The Energon Pub

[El Duque]

Our fellow Transformers enthusiasts over at the Allspark have posted translated scans of the comic that accompanied Takara's MP-09B Black Rodimus. The comic by Hidetsugu Yoshioka was only available with the this figure's Japanese release. Additionally e-Hobby has posted an extended bio for the character:

Black Rodimus Convoy began his existence as an illusory “doppelganger” that occasionally appeared before Rodimus Convoy. In becoming Supreme Commander at a young age, an enourmous pressure was placed upon the still inexperienced Rodimus. Rodimus questioned whether he was really suited to be leader, and as his inner conflict went unnoticed by others, this heavy emotional stress gave birth to an opposing personality that eventually seemed to gain self-awareness. This formless mass of negative emotions drifted between this world and the next until it was latched onto by Starscream, who had been seeking an agent to carry out his revenge. Drawn by another internal voice, Rodimus remained in a dreamlike state as he was arrived at the ruins of a Destron mobile battlestation. Still in a daze, he was blanketed in a mysterious light. Then, after the bright flash subsided, Rodimus returned to his senses. From the pod before him emerged a pitch-black Hot Rodimus. Through the technology of the clone synthesizer, the “doppelganger” had at last acquired a fitting form.
The black Hot Rodimus seized his chance during Rodimus Convoy’s confusion, ramming into him in car mode and managing to tear the Matrix from his chest, sealing it away in his own. As Rodimus Convoy’s form was reduced to that of Cybertron cavalier Hot Rodimus, the dark spectre standing before him grew into Black Rodimus Convoy. The being’s goal was to utterly control all Transformers, whether Cybertron or Destron, and to eventually dominate all life forms in the galaxy with its formidable might and iron rule. By achieving what none before had ever achieved, it would become a true leader and surpass the greatness of its predecessors. To Black Rodimus Convoy, this single pursuit was everything.

Alone in these ruins with no allies to depend on, Hot Rodimus battled against “another self.”
To attain a true identity, Black Rodimus Convoy battled against his “original self.”
It was a battle for fate and future, yet known to no one.
A duel to determine the mysteries of the past and the fate of the galaxy was silently waged…

Here's a teaser of the translated comic, click here to view the rest over on the Allspark.

[Gorechyld]

Not for nothing, but... lack of confidence and baring the "burden" sounds a little out of character for Hot Rod. Since he was more than eager to jump into the fray, and always wanted to take a shot at greatness or do what he thought was right. Regardless of the consequences -death of an icon COUGH COUGH- this plot device almost sounds like they're talking about Ultra Magnus, what with the crippling self esteem issues and all.

[Heckfire]

Not for nothing, but... lack of confidence and baring the "burden" sounds a little out of character for Hot Rod. Since he was more than eager to jump into the fray, and always wanted to take a shot at greatness or do what he thought was right. Regardless of the consequences -death of an icon COUGH COUGH- this plot device almost sounds like they're talking about Ultra Magnus, what with the crippling self esteem issues and all.

Actually, Rodimus Prime's lack of confidence and the pressures of bearing the Matrix and leading the Autobots was pretty much his ONLY characteristic during the entirety of Season 3. I recommend rewatching it.

[Sabrblade]

This probably take place some point after the 1986 movie but before the end of G1 season 3. Or rather in between the Japanese versions of each. Post 2005, but pre-2011.

Also, note that Black Hot Rodimus/Black Rodimus Convoy is a different character from the 2001 "Black Rodimus" Japanese toy character.