Archive reveals scrapped time-travel origin for the Technobots
Unused storyboards show aliens, a galactic theme park and Rodimus Prime in the original plan for the Transformers episode 'Grimlock's New Brain'.
The Sunbow and Marvel Script/storyboard Archive has published parts of writer Paul Davids' production material collection for the 1980s Transformers cartoon, covering Seasons 2 and 3, according to cbr.com. The material includes storyboards, images and details on the original plan for the episode "Grimlock's New Brain".
In the early premise, aliens built a galactic theme park featuring mock imitations of Autobot and Decepticon battles, and Rodimus Prime travelled through time to a future era that served as the Technobots' origin. That future setting was meant to explain the Technobots' hi-tech robot and vehicle aesthetics.
The draft was resubmitted in summer 1986, but the time-travel element was dropped before final animation was completed. The aired version instead has a lab accident give Grimlock super-intelligence, which he sacrifices to bring the Technobots to life in the same episode.
Computron design closer to the toy
The collection also includes a design concept for Computron's animation model that sits closer to the squat proportions of Computron's toy than the finalized model. By that stage the characters were no longer derived from toys in Takara's Diaclone franchise.
The material covers a period in which Transformers animation was expanding beyond its toy-based origins: in 1986, The Transformers: The Movie was released and Season 3 of the cartoon began, introducing new characters including the Technobots.
Quick answers
What was the original origin planned for the Technobots?
An early premise had aliens building a galactic theme park with mock Autobot and Decepticon battles, and Rodimus Prime travelling through time to a future era that was the Technobots' origin.
Why was the time-travel element dropped?
The draft was resubmitted in summer 1986, but the time-travel element was cut before final animation was completed; the aired episode uses a lab accident instead.
Where was the material published?
The Sunbow and Marvel Script/storyboard Archive published parts of Paul Davids' production material collection, covering Seasons 2 and 3.