Transformers have become an entertainment masterpiece that has enthralled people of all ages over multiple generations. The original Transformers animated television series aired from 1984 to 1987. Transformers the first live-action movie was released in 2007. Over the years, each Autobot and Decepticon has assumed the identity of numerous different types of machines. Below is a list of comparisons between the non-robot alternate mode of each transformer from the original animated television series and the first live-action movie.

 

Autobots

 

Bumblebee

In the original animated series, Bumblebee’s alternate mode was a solid yellow Volkswagen Beetle. In the live-action movie, his alternate mode was a yellow Chevrolet Camaro with black pinstripes.

 

Ironhide

Ironhide’s alternate mode was drastically different between the original animated series and the first live-action movie. In the original animated series, Ironhide’s alternate mode was a solid red Nissan Vanette van. In the live-action movie, his alternate mode was a black GMC Ultimate Class IV Topkick.

 

Jazz

In the original animated series, Jazz’s alternate mode was a white Martini Porsche 935 Turbo with blue, teal and red pinstripes. In the live-action movie, his alternate mode was a solid metallic-silver Pontiac Solstice GXP.

 

Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime’s alternate mode was a diesel engine semi-truck in both the original animated series and the first live-action movie. In the original animated series, Optimus Prime’s alternate mode was a solid red color with a flat front. In the live-action movie, his alternate mode was a red color with blue flames with a longer front.

 

Ratchet

Ratchet’s alternate mode was drastically different between the original animated series and the first live-action movie. In the original animated series, Ratchet’s alternate mode was a white Nissan Sunny Vanette van that looked like an ambulance. In the live-action movie, his alternate mode was a yellow Hummer H2 that looked like a sports utility search and rescue vehicle.

 

Decepticons

 

Barricade

Barricade never appeared in the original animated series. He appeared later in the transformer storyline with the alternate mode of a Formula One racing car. In the first live-action movie, Barricade’s alternate mode was a black Saleen S281 Extreme Mustang that looked like a police car. In the original animated series, the robot who took on the alternate mode of a police car was an Autobot named Prowl.   

 

Blackout

In the original animated series, Blackout appeared as one of two Micro Masters that combined with each other to complete the alternate mode of a B-1 Lancer Bomber jet. In the first live-action movie, Blackout’s alternate mode was a Sikosky MH-53 Pave Low IV helicopter. In the original animated series, the robot who took on an alternate mode of a helicopter was a Decepticon called Vortex.

 

Bone Crusher

In the original animated series, Bone Crusher’s alternate mode was a standard front-loader scoop bulldozer. Bone Crusher was also a member of the Constructacons that merged as one to form a large robot called Devastator. In the first live-action movie, Bone Crusher’s alternate mode was an armored, mine-protected transport vehicle called a Buffalo.

 

Brawl

In the original animated series, Brawl’s alternate mode was a Leopard 1 tank. Brawl was also a member of the Cabatacons that merged as one to form a large robot called Bruticus. In the first live-action movie, Brawl’s alternate mode was a modified M1 Abrams tank. An error in the first live-action movie refers to Brawl by the name of Devastator within the subtitles when first introduced.

 

Frenzy

In the original animated series, Frenzy’s alternate mode was a cassette tape. Frenzy had a brother by the name of Rumble. In the first live-action movie Frenzy’s alternate mode was a radio. In the original animated series, the robot who took on an alternate mode of a radio was a Decepticon called Soundwave.

 

Megatron

In the original animated series, Megatron’s alternate mode was a Walter P-38 handgun. In the first-live action movie, Megatron’s alternate mode was a jet-type mode.

 

Scorponok

Scorponok had an alternate mode of a giant scorpion in both the original animated series, and the first-live action movie.

 

Starscream

Starscream’s alternate mode was a jet in the original animated series, and the first live-action movie. In the original animated series, Starscream’s alternate mode was an F-15 Eagle. In the live-action movie, his alternate mode was an F-22 Raptor.

 

Copyright © 2016 John Mallozzi