Protoform


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



Protoforms consist of an unspecified freeflowing 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, alive Transformer beings. Often protoforms are used to transport Transformers on intergalactic journeys.

Protoforms are transported or stored in stasis lock, where they look like smooth robotic humanoids (right.) When not in stasis lock protoforms are a roiling mass of liquid metal around their internal frame.

Japanese name: Sentou-in(Meaning "soldier" or "warrior".)  (Beast Wars II)

Beast Wars
Protoforms are often contained within stasis pods and dropped into unexplored worlds.

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. (Given that the Autorollers were apparently extant veterans this would be a case similar to that of Airazor where an already living Cybertronian had been downloaded into a new protoform body. )

Dreamwave comics continuity
Dreamwave first applied the existence of protoforms backwards into the Generation 1 era and established them as the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life.

Cybertron
Protoforms are established as the first stage of Transformer life, this is usually followed by Primary programming.

Transformers (2007) movie
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 extranious matter nearby to generate a new exostructure disguise.

Animated
According to Bumblebee, Megatron eats them for breakfast.

Toys

 * Protoform Optimus Prime


 * Protoform Starscream


 * Robot Heroes Protoform Autobot Jazz vs. Decepticon Brawl

Trivia

 * A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines: "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?"


 * All the Autobot Protoforms within the Transformers film are Protoform Optimus Prime. Not to say that ILM got lazy.