Since 1986, kids stopped buying Transformers toys because of him.

Hot Rod is a bot of many toys!

The Transformers

This is totally what cars will look like in the far-flung future of 2005.

• Hot Rod (Autobot Car,1986)
  • Takara ID number:C-78
  • Accessories: 2photon lasers

• Known designers:Takashi Kunihiro (TakaraTomy),Floro Dery (concept art)

Hot Rod transforms into a red, orange, and yellow futuristic race car. He is armed with two "Photon Laser" weapons, each with their own distinct sculpt, which fit in both his fists; only one gun can be equipped in vehicle mode, in the port in his engine block. Upon his original release, Hot Rod had unpainteddie-cast metal feet, while later editions of the figure used black plastic.

Hot Rod was one of the first toys designed specifically for theTransformers toyline, as opposed to being an imported pre-existing toy. In further contrast to the common design process forTransformers toys, he (like most of the cast ofThe Transformers: The Movie) was created for animation first, and had his toy created based onFloro Dery's designs (though said animation designs would be further modified after the toy was completed). Before final production, Hot Rod was originally cast in apinker plastic to match the color of his animation model (as seen incatalogs at the time, and theSharkticoncommercial), but oddly, he was changed to a lessanimation-accurate red before release. This change evidently came too late to modify the factory-appliedstickers the toy bears: the small decals on either side of Hot Rod's vehicle mode feature a pink background that would have matched the toy's original color scheme. The copy of the toy seen in the 1986 catalog also shows his legs extended further than is possible on the final release, which adds extra plastic tabs inside the legs to prevent them from fully extending. Shaving down these tabs can restore the original functionality, exposing some sculpted knee details, but care must be taken to ensure the legs will still be able to click into place,^[1] and the taller legs make him appear rather oddly-proportioned—which may be why the mold was modified in the first place.

Hispackage bio says his car mode has a range of a whole entire 4 miles. Oops.

Hot Rod has been retooled, reissued, and redecoed several times down the years; this article strives to list each distinct edition of the figure under its own heading.

• More information on Hot Rod at TFU.info

As you're enjoying your retirement in 2006, tour the country inthis!

• Rodimus Prime (Autobot Hero, 1986)
  • Takara ID number:C-77
  • Accessories: trailer/Mobile Defense Bay,photon eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

• Known designers:Takashi Kunihiro (TakaraTomy)

Rodimus Prime was designed in much the same way as Hot Rod, but this time transforms from a robot andMobile Defense Bay into aspace winnebago futuristic truck resembling theGM Bison concept truck. The toy comes with a "Photon eliminator" rifle and two blast shields to attach to either side of his battle platform's cannon. (The yellow spoiler was also to be removed and replaced during transformation.) Like Hot Rod, there are materials variations; initial releases have metal toes and rubber tires, while later shipments replaced both with black plastic.

This mold was later redecoed as a lucky draw prizePrimus.

• More information on Rodimus Prime at TFU.info

In 2007, hood-cannons will become a standard feature.

• Hot Rod (Targetmaster,1987)
  • Accessories: Firebolt Targetmaster partner

• Known designers:Richard Marcej (packaging)

Hot Rod was re-released with his newNebulanTargetmaster partnerFirebolt a year after the original release. The toy wasretooled to have larger pegholes in his fists and his engine block so the Targetmaster gun would fit. As the original large stickers applied to Hot Rod's thighs were frequently scraped away by the friction of moving his legs up and down during transformation, the Targetmaster version sported smaller decals that avoided this problem. Unlike the original figure, Targetmaster Hot Rod only ever featured black plastic feet. Amusingly enough, Targetmaster Hot Rod's "Firepower" stat is 7, which is actually lower than regular Hot Rod's firepower stat of 10.

Targetmaster Hot Rod's packaging originally contained theerroneous blurb "Firebolt transforms intoMisfire's weapon!"^[2] This was fixed by arunning change in two steps: First Misfire's name was covered with a sticker that contained the correct name "Hot Rod"; later shipments then came in boxes that had the correct name printed on them.^[3]

Not originally released in Japan, the Targetmaster version of Hot Rod was later reissued by Takara as part of theirThe Transformers Collection series in 2004 (see below).

• More information on Targetmaster Hot Rod at TFU.info

• Hot Rodimus (2000)
  • ID number:C-78
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

The original Hot Rod toy was reissued by Takara in later December 2000, as part of a small line of reissues that celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of theTransformers toyline in Japan. The figure was retro-retooled from the Targetmaster version of the toy to fill the enlarged holes back in so that they could once again snugly accommodate his Photon Lasers. This version of the figure also reinstates the die-cast metal feet of its earliest release, and finally recolors the stickers on either side of the vehicle mode so that they now feature an accurate red background to match to the rest of the figure. The toy's packaging featured a metallic golden sticker advertising the anniversary.

This version of the Hot Rod mold was also used to create the simultaneously-available exclusives "Crystal Rodimus" (see below) and the evil clone,Black Rodimus.

• Crystal Rodimus (Autobot Car,2001)
  • ID number:C-78C
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

"Crystal Rodimus" uses the reissue Hot Rod mold, but cast almost entirely in translucent plastics. Limited to 1500 pieces and packaged in a monochrome blue version of Hot Rod's normal packaging, Crystal Rodimus was only available at Tokyo Toy Festival, with the joint purchase of the evil cloneBlack Rodimus.

• More information on Crystal Rodimus at TFU.info

• Rodimus Convoy (2001)
  • ID number:C-77
  • Accessories: Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

The original Rodimus Prime toy was reissued by Takara in mid-December 2001. It featured no notable changes from the original Generation 1 release of the figure, but it did reinstate the rubber tires and metal feet that were phased out of the original toy's production run.

Transform Jr

By the far-off year of 2006, the Cybertronians will have perfected the art of converting living metal to cardboard.

• Rodimus Convoy (1986)
  • ID number:C-77
  • Accessories: photon eliminator, cardboard trailer

Transform Jr Rodimus Prime is a downsized version of the standard toy, far less simplified than most figures in theJr line (on account of how simple the regular toy is in the first place). Made of only red and yellow plastic, he is armed with his Photon Eliminator, and comes with a non-transforming version of his trailer made partially out of cardboard. He also came packaged with a small die-cast metal figurine ofMetroplex.

• More information on Transform Jr Rodimus Convoy at Butto's Transformers Collection.

Return of Convoy

• Star Convoy (Cybertron,1991)

• ID number:C-372

Released in theReturn of Convoy part of theoriginal TakaraFight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers toyline, Hot Rodimus'sMicro Transformer form is a simplified version of his original toy, transforming into the same futuristic race car. Like all Micro Transformers, he features a notch in the base of his feet that allows him to peg onto Micro Transformer-compatible bases and stations.

He was only available packaged withStar Convoy.

• More information onReturn of Convoy Hot Rodimus at TFU.info

2011: The year the Shriners will take over the automotive industry.

• Star Convoy (Cybertron, 2005)

• ID number:C-372

In 2005,Star Convoy was rereleased with several deco changes, one of the more notable being the replacement of many stickers withpaint applications; the pack-in Hot Rodimus Micro Transformer underwent the same process, withall of his deco now paint rather than stickers.

• More information on reissue Hot Rodimus at TFU.info

Choro-Q

Rodimus got a head start on the Tesla bandwagon.

• Rodimus Convoy TV Version (2001)
  • ID number:Q/05
  • Accessories: Photon Eliminator rifle

• Known designers:Kazutami Abiko (TakaraTomy)

Choro-Q Rodimus Convoy is a super-deformed version of the character with a pullback motor. He came with a small version of his Photon Eliminator rifle that can be held in his hand or attached to the top of the vehicle mode.

• More information on Rodimus Convoy TV Version at TFU.info

Sparkly!

• Rodimus Convoy Metallic Version (2001)
  • ID number:Q/06
  • Accessories: photon eliminator

This metallic version featured metallic flake molding and paint for the body and gold paint for the wings on Rodimus Convoy's back. Otherwise, the toy is the same.

The toy suffers fromGold Plastic Syndrome, where the metallic hinge areas are prone to shattering.

• More information on Rodimus Convoy Metallic Version at TFU.info

Commemorative Series

• Rodimus Major (2002)
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

Hasbro's first reissue of the Hot Rod toy used the re-modified mold from Takara's 2001 edition, with smaller peg-holes for his Photon Lasers, and die-cast metal feet. As part of the first wave of "Commemorative Series" figures, Hot Rod had to undergo a name change due to Hasbro's inability to trademark his old name, but the "Major" suffix failed to stick and was only ever used on this edition of the toy.

This version of the mold removes the pins in his arms and instead the arms stay in via very small pegs. This is likely due to the part being prone to breakage. Subsequent uses of this mold also shared this retool.

• Rodimus Prime (2004,2012)
  • Accessories: trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, photon eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

• Known designers:Pat Lee (packaging artist)

Part of the seventh wave of the Commemorative Series, Hasbro's reissue of Rodimus Prime was identical to Takara's 2001 reissue of the figure, featuring metal feet and rubber tires, and no other notable changes from the original figure. The toy did, however, feature anassembly error that saw a portion of the chest being assembled backwards.

The figure later saw a re-release in Hasbro's Asian markets in 2012, with no known changes to the figure itself and some minor changes to the packaging, such as the addition of a black "choking hazard" warning label.

The Transformers Collection

• Hot Rodimus (2004)
  • ID number:13
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers, Firebolt Targetmaster partner

This reissue of Hot Rod followed the trend begun by earlier reissues ofOptimus Prime andMegatron, and offered the most "complete" version of the toy available by including all the accessories that had come with the different releases of the figure through the years. His peg holes were modified for the third time, enlarged once again to accommodateFirebolt, and his Photon Lasers' pegs were similarly widened to fit comfortably in the newly-sized ports. Additionally, this version of Hot Rod replaced the factory-applied stickers on his chest and sides withtampographs, completely redesigning the flame design on the latter decals. His chest decoration was modified to resemble the cartoon coloration more accurately. Unfortunately, this release features the original "C-78" sticker sheet again, with the larger thigh decals that get easily damaged during transformation.

This set included aTech Spec card that retroactively gave the Targetmaster version of Hot Rod the (previously unused)Japanese ID number "C-110", as the toy had never been released in Japan before this point.

• More information on Transformers Collection Targetmaster Hot Rod at TF-1.com

Smallest Transforming Transformers

• Hot Rodimus (2004/2006)
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

Initially intended for release in the cancelled third wave of Takara'sSmallest Transforming Transformers line of diminutiveTransformers figures, Hot Rod eventually saw the light of day as the 1-in-24 "chase figure" in wave "2.5" of the series, which was already of comparatively limited availability. He came with tiny versions of his original Photon Lasers (which were attached to a plastic sprue and had to be removed by the buyer), and wasblindpacked like allSmallest Transforming figures. His vehicle mode canopy/ spoiler section is not affixed to the toy and is held on with friction, making it removable to transform the figure more easily.

Hot Rod was later made available again as aToys"R"Us exclusive in 2006, in a unique monochrome red box which was atiny replica of the original toy's box, available only with purchase ofHybrid Style Optimus Prime.

• More information on Smallest Transforming Hot Rodimus at Seibertron.com

Classics

And in 2026, the future predicted in 1978 will finally come to pass. Perfect for a road trip to Sanctuary!

• Rodimus (Deluxe, 2006)
  • Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

• Known designers:Eric Siebenaler (Hasbro),Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy),Don Figueroa (concept artist)

Classics Rodimus is a sleeker, more streamlined version of the original, now transforming into a hot-rodded (see what we did there?)Dome Zero. His rear-mounted thruster engine becomes a hand-held weapon in robot mode, launching a spring-loaded missile, or can remain attached to his back to become some kind ofjet pack. His left arm also hides a flip-out "comm unit" that is clearly supposed to be the buzzsaw he used for a brief period inthe Movie. As with allClassics toys, Rodimus has a heat-sensitiverubsign. Unfortunately, the hands are not 5 mm-compatible, as they're only compatible for the missile launcher's handle.

In a twist of delicious buttery fandom irony,Classics Rodimus has elements that were introduced inEnergon Rodimus, making him a somewhat backwards-homage. His face also appears to take visual cues from how he was drawn byDerek Yaniger in theGeneration 2 comic book.

Rodimus' instructions fail to mention that his pelvis must be pushed forward until it clicks into place for robot mode, which allows his hip joints enough room to move without colliding with the canopy on his back. Omitting this step will result in a robot mode that cannot stand up straight.

Very early specimens of Rodimus came with short stubs on his forearms that don't really connect at all to the hip panels, resulting in a somewhat unstable vehicle mode. The stubs can also be seen on the official Hasbrostock photos for the figure.^[4] This was quickly amended by arunning change that saw the stubs enlarged into actual pegs that connect much more securely to the hip panels. (Some reports also indicate the existence of "transitional" versions with a stub on one arm and a full peg on the other.)

The modified pegs were used for every subsequent use of the sculpt, which includeShattered GlassRodimus,Gentei! Gentei!Wildrider, andTimelinesSide Burn. This mold also served as the basis of the non-toyBeast Wars: Uprising incarnation ofNitrostreak.

• More information onClassics Rodimus at TFU.info

Titanium Series

Winnebago...of thefuture!!!

• Rodimus Prime (6-inch Cybertron Heroes,2007)
  • Accessories: photon eliminator rifle, display stand with nameplate

• Known designers:Don Figueroa (concept artist)

Titanium Cybertron Heroes Rodimus Prime is a mostly die-cast metal transforming toy based loosely upon the originalGeneration 1 Rodimus Prime toy. He features much greater articulation and bulkier body proportions. Unfortunately, his transformation results in an incredibly awkward posture, forcing his upper body far ahead of his lower half. His die-cast construction also results in a great deal of paint-chipping, even when delicately handled.

Unlike the original toy which separated into a robot and a battle station, the entire vehicle mode of the 6-inchTitanium version transforms into the robot mode. As withClassics Rodimus,Titanium Rodimus Prime takes some visual cues from theEnergon version of the character in addition to the original toy and the animation model...and the actualClassics Rodimus toy, such as the engine-block dickie.

Like mostTitanium Series Cybertron Heroes, this figure includes a display stand with a removable nameplate.

This mold wasredecoed intoTitaniumMenasor.

• More information on Titanium Rodimus Prime at TFU.info

Kiss Players

The fishing rod turns into arm blasters. The girl eats dumplings.

• Hot Rodimus × Syaosyao (2006)
  • Accessories: 2-part engine/blaster/tonfa weapons, 4-part fishing rod/"Exhaust Eliminator", ShaoShao Li figurine with steamer

• Known designers:Yuki Ohshima (concept artist)

The secondKiss Players set released, Hot Rodimus is a retool and redeco of theAlternatorsMirage toy, transforming into a 1:24-scale fully-licensed red Ford GT. His hood and doors open, and he has an open driver/passenger compartment. His engine (stored in the back, under a weird awkward "trunk" panel) becomes a pair of pistols that double as tonfa weapons. His fishing rod can be taken apart and reassembled to create a triple-barreled arm-mounted blaster reminiscent of the original Hot Rod's exhaust pipe weapons, though it does not actually clip onto the arm in any secure manner, relying mainly on pressure to stay in place. This added accessory also lacks any dedicated storage space in car mode. His new head sculpt includes a retractable visor patterned after the one used in the movie, but as it's cast in colorless-clear plastic, the effect is practically invisible.

Rodimus comes with a PVC figurine of the Rodimus's "Kiss Player" partnerShaoshao Li and a bamboo dumpling steamer; Shaoshao can just barely fit into his car interior, though she's clearly not "driving". The set also includes a CD with episodes 11 through 20 of theKiss Players radio drama and the exclusive 10-minute audio adventure, "Tonight's Big Catch!?".

For a short time, Takara had contemplated releasing a Hot Rodimus (Hot Rod) toy as the nextBinaltech release afterGinrai, but that plan became obsolete when Takara decided to cancel the Binaltech line as a mass retail line altogether. Instead, Hot Rodimus ended up as part of theKiss Players line, after "Ginrai" had previously become Kiss PlayersConvoy.

• More information on Kiss Players Hot Rodimus at TFU.info

Alternators

He wants to go fishing too...

• Ford GT Rodimus (Alternator, 2007)

• ID number:27
• Accessories: Engine/tonfa-blaster weapons
• Known designers:Steve Bono (Hasbro),Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Alternators Rodimus is aredeco of hisKiss PlayersHot Rodimus toy, which itself is a retool ofAlternatorsMirage, transforming into a 1:24-scale Ford GT with opening doors, engine bay, and trunk, with a realistic interior. His license plate reads "TOO HOT", which is admittedly pretty funny.

In robot mode, the top of his helmet can flip up so you can flipdown a visor to cover his eyes, a callback to his tele-visor seen inThe Transformers: The Movie. His car-mode engine detaches and splits into a pair of tonfas/blasters for him to wield in robot mode.

He was only available for purchase atSan Diego Comic-Con 2007, andHasbro Toy Shop in July 2007.

• More information onAlternators Rodimus at TFU.info

Henkei! Henkei!

"They dipped my headlights in chrome. Now I don't drive at night."(Original release pictured)

(Re-release version pictured)

• Hot Rodimus (Deluxe, 2008)

• Release date:June 26,2008 / ???2011
• ID number:C-05
• Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile
• Known designers:Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy)

In 2008,Classics Rodimus was released in Japan as part of theHenkei! Henkei! Transformers line byTakaraTomy. Now called "Hot Rodimus", he features several significant deco differences, such as a large orange and yellow flame tampograph on his hood to better resemble theGeneration 1 cartoon model's appearance. The other flame tampographs have also been redesigned, his forehead crest is a more subtle colour to distance itself from theEnergon Rodimus homage Hasbro introduced. The only other addition in terms of deco is orange paint on the cuffs of his lower arms. Curiously eschewing the slavish accuracy to the original cartoon's animation models that shaped the coloration of most otherHenkei! Henkei! figures, Hot Rodimus isnot rendered in Hot Rod's classic magenta cartoon color scheme, featuring instead a shade of red that is even darker than that used by theClassics version, as well as a lighter shade of orange. The clear violet on theClassics version is clear blue on the Hot Rodimus.

AllHenkei! Henkei! toys feature a somewhat randomlyvacuum-metallized part somewhere upon them; his headlights are chrome gold paint with clear orange painted on, while his entire spoiler is vacuum-metallized gold.

A re-release of the figure in the Fall of 2011 had the chrome-orange headlights replaced with plated gold.

Universe (2008)

He's a Hot Rod without a hot rod.

• Rodimus (Legends Class, 2008)
  • Series:G1 Series

• Known designers:Bill Rawley (Hasbro)

Legends Class Rodimus transforms into a generic sports car with a giant spoiler. This toy's design was the basis for Hot Rod's look in the "Wings of Honor" comic book.

This mold wasredecoed intoRevenge of the FallenSmokescreen andDark of the MoonRodimus.

• More information onUniverse Rodimus at TFU.info

HasTak: pretending Hot Rod was red and not magenta in the movie since 1986.

• Challenge at Cybertron (Deluxe Class figure 3-pack, 2010)
  • Series:G1 Series
  • Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

A redeco ofClassics Rodimus was released in the "Challenge at Cybertron" multi-pack along with redecoes ofCyclonus andGalvatron. This version of Rodimus, like theHenkei! Henkei! figure, is intended to be accurate to the cartoon's colors, though it attempts the idea much more literally, to the point of having solid blue rather than translucent windows.

The set was exclusively released in Southeast Asian markets by Hasbro Malaysia, but a very similar version of this Rodimus was later released in the"gold box"Transformers line (below).

• More information on Challenge at Cybertron Rodimus at TFU.info

Masterpiece

You hated him when you were ten, and now you'll pay $200 to own him.

• Rodimus Convoy (Masterpiece, 2011)
  • ID number:MP-9
  • Release date:January 29 2011
  • Accessories: Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator/Photon Lasers Alpha & Beta,Matrix of Leadership, buzzsaw, welding torch

• Known designers:Hironori Kobayashi (TakaraTomy)

The central feature of TakaraTomy'sMasterpiece incarnation of good ol' Roddy is its ability to transform from Hot Rod to Rodimus Prime in both robot and vehicle modes. Extensions in the figure's hips give Rodimus some slight extra height over Hot Rod, while a spring-loaded pop-out second face, revealed when the figure's helmet is tilted back, gives him his older, lined features; this face is somewhat narrower than Hot Rod's, combining with a slight elevation of the back-mounted spoiler to further create the illusion of a larger figure. Contrary to expectations, creating Rodimus Prime's vehicle mode does not simply involve slotting Hot Rod's car mode into the larger trailer section; in fact, Hot Rod fits into the trailerbackwards, and an entirely new vehicle-front—featuring Rodimus's shorter hood and smaller canopy and lacking an exposed engine block—fips out from beneath the trailer and wraps around his rear end. Both vehicles feature opening canopies, though only Hot Rod has any sculpted interior detail of note. As with most Masterpiece figures, the toy attempts to reproduce Hot Rod's cartoon appearance as faithfully as possible; consequently, this is the first toy to actually render Hot Rod in his cartoon-accurate magenta coloration. Of course, there was no way to make the figure switch to burgundy for Rodimus mode, but in compensation, the front of the cab features the two tone coloration Rodimus Prime featured in the animation.

As with his original toy, Rodimus Prime's trailer opens up into the Mobile Defense Bay, now through a spring-loaded transformation activated by pressing a button on the trailer's roof. Furthering his armament, the figure comes with Hot Rod's two twin Photon Lasers, which can combine and extend through a spring-loadedautomorph-style process into Rodimus Prime's larger Photon Eliminator. The guns can store within his trailer, and mount on any one of six different ports in Defense Bay mode for additional firepower. Like the original Hot Rod toy, a single Photon Laser can mount in the vehicle mode's engine block.The Transformers: The Movie is the source of inspiration for the rest of his additional gadgets and features, including a built-in version of the retractable visor from theLookout Mountain scene, (dropped over the figure's eyes by rotating the circular "ears" on its helmet), the buzzsaw he used in battle onQuintessa, and the welding torch he used to repairKup. Both saw and torch store inside his trailer while not in use, and attach to universal clips which rotate out of his forearms. Lastly, and naturally, he also comes with a Matrix of Leadership accessory which stores within his chest, much smaller than the one included withMasterpiece Optimus Prime, to the extent that Rodimus cannot even hold it by its handles. He can, however, grip Prime's Matrix in his hands.

Unfortunately,Masterpiece Rodimus has suffered from numerous quality control issues, which vary from figure to figure. Commonly reported problems include fragile leg panels which break off with ease, the inability of the figure to hold its guns due to shallow peg-holes which conflict with the bending angle of his hands, the springs within the figure's ankles becoming unwound, and the spoiler/backpack assembly refusing to clip into place. Mostly infamously, the slot on the trailer into which the spoiler slips isextremely narrow as a consequence of its interior being painted; as a result, paint is invariably scraped off the inside and leaves disfiguring marks on the spoiler when the figure is transformed to Rodimus Prime vehicle mode. A second production run, done shortly after Hasbro's release of the figure in a different deco (see below), amended these issues and also featured some slight changes in paint colors, although the forked chest tab not quite locking properly still seems to be an issue. Some of the second production run retain the original elbows from the first production run while the others feature the retooled elbows from the Hasbro version. The second release also features the retooled crotch plate from the Hasbro release.

Beginning in March, Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores offered thepromotional freebie TargetmasterMicronSpoilsport with the purchase ofMasterpiece Rodimus Convoy. Meanwhile,Toys"R"Us offered the Targetmaster MicronCaliburst with purchase.

If bought in Asian countries outside of Japan, Rodimus Convoy comes with acollector coin, the first of theMasterpiece figures to do so. The coin's package is a simple square shape, primarily black with flame detailing around the cutout that shows the coin inside, and "The World of Transformers" as the title on the front. The coin itself features his head and the date "2011.01" on one side, and an "MP09" flame detail on the reverse; of note, his name is given as "Rodimus Prime" rather his Japanese name. In some markets, he may also have been available with a black display case. The figure also saw re-release in China at December 2018, with the addition of the "Long Life Design" award labelled on the packaging. The said reissue also features newly-redesigned knee joints that is plagued on previous releases.

In addition to the Hasbro version, this figure was also redecoed intoBlack Rodimus Convoy.

Masterpiece Hot Rod, fishing off the edge of collectors shelves the world over

• Hot Rodimus (2016-02-27)
  • ID number:MP-28
  • Accessories: buzzsaw, visor, fishing rod, two guns

• Known designers:Tomoya Miyake andYūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy)

Masterpiece Hot Rodimus transforms into his iconic supercar mode, but does not transform into Rodimus Prime like the previous iteration. He is the same size as the otherMasterpiece Autobot cars, and because of that he fits in bothMP-10 Convoy andMP-22 Ultra Magnus's trailers in altmode. He comes with some of the accessories the MP-9 mold also had, like the guns, the retractable visor and the buzzsaw, but he also comes with a new accessory, a fishing rod that allows you to recreate his first scene in the movie. His chest also includes a Matrix chamber where the MP-10 Matrix can be stored.

If bought in Asian countries outside of Japan, Hot Rodimus comes with a collector coin. The coin's package is shaped like his chest, and the inside is designed after the Matrix, with the coin as the core, and features Hot Rod's "my actions speak louder than words" motto.

Interestingly, thisMasterpiece Hot Rod's transformation isvery specifically based around how Hot Rod transforms during theLookout Mountain scene of the 1986 animated film, right before the Autobot shuttle arrives. The figure replicates the sequence almost frame for frame with exceptions for the rotation of the spoiler and the placement of the rear tires due to, well, how reality works as opposed to animation.

• Targetmaster Hot Rodimus (2018-02-24)
  • ID number:MP-40
  • Accessories:Firebolt, gun

"Targetmaster Hot Rodimus" is a redeco ofMasterpiece Hot Rodimus based on his appearance in "The Rebirth". Now, bear with us on this one; this means that he's got the outdated color scheme used byAKOM in all their episodes of theanimated series, his shoulder vents being the same color as the rest of his arms, the dark and light areas of his helmet are inverted, the "windscreen" on his pelvis is white, and his boots are two shades of grey instead of one (because AKOM would literally translate the shadows on the character model into actual colors).But, he'sso precisely based on "The Rebirth" that he actually replicates the slightly degraded colors of the broadcast masters used for the episodes' DVD release (as opposed to the higher-quality "production masters" used for most of the rest of the series), meaning his magenta has become burgundy, and his boots are tinged red instead of plain gray, when by all rights thoseshould just be the same colors as the previous toy. Additionally, his windshield is clear, and the Autobot symbol on his chest is larger and drawn in the cartoon style.

Except for a red version of one of the guns, Masterpiece Hot Rodimus's accessories are not included. In their place is a TargetmasterFirebolt, a redeco of the Offshoot figure that came with the 2010Transformers toyline Masterpiece Rodimus Prime figure, the first time this mold has been released in the Japanese market. As well as being wielded by Hot Rodimus, Firebolt can attach to the engine block in alt mode.

Transformers (2010)

We didn't feel like taking a picture of the same toy just with a rubsign, so here's the box.

• Battle in Space (Deluxe figure 2-pack, 2010)
  • Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher/Photon Blaster, flame missile

This release of theClassics Rodimus is a modified version from the Asia market-exclusive "Challenge at Cybertron" 3-pack, replacing Rodimus' Autobot sigil with a heat-sensitiverubsign. The only other change from the "Challenge at Cybertron" version is the contrast between the chest flame and the orange backdrop is greater, making the flame deco stand out more. The set also comes with a similarly modifiedUniverse Cyclonus (withNightstick) from the "Challenge at Cybertron" set, the AutobotMatrix of Leadership accessory from the 2002New Year Special Convoy reissue of Generation 1 Optimus Prime, and "Rodimus vs. Cyclonus", a new comic book created specifically for this set byIDW Publishing. This release of the figure has common mold degradation in the ball joints of the arms.

• More information on "Battle in Space" Rodimus at TFU.info

• Sons of Cybertron (2010)
  • Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

Released as part ofTakaraTomy'sWelcome to Transformers 2010 campaign, this redeco ofClassics Rodimus is cast in translucent plastic and features theHenkei! Henkei! release's paint applications. He is packed with a similarly translucent Deluxe ClassOptimus Prime from theClassics "Ultimate Battle" pack and2008Universe Special Edition.

ThisClassics/Henkei-based Sons of Cybertron set is a counterpart to TakaraTomy'sTransformers Animated Sons of Cybertron set, which also features translucent versions ofAnimated Deluxe ClassOptimus Prime andRodimus.

TheClassics/Henkei Sons of Cybertron set was intended for the Japanese Chara Hobby 2010 festival, but was also initially offered as a raffle prize at the Cybertron Philippines, Toy Kingdom and SM Makati andHasbro-partnered Autobot Alliance/Cybertron Con event that launched theGenerations,Transformers (2010) andPower Core Combiners toylines in the Philippines.,^[5] and was available for purchase at theCybertron Con 2010Shanghai convention as well as various online toy retailers.

They labeled me as "Rodimus Prime", butI don't have the trailer?

• Masterpiece Rodimus Prime (2011)
  • Accessories: Photon Eliminator/Photon Lasers Alpha & Beta, smallMatrix of Leadership, large Matrix of Leadership, buzzsaw, welding torch, Offshoot

The Hasbro version ofMasterpiece Rodimus Prime is a Toys"R"Us exclusive. Redecoed from the Takara version to appear more like the original toy, this version omits the trailer preventing him from transforming into Rodimus Prime's futuristic truck mode. He does however includeOffshoot, a Targetmaster figure, as well as all the other accessories from the Takara release.

Every plastic color is changed and many painted details are added, changed, and downright omitted from the TakaraTomy version in an effort to make him appear more toy accurate. The light gray plastic is a more metallic darker gray, the magenta is now maroon, the orange is a darker shade, and the clear blue window is a darker blue. Other changes include the hip joints and rear end, which are now black instead of magenta, the boots, which are now maroon instead of gray, and the feet, which are now black (to mimic the plastic toe variation rather than the metal toe variation from the original figure). His accessories have also changed in plastic color, with his welding tool now being maroon instead of gray, his buzz saw being smoky transparent blue instead of smoky colorless transparent plastic, and the Photon Lasers being cast in a different color. Notable paint omissions include the arm cuffs, collar, brake-lights, headlights, and the rear exhaust. His head also lacks the cartoon specific coloration, instead leaving it mostly unpainted like the original figure. Paint operation differences include the fins of the spoiler being a more subdued glossy yellow and the flame detail on his chest being a new pattern (different from the TakaraTomy version). His paint additions include the waist, which is entirely painted over rather than letting some of the transparency show through, and the center portion of the spoiler, which is now painted over yellow instead of unpainted orange plastic. His Autobot symbol is a different size and without any additional outline color, and his Photon Lasers feature some additional painted details as well. Additional details mimicking the original toy's stickers are now also present on the shins and he includes an optional sticker sheet featuring stickers similar to the original arm stickers of the Hot Rod toy, with stickers of both theAutobot andDecepticoninsignias as well. Another difference is the rims, which are unchromed, showing the gray plastic underneath. In fact, the only things remaining the same are the chrome exhaust and the color of the rubber tires.

This version of Rodimus features the same Matrix of Leadership included with the TakaraTomy version (minus the silver and gold chrome, replaced with unpainted gray and gold painted sections), but also an additional new mold matrix similar to the one included with the original Masterpiece Optimus.

The Hasbro version of Rodimus featured retooled elbow joints that, when separated, make it difficult for him to hold a pose with his arms. The crotch plate was retooled on its underside to help prevent it from hitting the ground while in car mode.

Hasbro's Rodimus, sadly,will eventually tear itself apart due to overly powerful springs putting constant pressure on peculiarly weak plastic. The arms have a disheartening tendency to spontaneously break at either pinned section of the shoulder joint, while the upper ratchet in the knee has a high likelihood of shattering, either rendering him only durable enough to transform a few scant times. Just pose him once and back away slowly... There are third party die-cast knee joint replacements, but good luck finding some.

• More information on Hasbro Masterpiece Rodimus Prime at TFU.info

Chronicle

• Hot Rodimus (EZ Collection, 2011)

Chronicle Hot Rodimus is redeco of theUniverseLegends Class Rodimus. While some of his deco (flames, hands, spoiler, and his head) is entirely the same as theUniverse toy, Rodimus features cartoon-accurate magenta plastic, his thighs and feet were painted orange (though his feet is gray the stock photos), and his windows were painted metallic blue.

Like otherChronicle Legends toys, he is sold in a blindpacked box.

United

The blue makes him look edible, but the green stops you.

• Autobot Set (3-pack, 2011)
  • Accessories: rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

Dubbed "Hot Rod Blue Clear Version", thisredeco of the oft-usedClassics Rodimus mold is cast in transparent blue plastics, emulating the scene inThe Transformers: The Movie where Hot Rod catches theMatrix of Leadership to keep it from hitting the floor after a dyingOptimus Prime dropped it. Of interest is the fact thatall the plastic parts are translucent, even the usually "softer"/unpaintable/never-clear nylon parts—a trend not seen on any other "clear" toys produced before.

This version was only available in ane-HOBBYexclusive 3-pack with abattle-damaged Kup andScrapheap. Preorders for the set were opened onDecember 13 of 2010 and closed onJanuary 11 of 2011, and shipped in April.

This figure was available with a Hot Rod pin andMacrocosmic Seekers booklet directly from e-HOBBY, he was also released in Asian countries outside of Japan without said pin and booklet.

• More information on e-HOBBYUnited Hot Rod at TFU.info

• Rodimus Prime (Deluxe, January 2012)
  • ID number:UN-23
  • Accessories: rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

Released in early 2012 as part of theUnited toy line, this marks the firstretool of theClassics Rodimus mold. To help the mold fit the character of Rodimus Prime,TakaraTomy chose a color scheme that homaged his originalGeneration 1 cartoon color scheme and altered the mold to improve compatibility withMini-Cons released around the same time. This release features new Generation One toy-inspired flame decos on the car's hood and sides, several sections (notably the roof and the area around the headlights) painted a sparkly dark maroon color (to mimic the two toned coloration of the front of Rodimus Prime's truck mode in the animation), as well as a white face and hands and an orange hood.TakaraTomy also retooled the toy's engine block to add a 5 mm peg and added a 5 mm hole underneath the toy's right hand to allow the toy to use the recentArms Micron Mini-Cons.

Both the maroon and orange plastic of the figure vary from any other release. Also notable is this is the first version of this mold to have the spoiler molded in an entirely different plastic color than the thighs (a good number of the other versions of this mold paint the spoiler a different color to achieve a certain look).

Like the 5th and 6th wave figures, Rodimus's package features a sticker that said "limited quantity (数量限定)", indicating that this figure is released in limited numbers after its first and only shipment.

EZ Collection Gum

If you're gonna chew, Dan-O, chew in style!

• Hot Rodimus (Candy toy, 2012)
  • ID number:2
  • Release Date:July 30 2012

Part of theEZ Collection Gumcandy toy series made by TakaraTomy A.R.T.S., this Hot Rodimus is a metallic redeco of the Universe Legends Class toy. While his color layouts are identical to theChronicle toy, Hot Rodimus's red plastics have been absolutelycovered in metallic dark red paint, and his gold and blue paints are also now a shiny metallic gloss.

As per the toyline's name, he comes with a yellow candy-shelled piece of lemony-flavored gum.

Kre-O

A Scoped pistol? Yup, he's definitely helping Megatron.

• Rodimus (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2014)
  • Bag number:33501 41
  • Accessories: Stand-brick, scoped pistol

• Known designers:Ed Masiello (Hasbro)

Part of the fourth assortment ofblind-baggedKreonMicro-Changers, Rodimus can be rebuilt from a humanoid into a hot rod. He reuses the Ironhide helmet, and the facetampograph from the Custom Kreon.

• More information on Rodimus at TFU.info

Hero Mashers

Suffering from self-esteem issues, Rodimus took to using steroids.

• Rodimus (Hero Mashers, 2014)
  • Pieces:9
  • Accessories: Spoiler/blaster

Part of the second wave ofTransformersHero Mashers basic Action Figures, Rodimus is a non-transforming action figure with ratchet-joints, about six inches tall. He has multiple peg-holes all over that can be used to mount anyHero Mashers accessory.

He is designed with a removable head, forearms, thighs, and lower legs, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. This means his pieces can be swapped around in any order, as well as swapped with any otherHero Mashers figure... which includes figures fromMarvel Comics,Star Wars, andJurassic World, meaning you can make some pretty freaky combinations.

Rather than coming with a (nominally) hand-held weapon accessory, Rodimus comes with a spoiler for his back. Of course, being aHero Mashers piece, it can be attached anywhere, including being hand-held, and the molding gives the impression of having a gun barrel, so go nuts.

• More information onHero Mashers Rodimus at TFU.info

Q-Transformers

• Hot Rodimus (2014-12-26)
  • ID number:QT-07

Q-Transformers Hot Rodimus transforms from a cutesuper deformed Toyota 86 to a just as cute robot. He comes with a code for unlocking Hot Rod as a playable character in theQ-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns game.

Combiner Wars

24 years later, I've becomehis Micromaster, again.

• Rodimus (Legends Class, 2015)
  • Accessories: Axe/Breastplate

• Known designers:John Warden (Hasbro)

Part of the fourth wave of theCombiner Wars subline imprint ofGenerations, Legends Class Rodimus is a redeco and new-head retool ofGenerations Legends Class DecepticonBlackjack, transforming into a red sports car to robot and back! He and his axe are also able to plug into the chest ofOptimus Prime, as an homage tohis Micromaster toy from theReturn of Convoy toyline of old.

The axecannot plug onto his back, so don't even try to think about doing it.

Rodimus'sstock photography shows him with his thighs, torso, and axe molded in yellow. The final toy, however, has these parts in orange, giving him more traditional robot mode colors in exchange for a less-accurate orange spoiler in vehicle mode.

He includes a collector card featuring art from the "The Colossus War" episode ofTransformers Legends, which is based on his old Generation 1 body rather than his new look in the toy. The included instructions, while calling him a part of Optimus Maximus, show him attached to a control drawing ofUltra Prime instead.

The original version of this mold was also used to makeAdventureRunabout andRunamuck.

• More information onCombiner Wars Rodimus at TFU.info

Platinum Edition

Alright! Hot Rod is back, let's PARTY!

• Planet of Junk Clash (Platinum Edition Deluxe 3-pack, 2016)
  • Accessories:rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

Part of Hasbro'sPlatinum Edition offerings for 2016 intended to commemorate the 30th anniversary ofThe Transformers: The Movie, "Autobot Hot Rod" (who finally got his name back) is a redeco of theUnited Rodimus Prime figure, which is a retool of theClassics Rodimus toy. While the toy's deco was similar to the firstClassics figure, Hot Rod features yellow plastic on his spoilers, thighs, and his launcher's trigger, and grey plastic on his shins. Autobot Hot Rod also features orange-yellow paint on his vehicle headlights, and an Autobot sigil on his vehicle hood/robot chest, just like hisHenkei andReveal the Shield figures. His backpack and hood/chest piece are painted in a darker red. Hot Rod retains the retooled exposed engine and the lower forearm from theUnited Rodimus Prime release, allowing forMini-Cons from thePower Core Combiners line and their redecos to attach to the large peg/forearm as an undocumented feature.

Hot Rod's robot mode is mistransformed in all hisstock photos, including the in-package image: his backpack and fins aren't rotated properly in place. Ironically, the mistransformation also gives proper clearance for the shoulder articulation in robot mode.

Hot Rod was only available as a part of the "Planet of Junk Clash" set withWreck-Gar andJunkion Scrapheap. In the United States, this set was officially aTarget exclusive, though only ever found at a single Target store, otherwise only available via the company's website. However, it was also stocked by several US-based online retailersBigBadToyStore and TFSource, who supposedly obtained it as an import from Asia. It was available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely Singapore and the Philippines; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In Canada, it was sold atToys"R"Us stores, whereas in Chile, it was sold at Ripley stores. In the United Kingdom, it was also sold at Toys"R"Us stores, whereas in Spain, it was available via the Spanish subsidiary ofAmazon, as well as the department store chain El Corte Inglés. It's currently unknown if it was also available in stores, or limited to online purchases. In Italy, it was sold at Toys Center stores, making it the firstPlatinum set ever released in that country.

• More information onPlatinum Edition Autobot Hot Rod at TFU.info

Arise,Lost-artimus Prime.

• Rise of Rodimus Prime (Platinum Edition 2-pack, 2017)
  • Accessories: gun, missile, Matrix of Leadership

Unlike most of the figures from Hasbro's 2016Platinum Edition offerings commemorating the 30th Anniversary ofThe Transformers: The Movie, this Rodimus Prime is not a redeco of whatfans would consider a "CHUG" figure, but of hisTitanium Series toy, nine years after its initial release, retaining the original figure'sdie-cast construction. Rodimus Prime was available as part of a 2-pack withGalvatron, aptly named "Rise of Rodimus Prime", which also contained aMatrix of Leadership accessory, a redeco of the Matrix originally included withMasterpieceMP-10 Convoy/Optimus Prime. Unfortunately, Rodimus cannot hold it.

Like several of the 2016Platinum Edition sets, "Rise of Rodimus Prime" saw a very limited release: Basically, the two-pack was released in some of Hasbro's Asian markets, was stocked by some online retailers in the United States that obtain their stock through Asian vendors (such asBigBadToyStore and TFSource), and aside from that apparently only ever saw a wider release inBrazil, of all places, where it was also first officially revealed by Hasbro at ABRIN (the Brazilian Toy Fair) in April of 2016.That's it. The set never saw an official Hasbro-initiated release in the United States.

Titans Return

Head-on with style.

• Firedrive & Autobot Hot Rod (Deluxe Class, 2016)
  • Accessories: 2 rifles,Firedrive Titan Master

• Known designers:John Warden (Hasbro),Yūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy)

Titans Return "Autobot Hot Rod" transforms from robot into a futuristic sports car based on hisoriginal Generation 1 toy. Like all DeluxeTitans Return toys, Hot Rod's cockpit can be opened to reveal a seat that allows anyTitan Master figure to man it in both modes. Hot Rod comes with his Titan Master partner Firedrive (a renamed Firebolt), who fits into his vehicle mode cockpit and transforms into his robot mode head. As with otherTitans Return toys, Hot Rod can accommodate any Titan Master figure in both robot and vehicle mode. His two 5 mm rifles can be clipped together to form a larger gun with a Titan Master seat, which can be tabbed into Hot Rod's engine block in an homage to where G1 Firebolt could attach.

Similar to mostTitans Returns toys, Hot Rod's Titan Master gimmick suffers from a design flaw leading to difficulties in applying the head to the body. In this case, the construction around Hot Rod's neckhole leaves it difficult to peg Firedrive's head in correctly, which can lead to the head being inadvertently pegged in sideways. In addition, some units suffer a molding error resulting in bumps on the lower right lip.

As documented in his instructions, but not in his stock photography, Hot Rod's weapons can be pegged (when separated) into the sides of his vehicle mode, with just barely enough clearance for his wheels to still touch the ground.

Hot Rod can use theSiegeBattle MasterFiredrive (although you can't attach him on Hot Rod's vehicle engine) if one is okay with simultaneously having two Firedrives.

Some copies were erroneously packaged with instructions forBreakaway and Throttle.

This mold serves as the model forPointblank in theLegends manga. The mold included apretooled alternate head for an IDW-inspired Rodimus, but this was never used.^[6]

That's not a camera focus problem, the head mode deco really is that faded and fuzzy.

• Chaos on Velocitron (gift set, 2017)

Titans Return Rodimus Prime is aretool of Titan MasterPtero with a new torso and head-mode face, both of which are painted-overdie-cast metal. He features peg holes in his feet to attach to a variety ofTitans Return figures, and can form the head of any Deluxe-or-larger figure from the line. Rodimus Prime provides the power of "Ultimate Speed Boost".

Due to its partial die-cast construction, the ball joint that connects the Titan Master's head to its torso ends up being less flexible than on other Titan Master figures made entirely out of plastic, which leaves Rodimus Prime with a very stiff neck when plugged into a largerTitans Return figure.

He was only available in a box set named "Chaos on Velocitron" that includesQuickswitch andDynamus,Laser Prime andRefractor,Nautica andParsec, andFastclash. The set was officially announced by Hasbro to be aToys"R"Usexclusive, and was sold at stores in the United States, Canada, and Hasbro's Asian markets (such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong). Despite this, it later became available viaAmazon in the United States (but not in Canada) as well, actually sold by Amazon directly (as compared to a third-party seller).

The torso was later reused for fellow die-cast Titan MastersThunderwing,Ultra Magnus, andScorponok.

Legends

Check out my chest tattoo!

• Targetmaster Hot Rodimus (Targetmaster Hot Rod)^[7] (Deluxe Class,2017-09-30)
  • ID Number:LG45
  • Accessories: Headmaster,Firebolt Targetmaster

Legends "Targetmaster Hot Rodimus" is a redeco and retool ofTitans Return Hot Rod, featuring a more cartoon-accurate maroon color scheme, painted rims, and a retooled chestplate which, in addition to featuring transparent flames, also allows you to hide the hood engine in robot mode. He comes with Firebolt, an all new moldTargetmaster that replaces the original mold's guns. This figure was later redecoed intoKen.

The lower right lip molding error from theTitans Return figure is present on some examples of this figure.

Transformers Collectors' Club

• Autobot Leader Code Name: Rodimus Prime (2017)
  • Accessories: 2 photon blasters, fishing pole, fishing pole strike, fish, display base

This figure represents Rodimus Prime'ssynthoid human body seen in theoriginal cartoon season 3 episode "Only Human". It consists of a combination of redecoed parts from existingG.I. Joe figures; namely, the head of the 2008 version ofHawk, the torso and waist of the 2009Resolute version ofDuke, the arms and hands of the 2010Pursuit of Cobra version ofDusty, the upper legs of the 2009Rise of Cobra version ofShipwreck, and the lower legs and feet of the 2010Pursuit of Cobra version ofRecondo. With the exception of the upper legs, this combination of parts was previously already used for the 2011Pursuit of Cobra version of Hawk, which was also the first figure to include the vest accessory that is recolored for this figure, meant to recreate the look of the synthoid Rodimus Prime's jumpsuit inOnly Human.

The remaining accessories are redecos of the 2013RetaliationBlind Master's sword cane/staff and flying saw, which are combined and reinterpreted as a fishing pole, the barracuda that came with the original 1990Iron Grenadiers version ofUndertow, and the guns that originally came with the 2013RetaliationData-Viper figure. A recolor of the UAV drone that usually goes with those guns was included with the concurrently releasedAutobot Warrior Code Name: Arcee figure, and can be worn by Rodimus Prime on his back, mimicking the look of the Rodimus Prime robot's spoiler. The included display base/stand is the generic 2013Retaliation version, with a tampographed Autobot insignia.

Despite being branded only as aTransformers product, this figure was exclusively available through both Fun Publications'G.I. Joe andTransformers Collectors' Club online stores.

• More information on Autobot Leader Code Name: Rodimus Prime at YoJoe.com

Power of the Primes

Well, it's about timethey made it.

• Evolution Rodimus Prime (Leader Class, 2018)
  • TakaraTomy ID number:PP-08
  • TakaraTomy release date:May 25,2018
  • Accessories: trailer/evolution armor, evolution armor arms, rifle (formed by two blasters),Matrix of Leadership frame, Matrix of Leadership core

• Known designers:John Warden (Hasbro),Emiliano Santalucia andRobby Musso (concept art)

Power of the Primes "Evolution Rodimus Prime" consists of a Deluxe-sized Hot Rod and a trailer, which can combine with the smaller robot to form the Leader-sized Rodimus Prime. Both robot modes feature exceptional articulation, largely due to the way both robot modes transform. However, neither has a rotating waist for the same reason. This figure features minimalpartsforming, with the Rodimus Prime fists being formed by attaching the two halves of the front end of the trailer to Hot Rod's knees.

He includes aMatrix of Leadership accessory that has a removable center crystal, allowing anyPrime Master to take its place. The Matrix can be stored within Rodimus's robot mode chest. Unfortunately, neither of his robot modes can actually hold it due to having standard 5 mm hands. His two guns, one of which is based on his original toy's Photon Rifle, can combine into a rifle similar to his Photon Eliminator. In vehicle mode, his weapons can be mounted in the two 5 mm holes near the back end of his trailer or stored on Rodimus Prime's back. The trailer portion also has two pegs to stand aTitan Master,Prime Master, or decoy armor on.

Surprisingly, the TakaraTomy stock photos of the Hot Rod figure are mistransformed: His yellow spoiler is not present in robot mode. This is only possible in the toy by removing the entire canopy of Hot Rod's vehicle mode, which is attached by a mushroom joint. Like the last version, Hot Rod/Rodimus can use the Battle Master Firedrive.

"You arenothing!"

• Evolution Rodimus Unicronus (Leader Class, 2018)
  • TakaraTomy ID number:PP-40
  • TakaraTomy release date:November 24, 2018
  • Accessories: trailer/evolution armor, evolution armor arms, rifle (formed by two blasters),Matrix of Chaos frame, Matrix of Chaos core

• Known designers:John Warden (Hasbro),Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Power of the Primes "Evolution Rodimus Unicronus" is a retool of the above Rodimus Prime toy, featuring a new goateed head and color scheme based on those ofShattered GlassRodimus. His smaller Deluxe-sized form is "Nemesis Hot Rod", and represents the character in aUnicron-corrupted state. He includes aMatrix of Chaos accessory that has a removable center crystal, allowing anyPrime Master to take its place. The Matrix can be stored within Rodimus's robot mode chest. It's best to be careful with the "RODIMUS" stickers on his knees, as they can and will peel off easily.

Stock renders released by Hasbro atNYCC 2017 showed him with purple Decepticon insignias, but thephysical prototypes had purple Autobot insignias instead, and the stock photos showed him with both. The finalized toy has Decepticon insignias.

Street Fighter II × Transformers

"So, wanna fight fire with fire, huh?"

• Hot Rodimus [Ken] vs Arcee [Chun-Li] (Two-pack,2018)

• Release date:May 26, 2018
• Accessories: left & right rifles, Headmaster

Available as part of the exclusiveStreet Fighter II × Transformers toyline, Hot Rodimus is a redeco ofLegendsTargetmaster Hot Rodimus (itself a retool ofTitans Return Deluxe ClassHot Rod) inKen's traditional colors, luxurious eyebrows, and flesh tones and all. He transforms from a robot to a Cybertronian sports car and back. TheStreet Fighter II logo is printed on the car's spoiler, and the smaller Headmaster's robot mode is also painted to resemble Ken.

Like all Deluxe-sizedTitans Return toys, Hot Rodimus's cockpit can be opened to reveal a seat that allows anyTitan Master/Headmaster figure to pilot it in both modes. His two rifles can be clipped together to form a larger gun with a Headmaster seat; separately they can be pegged behind Hot Rodimus's front wheels or one can be pegged into his engine.

Hot Rodimus was only available in a two-pack withArcee[Chun-Li]. This set was available for pre-order onTakaraTomy Mall fromNovember 22 to27, 2017, with orders fulfilled in late May of 2018. A pre-order goal was set as well: if 3000 units were pre-ordered in total, the set would also come with clear display stands for both toys.

This two-pack was later brought to the West in 2022 as part of theTransformers Collaborative line, released as aTarget andHasbro Pulse exclusive in the United States. These releases are functionally identical to the Takara versions; the Hasbro versions have new manufacturing tampographs, but are otherwise the same. They even have all of the Takara packaginginside the new Hasbro outer packaging!

Vintage G1

Till all are bought!

• Hot Rod (Walmart exclusive reissue, 2018)
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

In a very unexpected turn, the original Hot Rod toy was reissued as aWalmartexclusive in 2018, under theVintage G1 banner, using the mold utilized forThe Transformers Collection reissue (which includes the 5 mm posts on his weapons). Like the original toy, Hot Rod entirely uses stickers instead of a combo of tampographs and stickers seen inThe Transformers Collection release. However, unlike the original toy,Vintage G1 Hot Rod uses "Targetmaster"-style chromed stickers, rather than flat colored versions. The rubsign is an all-new type used on all of theVintage G1 toys; the insignia only turns red rather than the mood-ring multicolor of older rubsigns, plus the silver border is mirror-level reflective.

Unlike most of the original Hot Rod toys and the packaging stock photo, he is packaged with his vehicle front view facing backwards. Later shipments of the toy were packaged with Hot Rod's car facing frontwards.

Studio Series

Who needs thatSideswipe mold anyways!

• Autobot Hot Rod (Voyager Class,2020-2021)

• Movie:The Transformers: The Movie
• Hasbro ID number:86-04
• TakaraTomy ID number:SS-60
• TakaraTomy release date:April 20,2021
• Accessories: 2 photon lasers, buzzsaw, Matrix of Leadership, 2Fire Blast effects, effect for the Matrix, "The Depths of Unicron" backdrop
• Known designers:Evan Brooks (Hasbro),Yūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy),Mario Carreiro,Christina Murphy andAmy Bence (packaging),^[8]AJ Piejko-Brown (original packaging concept),Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Released to commemorate the 35th anniversary ofThe Transformers: The Movie,Studio Series "Autobot Hot Rod" is a screen-accurate, Deluxe-sized mold that converts into the same ol' classic futuristic sports car. The colors, however, are a more toy-based red rather thanMovie-based magenta, due to management decision.^[9] The toy is sold at a Voyager price point due to a noticeably higher parts count that yields more accessories, articulation, and transformation intricacy. Aside from his 2 photon blasters, Hot Rod also comes with a Matrix accessory (repackaged fromEarthriseOptimus Prime), an aura effect part to attach to the Matrix, a snap-on buzzsaw, and two blast effect parts that can attach to either of his exhaust pipes or guns.

Inside his helmet, he has a visor that can be deployed over his eyes as seen in theLookout Mountain scene, and his right hand can flip to be replaced with the welding torch he used to repairKup onQuintessa. His enhanced articulation includes opening hands that can grasp his Matrix and "butterfly" shoulder joints that aid him in assuming iconic poses from the film.

In vehicle mode Hot Rod's guns plug into his engine block and then his buzzsaw accessory plugs on top of the guns; this two-layered accessory stacking is also supported on his robot back and the roof of the car. However, tabbing the guns into the saw creates stress on the plastic slots of the saw. Additionally, since both the guns and the engine are painted, this risks leaving scratches. Similarly, caution should be used when uniting and separating the painted silver pipes on the arms and legs during transformation, as the clips that connect the arm and leg pipes are small and prone to snapping. Although there's nothing official in terms of storage for the Matrix, you can sort of stuff it in his chest in both modes.

As with otherStudio Series figures, the interior of the packaging can form a diorama display for the figure. In this case, it is the shot of Hot Rod about to open the Matrix as he stands withinUnicron's innards.

In 2021, Hot Rod's packaging was altered significantly in accordance with Hasbro's new plastic-free packaging approach. This packagingvariant was released in the same wave asBumblebee movieSoundwave, and came with different UPC and EAN barcodes than the original version.

This figure was also retooled intoShattered Glass CollectionRodimus.

War for Cybertron Trilogy

Definitely a whopper.

• Unicron (2021)
  • Series:War for Cybertron Trilogy

• Known designers:John Warden,Lynsey Urban andLenny Panzica (Hasbro),Takashi Kunihiro (TakaraTomy),Robby Musso andEmiliano Santalucia (concept art),AJ Piejko-Brown andAurora Kraus (packaging),Mark Grzesik,Sarah Jean Rovenko, andDan Caparco (instruction design),Lee Tympanick (safety),Rachel Fleming (senior box sitter, marketing),Charlie (junior box sitter, cat)^[10]

War for Cybertron TrilogyUnicron comes with amini-figurine of Hot Rod, only about 10 millimeters tall. The original announcement showed a sculpt based on Hot Rod'sTitans Return design, but the final released figurine was based on the original G1 design (or more accurately, theStudio Series design above).

War for Cybertron: Kingdom

So THIS is whereRoller went!

• Rodimus Prime (Commander Class,2021)
  • Hasbro ID number:WFC-K29
  • TakaraTomy ID number:KD-12
  • TakaraTomy release date:August 7, 2021
  • Accessories: Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator,Sword of Primus,Matrix of Leadership, turret, tray, 10 effects^[11]

• Known designers:John Warden (Hasbro),Yūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy),Mark Maher (deco artist)

War for Cybertron: Kingdom Rodimus Prime is a Commander Class toy that transforms from acartoon-accurate robot to a futuristic SUV,^[12] which can attach to a trailer to form his futuristic truck mode. Despite appearances, Rodimus Prime isnot a retool or engineering reuse of theStudio Series Hot Rod toy; though they feature similar transformation steps, the key difference is the lack of a faux chest. The head seemingly reuses the CAD data fromEvolution Rodimus Prime's face sculpt. AWar for Cybertron Trilogy staple, Rodimus Prime and the trailer are littered with5 mm ports to facilitate theC.O.M.B.A.T. System orF.O.S.S.I.L. Technology. The line's relative scale demands that he must be smaller than previous Commander Class toys, though making up for his price tag is above average engineering and articulation, including a removable Matrix, collapsing wheels, and poseable hands featuring separate index fingers with knuckle joints!

The price is also filled out with a multitude of accessories. The trailer itself can fold out into theMobile Defense Bay, which Rodimus Prime can stand on and grasp the handles, plus anA.I.R. Lock System adapter on the front. The standing, twin-barreled cannon also detaches as its own unit, with sculpted tread detail. Undocumented in the instructions, the 5 mm post and tab on the turret can attach to Rodimus's spoiler to act as a large cannon backpack in robot mode, facilitated further by an undocumented second swivel joint that allows the cannon to swing around between the tips of the spoiler. The trailer also features a removable tray with 5 mm ports and dedicated storing spaces for the Matrix-aura and smoke blast effects.

Rodimus Prime also includes a foldable Photon Eliminator which stores on the 5 mm post under the spoiler in both modes (though not when the trailer is attached in vehicle mode) and theMatrix of Leadership, which of course, stores in his chest in both modes. A surprisingly-niche inclusion is theSword of Primus, which has a fold-out 5 mm post to attach to Rodimus's back in robot mode and can store on a pair of tabs under his vehicle mode. He also includes a whoppingten effect parts, 7 of which are translucent blue redecos fromSiegeOmega Supreme, which can attach to the various 5 mm ports on the figure or the 3 mm posts at the tips of the Photon Eliminator and exhaust pipes. The other three are newly-molded Matrix-aura and exhaust pipe-smoke blast effects. Care must be taken when handling these three effects parts as they are made from thin, hard plastic that can break if bent, as opposed to the more durable mushy goodness of the other effects parts. The exhaust effects are molded in translucent blue, and appear as such in promotional images, but the final pieces are painted black.

On some copies, the spring-loaded lower halves of the trailer's smokestacks can get caught on some adjacent orange plastic when opening the trailer, requiring them to be manually moved aside. Another far more common problem is that Rodimus Prime's trailer does not fully close when the two large halves join together, causing a gap to be visible from above; this problem can occur with or without the turret inside the trailer. Some methods attempted to fix this include brushing clear polish on the large silver clips at the front of the trailer, and/or placing stickers inside the slots on top of the trailer. Caution should be taken when transforming him, as the paint on his windscreen piece can be easily chipped when the spoiler piece is folded against it.

In a unique twist, the toy was revealed byTakaraTomy and set for pre-order in Japanese markets beforeHasbro, which usually unveils upcoming toys before or simultaneously with TakaraTomy.

Rodimus Prime comes with one of four holographicGolden Disk cards from wave 1, which reveals apossible destiny of a key character.

One of your toys comes with a sword, and now suddenly every toy of yours wants a sword.

• Autobot Hot Rod (Core Class,2022)
  • Hasbro ID number:WFC-K43
  • TakaraTomy ID number:KD EX-17
  • TakaraTomy release date:July 30, 2022
  • Accessories: sword

• Known designers:Koki Yamada (TakaraTomy)

Part of the final wave ofWar for Cybertron: Kingdom Core Class toys, "Autobot Hot Rod" is a Legends Class-sized figure that transforms from a robot to a futuristic sports car in 8 steps. He comes with a sword that features both a 3 mm handle, that Hot Rod himself uses, and a 5 mm handle for a larger toy. The sword also has a 3 mm port to store it on Hot Rod's spoiler. His spoiler has a 3 mm port to attach the sword handle facing frontward, and it can be easily removed for some reason. As the lower legs and knee joints rely on friction to hold them in place, you could disconnect them while posing if your specimens' ball-and-socket joints are slightly tight enough.

Undocumented in the instructions is that the sword's handle can also plug onto the front end of the spoiler. The latter can be removed as a handheld weapon (with the sword combined) to form some kind of a pointy bowgun-rifle, or onto the other similarly-molded port on the back of the panel, which creates a better tolerance for the shoulder articulation but with a seemingly less stable connection if it wasn't for the single ratchet on its hinge joint.

Due to adesign flaw, it can be difficult to get Hot Rod's car roof to firmly latch into the chassis; on some specimens it is simply impossible.

As seen on his package art, his sword can combine withLegacyIguanus andSkywarp's accessories to create a larger weapon. Hot Rod was re-released alongside them in the first waveLegacy Core Class toys, as seen below, and given Hot Rod includes an Energon weapon and released in the final wave ofKingdom, it is likely Hot Rod was originally intended for release only inLegacy.

Hot Rod's stock renders depict his toy in a more pinkish shade of red and an unpainted red nose, evoking a gladiator noseguard.

Hot Rod was officially revealed during theDecember 3,2021Transformers team roundtable with fans and as such, Hot Rod is the lastWar for Cybertron Trilogy toy to be revealed and released.

Legacy

With him, the triad of that infamous scene in the movie can now be re-enacted in itty-bitty size.

• Autobot Hot Rod (Core Class,2022)

• Origin universe: G1 Universe
• Accessories: sword

Part of the first wave ofLegacy Core Class toys, Autobot Hot Rod is apackage refresh of the previousKingdom figure above, with no other changes besides his packaging.

The instructions now mention his sword being part of a combined weapon formed by joining it with the guns from hisLegacy Core Class wave-matesIguanus andSkywarp.

Firebolt sadly not included. Release date also not included.

• Autobot Hot Rod (Voyager Class,2023)

• Accessories: 2 photon lasers, Buzzsaw, 2 Fire Blast effects

Intended to be part of the second wave of theVelocitron Speedia 500 Collection, Autobot Hot Rod was to be a redeco of theStudio Series figure in colors reminiscent of his original 1986 toy release. The blast effects included have also been recolored orange, and the blade of his buzzsaw is now translucent blue. The Matrix accessory and associated effect part are omitted.

Hasbro'sstock photography has the figure mistransformed - his lower legs are not properly collapsed in. However, this is one rare case where the mistransformation actuallyworks to further the intended homage, as the original 1986 Hot Rod toy this one is emulating also had the vehicle mode exhaust pipes and wheels exposed on the sides of the legs.

Despite numerous aesthetic differences between the two molds, Hot Rod's package art reuses the art from the Core class toy above. They did at least edit out the combined sword accessory Hot Rod was originally wielding in said art though.

TheVelocitron Speedia 500 Collection was exclusive toWalmart in the United States, andTakaraTomy Mall in Japan. Hot Rod was listed on Walmart's website before official announcement by Hasbro, seemingly intended for a Winter/Spring release in 2023, but this never came to be in either Hasbro's or TakaraTomy's version of the line. While claimed to not be "canceled", Walmart quickly moved on from theVelocitron Collection, and Hasbro has no plans to release Autobot Hot Rod.^[13][14]

Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Transformers Retro

Pink is the new old.

• Autobot Hot Rod (2023)

• Accessories: 2 "Photon Laser" rifles
• Known designers:Evan Brooks (Hasbro),Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Hot Rod'soriginal toy was reissued byWalmart once again in 2023, this time under the branding ofTransformers Retro, though the packaging lacks that name, instead havingThe Transformers: The Movie branding. This release retains the larger fist holes and the modified-handle guns from prior re-releases, but is now in an extensively-painted deco intended to replicate his original cartoon character model as closely as possible. This results in the first Hot Rod toy to accurately represent the shade of pink he is actually depicted with in the movie! This also means the original mold's chromed pieces are now a flat light gray plastic instead. All of Hot Rod's details are achieved with tampographs rather than stickers.

The box features original art byMarcelo Matere^[15] of Hot Rod in robot and vehicle mode laid over a scene of the interior of one of theAutobot shuttles featured in the film. Interestingly, the art appears to useStudio Series'86 Hot Rod as a model.

Transformers Retro Autobot Hot Rod was announced and went up for preorder onOctober 6, 2022 as part of Walmart's Collector Con event. However, precious few samples seemingly ever made it to brick-and-mortar stores.

Adamas Machina

3P Companies, eat your heart out.

• Rodimus (2025)

• ID Number:AMT-01
• Accessories:Photon Eliminator/2Photon Lasers, Saw Blade, Communicator
• Known designers:Hirofumi Ichikawa (detailing, alt mode, accessories)^[16]

Part ofT-SPARK'sAdamas Machina line of high-end collectibles, this is a highly articulated depiction of Rodimus featuringdie-cast metal. It is modeled after his appearance in the2005 IDW continuity, particularly hisMore than Meets the Eye body. With design input byFlame Toys, it very closely resembles theKuro Kara Kuri figure but now able to transform.

Multiple owners reported that the right hip pad can get so thoroughly stuck in mid-transformation that attempting to reposition it will break the toy.

• Official TakaraTomy website ofAdamas Machina Rodimus

• Rodimus Lost Light Ver. (2026)

• ID Number:AMT-01EX
• Accessories: Photon Eliminator, / 2 Photon lasers, Saw Blade, Communicator
• Known designers:Hirofumi Ichikawa (detailing, alt mode, accessories)

This redeco ofAdamas Machina Rodimus now evokes his blue period from theLost Light series.

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available at mass retail.

Age of the Primes

My Titan's cheaper and I'm still included with him?Takethat,Drill Bit andRamjet.

• Star Optimus Prime (Titan Class,2025)

• Known designers:Mark Maher (Hasbro),Shuhei Umezu (TakaraTomy)^[17]

Packed in withAge of the PrimesStar Optimus Prime, "Micromaster Autobot Hot Rod" is a more articulated update of theReturn of Convoy Micro Transformer Hot Rodimus figure, turning into a futuristic sports car. Hot Rod in alternate mode can be carried around in the included Micro Trailer, and robot mode can ride atop the vehicle in its battle station form, which resembles theoriginal Rodimus Prime's battle station. As with the original figure, he can be seated in Star Optimus Prime's chest or man a turret on the "tread unit". Aside from the basic articulation, Hot Rod's head cannot rotate.

Make sure you properly attach Hot Rod onto the blue section of the turret by wedging his knees into the open spaces and the inner shins onto the clips, or he'll be (hilariously) launched off while rotating it.

• Designer commentary onAge of the Primes Star Optimus Prime from Mark Maher on Instagram:
  • Part I
  • Part II
• Machine translation of Star Optimus Prime's TakaraTomy bio

Swapticons

What If: Hot Rod shares the Matrix of Leadership with Bumblebee?

• Autobot Hot Rod / Bumblebee (Two-pack,2025)

Part of the first wave ofSwapticons two-packs, "Autobot Hot Rod" is a small, rectangular figure that transforms into the back half of a modified van. While his nominal placement is as the back half of a full heavily modified van evoking Rodimus Prime's "futuristic motorhome" alt-mode with his pack-in partnerBumblebee, he can attach to any other Swapticon, front or back, to make whatever silly abomination you feel like unleashing.

His side panels/arms are on a hinge, allowing them to swing outward while his head can swivel. His face is a sticker that wraps all the way around his head.

Notes

I was pink once.

• Miscommunication between Hasbro and Takara that neglected to mention the fact that Rodimus Prime was supposed to be the new Autobot leader and the upgrade of Hot Rod led to Takara creating the originalprototype for the G1 Hot Rod toy in three times the final size, about as tall asBeast MachinesNightscream. When Hasbro corrected Takara about those details, Takara's designers were disappointed because they had to make Rodimus Prime's toy larger than Hot Rod's.^[18]
• In an odd intra-Hasbro design move, both of Hot Rod's original guns were reused for weapon toolings on theCobraStellar Stiletto in 1988. The larger handgun is the nosecone cannon, while the smaller (facing backwards) is the basis for the longer missiles. Hey, Hot Rod was occupied withFirebolt at the time anyway, right?

New Rodimus, not to be confused with New Coke.

• New Rodimus was the tentative name for an unused Rodimus Prime design revealed in the Japanese bookTransformers Generations. Unlike his predecessors, he would have transformed into a fire engine. According to the caption in the book, New Rodimus would have come out afterStar Convoy, and his transformation would involve splitting at the waist.
  Previously, fans believed that the idea for New Rodimus's transformation was eventually used by theBrave toyDuke Fire, which is also a fire engine that splits at the waist in order to transform. However, a discussion withTakara staff revealed that this was a coincidence, as Duke Fire's designer had not seen the New Rodimus design.^[19] As seen below, this revelation did not come before a story homaging Duke Fire'sassumed connection to New Rodimus was published, retroactively linking the two.
  • In 2015an entry of the Facebook version ofAsk Vector Prime dubbed this version of Rodimus as "Fire Rodimus" andgave some background to him.

• An image of a black Rodimus Prime toy appeared in issue #38 of the magazineHyper Hobby in 2002. For years, it was thought that this was an unreleasedLucky Draw figure (which anunscrupulous Ebay seller reinforced by repeatedly calling it that in his auctions). However, it was eventually found —seven years later — when a Japanese speaker read the text of the magazine, that it was nothing more than a test shot that was intended to tease the release of the normal-colored reissue.
• One of the first concepts forClassics Rodimus was based around thePagani Zonda super car, before theDome Zero design was decided upon.
• Car RobotsSpeedbreaker (akaRobots in Disguise Side Burn) has a powered-up color scheme which resembles Hot Rod's.
• Aside from theEnergonnamesake character, Hot Rod has also beenhomaged twice (or possibly thrice depending on how you look at it) in theUnicron Trilogy. ForArmada, the "Powerlinx" upgrade ofHot Shot was given a very Hot-Rod-inspired deco. InCybertron,Takara made a redeco of Hot Shot (well, "Exillion"), who already had some Hot Rod homage elements in his toy design, with Hot Rod deco as a DVD-pack-inexclusive.Hasbro then took this deco, altered it, and released it in the US line at mass retail as the new characterExcellion.
• A (somewhat jokey) proposed BotCon concept byFun Publications was a redeco of Deluxe ClassTransmetal Rattrap into a beast form of Rodimus Prime, named "Rodimouse", to matchOptimus Primal andUltra Mammoth as beingBeast Wars Maximal forms of fellow Autobot leadersOptimus Prime andUltra Magnus, respectively.^[20][21]

References