Rhinox
Encyclopedia
Rhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes
.
Rhinox's original tech spec portrayed him as an immensely tough and territorial Maximal dedicated to battling the Predacons. His Transmetal tech spec showed that he appreciated his increased mobility, pulling high speed attacks on the Predacons and showing off with wheelies. His 10th Anniversary Tech Spec was more in-line with the show portrayal.
The show bible for Beast Wars describes Rhinox as a straight man who is inspired by Bud Abbott
.
Rhinox was a Maximal
and Optimus Primal
's oldest friend, although it seems Rhinox has known Rattrap for even longer, stating he was his best friend in the episode A Better Mousetrap. His beast mode is in the form of a large brown rhinoceros
(it rarely appeared in the second season, and was never seen in the third). He has two machine guns as weapons, which fans have nicknamed the “Chainguns of Doom”, though technically they are more akin to Gatling gun
s. He usually stays in the base and acts as an engineer and second in command
of the Maximals. Rhinox created the Maximal Base
's automated defense system, dubbed Sentinel.
Rhinox seems generally as capable of leadership as Optimus Primal, and Optimus Primal has told him as much. However, Rhinox abhors the babysitting and loss of independence that come with being a full-time leader. He is indisputably loyal to Optimus Primal; their mutual respect is so strong that Rhinox is the only Maximal that Optimus Primal seeks advice from (causing mild, intermittent jealousy among a few other Maximals). In extreme situations the Maximals often turn to him first – (for example in Possession when Cheetor and Rattrap are faced with a massive battery of autoguns they both call for "Rhinox!"). This is perhaps most notable in Optimal Situation when Optimus orders them to pursue Megatron to save the base, but it takes Rhinox to get them moving (telling them he can handle the repairs by himself). Rhinox's true abilities come out when, in the episode Dark Designs, he is reprogrammed into a Predacon
– only to outwit and damage every other Predacon, much to the dismay of Megatron
. Rhinox is the only Maximal whose form does not physically change or evolve for the duration of the series; though in the toyline he did become a transmetal. He spent much of the second and third season minding the Maximal Base rather than going out on missions.
He has a brilliant mind, a thirst for peace, and an astounding vigor and a resolve to do whatever it takes to maintain that peace. He does whatever it is that is asked of him, even though the requests often made of him are impossible. But being the ever resourceful engineer, Rhinox finds a way. Rhinox also contributes in countless other ways, he is considered to be second-in-command to Optimus Primal
and also often serves as the enforcer
, keeping the troops in rank. His great size and strength is another one of his advantages, in addition to his incredibly quick thinking. These attributes have saved the Maximals countless times throughout the series. Rhinox also seems to have either a fear of flight (though has been seen flying and even piloting other ships) or more likely, a fear of heights, as seen in "The Agenda part 3" where he hesitates on get on Optimus Primal's flying board, and his reactions once he is on.
Rhinox's voice actor attended Botcon
2006 at the Lexington Convention Center for the 10th anniversary of the TV series.
As Tankor, he is a Vehicon
General who was in charge of the Tank Drones. His tech specs portray his unintelligence as a ruse he uses to make his enemies underestimate him. Tankor's motto is word for word the same as that used on the Generation 1 Dinobot Grimlock
, but he seems to have more of a connection to The Incredible Hulk.
, commanded by Optimus Primal. Their mission was one of exploration and to get rid of the abomination called Protoform X, but things didn't go as planned. With crewmates Cheetor and Rattrap, the Axalon chased the Predacon criminal Megatron through transwarp space after the theft of the Golden Disk
. The Maximals and Predacons crashed on prehistoric Earth, where high energon levels threatened to destroy the crew unless they adopted organic alternate modes. Rhinox was given the form of a rhino in "Beast Wars Part 1".
Rhinox's talents would be displayed at multiple points in the Beast Wars. He would be the one principally responsible for saving the life of the protoform that would become Airazor, developing a paternalistic bond with her. Rhinox also created Sentinel, a security computer that could defend their base from the Predacons. Later, after being blinded by an energon explosion caused by Scorponok
, Rhinox displayed his leadership abilities and coolness under pressure when he guided a similarly blinded Rattrap, Dinobot
and Cheetor
back to base, showing them how to let their other senses help them and drive off the opportunistic Predacons.
In "The Probe", Rhinox stayed behind the base to make a disc to contact a probe from Cybertron, while the other Maximals were being forced to be in beast mode by Tarantulas
's new device. When he got to them was in time for him to knock over Megatron before he could destroy them. But when he was typing the code to contact the probe, he was transformed into beast mode by the "LENS", who then destroyed the Maximal device built to contact the probe. The Maximals too would have been destroyed if only it wasn't for Cheetor and Tigatron's timely arrival.
His most prominent episode in season one was in "Dark Designs", when he was turned into a Predacon by Megatron, only for the personality shift to prompt Rhinox to attempt to usurp Megatron by taking out all the other Predacons. When Megatron found out he sent his last two functioning warriors, Scorponok
and Terrorsaur
, but Rhinox was able to pit them against each other, defeating both of them before taking out Megatron, only for the Predacon leader to return Rhinox to his Maximal programming when he was gloating. After he was turned back, the other Maximals came and rescued him. They (with Waspinator
's inadvertent help) destroyed the machine that turn him into a Predacon during their rescue.
His other prominent episode was in "The Low Road", when he was infected with a cold-like virus which nearly destroyed him and the other Maximals. Dinobot and Rattrap managed to get the counter virus from Tarantulas
, resulting in a defeat for the Predacons. Megatron would later describe it as the most humiliating defeat of his career, given that the fight culminated in Rhinox defeating the Predacons by emitting a powerful fart after consuming bean vines that had been growing around the Maximal base to blow the Predacons out of their own headquarters.
Rhinox was damaged by Tarantulas and Blackarachnia during a Predacon attack in the first season’s finale, and was subsequently offline for Primal's heroic sacrifice.
and Blackarachnia), and was protected from it. However in the toy line he WAS released as a Transmetal and his tech spec stated he was changed by the Quantum Surge, but due to limitation in the show production, the producers kept Rhinox in his original form.
Rhinox becomes the new leader of the Maximals after Optimus's apparent death. It was revealed that even the Predacons respect him (perhaps after the events of "Dark Design) when the newly Transmetal Megatron flees rather than face a furious Rhinox, angered by Optimus's death at Megatron's hands. Rhinox even ventured (alone) into the "Other side of the Matrix" ("where all are one") using the hole in space/time left by the Vok
Planet Buster's destruction, retrieving Optimus Primal's spark
and placing it in a new Transmetal
body. After Primals resurrection, he relieved his leadership back to him.
Rhinox continued to battle the Predacons and use his medical skills. When Transmutate
's stasis pod fell to Earth it was Rhinox who determined that she could be a potential threat (much to Silverbolt's disgust) and also realized that Dinobot's wounds were fatal after his climactic battle with the Predacons. When Megatron attempted to alter history, Primal and the other Maximals pursued him to the Ark
, relying on Rhinox's great strength to force the doors of the damaged Ark open. However, they were too late. Megatron had shot Optimus Prime
in the head and all of time began to destabilize.
Note: The only time he was seen in beast mode in season two was in "Other Visits (Part 1)" when they showed every one transformed from their beast mode, and finally in "Code of Hero" when he was running towards Dinobot with the other Maximals to aid him to fight the Predacons.
defense weapons, to only fail and propose to get Sentinel at the old base. He later defended the Ark alongside Rattrap, only being saved by Depth Charge
's timely arrival, and managed to help Blackarachnia in her switch to a Transmetal II body.
In the series conclusion, as Megatron attempted to use the Decepticon
ship Nemesis to destroy the Ark and humanity, Rhinox realized that the Dinobot Clone’s transmission meant that history was still being written. Taking the Omega Delta Autobot shuttle, Rhinox managed to crash it through the bridge of the Nemesis effectively ending Megatron's threat, and with it, the Beast Wars
. After this, Rhinox returned with the other Maximals back to Cybertron. It is interesting to note that throughout the third season, Rhinox was not seen once in beast mode. This can be explained because once the Vok weapon was destroyed, it rid earth of most of the unstable energon caches, therefore nulling the need to revert to beast mode. It should also be noted that none of the transmetals had the need to revert to beast mode, other than covering ground, because their new, altered forms protected them from the energon exposure, as did their beast modes.
Unfortunately for the Maximals, Megatron
broke free of his bonds in transwarp and arrived on Cybertron ahead of them, taking over the planet. When the Maximal
surivivors inside the Autobot shuttle reached Cybertron, it was shot down by Megatron's forces and landed on the planet. The Maximals were chased by Megatron's Vehicon
drones, who threw canisters of Megatron's transformation-freezing virus at them. All those Maximals whose bodies had been altered during the Beast Wars
were transformed back to their original bodies and frozen in their beast modes. Rhinox and Silverbolt, however, had their sparks captured by Megatron.
Megatron used Rhinox's spark to give life to one of the original three Vehicon
generals: Tankor
. As Tankor, Rhinox was a simple-minded powerhouse who never felt any emotions other than rage. His spark remained dormant inside of Tankor for some time, conscious and aware, but never capable of reaching the surface. It wasn't long before Cheetor
and Rattrap discovered that their former comrade was trapped inside the technological titan.
Each of the three original Vehicon Generals had their own personalized command codes; Tankor's was: "Tankor Pulverize!!!"
In one episode, Optimus Primal
, still unaware of Tankor's prior identity, used his spark telepathy to convince Tankor that Megatron was his enemy, and to join the Maximals
. Megatron countered by deleting Tankor's memories of the events and blocking any further attempts to contact Tankor's mind (Mercenary Pursuits).
After the Maximal Rattrap attempted to interface Tankor's CPU, Tankor regained the blocked memories of his time as Rhinox. Optimus Primal chose not to forcibly undo Megatron's Vehicon reprogramming of him in fear that would make the Maximals no better than Megatron. This proved to be a mistake as Tankor remained with the Vehicons, now with Rhinox's genius and memories. Tankor hid the new knowledge of his identity from his fellow Vehicons, and continued to act like the old Tankor in their presence.
While Tankor agreed with Megatron's ideal Cyberton, he saw the partially organic Megatron as unfit to lead it, preferring himself as its ideal leader given his pure technological make-up and his experiences as both Maximal and Vehicon (Rhinox expressed a similar view when he was reprogrammed as a Predacon in the Beast Wars Series) and planned to overthrow Megatron. Tankor reprogrammed the Diagnostic Drone to only obey him so it could retrieve the Key to Vector Sigma
, which could purge all organics from Cybertron, like the Maximals. Then he manipulated the Oracle to send false visions to Optimus so that the Maximals would find the Plasma Energy Chamber and use it to destroy Megatron. Tankor was killed at the end of the first season of Beast Machines when he was going to destroy Megatron but it was revealed that all Vehicons were hard-wire programmed with fail-safes that prevent them from harming Megatron. It was revealed that Megatron knew of his deception all along. When he was killed, Tankor became Rhinox again and rejoined the Matrix, forgiven for his crimes as Tankor.
In the U.S. he was voiced by Paul Dobson prior to the re-awakening of his prior memories. After that, he was voiced by Richard Newman
using Rhinox's old voice, although on occasion he used his Tankor voice to deceive the Vehicons.
According to DVD commentary by Bob Skir, Tankor's character was influenced by the Incredible Hulk
.
and Blackarachnia watched as the Predacon scientist Fractyl attempted to invent energon armor capable of protecting them from energon build up. Although seemingly successful, the armor was stolen by the Maximal thief Packrat. Blackarachnia and Fractyl realized the energon armor was flawed and could destroy the planet if it came in contact with large amounts of energon. Inferno pursued Packrat, but since Packrat didn't need to assume beast mode with the armor on, he got the upper hand in the fight with Inferno. Hearing the battle, Airazor, Cheetor
and Rhinox joined Packrat. Fractyl convinced Rhinox that the armor was a threat to them all. Rhinox was able to talk Packrat into giving up the armor, which Fractyl aided them in doing. When Blackarachnia arrived with Megatron
, Packrat suggested that Fractyl pretend to be attacking the Maximals, who fled. Megatron was impressed with Fractyl's new found battle prowess.
Even with the death of Tankor in the Beast Machines storyline, Rhinox would return in the story of Transformers: Universe.
In Transformers: Universe #3 Alpha Trion and Primus claim they need Primal to choose his troops from any Cybertonians, past or present, and he chooses Rhinox and Depth Charge, who are brought back to life. Although Rhinox is happy to have a second chance to redeem himself for his acts as Tankor, Depth Charge isn't pleased with being brought back from the dead. Subsequently Rhinox would appear as Primal's lieutenant in the 2004 BotCon voice actor play, using his technical expertise to build a device that stops Unicron pulling Transformers from other dimensions. However, this caused an Autobot shuttle piloted by Bumblebee
, Cosmos
and Tracks
to become lost in Rhinox's time. The Autobots would assist Rhinox' forces (Rattrap, Silverbolt and Waspinator
) to defeat the Decepticons and send both the Autobots and several other timelost groups back to their own times and realities.
Although 3H Enterprises losing the license would forestall the conclusion to the Universe storyline, an explanation of sorts would be found in issue 8 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine Cybertron/Robots in Disguise, where Optimus Prime told the tale of how Unicron's forces were defeated in one last battle by Optimus Primal's forces, as Unicron disappeared due to the black hole opened in Transformers: Energon
. Here Rhinox was able to finally face his demons, battling and defeating the alternate Tankor serving Unicron.
Timelines tale Dawn of Futures Past, as the engineer of the Axalon. With his work seemingly cut out keeping the other two crew members in line, he was soon called upon to restore the Axalon after it was attacked and crippled by Laserbeak
and Buzzsaw. With the former Decepticons distracted by another Maximal ship, Rhinox was able to get the ship's engines and guns online in time to destroy the Predacons. His engineering expertise was soon called upon again to save the lives of the other Maximal ship's pilot and passenger by performing a remote spark transfer to the blank protoforms in the Axalon's cargo hold. Rattrap refers to him (insultingly) as a "big rhinoceros", foreshadowing his later transformation in the Beast Wars.
.
's Transformers:Armada Comic. With Optimus Prime having disappeared to an alternate dimension devastated by Unicron
. As Jetfire
attempted to locate him through Spacebridge links to other dimensions, one of these clearly shows Tankor.
to Earth. The Transformers included the original Tracks
, Ariel, Cosmos
and Megatron, Beast Wars Tarantulas
, Robots in Disguise Sky-Byte
and Beast Machines Tankor. Eventually the Transformers were able to learn that the death of Unicron in 2005 was what created the repeat wave. They defeated Unicron by tricking him into transforming and using up his power, then using the Key to Vector Sigma program (which Tankor had brought with him) to tap into the power of Vector Sigma
itself, and through it the Autobot Matrix of Leadership
. With Unicron severely drained the various Transformers faded back to their original timelines. Before returning to his timeline Tankor thanked his Autobot ancestors, telling them it was an honor to work with them.
series, which is set in a different Transformers universe from Beast Wars and Beast Machines, Rhinox was one of five Transmetal Beast Warriors who appeared in Armada. Their toys were re-colored and modified to include Mini-Con
powerlink points. Each was then partnered with one or more re-colored Mini-Cons from the Adventure and Street Speed Teams. Rhinox was partnered with Armorhide and was the only one of the four to appear in animated form.
Rhinox appeared among the Autobots in the Dreamwave Productions
Armada
comic book series. He was among the team of Autobots led by Jetfire
who investigated mysterious Space Bridge activity at the Decepticon Headquarters—unaware it had been taken over by the Heralds of Unicron.Bludgeon
was still present and stalked Jetfire's team. Rhinox survived relatively unscathed, unlike Blurr
and Dropshot, and helped to eventually destroy the samurai-like former Decepticon.
He fought against Unicron at the end of the Armada series and was abducted by the Chaos Bringer along with Airazor, Cheetor, and Terrorsaur.
Armada Rhinox appeared as a minion of Unicron in the Transformers: Energon comic book series. Rhinox became "War", one of the Four Horsemen
of Unicron
.
Armada Rhinox also was set to appear in the unreleased issue 33 of the Transformers: Energon comic series http://seibertron.com/comics/view.php?comic_id=787.
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...
.
Beast Wars
Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came along, and his character was written by Hasbro. These characterizations were largely thrown out the window by the television series producers.Rhinox's original tech spec portrayed him as an immensely tough and territorial Maximal dedicated to battling the Predacons. His Transmetal tech spec showed that he appreciated his increased mobility, pulling high speed attacks on the Predacons and showing off with wheelies. His 10th Anniversary Tech Spec was more in-line with the show portrayal.
The show bible for Beast Wars describes Rhinox as a straight man who is inspired by Bud Abbott
Bud Abbott
William Alexander "Bud" Abbott was an American actor, producer and comedian. He is best remembered as the straight man of the comedy team of Abbott and Costello, with Lou Costello.-Early life:...
.
Rhinox was a Maximal
Maximal (Transformers)
Maximals are a faction in the Transformers series by Hasbro. They are generally depicted as respecting all life and following a path of peace before war. They follow the tenets of the Pax Cybertronia. The Maximals are opposed by the Predacons...
and 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...
's oldest friend, although it seems Rhinox has known Rattrap for even longer, stating he was his best friend in the episode A Better Mousetrap. His beast mode is in the form of a large brown rhinoceros
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros , also known as rhino, is a group of five extant species of odd-toed ungulates in the family Rhinocerotidae. Two of these species are native to Africa and three to southern Asia....
(it rarely appeared in the second season, and was never seen in the third). He has two machine guns as weapons, which fans have nicknamed the “Chainguns of Doom”, though technically they are more akin to Gatling gun
Gatling gun
The Gatling gun is one of the best known early rapid-fire weapons and a forerunner of the modern machine gun. It is well known for its use by the Union forces during the American Civil War in the 1860s, which was the first time it was employed in combat...
s. He usually stays in the base and acts as an engineer and second in command
Second in Command
Second in Command is a 2006 action film directed by Simon Fellows, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. It was released direct-to-video in the United States, Belgium, and Germany on May 2, 2006. It has been rated R by the MPAA for violence and some language. The film was made in Bucharest, Romania.-Plot...
of the Maximals. Rhinox created the Maximal Base
Axalon
The Axalon is the name of the fictional Maximal ship in the Beast Wars cartoon and comic books. In addition, in the Transformers: Armada cartoon, the Autobots constructed a space ship that was also named the Axalon, possibly in reference to the original Maximal ship.-History:The Axalon, commanded...
's automated defense system, dubbed Sentinel.
Rhinox seems generally as capable of leadership as Optimus Primal, and Optimus Primal has told him as much. However, Rhinox abhors the babysitting and loss of independence that come with being a full-time leader. He is indisputably loyal to Optimus Primal; their mutual respect is so strong that Rhinox is the only Maximal that Optimus Primal seeks advice from (causing mild, intermittent jealousy among a few other Maximals). In extreme situations the Maximals often turn to him first – (for example in Possession when Cheetor and Rattrap are faced with a massive battery of autoguns they both call for "Rhinox!"). This is perhaps most notable in Optimal Situation when Optimus orders them to pursue Megatron to save the base, but it takes Rhinox to get them moving (telling them he can handle the repairs by himself). Rhinox's true abilities come out when, in the episode Dark Designs, he is reprogrammed into a Predacon
Predacon (Transformers)
The Predacons usually refer to the name of several fictional Decepticon-like teams led by Megatron, however Transformers: Armada, Predacon is the name of a single character.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
– only to outwit and damage every other Predacon, much to the dismay 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...
. Rhinox is the only Maximal whose form does not physically change or evolve for the duration of the series; though in the toyline he did become a transmetal. He spent much of the second and third season minding the Maximal Base rather than going out on missions.
He has a brilliant mind, a thirst for peace, and an astounding vigor and a resolve to do whatever it takes to maintain that peace. He does whatever it is that is asked of him, even though the requests often made of him are impossible. But being the ever resourceful engineer, Rhinox finds a way. Rhinox also contributes in countless other ways, he is considered to be second-in-command to 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 also often serves as the enforcer
Enforcer
Enforcer may refer to:*A thug who uses physical force or the threat of physical force to coerce others*Enforcer , a role in ice hockey*Enforcer - Gaming :*Enforcer, a units in the Battle Realms video game...
, keeping the troops in rank. His great size and strength is another one of his advantages, in addition to his incredibly quick thinking. These attributes have saved the Maximals countless times throughout the series. Rhinox also seems to have either a fear of flight (though has been seen flying and even piloting other ships) or more likely, a fear of heights, as seen in "The Agenda part 3" where he hesitates on get on Optimus Primal's flying board, and his reactions once he is on.
Rhinox's voice actor attended Botcon
BotCon
BotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual convention for Transformers fans and collectors. BotCon has been held annually since 1994...
2006 at the Lexington Convention Center for the 10th anniversary of the TV series.
As Tankor, he is a Vehicon
Vehicon
Vehicons are a faction in the fictional Transformers, appearing in the animated cartoon series Beast Machines. However, most Vehicons are non-sentient drones, controlled entirely by the will of Megatron or their respective general.-History:...
General who was in charge of the Tank Drones. His tech specs portray his unintelligence as a ruse he uses to make his enemies underestimate him. Tankor's motto is word for word the same as that used on the Generation 1 Dinobot 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...
, but he seems to have more of a connection to The Incredible Hulk.
Beast Wars season one
Rhinox was defense officer of the Maximal ship called the AxalonAxalon
The Axalon is the name of the fictional Maximal ship in the Beast Wars cartoon and comic books. In addition, in the Transformers: Armada cartoon, the Autobots constructed a space ship that was also named the Axalon, possibly in reference to the original Maximal ship.-History:The Axalon, commanded...
, commanded by Optimus Primal. Their mission was one of exploration and to get rid of the abomination called Protoform X, but things didn't go as planned. With crewmates Cheetor and Rattrap, the Axalon chased the Predacon criminal Megatron through transwarp space after the theft of the Golden Disk
Golden Disk
-Beast Wars:The Golden Disk is a relic from the Beast Wars Transformers timeline, and a key plot device for the events of the show. Considered a revered artifact, it is actually the Voyager Golden Record, which includes information on Earth and humanity, and is presumably the only source of...
. The Maximals and Predacons crashed on prehistoric Earth, where high energon levels threatened to destroy the crew unless they adopted organic alternate modes. Rhinox was given the form of a rhino in "Beast Wars Part 1".
Rhinox's talents would be displayed at multiple points in the Beast Wars. He would be the one principally responsible for saving the life of the protoform that would become Airazor, developing a paternalistic bond with her. Rhinox also created Sentinel, a security computer that could defend their base from the Predacons. Later, after being blinded by an energon explosion caused by 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:...
, Rhinox displayed his leadership abilities and coolness under pressure when he guided a similarly blinded Rattrap, Dinobot
Dinobot
Dinobot is a fictional character from the Beast Wars Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:Dinobot originally debuts in the series' premiere as a subordinate of Megatron, leader of the villainous Predacons. However, Dinobot challenges Megatron's leadership, and is shortly expelled from his crew. He...
and Cheetor
Cheetor
Cheetor is several fictional characters from various Transformers universes.- Beast Wars :Cheetor's original tech spec indicated he was a seasoned and confident warrior always in search of battle with the Predacons, seemingly in contrast to his youthful and impulsive portrayal in the original show...
back to base, showing them how to let their other senses help them and drive off the opportunistic Predacons.
In "The Probe", Rhinox stayed behind the base to make a disc to contact a probe from Cybertron, while the other Maximals were being forced to be in beast mode by Tarantulas
Tarantulas (Transformers)
Tarantulas is a Predacon in theBeast Wars series who turns into a tarantula. Due to problems in trade-marking the name, later releases of the character were called Predacon Tarantulus by Hasbro.-Beast Wars:...
's new device. When he got to them was in time for him to knock over Megatron before he could destroy them. But when he was typing the code to contact the probe, he was transformed into beast mode by the "LENS", who then destroyed the Maximal device built to contact the probe. The Maximals too would have been destroyed if only it wasn't for Cheetor and Tigatron's timely arrival.
His most prominent episode in season one was in "Dark Designs", when he was turned into a Predacon by Megatron, only for the personality shift to prompt Rhinox to attempt to usurp Megatron by taking out all the other Predacons. When Megatron found out he sent his last two functioning warriors, 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 Terrorsaur
Terrorsaur
Terrorsaur is the name of several fictional characters from the world of Transformers universes.Terror-Saur is an amalgamate of terror and saur .-Beast Wars:...
, but Rhinox was able to pit them against each other, defeating both of them before taking out Megatron, only for the Predacon leader to return Rhinox to his Maximal programming when he was gloating. After he was turned back, the other Maximals came and rescued him. They (with Waspinator
Waspinator
Waspinator is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. He is sometimes called Wasp. The original Waspinator was voiced by Scott McNeil in the Beast Wars animated series.-Beast Wars:...
's inadvertent help) destroyed the machine that turn him into a Predacon during their rescue.
His other prominent episode was in "The Low Road", when he was infected with a cold-like virus which nearly destroyed him and the other Maximals. Dinobot and Rattrap managed to get the counter virus from Tarantulas
Tarantulas (Transformers)
Tarantulas is a Predacon in theBeast Wars series who turns into a tarantula. Due to problems in trade-marking the name, later releases of the character were called Predacon Tarantulus by Hasbro.-Beast Wars:...
, resulting in a defeat for the Predacons. Megatron would later describe it as the most humiliating defeat of his career, given that the fight culminated in Rhinox defeating the Predacons by emitting a powerful fart after consuming bean vines that had been growing around the Maximal base to blow the Predacons out of their own headquarters.
Rhinox was damaged by Tarantulas and Blackarachnia during a Predacon attack in the first season’s finale, and was subsequently offline for Primal's heroic sacrifice.
Beast Wars season two
Rhinox was among those unaffected by the Quantum Wave which turned many Cybertronians into Transmetals. It's theorized by fans that he didn't change because he was in a cryo-regeneration chamber at the time (after being damaged by TarantulasTarantulas (Transformers)
Tarantulas is a Predacon in theBeast Wars series who turns into a tarantula. Due to problems in trade-marking the name, later releases of the character were called Predacon Tarantulus by Hasbro.-Beast Wars:...
and Blackarachnia), and was protected from it. However in the toy line he WAS released as a Transmetal and his tech spec stated he was changed by the Quantum Surge, but due to limitation in the show production, the producers kept Rhinox in his original form.
Rhinox becomes the new leader of the Maximals after Optimus's apparent death. It was revealed that even the Predacons respect him (perhaps after the events of "Dark Design) when the newly Transmetal Megatron flees rather than face a furious Rhinox, angered by Optimus's death at Megatron's hands. Rhinox even ventured (alone) into the "Other side of the Matrix" ("where all are one") using the hole in space/time left by the Vok
Vok
The Vok are a race of fictional aliens from the Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:In Transformers history, the Vok were mysterious and powerful aliens who had evolved beyond the corporeal world. Their base of operations—be it another planet, location in space, or entire dimension—is dubbed "Nexus...
Planet Buster's destruction, retrieving Optimus Primal's spark
Spark (Transformers)
Spark can refer to several objects in the fictional Transformers universe. A spark is usually the "soul" of a Transformer. It is also the name of several Transformers characters. An AllSpark is a term for two different objects within the Transformers media franchise. In the Beast Machines...
and placing it in a new Transmetal
Transmetals
Transmetals are a subgroup of the Beast Wars and Beast Machines characters in the fictional Transformers universe. Ordinary Transformers in the Beast Wars universe have a mechanical robot form and a techno-organic animal form, also known as a "beast mode"...
body. After Primals resurrection, he relieved his leadership back to him.
Rhinox continued to battle the Predacons and use his medical skills. When Transmutate
Transmutate
Transmutate is the name of a fictional character from the various Transformers universes. She is a damaged, but powerful, Maximal protoform who befriends both the Maximal Silverbolt and his enemy the Predacon Rampage....
's stasis pod fell to Earth it was Rhinox who determined that she could be a potential threat (much to Silverbolt's disgust) and also realized that Dinobot's wounds were fatal after his climactic battle with the Predacons. When Megatron attempted to alter history, Primal and the other Maximals pursued him to 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....
, relying on Rhinox's great strength to force the doors of the damaged Ark open. However, they were too late. Megatron had shot 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...
in the head and all of time began to destabilize.
Note: The only time he was seen in beast mode in season two was in "Other Visits (Part 1)" when they showed every one transformed from their beast mode, and finally in "Code of Hero" when he was running towards Dinobot with the other Maximals to aid him to fight the Predacons.
Beast Wars season three
Megatron's plan was thwarted when Blackarachnia unexpectedly switched sides, allowing Rhinox and the former Predacon to repair Prime's body while Optimus Primal safeguarded his Spark. He then tried to use Teletraan ITeletraan I
Teletraan I is the name of several fictional characters in several Transformers universes. Teletraan I is usually the Autobots' computer on board their spaceship called the Ark.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
defense weapons, to only fail and propose to get Sentinel at the old base. He later defended the Ark alongside Rattrap, only being saved by Depth Charge
Depth charge
A depth charge is an anti-submarine warfare weapon intended to destroy or cripple a target submarine by the shock of exploding near it. Most use explosives and a fuze set to go off at a preselected depth in the ocean. Depth charges can be dropped by either surface ships, patrol aircraft, or from...
's timely arrival, and managed to help Blackarachnia in her switch to a Transmetal II body.
In the series conclusion, as Megatron attempted to use 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...
ship Nemesis to destroy the Ark and humanity, Rhinox realized that the Dinobot Clone’s transmission meant that history was still being written. Taking the Omega Delta Autobot shuttle, Rhinox managed to crash it through the bridge of the Nemesis effectively ending Megatron's threat, and with it, the Beast Wars
Beast 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...
. After this, Rhinox returned with the other Maximals back to Cybertron. It is interesting to note that throughout the third season, Rhinox was not seen once in beast mode. This can be explained because once the Vok weapon was destroyed, it rid earth of most of the unstable energon caches, therefore nulling the need to revert to beast mode. It should also be noted that none of the transmetals had the need to revert to beast mode, other than covering ground, because their new, altered forms protected them from the energon exposure, as did their beast modes.
Beast Machines
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...
broke free of his bonds in transwarp and arrived on Cybertron ahead of them, taking over the planet. When the Maximal
Maximal (Transformers)
Maximals are a faction in the Transformers series by Hasbro. They are generally depicted as respecting all life and following a path of peace before war. They follow the tenets of the Pax Cybertronia. The Maximals are opposed by the Predacons...
surivivors inside the Autobot shuttle reached Cybertron, it was shot down by Megatron's forces and landed on the planet. The Maximals were chased by Megatron's Vehicon
Vehicon
Vehicons are a faction in the fictional Transformers, appearing in the animated cartoon series Beast Machines. However, most Vehicons are non-sentient drones, controlled entirely by the will of Megatron or their respective general.-History:...
drones, who threw canisters of Megatron's transformation-freezing virus at them. All those Maximals whose bodies had been altered during the Beast Wars
Beast 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...
were transformed back to their original bodies and frozen in their beast modes. Rhinox and Silverbolt, however, had their sparks captured by Megatron.
Megatron used Rhinox's spark to give life to one of the original three Vehicon
Vehicon
Vehicons are a faction in the fictional Transformers, appearing in the animated cartoon series Beast Machines. However, most Vehicons are non-sentient drones, controlled entirely by the will of Megatron or their respective general.-History:...
generals: Tankor
Tankor
Tankor is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:This version of Tankor, initially called Octane, is the Decepticons' fueler, in charge of storing and distributing fuel among Decepticons with vehicle modes. He is characterized as...
. As Tankor, Rhinox was a simple-minded powerhouse who never felt any emotions other than rage. His spark remained dormant inside of Tankor for some time, conscious and aware, but never capable of reaching the surface. It wasn't long before Cheetor
Cheetor
Cheetor is several fictional characters from various Transformers universes.- Beast Wars :Cheetor's original tech spec indicated he was a seasoned and confident warrior always in search of battle with the Predacons, seemingly in contrast to his youthful and impulsive portrayal in the original show...
and Rattrap discovered that their former comrade was trapped inside the technological titan.
Each of the three original Vehicon Generals had their own personalized command codes; Tankor's was: "Tankor Pulverize!!!"
In one episode, 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...
, still unaware of Tankor's prior identity, used his spark telepathy to convince Tankor that Megatron was his enemy, and to join the Maximals
Maximal (Transformers)
Maximals are a faction in the Transformers series by Hasbro. They are generally depicted as respecting all life and following a path of peace before war. They follow the tenets of the Pax Cybertronia. The Maximals are opposed by the Predacons...
. Megatron countered by deleting Tankor's memories of the events and blocking any further attempts to contact Tankor's mind (Mercenary Pursuits).
After the Maximal Rattrap attempted to interface Tankor's CPU, Tankor regained the blocked memories of his time as Rhinox. Optimus Primal chose not to forcibly undo Megatron's Vehicon reprogramming of him in fear that would make the Maximals no better than Megatron. This proved to be a mistake as Tankor remained with the Vehicons, now with Rhinox's genius and memories. Tankor hid the new knowledge of his identity from his fellow Vehicons, and continued to act like the old Tankor in their presence.
While Tankor agreed with Megatron's ideal Cyberton, he saw the partially organic Megatron as unfit to lead it, preferring himself as its ideal leader given his pure technological make-up and his experiences as both Maximal and Vehicon (Rhinox expressed a similar view when he was reprogrammed as a Predacon in the Beast Wars Series) and planned to overthrow Megatron. Tankor reprogrammed the Diagnostic Drone to only obey him so it could retrieve the Key to Vector Sigma
Vector Sigma
In the fictional universe of the first Transformers animated series, Vector Sigma is the "mega-computer" that gives sentience to non-sentient robots, and is used by the Quintessons to endow their robotic creations with the true life that eventually leads to their rebellion...
, which could purge all organics from Cybertron, like the Maximals. Then he manipulated the Oracle to send false visions to Optimus so that the Maximals would find the Plasma Energy Chamber and use it to destroy Megatron. Tankor was killed at the end of the first season of Beast Machines when he was going to destroy Megatron but it was revealed that all Vehicons were hard-wire programmed with fail-safes that prevent them from harming Megatron. It was revealed that Megatron knew of his deception all along. When he was killed, Tankor became Rhinox again and rejoined the Matrix, forgiven for his crimes as Tankor.
In the U.S. he was voiced by Paul Dobson prior to the re-awakening of his prior memories. After that, he was voiced by Richard Newman
Richard Newman
Richard Newman is a voice actor with numerous voice roles in Transformers cartoons.-Career:Newman started his career in voice acting in Beast Wars voicing Rhinox and the Vok...
using Rhinox's old voice, although on occasion he used his Tankor voice to deceive the Vehicons.
According to DVD commentary by Bob Skir, Tankor's character was influenced by the Incredible Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
.
3H Enterprises
Rhinox was one of the stars of the 1997 BotCon Convention Comics, a story set near the end of season one of the Beast Wars television series. In the convention comics plot, InfernoInferno (Transformers)
Inferno is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. Despite having different alternate modes, the character name has been most associated with the form of a fire engine.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Blackarachnia watched as the Predacon scientist Fractyl attempted to invent energon armor capable of protecting them from energon build up. Although seemingly successful, the armor was stolen by the Maximal thief Packrat. Blackarachnia and Fractyl realized the energon armor was flawed and could destroy the planet if it came in contact with large amounts of energon. Inferno pursued Packrat, but since Packrat didn't need to assume beast mode with the armor on, he got the upper hand in the fight with Inferno. Hearing the battle, Airazor, Cheetor
Cheetor
Cheetor is several fictional characters from various Transformers universes.- Beast Wars :Cheetor's original tech spec indicated he was a seasoned and confident warrior always in search of battle with the Predacons, seemingly in contrast to his youthful and impulsive portrayal in the original show...
and Rhinox joined Packrat. Fractyl convinced Rhinox that the armor was a threat to them all. Rhinox was able to talk Packrat into giving up the armor, which Fractyl aided them in doing. When Blackarachnia arrived with 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...
, Packrat suggested that Fractyl pretend to be attacking the Maximals, who fled. Megatron was impressed with Fractyl's new found battle prowess.
Even with the death of Tankor in the Beast Machines storyline, Rhinox would return in the story of Transformers: Universe.
In Transformers: Universe #3 Alpha Trion and Primus claim they need Primal to choose his troops from any Cybertonians, past or present, and he chooses Rhinox and Depth Charge, who are brought back to life. Although Rhinox is happy to have a second chance to redeem himself for his acts as Tankor, Depth Charge isn't pleased with being brought back from the dead. Subsequently Rhinox would appear as Primal's lieutenant in the 2004 BotCon voice actor play, using his technical expertise to build a device that stops Unicron pulling Transformers from other dimensions. However, this caused an Autobot shuttle piloted by 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 :...
, 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....
and Tracks
Tracks (Transformers)
Tracks is a character in the Transformers Universes. The name is now too generic to license in recent times; so the toys creator, Hasbro had to add a "modifier" - a prefix to the name in order to use it on their product, in this case the name became "Autobot Tracks" or "Turbo...
to become lost in Rhinox's time. The Autobots would assist Rhinox' forces (Rattrap, Silverbolt and Waspinator
Waspinator
Waspinator is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. He is sometimes called Wasp. The original Waspinator was voiced by Scott McNeil in the Beast Wars animated series.-Beast Wars:...
) to defeat the Decepticons and send both the Autobots and several other timelost groups back to their own times and realities.
Although 3H Enterprises losing the license would forestall the conclusion to the Universe storyline, an explanation of sorts would be found in issue 8 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine Cybertron/Robots in Disguise, where Optimus Prime told the tale of how Unicron's forces were defeated in one last battle by Optimus Primal's forces, as Unicron disappeared due to the black hole opened 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...
. Here Rhinox was able to finally face his demons, battling and defeating the alternate Tankor serving Unicron.
Fun Publications
Rhinox would appear in the BotConBotCon
BotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual convention for Transformers fans and collectors. BotCon has been held annually since 1994...
Timelines tale Dawn of Futures Past, as the engineer of the Axalon. With his work seemingly cut out keeping the other two crew members in line, he was soon called upon to restore the Axalon after it was attacked and crippled by 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:...
and Buzzsaw. With the former Decepticons distracted by another Maximal ship, Rhinox was able to get the ship's engines and guns online in time to destroy the Predacons. His engineering expertise was soon called upon again to save the lives of the other Maximal ship's pilot and passenger by performing a remote spark transfer to the blank protoforms in the Axalon's cargo hold. Rattrap refers to him (insultingly) as a "big rhinoceros", foreshadowing his later transformation in the Beast Wars.
IDW Publishing
Rhinox had a biography printed in the Beast Wars Sourcebook by IDW PublishingIDW 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...
.
Dreamwave Productions
Tankor would make a very surprising cameo appearance in DreamwaveDreamwave 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...
's Transformers:Armada Comic. With Optimus Prime having disappeared to an alternate dimension devastated by 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...
. As 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:...
attempted to locate him through Spacebridge links to other dimensions, one of these clearly shows Tankor.
Voice actor plays
Tankor appeared in the 2006 TransformersCon voice actor play. Voices in the play were performed by a variety of volunteers and the actual voice actors attending the convention. In this play various Transformers from different timelines and realities were swept up in a repeat wave and transported along with UnicronUnicron
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...
to Earth. The Transformers included the original Tracks
Tracks (Transformers)
Tracks is a character in the Transformers Universes. The name is now too generic to license in recent times; so the toys creator, Hasbro had to add a "modifier" - a prefix to the name in order to use it on their product, in this case the name became "Autobot Tracks" or "Turbo...
, Ariel, 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....
and Megatron, Beast Wars Tarantulas
Tarantulas (Transformers)
Tarantulas is a Predacon in theBeast Wars series who turns into a tarantula. Due to problems in trade-marking the name, later releases of the character were called Predacon Tarantulus by Hasbro.-Beast Wars:...
, Robots in Disguise Sky-Byte
Sky-Byte
Sky-Byte is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is usually a Predacon who turns in a mechanical shark.-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:...
and Beast Machines Tankor. Eventually the Transformers were able to learn that the death of Unicron in 2005 was what created the repeat wave. They defeated Unicron by tricking him into transforming and using up his power, then using the Key to Vector Sigma program (which Tankor had brought with him) to tap into the power of Vector Sigma
Vector Sigma
In the fictional universe of the first Transformers animated series, Vector Sigma is the "mega-computer" that gives sentience to non-sentient robots, and is used by the Quintessons to endow their robotic creations with the true life that eventually leads to their rebellion...
itself, and through it the Autobot Matrix of Leadership
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...
. With Unicron severely drained the various Transformers faded back to their original timelines. Before returning to his timeline Tankor thanked his Autobot ancestors, telling them it was an honor to work with them.
Toys
- Beast Wars Deluxe Rhinox (1996)
- This Deluxe sized toy came with a mutant mask and a sword which never made it to the animated series. The original toy of Rhinox came with a duel spinning mace weapon, but the show depicted this as an automatic chaingun weapon.
- According to DVD extras from one release of the Beast Wars animated series a working name for this toy was "Ironhide".
- Beast Wars Deluxe Transmetal Rhinox (1998)
- Rhinox did actually have a Transmetal body, desipite the series. This figure was available packaged together with Transmetal Tarantulas in Japan. The Hasbro version of this toy has the word Rhinox on it, while the Takara version had the word Cybertron on it.
- Beast Wars Rally's Rhinox (1998)
- A simple fast food premium available at Rally's and Checkers restaurants.
- Beast Wars Fox Kids Rhinox (1999)
- A redeco of the original Rhinox toy in grey and red.
- Beast Wars Fox Kids Transmetal Rhinox (2000)
- A redeco of the Transmetal Rhinox toy in blue and grey.
- Beast Machines Tankor (2000)
- Like many of the Beast Machines figures, the toy of Tankor bore only as passing resemblance to the animation model on the television series. Furthermore, though the toy was named "Tankor" and said so on its box; the instructions oddly misspell his name as "Tankorr." A later toy meant to represent the Tank-Drones resembled Tankor's animated incarnation more closely.
- Beast Machines Happy Meal Tankor
- There was also a Happy MealHappy MealA "Happy Meal" is a meal specifically marketed at children, sold at the fast-food chain McDonald's since June 1979. A toy is typically included with the food, both of which are usually contained in a small box or paper bag with the McDonald's logo....
toy of Tankor available from McDonalds which resembled his appearance on the series. In some countries this figure was released in different colors.
- Beast Wars Returns Tankor
- In the series, Tankor and his Drones looked identical. In Japan, the Tank-Drone mold (repainted in more show accurate colors) was used to represent Tankor in the Beast Wars Returns toy line.
- Beast Wars Deluxe 10th Anniversary Rhinox (2006)
- In 2005 the original Rhinox toy was one of the toys selected for the Beast Wars 10th Anniversary toyline. He was repainted in more show-accurate colors. He came packaged with one of the six pieces used to make the TransmutateTransmutateTransmutate is the name of a fictional character from the various Transformers universes. She is a damaged, but powerful, Maximal protoform who befriends both the Maximal Silverbolt and his enemy the Predacon Rampage....
toy.
- Timelines Deluxe Rhinox (2006)
- A pre-Beast Wars Rhinox toy was made for BotConBotConBotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual convention for Transformers fans and collectors. BotCon has been held annually since 1994...
2006. The toy was a redeco of Transformers: Cybertron LandmineLandmine (Transformers)Landmine is the name to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He shouldn't be confused with Lander.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
. A Maximal who knows much about his Autobot AncestorsAutobotAutobot, 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...
, Rhinox values the ideals they fought for and wears their sigil on his chest as a constant reminder of this. (Presumably BotCon forgot to remove the insignia)
Transformers: Armada
In the later Transformers: ArmadaTransformers: 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...
series, which is set in a different Transformers universe from Beast Wars and Beast Machines, Rhinox was one of five Transmetal Beast Warriors who appeared in Armada. Their toys were re-colored and modified to include Mini-Con
Mini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
powerlink points. Each was then partnered with one or more re-colored Mini-Cons from the Adventure and Street Speed Teams. Rhinox was partnered with Armorhide and was the only one of the four to appear in animated form.
Animated series
This Rhinox had a cameo appearance in the cartoon series in episode 52, "Mortal Combat".Dreamwave Productions
Dreamwave 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...
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...
comic book series. He was among the team of Autobots led by 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:...
who investigated mysterious Space Bridge activity at the Decepticon Headquarters—unaware it had been taken over by the Heralds of Unicron.Bludgeon
Bludgeon (Transformers)
Bludgeon is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. For trademark reasons, he is now marketed by Hasbro as Decepticon Bludgeon. They are all Decepticon warriors who turn into tanks.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
was still present and stalked Jetfire's team. Rhinox survived relatively unscathed, unlike 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 Dropshot, and helped to eventually destroy the samurai-like former Decepticon.
He fought against Unicron at the end of the Armada series and was abducted by the Chaos Bringer along with Airazor, Cheetor, and Terrorsaur.
Armada Rhinox appeared as a minion of Unicron in the Transformers: Energon comic book series. Rhinox became "War", one of the Four Horsemen
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are described in the last book of the New Testament of the Bible, called the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ to Saint John the Evangelist at 6:1-8. The chapter tells of a "'book'/'scroll' in God's right hand that is sealed with seven seals"...
of 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...
.
Armada Rhinox also was set to appear in the unreleased issue 33 of the Transformers: Energon comic series http://seibertron.com/comics/view.php?comic_id=787.
Toys
- Armada
- The transmetalTransmetalTransmetal may refer to:* Transition metals, a group of elements in the periodic table* Transmetal , a Mexican thrash/death metal band* Transmetals, a type of Transformer technology in the fictional Transformers universe...
Rhinox toy was remoled and released as an AutobotAutobotAutobot, 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...
, partnered with the Mini-ConMini-ConMini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
ArmorhideArmorhideArmorhide 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...
.