Profile

The term "profile" refers to a specific format of biographical information about a Transformer, following the standard established by writer Bob Budiansky when he developed the characters of the original Generation 1 toyline. A profile's structure includes the character's name; a list of their affiliation(s), subgroup(s), and function; a character-defining quote; and body text broken up into three subsections covering the character's personality profile, their abilities, and their weaknesses.

Budiansky's profiles were cut down to bite-size form to create the brief bios featured on the Tech Specs included on toy packaging. Unlike many other character information formats, profiles feature no numbering system for rating strength, speed, rank etc. Because Transformers fans first encountered the full-length profiles when they were printed by Marvel Comics in 1986's The Transformers Universe, they are commonly referred to as "Universe profiles" in the fandom, though in reality the earliest profiles predate the publication by over two years. They were also published as back-up features in the regular Transformers comic book. In the UK comic, they were printed as "Fact Files" and later "Transformers AtoZ."

Profiles are almost exclusively done for characters from the Transformers toyline, though a handful of exceptions to this rule exist. Across Transformers history - but in the case of Generation 1 in particular - they have helped to flesh out characters underserved by fiction, providing in-depth information and background that has served to transform 'bots from complete ciphers into distinct individuals.

Profile books

For further information, see: Category: Profile books

Profile books have been published for the American Generation 1 (twice), Armada, and the Beast Wars franchise, which included characters from the two Japanese Beast Wars series Beast Wars II and Beast Wars Neo. An Energon profile book series was planned, but canceled due to Dreamwave's bankruptcy.

Approximately 1/3 of the Transformers franchise has received profile book treatment. Portions which have received no profile book treatment include several years of the European Generation 1 toyline and Generation 2, Machine Wars, Beast Machines, Robots in Disguise, Universe, Cybertron, the 2007 movie franchise and much of Transformers Animated.

Other Profiles

Character Profiles are frequently included as extras or backups in comics, official fan-club or convention materials. Which characters are covered tends to be selective rather than encyclopedic.

This manuscript still needs work. This book article is a stub and is missing information. You can help Transformers Wiki by expanding it.