List of Transformers books
Encyclopedia
There have been many publishers of a book (some with accompanying audio cassettes) bearing the name Transformers based on the toy lines
of the same name. Most common are Ballantine Books
and Ladybird Books
.
-style books based on The Transformers.
The Insecticons
gain control of the minds of the Dinobots
, hoping to turn their powers to evil.
Written by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel. Illustrated by William Schmidt. The cover art features Jazz, Starscream and Optimus Prime. Characters in the story include Buster and Sparkplug Witwicky, Soundwave and Ransack
. This book has 12 different endings. ISBN 0-345-34153-8
Notes: Starting in this book and going the rest of the series, Galvatron and Ultra Magnus are depicted as the leaders with transformers from the 3rd Season and The Movie showing up. Oddly enough the Transformers who die in the movie still show up.
Wreck-Gar appears.
Notes: Bumblebee sacrifices himself in one of the endings, thus he's not seen in the following book.
Spike is decpited as Sparkplugs son as opposed to Buster who showed up earilier in the series.
An experimental invisibility device that renders things invisible. It's up to you to decide whether the Autobots or Decepticons get their hands on it and how it is used.
.
is commander of various Autobot ships sent to other planets in search for the Cyber Planet Keys. Longrack
serves as captain of the Spanner which was sent to Delta Draconis
. Among the ship's crew are Armorhide
, Blurr
and Checkpoint
.
attempts to close of Cybertron for the Mini-Cons.
. It has 24 pages. ISBN 9780061991790
in 2002, a new trilogy of novels (Hardwired, Annihilation and Fusion) appeared written first by Scott Ciencin
and later by David Cian. The first book was written by Ciencin, while the latter two are written by Cian. In this period, a short story anthology entitled Legends, edited by Cian and Steven Roman, also appeared.
, Hardwired followed Prime, Megatron, Jazz and other Transformers as they were abducted by a mysterious alien race known as the Keepers and forced to fight in gladiatorial combat. On Earth, Starscream
took command of the Decepticons and took over Las Vegas
, leaving Grimlock
(not trusted due to his actions in the first miniseries) to lead the remaining Autobots to stop him. The novel ended with the abducted Transformers returning to Earth - with Bluestreak
and several humans possessed by the Keepers.
as Prime attempts to rally the Autobots. Megatron walks out of the Decepticons with a band of devoted followers to ally with the Autobots against the Keepers (who now possess many of the Autobots and Decepticons). They defeat them, but Megatron claims his "favor" for helping the Autobots - to become the next Matrix
bearer.
, turned good by exposure to the Matrix, sacrifices itself and Devastator to close the gate.
, Beast Machines
and Transformers: Armada
. Written by such writers as Simon Furman
, David Bischoff
, John Miller
and others, the stories included an amnesiac Starscream learning what it means to be an Autobot, a first person viewpoint of Megatron
's actions in Beast Machines, and a special story where Optimus Prime, the first and third series incarnations of Optimus Primal
and Armada Optimus Prime meet in a limbo realm (interpreted as a bar) during their various deaths.
animation models, released by IDW Publishing
on 5/31/2007. Jim Sorenson and Bill Forster authored the volume. It is a 208-page trade paperback, ISBN 978-1-60010080-2. The cover was drawn by Don Figueroa
and the forward written by Bob Budiansky
.
The Ark contains the original animation models, robot and alt mode, for every character with a toy who appeared in the four seasons of the original Transformers Cartoon, which ran from 1984-1987. Most of the characters are shown with multiple angles. Some feature head shots, transformation storyboards or close-ups of their weapons.
In addition to the toy based characters, a few characters unique to the cartoon also appear in these pages, including Autobot X, Devcon and Alpha Trion
. Humans such as Spike, Chip Chase and Dr. Arkeville appear, as does a one-page mosaic of the planet Cybertron
. Ships included are most of the ships from the original animated movie, as well as The Ark
and The Nemesis. Unicron
, the Junkions, the Lithones and the Quintessons
each receive 2 to 4 pages of models. A three-page spread details the pre-earth modes of Soundwave
, Jazz
, Bumblebee
, Laserbeak
, Wheeljack
and the Seekers
.
In the back is a bonus section. Included are alternate model sheets for Jetfire
, Megatron, some Stunticons, the Combaticons
, some characters from the movie, some season 3 beast Decepticon
s and Broadside
. Also present is a two-page sheet of the faction sigil from multiple angles and scale guide with most season 1 and season 2 characters represented.
Organization is chronological by faction. An index in the back gives page reference for each character in the book.
kidnap thousands of humans and force them to bury tons of coal in the desert. Sealing the humans in the cave they set off high temperature explosives that turn the carbon in the coal and humans into a gigantic diamond lens that they plan to launch into space. Bumblebee
discovers the Decepticon launching site and Optimus Prime
sends Skyfire
to take it out, but he fails. Megatron launches the lens into space and uses it to focus the sun's rays and melt the shale in the Rocky Mountains into oil. Optimus again sends Skyfire to stop the lens and Prowl
instructs Ratchet
to build extra fuel tanks for the Autobot jet's trip to space. Despite his best efforts the diamond is unharmed and Skyfire burns up on reentry of Earth's atmosphere. As the boiling oil threatens to kill millions on the West Coast, the Autobots build a mile long mirror to reflect the lens rays back on it, shattering it. The Autobots launch an assault on Megatron's base, but the Decepticon leader and Soundwave escape in their drilling mole machine.
and Optimus Prime
orders Huffer
to build a collector to store the energy given off by the next storm. Laserbeak
discovers the lightning rod
and informs the Decepticons, but Soundwave mistakes it for a giant transmission antenna. Although Starscream
and Rumble attempt to destroy the object, Megatron stops them and leads the Decepticons to the object in hopes of learning what message the Autobots are sending, and who they are contacting. Once inside the base, the Decepticons are caught in the energy of a storm and are forced to retreat. The Autobot plan to use the energy to help them repair their ship and eventually return to Cybertron
, leaving humanity with the technology to collect energy from lightning.
detects a solar power
research station. The Deceptions attack the station, siphoning the power to fill their energon cube
s. Starscream
makes an unsuccessful attempt to oust Megatron as leader. The Autobots arrive and battle ensues. The Decepticons are defeated when Spike sabotages the solar collector, destroying the energon cubes.
send Bumblebee
to spy on the Deceptions. He overhears Megatron and the other senior Deceptions discussing the fact they need space to test their ship's new ion-drive. Bumblebee is chased from the area by Ravage, ironically leading him to an abandoned railway tunnel that exactly suits the Decepticons' purposes. The Autobots manage to locate the Decepticons' position by monitoring their radio waves and Spike suggests they take advantage of a car rally being held nearby. Spike and Jazz
enter the rally and manage to slip away and locate the Decepticons. As the Autobots launch an attack, Spike and Jazz send an old wagon train
crashing through the tunnel, destroying the Decepticons' ion drive.
send Laserbeak
to learn more about the humans, despite Starscream
's protests that humans were weak and insignificant. Observing a windmill
, Laserbeak came into contact with power lines, became trapped in cassette form and was found by some humans. Both the Decepticons and Autobots monitored Laserbeak's radio report. Hound
and Spike were sent to investigate. When they discovered the Decepticons observing the windmill, they called for backup. Optimus Prime
assembled a battle unit of Ironhide
, Sunstreaker
, Windcharger
and Cliffjumper, leaving Ratchet
in charge of their headquarters. Meanwhile, Laserbeak was taken to a disco
, where playing him re-energized his circuits and he flew off to rejoin the Decepticons. Sparkplug explained to the Autobots the windmill's technology, as Megatron was interested in a mechanical device that didn't generate a magnetic field. A battle broke out over the windmill, in which Starscream panicked when he learned the windmill was immune to his null rays. Rumble
destroyed the windmill during the battle and the Decepticons retreated, with no new technology to take. Optimus Prime expressed his regrets over the destruction that occurred. However, Spike points out that no-one had any idea about the battle that occurred as the local paper reported that a freak storm had destroyed the windmill.
suggests visiting the scene of an old battle between them and the Deceptions to see if anything was left behind. However the search is halted by an ambush by the Decepticon planes
. Worried about how Galvatron
knew where they were, Ultra Magnus
sends out first the Aerialbots
then Cosmos
, discovering the Decepticons have three shielded satellites which can monitor the whole of the Earth's surface. The Autobots use artificial Northern lights
to cut out communications then send a fake message that causes the three satellites, unable to see each other, to collide, destroying them. The Autobots then salvage the metals they need from the wreckage.
follows a Decepticon recovery crew to an abandoned warehouse on a nearby industrial estate. At the suggestion of Spike's father, the Autobots take up position in a neighbouring building then, when the estate is closed for holidays, launch an attack on the Decepticons. Ultra Magnus
and Galvatron
end up in single combat and when Galvatron appears triumphant Spike strikes him with a wrecking ball before bringing a wall down on the Decepticons, causing them to retreat.
refuses to listen to reason, they launch an attack and destroy the energy pyramid. The Decepticons then make a second attempt, by moving Scorponok
and the entire Decepticon force to the pole and then establishing a more complex energy converter. The Autobots launch an attack during which Kup
, Blurr
and Sureshot
manage to melt the permafrost
under the converter and collapse it.
to investigate a Nebulan legend about underground oil reserves. The pair locate an oil lake, unaware they are being observed by Weirdwolf. Under Brainstorm's direction, the Autobots construct a pipeline
between the lake and their base. Cyclonus
and the Decepticons attack and damage the pipe. Kup
and Highbrow
repair the pipe, better concealing it in the process, but come under attack from the Decepticons. However, they manage to defeat them by luring them into the gulley full of spilt oil, causing them to lose their footing.
sends out patrols to find out what they are doing. Soon all of Nebulos has been searched except the Nebulos Triangle, an area of electronic interference. A patrol comprising Quickswitch, Scoop
and Quickmix
is sent to the area and, after encountering difficulties with navigation and a whirlpool, they uncover an underground Decepticon base. After a chase through the tunnels, Scoop manages to block off the base's surface exit and Quickmix finishes the job by coating the rocks with rapid-set concrete
.
is captured by the Decepticon
Tentakil. Scorponok
sends a message to the Autobots promising to release him if Optimus Prime
gives himself up. Optimus Prime surrenders but also smuggles Hosehead
and Fizzle into the Decepticon base. As expected, Scorponok fails to keep his side of the bargain but the two Autobots manage to free both Optimus Prime and Highbrow and after a brief battle they make their escape.
and Brad Joyce.
watch. They are spied on by Scourge
, Laserbeak and Bombshell. Hot Rod challances Blurr to another race, but crashes when he think he spots a Decepticon. As Springer goes to help Hot Rod Bombshell injects him with a cerebro shell. Grapple recovers Hot Rod and takes him back to Ratchet for repair. Back at the Autobot headquarters Wreck-Gar notices that Springer is acting funny, and then Springer starts shoting up Autobot City.
and Phil Lord.
tells them the story of the lost treasure of Cybertron - a supply of energon cubes which were loaded on the Ark before it left Cybertron. A supply which was lost in the crash. Hot Rod decides they should try to find the energon, and the other Autobots agree. Laserbeak
, who has been spying on the Autobots, flies home to let Galvatron
know about the cubes. Ultra Magnus
leads the Autobots Arcee
, Blurr
, Brawn
, Bumblebee
, Grimlock
, Hot Rod, Kup, Sideswipe, Sludge
, Springer
, Sunstreaker
, Swoop
, Wheelie
and Windcharger
to Mt. St. Hilary. Meanwhile Galvatron leads the Decepticons Bonecrusher
, Dirge
, Laserbeak, Ramjet
, Rumble
, Scrapper, Scourge
, Soundwave
and Starscream
to the other side of the mountain. They discover each other and fighting ensues. During the fight, Rumble accidentally unearths the crate containing the energon. During the struggle the crate is broken open by Grimlock and then Starscream shoves most of the energon into his mouth, and declares himself leader of the Decepticons. He fights with Galvatron, and the Autobots leave.
. ISBN 0-87135-107-2.
Transformers (toy line)
The is a line of toys produced by the American toy company Hasbro. The Transformers toyline was created from toy molds mostly produced by Japanese company Takara in the toylines Diaclone and Microman. Other toy molds from other companies such as Bandai were used as well...
of the same name. Most common are Ballantine Books
Ballantine Books
Ballantine Books is a major book publisher located in the United States, founded in 1952 by Ian Ballantine with his wife, Betty Ballantine. It was acquired by Random House in 1973, which in turn was acquired by Bertelsmann AG in 1998 and remains part of that company today. Ballantine's logo is a...
and Ladybird Books
Ladybird Books
Ladybird Books is a London-based publishing company, trading as a stand-alone imprint within the Penguin Group of companies. The Ladybird imprint publishes mass-market children's books.-History:...
.
Find Your Fate Junior
A series of Choose Your Own AdventureChoose Your Own Adventure
Choose Your Own Adventure is a series of children's gamebooks where each story is written from a second-person point of view, with the reader assuming the role of the protagonist and making choices that determine the main character's actions and the plot's outcome. The series was based on a...
-style books based on The Transformers.
Dinobots Strike Back
Book number 1 in the Transformers Find Your Fate Junior series. Dinobots Strike Back is a children's book. It was written by Casey Todd and illustrated by William Schmidt. It was published in 1986.Synopsis
The Insecticons
Insecticons
Insecticons is the name given to a sub-group of fictional characters in the Transformers Universes, referred to as Insectrons in the Japanese version. The name was also used for several fictional characters in the Transformers Universes...
gain control of the minds of the Dinobots
Dinobots
Dinobots is the name of several teams of characters in the fictional Transformers Universe. The groups are made up of several robots, each of whose transformed mode is that of a dinosaur or similar prehistoric animal. They are called Dinotrons in the Japanese version; and ' in the Japanese dub of...
, hoping to turn their powers to evil.
Battle Drive
Book number 1 in the Find Your Fate Junior series.Written by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel. Illustrated by William Schmidt. The cover art features Jazz, Starscream and Optimus Prime. Characters in the story include Buster and Sparkplug Witwicky, Soundwave and Ransack
Ransack
Ransack is the name of several fictional characters in the universe of the Transformers series. Ransack was first created in 1985 as one of the Insecticons...
. This book has 12 different endings. ISBN 0-345-34153-8
Attack of the Insecticons
- Written by Lynn Beach
- Illustrated by William Schmidt
- ISBN 0-345-34151-1
Decepticon Poison
- Cover illustration of Bumblebee, Megatron and Skywarp.
- Cast includes Twin Twist.
- Written by Judith Bauer Stamper
- Illustrated by William Schmidt
- ISBN 0-345-33073-0
Autobot Alert!
- Written by Judith Bauer Stamper
- Illustrated by William Schmidt
- ISBN 0-345-33388-8
Notes: Starting in this book and going the rest of the series, Galvatron and Ultra Magnus are depicted as the leaders with transformers from the 3rd Season and The Movie showing up. Oddly enough the Transformers who die in the movie still show up.
Project Brain Drain
- Written by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel
- Illustrated by William Schmidt
- ISBN 0-345-33389-6
Wreck-Gar appears.
Notes: Bumblebee sacrifices himself in one of the endings, thus he's not seen in the following book.
Spike is decpited as Sparkplugs son as opposed to Buster who showed up earilier in the series.
The Invisibility Factor
The 9th and last book in the Transformers Find Your Fate Junior series. The Invisibility Factor is a children's book. It was written by Josepha Sherman and illustrated by William Schmidt. It was published in 1986.Synopsis
An experimental invisibility device that renders things invisible. It's up to you to decide whether the Autobots or Decepticons get their hands on it and how it is used.
Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday
To promote the upcoming live action movie, Ballantine books released a prequel novel set in 1969. The plot revolved around a human craft reverse engineered by examination of the frozen Megatron being sent into space and encountering the Autobots and Decepticons. Originally scheduled to be written by Cian, the novel was written instead by Alan Dean FosterAlan Dean Foster
Alan Dean Foster is an American author of fantasy and science fiction. He currently resides in Prescott, Arizona, with his wife, and is also known for his novelizations of film scripts...
.
Transformers: Exodus - The Official History of the War for Cybertron
Synopsis
Set during the events of the Transformers: Cybertron television series, Ultra MagnusUltra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers storylines.-Transformers: Generation 1:The greatest Transformer of them all. A commander could want no finer a soldier than Ultra Magnus...
is commander of various Autobot ships sent to other planets in search for the Cyber Planet Keys. Longrack
Longrack
Longrack is the name of several fictional characters from Transformers series.-Beast Wars Neo:Longrack is the gabby, annoying class committee member of the group. He is quite serious about following rules to the letter, and will butt in and aggressively complain to others about it. His Arm Shot...
serves as captain of the Spanner which was sent to Delta Draconis
Delta Draconis
Delta Draconis is a yellow star in the constellation Draco. It has the traditional names Aldib, Altais and Nodus Secundus....
. Among the ship's crew are Armorhide
Armorhide
Armorhide is the name of several fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:Dangar is sometimes also spelled 'Danger'. Armorhide's animated appearance in the TV series is based on the Takara version...
, Blurr
Blurr
Blurr is the name given to five different fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He frequently appears as a blue Autobot who transforms into a swift car...
and Checkpoint
Checkpoint (Transformers)
-Transformers Energon:Checkpoint was a part of an Autobot S.W.A.T. team along with Prowl who he was sold with. Checkpoint is a mainly black and white six-wheeled futuristic truck of a fictional make. He is able to 'powerlinx' with any other Powerlinx toy from Energon. His hand-held weapon is a...
.
Synopsis
Set on the planet Cybertron after the events of the last issue of the original Marvel Transformers comic series, Mini-Cons created by the Last Autobot are restoring Cybertron for the return of their larger Autobot and Decepticon brothers who are in space. A conspiracy lead by Broadside (Transformers)Broadside (Transformers)
Broadside is the name of three fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Broadside's bio presented him as literally getting the worst possible out of his alternate modes. He transforms into an Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, but gets seasick. He...
attempts to close of Cybertron for the Mini-Cons.
Satellite Meltdown
Satellite Meltdown is a 2010 children's book written by Lucy Rosen and published by HarperCollinsHarperCollins
HarperCollins is a publishing company owned by News Corporation. It is the combination of the publishers William Collins, Sons and Co Ltd, a British company, and Harper & Row, an American company, itself the result of an earlier merger of Harper & Brothers and Row, Peterson & Company. The worldwide...
. It has 24 pages. ISBN 9780061991790
Transformers: Meet the Decepticons
Meet the Decepticons is a 2007 children's book written by Jennifer Frantz and illustrated by Guido Guidi. It has 32 pages ISBN 9780060888282iBooks
With the revival of the Transformers comics by Dreamwave ProductionsDreamwave Productions
Dreamwave Productions was a Canadian art design studio and comic book publisher founded in 1996 and is best known for their multiple Transformers comic book series...
in 2002, a new trilogy of novels (Hardwired, Annihilation and Fusion) appeared written first by Scott Ciencin
Scott Ciencin
Scott Ciencin is an American author. He sometimes writes with Denise Ciencin.-Biography:Scott Ciencin is a New York Times bestselling author who writes adult and children's fiction and works in a variety of mediums including comic books. Among his works are novels written for the Dungeons &...
and later by David Cian. The first book was written by Ciencin, while the latter two are written by Cian. In this period, a short story anthology entitled Legends, edited by Cian and Steven Roman, also appeared.
Hardwired
Set in the Dreamwave continuity at a point between their first and second Generation One miniseriesTransformers: Generation One (Dreamwave)
Transformers: Generation One was a Dreamwave Productions comic book series, consisting of two 6-issue limited series and an ongoing title. Within the same continuity were 3 other Dreamwave series: a series of character profiles entitled Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, a prequel miniseries...
, Hardwired followed Prime, Megatron, Jazz and other Transformers as they were abducted by a mysterious alien race known as the Keepers and forced to fight in gladiatorial combat. On Earth, Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
took command of the Decepticons and took over Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, leaving Grimlock
Grimlock
Grimlock is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a tough leader who turns into a mechanical dinosaur...
(not trusted due to his actions in the first miniseries) to lead the remaining Autobots to stop him. The novel ended with the abducted Transformers returning to Earth - with Bluestreak
Silverstreak
Bluestreak is a character in the Transformers mythos. For trademark reasons his name had to be changed to Silverstreak in 2003. Trademark was returned to Hasbro again in 2010.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and several humans possessed by the Keepers.
Annihilation
In Annihilation, Megatron attempts to reclaim his leadership of the Decepticons, but is defeated by Starscream and DevastatorConstructicons
right|thumb|Scavenger, Bonecrusher, Longhaul, Scrapper & Mixmaster - five of the original six Constructicons The Constructicons are a group of fictional characters from the various Transformers continuities...
as Prime attempts to rally the Autobots. Megatron walks out of the Decepticons with a band of devoted followers to ally with the Autobots against the Keepers (who now possess many of the Autobots and Decepticons). They defeat them, but Megatron claims his "favor" for helping the Autobots - to become the next Matrix
Autobot Matrix of Leadership
The Matrix of Leadership or Creation Matrix in the fictional Transformers universes is the Autobot talisman of legend, passed down from leader to leader. It consisted of an oval-shaped container, holding a glowing crystal. To open the Matrix is to release an unpredictable wave of power from the...
bearer.
Fusion
In Fusion, Prime gives Megatron the Matrix, unwilling to break his word of honor, as the possessed Autobots and Decepticons return to normal. However, the Keepers are not yet defeated and plan to return to Earth via a warpgate as the US military tries once more to destroy all the Transformers. In the end, the Keepers are defeated when Megatron's reprogrammed Omega SentinelOmega Supreme
Omega Supreme is the name of a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. He is always an Autobot and is often depicted as a gigantic transformer with vast strength and/or overwhelming firepower.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, turned good by exposure to the Matrix, sacrifices itself and Devastator to close the gate.
Legends
A short story anthology edited by Cian, Legends offered 13 short stories from all eras of Transformers up to that point - G1, Beast WarsBeast Wars
Transformers: Beast Wars is a Transformers toyline released by Hasbro between 1995 and 2000, and a Daytime Emmy Award winning full-CG animated television series spawned by it that debuted in 1996...
, Beast Machines
Beast Machines
Beast Machines is an animated television series produced by Mainframe Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. Hasbro has the full distribution rights to the show as of 2011. It was a direct sequel to Beast Wars taking place within the continuity of the original Transformers series...
and Transformers: Armada
Transformers: Armada
Transformers: Armada, known in Japan as , is a Transformers animated series, comic series and toy line which ran from 2002–2003. It was originally scheduled for 2001, however was delayed until early-2002...
. Written by such writers as Simon Furman
Simon Furman
Simon Christopher Francis Furman is a comic book writer, particularly associated with of a number of notable Transformers comics for Marvel UK, Marvel US, Dreamwave, and most recently, IDW...
, David Bischoff
David Bischoff
David F. Bischoff is an American science fiction and television writer.-General Background:Born in Washington D.C. and now living in Eugene, Oregon, Bischoff writes science fiction books, short stories, and scripts for television...
, John Miller
John Miller
-Politics:* John Miller , Governor of North Dakota, 1889–1891* John Miller , Governor of Missouri, 1826–1832; U.S. Representative from Missouri, 1837–1843...
and others, the stories included an amnesiac Starscream learning what it means to be an Autobot, a first person viewpoint of Megatron
Megatron (Beast Wars and Beast Machines)
The Beast Wars and Beast Machines version of Megatron is the main antagonist from the aforementioned parts of the Transformers animated series, toy lines, and multiverse...
's actions in Beast Machines, and a special story where Optimus Prime, the first and third series incarnations of Optimus Primal
Optimus Primal
Optimus Primal is a fictional character from the Transformers toyline, and the leader of the Maximal forces and the main protagonist in the Beast Wars television series. He is sometimes called Optimal Optimus...
and Armada Optimus Prime meet in a limbo realm (interpreted as a bar) during their various deaths.
Transformers: The Ark - A Complete Compendium Of Transformers Animation Models
The Ark is a compendium of TransformersTransformers (toy line)
The is a line of toys produced by the American toy company Hasbro. The Transformers toyline was created from toy molds mostly produced by Japanese company Takara in the toylines Diaclone and Microman. Other toy molds from other companies such as Bandai were used as well...
animation models, released by IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title "Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share" for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic...
on 5/31/2007. Jim Sorenson and Bill Forster authored the volume. It is a 208-page trade paperback, ISBN 978-1-60010080-2. The cover was drawn by Don Figueroa
Don Figueroa
Don Allan Figueroa is a Filipino American comic book artist and toy designer. He is best known for his work on many different Transformers designs, for both the defunct Dreamwave Productions and with IDW Publishing.-Dreamwave Productions:...
and the forward written by Bob Budiansky
Bob Budiansky
Bob Budiansky is an American comic book writer, editor, and penciller, best known for his work on Marvel's Transformers comic. He also created the Marvel character Sleepwalker and wrote all 33 issues of that comic.-Career:...
.
The Ark contains the original animation models, robot and alt mode, for every character with a toy who appeared in the four seasons of the original Transformers Cartoon, which ran from 1984-1987. Most of the characters are shown with multiple angles. Some feature head shots, transformation storyboards or close-ups of their weapons.
In addition to the toy based characters, a few characters unique to the cartoon also appear in these pages, including Autobot X, Devcon and Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion is a fictional character in the various Transformers universes. Alpha Trion is one of the Thirteen Primes, thus all his portrayals are considered to be the same individual. He is generally depicted as an ancient mechanoid with a link to Optimus Prime...
. Humans such as Spike, Chip Chase and Dr. Arkeville appear, as does a one-page mosaic of the planet Cybertron
Cybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
. Ships included are most of the ships from the original animated movie, as well as The Ark
Ark (Transformers)
The Ark is an Autobot spacecraft in the Transformers Universe. It has appeared as a central fixture of the Transformers storyline ever since its creation, as the Autobots main method of transport to Earth and as a base once they arrive....
and The Nemesis. Unicron
Unicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
, the Junkions, the Lithones and the Quintessons
Quintessons
Quintessons are fictional aliens from the Transformers universe. Within the TV series, they are the creators of the Transformers, although in most other fictional universes featuring the Transformers, they have no such status...
each receive 2 to 4 pages of models. A three-page spread details the pre-earth modes of Soundwave
Soundwave (Transformers)
Soundwave is the name of several characters in the various series Transformers series. His most famous disguise is that of a microcassette recorder and has an iconic voice done by a vocoder.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Jazz
Jazz (Transformers)
Jazz is the name of a fictional character from the various Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a music loving robot and talks with a slang accent. He is also a good friend of Optimus Prime's...
, Bumblebee
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
, Laserbeak
Laserbeak
Laserbeak is the name given to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is almost always a mechanical bird, and is partnered with Soundwave.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Wheeljack
Wheeljack
Wheeljack is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Wheeljack is the mechanical engineer and scientist of the Autobots in the Transformers television and comic series based on the popular toy line produced by Takara and Hasbro. His...
and the Seekers
Seekers (Transformers)
Seekers is a term in the Transformers universe usually used to describe certain Decepticon warriors with jet transformations. For the character named Seeker see Seeker .-Origin of the term:...
.
In the back is a bonus section. Included are alternate model sheets for Jetfire
Jetfire
Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Megatron, some Stunticons, the Combaticons
Combaticons
The Combaticons are a group of Decepticon military vehicles in the assorted fictional universes of the Transformers.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
, some characters from the movie, some season 3 beast Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
s and Broadside
Broadside (Transformers)
Broadside is the name of three fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Broadside's bio presented him as literally getting the worst possible out of his alternate modes. He transforms into an Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, but gets seasick. He...
. Also present is a two-page sheet of the faction sigil from multiple angles and scale guide with most season 1 and season 2 characters represented.
Organization is chronological by faction. An index in the back gives page reference for each character in the book.
Battle for Cybertron
Battle for Cybertron is a book and audio story. It was published in 1984.Satellite of Doom
Satellite of Doom is a book and audio story. It was published in 1985.Synopsis
In the 1985 audio and book adventure Satellite of Doom Megatron and SoundwaveSoundwave (Transformers)
Soundwave is the name of several characters in the various series Transformers series. His most famous disguise is that of a microcassette recorder and has an iconic voice done by a vocoder.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
kidnap thousands of humans and force them to bury tons of coal in the desert. Sealing the humans in the cave they set off high temperature explosives that turn the carbon in the coal and humans into a gigantic diamond lens that they plan to launch into space. Bumblebee
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
discovers the Decepticon launching site and Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
sends Skyfire
Jetfire
Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
to take it out, but he fails. Megatron launches the lens into space and uses it to focus the sun's rays and melt the shale in the Rocky Mountains into oil. Optimus again sends Skyfire to stop the lens and Prowl
Prowl (Transformers)
Prowl is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers series. "Prowl" is one of the most re-used American names in the assorted Transformers series, and its use has become almost synonymous with Autobots who possess a police car alternate mode...
instructs Ratchet
Ratchet (Transformers)
Ratchet is the name of several characters in the Transformers universes. According to the original creator of the Transformers names, Bob Budiansky, Ratchet was named after the character of Nurse Ratched from the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The name Ratchet is almost always portrayed as...
to build extra fuel tanks for the Autobot jet's trip to space. Despite his best efforts the diamond is unharmed and Skyfire burns up on reentry of Earth's atmosphere. As the boiling oil threatens to kill millions on the West Coast, the Autobots build a mile long mirror to reflect the lens rays back on it, shattering it. The Autobots launch an assault on Megatron's base, but the Decepticon leader and Soundwave escape in their drilling mole machine.
Autobots' Lightning Strike
Autobots' Lightning Strike is a children's book and companion audio cassette. It was written by John Grant and illustrated by Mike Collins and Mark Farmer. It was published in 1985.Synopsis
The Autobots are amazed by the power of a thunderstormThunderstorm
A thunderstorm, also known as an electrical storm, a lightning storm, thundershower or simply a storm is a form of weather characterized by the presence of lightning and its acoustic effect on the Earth's atmosphere known as thunder. The meteorologically assigned cloud type associated with the...
and Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
orders Huffer
Huffer (Transformers)
Huffer is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Autobots who turn into trucks. Huffer was first introduced in 1984, and was voiced by John Stephenson in the animated series The Transformers....
to build a collector to store the energy given off by the next storm. Laserbeak
Laserbeak
Laserbeak is the name given to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is almost always a mechanical bird, and is partnered with Soundwave.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
discovers the lightning rod
Lightning rod
A lightning rod or lightning conductor is a metal rod or conductor mounted on top of a building and electrically connected to the ground through a wire, to protect the building in the event of lightning...
and informs the Decepticons, but Soundwave mistakes it for a giant transmission antenna. Although Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
and Rumble attempt to destroy the object, Megatron stops them and leads the Decepticons to the object in hopes of learning what message the Autobots are sending, and who they are contacting. Once inside the base, the Decepticons are caught in the energy of a storm and are forced to retreat. The Autobot plan to use the energy to help them repair their ship and eventually return to Cybertron
Cybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
, leaving humanity with the technology to collect energy from lightning.
Megatron's Fight For Power
Megatron's Fight For Power is a children's book and companion audio cassette. It was written by John Grant and illustrated by Mike Collins and Mark Farmer. It was published in 1985.Synopsis
Whilst on a routine recon mission, LaserbeakLaserbeak
Laserbeak is the name given to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is almost always a mechanical bird, and is partnered with Soundwave.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
detects a solar power
Solar power
Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available...
research station. The Deceptions attack the station, siphoning the power to fill their energon cube
Energon cube
An energon cube is a device used by characters in the fictional Transformers series to store energy.-Animated series:In the 1984 animated Transformers television series energon cubes are created by the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth. The Autobots trade with the humans for the power, while the...
s. Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
makes an unsuccessful attempt to oust Megatron as leader. The Autobots arrive and battle ensues. The Decepticons are defeated when Spike sabotages the solar collector, destroying the energon cubes.
Autobots Fight Back
Autobots Fight Back is a children's book with companion audio cassette (as with the other titles in the series, the book was also available separately). It was written by John Grant, illustrated by Mike Collins and Mark Farmer and published in 1985.Synopsis
Optimus PrimeOptimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
send Bumblebee
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
to spy on the Deceptions. He overhears Megatron and the other senior Deceptions discussing the fact they need space to test their ship's new ion-drive. Bumblebee is chased from the area by Ravage, ironically leading him to an abandoned railway tunnel that exactly suits the Decepticons' purposes. The Autobots manage to locate the Decepticons' position by monitoring their radio waves and Spike suggests they take advantage of a car rally being held nearby. Spike and Jazz
Jazz (Transformers)
Jazz is the name of a fictional character from the various Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a music loving robot and talks with a slang accent. He is also a good friend of Optimus Prime's...
enter the rally and manage to slip away and locate the Decepticons. As the Autobots launch an attack, Spike and Jazz send an old wagon train
Wagon train
A wagon train is a group of wagons traveling together. In the American West, individuals traveling across the plains in covered wagons banded together for mutual assistance, as is reflected in numerous films and television programs about the region, such as Audie Murphy's Tumbleweed and Ward Bond...
crashing through the tunnel, destroying the Decepticons' ion drive.
Laserbeak's Fury
Laserbeak's Fury is a children's book and companion audio cassette. It was published 1986.Synopsis
Megatron had SoundwaveSoundwave (Transformers)
Soundwave is the name of several characters in the various series Transformers series. His most famous disguise is that of a microcassette recorder and has an iconic voice done by a vocoder.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
send Laserbeak
Laserbeak
Laserbeak is the name given to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is almost always a mechanical bird, and is partnered with Soundwave.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
to learn more about the humans, despite Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
's protests that humans were weak and insignificant. Observing a windmill
Windmill
A windmill is a machine which converts the energy of wind into rotational energy by means of vanes called sails or blades. Originally windmills were developed for milling grain for food production. In the course of history the windmill was adapted to many other industrial uses. An important...
, Laserbeak came into contact with power lines, became trapped in cassette form and was found by some humans. Both the Decepticons and Autobots monitored Laserbeak's radio report. Hound
Hound (Transformers)
Hound is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. He is sometimes referred to as Autobot Hound for trademark purposes.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Spike were sent to investigate. When they discovered the Decepticons observing the windmill, they called for backup. Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
assembled a battle unit of Ironhide
Ironhide
Ironhide is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes. According to the original creator of the Transformers names, Bob Budiansky, Ironhide was named after the television series Ironside.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Sunstreaker
Sunstreaker
Sunstreaker is the name of two fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. The first is one of the main Autobot cars from the original Transformers series...
, Windcharger
Windcharger
Windcharger is a fictional character and was one of the original toys in the Transformers line when Hasbro started producing them in 1984.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Cliffjumper, leaving Ratchet
Ratchet (Transformers)
Ratchet is the name of several characters in the Transformers universes. According to the original creator of the Transformers names, Bob Budiansky, Ratchet was named after the character of Nurse Ratched from the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The name Ratchet is almost always portrayed as...
in charge of their headquarters. Meanwhile, Laserbeak was taken to a disco
Disco
Disco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. It had its roots in clubs that catered to African American, gay, psychedelic, and other communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and...
, where playing him re-energized his circuits and he flew off to rejoin the Decepticons. Sparkplug explained to the Autobots the windmill's technology, as Megatron was interested in a mechanical device that didn't generate a magnetic field. A battle broke out over the windmill, in which Starscream panicked when he learned the windmill was immune to his null rays. Rumble
Rumble (Transformers)
Rumble is a fictional character in the Transformers universes. In order to trademark the name, Hasbro referred to the Alternators character as Decepticon Rumble.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
destroyed the windmill during the battle and the Decepticons retreated, with no new technology to take. Optimus Prime expressed his regrets over the destruction that occurred. However, Spike points out that no-one had any idea about the battle that occurred as the local paper reported that a freak storm had destroyed the windmill.
Galvatron's Air Attack
Galvatron's Air Attack is a children's book with optional companion audio cassette. It was published in 1986.Synopsis
With the Autobots running low on supplies of the Cybertronian metals they need for repairs, KupKup
Kup is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe. All are older Autobots who are members of the Elite Guard. Wired Magazine once nominated him as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time...
suggests visiting the scene of an old battle between them and the Deceptions to see if anything was left behind. However the search is halted by an ambush by the Decepticon planes
Seekers (Transformers)
Seekers is a term in the Transformers universe usually used to describe certain Decepticon warriors with jet transformations. For the character named Seeker see Seeker .-Origin of the term:...
. Worried about how Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
knew where they were, Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers storylines.-Transformers: Generation 1:The greatest Transformer of them all. A commander could want no finer a soldier than Ultra Magnus...
sends out first the Aerialbots
Aerialbots
The Aerialbots are a group of Autobots that transform into aircraft and combine to form the giant robot Superion. They were introduced into the Transformers toyline in 1985 and sold as a Superion gift set, and then sold separately in 1986 in most department stores...
then Cosmos
Cosmos (Transformers)
Cosmos is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is sometimes referred to as "Autobot Cosmos" for trademark purposes.Wired Magazine once nominated him as one of the 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time....
, discovering the Decepticons have three shielded satellites which can monitor the whole of the Earth's surface. The Autobots use artificial Northern lights
Aurora (astronomy)
An aurora is a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere...
to cut out communications then send a fake message that causes the three satellites, unable to see each other, to collide, destroying them. The Autobots then salvage the metals they need from the wreckage.
Decepticon Hideout
Decepticon Hideout is a children's book with optional companion audio cassette. It was written by John Grant and illustrated by Graham Potts. It was published in 1986.Synopsis
The Decepticons launch a surprise attack on the Autobot base, leading the Autobots to realise they have established a base close by. BumblebeeBumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
follows a Decepticon recovery crew to an abandoned warehouse on a nearby industrial estate. At the suggestion of Spike's father, the Autobots take up position in a neighbouring building then, when the estate is closed for holidays, launch an attack on the Decepticons. Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers storylines.-Transformers: Generation 1:The greatest Transformer of them all. A commander could want no finer a soldier than Ultra Magnus...
and Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
end up in single combat and when Galvatron appears triumphant Spike strikes him with a wrecking ball before bringing a wall down on the Decepticons, causing them to retreat.
Decepticons at the Pole
Decepticons at the Pole is a children's book with optional companion audio cassette. It was written by John Grant and illustrated by Barry Rowell. It was published in 1988.Synopsis
Seeking a new energy source, the Decepticons decide, on the advice of their Nebulan partners, to build an energy converter at the pole and harness cosmic energy via Nebulos' magnetic field. The Autobots discover the plan and realise that interfering with the energy flow will doom the planet. When CyclonusCyclonus
Cyclonus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:The tech spec from the box art of the Cyclonus toy describes him as a compassionless Decepticon air warrior and saboteur...
refuses to listen to reason, they launch an attack and destroy the energy pyramid. The Decepticons then make a second attempt, by moving Scorponok
Scorponok
Scorponok is the name shared by several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons that turn into Scorpoins.- Transformers: Generation 1:...
and the entire Decepticon force to the pole and then establishing a more complex energy converter. The Autobots launch an attack during which Kup
Kup
Kup is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe. All are older Autobots who are members of the Elite Guard. Wired Magazine once nominated him as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time...
, Blurr
Blurr
Blurr is the name given to five different fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He frequently appears as a blue Autobot who transforms into a swift car...
and Sureshot
Sureshot (Transformers)
Sureshot is the name to two different fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Sureshot was part of the Autobot Targetmaster team. He transforms into a racing car and his Nebulan Targetmaster partner is called Spoilsport...
manage to melt the permafrost
Permafrost
In geology, permafrost, cryotic soil or permafrost soil is soil at or below the freezing point of water for two or more years. Ice is not always present, as may be in the case of nonporous bedrock, but it frequently occurs and it may be in amounts exceeding the potential hydraulic saturation of...
under the converter and collapse it.
Autobots Strike Oil
Autobots Strike Oil is a children's book with optional companion audio cassette. It was written by John Grant and illustrated by Barry Rowell. It was published in 1988.Synopsis
The Autobots are running low on oil so Hot Rod sends Chromedome and HardheadHardhead (Transformers)
Hardhead is the name of two fictional characters in the Transformers universes. The first is a stubborn Autobot tank, the second a simple minded Predacon dinosaur.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
to investigate a Nebulan legend about underground oil reserves. The pair locate an oil lake, unaware they are being observed by Weirdwolf. Under Brainstorm's direction, the Autobots construct a pipeline
Pipeline transport
Pipeline transport is the transportation of goods through a pipe. Most commonly, liquids and gases are sent, but pneumatic tubes that transport solid capsules using compressed air are also used....
between the lake and their base. Cyclonus
Cyclonus
Cyclonus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:The tech spec from the box art of the Cyclonus toy describes him as a compassionless Decepticon air warrior and saboteur...
and the Decepticons attack and damage the pipe. Kup
Kup
Kup is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe. All are older Autobots who are members of the Elite Guard. Wired Magazine once nominated him as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time...
and Highbrow
Highbrow (Transformers)
-Transformers: Generation 1:Highbrow is an Autobot Headmaster who turns into a helicopter. His partner is the Nebulan Gort. Highbrow considers himself above warfare and prefers to talk out differences, and is a bit of a snob...
repair the pipe, better concealing it in the process, but come under attack from the Decepticons. However, they manage to defeat them by luring them into the gulley full of spilt oil, causing them to lose their footing.
Decepticons Underground
Decepticons Underground is a children's book with optional companion audio cassette. It was written by John Grant and illustrated by Glenn Stewart. It was published in 1988.Synopsis
Nothing has been heard of the Decepticons for some time so Optimus PrimeOptimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
sends out patrols to find out what they are doing. Soon all of Nebulos has been searched except the Nebulos Triangle, an area of electronic interference. A patrol comprising Quickswitch, Scoop
Scoop (Transformers)
Scoop is the name of several fictional character from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:A gung-ho fighter who never gives up. Considered the best in the field. Uses cool headed logic and hardened battle tactics to outwit his enemies. Always ready to lend a helping...
and Quickmix
Quickmix (Transformers)
Quickmix is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Quickmix is an impatient, short-tempered inventor who is always in a hurry. He is constantly devising new formulas and developing new ways to defeat the Decepticons...
is sent to the area and, after encountering difficulties with navigation and a whirlpool, they uncover an underground Decepticon base. After a chase through the tunnels, Scoop manages to block off the base's surface exit and Quickmix finishes the job by coating the rocks with rapid-set concrete
Concrete
Concrete is a composite construction material, composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate , water and chemical admixtures.The word concrete comes from the Latin word...
.
Autobot Hostage
Autobot Hostage is a children's book with optional companion audio cassette. It was written by John Grant and illustrated by Glenn Steward. It was published in 1988.Synopsis
While on solo patrol, HighbrowHighbrow (Transformers)
-Transformers: Generation 1:Highbrow is an Autobot Headmaster who turns into a helicopter. His partner is the Nebulan Gort. Highbrow considers himself above warfare and prefers to talk out differences, and is a bit of a snob...
is captured by the Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
Tentakil. Scorponok
Scorponok
Scorponok is the name shared by several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons that turn into Scorpoins.- Transformers: Generation 1:...
sends a message to the Autobots promising to release him if Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
gives himself up. Optimus Prime surrenders but also smuggles Hosehead
Hosehead
Hosehead is a character of the Transformers toyline and television series. He is an Autobot Headmaster and transforms into a fire engine. He should not be confused with the character Cab, who is based on the same toy, but portrayed as a completely different character in the Masterforce anime...
and Fizzle into the Decepticon base. As expected, Scorponok fails to keep his side of the bargain but the two Autobots manage to free both Optimus Prime and Highbrow and after a brief battle they make their escape.
Battle for Earth
Battle for Earth is a children's book by Max Z. Baum published by Marvel Books in 1985. 44 pages. ISBN 0871350629Synopsis
After evil Decepticon robots take millions of people hostage in an attempt to conquer the Earth, the virtuous Autobot robots come to the rescue.The Invasion of the Decepticon Camp
The Invasion of the Decepticon Camp is a story and coloring book published by Marvel Books in 1986. It is written by Pat Brigandi and illustrated by award winning artist Steve DitkoSteve Ditko
Stephen J. "Steve" Ditko is an American comic book artist and writer best known as the artist co-creator, with Stan Lee, of the Marvel Comics heroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange....
and Brad Joyce.
Synopsis
Blurr beats Jazz in a race as Ratchet, Bumbleebee and SpringerSpringer (Transformers)
Springer is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. For trademark reasons, many toys of the character are named Autobot Springer.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
watch. They are spied on by Scourge
Scourge (Transformers)
Scourge is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series. He first appeared as one of the central villains in the 1986 film The Transformers, voiced by Stan Jones. He also regularly appeared in the animated Transformers series and Transformers comic books. Since then other...
, Laserbeak and Bombshell. Hot Rod challances Blurr to another race, but crashes when he think he spots a Decepticon. As Springer goes to help Hot Rod Bombshell injects him with a cerebro shell. Grapple recovers Hot Rod and takes him back to Ratchet for repair. Back at the Autobot headquarters Wreck-Gar notices that Springer is acting funny, and then Springer starts shoting up Autobot City.
The Lost Treasure of Cybertron
The Lost Treasure of Cybertron is a story and coloring book published by Marvel Books in 1986. It is written by Sonya Black Woods and illustrated by Frank SpringerFrank Springer
Frank Springer was an American comic book and comic strip artist best known for Marvel Comics' Dazzler and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D....
and Phil Lord.
Synopsis
While out on a leisurely drive, the Autobots and Daniel stop to rest and eat. While relaxing, KupKup
Kup is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe. All are older Autobots who are members of the Elite Guard. Wired Magazine once nominated him as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time...
tells them the story of the lost treasure of Cybertron - a supply of energon cubes which were loaded on the Ark before it left Cybertron. A supply which was lost in the crash. Hot Rod decides they should try to find the energon, and the other Autobots agree. Laserbeak
Laserbeak
Laserbeak is the name given to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is almost always a mechanical bird, and is partnered with Soundwave.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, who has been spying on the Autobots, flies home to let Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
know about the cubes. Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers storylines.-Transformers: Generation 1:The greatest Transformer of them all. A commander could want no finer a soldier than Ultra Magnus...
leads the Autobots Arcee
Arcee
Arcee is the name of a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. She is a female Autobot, usually pink in color. Being the most famous of the Female Transformers, she has two primary forms...
, Blurr
Blurr
Blurr is the name given to five different fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He frequently appears as a blue Autobot who transforms into a swift car...
, Brawn
Brawn (Transformers)
Brawn is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. All are tough Autobots who turn into offroad vehicles.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Bumblebee
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
, Grimlock
Grimlock
Grimlock is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a tough leader who turns into a mechanical dinosaur...
, Hot Rod, Kup, Sideswipe, Sludge
Sludge (Transformers)
Sludge is a fictional character in the Transformer toy line and fictional series. Sludge is a slow witted but powerful Dinobot. Sludge's strength is considered to be second only to Grimlock's in the Dinobot faction...
, Springer
Springer (Transformers)
Springer is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. For trademark reasons, many toys of the character are named Autobot Springer.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Sunstreaker
Sunstreaker
Sunstreaker is the name of two fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. The first is one of the main Autobot cars from the original Transformers series...
, Swoop
Swoop (Transformers)
Swoop is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers fictional series and toy line. He was first introduced in 1985 and was voiced by Michael Bell in the animated The Transformers series.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Wheelie
Wheelie (Transformers)
Wheelie is the name of two different fictional characters in the Transformers series.-Generation 1:The first Wheelie is a young Autobot who turns into a car. He has a distinctive style of speech, in which he rhymes his sentences while speaking in a high pitched voice, making him sound like a child....
and Windcharger
Windcharger
Windcharger is a fictional character and was one of the original toys in the Transformers line when Hasbro started producing them in 1984.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
to Mt. St. Hilary. Meanwhile Galvatron leads the Decepticons Bonecrusher
Bonecrusher (Transformers)
Bonecrusher is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Bonecrusher is a member of the Constructicons. He is a brawler by nature and specialises in demolitions work...
, Dirge
Dirge (Transformers)
Dirge is the name of several different fictional characters from the Transformers series. He was first introduced in 1985 as a villain in the Transformers series, appearing in the comic book by Marvel Comics and voiced by Bud Davis in the animated television series. Since then the name Dirge was...
, Laserbeak, Ramjet
Ramjet (Transformers)
Ramjet is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All have been Decepticon aligned characters who turn into jets, usually white.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Rumble
Rumble (Transformers)
Rumble is a fictional character in the Transformers universes. In order to trademark the name, Hasbro referred to the Alternators character as Decepticon Rumble.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Scrapper, Scourge
Scourge (Transformers)
Scourge is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series. He first appeared as one of the central villains in the 1986 film The Transformers, voiced by Stan Jones. He also regularly appeared in the animated Transformers series and Transformers comic books. Since then other...
, Soundwave
Soundwave (Transformers)
Soundwave is the name of several characters in the various series Transformers series. His most famous disguise is that of a microcassette recorder and has an iconic voice done by a vocoder.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
to the other side of the mountain. They discover each other and fighting ensues. During the fight, Rumble accidentally unearths the crate containing the energon. During the struggle the crate is broken open by Grimlock and then Starscream shoves most of the energon into his mouth, and declares himself leader of the Decepticons. He fights with Galvatron, and the Autobots leave.
Car Show Blow Up
Car Show Blow Up is "a big looker storybook" published by Marvel Books in 1986. It is written by Dana Rosenfeld and illustrated by Earl NoremEarl Norem
Earl Norem , often credited simply as Norem, is an American artist primarily known for his painted covers for Marvel Comics books and magazines...
. ISBN 0-87135-107-2.