Perceptor

Perceptor is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers franchise.

Transformers: Generation 1

Perceptor

Autobot
Information
Sub-group	Deluxe Vehicles, Micro Vehicles
Function	Autobot Scientist
Rank	7
Motto	"One's ultimate truth lies in one's molecular structure."
Alternate modes	Microscope/Mobile Field Artillery Cannon, Missile launcher truck similar to a BTR-80 APC, Half-track
Series	Transformers: Generation 1 Transformers: Classics Transformers: Universe Transformers: Reveal the Shield Transformers: United
English voice actor	Paul Eiding
Japanese voice actor	Chikao Shiroyama

Perceptor (Percepto in France, Supervista in Italy) transforms into a microscope (which also functions as a telescope).^[1]

Perceptor is a renowned Cybertronian scientist. He craves knowledge. His discoveries have helped his allies on many occasions. His specialties lie in metallurgy, electrical engineering, and other sciences closely related to Transformer physiology though his intelligence has made him reliable in many fields.^[2] Though he is an awful bore, but all the Autobots estimate and like him because of his good nature. He is always ready to help and to save everybody (even Megatron himself) whose life is in danger.

According to the voice actor Paul Eiding, Perceptor was voiced with inspiration from C-3PO and The Absent-Minded Professor with a British accent.^[3]

Perceptor was named the oddest thing that G1 Transformers transform into by Topless Robot.^[4]

Marvel Comics

Perceptor was originally part of an Autobot group in the "Dead End" region of Cybertron. Serving as the group's scientist, Perceptor would nonetheless lead a mission to save the captured Blaster from being executed by the local Decepticon commander Lord Straxus. Later, he was opposed to the plan to save the captive scientist Spanner, but was outvoted. Accompanying the others to blow up the Decepticon base, they were horrified to discover that the Decepticons had built Spanner into the Space Bridge itself. Destroying the Bridge as a mercy-killing, Perceptor and his comrades (Beachcomber, Blaster, Cosmos, Powerglide, Seaspray and Warpath), with no chance of escaping to Cybertron, crossed the bridge to Earth.^[5][6]

After an attack by Megatron, they were then captured by Circuit Breaker and her Rapid Anti-Robot Attack Team, taken to her lab and then dissected. After capturing the Aerialbots she encountered a new problem - the Decepticon Battlechargers Runabout and Runamuck were causing mayhem across America. Using the parts from all the captured Autobots she created a giant Autobot with herself in control, striking a deal with them that if they would co-operate she would let them go. Circuit Breaker then used them to battle the two Decepticons, who were attacking the Statue of Liberty. After defeating the Decepticons with Circuit Breaker the Autobots were released.

After a side-adventure in the U.K. comics in which they encountered (and were almost killed by) the future Decepticon Galvatron, Perceptor's group linked up with the main Autobots - only to learn of the death of Optimus Prime.

In issue #27, "King of the Hill!", Perceptor summoned his fellow Autobots Blaster, Hot Spot, Jetfire, Omega Supreme, Ratchet and Silverbolt in order to decide who should take leadership of the Autobots. After an attack by the giant Decepticon Trypticon the leader was chosen - Grimlock.

He soon regretted this, as Grimlock became more and more tyrannical. After Blaster returned (having gone rogue over Grimlock's leadership) Perceptor was one of those who welcomed him back.

After Prime's return as a Powermaster, Perceptor continued to serve loyally, battling the Decepticons in the Arctic and getting jumped by the Seacons in the process. Perceptor was deactivated when Starscream blew up the Decepticon island ship with Perceptor aboard in Transformers #50.

Perceptor's body was seen among the deactivated Autobots Ratchet was doing his best to revive in Transformers #56, "Back from the Dead".

The future movie continuity also appeared in the "Space Pirates" arc of the UK comic, where he was defeated in the Quintesson attack on Autobot City.

Perceptor would appear in the Transformers: Generation 2 comics as one of the Autobot scientists studying the victims of the Swarm, indicating he was revived by Nucleon at some point.

Animated series

Perceptor made his first appearance in "Dinobot Island Part 2" when he assisted Chip Chase at understanding some unusual phenomena occurring in that episode.^[7]

His first major role is in "Microbots" when Megatron acquired the Heart of Cybertron, which was decimating the Autobots. He used his shrinking device to shrink himself, Bumblebee and Brawn, so they could infiltrate Megatron's body and disable the Heart of Cybertron, which he later destroyed.

In the episode "The God Gambit" Cosmos collected data in space on a potential new power source, but was attacked by Astrotrain, Thrust and Starscream. Crashing on the moon Titan, the local priests worshiped the Decepticons as "Sky Gods", but rebels were able to reactivate Cosmos and call for aid from the Autobots. Optimus Prime sent Omega Supreme with Perceptor and Jazz. Astrotrain set himself up as the chief god of the moon and forced the natives to gather energy crystals. The trip to Titan drained Omega of most of his energy, but Perceptor and Jazz were able to gather enough crystals to reactivate Omega and defeat the three Decepticons. Vowing to not let the Autobots gain the crystals, Astrotrain set up a chain reaction destroying them. The Autobots aided the natives to escape the explosion and helped them settle in another area of the moon. Perceptor appeared in "Cosmic Rust", using a special rust-proof formula on the Statue of Liberty. He was kidnapped by Decepticons to treat Megatron's hideous rusting. He diagnoses it as "Cosmic Rust", and uses some of the formula on Megatron. He himself was also infected, as well as all the Autobots. He and Wheeljack got the Matter Duplicator to duplicate the rust-proof formula, as the key ingredient was extinct. With this, the cosmic rust was gone, and the Autobots were saved.

Perceptor would continue to appear throughout season 3, acting as Rodimus Prime's scientific advisor. Perceptor was one of the known pre-1986 Autobots to survive The Transformers: The Movie, along with Jazz, Cliffjumper, Bumblebee, Blaster, Cosmos, Seaspray, Beachcomber, Warpath, Powerglide, Omega Supreme, the Aerialbots, the Protectobots, and the Dinobots. His role as chief Autobot scientist meant he could be used instead of either Ratchet and Wheeljack, whose toys had been discontinued; both being killed off in The Transformers: The Movie.

In episode 78, "Madman's Paradise", Spike and Carly hosted a banquet for a visiting ambassador. Daniel got bored and wandered off. Grimlock followed him, and they fell into a lost chamber where Quintessons banished their criminals to other dimensions. They slipped through to the sorcerous other-dimensional realm of Menonia, and were tricked into fighting on the Red Wizard's side, only to find out that he was the Quintesson criminal, who overthrew the Golden One. Ultra Magnus, Blaster, Eject, Rewind, Ramhorn, and Steeljaw followed, and using Blaster's amplification, they help the Golden One defeat the Red Wizard. With the help of Perceptor, the Autobots and Daniel are returned to Cybertron.

Perceptor last appeared in episode 93, "The Face of Ninjika". Battling over a Quadrant Lock Disc, Autobot, Decepticon, and Quintesson forces cross a rip in space and become trapped there, landing on the planet Zimojin. An inhabitant named Katsudan removes Perceptor's Autobot sigil and uses it as the head and face for an ancient robot named Ninjika, explaining it resembles the missing face of this broken defender.

Perceptor made an appearance in 1989, in Transformers: Victory in Japan. Wheeljack, along with Perceptor and Minerva were called upon to save God Ginrai, who they converted into Victory Leo.

Fun Publications

Perceptor appeared in the Classicverse Lithograph sold at BotCon 2007.

In the story "Games of Decepticon" Springer uses a jamming device given to him by Perceptor to disrupt the Cerebro Shells used by Bugbite to control the Decepticons.

In Transformers Invasion Perceptor is among the Autobots in Canada who help get people to safety from an Earthquake caused by Shattered Glass Ultra Magnus using the Terminus Blade.^[8]

Dreamwave Productions

Perceptor would make his first chronological appearance in the third volume of The War Within, as an Autobot scientist supporting the peace between the Autobots, Decepticons and Ultracons. Megatron's return with a massive army of Seeker clones forced Perceptor to seek a desperate solution - locating the missing Optimus Prime. Recruiting the Turbomasters, Perceptor hoped to use his equipment to find where Optimus had been transported to - but Flash interfered with it and was transported instead. Dreamwave's closure would prevent this story from being finished.

Later, he appeared in the second volume of the Generation One series as part of an Autobot resistance movement opposed to Shockwave. He appears pleading with the Cybertronian Council to investigate Shockwave's modifications to other Transformers, but would later join Prime's attack on Iacon.

Devil's Due Publishing

Perceptor featured in the second G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers tale from Devil's Due Publishing, as one of the resistance group under Ultra Magnus.

Perceptor returned in the third series of G.I. Joe vs. The Transformers. Grimlock, Arcee, Bumblebee and Perceptor were sent to Earth to aid G.I. Joe in removing the influence of Cybertonian technology on the planet. Several of the Joes, such as Snake Eyes, Hawk and Roadblock, end up piloting large, human-like robots themselves. When Cobra attacks the Joe base, the Autobots helped repel the Cobra Battle Android Trooper armies. An investigation reveals a secret facility literally beneath the Joe's own HQ. Megatron's head is found, inactive and on the floor. Perceptor is enraged, believing Hawk had violated their agreement by messing around with Cybertronian technology. He is soon convinced that Hawk did not know this was happening. The existence of the facility's project, Serpentor, is discovered. A robot himself, smaller than the ones the Joe's pilot, he has the ability to take over mechanical systems with coils. Though the Transformer technology gives him trouble, all of the Joe's mechas are corrupted. Perceptor ends up personally battling Scarlett's mecha, though she is not in it. Serpentor soon literally buries the entire team in rubble, leaving to conquer Cybertron.

Pursuing Serpentor to Cybertron (and unable to convince Hawk to stay behind) the group were quickly captured by Serpentor's new army, but were freed by Snake Eyes and Scarlett. Wounded by the Cobra Commander possessed Serpentor, Perceptor later recovers, laughing at Roadblock tales.

3H Enterprises

Perceptor appeared in a flashback scene in issue #2 of the Transformers: Universe - Wreckers comic, where Rodimus Prime consulted Quickmix, Skids, Perceptor and Rad on his plans to send out ships to gather information on threats from space after the defeat of Unicron.

IDW Publishing

Perceptor made his first IDW Publishing appearance in Spotlight issue on Kup, as the head of a team aboard the Ark-17 trying to rescue the veteran Autobot. However, the radiation filled surroundings and Kup's madness led to the failure of all rescue attempts. Perceptor then attempted to reason with Springer, agreeing with Prowl that it was a waste of lives and resources - until Trailbreaker arrived.

Perceptor was on the Autobot Orbital Command Hub in Spotlight: Blaster. He was present when Blaster was recovered and returned to the Autobots.

Fun Publications

Perceptor is mentioned in the final BotCon storyline, "Dawn of the Predacus," in which he detected the Tripredacus Council's experiments with transwarp technology. He subsequently perished under unknown circumstances, forcing the Primal Council to replace him with the shellshocked Autobot Unit-3 in their formation of Magnaboss.

Other media

Perceptor appears in the Tfcon 2008 voice play prelude comic called "Ground Effects" where he detects a repeat repeat wave.^[9]

Perceptor appears among the characters in Re-Unification, the 2010 TFcon voice actor play prelude comic.^[10]

Toys

• Generation 1 Perceptor (1985)

Based on a black Microman toy, but in red as an Autobot. The toy version of Perceptor actually contained a magnifying lens and could be used as a small, low-powered microscope. This toy was a popular seller in 1985.^[11] This toy was later redecoed into the Decepticon Magnificus in its original black colors.^[12]

• Classic Legends Perceptor (2007)

A repaint of Micro class Cybertron Defense Red Alert in red is being sold as a companion to the Classics line as Perceptor.

• Universe Perceptor (2009)

A Toys "R" Us exclusive reissue of the G1 figure.

• Reveal the Shield Deluxe Perceptor (2011)

A new mold announced at BotCon 2010. This figure transforms into a half-track tank.^[13] An official picture of his truck mode was featured on the cover of issue #35 (Oct/Nov 2010) of the Transformers Collectors' Club magazine.^[14] Despite having a different alternate mode, his robot mode still features elements of his G1 incarnation such as the microscope knobs on his forearms and an opening chest plate.^[15][16][17]

• United Deluxe Perceptor (2011)

A redeco of the Reveal the Shield toy for by Takara.^[18]

Transformers: Armada

Perceptor

Mini-Con
Information
Function	Warrior
Motto	"Seek your true power." "Teamwork is the key to victory." (Hasbro) "Our powers lead to peace." (Takara)
Alternate modes	3 Mini-Cons
Series	Transformers: Armada Transformers: Energon Transformers: Universe Transformers: Cybertron

The name Perceptor reappeared in the Transformers: Armada line, this time as the name of a Mini-Con combiner formed from the members of the Street Action Team.

Perceptor's bio told how the three beings that make up Perceptor - Grindor, High Wire and Sureshock - are, despite the war raging over them, unflaggingly, unfailingly positive. They try to help all those they meet, and it is this common unity that explains why they work so well together as Perceptor. It stands as a symbol of Mini-Con unity, battling the Decepticons on their own terms, with their unbelievable coordination giving them an edge. However, this comes at a price - Megatron desires their abilities, and will stop at nothing to possess them.

Dreamwave Productions

In the Energon comic series by Dreamwave comics Perceptor appeared in issues 27-29 of the series. He originally appeared as part of the Autobot reinforcements under Jetfire who headed to Earth to fend off the Terrorcon invasion. Perceptor was part of the team who travelled to Los Angeles to battle the Insecticon clones, alongside Landquake, Cliffjumper, Bulkhead and Tow-Line. They were in danger of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of clones until they were rescued by a surprising source - Megatron, resurrected in a new body by Optimus Prime. Megatron decimated the Insecticon clones, leaving the Autobots to help with the devastation.

IDW Publishing

Perceptor appeared in IDW's Transformers Collectors Club exclusive comic story, set during the events of Transformers: Cybertron. He appeared as one of the Mini-Cons loyal to the Mini-Con council, battling the rebel forces of Thrust and Sunstorm. However, when Unicron attacked Cybertron once again, Perceptor was one of those who battled Soundwave, forcing him to flee. However, in Revelations part 6, Optimus Prime returned to Cybertron, bearing word of Vector Prime's death in battle. Perceptor was amongst those that mourned his loss.

Toys

• Armada Perceptor
• Universe Perceptor (2004)

Armada Perceptor would be re-released in the Universe line in darker colors packaged alongside Universe Sunstorm and Inferno. His only appearance in the Transformers: Universe storyline was as one of the Decepticons under the command of Reptilion in the Botcon 2004 voice actor play. He battled Silverbolt, Rattrap and Waspinator in order to secure two groups of dimensionally displaced Autobots from the RiD universe. However, the three groups of Autobots, together with a time-lost Autobot shuttle from the Great War, were able to defeat the Decepticons.

• Energon Perceptor (2004)

Armada Perceptor (now called Cliffjumper in Japan) returned with a completely new mold for Energon.

His bio now indicated that while he had gained the admiration and respect of his comrades as a warrior, his greatest desire was to spend time with his human friends (Rad, Alexis, Carlos and especially Kicker) to learn as much as he could about Earth, its people and its culture. However, he will still battle against the odds to defend it from the Decepticons.

In late 2005 Energon Perceptor was repackaged for the Transformers: Universe line. The toy was identical to the Energon version. This character has not appeared in any Universe story yet.

• Cybertron Perceptor (2006)

Perceptor is a recolor of the Energon toy and does not appear in the TV cartoon series. The three members of the Street Action Team are now part of the Mini-Con 'versus' packs and were sold individually along with a member of the Decepticon Mini-Con Deep Space Team. Although each Mini-Con has a bio on their package; Perceptor, being a combined form, does not. He is described as the most powerful warrior among the Mini-Cons and the only one to defeat their Decepticon rivals.

Transformers: Timelines (Shattered Glass)

Perceptor

Autobot
Information
Alternate modes	Microscope
Series	Transformers: Timelines

This Perceptor is an evil mirror-image of the Generation 1 character. In contrast to the original's peaceful nature, this Perceptor is portrayed as being very violent.

Fun Publications

Perceptor was seen standing guard in Autobot headquarters in Fun Publications Transformers: Timelines story "Shattered Glass".

Perceptor appears in the story arc Reunification by Fun Publications. This character is one of Optimus Prime's evil Autobots, but secretly loyal to Alpha Trion. He takes Breakaway captive at the order of Alpha Trion.

Toys

The Decepticon Magnificus redeco of the original Perceptor toy has been repurposed as Shattered Glass Perceptor.

Transformers Animated

Perceptor

Autobot
Information
Function	Scientist
Motto	"Only through science can we achieve victory."
Alternate modes	Cybertronian Pick-Up, Mobile Laboratory
Series	Transformers Animated
English voice actor	PlainTalk

Perceptor was recently confirmed for the third season by show artist Derrick J Wyatt. His appearance is very G1-based although he now has a large cranium, what appear to be glasses, and has very scrawny limbs. A leaked model sheet revealed that his vehicle mode is that of a pick-up truck, the rear of which can transform into a mini-laboratory.

Unlike all of the other characters in the series, Perceptor is voiced by a computer through speech synthesis, using the "Fred" voice in Mac OS X's PlainTalk software.

Animated series

In the episode "Transwarped" it was revealed that he was the one who built Omega Supreme. He next appeared in "Decepticon Air", unsuccessfully trying to convince Sentinel Prime not to take command of the Autobots following Shockwave's attack on Ultra Magnus. He also appeared in "This is Why I Hate Machines", protesting against Sentinel's extreme suggestion to fire on a Decepticon-controlled Omega Supreme.

Transformers: Prime

Perceptor

Autobot
Information
Function	Scientist
Motto	"Only through science can we achieve victory."
Alternate modes	Cybertronian Tank, Cybertronian Microscope
Series	Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Transformers: Robots in Disguise
English voice actor	Jim Ward (video game) Aziz Ansari (TV series)

In the "Aligned Universe", Perceptor is the Autobot's chief scientist, and is one of Optimus' most trusted advisors.

Animated Series

In the Transformers: Prime episode "T.M.I.", Bulkhead, whilst transcribing a procedure to form synthetic energon, mentions Perceptor's name as he negates "Perceptor's paradox", the nature of which is never specified.

Books

Perceptor appears in Transformers: Exiles and in the sequel novel Transformers: Retribution. His role is relatively minor-he serves as Optimus Prime's scientific adviser. In homage to his G1 counterpart, he often talks in highly complicated technical terms that infuriate his peers and his commanding officer.

Games

Perceptor appears in Transformers: Fall of Cybertron.

Perceptor appears in Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark.

References

• Furman, Simon (2004). Transformers: The Ultimate Guide. DK Publishing Inc. p. 123. ISBN 1-4053-0461-8. 

External links

• Armada Perceptor Toy Review and Gallery
• Energon Perceptor Toy Review and Gallery
• Universe Perceptor Toy Review and Gallery