Metroplex (Transformers)
Encyclopedia
Metroplex is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers
series.
Metroplex is considered the Autobot
s' last line of defense. He spends most of his time in city mode but has the ability to transform into a battle station or a colossal robot depending on the situation. He has been called upon to fight Trypticon
on a few different occasions, often using full-body wrestling tactics rather than depending on firepower.
According to the one Japanese Comic Bom Bom article Metroplex is 800 meters tall. In the Marvel U.K. Transformers comic however it says he's 698 feet (212.8 meters) tall. He can lift 70,000 tons. His armor is the equal of any Transformer's; to merely scratch it would require at least a low-yield nuclear explosion. He has left shoulder-mounted twin high-energy MASER
(microwave amplification through stimulated emission of radiation) cannons and a retractable omni-directional receiving and transmitting rod antenna in his right shoulder. His chest module contains a storage bay capable of holding a mid-size vehicle. In Autobot City mode, he has a helipad and ramps leading to the storage bay and various repair bays. Although it is a common misconception that Metroplex is unable to fly, Metroplex was depicted as being able to fly in robot mode in the final episode of the Japanese exclusive Headmasters series as well as in the IDW comics.
invaded and captured Autobot City, but the actions of Hot Rod allowed its living core, Metroplex, to rise up from beneath the city and wipe out their entire fleet.
Metroplex also has a biography printed in the Transformers: Universe series.
, Wheelie
, Blurr
, and Marissa Faireborn
, and it was installed by Pipes
. Unfortunately, Metroplex was unable to stop the newly-constructed Trypticon from destroying the Ark, but he did defeat the Decepticon afterwards and hurled the dinosaur into the ocean. The next time Metroplex is called into action was to stop Trypticon and Octane from stealing global monuments and bringing them to Carbombya in exchange for "super-energon". During a battle in Moscow
, Metroplex caught the Kremlin which Trypticon hurled at him, and was then attacked by Russian troops. This led the Russians (and other humans) to believe that the Autobots were behind the thefts. All was set straight when the Autobots learned Trypticon's whereabouts in Carbombya and Metroplex defeated Trypticon again. Metroplex subsequently returned all of the monuments to their original residences.
When Starscream
made his deal with Unicron
for a new body, Unicron requested the eyes of Metroplex in one of the tasks. Starscream possessed the body of Scourge
and infiltrated Metroplex, stealing one of his eyes but accidentally destroying the other. In a fit of rage, Metroplex unexpectedly transformed into robot mode and began shooting wildly at anyone in range. A bomb planted by Starscream knocked Metroplex unconscious and caused him to transform back to city mode. His eyes were rebuilt after Unicron's plan was foiled by the combination of some Autobots and Decepticons.
If Metroplex has any weakness, it is the fact that due to his sheer size he requires other Autobots to protect and maintain him when he is in city mode. The Starscream incident is one example, and another is the time when Swindle
was able to steal the Transformation Cog while other Decepticons created a diversion. This once again left Metroplex vulnerable. The Autobots (with Spike and Daniel) retaliated by stealing Trypticon's Cog and installing it in Metroplex. The Decepticons naturally used Metroplex's Cog in Trypticon, and this allowed both to at least partially transform and fight each other. Metroplex was in danger of losing the battle when First Aid
properly aligned Metroplex's new Cog. This enabled Metroplex to fully transform and defeat the giant dinosaur.
Metroplex is seen only a couple other times in the cartoon continuity. One was when he is attacked by Soundwave
with the powerful 'harmonics'. The harmony shorted out Metroplex's circuits, who was saved only when Blaster
attacked Soundwave and erased his tapes. Metroplex was also shown being shut down by Rodimus Prime during the Hate Plague outbreak, in order to keep him from also going berzerk and unleashing his power on everything.
Metroplex continued to appear in the Japanese Headmasters series. His role in the series was much the same as in series 3 of the American cartoon, battling Trypticon on numerous occasions.
After the death of Ultra Magnus, Metroplex was appointed the new Autobot Earth Commander by Fortress Maximus
.
Generation One series the Autobots had just started to build Autobot City in Alaska before the series ended due to the company going out of business. Holograms of Metroplex in city mode are seen as parts of the plans for Autobot City, so it is assumed he would have been created as part of the city or occupied it.
. Near the end Optimus Prime speculates on future threats. In one of these scenes Metroplex confronts his rival Trypticon as part of the background to G.I. Joe Extreme's Sgt. Savage fighting Iron Klaw, thus incorporating the G.I. Joe extreme story line with the mainstream G.I. Joes.
. After stomping on the Decepticon, Metroplex leaves the Throttlebots despite their pleas for help in the war, saying he has a mission. He is last seen flying away in battle station mode.
He is next seen in Transformers: Ironhide as a bodyguard for Alpha Trion
on Cybertron.
on Giant Planet; he's first seen reminding a comrade that "Safety First" is their goal. He and Quickmix
(Blender in Japan, another Giant Planet resident and Metroplex's best friend) join the Autobot
s after a fight with Megatron destroys part of his city. Metroplex is responsible for Megatron being upgraded to Galvatron
.
His primary weapon is an axe-like weapon with a sawblade for the head, while his Cyber Key Power opens it into a more traditional and powerful axe-blade, which he can also throw like a boomerang.
Though it doesn't appear to be given a name in Japan, the box of the US toy refers to Metroplex's axe-like weapon as 'Sparkdrinker', likely as a reference to his past as a warrior, how some warriors named their favorite weapon, as well as the 'Lifedrinker' axe that appears in versions of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game
('Spark' being a Transformer equivalent to a soul). He has two robot modes, a large one and a smaller one (called "Work Mode") which is achieved by collapsing his torso and legs, and turning his waist back 180 degrees. While never explicitly referred in the show, that look was used as an "in-between" during his stock footage transformation, as well as whenever Metroplex had to fit in smaller spaces.
Though never stated, the references to his former warrior nature are most likely to Metroplex being a warrior during the invasion by Planet X, and likely his actions both then and afterwards are what eventually earns him the role of leader.
According to exclusive bio information in in the Transformers Collectors' Club magazine #15 Drill Bit's function is "Coordinator". He plans all the Mini-Con work on Gigantion, and many of those Mini-Cons consider him the leader of their planet.
the tables were turned and it was Metroplex's turn to receive a severe beating.
Metroplex also proves to be rather protective of others. Despite being ganged up on by Decepticons, he yells to Quickmix to help the Autobots instead of him, and on at least two occasions saves the lives of the human kids; once by slicing through a steel beam about to fall on them, and later by shielding them from a giant falling rock with his body.
In the final episode of Transformers: Cybertron
, Optimus Prime (Galaxy Convoy) proposed a new Space Bridge project using the power of the four Cyber Planet Keys and the four great Cybertronian ships. Many Autobots and former Decepticons joined in the project. Metroplex lead the Lemuria and Gigantia Cyber Planet Key with Drillbit, Signal Lancer, Undermine and Brimstone.
Like the other large robots on Gigantion, Metroplex has a stereotyped European accent that lies somewhere between Irish and Scottish (possibly Ulster-Scots
).
Transformers
A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another by magnetic coupling.Transformer may also refer to:* ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, an Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet computer manufacturer by Asus...
series.
Transformers: Generation 1
Metroplex is capable of transforming into a battle station or a giant robot. Metroplex has three smaller autonomous components: Six-Gun: an Autobot who is formed from six of the battle station's guns combining with one of the city's towers, Scamper: an Autobot who transforms into a car, and Slammer: a tank which transforms into another of the city's skyscrapers.Metroplex is considered the 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' last line of defense. He spends most of his time in city mode but has the ability to transform into a battle station or a colossal robot depending on the situation. He has been called upon to fight Trypticon
Trypticon
Trypticon is a fictional character in the Transformers toyline.-Transformers: Generation 1:Trypticon is the Decepticons' principal command base. He has three modes: a city, a mobile battle station, and a Tyrannosaurus rex. In each mode, he has a variety of weapons...
on a few different occasions, often using full-body wrestling tactics rather than depending on firepower.
According to the one Japanese Comic Bom Bom article Metroplex is 800 meters tall. In the Marvel U.K. Transformers comic however it says he's 698 feet (212.8 meters) tall. He can lift 70,000 tons. His armor is the equal of any Transformer's; to merely scratch it would require at least a low-yield nuclear explosion. He has left shoulder-mounted twin high-energy MASER
Maser
A maser is a device that produces coherent electromagnetic waves through amplification by stimulated emission. Historically, “maser” derives from the original, upper-case acronym MASER, which stands for "Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation"...
(microwave amplification through stimulated emission of radiation) cannons and a retractable omni-directional receiving and transmitting rod antenna in his right shoulder. His chest module contains a storage bay capable of holding a mid-size vehicle. In Autobot City mode, he has a helipad and ramps leading to the storage bay and various repair bays. Although it is a common misconception that Metroplex is unable to fly, Metroplex was depicted as being able to fly in robot mode in the final episode of the Japanese exclusive Headmasters series as well as in the IDW comics.
Reception
According to X-Entertainment Metroplex was the 4th top Transformers figure of all time.Marvel Comics
Metroplex appears in the Marvel UK "Space Pirates" arc. In 2008, the QuintessonsQuintessons
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...
invaded and captured Autobot City, but the actions of Hot Rod allowed its living core, Metroplex, to rise up from beneath the city and wipe out their entire fleet.
Metroplex also has a biography printed in the Transformers: Universe series.
Animated series
Metroplex rose out of the ruins of Autobot City after the Battle of Autobot City. During that attack, he was seen transforming from city to battle station by manual control. During the fighting, his Transformation Cog was destroyed. After the battle, he received a new Cog with the help of Sky LynxSky Lynx
Sky Lynx is the name of several different characters in the fictional Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Sky Lynx consists of two separate components: a space shuttle that can transform into a bird-like creature , and a ground transport vehicle,...
, 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....
, 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 Marissa Faireborn
Marissa Faireborn
Marissa Faireborn is a fictional character from the Transformers series. A human female, she holds the rank of captain in the Earth Defense Command, a military organization helping the Autobots fight against the evil Decepticons. In some interpretations, she is depicted as an unlikely love...
, and it was installed by Pipes
Pipes (Transformers)
Pipes is the name of two fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. Both are Autobot trucks.-Transformers: Generation 1:His original tech spec reads: The more seemingly worthless a gadget, the more Pipes is fascinated by it...
. Unfortunately, Metroplex was unable to stop the newly-constructed Trypticon from destroying the Ark, but he did defeat the Decepticon afterwards and hurled the dinosaur into the ocean. The next time Metroplex is called into action was to stop Trypticon and Octane from stealing global monuments and bringing them to Carbombya in exchange for "super-energon". During a battle in Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
, Metroplex caught the Kremlin which Trypticon hurled at him, and was then attacked by Russian troops. This led the Russians (and other humans) to believe that the Autobots were behind the thefts. All was set straight when the Autobots learned Trypticon's whereabouts in Carbombya and Metroplex defeated Trypticon again. Metroplex subsequently returned all of the monuments to their original residences.
When 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...
made his deal with 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...
for a new body, Unicron requested the eyes of Metroplex in one of the tasks. Starscream possessed the body of 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...
and infiltrated Metroplex, stealing one of his eyes but accidentally destroying the other. In a fit of rage, Metroplex unexpectedly transformed into robot mode and began shooting wildly at anyone in range. A bomb planted by Starscream knocked Metroplex unconscious and caused him to transform back to city mode. His eyes were rebuilt after Unicron's plan was foiled by the combination of some Autobots and Decepticons.
If Metroplex has any weakness, it is the fact that due to his sheer size he requires other Autobots to protect and maintain him when he is in city mode. The Starscream incident is one example, and another is the time when Swindle
Swindle (Transformers)
Swindle is the name given to several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Swindle originally appeared as a member of a group of five Decepticons known as the Combaticons who were able to combine together to form a larger robot known as Bruticus...
was able to steal the Transformation Cog while other Decepticons created a diversion. This once again left Metroplex vulnerable. The Autobots (with Spike and Daniel) retaliated by stealing Trypticon's Cog and installing it in Metroplex. The Decepticons naturally used Metroplex's Cog in Trypticon, and this allowed both to at least partially transform and fight each other. Metroplex was in danger of losing the battle when First Aid
First Aid (Transformers)
First Aid is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:First Aid is a doctor and hates seeing any machine in pain, even an overheated car. Compassionate to the injured, but also a great fighter. Carries double-barreled crystallizer...
properly aligned Metroplex's new Cog. This enabled Metroplex to fully transform and defeat the giant dinosaur.
Metroplex is seen only a couple other times in the cartoon continuity. One was when he is attacked by 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:...
with the powerful 'harmonics'. The harmony shorted out Metroplex's circuits, who was saved only when Blaster
Blaster (Transformers)
Blaster is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers television and comic series based on the popular toy line produced by Takara Tomy and Hasbro. Due to trademark reasons, he is sometimes called Autobot Blaster...
attacked Soundwave and erased his tapes. Metroplex was also shown being shut down by Rodimus Prime during the Hate Plague outbreak, in order to keep him from also going berzerk and unleashing his power on everything.
Metroplex continued to appear in the Japanese Headmasters series. His role in the series was much the same as in series 3 of the American cartoon, battling Trypticon on numerous occasions.
After the death of Ultra Magnus, Metroplex was appointed the new Autobot Earth Commander by Fortress Maximus
Fortress Maximus
Fortress Maximus is the name of several fictional characters from several of the various Transformers universes. Fortress Maximus appeared in the season 4 finale of the US Transformers animated series voiced by Stephen Keener. He was one of the stars of the Japanese Transformers: Headmasters...
.
Dreamwave Productions
In the 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...
Generation One series the Autobots had just started to build Autobot City in Alaska before the series ended due to the company going out of business. Holograms of Metroplex in city mode are seen as parts of the plans for Autobot City, so it is assumed he would have been created as part of the city or occupied it.
Devil's Due Publishing
Metroplex would also receive a brief mention in the third G.I. Joe vs. Transformers crossover from Devil's Due PublishingDevil's Due Publishing
Devil's Due Publishing is an independent comic book publishers in the United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, DDP is best known for its wide selection of genres, including licensed and original creator-owned properties that populate its monthly comic book series and graphic novels.Though...
. Near the end Optimus Prime speculates on future threats. In one of these scenes Metroplex confronts his rival Trypticon as part of the background to G.I. Joe Extreme's Sgt. Savage fighting Iron Klaw, thus incorporating the G.I. Joe extreme story line with the mainstream G.I. Joes.
IDW Publishing
In Spotlight: Metroplex Metroplex is found protecting something on the planet Salvvatan VIII when the Throttlebots make their way there while being chased by SixshotSixshot
Sixshot is the name of two fictional characters from the various Transformers series. Introduced in 1987, Sixshot appeared in the last few episodes of the original US Transformers animated series, voiced by Neil Ross. His defining gimmick was that he had six different forms, not two like a normal...
. After stomping on the Decepticon, Metroplex leaves the Throttlebots despite their pleas for help in the war, saying he has a mission. He is last seen flying away in battle station mode.
He is next seen in Transformers: Ironhide as a bodyguard for 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...
on Cybertron.
Toys
- Generation 1 Metroplex with Sixgun, Slammer and Scamper (1986)
- Metroplex was redecoed blue for the Japanese exclusive Decepticon Metrotitan. This toy was reissued by Takara in 2008 as part of their Encore line.
- Transformers Jr. Metroplex (1987)
Transformers: Cybertron
A different character named Metroplex (Called Megalo Convoy in the Japanese version, Transformers: Galaxy Force) exists in the Transformers: Cybertron toyline and universe. The leader of Giant Planet (AKA Gigantia (US)/Gigalonia (JP)) where Transformers are much bigger than traditional sizes and the main way of life involves constructing new cities on top of the old ones. Metroplex turns into a futuristic strip miner and acts somewhat like a foremanConstruction foreman
A construction foreman is the worker or tradesman who is in charge of a construction crew. While traditionally this role has been assumed by a senior male worker, the title in the modern sense is gender non-specific in intent...
on Giant Planet; he's first seen reminding a comrade that "Safety First" is their goal. He 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...
(Blender in Japan, another Giant Planet resident and Metroplex's best friend) join the 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 after a fight with Megatron destroys part of his city. Metroplex is responsible for Megatron being upgraded to 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...
.
His primary weapon is an axe-like weapon with a sawblade for the head, while his Cyber Key Power opens it into a more traditional and powerful axe-blade, which he can also throw like a boomerang.
Though it doesn't appear to be given a name in Japan, the box of the US toy refers to Metroplex's axe-like weapon as 'Sparkdrinker', likely as a reference to his past as a warrior, how some warriors named their favorite weapon, as well as the 'Lifedrinker' axe that appears in versions of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
('Spark' being a Transformer equivalent to a soul). He has two robot modes, a large one and a smaller one (called "Work Mode") which is achieved by collapsing his torso and legs, and turning his waist back 180 degrees. While never explicitly referred in the show, that look was used as an "in-between" during his stock footage transformation, as well as whenever Metroplex had to fit in smaller spaces.
Though never stated, the references to his former warrior nature are most likely to Metroplex being a warrior during the invasion by Planet X, and likely his actions both then and afterwards are what eventually earns him the role of leader.
According to exclusive bio information in in the Transformers Collectors' Club magazine #15 Drill Bit's function is "Coordinator". He plans all the Mini-Con work on Gigantion, and many of those Mini-Cons consider him the leader of their planet.
Animated series
The most notable thing about Metroplex is that he is one of the few Transformers in the series to be able to defeat Megatron single handedly, making him comparatively one of the more powerful characters in the series. When he refuses to let the Decepticons go to the lower levels of the planet, Megatron attacks him with Nemesis Breaker, then deduces Metroplex to be slow and stupid because of his size and strength. He is promptly proven wrong when Metroplex jumps over his next attack, and stomps on top of the Decepticon leader, then swats away his minions trying to help him. When Megatron gets out finally and tries to attack again, Metroplex activates his Cyber Key Power, and crushes Megatron with such force with his axe that he's knocked through the ground and into a subterranean level, in such a state of disrepair that only Megatron's stubborn will not to give up keeps him alive. Unfortunately, when Megatron was recreated as GalvatronGalvatron
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...
the tables were turned and it was Metroplex's turn to receive a severe beating.
Metroplex also proves to be rather protective of others. Despite being ganged up on by Decepticons, he yells to Quickmix to help the Autobots instead of him, and on at least two occasions saves the lives of the human kids; once by slicing through a steel beam about to fall on them, and later by shielding them from a giant falling rock with his body.
In the final episode of Transformers: Cybertron
Transformers: Cybertron
Transformers: Cybertron, known in Japan originally as , is the 2005-2007 Transformers toy line and animated series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara...
, Optimus Prime (Galaxy Convoy) proposed a new Space Bridge project using the power of the four Cyber Planet Keys and the four great Cybertronian ships. Many Autobots and former Decepticons joined in the project. Metroplex lead the Lemuria and Gigantia Cyber Planet Key with Drillbit, Signal Lancer, Undermine and Brimstone.
Like the other large robots on Gigantion, Metroplex has a stereotyped European accent that lies somewhere between Irish and Scottish (possibly Ulster-Scots
Ulster-Scots
The Ulster Scots are an ethnic group in Ireland, descended from Lowland Scots and English from the border of those two countries, many from the "Border Reivers" culture...
).
Toys
- Cybertron Leader Metroplex with Drillbit
- A bonus pack version of Cybertron Metroplex sold in late 2006 included Clocker.