Upgrade

Upgrade UpgradeUpgrade (voiced by Tara Strong) is a Galvanic Mechomorph (mecho- meaning machine and -morph meaning transform) of the planet Galvan B, a formerly uninhabited moon orbiting Galvan Prime. Though originally uninhabited, Galvan B was accidentally brought to life when Galvan scientists introduced self-replicating nanotechnology to the moon, which bonded with the moon's minerals and created sentient life. Galvanic Mechomorphs are built from the nanotechnology that covers their planet.[32]

Upgrade is a biomechanical being with liquid metallic skin and complex systems of self-forming organic circuits.[32] Made of liquid metal, Upgrade can reshape his body into various forms, though he never takes any non-humanoid form. It also allows him to stretch his body to an extent, allowing him to glide or float like a hang-glider or parachute or to mold his arms into physical weapons (for example, morning stars).[7][14] His ability to reshape himself allows for Upgrade's primary ability: made of nanotechnology, Upgrade can merge with and upgrade any technology within reach by spreading over it like liquid, enhancing it far beyond its original design. The size of the device is inconsequential. While merged with a device, Upgrade possesses it, controlling it as he would his own body.[19] Through the same principle, Upgrade can also phase through metallic surfaces and travel through wires.[33] Upgrade cannot possess biological creatures, however,[32] and sentient robots are more difficult for him to control.[30] Even without a machine at hand, Upgrade can reconfigure his form around his eye in order to fire a plasma beam from it.[31] Upgrade is also capable of forming simple constructs from plasma, such as spikes.[4]

As Upgrade can "melt" to avoid harm, most standard projectile weapons are ineffective against him, and Upgrade will quickly regenerate from any damage taken.[33] He can also liquify to slip his way out of from bindings.[34] Entirely robotic, Upgrade can even survive in a vacuum.[17] Upgrade's liquid-metal composition can work against him, though; electrical attacks are far more effective and electromagnetic pulses can render him useless.[31] Furthermore, any sort of metal corrosive can upset Upgrade's delicate internal workings and wreak havoc on his systems.[32] Finally, Upgrade can be stretched beyond his natural limits, which causes pain, but the aforementioned melting ability allows him to slip free in most cases.

Ben first transformed into Upgrade in "Permanent Retirement" to stop some criminals who were robbing an ATM.