Transformers: The Basics

S1 · E1 · 3. Jun 2017

Continuity Folge 1

The first episode of a new series designed to help new Transformers fans get to grips with complicated concepts and lore! This episode gives you a basic overview of the history of the Transformers franchise and how it breaks down into different continuities.

S1 · E2 · 10. Jun 2017

Characters Folge 2

Episode #2 of a new series designed to help new Transformers fans get to grips with complicated concepts and lore! Lots of Transformers share the same name - so why are some similar, and some totally unrelated?

S1 · E3 · 17. Jun 2017

Biology Folge 3

Episode #3 of a new series designed to help new Transformers fans get to grips with complicated concepts and lore! Where do new Transformers come from? What are they made of? How do they transform? What's a spark? What happens when they die? All these questions and more answered!

S1 · E4 · 24. Jun 2017

Creation Myths Folge 4

Episode #4 of a new series designed to help new Transformers fans get to grips with complicated concepts and lore! Where do Transformers come from? What's the origin behind their race? THE LAST KNIGHT has some answers... but so does the rest of Transformers history!

S1 · E5 · 1. Jul 2017

IDW Comics Folge 5

Get THE BASICS on IDW Publishing's line of Transformers comic books! What is each series about? Where should you start reading?

S1 · E6 · 15. Jul 2017

BUMBLEBEE Folge 6

Get The Basics on BUMBLEBEE with this complete history of everyone's favorite little yellow guy, from G1 right the way up to today!

S1 · E7 · 29. Jul 2017

SHOCKWAVE Folge 7

Get The Basics on SHOCKWAVE with this complete history of the Decepticons' one-eyed, one-handed, flying purple people-pleaser!

S1 · E8 · 12. Aug 2017

ULTRA MAGNUS Folge 8

Get The Basics on ULTRA MAGNUS with this complete history of one of the Autobots' mightiest warriors!

S1 · E9 · 2. Sep 2017

THE PRIMES Folge 9

With POWER OF THE PRIMES on the way, it's time to get The Basics on the THIRTEEN, the original PRIMES of Cybertron... plus, just what IS a Prime, anyway?

S1 · E10 · 16. Sep 2017

the G1 CARTOON Folge 10

This weekend marks the anniversary of the premiere of "More than Meets the Eye, Part 1," the first episode of the GENERATION 1 CARTOON - so what better subject for this mini-documentary episode of The Basics?

S1 · E11 · 30. Sep 2017

the DINOBOTS Folge 11

With the classic DINOBOTS soon to make a return in the upcoming "Power of the Primes" toyline, this episode gives you the Basics on the history of the team, and all the others who have shared their name!

S1 · E12 · 14. Okt 2017

The Matrix Folge 12

One of the most important objects in all of Transformers, and one was on the list of planned episodes from the very start of this series - it's time to get The Basics on THE MATRIX!

S1 · E13 · 28. Okt 2017

Terrorcons Folge 13

Halloween is a time for terror... TERRORCONS, that is! Three very different types of 'bot from throughout Transformers history have used this name, and this Halloween special episodes gives you The Basics on all of them!

S1 · E14 · 11. Nov 2017

Headmasters Folge 14

On the anniversary of "The Rebirth," and just in time for the TITANS RETURN cartoon, it's time to get The Basics on HEADMASTERS, one of Transformers' most diverse and varied concepts!

S1 · E15 · 25. Nov 2017

Cyclonus Folge 15

Hot on the heels of his role in the Robots in Disguise cartoon, it's time to get THE BASICS on one of the most popular characters in Transformers comics today - CYCLONUS!

S1 · E16 · 2. Dez 2017

Shattered Glass Folge 16

Going for a deeper cut on this week's episode as we take a look at one of the most famous convention-exclusive concepts in Transformers, which has slowly begun to influence mainstream parts of the franchise. Time to get THE BASICS on SHATTERED GLASS!

S1 · E17 · 16. Dez 2017

Soundwave Folge 17

It's Christmas, so I figured what better present than to give in to popular demand? Everyone's been asking for it, so this week, we're diving into The Basics on one of the all-time greats - SOUNDWAVE!

S1 · E18 · 30. Dez 2017

Getaway Folge 18

To coincide with the release of this week's LOST LIGHT #12, we're going to ring in the New Year with The Basics on GETAWAY! Watch out for spoilers!

S1 · E19 · 6. Jan 2018

Skywarp Folge 19

S1 · E20 · 13. Jan 2018

Pretenders Folge 20

S1 · E21 · 21. Jan 2018

Beast Era Folge 21

S1 · E22 · 10. Feb 2018

Combiners Folge 22

S1 · E23 · 17. Feb 2018

Beast Wars: Uprising Folge 23

S1 · E24 · 24. Feb 2018

Jetfire Folge 24

S1 · E25 · 3. Mär 2018

Beast Modes Folge 25

S1 · E26 · 17. Mär 2018

Hoist Folge 26

S1 · E27 · 1. Apr 2018

Gobots Folge 27

S1 · E28 · 7. Apr 2018

Beast Wars Megatron Folge 28

S1 · E29 · 21. Apr 2018

Titans Folge 29

S1 · E30 · 5. Mai 2018

Mini-Cons Folge 30

S1 · E31 · 19. Mai 2018

Nemesis Prime Folge 31

S1 · E32 · 26. Mai 2018

Insecticons Folge 32

S1 · E33 · 9. Jun 2018

Windblade Folge 33

S1 · E34 · 23. Jun 2018

Hearts Of Steel Folge 34

S1 · E35 · 30. Jun 2018

Prowl Folge 35

S1 · E36 · 14. Jul 2018

Optimus Primal Folge 36

S1 · E37 · 28. Jul 2018

Female Transformers Folge 37

S1 · E38 · 4. Aug 2018

Beachcomber Folge 38

S1 · E39 · 18. Aug 2018

Perceptor Folge 39

S1 · E40 · 15. Sep 2018

Unicron Trilogy Folge 40

S1 · E41 · 29. Sep 2018

Combaticons Folge 41

S1 · E42 · 13. Okt 2018

Wreckers Folge 42

S1 · E43 · 27. Okt 2018

Grimlock Folge 43

S1 · E44 · 3. Nov 2018

Overlord Folge 44

S1 · E45 · 17. Nov 2018

Wheeljack Folge 45

S1 · E46 · 1. Dez 2018

Blackarachnia Folge 46

S1 · E47 · 15. Dez 2018

Micromasters Folge 47

S1 · E48 · 22. Dez 2018

Blitzwing Folge 48

S1 · E49 · 5. Jan 2019

Punch/Counterpunch Folge 49

S1 · E50 · 12. Jan 2019

Acid Storm Folge 50

S1 · E51 · 19. Jan 2019

Quickswitch Folge 51

S1 · E52 · 2. Feb 2019

Bludgeon Folge 52

S1 · E53 · 4. Feb 2019

Slipstream Folge 53

S1 · E54 · 9. Feb 2019

Predacons Folge 54

S1 · E55 · 16. Feb 2018

Robots In Disguise (2001) Folge 55

S1 · E56 · 23. Feb 2019

Omega Supreme Folge 56

S1 · E57 · 2. Mär 2019

Quintessons Folge 57

S1 · E58 · 9. Mär 2019

Star Saber Folge 58

S1 · E59 · 23. Mär 2019

Galvatron Folge 59

S1 · E60 · 30. Mär 2019

Ironhide Folge 60

S1 · E61 · 13. Apr 2019

Unicron Folge 61

S1 · E62 · 20. Apr 2019

Decepticon Justice Division Folge 62

S1 · E63 · 27. Apr 2019

Blaster Folge 63

S1 · E64 · 11. Mai 2019

Around The World Folge 64

S1 · E65 · 18. Mai 2019

Cheetor Folge 65

S1 · E66 · 25. Mai 2019

Hound Folge 66

S1 · E67 · 8. Jun 2019

The Japanese Series Folge 67

S1 · E68 · 22. Jun 2019

Starscream Folge 68

S1 · E69 · 29. Jun 2019

Seacons Folge 69

S1 · E70 · 13. Jul 2019

Inferno Folge 70

S1 · E71 · 20. Jul 2019

Sentinel Prime Folge 71

S1 · E72 · 3. Aug 2019

Targetmasters Folge 72

S1 · E73 · 10. Aug 2019

Elita One Folge 73

S1 · E74 · 17. Aug 2019

Sky-Byte Folge 74

S1 · E75 · 7. Sep 2019

Transformers Animated Folge 75

S1 · E76 · 14. Sep 2019

Springer Folge 76

S1 · E77 · 28. Sep 2019

Sixshot Folge 77

S1 · E78 · 12. Okt 2019

Jazz Folge 78

S1 · E79 · 26. Aug 2019

Lockdown Folge 79

S1 · E80 · 9. Nov 2019

Humans Folge 80

S1 · E81 · 16. Nov 2019

Straxus Folge 81

S1 · E82 · 23. Nov 2019

Drift Folge 82

S1 · E83 · 7. Dez 2019

Thundercracker Folge 83

S1 · E84 · 14. Dez 2019

Sideswipe Folge 84

S1 · E85 · 21. Dez 2019

Waspinator Folge 85

S1 · E86 · 4. Jan 2020

Reflector Folge 86

S1 · E87 · 11. Jan 2020

Ricochet Folge 87

S1 · E88 · 18. Jan 2020

Nightbird Folge 88

S1 · E89 · 25. Jan 2020

Hauler Folge 89

S1 · E90 · 1. Feb 2020

Energon Folge 90

S1 · E91 · 8. Feb 2020

Blurr Folge 91

S1 · E92 · 14. Feb 2020

Romance Folge 92

S1 · E93 · 22. Feb 2020

Scorponok Folge 93

S1 · E94 · 29. Feb 2020

Jumpstarters Folge 94

S1 · E95 · 14. Mär 2020

Constructicons Folge 95

S1 · E96 · 21. Mär 2020

Vector Sigma Folge 96

S1 · E97 · 28. Mär 2020

Bulkhead Folge 97

S1 · E98 · 4. Apr 2020

Spinister Folge 98

S1 · E99 · 11. Apr 2020

The Fallen Folge 99

S1 · E100 · 20. Jun 2020

The Invention of the Transformers Folge 100

Celebrating 100,000 subscribers with a return to the very beginning - from G.I. Joe to Henshin Cyborg, Microman to Micronauts, Diaclone to Micro Change, we look at the real-life history behind the invention of the Transformers!

S1 · E101 · 25. Apr 2020

Optimus Prime Folge 101

S1 · E102 · 2. Mai 2020

Ratbat Folge 102

S1 · E103 · 9. Mai 2020

Maccadam's Old Oil House Folge 103

S1 · E104 · 23. Mai 2020

Arcee Folge 104

S1 · E105 · 30. Mai 2020

Warpath Folge 105

S1 · E106 · 6. Jun 2020

Primus Folge 106

Patreon supporter FaceMan sponsors an episode that takes us back in time, to the dawn of creation and the beginning of the Transformer race, with The Basics on the god of the Transformers, PRIMUS!

S1 · E107 · 27. Jun 2020

Ravage Folge 107

Patreon supporter Arixmethes sponsors this look at the Decepticons' feline master of stealth - RAVAGE!

S1 · E108 · 11. Jul 2020

Sideways Folge 108

Don't believe everything you hear - especially if the one you hear it from is this two-faced trickster! These are The Basics on the one Transformer you should never trust, SIDEWAYS!

S1 · E109 · 18. Jul 2020

Rhinox Folge 109

Time for another visit to the kingdom of the beasts this week, as The Basics takes a look at the toughest, smartest member of the Maximals - RHINOX!

S1 · E110 · 25. Jul 2020

Cosmic Rust Folge 110

If Cybertron be your home, far away, never roam! Watch this video, listen and fear, danger comes, the end is near! A disease that turns Transformers to dust... these are The Basics on COSMIC RUST!

S1 · E111 · 1. Aug 2020

The Allspark Folge 111

As the Autobots and Decepticons once again go to war over it in Netflix's new WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY, learn the history of the relic that granted life to Cybetron and the Transformer race, with The Basics on THE ALLSPARK!

S1 · E112 · 15. Aug 2020

Red Alert Folge 112

From paranoid security director to serious-minded medic, these are The Basics on the emergency-services Autobot for whom caution is the watchword - RED ALERT!

S1 · E113 · 29. Aug 2020

Barricade Folge 113

From street-racing punk to bad cop - these are The Basics on the many 'bots who have gone by the name BARRICADE!

S1 · E114 · 12. Sep 2020

Box Art Folge 114

S1 · E115 · 19. Sep 2020

Omega Sentinels Folge 115

Unfortunately for the Decepticons, the gigantic Autobot Omega Supreme isn't the only one of his kind! This week, it's The Basics on Cybertron's gigantic, ancient protectors, the Guardian Robots - aka, the OMEGA SENTINELS!

S1 · E116 · 26. Sep 2020

Ratchet Folge 116

S1 · E117 · 10. Okt 2020

Teletraan 1 Folge 117

S1 · E118 · 17. Okt 2020

Transforming Folge 118

S1 · E119 · 31. Okt 2020

Monsterbots Folge 119

S1 · E120 · 7. Nov 2020

Knock Out Folge 120

S1 · E121 · 14. Nov 2020

Smokescreen Folge 121

S1 · E122 · 28. Nov 2020

Action Masters Folge 122

S1 · E123 · 5. Dez 2020

Alpha Trion Folge 123

S1 · E124 · 19. Dez 2020

Hot Rod Folge 124

S1 · E125 · 2. Jan 2021

Bug Bite Folge 125

S1 · E126 · 26. Sep 2020

Bumper Folge 126

S1 · E127 · 16. Jan 2021

Flamewar Folge 127

S1 · E128 · 23. Jan 2021

Moonracer Folge 128

S1 · E129 · 30. Jan 2021

Soundblaster Folge 129

S1 · E130 · 6. Feb 2021

Space Bridges Folge 130

S1 · E131 · 13. Feb 2021

Doubledealer Folge 131

S1 · E132 · 20. Feb 2021

Scraplets Folge 132

S1 · E133 · 27. Feb 2021

Sky Lynx Folge 133

S1 · E134 · 13. Mär 2021

Scourge Folge 134

S1 · E135 · 20. Mär 2021

Cybertronian Colonies Folge 135

S1 · E136 · 27. Mär 2021

Seaspray Folge 136

S1 · E137 · 17. Apr 2021

Triple Changers Folge 137

S1 · E138 · 24. Apr 2021

Aerialbots Folge 138

S1 · E139 · 1. Mai 2021

Liege Maximo Folge 139

S1 · E140 · 15. Mai 2021

Beast Wars in Japan Folge 140

S1 · E141 · 22. Mai 2021

Blackout Folge 141

S1 · E142 · 29. Mai 2021

Rubsigns Folge 142

S1 · E143 · 12. Jun 2021

Chromdome Folge 143

S1 · E144 · 19. Jun 2021

Circuit Breaker Folge 144

S1 · E145 · 26. Jun 2021

The Great War Folge 145

S1 · E146 · 10. Jul 2021

Cliffjumper Folge 146

The 'bot who everyone always seems to think is just "Red Bumblebee" - the little Autobot go-getter, CLIFFJUMPER!

S1 · E147 · 24. Jul 2021

G.I JOE CROSSOVERS Folge 147

S1 · E148 · 31. Jul 2021

Beast Wars DINOBOT Folge 148

S1 · E149 · 7. Aug 2021

SHARKTICONS Folge 149

S1 · E150 · 14. Aug 2021

MEGATRON Folge 150

S1 · E151 · 11. Sep 2021

The Golden Disk Folge 151

S1 · E152 · 18. Sep 2021

Trypticon Folge 152

S1 · E153 · 25. Sep 2021

Whirl Folge 153

S1 · E154 · 9. Okt 2021

The Ark Folge 154

S1 · E155 · 16. Okt 2021

Tidal Wave Folge 155

S1 · E156 · 30. Okt 2021

The Horrorcons Folge 156

S1 · E157 · 6. Nov 2021

Skids Folge 157

S1 · E158 · 13. Nov 2021

Kiss Players Folge 158

S1 · E159 · 27. Nov 2021

Swindle Folge 159

S1 · E160 · 4. Dez 2021

Astrotrain Folge 160

S1 · E161 · 18. Dez 2021

The Aligned Continuity Folge 161

S1 · E162 · 1. Jan 2022

Road Rage Folge 162

S1 · E163 · 8. Jan 2022

Enemy Folge 163

S1 · E164 · 15. Jan 2022

Transmutate Folge 164

S1 · E165 · 23. Jan 2022

Shadow Striker Folge 165

S1 · E166 · 29. Jan 2022

Rack 'n' Ruin Folge 166

S1 · E167 · 5. Feb 2022

Protoforms Folge 167

S1 · E168 · 12. Feb 2022

Slug Folge 168

S1 · E169 · 19. Feb 2022

Tigatron Folge 169

S1 · E170 · 5. Mär 2022

The Protectobots Folge 170

S1 · E171 · 12. Mär 2022

Brawn Folge 171

S1 · E172 · 19. Mär 2020

Sandstorm Folge 172

S1 · E173 · 2. Apr 2022

KREMZEEK! Folge 173

S1 · E174 · 16. Apr 2022

Dreadwing Folge 174

S1 · E175 · 23. Apr 2022

Lio Convoy Folge 175

S1 · E176 · 7. Mai 2022

The Marvel Comic Folge 176

S1 · E177 · 14. Mai 2022

Jhiaxus Folge 177

S1 · E178 · 21. Mai 2022

Powermasters Folge 178

S1 · E179 · 28. Mai 2022

Thrust Folge 179

S1 · E180 · 4. Jun 2022

The Underbase Saga Folge 180

S1 · E181 · 18. Jun 2022

Bumblebee (Updated for 2022!) Folge 181

S1 · E182 · 2. Jul 2022

Shockwave Folge 182

S1 · E183 · 9. Jul 2022

Vector Prime Folge 183

S1 · E184 · 23. Jul 2022

Deathsaurus Folge 184

S1 · E185 · 6. Aug 2022

The Vok Folge 185

S1 · E186 · 20. Aug 2022

The Primus Vanguard Folge 186

S1 · E187 · 3. Sep 2022

Rattrap Folge 187

S1 · E188 · 17. Sep 2022

IDW's Robots in Disguise Folge 188

S1 · E189 · 1. Okt 2022

Steeljaw Folge 189

S1 · E190 · 15. Okt 2022

Liokaiser Folge 190

S1 · E191 · 29. Okt 2022

Starscream's Ghost Folge 191

S1 · E192 · 12. Nov 2022

Dreamwave Folge 192

For the first decade of the Tranformers franchise, Marvel Comics were king... but after "Generation 2" ended in 1994, "Transformers" comics went away. Then, in the early 2002, a new company took the reigns, producing wildly successful new series... that, in just a few short years, inexperienced, egotistical business owners drove straight into the friggin' ground. Patreon supporter Luke Wood sponsors this look at the history of DREAMWAVE!

S1 · E193 · 26. Nov 2022

Laserbeak Folge 193

This week, we're taking it back to 1984 once more for a look at another of the Transformers franchise's founding characters - Soundwave's favourite cassette, LASERBEAK!

S1 · E194 · 3. Dez 2022

Iguanus Folge 194

Obscure Characters Month begins with a look at the reptilian Decepticon given new life by this year's Transformers: Legacy toyline - IGUANUS!

S1 · E195 · 10. Dez 2022

Dion Folge 195

This year brought us a new toy of Orion Pax, the young robot who was fated to become Autobot leader Optimus Prime... but before he was Prime, Pax had a best friend, and that's the bot we're looking at today! It's The Basics on DION!

S1 · E196 · 17. Dez 2022

Skullgrin Folge 196

Obscure Characters Month continues with another 'bot who got a new toy in this year's "Transformers: Legacy" toyline - the monstrous mechanoid that Marvel made a movie star, SKULLGRIN!

S1 · E197 · 24. Dez 2022

Crasher Folge 197

Crashing through the snow, this Go-Bot's out to slay, stomping as she goes, laughing all the way! This year's Obscure Characters Month comes to a close with the basics on that riotous renegade who's gone from GoBotron to Cybertron and back again - It's The Basics on CRASHER!

S1 · E198 · 28. Jan 2023

The Seekers Folge 198

And we're back! For first first video of 2023, it's time to look at one of the most iconic aspects of the entire Transformers franchise - the lookalike Decepticon jets known as the SEEKERS!

S1 · E199 · 11. Feb 2023

Death's Head Folge 199

He's met the Transformers, Doctor Who, and the heroes of the Marvel Universe... but if YOU ever meet this mercenary mechanoid, just be sure you DON'T call him a bounty hunter! These are The Basics on DEATH'S HEAD!

S1 · E200 · 25. Feb 2023

Hot Shot Folge 200

Kids today have Bumblebee... but twenty years ago, the audience of the early 2000s had this 'bot! Episode #200 finally looks at The Basics on the poster boy of the Unicron Trilogy, HOT SHOT!

S1 · E201 · 11. Mär 2023

Stunticons Folge 201

Celebrating 200,000 subscribers with a long-demanded episode looking at The Basics on those Decepticon road-hogs, the STUNTICONS!

S1 · E202 · 25. Mär 2023

Nova Prime Folge 202

This episode takes another dive into Cybertron's ancient history, with The Basics on another of the robots who carried the Matrix of Leadership before Optimus Prime: NOVA PRIME!

S1 · E203 · 8. Apr 2023

Cosmos Folge 203

The Basics reaches for the stars this week, with a look at the history of the Autobots' outer space lookout, COSMOS!

S1 · E204 · 22. Apr 2023

Crosshairs Folge 204

This week, The Basics sets its sights on a popular request from the comments section - Targetmasters, sharpshooter, paratrooper, movie star, it's CROSSHAIRS!

S1 · E205 · 6. Mai 2023

DARK ENERGON Folge 205

UNICRON IS COMING! Ahead of the chaos-bringer's return to the big screen in this summer's "Rise of the Beasts," get primed with this history of his evil energy and its many unearthly abilities in The Basics on DARK ENERGON!

S1 · E206 · 20. Mai 2023

Vehicons Folge 206

From "Beast Machines" to "Transformers: Prime" and beyond, these are the Basics on the endless, faceless, mass-produced armies of evil - the VEHICONS!

S1 · E207 · 3. Jun 2023

Metalhawk Folge 207

As we await the release of "Rise of the Beasts," and its introduction of a new team of Transformers who have been living in secret on Earth for centuries, The Basics looks at the Autobot who did it before it was cool! It's Earth's original secret protector, METALHAWK!

S1 · E208 · 10. Jun 2023

Mirage Folge 208

"Rise of the Beasts" is in cinemas now - and that means that, at long, long last, it's finally time for me to deliver the episode you've been asking for! It's the Basics on the movie's new leading 'bot, the Autobot illusion-caster, MIRAGE!

S1 · E209 · 17. Jun 2023

The Maximals Folge 209

Creeping, crawling, and flying out of the world of "Beast Wars," get ready to go Beast Mode with this look at the history of the animal-form Transformers who have just set screens alight with their live-action debut in "Rise of the Beasts"!

S1 · E210 · 24. Jun 2023

Airazor Folge 210

Wrapping up our "Rise of the Beasts" theme month with a look at the history of the high-flying Maximal who just made her big-screen debut! It's The Basics on AIRAZOR!

S1 · E211 · 8. Jul 2023

Fortress Maximus Folge 211

Patreon supporter Devin Brimhall sponsors this episode about the biggest Autobot of them all!

S1 · E212 · 22. Jul 2023

Generation 2 Folge 212

Patreon Supporter Dad Brad sponsors this episode of the relaunched cartoon and toyline.

S1 · E213 · 5. Aug 2023

Mini-Bots Folge 213

Patreon supporter @KeyanCarlileTF sponsors this episode! Keyan requested a look at the Transformers franchise's long history of retooling and recolouring Bumblebee to create new characters - and to tell that story in full, we need to go right back to the start, and look at The Basics on the short-statured members of the Autobot army - the MINI-BOTS!

S1 · E214 · 19. Aug 2023

Trainbots Folge 214

Tickets please! Hop aboard for another journey to the Japanese side of the world of the Transformers, with a look at the history of some of the country's first original TF characters - the TRAINBOTS!

S1 · E215 · 2. Sep 2023

Battle Beasts Folge 215

Transformers wasn't the only toyline created through the partnership of Hasbro and Takara - these are The Basics on one of their other big collaborations, the BEASTFORMERS, aka BATTLE BEASTS! Patreon supporter Greg Sepelak sponsors this look at the surprising and long-lived connection between the robots in disguise and these armoured animal warriors!

S1 · E216 · 16. Sep 2023

The Nemesis Folge 216

Hot on the heels of its long-awaited released in toy form in the "Legacy" line this summer, we're finally taking a look at the Decepticon space cruiser that serves as the evil counterpart to the Autobot's iconic Ark: THE NEMESIS!

S1 · E217 · 30. Sep 2023

Strongarm Folge 217

Sometimes Transformers history takes an unexpected left turn, and a 'bot who started out as one thing becomes something entirely different - as you'll find out in the story of the 'bot who went from energon-sculpting Omnicon to rule-obsessed police cadet! These are The Basics on STRONGARM!

S1 · E218 · 14. Okt 2023

Bombshell Folge 218

Spooky season is just around the corner, so let's warm up with The Basics on at one of the creepiest 'cons around, the Insecticon master of mind control, BOMBSHELL!

S1 · E219 · 28. Okt 2023

Mindwipe Folge 219

This year's Halloween special takes a look at the history of the Decepticons' batty black magician, Mindwipe!

S1 · E220 · 11. Nov 2023

Rescue Bots Folge 220

Transformers toys are generally intended for kids aged 5+, but over the years, Hasbro has made several attempts to target the preschool market with big, simple figures for little hands. This is the story of their most successful endevaour - it's time to Roll to the Rescue with The Basics on RESCUE BOTS!

S1 · E221 · 25. Nov 2023

Soundwave - Updated for 2023! Folge 221

Updated and expanded, revised and re-written, it's time for a fresh look at The Basics on Megatron's loyal spymaster SOUNDWAVE, now including all the new toys, cartoons, and comics and movies that have come out since the original episode six years ago!

S1 · E222 · 2. Dez 2023

Toxitron Folge 222

Kicking off Obscure Characters Month 2023 with a look at the story of that lean, green, pollution-spewing machine, TOXITRON!

S1 · E223 · 9. Dez 2023

Apelinq Folge 223

Obscure Characters Month continues with the history of a Maximal science-hero who this year made a very unexpected appearance in live-action! It's The Basics on APELINQ!

S1 · E224 · 6. Dez 2023

Antagony Folge 224

Obscure Characters Month continues with more BotCon Beast Wars content, as we look at The Basics on ANTAGONY! Pain is her friend - allow her to introduce YOU to it!

S1 · E225 · 26. Dez 2023

Transit Folge 225

Obscure Characters Month plumbs new depths with the paragon of public transport, the duke of the deleted scene, the maestro of memes - It's The Basics on how a very under-represented alternate mode has slowly grown in prominence to inspire TRANSIT!

S1 · E226 · 30. Dez 2023

Kranix Folge 226

2023's "Rise of the Beasts" saw the return of Unicron to cinema screens, so to wrap up Obscure Characters Month for this year, we're looking at The Baiscs on KRANIX - a 'bot from the world that was the planet-eater's first victim, when he made his debut in 1986's "The Transformers: The Movie"!

S1 · E227 · 27. Jan 2024

The Golden Age of Cybertron Folge 227

Cybertron wasn't always a world at war - once, long ago, the Transformers' home planet was a world without conflict, when energy flowed freely, and peace reigned. These are The Basics on the history of Cybertron and it's harmonious GOLDEN AGE!

S1 · E228 · 10. Feb 2024

Kup Folge 228

If you're looking for some history and lore from the world of the Transformers, there's no 'bot better suited to spin you a tale than the one we're looking at in this episode - curmugeonly old Autobot KUP!

S1 · E229 · 24. Feb 2024

Snarl Folge 229

This week, The Basics turns the spotlight on another of those prehistoric powerhouses, the Dinobots - the surly stegosaurus whose name got away from him, SNARL!

S1 · E230 · 9. Mär 2024

Sparks Folge 230

This episode takes a long-overdue dive into the mysteries of Transformer life itself, with a look at the concept of the Cybertronian soul - the SPARK, the mystical lifeforce that makes Autobots and Decepticons more than mere machines!

S1 · E231 · 23. Mär 2024

Breakdown Folge 231

Don't let this episode's subject know I've made a video about him - he wouldn't like the idea of being watched by so many people! It's The Basics on the paranoid Stunticon, BREAKDOWN!

S1 · E232 · 6. Apr 2024

Magmatron Folge 232

This week's episode is about the prehistoric powerhouse of a Predacon thrust back into the spotlight by the Legacy toyline this year! Blazing in from the Japanese side of the world of "Beast Wars," these are The Basics on MAGMATRON!

S1 · E233 · 20. Apr 2024

Rock Lords Folge 233

Today we explore the secret origins of the Armorizers with a look back at what's often thought of as one of the oddest toylines of the 80s, a spin-off of the Transformers' direct rivals, the GoBots! Shaking, quaking, crashing, breaking: it's The Basics on ROCK LORDS - powerful living rocks!!

S1 · E234 · 4. Mai 2024

Omega Prime Folge 234

From one of the more overlooked "Transformers" cartoons to HasLab success story - these are The Basics on the combined form of Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus, OMEGA PRIME! Plus - the story of the time Optimus Prime was a girl! Who is... YELLOW SPLENDID CONVOY?

S1 · E235 · 11. Mai 2024

Chromia Folge 235

This week, it's time for The Basics on one of the very first female Transformers - Elita One's second-in-command, Ironhide's lady, and Windblade's best galpal, CHROMIA!

S1 · E236 · 25. Mai 2024

Technobots Folge 236

Finally! This week, we're taking a look at the history of the last of the classic G1 Autobot combiner teams - fearless, futuristic warriors unappreciated in their own time - the bots whose combined form was once voiced by *MatPat* of all people! - those often-overlooked high-tech heroes, the TECHNOBOTS!

S1 · E237 · 8. Jun 2024

Minerva Folge 237

Sponsored by Patreon supporter El Coronna, this week we're looking at the first female Transformer toy ever produced! From the Japanese-original series "Super-God Masterforce," these are The Basics on MINERVA!

S1 · E238 · 22. Jun 2024

Roadbuster Folge 238

Patreon supporter Brigadier Darman sponsors this look at a prennial member of the Wreckers - the down and dirty ROADBUSTER!

S1 · E239 · 6. Jul 2024

TRIPREDACUS COUNCIL Folge 239

They're the rulers of the evil Predacons and masters of the long game, preferring to bide their time, scheming in the shadows until the moment is right for them to strike! It's The Basics on the TRIPREDACUS COUNCIL!

S1 · E240 · 20. Jul 2024

TRANSFORMERS: PRIME Folge 240

As the 2000s were reaching their end, "Transformers" underwent a huge surge in popularity and success thanks the first live-action movie, which Hasbro were quick to capitalise on with the launch of their own TV network, which served as home to a prestigious new high-budget TF cartoon! Patreon supporter Dom Verzi sponsors this look at the making and legacy of their favourite TF show, "TRANSFORMERS: PRIME"!

S1 · E241 · 3. Aug 2024

RAPTORICONS Folge 241

Delving into the obscure this week with an episode sponsored by official Transformers artist Matt Frank, who wanted The Basics to look at the fanged foursome of ferocious females he created for the Transformers Collectors Club - the RAPTORICONS!

S1 · E242 · 17. Aug 2024

STAR SEEKERS Folge 242

Arr, matey! Back in the spotlight thanks to a new range of toys in this year's LEGACY line, it's The Basics on vengeful pirate captain THUNDERTRON and his crew of scurvy space-dogs, the Star Raiders - better known as the STAR SEEKERS!

S1 · E243 · 31. Aug 2024

MAYHEM ATTACK SQUAD Folge 243

Autobots beware! This week, The Basics dishes out doom 'n' destruction with a look at the worst of the worst, the Decepticons' MAYHEM ATTACK SQUAD!

S1 · E244 · 14. Sep 2024

METROPLEX Folge 244

This week it's a popular request from the comments, as we break down the history of the original Autobot city-former, greatest of all the Titans, Scramble City himself - METROPLEX!

S1 · E245 · 5. Okt 2024

ORION PAX Folge 245

Discover the origins of OPTIMUS PRIME with this special TRANSFORMERS ONE tie-in episode, unpacking the full story of the Autobot leader's early life, and the 'bot he used to be - ORION PAX!

S1 · E246 · 19. Okt 2024

D-16 Folge 246

Discover the origins of MEGATRON with this special TRANSFORMERS ONE tie-in episode, exploring the full story of the Decepticon leader's rise to power from his humble beginnings as an ordinary 'bot named D-16!

S1 · E247 · 26. Okt 2024

MONSTRUCTOR Folge 247

Time for another peek into the creepy corners of the Transformers universe in a Halloween Basics about the monstrous Decepticon formed by the combination of the Pretender Monsters Birdbrain, Bristleback, Icepick, Scowl, Slog, and Wildfly - MONSTRUCTOR! Plus get the lowdown on his Japanese counterpart from "Victory,", DINOKING and the DINOFORCE, back in the headlines this year thanks to the Legacy toyline!

S1 · E248 · 9. Nov 2024

ELITA ONE - Updated for 2024 Folge 248

Revised and re-written for 2024! Things have changed a lot for the leader of the female Autobots in the five years since The Basics originally look at her history, not least of all her recent big-screen starring role in TRANSFORMERS ONE!

S1 · E249 · 23. Nov 2024

ULTRA MAGNUS - Updated for 2024 Folge 249

Celebrating 250 episodes with an overhauled and updated version of one of my very first character spotlight videos from over seven years ago! It's The Basics on the Autobots' greatest warrior, ULTRA MAGNUS!

S1 · E250 · 7. Dez 2024

DEVCON Folge 250

Obscure Characters Month 2024 kicks off with the story of the Autobot bounty hunter created for the original cartoon and kept alive by conventions!

S1 · E251 · 14. Dez 2024

HARDTOP Folge 251

Obscure Characters Month continues! He's far from one of the best-known Decepticons there is, but this little-heard-of Decepticon sniper has a tendency to pop up in roles of surprisingly significance just when you're least expecting him!

S1 · E252 · 21. Dez 2024

XAARON Folge 252

The penultimate entry in this year's Obscure Character Month returns us to the world of the original Marvel "Transformers" comic book! He's an Autobot councillor turned resistance leader turned avatar of Primus, who just this year, after nearly four decades, recieved his first ever toy. These are The Basics on EMIRATE XAARON!

S1 · E253 · 28. Dez 2024

QUAKE Folge 253

Bringing Obscure Characters Month 2024 to an end with the Decepticon Targetmaster whose biggest claim to fame is the fact he tends to die at the end of nearly every story he appears in! Back in the spotlight currently with his little buddies Tiptop and Heater thanks to the Legacy toyline, it's The Basics on QUAKE!

S1 · E254 · 25. Jan 2025

SUNSTREAKER Folge 254

Let's get back to Basics for 2025 with a video you've been asking me to do for ages! We're going right back to where it all began with the first Transformer, the coolest Countach, the self-lovin' lambo, the Autobot egotist who thinks he's the most beautiful machine to ever roll off the line -- SUNSTREAKER!

S1 · E255 · 8. Feb 2025

HATE PLAGUE Folge 255

This week we're looking at another of the deadly diseases of the Transformers universe, from it's introduction in "The Return of Optimus Prime" to its recent return to TV in "EarthSpark" - the roiling red rage that is THE HATE PLAGUE!

S1 · E256 · 22. Feb 2025

TARANTULAS Folge 256

Arachnophobes beware! This popular request from the comments returns us to the world of "Beast Wars" for a look at the history of the evil Predacon scientist, TARANTULAS!

S1 · E257 · 8. Mär 2025

BONECRUSHER Folge 257

From construction to destruction, from Constructicon to Beast Warrior, tiny Mini-Con to giant Combiner, bulldozer to buffalo - this 'bot does it all! Arriving just in time for his new Studio Series release, it's The Basics on the many different Transformers who have shared the name BONECRUSHER!

S1 · E258 · 18. Mär 2025

Prima Prime Folge 258

The Age of the Primes is upon us! Come with me now back to the very dawn of Cybertron itself, for a look at the story of the first Transformer ever created by Primus! Wielder of the Star Saber, bearer of the Matrix, leader of the Thirteen Primes - these are The Basics on PRIMA!

S1 · E259 · 2. Apr 2025

Victory Folge 259

After yet another successful HasLab campaign, I thought it was time we took a closer look at the series Star Saber, Deathsaurus, and Liokaiser came from! These are The Basics on "Brave No. 0," the most popular of the Japanese-original Generation 1 anime, TRANSFORMERS: VICTORY!

S1 · E260 · 14. Apr 2025

Ramjet Folge 260

Keepin' it classic this week, with a look at another of the iconic Decepticon jets!

S1 · E261 · 29. Apr 2025

Override Folge 261

S1 · E262 · 22. Mai 2025

Solus Prime Folge 262

The Age of the Primes continues! Join me for another look into the mists of Transformers history, as we tackle The Basics on the tragic tale of the first female Cybertronian, SOLUS PRIME!

S1 · E263 · 7. Jun 2025

Silverbolt Folge 263

From the Aerialbots to the Beast Wars, this episode look at two iconic Transformers characters with one thing in common! It's another Age of the Primes tie-in, as we look at the The Basics on the high-flying heroes who share the name SILVERBOLT!

S1 · E264 · 21. Jun 2025

OPTIMUS PRIME'S AXE Folge 264

It's one of the Autobot leader's signature weapons, going right back to the original G1 cartoon - but it hasn't always been widely represented onscreen! Learn its history in The Basics on Optimus Prime's Energon Axe!

S1 · E265 · 5. Jul 2025

GINRAI Folge 265

He LOOKS like Optimus Prime... but he's not! Journey with me now once more to the Japanese side of the world of the Transformers, and discover the story of the human being who wore the face of the ionic Autobot leader, GINRAI, as The Summer of Optimus Prime continues!

S1 · E266 · 19. Jul 2025

STAR OPTIMUS PRIME Folge 266

The Summer of Optimus Prime heats up with an episode looking at the Autobot leader's ultimate transformation! Just in time for his new toy in this year's AGE OF THE PRIMES, it's the positively stellar STAR OPTIMUS PRIME - aka STAR CONVOY!

S1 · E267 · 2. Aug 2025

ROLLER Folge 267

The Summer of Optimus Prime rolls on with the history of the companion who's been with the Autobot leader through forty years of adventures! He's the little drone that could - ROLLER!

S1 · E268 · 30. Aug 2025

The THIRTEENTH PRIME Folge 268

This episode, we conclude the Summer of Optimus Prime with a look into the furthest reaches of Optimus's past! From the pages of the Binder of Revelation and the Covenant of Primus, this is the legend of the forgotten member of Cybertron's ancient pantheon... these are The Basics on the THIRTEENTH PRIME!

S1 · E269 · 18. Okt 2025

SIMON FURMAN Folge 269

From Marvel to Dreamwave to IDW and beyond, Generation 1 to Beast Wars to the live-action films and more, this is the Transformers journey of the most prolific writer to ever work on the franchise, responsible for moulding and shaping it like almost no other, SIMON FURMAN!

S1 · E270 · 1. Nov 2025

RUNABOUT and RUNAMUCK Folge 270

BATTLECHARGERS, the hard-charging, fast-changing Decepticon hoodlums whose idea of a good time is blowing something up! It's The Basics on Transformers' own Beavis and Butthead, RUNABOUT and RUNAMUCK!

S1 · E271 · 15. Nov 2025

SPIKE WITWICKY Folge 271

This long-overdue look at the Autobots' original human ally! From oil rig worker to interplanetary diplomat to Headmaster partner of Fortress Maximus, these are The Basics on SPIKE WITWICKY! Plus: Witwickies across the continuities, from Marvel's BUSTER, to the Shia LaBeouf's SAM!

S1 · E272 · 29. Nov 2025

RUMBLE and FRENZY Folge 272

The twin Decepticon cassettes whose ever-changing colours are the source of one of fandom's oldest arguments: FIRRIB vs FIBRIR! It's The Basics on RUMBLE and FRENZY!

S1 · E273 · 6. Dez 2025

IRONFIST Folge 273

Obscure Characters Month 2025 begins with the Autobot weapons expert who's as much of a big ol' dork about Transformers as you or me! From little-known beginnings as a European-exclusive "Lightformer" figure to becoming a cult-favourite thanks to his turn as the tragic hero of IDW Publishing's "Last Stand of the Wreckers," these are The Basics on "Fisitron".... aka IRONFIST!

S1 · E274 · 13. Dez 2025

FLATLINE Folge 274

Created for the pages of IDW's comics, now immortalized in plastic in this year's Age of the Primes toyline, Obscure Characters Month 2025 continues with The Basics on the Decepticons' malevolent medic, FLATLINE!

S1 · E275 · 20. Dez 2025

CARNIVAC Folge 275

the honourable Decepticon Pretender who learned what it means to be an Autobot! From Marvel to IDW, get ready for out-and-out Mayhem with The Basics on CARNIVAC!

S1 · E276 · 27. Dez 2025

DELTA MAGNUS Folge 276

From his "Diaclone" origins as "Powered Convoy" to his reinvention through the combined efforts of IDW Publishing and the "Masterpiece" toyline to his impending return in next year's "Missing Link," these are The Basics on DELTA MAGNUS!

S1 · E277 · 24. Jan 2026

BLUESTREAK Folge 277

A look at the 'bot behind one of the most famous "Transformers" urban legends! It's the motormouthed Autobot known as BLUESTREAK - so why isn't he BLUE?

S1 · E278 · 7. Feb 2026

MICRONUS PRIME Folge 278

S1 · E279 · 21. Feb 2026

VELOCITRON Folge 279

Rev up those engines for a look at The Basics on the Transformer colony world where more haste means more speed!

S1 · E280 · 7. Mär 2026

BIG CONVOY Folge 280

We return to the Japanese side of the world of "Beast Wars" to look at the Maximal mammoth who's so powerful, he's known as the One-Man Army! These are The Basics on BIG CONVOY!

S1 · E281 · 21. Mär 2026

RAMPAGE Folge 281

S1 · E282 · 4. Apr 2026

TECHONORGANICS Folge 282

S1 · E283 · 18. Apr 2026

SWOOP Folge 283

Looking at another one of those prehistoric powerhouses, the Dinobots! He's been known by a few names in his time, including Strafe and Ptero... but we know him best as SWOOP - the terrifying pterosaur who's second only to team leader Grimlock as the most distinctive and memorable member of the team!

S1 · E284 · 2. Mai 2026

APEX ARMOR Folge 284

Suit up for The Basics on one of the mightiest weapons on Cybertron! From its conceptual origins in "Super-God Masterforce" with Godbomber and God Ginrai to it's television debut in "Transformers: Prime," learn the history of the power-enhancing battlesuit known as the APEX ARMOR!

S1 · E285 · 23. Mai 2026

POWERGLIDE Folge 285

And AWAAAY we go, with The Basics on the Autobots' stunt-flying showman, POWERGLIDE, from his iconic cartoon spotlight with the girl who loved him, to his struggle for relevance in the 21st century! From Universe to the Bayverse, from Mini-Bot to Aerialbot, and more - plus, the surprising double-life of Astoria Carlton-Ritz!

S1 · E286 · 27. Nov 2021

BRAWL Folge 286

It's time to spotlight one of the team's members who's been lucky enough to enjoy some solo adventures of his own! These are The Basics on the bellicose 'bot called BRAWL!