View source for Transformers: Cybertron

{{Short description|Japanese/Canadian television series}}
{{distinguish|Transformers: Cyberverse}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name            = Transformers: Cybertron
| image           = Transformers Cyberton DVD cover art.jpg
| caption         = North American DVD cover featuring Optimus Prime and Megatron
| ja_kanji        = トランスフォーマー ギャラクシーフォース
| ja_romaji       = Toransufōmā Gyarakushī Fōsu
| genre           = [[Adventure (fiction)|Adventure]], [[mecha]]<!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
| creator         = Hiroyuki Azuma, Steve Drucker
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = TV series
| director        = {{ubl|[[Hiroyuki Kakudō]] (chief)|Manabu Ono}}
| producer        = {{ubl|Naoji Hara|Tomoya Izumi|Masahiko Yamazaki|Takehiro Miyazaki|Kōji Kajita}}
| writer          = Hiro Masaki
| music           = Megumi Ōhashi
| studio          = [[Gonzo (studio)|Gonzo]]
| licensee        = [[Hasbro]]
| network         = [[TX Network|TXN]] ([[TV Tokyo]])
| network_en      = {{English anime network
| AU = [[Network Ten]]
| US = [[Cartoon Network]] ([[Toonami]]), [[Univision]], [[Kids' WB]], [[G4 (American TV network)|G4]] (Action Blast!), [[KidsClick]] (2018–2019)
| HK = [[ATV World]]
| NZ = [[TVNZ 2|TV2]]
| UK = [[CITV]], [[Toonami]], [[Cartoon Network (UK & Ireland)|Cartoon Network]], [[Kix (UK and Ireland)|Kix]]
| IE = [[RTÉ2]]
| IN = [[Cartoon Network India | Cartoon Network]]
| ZA = [[SABC 2]]
| CA = [[YTV (Canadian TV channel)|YTV]]}}
| first           = January 8, 2005
| last            = December 31, 2005
| episodes        = 52
| episode_list    = List of Transformers: Cybertron episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| author      = Yoshihiro Iwamoto
| publisher = [[Kodansha]]
| demographic = [[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]
| magazine = [[Comic BomBom]]
| imprint = BomBom Comics
| first = January 2005
| last = September 2005
| volumes = 1
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

'''''Transformers: Cybertron''''', known as {{Nihongo|'''''Transformers: Galaxy Force'''''|トランスフォーマー ギャラクシーフォース|}}<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:トランスフォーマー ギャラクシーフォース|url=http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/galaxyforce/index2.html |publisher=[[Tomy|Takara Tomy]] |access-date=November 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060423021721/http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/galaxyforce/index2.html |archive-date=April 23, 2006 |language=ja |url-status=dead}}</ref> in Japan and Asia, is an [[anime]] series which debuted on January 8, 2005. It is set in the [[Transformers Universes|''Transformers'' universe]]. Produced by [[TV Tokyo]], Weve, Tokyu Agency and animated by [[Gonzo (company)|Gonzo]], the series is directed by [[Hiroyuki Kakudō]] and Manabu Ono, with Hiro Masaki handling series composition, Takashi Kumazen designing the characters, Mitsuru Ōwa serving as the mechanical and prop designer and Megumi Ōhashi composing the music. A corresponding toy line was released with the series.

The series was conceived by [[Hasbro]] as the final installment of a trilogy formed with the previous two series, ''[[Transformers: Armada]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Energon]]''. However, the Japanese production did not follow through on this intent, scripting the series as an independent story unconnected to the preceding shows.<ref>{{cite web |title=The History of Transformers on TV - Page 3 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/27/the-history-of-transformers-on-tv?page=3 |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=November 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171115180707/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/27/the-history-of-transformers-on-tv?page=3 |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |date=June 27, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> The English dub partially modified the series to establish links back to ''Armada'' and ''Energon'', including changes to dialogue and small portions of new animation. [[Trevor Devall]] (who voices Scourge in the Series) voiced Megatron in early episodes the English dub before previous voice actor [[David Kaye (voice actor)|David Kaye]] returned, reprising the role from the show's predecessors. Other voice actors include [[Garry Chalk]] reprising the role of Optimus Prime, [[Brian Drummond]] as the voices of Jolt and [[Jetfire]] (replacing [[Scott McNeil]]), [[Kirby Morrow]] as the voice of Hot Shot (Replacing [[Brent Miller (actor)|Brent Miller]]), [[Paul Dobson (actor)|Paul Dobson]] as the Voices of Overhaul (episodes 1 to 16) and Landmine (replacing [[Ward Perry]]), Scott McNeil as the voices of Snarl and Backstop, [[Brian Dobson (actor)|Brian Dobson]] reprising the role of Red Alert, [[Richard Newman (actor)|Richard Newman]] as the voice of Vector Prime, [[Michael Dobson (actor)|Michael Dobson]] returning as Starscream, [[Ted Cole]] as the voice of Sideways (replacing Paul Dobson), [[Peter Kelamis]] as the voice of Wing Saber (replacing Colin Murdock), and [[Lisa Ann Beley]] as the voice of Override.

In the anime, all of the Transformers are computer-generated, while the humans and backgrounds are rendered in traditional [[cel animation]].<ref name = "Mania.com">{{cite web|last1=Janson |first1=Tim |title=DVD Review of Transformers Cyberton: The Ultimate Collection |url=http://www.mania.com/dvd-review-transformers-cyberton-ultimate-collection_article_86882.html |website=Mania.com |access-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202043601/http://www.mania.com/dvd-review-transformers-cyberton-ultimate-collection_article_86882.html |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |date=August 17, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ask Vector Prime |url=http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=AskVectorPrime&Answers |publisher=[[Hasbro]] |access-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060714073403/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=AskVectorPrime&Answers |archive-date=July 14, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[TMS Entertainment|Telecom Animation Film Company]] helped with the backgrounds. It was the last series in the Transformers franchise to be produced in Japan until the release of ''[[Transformers Go!]]'' in 2013.

==Plot==
{{bquote|Our worlds are in danger! To save them and the galaxy, we must find the four Cyber Planet Keys before the Decepticons can use them for evil! It is our mission! Hot Shot! Jetfire! Vector Prime! Landmine! Scattershot! Optimus Prime! Transform and roll out!|Optimus Prime, in the opening title sequence}}

[[File:Cybertronspread.jpg|left|thumb|Animation is a combination of computer-rendering for robots and special effects, and hand-drawn animation for humans and most backgrounds.]]
When the destruction of [[Unicron]] results in the formation of a massive black hole, the planet Cybertron, home world of the Transformers, is threatened, and its population is evacuated to [[Earth]], taking the forms of local vehicles and machinery to hide from humanity. As this occurs, [[Optimus Prime (Unicron Trilogy)|Optimus Prime]]'s elite team of [[Autobot]] warriors are approached by the ancient Transformer Vector Prime, who has emerged from his resting place in the void outside of time to inform them of the legendary Cyber Planet Keys, ancient artifacts of power which can stop the black hole and save the universe. Lost due to an accident during an attempt to create a cross-universal space bridge network, the Cyber Planet Keys now reside on four worlds somewhere in the universe – unfortunately, Vector Prime's map showing their location is stolen by the [[Decepticon]] leader [[Megatron (Unicron Trilogy)|Megatron]], and both forces relocate to Earth as the race to find them begins.

[[File:Megatron-override.jpg|right|thumb|Megatron races Override.]]
On Earth, the Autobots befriend three human children named [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], Bud and Lori who aid them in locating the Omega Lock, the focusing device for the Cyber Planet Key's power. With new "Cyber Key Powers" awakened in them, the Transformers battle on many fronts, searching for the Lock on Earth while [[Hot Shot (Transformers)|Hot Shot]] and [[Red Alert (Transformers)|Red Alert]] head for Velocitron, the Speed Planet which is the resting place of the first key and most of its inhabitants have racing vehicles modes. It is here that Megatron recruits known troublemakers Ransack and Crumplezone into the Decepticons. As Hot Shot competes in the planet's grand racing championship to win the key from the planet's leader Override, the Lock is located on Earth in the bulk of the crashed Transformer's spaceship the Atlantis. Overhaul heads for Animatros the Jungle Planet which is the home of the Transformers who have [[Animal|beast]] modes. The power of Animatros' Cyber Planet Key reformats Overhaul into Leobreaker. Megatron ingratiates himself with Jungle Planet's own dictator Scourge while his scheming lieutenant [[Starscream (Unicron Trilogy)|Starscream]] teams up with the mysterious [[Sideways (Transformers)|Sideways]], working towards his own goals.

Ultimately, the Autobots succeed in acquiring the Keys of both Velocitron and Jungle Planet, at which point the existence of Earth's own Cyber Planet Key is revealed. Starscream makes his power play and overthrows Megatron, stealing the Omega Lock and all three keys from the Autobots and using them to grow in size and power. With their forces bolstered by the ancient Autobots from Earth and the arrival of [[Wing Saber]], who combines with Optimus Prime, the Autobots fight their way through a vengeful Megatron and defeat Starscream – but the battle is not without casualties, as Hot Shot, Red Alert and [[Scattorshot (Transformers)|Scattershot]] are gravely wounded and rebuilt into the even more powerful "Cybertron Defense Team".

Upon returning to Cybertron, the Autobots use the Omega Lock and Cyber Planet Keys, which awakens the spirit of Primus, the deity who is creator of the Transformers, and Cybertron itself actually transforms into the god's body. After a battle in which Starscream taps the power of Primus and grows to planetary size – only to be defeated by Primus himself – the location of the fourth and final key is determined as Gigantion the Giant Planet which is the homeworld of the Minicons and the Transformers who are larger than normal while having construction vehicle modes. Gigantion, however, exists in another dimension, having fallen through a rift in space/time, and except for the kids and the Minicons, the others can't enter without having their minds separated from their bodies. Luckily, Red Alert has created a vaccine program (based on Technology from Vector Prime's sword) to help but it is revealed that Jetfire has [[Trypanophobia]] and while the Autobots are able to reach the planet, the Decepticons are led there by the enigmatic [[Soundwave (Transformers)|Soundwave]]. Bested by the planet's leader [[Metroplex (Transformers)|Metroplex]], Megatron taps the key's power to become [[Galvatron]], and [[Sideways (Transformers)|Sideways]] and [[Soundwave (Transformers)|Soundwave]] reveal themselves to be inhabitants of [[Planets in science fiction#P|Planet X]], a world destroyed by the Gigantions, upon whom they seek revenge. Galvatron blasts them and Starscream into another dimension and acquires the Lock and Keys for himself, intending to use their power to accelerate the universal degeneration caused by the black hole and remake the cosmos in his own image. Vector Prime sacrifices his life to allow the Autobots to return to their home universe, and the five planet leaders confront Galvatron within the black hole and defeat him. With all the Cyber Planet Keys now in his possession, Primus uses their power to finally seal the black hole, ending its threat.

As the planet's various civilizations attempt to return to life as normal, Galvatron attacks the Autobots for one final time. Without any troops to call his own, Galvatron engages Optimus Prime in a one-on-one duel, and is finally destroyed for good. As Galvatron is dying, he places his fist on Optimus' chest and says his final words. In the Japanese dub, he says "Galaxy Convoy..." which is Optimus' name in the Japanese version of the show. His last words in the American dub, however, are "I still function. You haven't won. Not while my spark still burns..." As he starts chuckling evilly, Optimus says "You fought well. Goodbye, Galvatron." As Galvatron disintegrates to space dust, Optimus kneels in front of Vector Prime's sword that Optimus used to slay Galvatron, still injured. As Jetfire and the others run over to Optimus to check on him, Optimus says "Don't worry. You won't get rid of me that easily." Galvatron is later seen in the credits of the last episode engaging Vector Prime in battle in the hereafter. With this final victory, Optimus Prime begins a new space bridge initiative, and the Transformers set sail for the four corners of the universe, and new adventures.

===Cyber Planet Keys===
'''Cyber Planet Keys''' ('''Planet Force''' in ''Galaxy Force'') are four mystical items that form the crux of ''Transformers: Cybertron''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s plot; in order to stop the [[black hole]] that is threatening the universe, the Autobots must gather all four. Also seeking to attain them are the Decepticons, who want to use their power for their own ends.

The Cyber Planet Keys are formed from the spark of Primus and were used eons ago in the Space Bridge project that was meant to link all populated planets together. They were carried to various planets by four Cybertronian spacecraft, the Atlantis, the Ogygia, the Hyperborea, and the Lemuria. All four are controlled by a device called the Omega Lock, and when they are all inserted, they awaken Primus's power.

Unfortunately, the effort failed and the four Cyber Planet Keys were lost. They would remain that way for eons, until the black hole threatened Cybertron. At that point, Vector Prime emerged and told the story of the Keys to the Autobots. Eventually, they agreed to attempt Vector Prime's plan. Unfortunately, Megatron also learned of the scheme and began his own effort to gain the Planet Keys.

The Cyber Planet Keys were each marked with a symbol and colored gold. The four Cyber Planet Keys were found on [[Earth]], Velocitron, Jungle Planet, and Gigantion.

* On Velocitron, the Key was disguised as a racing trophy.
* On Jungle Planet, it was disguised as a dragon statue in Scourge's lair.
* The Earth Key was possessed and hidden by Evac in ice.
* The Giant Planet Key lay at the very center of planet in the spaceship Lemuria.

Finally, the Autobots found the Cyber Planet Keys and the Omega Lock, and awoke Primus, who shut down the black hole, saving Cybertron and the universe. The four planets started a new space bridge project, and, finally, peace was restored.

==Characters==
{{expand section|date=June 2022}}<!--Can someone import the characters from the redirect?-->

==Episodes==
{{Main|List of Transformers: Cybertron episodes}}

==Cast==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Character
!Japanese (Galaxy Force)
!English (Cybertron)
|-
|Coby Hansen
|[[Yukiko Tamaki]]
|[[Sam Vincent (voice actor)|Sam Vincent]]
|-
|Lori
|[[Rika Morinaga]]
|[[Sarah Edmondson]]<br>[[Chiara Zanni]] <small>(Episode 25, 26, 52)</small>
|-
|Bud Hansen
|Mayumi Kurokawa
|Ryan Hirakida
|-
|Tim Hansen
|[[Junichi Suwabe]]<br>[[Susumu Chiba]] <small>(Episode 26)</small>
|[[Terry Klassen]]
|-
|Lucy Suzuki
|[[Machiko Toyoshima]]
|[[Tabitha St. Germain]]
|-
|Mike Franklin
|[[Rintarou Nishi]]
|[[Michael Dobson (actor)|Michael Dobson]]
|-
|Galaxy Convoy / [[Optimus Prime]]
|[[Taiten Kusunoki]]
|[[Garry Chalk]]
|-
|Backpack / Scattorshot
|[[Tarusuke Shingaki]]
|[[Richard Ian Cox]]
|-
|First Aid / [[Red Alert (Transformers)|Red Alert]]
|[[Yasuyuki Kase]]
|[[Brian Dobson (actor)|Brian Dobson]]
|-
|Guard Shell / [[Landmine (Transformers)|Landmine]]
|Tomoyuki Shimura
|[[Paul Dobson (actor)|Paul Dobson]]
|-
|Dreadlock / [[Jetfire]]
|[[Hideo Ishikawa]]
|[[Brian Drummond]]
|-
|Vector Prime
|[[Shō Hayami]]
|[[Richard Newman (actor)|Richard Newman]]
|-
|Master Megatron / [[Megatron]] 
|[[Jōji Nakata]]
|[[David Kaye (voice actor)|David Kaye]]<br>[[Trevor Devall]]
|-
|Thundercracker
|[[Kazunari Tanaka]]
|Mark Oliver
|-
|Fang Wolf / [[Snarl (Transformers)|Snarl]]
|[[Yūto Kazama]]
|[[Scott McNeil]]
|-
|[[Starscream]]
|[[Takaya Kuroda]]
|[[Michael Dobson (actor)|Michael Dobson]]
|-
|Exilion / Hot Shot
|[[Daisuke Hirakawa]]
|[[Kirby Morrow]]
|}

==Adaptations==
A manga adaptation of the series, written and illustrated by {{nihongo|Yoshihiro Iwamoto|岩本 佳浩|Iwamoto Yoshihiro}}, was serialized from the February to October 2005 issues of [[Kodansha]]'s [[Comic BomBom]] magazine. A [[tankōbon]] was released on August 5, 2005. Although it has the same idea of searching for Chip Squares and Planet Forces to extinguish the Grand Black Hole as in the anime, the storyline development and characterizations are unique. Due to the manga's cancellation, the final three chapters were never collected into a tankōbon.

==Reception==
Tim Janson, a reviewer for ''Mania.com'', wrote a positive review:<ref name = "Mania.com"/>
{{quote|"''Transformers Cybertron'' showed that both [[Takara]] and [[Hasbro]] were committed to co-producing a quality show which had a depth of plot and characterization better than any other Transformers show since ''[[Beast Wars]]''. Oh, it's not perfect. The repeated use of the same transforming sequences, especially Optimus Prime's, gets old after about a half dozen episodes, and you realize you still have 46 to go! Also, there are no extras of any kind in the seven-disc set. No commentaries, no deleted scenes, nothing. Hasbro and Takara HAVE to do more to appeal to collectors and adult fans. All in all, the best Transformers show since ''Beast Wars''."}}

Michael Drucker at IGN, reviewed the ''Transformers Cybertron: A New Beginning'' DVD, criticizing it as "A lackluster update on classic characters with minimal plot". The video quality was criticized for compression artifacts. The DVD was also criticized for its lack of extra features. Overall, the DVD was given a "bad" rating of 3 out of 10.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Drucker |first1=Michael |title=Transformers Cybertron: A New Beginning |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/27/transformers-cybertron-a-new-beginning |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728093849/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/27/transformers-cybertron-a-new-beginning |archive-date=July 28, 2017 |date=September 27, 2005 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Japan|Television|Anime and manga}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060424164814/http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/galaxyforce/index2.html Takara page]
* [http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/transformer_gf/ Official TV Tokyo ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' website] {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://www.tv-aichi.co.jp/TF/ Official TV Aichi ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' website] {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071212181507/http://www.gonzino.jp/transformer.html Official Gonzino ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' website] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{anime News Network|anime|4833}}

{{Transformers animated series}}
{{Transformers}}
{{Kids' WB}}
{{Gonzo}}

[[Category:2005 Japanese television series endings]]
[[Category:2005 anime television series debuts]]
[[Category:Children's manga]]
[[Category:Computer-animated television series]]
[[Category:Gonzo (company)]]
[[Category:Japanese children's animated action television series]]
[[Category:Japanese television series based on American television series]]
[[Category:Japanese children's animated superhero television series]]
[[Category:Robot superheroes]]
[[Category:Super robot anime and manga]]
[[Category:Television series set in the 2030s]]
[[Category:Animated television series set in the United States]]
[[Category:Animated television series set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:Transformers (toy line)|Cybertron]]
[[Category:Sequel television series]]
[[Category:Cel-shaded animation]]