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Bulkhead (Transformers)
Encyclopedia
Bulkhead is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes
. All incarnations of Bulkhead are Autobot
s and are green in color. He was introduced in Transformers: Energon
as a Mega Vehicle and later redebuted in Transformers: Animated
as a completely new character. The Animated Bulkhead became so popular that he was adapted to reappear in Transformers: Prime
. The Animated/Prime Bulkhead appears as a main character in both series.
, Bulkhead's goggles-and-mustache look was inspired by Paul Teutul Sr. from American Chopper
.
and Downshift
. He could also enter a 'brute mode' by combining with a section of his helicopter mode, seen only fleetingly in a few episodes. He last appears in episode 51, "The Sun".
who head to Earth to fend off the Terrorcon
invasion.
called Force of Habit. This story explains where he was during the events of the Cybertron story. Ultra Magnus
is the commander of various Autobot ships sent to other planets in search for the Cyber Planet Keys.
. He is the only Autobot among the main five character cast whose name does not originate from a Generation 1 character. In the 2010 Japanese version of the series, he is known as Ironhide.
Bulkhead's original vehicle mode was a Cybertronian bulldozer
. After coming to Earth he was given the vehicle form of a green SWAT truck. He has a retractable line and wrecking ball
in both hands. He is easily one of the strongest of the Autobots, but he isn't very smart, and though he's a natural builder who loves to make things, he can also be very clumsy. That combined with battering ram arms make him the ultimate "Demolition Bot." Bulkhead has extending telescopic eyes and a storage compartment in his stomach. Since arriving on earth, Bulkhead has gained a keen interest in art. According to the show creators, Bulkhead is inspired by the Marvel Comics
hero The Thing
.
, who referred to him as "all bulk and no brains." In boot camp, he met and befriended fellow recruit Bumblebee. As stated by Shockwave in "A Bridge too Close" Pt 1, it is revealed that Bulkhead scored higher than any other Autobot in a space bridge aptitude test, despite lacking any other seemingly discernible talent.
.
. His robotic appearance is similar to the Transformers Animated character. Bulkhead's hand convert into blasters or wrecking balls. He transforms into an offroad vehicle. He was assigned to be the guardian of the human Miko Nakadai.
Bulkhead is the only regular Autobot cast member in Transformers: Prime who didn't appear first in the War for Cybertron video game.
as part of the Autobot crew aboard the Ark.
Bulkhead first appears in the pilot episode where he responds too late to a call for help from Cliffjumper, who is taken by the Decepticon and killed. Later when Arcee is attacked by the Decepticons Bulkhead and Bumblebee come to her aid and the Decepticons run away. Bulkhead later goes to rescue Agent Fowler, the Autobots' government liaison, from Starscream, only for Miko, Raf, and Jack to follow him and be put in danger. Optimus later scolded Bulkhead for endangering the humans, but it is revealed in the next episode that Bulkhead's damage to the Decepticons' ship stopped Megatron from locking onto Cybertron with his Space Bridge.
In Scrapheap, despite being ravaged by the metal-eating swarm of Scraplets, Bulkhead proved his bravery when he nobly used himself as bait to draw the Scraplets out of the base: an act that allowed both the freezing-to-death Optimus Prime and Arcee to return to base safely, and saved Ratchet and Bumblebee from further injury from the Scraplets.
In Con Job, Bulkhead is thrilled to welcome his old comrade from the Wreckers, Wheeljack, who he nicknamed "Jackie", to Team Prime. However, Bulkhead notices that Wheeljack doesn't seem like himself, and does not tell his part in their adventures he recounts. Bulkhead's suspicion turns heated and proves vindicated when Wheeljack does not recount one of their war stories truthfully: Wheeljack is in fact the shape-shifting Decepticon Makeshift, who takes Miko hostage. The real Wheeljack, who'd been captured by Starscream, is able to get back the Autobot base and defeat Makeshift. However, Wheeljack opts to leave Earth to continue his solo journey among the galaxy, but Bulkhead is not saddened, since he knows that while Wheeljack always leaves, he always comes back.
In Deus ex Machina, Bulkhead's old nemesis Breakdown makes his prescence known to the Autobots. When asked about his feud with Breakdown, Bulkhead only replies angrily, "We have a history." Bulkhead is defeated twice by Breakdown in the episode, but eventually subdues his nemesis with Knock Out's electric prod. Bulkhead did not have to wait long to engage his enemy again; he and Bumblebee fought and defeated Breakdown in Speed Metal, and Bulkhead later fought Breakdown to a stalemate with Arcee in Out of his Head.
In Operation: Breakdown, following his defeat in another clash against Breakdown, his nemesis is captured by human terrorist group MECH. Bulkhead stubbornly refuses to help his nemesis, explaining to Miko that their history goes a long time back, and that he simply cannot forgive Breakdown for the things he's done. Miko convinces him that if he doesn't go after Breakdown he has no chance to avenge his earlier defeat. Bulkhead eventually fights his way to Breakdown and together they fight their way out of MECH's lair, and fight back to back to fend off the hordes of MECH troops. During the battle, much to Bulkhead's surprise, Breakdown pushes him out of the way from a paralyzing blast from MECH. Starscream arrives, and urges Breakdown to kill Bulkhead regardless of their teamwork, and Breakdown nearly does so, but Bulkhead single-handedly defeats most of the Decepticons present. Optimus commends Bulkhead for "rising above [himself]" to save Breakdown, but Bulkhead was more happy he defeated all the Decepticons present so swiftly.
Transformers universes
is an entertainment franchise. It began with the Hasbro Transformers toy line, centered on two factions of warring alien robots which are called the Autobots and the Decepticons...
. All incarnations of Bulkhead are Autobot
Autobot
Autobot, a faction of sentient robots from the planet Cybertron, are usually the main protagonists in the fictional universe of the Transformers, a collection of various toys, graphic novels, paperback books, cartoons and movies first introduced in 1984. In all but one Transformer story, the...
s and are green in color. He was introduced in Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Energon, known in Japan as , is the 2004–2005 Transformers toyline, animated series and comic book series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara and a direct sequel to Transformers: Armada...
as a Mega Vehicle and later redebuted in Transformers: Animated
Transformers: Animated
Transformers Animated is an American animated television series based on the Transformers toy line. The series debuted on Cartoon Network on December 26, 2007 and has been shown on NickToons in the UK since February 2008. It is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and animated by Japanese animation...
as a completely new character. The Animated Bulkhead became so popular that he was adapted to reappear in Transformers: Prime
Transformers: Prime
Transformers: Prime, also known as Transformers: Prime –The Animated Series, is an American computer-animated television series based on the Transformers toy franchise by Hasbro. It airs on the The Hub in the United States...
. The Animated/Prime Bulkhead appears as a main character in both series.
Transformers: Energon
Bulkhead is the name of an Autobot helicopter. According to Quickstrike's bio, he and Bulkhead are cousins. According to Aaron ArcherAaron Archer
Aaron C. Archer is a toy designer for the Hasbro toy company from 1995 onwards. Archer has worked on toy lines including Batman, Star Wars, and Alien Resurrection, amongst others. Archer's earliest Transformers work were designs for the later Beast Wars toys, including Transmetal 2 Megatron,...
, Bulkhead's goggles-and-mustache look was inspired by Paul Teutul Sr. from American Chopper
American Chopper
American Chopper is a reality television series that airs on Discovery Channel, produced by Pilgrim Films & Television. The series centers on Paul Teutul, Sr. and his son Paul Teutul, Jr. , who manufacture custom motorcycles. Orange County Choppers is in Newburgh, New York...
.
Animated series
Bulkhead first appears in episode 30 of the Transformers: Energon animated series, "Jungle Planet". Bulkhead commands the team of CliffjumperCliffjumper
Cliffjumper is the name of several characters from the Transformers line of toys. His name is usually associated with an Autobot whose toys are often red repaints of Bumblebee toys.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
and Downshift
Downshift
Not to be confused with Downshifting, the social trend.Downshift is the name of three fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:This Autobot's function is Security Agent, and he transformed into a white Toyota Supra...
. He could also enter a 'brute mode' by combining with a section of his helicopter mode, seen only fleetingly in a few episodes. He last appears in episode 51, "The Sun".
Dreamwave Productions
Bulkhead first appears in issue 27 of the Dreamwave Productions Transformers: Energon comic. He originally appears as part of the Autobot reinforcements under JetfireJetfire
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:...
who head to Earth to fend off the Terrorcon
Terrorcon
The name Terrorcons refers to several different groups in the Transformers toyline. They are referred to as Terrortrons in Japan.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
invasion.
Fun Publications
Bulkhead appears in the text story from Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
called Force of Habit. This story explains where he was during the events of the Cybertron story. 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...
is the commander of various Autobot ships sent to other planets in search for the Cyber Planet Keys.
Toys
- Superlink Mega Sprung
- The Japanese release of the toy colored more like Generation 1 Springer.
- Energon Mega Bulkhead (2004)
- The US release of Bulkhead with a slightly new dece. This mold was later redecoed into the Autobot QuickstrikeQuickStrikeQuickStrike is a collectible card game gaming system developed by Upper Deck Entertainment for use in their games. This system made its initial debut in 2006.-Compatibility:...
and used as the model for Timelines Over-Run.
Transformers Animated
Bulkhead is a main character in the Transformers Animated series that debuted in 2007 on Cartoon NetworkCartoon Network
Cartoon Network is a name of television channels worldwide created by Turner Broadcasting which used to primarily show animated programming. The channel began broadcasting on October 1, 1992 in the United States....
. He is the only Autobot among the main five character cast whose name does not originate from a Generation 1 character. In the 2010 Japanese version of the series, he is known as Ironhide.
Bulkhead's original vehicle mode was a Cybertronian bulldozer
Bulldozer
A bulldozer is a crawler equipped with a substantial metal plate used to push large quantities of soil, sand, rubble, etc., during construction work and typically equipped at the rear with a claw-like device to loosen densely-compacted materials.Bulldozers can be found on a wide range of sites,...
. After coming to Earth he was given the vehicle form of a green SWAT truck. He has a retractable line and wrecking ball
Wrecking ball
A wrecking ball is a heavy steel ball, usually hung from a crane, that is used for demolishing large buildings. It was most common during the 1950s and 1960s. Several wrecking companies claim to have invented the wrecking ball...
in both hands. He is easily one of the strongest of the Autobots, but he isn't very smart, and though he's a natural builder who loves to make things, he can also be very clumsy. That combined with battering ram arms make him the ultimate "Demolition Bot." Bulkhead has extending telescopic eyes and a storage compartment in his stomach. Since arriving on earth, Bulkhead has gained a keen interest in art. According to the show creators, Bulkhead is inspired by the Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
hero The Thing
Thing (comics)
The Thing is a fictional character, a founding member of the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in The Fantastic Four #1...
.
Animated series
Flashbacks in the episode "Autoboot Camp" reveal that Bulkhead was originally an energon farmer, who became a Space Bridge technician. He was given his name by Sentinel PrimeSentinel Prime
Sentinel Prime is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series. First mention of Sentinel Prime was in issue #65 of the US Marvel Comics Transformers series, where he was mentioned to hold the Autobot Matrix of Leadership before Optimus Prime. Sentinel Prime has since...
, who referred to him as "all bulk and no brains." In boot camp, he met and befriended fellow recruit Bumblebee. As stated by Shockwave in "A Bridge too Close" Pt 1, it is revealed that Bulkhead scored higher than any other Autobot in a space bridge aptitude test, despite lacking any other seemingly discernible talent.
Video games
Bulkhead is one of the playable characters in the 2008 Transformers Animated video game for the Nintendo DSNintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
.
Toys
- Animated Activators Bulkhead (2008)
- A Scout class toy with a one-touch transformation.
- Animated Bumper Battlers Bulkhead (2008)
- A Deluxe-sized toy car designed for younger children.
- Animated Voyager Bulkhead (2008)
- A Voyager Class figure that transforms from armored truck to robot.
- Animated Leader Bulkhead (2008)
- A larger-sized version of the Bulkhead figure. In robot mode, the Autobot symbol button plays three phrases, as voiced by Bill FagerbakkeBill FagerbakkeWilliam Mark "Bill" Fagerbakke is an American actor and voice actor. He is well-known for his long-running-roles as Patrick Star in the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants and "Dauber" Dybinski on the sitcom Coach....
("Time for the big guns!", "You can do it, buddy," and "Sorry, my bad."). The figure also comes with a Headmaster unit that snaps over the head and plays a voice clip ("Ownage! Total Ownage!") as performed by Alexander PolinskyAlexander PolinskyAlexander Polinsky is an American actor, voice actor, and singer who is perhaps best known for his role as Adam Powell on Charles in Charge. After the show ended, he has made TV, voice, and movie appearances, as well as working as a mold-maker at a movie prop design studio...
, the voice of Henry Masterson. This unit also fits on other Leader Class Animated figures, changing their voices as well.- Animated TA-03 Voyager Ironhide (Takara Tomy) (2010)
- The 2010 Japan version by Takara TomyTakara Tomyis a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
is marketed as Ironhide.
Transformers: Prime
A third character named Bulkhead is one of the main group of Autobots in the 2010 computer animated series Transformers: PrimeTransformers: Prime
Transformers: Prime, also known as Transformers: Prime –The Animated Series, is an American computer-animated television series based on the Transformers toy franchise by Hasbro. It airs on the The Hub in the United States...
. His robotic appearance is similar to the Transformers Animated character. Bulkhead's hand convert into blasters or wrecking balls. He transforms into an offroad vehicle. He was assigned to be the guardian of the human Miko Nakadai.
Bulkhead is the only regular Autobot cast member in Transformers: Prime who didn't appear first in the War for Cybertron video game.
Exiles
Formerly one of the Wreckers under Ultra Magnus' command, Bulkhead appears in Transformers: ExilesTransformers: Exiles
Transformers: Exiles is a fantasy-adventure novel by Alexander C. Irvine. Transformers: Exiles is the sequel to Transformers: Exodus – The Official History of the War for Cybertron, and is a possible prequel to Transformers: Prime.-Synopsis:...
as part of the Autobot crew aboard the Ark.
Animated series
Before becoming a warrior Bulkhead was a construction worker. For a time, he served in the Wreckers with Wheeljack. When Bulkhead first arrived on Earth he ran into some power lines, much to Arcee's amusement.Bulkhead first appears in the pilot episode where he responds too late to a call for help from Cliffjumper, who is taken by the Decepticon and killed. Later when Arcee is attacked by the Decepticons Bulkhead and Bumblebee come to her aid and the Decepticons run away. Bulkhead later goes to rescue Agent Fowler, the Autobots' government liaison, from Starscream, only for Miko, Raf, and Jack to follow him and be put in danger. Optimus later scolded Bulkhead for endangering the humans, but it is revealed in the next episode that Bulkhead's damage to the Decepticons' ship stopped Megatron from locking onto Cybertron with his Space Bridge.
In Scrapheap, despite being ravaged by the metal-eating swarm of Scraplets, Bulkhead proved his bravery when he nobly used himself as bait to draw the Scraplets out of the base: an act that allowed both the freezing-to-death Optimus Prime and Arcee to return to base safely, and saved Ratchet and Bumblebee from further injury from the Scraplets.
In Con Job, Bulkhead is thrilled to welcome his old comrade from the Wreckers, Wheeljack, who he nicknamed "Jackie", to Team Prime. However, Bulkhead notices that Wheeljack doesn't seem like himself, and does not tell his part in their adventures he recounts. Bulkhead's suspicion turns heated and proves vindicated when Wheeljack does not recount one of their war stories truthfully: Wheeljack is in fact the shape-shifting Decepticon Makeshift, who takes Miko hostage. The real Wheeljack, who'd been captured by Starscream, is able to get back the Autobot base and defeat Makeshift. However, Wheeljack opts to leave Earth to continue his solo journey among the galaxy, but Bulkhead is not saddened, since he knows that while Wheeljack always leaves, he always comes back.
In Deus ex Machina, Bulkhead's old nemesis Breakdown makes his prescence known to the Autobots. When asked about his feud with Breakdown, Bulkhead only replies angrily, "We have a history." Bulkhead is defeated twice by Breakdown in the episode, but eventually subdues his nemesis with Knock Out's electric prod. Bulkhead did not have to wait long to engage his enemy again; he and Bumblebee fought and defeated Breakdown in Speed Metal, and Bulkhead later fought Breakdown to a stalemate with Arcee in Out of his Head.
In Operation: Breakdown, following his defeat in another clash against Breakdown, his nemesis is captured by human terrorist group MECH. Bulkhead stubbornly refuses to help his nemesis, explaining to Miko that their history goes a long time back, and that he simply cannot forgive Breakdown for the things he's done. Miko convinces him that if he doesn't go after Breakdown he has no chance to avenge his earlier defeat. Bulkhead eventually fights his way to Breakdown and together they fight their way out of MECH's lair, and fight back to back to fend off the hordes of MECH troops. During the battle, much to Bulkhead's surprise, Breakdown pushes him out of the way from a paralyzing blast from MECH. Starscream arrives, and urges Breakdown to kill Bulkhead regardless of their teamwork, and Breakdown nearly does so, but Bulkhead single-handedly defeats most of the Decepticons present. Optimus commends Bulkhead for "rising above [himself]" to save Breakdown, but Bulkhead was more happy he defeated all the Decepticons present so swiftly.