Kaen
From Transformers Wiki
- Kaen is anAutobotTrainbotfrom theGeneration 1continuity family.
He's the strongest of theTrainbots,andKaen(カエン) is extremely proud of this fact. He's got the punch, and he can really bring on the heat, literally. This sometimes puts him at odds with his cold-loving teammateYukikaze,especially since they have to physically link together when they formRaiden.
Contents |
Fiction
Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity
Generationstoy bios
The Trainbots were constructed on Earth, in Japan. Their creation was a collaboration by several Japanese companies utilizing technology developed in theBinaltech Project.GenerationsShouki bio
Ask Vector Prime
The Trainbots were built in theRaiden Initiativeby a team of Japanese scientists.Doctor Ōnishichose to name the DE 10 diesel locomotive, given his love of vintage trains. The name "Kaen" was chosen to symbolize the flame that would burn brightly for Japan and all mankind.Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/27
Train Wars (1)
MPGtoy bios (1)
The Trainbots joined the Autobots in 2011. They were appointed the Autobot transport team, inheriting the role fromOmega SupremeandSky Lynxafter the duo retired for a life of space exploration.MPGShouki bio
The Headmasterscartoon
- Voice actor:Masaharu Satō(Japanese)
In 2011, Kaen and the Trainbots were operating on Earth. AfterGalvatroninvaded Cybertron, the robot trains assembled to transport their fellow Autobots to Cybertron across thespace bridge.Shōki intervened onUltra Magnus's first fight withSixshot,knocking aside the ninja consultant long enough for the Autobots to roll out. The convoy was attacked along the way by theConstructicons,butMetroplexdrove them off.Four Warriors Come out of the SkyThe Trainbots formed Raiden and fought alongsideDefensorandSuperionagainst their Decepticon combiner counterparts. They were nearly crushed by falling debris whenBruticuscollapsed a building on them using hissonic stun gun.The Mystery of Planet MasterKaen and the Trainbots returned to Earth just in time to shuttleHot Rodand theHeadmastersback to Cybertron, after their successful quest for theMatrix of Leadership.Birth of the Fantastic Double PrimeIn their train mode, Kaen and the Trainbots transported Rodimus Prime and theMonsterbotsto planetBeastas reinforcements for the Headmasters.Rebellion on Planet BeastThey also carried him into battle again on the planetPraum,whereScorponokhad set a trap for Fortress and his team.The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery
Back on Earth, Kaen and the Trainbots took Danny andWheelieon a sightseeing trip in Tokyo, Japan. WhenSixshota mysterious robot declared his intention to steal all of Japan's energy, Kaen and the Trainbots remained quietly alert, confident their combination form could handle any threat to their homeland. Their passive response to the danger angered the more action-oriented Headmaster team, especiallyChromedome.After fruitlessly chasing behind the bandit in attacks on London and New York, Chromedome was incensed when he arrived back at Autobot headquarters to see Kaen and the Trainbots returning from a shopping spree with Danny. Shōki and Chromedome nearly came to blows with each other before Danny intervened.
When the robot finally made his attack on Japan, Shōki demanded that his team be allowed the first strike against their opponent. Flying to the rescue, Kaen and the Trainbots assembled as Raiden to fight Sixshot. Raiden's victory was prevented by the arrival ofTrypticon,piloted byScourgeandCyclonus.It turned into an all-out brawl after that, with the Headmasters arriving as reinforcements for their comrades. Sixshot was revealed, and he used his ninja training seemingly to duplicate himself, attacking Raiden as several winged wolves. As a demonstration of their newfound trust in each other, Raiden urged Chromedome to shoot at the holographic Sixshots swarming around him, knowing he would certainly be hit by some of the blasts. The Decepticons were eventually driven off and Shōki and Chromedome shook hands back at headquarters, having forged a warrior's bond on the field of battle.Terror! The Six Shadows
Galvatron soon struck out against Cybertron again, this time seeking the new super-metal known asCybertonuron.Kaen and the Trainbots were first in line on Earth to transport over the Space Bridge into combat with the Decepticons. They rushed straight into the fighting as soon as they arrived.Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1Kaen and the Trainbots confronted thePredaconsin defense of their home planet. The battle was fierce but brief, as the Trainbots disabled their opponents.Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2
Kaen and the Trainbots defended theSol 1satellite during its launch cycle. When Scourge, Cyclonus and the Predacons arrived to steal the satellite, they flew out with the Headmasters to stop them. Shōki gave the command and the Trainbots assembled to form Raiden, grappling withPredakingand ultimately chasing off the Decepticons.The Shadow Emperor, ScorponokNext, Kaen's team joined theProtectobotson an emergency rescue mission toPeru,where an active volcano was threatening a small town. They were intercepted by the Predacons, and so Shōki askedHot Spotto go on ahead and help the villagers while the Trainbots occupied the Preds. Kaen spoke loudly about the bravery and virtues of the Trainbots while cavingTantrum's head in. Soon, Raiden and Predaking were formed, and the battle was really joined. The Headmasters soon arrived and tagged out the Trainbots, allowing Kaen and his friends to journey to the village and escort the people to safety in their combined train mode.The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously EruptsIn their next evil scheme, the Decepticons unleasheda giant carnivorous plantin downtownSan Francisco,prompting the Autobots to respond. Kaen and the Trainbots arrived on the scene, but were confronted byBruticus,who wished to duel with sabers made of light. The Trainbots formed Raiden and met Bruticus sword for sword.Head On!! Fortress Maximus
On a geological expedition toMarswith Danny and Spike, Kaen and the Trainbots were present when a series of tremors rocked the landscape. Seeking to investigate, the group split up to locate the source of the phenomena. Kaen and his teammates ran into the Predacons, and soon they learned of a plot to blow up Mars. Passing off the investigation to Chromedome and the Headmasters, Kaen and the Trainbots flew back to Athenia in order to take Spike and Danny to safety.Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in DangerThey were almost immediately called back, however — the Decepticon Headmasters had usedplasma energyto neutralize Fortress Maximus, leaving the Autobots on Mars in desperate need of reinforcements. Kaen and the trains reformed Raiden as they arrived, and fought againstAbominusand the MegaZarak Transtector, scorpion mode.Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears
Kaen and the Trainbots served as military transportation for the Autobots when they attacked the Decepticon meeting on themoon.The strike was foiled by the arrival of Galvatron, and the Autobots fled back to Earth aboard the trains.Return of the Immortal EmperorKaen and his teammates were next used for a relief mission. The planetSandrawas in desperate need of energon, and Ultra Magnus coordinated the Autobots of Earth in gathering some of their energon reserves aboard the Trainbots. Galvatron and the Decepticons wanted the energy for themselves, however, and interfered with the relief aid. Kaen and the Trainbots took off twice for Sandra, and they were twice shot down by the Decepticons before they could leave atmosphere. Unable to take off, Kaen instead ended up serving as cover for theTechnobotsas they fired back on the Decepticons. The Autobots of Earth finally gave up, sending energy reserves from Athenia instead.SOS from Planet SandraKaen and the Trainbots also ferried the Witwickys and Headmasters to the mutual benefits talk with Galvatron. When the discussions went sour, they helped the Headmasters defeat theHorrorconsand make it to safety.Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!
After the talks failed, the Decepticons fled into space aboard Scorponok, planning to raid other planets in the universe for their energy. The Trainbots were part of a task force Fortress assembled to chase after their nefarious foes. After reaching theTwin Starplanets, Kaen and the Trainbots ferriedBrainstormandArceedown to the barren world ofToruin.They then transformed into Raiden and flew to the sister planet,Sperity,to battle the Decepticon invaders.Battle for Defense of the False PlanetOnDaros,Kaen and the Trainbots transported the rescued prisoners from the northern hemisphere to safety.Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!They also appeared onParadise,escortingHighbrowon his scouting mission and later flying the Technobots and Monsterbots into battle.Head Formation of FriendshipOnPirate Planet,Kaen and the Trainbots defended the pirates' pyramid from Galvatron, so that Highbrow and theAutobot Clonescould unlock its secrets first.Mystery of the Space Pirate Ship
After returning to Earth, Kaen and the Trainbots re-entered Ultra Magnus's command at Autobot City. They were summoned to transport the Technobots toMiami,where an Autobot energy facility was under attack by the Decepticons. Kaen and his partners returned to Autobot City once it was attacked by Sixshot and Trypticon. They tried to enter the battle, assembling as Raiden, but were waylaid byApefaceandSnapdragon,who kept them busy long enough for Sixshot to murder Ultra Magnus on the battlefield. In the aftermath, Kaen and his comrades attended Magnus's funeral.Ultra Magnus Dies!!When Spike and Chromedome needed to get to Earth for the volcano summit, Kaen and the trains popped over to Athenia to give them a ride. They later defended the Kamchatka Peninsula from Scorponok's attack.I Risk My Life for EarthAfter the Decepticons seemingly abandoned Earth, Kaen and the Trainbots assisted Spike in rebuilding the planet after the enemy's departure. On one occasion, they located Sixshot's old command base. By combining into Raiden, the Trainbots helped Defensor and Computron obliterate the base, wiping out all trace of the Decepticons' presence.Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)
After Wheelie was kidnapped by the Decepticons and ransomed for the secrets of theMaster Sword,Kaen and the Trainbots flew Chromedome and Danny in close to theMegaZarakbase for a rescue attempt.The Master Sword Is in Danger!!When Danny went missing in a space vortex, Kaen's team joined theTargetmastersin searching for him.My Friend Sixshot!They also transported the Headmasters to thePallasasteroid in order to battle the Decepticons.Duel on the Asteroid
Upon returning to Earth, Kaen and the Trainbots ferried Danny and the Headmasters to the Andes Mountains for a rescue mission, after Spike andCarlycrashed their jet in the treacherous terrain.The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)As part of Raiden, Kaen participated in the Autobots final battle with Scorponok's Decepticons at the North Pole. He lent his energies to the Headmasters'Head Formationto revitalize Fortress Maximus at the critical moment.The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)
MPGtoy bios (2)
The destruction of the space bridge network left the Trainbots pivotal to the Autobots' transportation infrastructure, and they remained a frequent sight on Earth long after the Headmasters and the rest of the Autobot forces departed.MPGShouki bio
Super-God Masterforce Master File
Following the expulsion of the Decepticons from Earth after the battle at the North Pole, the Transformers' war shifted into a series of space-based exchanges between Athenia and Chaar known as theMaster Wars.During this time, the Trainbots discovered that Scorponok had constructed a new transtector for himself, and reported the news toFortress.The Headmasters Now!!
Train Wars (2)
The Trainbots were heavily injured fighting theNine Great Demon Generalsin the form of Raiden, leaving them requiring extensive repairs. Blaming himself for their condition, Shouki left the team so that his leadership would never endanger them again.Train Wars: Shouki & Daniel Chapter
Later, just as all seemed lost for the ragtag band of Transformers left to defendCybertronfrom the interdimensional incursion of the Fallen, Kaen and the other Trainbots arrived astrideMetroplex,bringing with them theLiner Teamand theTrain Team!With that, onWindy's count all three teams of train 'bots combined intoone massive couplingto chain the Fallen, giving Shouki and company time to vanquish the dark god by funneling Metroplex's power through Shouki's new "Raiden" cannon mode. The battle over, the Trainbots shared a tender moment as their old friendDaniel Witwickyreminded Shouki they wereallhis partners.Train Wars 2
TV Magazinecomic continuity
The Headmastersmanga
Responding to a distress call from theirBeastformerallies on the planetBeast,Kaen and the Trainbots hurtled through the atmosphere in their separate train modes to deal with the Decepticons menacing the planet. Combining in mid-air, the united team allowed gravity to do the rest of the work as Raiden delivered a shattering "JR Kick" straight to Predaking's face, taking him out of the fight. The day won,Chromedomedirected the Trainbots to shuttle the any of the Beastformers' wounded back to the Autobot base onAtheniafor treatment.The Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!
Back on Earth, Kaen and his team wowed Daniel with their amphibious talents as they transported him and the Autobot Headmasters on a mission to investigate reports of massive squids attacking the Autobots' undersea bases. The Decepticons were laying in ambush and unleashed the culprit, a giant robot squid! The Trainbots allowed themselves to be entangled by the mechanical mollusk, biding their time until Daniel was safe inside hisexosuitand the Headmasters' remotely pilotedtranstectorsconverged on their location. When the time was right, the Trainbots erupted into their robot modes, catapulting their passengers to safety and shredding several of creatures' tentacles in the process. As the Headmasters did their part by tying the creature into one massive knot, the Trainbots made a show of it by erupting from the ocean as Raiden to swing the swing the automaton architeuthis like a mace, flattening the other Decepticons and ending the aquatic menace.The Headmasters #3
WhenChristmasrolled around, Kaen and co got into the spirit of the season when they joined the Autobot Headmasters in handing out gifts at a Japanese children's hospital, even going so far as to procure an enormous Santa hat to don as Raiden and carry a huge sack. The merriment was soon interrupted by the arrival of the Decepticon Headmasters, but rather than join the battle, the Trainbots followed Chromedome's instruction to disengage, decombining and flying the hospital's patients to safety in their respective train modes.The Headmasters #6
The Headmastersstory pages
Upon their arrival toAthenia,theTargetmastersset out to make themselves useful by offering their expertise toFortress'sexisting troops. While the Trainbots could assume their train modes in a flash, when it came time to combine into Raiden, the big guy failed to live up to his name. Kaen and his team began taking speed transformation lessons from the Autobots' new resident "Speed Coach",Pointblank,to get their super mode formation up to snuff.The Headmastersstory pages
Super-God Masterforcecomic
Several years after the Decepticons' expulsion from Earth following the final battle at the North Pole, the Trainbots were dispatched to pick up the new AutobotMasterforcethat had risen to prominence on Earth, and bring them toAtheniaso Fortress could transfer his position ofSupreme Commanderto their leader,Ginrai.Naturally, the Decepticons attacked Athenia during Ginrai's stay, and the Trainbots formed Raiden to fight back, only for him to wind up being cut down alongside Chromedome by a powerful blast from the combined DecepticonScramble 7.The quick thinking of Ginrai and the other Godmasters managed to repel the Decepticons with a combination attack, and a battered Raiden survived to fight another day.The Battle Begins! The Earth-Space Alliance Army
Super-God Masterforceintro
The Trainbots soared majestically through the sky in their combined train mode alongsideGinrai's base mode.Masterforcetitle sequence
DreamwaveGeneration Onecontinuity
Kaen was part of a big crowd of unhappy Cybertronians who madeProwllook really stupid when he tried to make a speech assuring them that everything would be okay after the collapse ofShockwave's supposedly benevolent rule.Skyfire
Transformers Go! Go!
Games
The Transformers(PS2)
Toys
Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers
- Kaen(Trainbot,1987)
- ID number:C-130
- Accessories:"Power laser" pistol, 3 "joint parts" connectors, left & right "wing lasers"
- Known designers:Kōjin Ōno(TakaraTomy)
- Kaen transforms into aDE10 diesel locomotive.He also forms the lower torso and head of the team's combined modeRaiden.
- Raiden(Gift set, 1987)
- ID number:C-131
- Accessories:"Power laser" pistol, 3 "joint parts" connectors, left & right "wing lasers"
- The entire Trainbot team was sold both as individuals and in a six-bot Raiden gift-set. The box-set versions are identical to their individual releases.
- Kaen(Trainbot,1990)
- ID number:C-359
- Accessories:"Power laser" pistol, 3 "joint parts" connectors, left & right "wing lasers"
- The Trainbots were re-released duringZonein new packaging, and only as individuals, never in a box set. The toys are identical to their originalHeadmastersincarnations, except for the fact that they no longer sportrubsigns.
Transform Jr
- Getsuei / Kaen(Multi-pack, 1987)
- ID number:Trainbot Set 3(トレインボットセット3)
- Stumpy, simplified, weapon-less versions of Kaen and the other five Trainbots were released as part ofTakarasubsidiarySeven'sTransform Jrline of simplifiedTransformerstoys (these molds were originally part of Takara'sDiacloneofferings). Kaen was available in a boxed two-pack withGetsuei,and the pair could combine with the other four Trainbots (also released in packs of two) to form a stumpy little Raiden.
- Raiden(Gift set, 1987)
- ID number:C-131
- Accessories:Left & right fists, chestplate, "Train Bazooka" rifle
- TheTransform Jrversions of Kaen and his team were also available in a complete gift set. As with the larger versions, these are identical to their individual releases.
MPG
- Trainbot Kaen(2024)
- Release date:February 24,2024
- ID number:MPG-06
- Accessories:"Power Laser" gun, "Light Sword","Rail A "," Joint Part "," Anime Train Mark "
- Known designers:Kōjin Ōno(TakaraTomy),Dai Ono(Tomytec),Yuki Ohshima(concept artist)
- Previously teased on the "A Railway Story In The Sky" exhibition onDecember 3,2019and later confirmed in a magazine interview[1]with designerKōjin Ōnoin theMarch2021issue ofFigure Ō,Kaen is the sixth release inMPG.[2]Produced in collaboration withTOMIX,thetrain departmentof TakaraTomy'sscale modeloriented subsidiaryTomytec,the figure converts into a fully HOscalecompatible incarnation of his classicJNRClass DE10-1500diesel locomotive mode.[3]Kaen's third mode forms the pelvis of the historic first "Masterpiece"combiner in the form of a new incarnation of Raiden.
- The figure's second contribution to the combined mode comes in the form of a "Light Sword"accessory for Raiden as seen in thethirteenth episodeof theHeadmasterscartoon,also usable as an impressively oversized weapon for the individual Trainbots. As with the priorMPGTrainbots, Kaen includes a single modular railway section slated to combine with segments included with the other Trainbots a la the team's originalDiacloneplastic tracks. This track can be converted into a base for a stand armature (sold separately), and an adapter is included for a "flying train," a staple of the show. The track additionally features storage for the Light Sword on its underside.
- Due to being the smallest train, Kaen is notably shorter than the other Trainbots. In a compromise for accuracy, Kaen features autobot symbols on his hands as opposed to forearms. The figure also includes an attachable train mark part to convert the figure from a diorama-ready realistic train to a more show-accurate vehicle.
- One word of warning is necessary for the aspirantMPGTrainbot diorama builder: the set's adherence to vehicle mode accuracy proves something of a double-edged sword. While theMPGTrainbots adhere to a unified 1:87-ishHOscale,they do not adhere to a unifiedtrack width.In accordance with their real-life inspirations,Shouki,Yukikaze,GinouandYamabukiutilizestandard gauge(true HO) tracks whileGetsuei,Suiken,Seizanand Kaen utilizemetre gauge(HOm) tracks. It is thus necessary to split the team up accordingly if one is to actually roll the danged things.[4]
- Trainbot Raiden(Gift set, 2024)
- Release date:February 24,2024
- ID number:MPG-06S
- Accessories:"Power Laser" gun, "Light Sword", "Rail A", "Joint Part", "Anime Train Mark"
- Known designers:Kōjin Ōno(TakaraTomy),Dai Ono(Tomytec),Yuki Ohshima(concept artist)
- In addition to the regular edition above, Kaen was also released as a specialTrainbot Raiden"box set", which comes with adisplay standfor Raiden himself, stand armatures (no longer sold separately!) for all six Trainbots, and a chromed version of theKōkenincluded withSeizan.
- This all comes in a unique collectors' box that can store all of the MPG Trainbots (first five sold separately!) in their alternate modes.
Notes
- Though it is a little tricky to tell the true meaning of Kaen's name since it is "spelled" in phonetic Katakana rather than Kanji, the most likely translation to English is "Blaze" ( hỏa viêm ).
- Kaen had the preliminary name of "Power" (パワー),[5]which was likely taken from the occasional identification of theDiaclonetoy as "Powerliner" (パワーライナーPawārainā).
- The Trainbots are all originallyDiaclonetoys, which came in two different color schemes. However, there are several mold differences between theDiacloneandTransformersversions. A major difference is the fact that theDiacloneversion has an opening hatch to accommodate a Diaclone driver in the front part of the train. For theTransformersversions, this part underwent a significant mold-change which no longer allows this hatch to open. TheTransformersreleases also lost the Diaclone pilots (of course) and the little plastic tracks for the trains to ride on. TheTransformersversions did gain a flat surface on the right side to accommodate arubsign.However, while the Headmasters version ofKaenactually has arubsign,the laterZoneversion does not (although it still has the rubsign surface).
- Kaen appears as part of the Trainbots' combined train form in thetitle sequenceof theSuper-God Masterforcecartoon,but not in the series itself. The series creators seem to have intended to use the Robot Train to travel back and forth toAthenia,more closely tyingSuper-God Masterforceto previousTransformersseries, but the idea was quietly dropped. They did, however, appear for that purpose in theconcurrent comic series.
Foreign names
- Russian:Silach(Силач, "Strong Guy" )
References
- ↑Figure King 278: Interview with Kōjin Ōnoat Soundwave's Oblivion
- ↑Dengeki Hobby announcementforMPGTrainbot Seizan
- ↑Figure King 285: Interview With MPG-01 Raiden Development Team – English Translationat Soundwaves Oblivion
- ↑Vehicle mode section of Getusei'sMPGbio.
- ↑When the Anime/Tokusatsu Hero Was BornbyKeisuke Fujikawa
