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Transformation

2009-07-12T20:21:42Z

118.208.145.169: /* Continuity locations */ updated Animated

[[Image:OpTransformsSu.jpg|right|400px|thumb|You put your right leg out...]]
'''Transformation''' (or '''Transform''' if you failed English class) is the process by which a [[Transformer]] alters his form between modes. It should not be confused with [[reformatting]], a type of full-body upgrade.

The technical details of transformation, as well as the manner in which the art was introduced to the Transformers themselves, vary between [[continuities]]. When the issue is addressed at all, transformation is usually treated as an innovation from some point early in Cybertronian history rather than something that was literally always with them. The Transformers were, at the time of their genesis, simply Cybertronians -- mechanical life-forms -- and became "Transformers" only later. However, just as often in ''Transformers'' fiction the "origin" of transforming is simply not discussed.

In most continuities, transformation is not a trait limited to Cybertronians. Both sentient alien races (such as [[Junkion|Junkions]] and some portrayals of the [[Lithone (planet)|Lithonians]]) and animals (such as the [[lipole]] on Jupiter's moon [[Io]] or the parasitic [[Scraplet|scraplets]]) exhibit the same ability. The [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] also incorporated transformation into some of their later creations including the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], [[Allicon|Allicons]], and [[Overcharge]] drones. Some examples of transforming robotic aliens, however, can be traced to colonization in the distant past by Cybertronians. The G1 planet [[Paradron]], as well as the main planets in the [[Cybertron (franchise)|''Cybertron'' franchise]] are examples of this.

== Special transformation types ==
===High-speed transformation===
Some Transformers, specifically the Autobot [[Jumpstarter|Jumpstarters]] and the Decepticon [[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]], are specifically designed to transform much faster than ordinary Transformers, usually taking less than half of an Earth second to switch from robot to alt-mode or vice versa. How much this ability depends on physical versus mental capabilities is unknown. In the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] G1 continuity, [[Triple Changer|Triple Changers]] were also stated to have unusually fast transformations (roughly twice the normal speed, whatever that is).

===Multiple alternate modes===
[[Image:Quickswitch's various transformations from Dreamwave's More than Meets the Eye .jpg|left|250px|thumb|"How can you (transform) all six?" It's IMPOSSIBLE!!]]
Robots with multiple transformations (Triple Changers, et al.) are a special case. Though there seems to be some aspect of natural aptitude at play in one's ability to master multiple forms (for example [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comics referred to a "genetic potential" within the [[Spark|sparks]] of such robots), and of course the special physical construction granting those forms, the balance of the matter seems to be one of training. Most Six Changers are said to have mastered their plethora of transformations through rigorous study. The largest number of modes exhibited by any single individual to date is [[Megatron (RID)|RID Galvatron]], who had ten.

===Adaptable bodies===
Some groups of Transformers such as the [[Go-Bots (toyline)|Go-Bots]] use a process similar to reformatting to more radically alter their forms while transforming. This ability to start with one robot and alternate form and transform easily to entirely different variations without extensive mechanical work comes from [[Gobrillium|unique metals]] in the Go-Bots' bodies, and does not apply to most Transformers.

In the [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] continuity family, Bumblebee seems to demonstrate this ability in the prequel novel [[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday]]. He descends to the desert planet in his cometary [[Transition form]] and transforms to robot mode. Upon realizing he needs to travel quickly, Bumblebee transforms into a very basic four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The narration explains that he created this altmode from an internal memory database of vehicle forms. The entire process seems to take practically no time at all, as if he were just transforming into his alt-mode as all Transformers do. The narration does not imply that this ability is only possessed by Bumblebee, and indeed the movie suggests that all Transformers in this continuity can switch altmodes almost at will.

===Transformation cogs===
[[Image:Transformation cog.jpg|left|200px|thumb|MacGuffin du jour.]]
In the G1 animated series, the city Transformers [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] are both specifically stated to possess devices known as [[Transformation cog|transformation cogs]] that somehow control their transformation processes, and are essential to allow them to transform at all. Such cogs are rarely mentioned elsewhere in the fiction -- even in other continuities -- so it is not clear if all Transformers require them, or Metroplex and Trypticon are special cases, perhaps because of their size. However, one other example is that [[Nitrostreak]] ("Unit One" of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]]) had his cog damaged in a firefight with [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s henchmen. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|Dawn of Future's Past}} Since this story takes place in an unknown ''Beast Wars'' setting, and the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon itself takes place in an amalgamated G1 universe, the larger significance of this event is up for debate.
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==Fiction==
[[Image:OP transforms.gif|right|247px|thumb|Optimus Prime: Lord of the Dance.]]
===Generation One===
====Marvel comics====
''(Marvel UK comic additions in italics)''. [[Unicron]] was the first Transformer, fashioning his metal prison into a robotic semblance of his original form. [[Primus]], watching from a distance, was all like, "Oh ''snap'', robots that turn into things? Why didn't I think of that?" and quickly trained his own children to do the same thing.

Some accounts credit the development of transformation to Megatron and the Decepticons, with the Autobots later copying the technique. This, perhaps, implies that the potential for transformation instilled by Primus was dormant until Megatron realised it, or that it was forgotten and rediscovered at some point.

''It would appear that neglecting to transform between altmode and robot mode at least on occasion had physical feedback consequences: whilst battling [[Flame (UK comic)|Flame]], [[Emirate Xaaron]] was well aware that, having failed to transform for hundreds of years, the shock to his system upon transforming to combat mode had a good chance of killing him. Which just goes to show that Continuing Physical Exercise Is Important For Everyday Health.''

''Just as importantly, neglecting to have all one's body parts connected at the time of attempting transformation was also a very painful, if not impossible, process.''

====Animated series====
[[Image:Bumblebee transforming.gif|left|213px|thumb|Just lying down is a transformation]]
Transformation was an [[Autobot]] innovation, developed during their first war with the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] when it became apparent that they could not match their firepower and strength. The art of transformation allowed the Autobots to disguise their forms, thereby allowing for stealthy attacks on their enemies. This strategy met with great success, and the Decepticons were defeated, allowing the era of peacetime known as the [[Golden Age|Golden Age of Cybertron]] to settle in. The Decepticons subsequently adopted transformation technology themselves, coupled with robot-mode [[Flight|flight powers]], and re-ignited the [[Great War (G1)|civil war]]. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

Transformers generally seem able to shift modes at will, although in cases where they have suffered severe physical injuries, transformation is sometimes a strain. In one case, [[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court|and one case only]], a Transformer indicated that staying in his altmode was too energy consumptive, and had to revert to his robot mode: [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], when trapped in medieval [[United Kingdom|England]] and low on fuel. This problem seems to almost never come up, even in cases where Transformers are very low on energy, so its significance is unknown. Perhaps walking is simply more energy efficient than moving his tank treads.

====Japanese animated series====
[[Image:Headmasters tf stuck.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ow.]]
With the introduction of the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], transformation was established to be quite a rigorous task that, at least initially, required intense physical and mental concentration to accomplish, honed over a period of in-depth training. These small robots left Cybertron during the wars millions of years ago, but were so young that they had not actually learned how to transform yet. To survive the harsh climate of the [[Master (planet)|planet]] they crash-landed on, they developed [[Transtector|Transtectors]] - normal-sized Transformer bodies that they would be able to connect to - and underwent a period of prolonged, intensive training so that they could learn to transform and link up with them. Even the most promising candidates struggled when they first connected with their Transtectors, spasming and becoming stuck between modes as they attempted to trigger the conversion. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines''===
''Beast Wars''-era Transformers have their transformation sequences controlled by the same onboard computers which manage a variety of other body functions, such as [[stasis lock]]. Transformation is triggered by a command to this computer, usually done by voice, but sometimes with a thought. These computers may have been a part of the [[Great Upgrade]], and once activated they choreograph the shifting body parts, allowing the Transformer to continue to concentrate on other matters. This is in-line with the Japanese portrayal of transformation, in that it suggests transformation is a mentally rigorous task (at least in the sense that it requires a few seconds of concentration), which is now conveniently removed from the equation.

Post-reformatting, the new [[technorganic]] forms granted to Cybertron's inhabitants lacked on-board computers, requiring them to re-learn the mental disciplines involved. It may be that a technorganic transformation is more difficult even than a traditional transformation, as the reformatted Maximals often reverted to their beast modes upon losing their concentration or emotional "center". This notion that the transformed state requires constant effort may be related to Warpath's statement about his tank mode consuming more energy (mentioned above).

Due to their technorganic nature, the Maximals of Beast Machines do not transform via any recognized mechanical process. Rather, in many cases their limbs actually change shape via an unknown means, presumably part and parcel of their new condition. One of the most prominent examples of this is [[Noble]], who transforms between two extremely dissimilar and wholly organic forms.

===Movie continuity===
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime highwaytransform1.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Cool to see, but it's a nightmare with regards to toy accuracy.]]
Transformation requires an alternate mode which is [[Frenzy (Movie)|generally]] of similar mass to the Transformer's robot mode. Once taking the form, however, the Transformer appears to be able to reorder his physical structure, causing some of the outward appearances of the vehicle mode to disappear. For example, Optimus Prime displays an incredibly complex Transformation where some of his alternate mode's appearances seem to be absorbed into his body or outright disappear. This may be due to the [[self-regenerating molecular armor]]'s possibly fluid [[Trans-scan|trans-scanning]] abilities.
{{-}}

===Animated continuity===
Transforming is something that can be done for exercise. In [[Autoboot Camp]], [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)| Sentinel Minor]] had recruits perform ''transform-ups'', rapidly switching from their robot to their vehicle form while in a [[Wikipedia:prone_position|prone position]].

==The noise==
===Technical description===
Transformation is often accompanied by a [[media:Tf_sound.ogg|distinct noise]]--an 8hz pulse, repeated five times, with each pulse lasting a roughly equal amount of time, whose pitch can be represented by the absolute value of a declining (for alt-mode to robot mode) or increasing (for robot mode to alt-mode) sine wave. In the G1 series, the sine wave generally increased when a Transformer changed to his robot mode, and declined when he converted to vehicle form (or whichever mode was smaller/shorter.) As a rule of thumb, the larger the robot, the deeper the pitch of the sound, and the longer the duration of the pulses. There is no general consensus as to what onomatopoeia should be used to represent this sound.

===Continuity locations===
Within the early years of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 Cartoon]], almost all transformations were accompanied by the Noise in some manner, generally lasting the duration of the transformation sequence and being the only noise made by transformations. ''[[The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' began with most Transformers still retaining the Noise, but around a third of the way into the series, its use became more intermittent, particularly for the Autobot Headmasters themselves. ''[[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' still used the sound for the [[Pretender|Pretenders]]' transformations in robot mode, but the Autobot [[Headmaster Junior|Headmaster Juniors]] and Autobot [[Godmaster|Godmasters]] had new sounds, with most of the Decepticons retaining the original. The Noise was dropped completely for ''[[Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' and ''[[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|Zone]]''. By the era of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']], however, most characters made more complicated mechanical-sounding noises when transforming. In spite of this, the rebuilt [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] still made only the Noise when transforming.

The Noise was in fact first heard in the initial Transformers commercial for [[The Transformers (issue)|#1]] of the Marvel Comic, but only as part of the Transformers music track, the actual transformations being depicted with a series of generic mechanical sounds. The Noise was subsequently shown to occur the same as the animated series during television commercials throughout the rest of [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] and all the way through ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''. It appeared in the first commercials for the [[Beast Wars (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' toyline]], featuring a CG clip of [[Optimus Primal|Optimus Primal (bat) vs Megatron (alligator) two-pack]], but was dropped once the commercials started using footage from the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].

The Noise did not appear again until ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', where the Noise was heard uniformly among all Transformers at the very beginning of transformation sequences, rather than lasting the duration of the transformation like in the past.

Two new versions of the Noise were heard in ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', and then the second version of the ''Armada'' Noise was used in ''[[Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' (though not in ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''). As with RiD, the timing of the Noise did not seem to correspond to the transformation sequence, instead playing at a random point during the sequence. The original version of the Noise was heard briefly in ''Armada'' as part of one of the background music tracks, and in ''Energon'' on occasion whenever part of the Japanese sound effects track was not completely dubbed over (the Noise being more prominent in ''Super Link'').

In the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], the original Noise could be heard accompanying a portion of both [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]'s first transformation, and the conversion of the [[Nokia-bot]], though in both instances, a foreground object blocked the view of the robot at that instant, leaving it unclear if the Noise corresponded with any specific moving parts. The Noise could be heard during Bumblebee's off-screen transformation as he saves the kids while escaping Sector Seven, and a new, mixed and appropriately slowed version of the Noise also accompanied [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]'s later slow-motion transformation.

The Noise accompanies most or all transformation sequences in ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'', even minor ones including battle masks, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]'s "stinger" pop-out weapons, Blitzwing's changing of faces, Ratchet's magnets, and [[Sari Sumdac|Sari's]] shape-shifting Key. In the case of smaller, specific parts, the Noise is sometimes played sped up or higher pitched. It was in [[Human Error, Part I|one particular episode]] of ''Animated'' that, for the first time in a series, we see any Transformer actually acknowledged the existence of the Noise in-universe (any more than they would acknowledge the musical score); in this situation manually generating it like any fan would was used as a motivational tool in a virtual environment. This unusual scenario therefore still sheds no light on the actual purpose of the Noise - it just confirmed that they hear it too.

===Function===
At this time, neither the cause of the Noise nor its relationship to a Transformer's ability to transform is known. It may just be a side effect to the transformation process.

=="Transform" as a verb==
For reasons relating to intellectual property law, and the need to preserve "Transformers" as a [[trademark]], [[Hasbro]] and [[Takara]] do not use "transform" as a verb to describe this ability of Transformers in printed materials describing products. Instead synonyms such as "convert" and "morph" are used. This does not extend to in-fiction dialog, however.

==See Also==
*[[Transformation (toys)]]
*[[Role of transformation]]

[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]
[[Category:Biology]]

Decepticharge

2009-07-12T11:34:44Z

118.208.145.169: /* Trivia */

{{Factions|decepticon}}
:''Decepticharge is a [[Decepticon|Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1|Generation 1]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:Decepticharge-boxart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't let me die before I know who I am.]]
'''Decepticharge''' is the product of a dark fusion between a [[Binaltech|Binaltech]] body created for [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and an evil [[Laser core|laser core]]. A new individual, he possesses all of Windcharger's abilities and a deep loyalty to his creator, [[Unicron|Unicron]].

[[Decepticharge#Trivia|''Maybe.'']]

==Fiction==
===Binaltech (unused)===
After the [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] debacle, it was determined that the Binaltech [[GT System|GT]] remote-linking system required further testing before being used for any other [[Autobot|Autobots]]. An [[Earth Defense Command|Earth Defense Command]] shuttle was dispatched into space with three empty Binaltech units on board: a pair of BT-16 Honda S-2000 Aero Style bodies intended for Windcharger, and the blue BT-15 GHS (Generic Host Shell) built for Prowl. As it travelled outside of [[Earth|Earth]]'s solar system, the shuttle disappeared with the bodies on board.

Through an outside force, the silver BT-16 Beta Unit was fused with the [[Spark|spark]] of a [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Transformer from the future]]. The yellow Delta Unit retained Windcharger's pre-programmed abilities, but was implanted with an evil laser core to become a new being called Decepticharge.

Two days after the shuttle's disappearance, the pair materialized before [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his Decepticons in the midst of a [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]-led coup d’état. Decepticharge quelled the uprising with a powerful electromagnetic wave and told the Decepticons that Unicron was angry at them for their petty schemes to use his power, commanding them to defeat [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and destroy the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix of Leadership]].

[[Decepticharge#Trivia|''Maybe.'']]

===Honda Binaltech Online Game===
[[Image:Decepticharge game.jpg|left|180px|thumb|I'm HUGE.]]
Despite not being part of the ''Binaltech'' line, Decepticharge appears as the enemy in Honda's online Flash-animated ''Binaltech'' fighting game, as a yellow recolor of [[Overdrive]]. He is not given a specific name in this game, only the title of ''yokozuna'' ("sumo champion").

He has a wide variety of very strange powers with which to really beat the snot out of his opponents. These include growing to giant size or shrinking his opponents to tinyness then jumping up and down on them, and any number of blaster-rifle effects.

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Alternators===
[[Image:Alt Decepticharge toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Drunk on Dinotron.]]
*'''Decepticharge''' (Alternator, 2005)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''14'''
**''Accessories'': Hardtop hood, "folded" convertible hood, engine weapon

: Decepticharge is a [[Retool|retool]] of the ''Alternators'' Windcharger toy, transforming into a "street performance" Honda S2000. His hardtop roof can be removed for an open-top vehicle mode. He is covered in fake sponsor decals, advertising such products as "[[Dinotron|Dinotron]] Racing Fuel", "[[Dualor|Dualor]] Exhaust" and "[[Apelinq|Hyperlinq]] Racing".

: Decepticharge is essentially a US-only toy, as it only saw "release" in Japan as a prize in a contest from [[Takara|Takara's]] ''[[Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide|Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'' book; 100 Decepticharges (in US packaging) were awarded to the winners.

:This mold was also used to make [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and served as the model for the non-toy car-form [[Legion|Legion]].

==Trivia==
* The retool of [[Alternators|Alternators]] [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was originally planned to be [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (presumably in red), but ultimately ended up as [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] instead, with a new head sculpt. Meanwhile, the head sculpt originally intended for Ford-Windcharger ended up being used for the retool of Windcharger (the Honda S2000 mold) instead, which ultimately became Decepticharge.

* In 2005, the Decepticharge mold was presented as an upcoming release for the Japanese ''Binaltech'' line. Originally, Takara intended to name their version of the toy "[[Wildrider|Wildrider]]", but they ultimately had to abandon that idea because they couldn't get the trademark. Instead, they decided to give the toy an entirely new deco, as the Hasbro toy's deco didn't appear to their ideal of "real-life accuracy". In robot mode, the toy was given a color scheme based on the Transmetal 2 incarnation of Beast Wars [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], with the toy's name being changed to "Black Widow", Takara's name for the character. Ultimately, however, Takara decided to cancel the toy altogether, as they were fearing that another redeco (in addition to the upcoming Binaltech Asterisk toys) would be too repetitive. Plans to release the toy were eventually picked up three years later as ''Binaltech'' Arcee.

* The Decepticharge mold is also used as the basis for a Decepticon [[Legion|Legion]] from [[Kiss Players issue 1|the first installment]] of the [[Kiss Players (manga)|''Kiss Players'' manga]] in ''Dengeki Diaoh'' magazine.

* Character and fiction information for Decepticharge was finally provided in late 2007 with the release of ''The Transformers Binaltech Stories: Profiles and Technical Specifications'', an unofficial publication by BT story writer [[Hirofumi Ichikawa|Hirofumi Ichikawa]] that compiled all then-current BT information as well as that of the cancelled BT releases of "Blackwidow" (Blackarachnia) and [[Ginrai|Ginrai]] - the former also including an origin and story for Decepticharge. While not entirely [[Canon|canonical]], it's probably the best we're going to get.

==External Links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Decepticharge/decepticharge.htm Decepticharge at TFU.info]

*[http://www.honda.co.jp/HondaToyTown/transformer/ Binaltech fighting game at Honda Toy Town]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Contest prizes]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]