Blitzwing
Bombshell
Cliffjumper
Cyclonus
Elita-One
Galvatron
Gears
Grimlock
Hoist
Hot Rod
Hound
Inferno
Ironhide
Jazz
Megatron
Optimus Prime
Perceptor
Prowl
Ramjet
Ratchet
Rodimus Prime
Rumble
Skyfire
Skywarp
Slag
Snarl
Starscream
Swoop
Thundercracker
Thrust
Tracks
Ultra Magnus
Wheeljack

Function: He can't deal with a function now... OK, OK, so he's a "City Commander!" Voice Actor: Movie: Robert Stack Series: Jack Angel First Appearance: "The Transformers: The Movie"

Nightwind's Words of Wisdom:

This poor guy just gets no respect, does he? He's the Rodney Dangerfield of Transformers. Some fans have a field day with his "I can't deal with that now" line from the movie and they just pick on him mercilessly. But to me, Magnus is exactly what you see, nothing more, nothing less. He's a soldier, as he himself protests to the dying Optimus Prime in the movie when offered the Matrix. As such, he's really good at following orders, but perhaps he's not so good at giving them. When all is said and done, he's not leadership material...which is why I think Optimus' brain was shorting out when he offered Magnus the Matrix. Optimus should have known better, particularly if Magnus was an "old friend"... (Then again, Optimus' choices were rather limited at the time... Just imagine Springer with the Matrix... Arcee? Perceptor?) But, anyway... Magnus doesn't really have the personal charisma for leadership. He has the stiff, humorless, military bearing of a career Marine. He's not comfortable in the spotlight, and he's not a dynamic guy who can easily rouse the rabble, both of which are qualities that the Autobot leader needs to have.

However, Ultra Magnus is very experienced and very good at giving advice, as he does for the inexperienced and sometimes adorably uncertain Rodimus Prime--who does have the soul of a rabble-rouser and who, as Hot Rod at least, does tend to hog the spotlight--on numerous occasions. And it's usually good advice that Magnus gives. So I think that in the third season, Ultra Magnus found the perfect position for himself. Much like Cyclonus, his Decepticon counterpart, Magnus is, in some ways, the power behind the throne...or at least the trusty advisor behind the throne... While he's not a favorite character of mine, overall, I don't think he's an ineffectual doofus, either, as some would claim...

The Official Word:

Profile: Ultra Magnus is all soldier. He is most comfortable when he is carrying out Optimus Prime's orders- giving it all of his magnificent fighting skills, courage and gift for battlefield improvisation. And he is uncomfortable when the mantle of leadership is placed over his broad shoulders. He sees himself as a follower, not a commander, and is reluctant to assume authority until it is clear that he has no choice but to lead. And when he does finally lead, he is resolute, fair and courageous beyond reproach. He is ever-ready to sacrifice himself for the good of his companions and mission, and unstinting in his preparedness so that his "people" will be as protected as possible.

Abilities: Ultra Magnus carries missile launchers capable of hitting a target 30 miles away.

Miscellaneous:

Best Place to Magnus-Watch:
As with Cyclonus, I think "The Killing Jar" is Ultra Magnus's finest hour. Or half-hour, as the case may be. :)

Nightwind's Favorite Magnus Quotes:

"I can't deal with that now!"
~Aw c'mon! You knew it was gonna be in there... ;)

"I've never seen anything this beautiful in the entire galaxy...OK, give me the bomb."
~Right before blowing up Paratron in "Fight or Flee." I've never figured out if this line was supposed to be funny or not...but either way, it's hysterical.