Weapon

2011-06-14T02:09:40Z

121.54.58.144:

{{disambig2|weapons|the issue of ''[[Transformers: Sector 7|Sector 7]]''|Weapon (issue)}}
A '''weapon''' is a tool or device intended to cause pain, incapacitation, injury, or death. [[Transformer|Transformers]] of every sort and every allegiance use a wide variety of weapons, both in war and in occasional peacetime pursuits (such as the hunting of [[Turbofox|turbofoxes]]).

==Examples==
Transformer weapons may be broadly classified as '''melee weapons''', which are hand-held or affixed to the body, such as [[sword]]s, [[mace]]s and [[axe]]s, and used to directly attack an enemy; or as '''ranged weapons''', which can attack from afar. Ranged weapons can be further classified into groups that involve material '''projectiles''' or '''[[missile]]s''', and '''directed-energy weapons''', which fire a beam, ray, or burst of energy. Directed-energy weapons are often called ray guns, beam weapons, or simply blasters. The technical specs for many G1 characters called their weapons lasers, despite stated properties that had little to do with actual lasers (examples include [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]'s wind-tunnel laser and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s "musket" laser).

Weapons used to create a burst of flame, ('''flamethrowers''', in layman's terms, though the mental image this word brings up is often quite misleading) such as those used by [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]], are generally classified as directed-energy weapons, though there is a strong argument to be made for classifying them as melee weapons instead due to their limited range and often devastating effects in close quarters.

Yet another distinction exists between those weapons which are accessories and may be wielded at will, and those which are built-in, inherent to a Transformer's body. For example, [[Tantrum]] may attack with his hand-held sword, or with the electrical dischargers built into his horns.

==Toys==
Transformers toys are equipped with a polymer arsenal of pantomime destruction, and here again there are several classes of weapons.

Weapons may be a permanently attached feature of either or both modes. Sometimes these are elements of one mode that are not otherwise used in the other except as detail and to simulate a weapon. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s triple exhaust pipes, simulating forearm blasters, are a good example. Melee weapons may also be added this way, as when a figure's beast-mode claws are left in a position accessible for combat use. Other times, they may be clearly weapons in both modes, such as ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)| Megatron]]'s main cannon.

Weapons may also remain hidden in either or both modes, and then deployed at will. This is a major feature of several subgroups of toys, including the [[Triggerbot]]s and [[Triggercon]]s.

Robot mode weapons are sometimes made from a part of the alternate mode that has been detached and transformed into the weapon. [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]'s [[Cyber-slash tail weapon]] is an example.

Accessory weapons may also be given. Guns are common, as are missile launchers. Often these attach to the main figure with [[peg]]s, though some use other means. One notable exception, the [[Alternators]] line, features guns with square handgrips, and posable fingers to hold them, but these weapons still use pegs to keep them against the figure's palm.

Any of these weapons may be no more than dummies, molded to look like weapons, or they may be functional. This function usually involves launching [[Missile|missiles]], but it may instead use [[Soundbox|electronic lights or sounds]].

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Weapons| ]]

== External Links ==
*[http://www.premierguncabinet.com/Hidden-Gun-Cabinet-c7.html Hidden Gun Cabinets]

Targetmaster (technology)

2011-06-14T01:18:53Z

121.54.58.144:

{{picsneeded|Japanese Targetmasters in "handgun" mode}}

:''Targetmasters are Transformers (and their partners) from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Desertislandofspace-targetmaster-rollcall.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Cambot! Gypsy! Tom Servo! Croooooow!]]

The '''Targetmasters''' are a subset of Transformers [[Binary bonding|binary-bonded]] to smaller partners, who transform into their weapons. The partner is often an organic life form that has been bio-engineered to be partly mechanical, or wears a suit of armor that transforms around them to become the weapon.

The Targetmasters benefit from being able to take two minds into battle. A Targetmaster possesses a living weapon that is capable of making its own tactical decisions and target priorities. The advantage is similar to that of having a dedicated gunner aboard an aircraft.

The Targetmaster process is often seen to follow shortly after development of the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] process. The earliest known Targetmasters were among the [[Autobot|Autobots]] and [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] involved in the war on [[Nebulos]], and were paired with a bio-engineered [[Nebulan]] humanoid. Later Targetmasters included virtually any Transformer specifically partnered with another being that becomes their weapon, not limited to Nebulans or organics. The term has been applied to the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]] team<ref>[[Hasbro]]'s 1988 toy [[catalog]]</ref> and several [[Action Master]] pairings.<ref>''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]''</ref>

Some Transformers, known as '''Double-Targetmasters''', are bonded with two smaller partners who can form individual weapons or combine with one another to form a 'double weapon', with the power of whichever weapon forms the 'barrel' boosted by the other.

{{charstubfiction}}
==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
The first Targetmasters were a group of six Autobots under the command of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Having traveled to the planet Nebulos in search of peace, this group surrendered their weapons to the natives to prove their peaceful intentions. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}}

''Nebulon minds were duplicated and installed into transformable Nebulon-sized robots, creating the Targetmasters.'' {{storylink|The Final Conflict}}

{{note|This depiction of Targetmasters as robots with duplicated Nebulon minds and not actual Nebulons is unique to this story.}}

Some time later, Lord Zarak and his Decepticon Headmaster partner Scorponok had discredited the Autobots, turned public opinion against them, and driven them into retreat. A group of six Nebulan dissidents undertook a great risk to join the Autobots, allowing themselves to be bio-engineered into replacement weapons for the six unarmed Autobots. {{storylink|Worlds Apart!}}

[[Image:BrothersinArmor-Targetmasters.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Mouseketeer Roll Call! Cubby! Bobby! Gregor! Jimmy! Darlene! Annette!]]

The Autobot Targetmasters' first trial by combat came at [[The Nursery]], a horticultural research facility that was under threat by Zarak's Decepticons. The newly-minted Targetmasters engaged Scorponok and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] in a battle for the Nursery, but retreated as the facility was being destroyed by the battle, regardless of who was winning.

[[Vorath]] was soon able to duplicate the Autobots' experiment, creating a group of five Decepticon Targetmasters, though they weren't quite a match for the Autobot Headmasters. All of the Targetmasters left Nebulos soon after, as the Autobots retreated to spare Nebulos further warfare, and the Decepticons pursued. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

{{note|Only the eleven "large" Targetmasters are given an origin in the Headmasters mini-series, and there isn't a lot of room in the plot for others to have been made off-panel. Nevertheless, the [[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Marvel bios]] for several of the "small" (1988) Targetmasters imply they became Targetmasters at this time.}}

The Autobot Targetmasters subsequently went on a mission to rescue the human [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] from the Decepticons. They were repulsed from the Decepticons' [[Club Con|island base]] by a phalanx of hidden weapons. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}}

{{storylink|Wrecking Havoc}}

{{storylink|Dry Run!}}

{{storylink|Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars}}

[[Image:Targetmaster-nomore.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Hot Rod is no longer a Targetmaster as he mourns Firebolt's death.]]

{{storylink|Headhunt}}

Additional Targetmasters may or may not have been created as the war went on. Quickmix and Needlenose were both seen using weapons resembling their Targetmaster partners, but their individual circumstances do not seem to easily allow for them to have been on Nebulos to acquire Targetmaster partners. {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}}

Recoil was among the weapons surrendered by the Autobots to the Decepticons as part of preparation for an alliance against [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Surrender!}}

Prowl noted the double-paired Targetmasters known as Double-Targetmasters among his list of complaints about how complicated things had gotten in his absence. {{storylink|Starting Over!}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
The Targetmaster process was developed eons ago on Cybertron, as a process to forge a warrior and his weapon into a cohesive fighting team. The two are linked on a mental and physical level, allowing them to draw energy from each other and multitask with extreme efficiency. Targetmaster weapons cannot be wielded by another being without their consent unless they are somehow incapacitated in their weapon configuration. Severe injury or death of one partner can have a profound physical and emotional impact on the other.

The Targetmaster process was further expanded upon on the planet Nebulon. This would allow organic humanoids, not just mechanoids, to function as weapons when adorned with removable armor. The strength and endurance of these modified beings were greatly enhanced, though their appearance does not change. {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye issue 8}}

===American cartoon continuity===
[[Image:Targetmasters.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Here's me, and here's my gun!]]

The creation of Targetmasters and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], in this continuity, started with an initial idea of Brainstorm's that Autobots should use [[human]] partners while driving to help with steering and speed, this idea was confirmed when a race between [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] was won not by Blurr's speed, but by Daniel's help in driving Hot Rod. [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], however, was very sceptical about this idea.

After a large scale Decepticon attack, several Autobots, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] crash landed on [[Nebulos]]; the inhabitants initially did not trust, captured and intended to destroy the Autobots for being machines like the ones [[Hive (G1)|Hive]] used to enslave many of their kind.

After a Decepticon attack in which Daniel Witwicky was injured and several Autobots were kidnapped by Decepticons, the Nebulans believed the Autobots that they weren't evil and used their techology to save Daniel with a life support machine.

The Nebulan warriors explained their situation with the hive to the Autobots and came to an agreement, using Brainstorm's idea, they would use their and Daniel's minds with the Autobots bodies to be powerful enough to defeat the hive and save the others.

Thus were born the Headmasters. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

Once the Headmasters got to know their partners, they set off to rescue their captured friends.

The five captured Autobots: Hot Rod, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Pointblank]] were being tortured by the Decepticons but were rescued by the Headmasters.

After witnessing the power of secondary operators, the Decepticons and other Autobots saw the logic in having some of their own.

The defeated Decepticons were captured by the hive and taken to their underground base of operations. [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Lord Zarak]], the leader of the hive gave the Decepticons an opertunity to become powerful like the Autobot Headmasters at the literal cost of their heads. [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] agreed to let the Nebulans make Headmasters only out of the Decepticons there with beast modes, they however would only let the organic beings into their weapons. So [[Skullcruncher]], [[Apeface]], [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]], [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] were turned into Headmasters, [[Triggerhappy]], [[Misfire]], [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]], Scourge and Cyclonus had their weapons modified so that hive members could fit into and transform into them.

[[Image:Cyclonus tm.jpg|right|thumb|200px|*ptew ptew*]]

[[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], meanwhile had found a city and told the news to the other Autobots, damaging himself in the process. The Nebulans fixed him and believed the city he talked about to be the hive's old base from before they moved underground. The Decepticons, now with their Nebulan partners, attacked the Autobots again. Brainstorm was mad that the Decepticons stole his idea, the Head and Targetmasters and the Decepticons overwelmed the Autobots and stole the key to the plasma energy chamber from them before the hive convinced the Decepticons to go back to Zarak to await orders.

[[Image:Rebirth2 Blurr with gun.jpg|left|thumb|200px|"Haywire you're grey and black, now stop looking like my old gun."
"Aww, but this model is so much nicer."]]

Brainstorm, to even the odds, showed his fellow Autobots scans of [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]], showing how the Decepticons modified their guns and used the Nebulan tech to modify the non-Headmaster Autobot's guns and have Nebulan partners inside them. Hot Rod, Kup, Blurr, Crosshairs, Pointblank and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]'s guns were modified and became the Autobot targetmasters.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] then showed up on Nebulos and was introduced to the Autobot's Headmaster and Targetmaster partners. He was also informed that the Decepticons also had access to the same technology and the key to the plasma energy chanber. The Autobots went to the Decepticons to fight but they and their Nebulan partners had nearly completed their project. The Decepticons engaged the Autobots in combat but were surprised to see that the Autobots now Tergetmaster partners too.

The Autobots, however, were much more surprised to see that Zarak had created something big using the same Headmaster technology both factions had: [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}} {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Headmasters''====
[[Image:Tf headmaster 29 pointblank target on.jpg|200px|thumb|right|FIRE IN THE HOLE!]]

In Japanese continuities, Targetmaster partners hail from the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], but unlike the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] they are partnered with a regular Transformer as opposed to a [[Transtector]]. This fusion came about in a blast which binary-bonded a group of refugees from Master to the arms of the new Autobot recruits, as well as the Decepticon marauders, who were terrorizing the refugees in the first place. Unlike in the US continuity and toys, when the Masters transform into gun mode, they take the place of their larger partner's entire hand instead of being held by it.

[[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]], [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]], [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] have Targetmasters, even though they were not present for the explosion. The Japanese Targetmasters speak in a series of electronic beeps (like the [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]) that only their bonded partner can understand, instead of speaking normally like their Headmaster brethren.
{{-}}

===Shattered Glass===
[[Image:Crosshairs_SG.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
In this reverse universe, the connection Targetmasters have to their smaller partners seems not to go beyond simple personality complements, i.e. [[Crosshairs (SG)|Crosshairs]] is lazy, so his partner [[Pinpointer (SG)|Pinpointer]] is enthusiastic. The small partners are [[Micromaster|Micromasters]] with three modes: robot, vehicle, and weapon.

[[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] devised a plan to keep the Decepticons stranded on Cybertron while the Autobots fled to Earth. To execute this plan, he, [[Scoop (SG)|Scoop]], and Crosshairs took Targetmaster partners. [[Nightstick (SG)|Nightstick]] was easily able to take down Megatron, but the Decepticon Micromasters were able to thwart the entire group of Targetmasters, allowing Megatron to free himself. {{storylink|Do Over}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Crosshairs toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Crosshairs]]
* '''Autobot Targetmasters''' (1987)
** [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] with [[Haywire]]
** [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] with [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]]
** [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] with [[Firebolt]]
** [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] with [[Recoil]]
** [[Pointblank]] with [[Peacemaker]]
** [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] with [[Spoilsport]]

:The Autobot Targetmasters were sold boxed with their Targetmaster partners, and consisted of three all-new molds alongside slightly retooled versions of Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr from the previous year's assortment. The three older molds featured enlarged fist holes, allowing them to hold their new weapons. Both old and new molds transform into futuristic/Cybertronian ground vehicles. All six can mount their Targetmaster weapon on their roof or hood while in vehicle mode.

[[Image:G1 Misfire toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Misfire]]
* '''Decepticon Targetmasters''' (1987)
** [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]]
** [[Misfire]] with [[Aimless]]
** [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] with [[Fracas]]
** [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] with [[Caliburst (G1)|Caliburst]]
** [[Triggerhappy]] with [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]]

:Similar to their Autobot counterparts, the Decepticon Targetmasters feature three new jet molds alongside retooled versions of Cyclonus and Scourge with enlarged fist holes. All five transform into futuristic/Cybertronian aircraft. Their weapons can be mounted on top of them in jet form. The three newer molds were also sold in 1988.

{{anchor|doubletargetmasters}}[[Image:Double targetmasters.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Nebulan-on-Nebulan action!]]
* '''Autobot Targetmasters''' (1988)
** [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] with [[Flintlock]] and [[Silencer]]
** [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] with [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (Nebulan)|Ricochet]]
** [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] with [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]]

: Often referred to as the "small Targetmasters" to distinguish them from the larger 1987 releases, these toys were sold carded. Each toy includes two smaller Targetmaster partners, each of which can form a gun or combine together as a larger gun. The two guns can also mount on the robot's vehicle form. The three Autobots share a construction vehicle theme. These toys were never released in Japan.

* '''Decepticon Targetmasters''' (1988)
** [[Needlenose]] with [[Sunbeam]] and [[Zigzag]]
** [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] with [[Tiptop]] and [[Heater]]
** [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] with [[Hairsplitter]] and [[Singe]]
: The Decepticon "small Targetmasters" were sold carded with two Targetmaster partners each. Like the 1988 Autobots, these partners can form independent or combined weapons, and mount on their partner Transformers' vehicle forms or be wielded by them in robot mode. The three Transformers all turn into military vehicles. These toys were never released in Japan.

* '''Seacons''' (1988)
** [[Nautilator]]
** [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]]
** [[Seawing (G1)|Seawing]]
** [[Skalor]]
** [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]
: The Seacons are a [[Scramble City]]-style combiner team, with [[Snaptrap (G1)|a large leader toy]] who forms the torso of a larger robot, with four smaller toys plugging in to form the limbs. The team was given an additional fifth small toy, however. All five small toys have a "weapon" mode—essentially their creature mode with a gun barrel attached—allowing any of them to be used by the combined robot as a Targetmaster weapon. Each small toy could also form a free-standing gun by attaching to a small stand included with the toy.

* '''Japanese-original Targetmasters''' (1987)
** Stepper ([[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]]) with Nebulon ([[Nightstick (Ricochet)|Nightstick]])
** [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]] with [[Nightstick (Artfire)|Nightstick]]

: Artfire and Ricochet are redecos of the original toys for Inferno and Jazz, respectively. They each come with the Targetmaster partner molds that were used as Fracas and Nightstick in the US.

* '''Action Masters''' (1990)
** [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp]]
** [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] with [[Sights]]
** [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider]]
** [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button]]
** [[Rad (G1)|Rad]] with [[Lionizer]]
** [[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] with [[Glitch]]
** [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy]]
** [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut]]

: Several [[Action Master]] figures include robotic partners who transform into weapons for the robot's use. Though not labeled as such at the time, 2003's ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' profile books retroactively dubbed these characters Targetmasters.

===''Beast Wars''===
* '''Basics'''
** [[Break]]
** [[Stampy (BWN)|Stampy]]
:Several of the ''Beast Wars Neo'' toys include third-mode weapon forms, which could be wielded by other toys.

===''Beast Machines''===
* '''Deployers''' (2000)
** [[Dillo]]
** [[Mol]]
** [[Rav]]

===''Universe'' series===
* [[Chro]]<ref>Chro was called a Targetmaster in Cryotek's [http://botcon.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html BotCon online bio]. Chro is repurposed from Rav's blue deco.</ref>

===''Universe'' (2008)===
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]]
:A re-imagining of their original designs.

===''Gentei!'' (2009)===
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] with [[Rocketbot]]
:[[Redeco]]s of the ''Universe'' Cyclonus and Nightstick molds.

===Shattered Glass===
* [[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] with [[Nightstick (SG)|Nightstick]]
* [[Scoop (SG)|Scoop]] with [[Holepunch (SG)|Holepunch]]
* [[Crosshairs (SG)|Crosshairs]] with [[Pinpointer (SG)|Pinpointer]]
: All of these characters except Ricochet are [[repurposing|repurposed]] toys from previous toylines.
* [[Cyclonus (SG)|Cyclonus]] with [[Krunix (SG)|Krunix]]
:[[Redeco]]s of the ''Universe'' Cyclonus and Nightstick molds.

===''United''===
'''Targetmaster Microns'''
:The ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Mini-Con]] molds are released as Targetmaster Microns in the Japanese toyline ''[[United (toyline)|Transformers United]]'':<ref>[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/event/micron_01.html ''Transformers United'' official site]</ref>
*[[Recoil]] (2011)
*[[Fracas]] (2010)
*[[Haywire]] (2010)
*[[Caliburst (G1)|Caliburst]] (2011)
*[[Spoilsport]] (2011)

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Targetmasters| ]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:The Headmasters subgroups]]

== External Links ==
*[http://www.premierguncabinet.com/Hidden-Gun-Cabinet-c7.html Hidden Gun Cabinets]

MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Weapon

Targetmaster (technology)