Protoform

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

TeH Nekkid AiRrazzer!1! L@@K

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 1

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

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.

Animated

So cute that you can just eat'em up.

"Protoform" seems to be a derogatory nickname 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 Apparantly, according to Prowl and Prof. Sumdac, Sari was a protoform that her dad found and when he touched it she was there. TransWarped This is ironically proving two of Prof. Bulkheads theory's correct. The first being "Came to earth in an egg" and the second being "she's really a robot". Return of the Headmaster

If both had Yoketron's spark in are they still Protoforms.

Lockdown was able to steal a bunch of protoforms from Yoketron while stealing his helmet. Prowl found him in time and brought him back by putting his Spark into one that wasn't stolen but Yoketron told him not to sacrafice the future to save the past and passed away. Five Servos of Doom

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

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.

Footnotes

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