Hot Rod (Transformers)
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.
Development
In April 2007, photos of a repainted Alternators Mirage, in a color scheme similar to Kiss Players Hot Rodimus, and in Alterators-style "fishbowl" packaging began to appear on the internet. Simply called Rodimus, the 27th Alternator lacks almost all of the Kiss Players accessories, including the fishing pole, but keeps the new head sculpt. This figure also sports the classic "flame" detailing in lieu of the Kiss Player's white stripes, while the vanity plate reads "TOO HOT". Rodimus was first sold as a convention exclusive at the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con. The Monday after the convention, it was made available on the Hasbro Toy Shop website, where it would sell out that same morning.
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 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
Transformers: Generation 2
In some European countries the Laser Rod known as Jolt was released under the name Hot Rod, although he seems to have no relation to the Generation 1 Hot Rod.
Transformers: The Last Knight
Hot Rod is a French-accented Autobot who has been on Earth for a long time. Brother-in-arms to Bumblebee, as the two have fought in many battles together. Brave and patient, he has spent years undercover on earth after having been assigned to watch over Viviane Wembly, who he has grown very fond of.