Hot Rod (Transformers)
- For other uses, see Hot Rod.
Hot Rod is the name of three fictional characters in the Transformers series.
1984 The Transformers
Hot Rod, also known as Hot Rodimus, Rodimus or Rodimus Major, is a heroic Autobot cavalier. When using the Autobot Matrix of Leadership he take on the title Rodimus Prime, and has been a Targetmaster. He sometimes helps form the combiner Optimus Maximus.
Fictional biography
Hot Rod is an all-American-boy Autobot. He's a typical adolescent who dreams of being heroic and important. He tends to not follow rules too closely. Although he means well, Hot Rod's impulsive actions often get him into trouble. He carries two photon lasers that temporarily electromagnetize an enemy robot's microcircuts. Speed: 120mph. Range: 4 miles. He can be hotheaded, but he's always a well meaning, admirable lad and a brave and honorable fighter.
Comics
3H Enterprises
In the Transformers: Universe storyline, Rodimus (as he is now called) gets upgraded into a Maximal (looking like his Autobot form, but slightly smaller and more energy efficient). He serves as a member of the Wreckers, third in command after Primal Prime and Apelinq. He serves as the Matrix Templar for the group.
According to the script for the unreleased issue 4 of Transformers: Universe - The Wreckers the Wreckers returned to Cybertron where they helped repel the an invasion by the Quintessons.
Devil's Due Publishing
Hot Rod would also appear in the G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers crossover comics from Devil's Due Publishing. He made his first appearance in the second crossover, where he was transported to Earth by a malfunctioning Teletran-3 and reformatted into the form of an Earth sports car.
He reappeared in the third crossover, where he apparently acted as Optimus Prime's right hand man. Putting a team together to look for the missing team that had journeyed to Earth (who had been captured by Serpentor and the Decepticons), he would later lead the combined G.I. Joe/Autobot force that rescued Optimus Prime. It is interesting to note that in contrast to his usual "youthful rookie" portrayal here Hot Rod seems to be in a high command position, outranking Ultra Magnus, Prowl and Ironhide among others. However, by the fourth crossover Hot Rod is forced to wait on Cybertron under Magnus's command as Optimus Prime journeys to Earth.
Toys
- Hasbro Transformers Hot Rod (1986)
- Comes with two pistols.
- Features 4mm grip hands.
- Hasbro Transformers Targetmaster Hot Rod (1987)
- A remold of the 1985 toy.
- Comes with Targetmaster partner Firebolt.
- Features 5mm grip hands.
- Hasbro Transformers Robots in Disguise Classic Deluxe Rodimus (2006)
- The all new 2006-2007 Classic line featured characters from the original series in updated forms. Hot Rod (now called Rodimus due to trademark reasons) was in the first wave of Autobots along with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. Due to most of the Classics lacking visible Autobot and Decepticon insignias, this figure lacks the distinctive Autobot symbol seen on the chest of all other versions of Hot Rod/Rodimus, to which fan companies have responded to with alternative stickers. His vehicle mode is based on an obscure Japanese Supercar, the Dome Zero, manufactured by DOME Co. Ltd in 1978.
- Hasbro Retro Transformers Autobot Hot Rod (2023)
- Comes with two pistols.
- Features 5mm grip hands.
- A Walmart store exclusive.
- See also: Phoenix Blaster and Cavalier Rifle
- See also: Teletran Kit