Autobot

This article is about the Transformers faction. For the unrelated Chinese animated film, see The Autobots.
Autobot
Autobot insignia
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics, Dreamwave Productions, Fun Publications, Titan Magazines, IDW Publishing, and Devil's Due Publishing
First appearanceThe Transformers #1
(May, 1984)
In-story information
Base(s)Cybertron, Earth, Iacon, Autobot City (G1), the Ark, Cybertron Base (RID), Diego Garcia (ROTF), Washington, D.C. (DOTM), and Autobot Omega Outpost One (Prime)
Leader(s)Primus, Dynasty of Primes, Optimus Prime, Rodimus Prime, Sentinel Prime, Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee

The Autobots are a fictional faction of sentient robots in the Transformers multimedia franchise. The Autobots are living robots from the planet Cybertron who, like most Transformers, are each imbued with a unique "life force" known as a "spark."[1][2] Led by Optimus Prime in most stories, the Autobots believe "freedom is the right of all sentient life"[1][3] and are often engaged in a civil war with the Decepticons, a faction of Transformers dedicated to military conquest and usually headed by Megatron.[4][5][6] In a mirror universe portrayed in Transformers: Shattered Glass, the Autobots are villains opposed by the heroic Decepticons.

The transformation cog ("T-cog") and the living metal of each transformer's body allows them to change from their natural robotic body into an "alternate mode" based on something a form of technology or life form that they've observed and scanned. When first introduced, most Autobots transformed into cars, trucks and other road vehicles.[7] Over time, Autobots have been introduced with alternate modes that include aircraft, weapons, robotic animals, or a variety of devices (such as music equipment or microscopes). In most Transformers media, the Autobots originally transform into alien-style vehicles and technology native to their home planet Cybertron, but they later adopt alternate forms based on human technology after journeying to Earth.[7]

In the live action films series, as well as in the CGI-animated series Transformers: Prime, the title Autobots is explained to be the short version of the title "Autonomous Robotic Organisms." In Japan, the Autobots are called "Cybertrons" (サイバトロン, Saibatoron)[8] but are referred to as Autobots (オートボット, Ōtobotto) in the film series Transformers Animated and Transformers: Prime. In Italy, they are called "Autorobot." The Autobot insignia is also sometimes referred to as an "Autobrand", a term that first appeared in issue #14 of the Marvel Comics series. The descendants of the Autobots, the Maximals from Transformers: Beast Wars, are also known as Cybertrons in Japan.

  1. ^ a b Furman, Simon (2004). Transformers: The Ultimate Guide. DK Publishing Inc. pp. 18–19. ISBN 978-1-4053-0461-0
  2. ^ Transformers: Best Wars. "The Spark." (Season 1, Episode 15). Original air date: November 11, 1996.
  3. ^ The Transformers Universe vol. 1 issue #3. Published by Marvel Comics, 1987.
  4. ^ "Transformers: Autobots Review". IGN. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  5. ^ "A brief history of the Transformers". Malaysia Star. 2004-11-09. Archived from the original on 2005-11-12. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  6. ^ "DVD Review: Transformers The Complete First Season 25th Anniversary". Mania.com. Archived from the original on 2009-06-20. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  7. ^ a b The Transformers (1984 US animated series).
  8. ^ Bellomo, Mark (15 September 2010). Totally Tubular '80s Toys. Krause Publications. ISBN 9781440216473. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via Google Books.