The Dinobots are lumberingly slow of mind, possessing an intellect comparable to that of a child, but they make up for it with their awesome strength and power. They speak in simple sentences and do not take well to complex concepts. The Dinobots are composed of the misanthropic Slag, the simple-minded Sludge, the loner Snarl, and the friendly yet fearsome Swoop. They are led by Grimlock, the strongest of the Dinobots.
The Dinobots were created in 1984 by the Autobot scientists Wheeljack and Rachet. Immensely powerful, the Dinobots initially clashed with Autobot leader Optimus Prime, believing themselves to be stronger, better, and more deserving to lead. These initial problems were ironed out over a period of years, and the Dinobots quickly became an integral part of the Autobot ranks.
In 2005, the Dinobots played an important role in rescuing Hot Rod and Kup from what would turn out to be the first contact with the Quintessons in the modern era. In 2006, Dinobot leader Grimlock temporarily gained super-intelligence from a supply of anti-electrons and used his newfound acumen to build the Technobots. In 2007, Grimlock and the Dinobots were combatants in repelling the Decepticons during their so-called "Final Offensive" against Cybertron.
As their name indicates, the Dinobots base their alt-modes on giant dinosaurs: Slag a triceratops, Sludge a brontosaurus, Snarl a stegosaurus, Swoop a pteranodon, and Grimlock a fearsome tyrannosaurus rex. In their dinosaur modes, the Dinobots' firepower is immense and their armor is nearly impenetrable. In robot mode, all of the Dinobots have the ability to fly unaided, an ability rare among Autobots, which only further enhances their abilities.
