Hot Rod

Allegiance: Autobot

Function: Cavalier

First Comic Appearance: Transformers: The Movie #1

"My actions speak louder than words."

Profile: Hot Rod is the all-American-boy Autobot. Not too sweet, not too sharp, not too snotty... not a goodie-goodie, but basically a typical adolescent who has dreams of doing great stuff and being as heroic and important as Optimus Prime and other famous and revered top Autobots. He tends to follow rules until they bug him- and he sometimes learns, to his regret, that disobeying wasn't exactly smart. And he often acts without thinking in an effort to do the right thing- and this gets him and sometimes his friends in trouble. But he's not afraid when trouble does arrive and is a brave and honorable fighter and friend. He is especially close to Kup, the grizzled old mentor of an Autobot, although he sometimes resents hearing "wisdom." And he likes Daniel, the Earth kid, a lot. (In a way, Hot Rod is big brother to Daniel -a role model- and Hot Rod knows it and takes the responsibility seriously.) In robot or automotive mode, Hot Rod is sometimes hot-headed, but always a well-meaning, admirable "lad" and popular with all who know him.

Abilities: He carries two photon lasers that temporarily electromagnetize an enemy robot's microcircuits. Speed: 120 mph. Range: 4 miles.

Weaknesses: Hot Rod's impulsive actions often get him into trouble.