidence of enemy activities is uncovered. He does not willingly believe Ratchet when the medic tells him that the Decepticons have stepped up their presence by constructing a second base. However, Ironhide ends up sending a pulsewave transmission to Prime behind Prowl's back. Once Optimus arrives, Prowl shows himself to be a trusted and loyal officer.

In the Kup Spotlight, Prowl is shown hiding Springer's rescue mission from Optimus but he still feels it's a wasted effort, asking Springer if Kup would want other Autobots killed rescuing him.

Prowl uses a holomatter avatar along with Jazz, Ironhide, Sunstreaker and Wheeljack while driving on the highway.

When everything kicked off in Brasnya, Prowl led Jazz and Wheeljack (and later Hot Rod and Hardhead) into battle, attempting to capture a Decepticon facsimilie - he risked his life in the attempt (though Hot Rod mucked up his first attempt). When Optimus was temporarily offlined and believed dead, Prowl assumed full command and came up with a strategy for fighting Megatron (shoot him, then run away).

IDW Hearts of Steel continuity
With Optimus Prime in stasis lock, Prowl and Ratchet appeared to be the co-leaders of the Autobots in the 19th century. Despite Bumblebee's pleading, he was reluctant to interfere with the humans, but nevertheless participated in the pursuit of the Astrotrain as it headed to New York.

His "Ice Age Wars" altmode is uncertain, but it is spiky, and possibly aquatic. His 19th century altmode is a small black-and-white locomotive with a glowing red smokestack.

Generation 1

 * Prowl (Autobot Car, 1984/1985/1990/2002/2003)
 * Japanese ID number: 09, TFC-02




 * Prowl was part of the first series of Autobots released in 1984, reusing a mold originally developed for a Diaclone Datsun Fairlady Z (280 ZX) police car, with his decals altered to remove the "Diaclone" marks. (The European "Classic Heroes" re-release retained the Diaclone stickers, for unknown reasons).


 * In 1985, Mexico imported Transformers, but there were some notable changes on numerous toys. Prowl's helmet, arms, and boots turned black, plus his "POLICE" decals became "POLICIA".  There was also a wide running change (or just factory error) that left out the black paint on his car hood.




 * In 2002, Prowl was re-released as part of the Transformers Collection series in Japan. This version has slightly-altered decals, and fully-functional spring-loaded missile launchers.


 * In 2003, Prowl was released as part of the Toys "R" Us exclusive "Commemorative Series" line in the US. This version of Prowl uses a softer, unchromed black plastic for his rifle and missiles owing to breakage issues, plus his launchers are completely non-firing.  He uses the same decals as the Japanese "bookbox" release.


 * The same mold was used for Bluestreak and Smokescreen.


 * Prowl (Action Master Blaster, 1990)


 * A non-transforming action figure, Action Master Prowl is modeled after his cartoon model with a few toy-based liberties taken. He came with his Turbo Cycle vehicle, though the main figure was compatible with all other Action Master vehicles and weapons.

Beast Wars

 * Magnaboss (Ultra, 1997)


 * Prowl transforms from a lion into a robot, with his cat-butt turning into a "cyber tail claw" weapon. He is able to combine with Ironhide and Silverbolt, its package buddies, into Magnaboss.


 * This mold was used to make Lio Junior.


 * (Note: The toy packaging gives absolutely no indication as to who the Magnaboss components are as characters. Their being Generation 1 characters is a retcon from the IDW comic series.)

Machine Wars

 * Prowl (Basic, 1997)


 * Sharing a mold with Machine Wars Mirage, Prowl transforms into a Formula-1 race car, and converts to robot mode with a spring-loaded, one-step transformation. His rifle-halves store in his legs in car mode.  He --and the entire Machine Wars line-- was available only at Kay-Bee stores.


 * Prowl's usual function is strategist, but, in an ironic twist, in this first non-police car form he's described as chief of security.


 * This mold was also used to make Robots in Disguise Skid-Z.

Smallest Transformers

 * Prowl (2003)
 * Japanese ID number: GTF-09




 * Released in Wave 2 of Smallest Transformers, STF Prowl is the smallest possible transforming toy based upon the original Prowl toy. He faithfully repoduces the transformation sequence for the most part, but due to parts-cost limitations, he has little articulation, his legs cannot separate and his wheels do not roll.

Alternators

 * Prowl (Alternator, 2005/2006)
 * Alternator ID number: 16
 * Japanese ID number: BT-15




 * Alternators Prowl transforms into a 1:24-scale Acura RSX car with police lights, opening doors, hood and trunk. His engine becomes a (non-firing) gun, while a clear-plastic nightstick is hidden under his car-mode rear section.  He was among the last of the "red box" Alternators, but was included in new "white box" assortments in 2006. The "white box" version of Prowl had additional Acura logos on the rear of the car that the "red box" version did not.




 * For his standard Japanese Binaltech release, Prowl got a different vehicle mode deco based on a real Japanese police car (the Hasbro version's deco being based more on the original Generation 1 toy), a different spoiler mold, different rims, right side steering, a Imperial chrysanthemum emblem instead of an Acura logo, and gray plastic instead of stony-blue. He was also labelled as a "Honda Integra Type-R", the model's make in Japan.


 * Prowl Vivid Blue Pearl Edition (Binaltech, 2005)
 * Japanese ID number: BT-15




 * Like Jazz, Prowl got two different Binaltech decos released in equal numbers. The second version, known as Vivid Blue Pearl Prowl, is a civilian version with no police lights, a mostly blue interior, a Honda logo (instead of a Imperial chrysanthemum emblem) on the grill, and a solid blue car-shell.  His robot-mode parts remained mostly the same color, however.


 * This mold (the Japanese blue Prowl variant, combined with parts from American police Prowl) was used to make Alternators Camshaft.


 * Prowl Satellite Patrol Edition (Binaltech, 2005?)


 * The Hasbro version of Prowl, using the Hasbro red box packaging, was supposed to have been released in Japan as an exclusive to a satellite TV provider. The only notable difference from the Hasbro version was the "Satellite Patrol" markings on his doors.  It is unknown if this toy was ever actually released, however.

Universe

 * Prowl (Autobot, 2005)


 * A redeco of the Robots in Disguise Prowl 2 mold, Universe Prowl transforms into a Chevrolet Caprice police car with through-axle construction for super-speedy rolling on smooth surfaces. His gun hides as his car mode's tailpipe.  Originally only available at Kay-Bee stores in packaging with no sub-line markings, his entire assortment was later repackaged under the Universe banner and sold through "dollar store" chains like Family Dollar.

Attacktix

 * Prowl (Booster, 2007)


 * Introduced in Series 2 of Attacktix, Prowl is a Captain class unit with the special ability to stun an opposing player unit. His sculpt is based upon his G1 cartoon model with some additional details. His weapon is a hugely oversized version of his rifle, capable of firing a large silver projectile.

Trivia

 * Prowl's Diaclone predecessor also came with additional optional stickers that would identify him as being part of the police forces from existing Japanese cities, namely "Tokyo City", "Sapporo City", "Sendai City", "Osaka City" and "Fukuoka City".


 * The original Transformers instructions booklet shows a visible Japanese label sheet complete with the Imperial chrysanthemum emblem found on Japanese police cars, which did not make it to final product.


 * Machine Wars Prowl's card-art is actually an altered version of the art for the Generation 2 Laser Rod Jolt.


 * Transmetal 2 Prowl may possibly be the same spark as the G1 character reincarnated... though the IDW series makes this REALLY complicated.


 * At OTFCC 2004, Hasbro stated that there was no Prowl Alternators toy in the works, but some other emergency vehicle (which got a chorus of boos). In fact, the Acura RSX Alternators mold was original supposed to be Red Alert, as backed up by a placeholder listing found at Hasbro's website and a Takara color guide for the toy that used a control drawing which sports a head sculpt based on G1 Red Alert (but colored as Prowl). Eventually, however, it was decided to release the toy as Prowl instead.


 * Instead of having a normal gunshot death, Prowl is shown having orange smoke coming from his mouth as he dies. Ewww!