Transformers Fans Carcass and GrungewerX (fellow TFW2005 board member and Radicon) have updated their blogs with a brand new interview they were able to score with Bob Budiansky, who wrote the original run of the Marvel comics, is responsible for the original Transformers Universe who’s-who books as well as the bio updates published in some of the later issues. He named Megatron, the Dinobots, and many other classic characters (except Optimus Prime, that was a Denny O’Neil contribution). He wrote/rewrote the bios originally written by Denny O’Neil into the format we are familiar with (so he is responsible for the personalities of all the characters, especially the ones with a lot of page time in the early comics like Shockwave, Ratchet and Grimlock). He also created the Matrix, long before the Movie introduced it to the cartoons.
This interview gives a lot of insight into Bob’s original thought process in writing the series. To read the interview and to discuss it, simply click the title of this article or you can click on the DISCUSS button below.
Cast
I've always wondered if Ultra Magnus was meant to be the name of the next long tearm autobot leader after Op and due to some change of plane they desided it should an up graded hotrod, if that were the case its just a shame they did change hot rods name to some thing that would fit the prime extention better.
SMOG
I agree, though I'm thinking that Budiansky might have had less input regarding the movie characters. Certainly, if you compare the tech specs of the movie crop to the stats they were assigned when they reappeared as Targetmasters, and you get the impression that the Movie characters were initially boosted to increase their marketing appeal, and later brought more into line with the pre-established standards.
I have to wonder if "Rodimus Prime" was actually Budiansky's work, or if so, if it was one of those last minute phoning-it-in things.
zmog
Superquad7
I see what you're saying and can agree with your sentiment to some extent (let's face it: "Rodmius Prime" isn't the pinnacle of his naming process), but it's not terrible. Hot Rod comes along and is the next in line for leadership. We already have Optimus Prime. Hot Rod Prime isn't cool, so let's subtract the "Hot" from the name, combine "Rod" with "Optimus" for "Rodimus" and keep the "Prime" portion.
Like I said, not the greatest name, but I can see the logic of it too. It's seemed to have stuck as well.
Cast
While bob has done a lot of fantastic work does it also mean he was responcible for the awfulness that was rodimus primes name? Cos really rodimus prime, not talking about the charicter but that name is just out right awful, given he came up with such great one like Omega Supreme, Ultra Magnus and Fortress Maximus, rodimus just seems really off for him.
aussiehippy
Ulchtar FTW
Hahahahahah
Superquad7
I'm excited about seeing more artwork from you, personally
GrungeWerX
I regret not being able to participate in the interview myself (curse my full time job!!), but being able to hear the interview was almost as fun as being there myself. Bob was immensely patient and a jovial guy with a good sense of humor. I hope you can tell that from the interview. He was totally awesome and to be honest, after being a bit disappointed with ROTF, it was good to touch the TF roots once again and remember all those great stories and what truly made Transformers the endearing franchise it is today!
Whether you were a fan of the comics or the cartoon, Bob's influence was clearly felt by both.
Thanks so much Bob for taking the time out of your busy schedule to intrigue us with your thoughts on it. I'm definitely taking notes for Advent of the Sha'ar. '
Much love!
– GrungeWerX
Magnus’ Mate
I've been praising Uncle Bob for years so it's nice to see some other posters finally giving him his due. For what seemed like forever, it was "Furman can do no wrong, while Budianksy wrote cack".
I'm glad to see Bob getting his due; like many "franchise/phenomenon" creators – e.g. Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas – he doesn't really quite 'get' what people like about his creation, but that's okay. It's kind of endearing.
LigerPrime
Yeah, I consider Bob the "father" of TFs also. It was his characterisation of the TFs (for example, Hot Rod being a hot-head, Starscream's ambitious nature, Soundwave being an opportunist) and names (for example, Megatron) that made them so memorable.
$shockwave$
agreed BIG time
frilly toothpick
this.
Dran0n
Kewlio.
mrhillz
Ulchtar ftw!
Nachtsider
Dear God, me too. This interview just reminds me of how the Marvel G1 comics are the greatest Transformers fiction ever.
Nerdicon
I demand circuit breaker for tf3
Blitz.
I'm all for a botcon Ulchar.
Sledgehammer
An awesome interview – much appreciation to all concerned, especially Mr. Budiansky himself. Some absolutely sterling titbits that I certainly wasn't aware of, and a real insight into how this property and the characters that populate it got off the ground.
And Ulcthar…glad that one got the chop!
Superquad7
I think this interview has some very interesting tidbits in it, especially if you're new to the fandom and haven't dove into the rich history of TFs
Smasher
According to whom?
Bay is referenced more right now because the movie is current.
That's it.
And arguments about who is more of a "creative genius" are doomed from the start anyway.
rizuan76
Great & insightful interview.