Protoform

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

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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.

Japanese name: Prototype (Beast Wars), Cyberdrone (Car Robots)

Generation One

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

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 caused the protoform from the Beast Wars II rust.

Note: Given that the Autorollers were apparently extant veterans, this would be a case similar to that of Airazor, in which an already living Cybertronian had been downloaded into a new protoform body.

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

Unicron Trilogy

Cybertron

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

Transformers (2007) movie

"Now, let's find some pants."

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.

Transformers Animated

So cute that you can just eat'em up.

Originally, the Protoforms were under the care of Yoketron until his former pupil Lockdown, mortally wounded him in an act of betrayal as he makes off with the Protoforms as Megatron requested. Returning to in time, Prowl used the last Protoform within the shrine to revive his master, but Yoketron told him not to sacrifice the future to save the past, choosing to forcefully extinguish his Spark rather than live on a stolen life. Five Servos of Doom The Protoforms ended up in Megatron's ship, remaining intact after the ship got heavily damaged and later crashed on the Moon. Transform and Roll Out! Starscream later takes advantage of these protoforms to create an army in his image, using the first two as booby trap decoys to take out both sides. Fistful of Energon He then creates five more, giving them actual life with fragments of his Allspark shard. A Bridge Too Close, Part I Eventually, Megatron takes advantage of the protoforms to create the three Lugnut Supremes. Endgame, Part 1 After the battle, only three of the Protoforms remain intact as they are brought to Cybertron. Endgame, Part 2

In the case of Sari, her origins are a mystery, as her protoform somehow ended up in Prof Sundac's lab, more child-like compared to the other protoforms seen in the series. But like the Beast Wars series, Sari scanned her father's genetic signature to assume her current form, believing herself to be an actual human until the truth begins to reveal itself. After hearing Prof Sumdac's explanation, Prowl pieced the pieces together and explains Sari's nature. TransWarped This ironically proves two of Prof. Bulkhead's theories correct. The first being "that she came to earth in an egg" and the second being "she's really a robot". Return of the Headmaster It has yet revealed how she even ended up at Sumdac's lab or who dropped her there.

In the series, "Protoform" can be used in slang amongst Cybertronians, translating roughly to "baby" or "kid". 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. Prowl also said to Captain Fanzone that every Protoform's elemental programing includes learning ninja nerve blows, which is why they were teaching them to Sari Sumdac. Survival of the Fittest When Ratchet yelled at Carlee and Spike he said he wasn't a "taxi service for unprocessed Protoforms" meaning unborn babies. Garbage In, Garbage Out 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, retoolings and redecos.) Autobot Camp

Movie continuity

In the final battle, many Decepticon Protoforms join the battle without scanning an alt-mode. One of the Protoforms was killed, with the head removed. Another one destroyed two of the Arcee's before being killed by Ironhide and the rest were presumably killed in the carpet bombing. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Several protoforms took part in the battle in Chicago after being transported to Earth from the moon via space bridge, but all were killed by the Autobots and NEST. Dark of the Moon

Prime cartoon

File:Armada-protoforms.jpg

Protoforms on the Harbinger discovered by Starscream.

After arriving at the remains of the Harbinger, Starscream found an intact laboratory with five unused protoforms. Starscream then created five exact duplicates of himself out of them by implanting some of his own energon into them; however, the five clones contain functioning transformation cogs, where as Starscream does not. The Starscreams were then sent to the Nemesis to exterminate Megatron. They managed to board the ship, but one was killed by Bulkhead, who also somehow wound up on the ship. It was at this point that Starscream learned that he could feel the pain and suffering that the protoforms felt.

Later, the other four clones were able to nearly kill Megatron, but were interrupted by the arrival of several Insecticons, controlled by Airachnid from afar. During the confusion caused by their attacking the ship, Megatron was able to kill three of the four remaining clones; the final one was able to escape Megatron and later the ship after its power core was destroyed by Bulkhead.

This clone then returned to Starscream, where it not only reported its failure but also tried to kill him. However, Starscream had been aware of the treachery and was able to kill it before it could do the same to him. Armada

Toys

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

Munkytrukk feet!

• 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.

• Robot Heroes Protoform Autobot Jazz vs. Decepticon Brawl

• Trans Scanning Bumblebee

• Trans Scanning Optimus Prime

Notes

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

• All the Autobot Protoforms within the the film Transformers look like Protoform Optimus Prime. Not to say that ILM got lazy.

Footnotes

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