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War of the Dinobots

2007-08-15T16:56:33Z

130.68.73.141:

[[Image:Warofthedinobots.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Enough! I didn't eat your damn pudding!]]
{{episodenav|g1|10|prev=Fire on the Mountain|next=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}
'''Writer:''' [[Donald F. Glut]]

Snarl and Swoop are added to the Dinobot roster.

'''Major Characters:''' Optimus Prime, Wheeljack, Ratchet, Grimlock, Slag, Sludge, Snarl, Swoop, Soundwave, Megatron, Starscream, Spike, Sparkplug, Chip

'''Minor Characters:''' Trailbreaker, Ironhide, Prowl, Jazz, Sideswipe, Bluestreak, Skywarp, Thundercracker

'''Original Air Date:''' 1984-11-27

==Summary==
[[Image:War_of_the_dinos_5.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Kiss me you fool.]]
An unidentified meteor impacts with the Earth, as [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] wants the power contained within it for himself. He convinces [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to lead [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] against [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] as new leader of the [[Autobot]]s. Meanwhile, Prime and [[Ratchet (G1)]] commission the construction of two new Dinobots: [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], while [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Trailbreaker]] discover the meteorite's energy is highly unstable. It's Dinobot vs. Dinobot as the Autobots race to recover the meteor before it explodes.

==Notes==
[[Image:War_of_the_dinos_1.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Pull!]]
*In an earlier draft of this episode's script, it was not Chip who discovered the meteorite, but an original character named Doctor Lynn Hyashi.

*Grimlock's head has been redesigned, however, the old design remained in the comics all the way till Grimlock took a bath in nucleon.
[[Image:Grimhead.JPG||thumb|200px|"Me Grimlock before, me Grimlock after"]]

===Technical/Animation Glitches===
[[Image:War_of_the_dinos_7.jpg|right|thumb|200px|You can let go of my hand now, Grimlock.]]
* When Soundwave goes back to the Decepticon base after scanning the Dinobots, the Decepticon insignia in his chest is not shown.
* When the Decepticons attack the Dinobots guarding the meteorite, Slag's Autobot insignia is not shown in one shot.
* In the same scene, when Grimlock asks Slag if he likes to fight, Sludge answers whith Slag's voice.
* When the Dinobots are attacking Optimus Prime, in one shot Grimlock's torso is colored gray instead of yellow.
* When the Dinobots take Optimus to Megatron, Starscream is colored in Thundercracker's colors. A little later, when they are escaping the meteorite explosion, Starscream is colored as Thundercracker again.
* After the meteorite explosion, Sludge and Slag are shown transforming into dinosaur mode, when they should be transforming from dinosaurs into robots.
* When asking for Optimus forgiveness, Grimlock's eyes are not colored.

===Continuity Errors===

===Transformers References===
* The Autobots' ability to fly, seen in a couple episode before, is shown again in this episode, when Sideswipe is fighting the Dinobots.

===Real-World References===

==External Links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/war_of_the_dinobots.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Headmaster (technology)

2007-08-15T14:45:26Z

130.68.73.141:

{{disambig3|Headmaster}}
'''Headmasters''' are the early prototypes of a process known as [[binary bonding]], in which a Transformer and another being are able to share their thoughts and sensations through an almost psychic link. In the case of a Headmaster, this other being is able to actually transform into the larger Transformer's head, usually replacing the original head - which is removed as part of the initial process. Although usually this bond is to a [[Nebulos|Nebulan]], the species who invented the procedure, some Transformers have been known to bond with [[human|humans]], [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]], and even other [[Autobot|Autobots]] or [[Decepticons]].

== History ==

The first and original intent of the Headmaster process was to allow a Nebulan to control the body of a Transformer. This was initially done as a kind of enslavement, overcoming Nebulan distrust by forcing [[Autobot|Autobots]] to give up their heads and placing them completely under the power of their Nebulan partners (hence the term Head'''master'''). Since the Headmaster partner can provide all of the motivation for a Transformer body to move and fight without the Transformer even needing to be conscious (or alive), and can override the will of the Transformer he or she is bonded to, many Autobots and Decepticons find this technology disturbing. There are, however, many benefits to the procedure - enough so that after facing Autobot Headmasters in combat, the Decepticons realised that they needed to take advantage of this technology as well. Although the initial partners were Nebulans, several humans were also involved in this process, including (in some continuities) both [[Daniel_Witwicky|Daniel Witwicky]] and [[Spike_Witwicky|Spike Witwicky]].

Headmaster partners are unique amongst their brethren (the [[Targetmaster|Targetmasters]] and [[Powermaster|Powermasters]]) in that they have the power to take full control over the body they are connected to, often against that Transformer's will. However, over time, both the Headmasters and their Transformer partners realised that they worked better when both sides had a say in things (two heads being better than one), and the relationship between them evolved from master/slave into a more equal partnership. In that cooperation lies the real strenght of the Headmaster process.

''In Japanese continuities Headmasters hail from the planet [[Master]] and generally used [[Transtector]]s, robotic bodies that were devoid of sparks and non-sentient(therefore avoiding the messy argument over whether Headmastering was ethical by not partnering with living Transformers). A Headmaster is born when one of the miniture denizens of Master (Roughly a little bit larger than a human, save for [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]) proves his worth in combat, and is rewarded with his very own Transtector, in order to be able to fight more efficiently among the Master's larger brethren. These Headmasters have the ability to use another Headmaster's Transecters in order to utilize new powers (This is a nod to the Headmaster's toys who had Tech Specs meters that changed depending on what Headmaster was used).''

==Terminology==

In conversation, the term "Headmaster" can apply to both the primary partner (the head), and their significant other (the body). To be called a "Headmaster", a Transformer needs to have an autonomous partner who changes into their head as part of their transformation sequence. The benefits of this procedure are many: the partner gains control of a larger, more powerful body, and the Transformer gains an extra perspective on the battlefield, being able to draw on both his own ideas, tactics, and instincts as well as those of his partner as quickly as if they were coming from his own head (since they are).

==Technology==

A mini-con or fellow Transformer, of course, has no problem changing their form into that of someone else's head, but organic partners need a little help in pulling it off. Human and Nebulan Headmasters do this by use of a special suit of Headmaster armour as well as (in comic continuity) surgical bio-cybernetic augmentation. Sometimes the Headmaster armor is not unlike an [[Exo-suit]], transforming around the wearer (G1 Cartoon). Other times it is larger and almost a mecha of its own (DW Comics). Other times is appears to be just an outer layer of Cybertronian armor and the actual mechanics of being a Headmaster and transforming is surgically created inside the partner, transforming them into a cyborg who interfaces with the armor (Marvel Comics). Headmaster armour can be passed on to other people in an emergency, or in the result of a Headmaster's death. The helmet seems to be the most important part of the overall design, creating the mental link, since Spike Witwicky has shown himself able to command the body of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] while wearing only that one part, but the entire suit (and in the comic the surgical augmentation) is needed to transform oneself into the head and take full control.

It has been shown as well that while connected to a Transformer, a Headmaster partner can use their form as an extended kind of advanced life support - at least one Headmaster ([[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]) volunteered for the process in order to save the life of a human ally who had been severely wounded in battle.

Without their head, a Transformer Headmaster is at a severe disadvantage. Most Autobots and Decepticons are shown entering a kind of [[stasis lock]] when their heads disconnect from their robot modes, often seeming sluggish and able to perform only the most basic of functions. In their alternate modes, however, a Headmaster seems no different from any other Transformer: if, perhaps, a little more dangerous. With another intelligent being to help with the task of driving, flying, or shooting, the Headmaster is able to focus more clearly on tactics, strategy, or just the task at hand, freeing up considerable processing power from more mundane requirements. This makes a Headmaster capable of extreme multi-tasking and amazingly rapid decision-making, ''if'' the two partners have similar attitudes and mindsets.

==Flaws==

The main weakness in the design comes from conflicts of personality. Since there was never meant to be an equal partnership in the original Headmaster concept, very little attention was paid to how the Transformer and their partner would interact during the original bonding. As the prototypes of the binary bonding idea, the Headmasters suffered from a lack of knowledge on how important this interaction would be. Many early Headmasters simply did not get along with their own bodies, and vice-versa. Because of this, partners would often disagree or be at odds with each other, resulting in confusion in the Transformer as the voices in his head had extended arguments over what to do. Depending on the compatibility and personalities of the partners their minds tend to merge to different extents and their joint psyche manifests in unique ways for each individual. (For instance, in the comic, Spike and Fort Max were two separate minds sharring one body, with each dominant in their own form and the other submissive, while Lord Zarak and Scorponok seemed to reach some sort of fusion where he was both beings merged into one.)

(''Note: this was not an unexpected problem for the Transformers. Early [[combiner]] teams had similar issues, with the resulting gestalt being much simpler and less intelligent than the sum of its parts, often because the parts did not get along. However, since the Nebulans failed to ask before starting the Headmaster plan, they were not able to avoid this problem'')

[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category: Headmasters| ]]
[[Category: Subgroups]]
[[Category: Technology]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)

2007-08-14T15:51:18Z

130.68.73.141:

[[Image:BWlogo.jpg|right|250px]]

'''Beast Wars''' is a Transformers franchise that began in 1996, following the end of the [[Generation 2]] toyline.

Beast Wars follows two factions of Transformers, the [[Maximal]]s and the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], who are accidentally transported from the future to Earth's distant past.

''"Beast Wars" is frequently used as a catchall term for the [[Beast Era]] in which Beast Wars and other series occur.

Beast Wars was directly followed by the [[Beast Machines]] franchise.

==Franchise Elements==
The ''Beast Wars'' franchise featured the following primary components:
*[[Beast Wars (toyline)|A toyline]] — (1996-2000)
*[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|A cartoon series]] — (1996-1998) called "Beasties" in many overseas markets.<ref>At the time many markets in the European Union banned shows with excessively violent titles. (Has this changed, the Wikipedia article for TMNT indicates Ninja is no longer banned, but nunchucks still are...?)</ref>
*[[Beast Wars Metals (manga)|A manga series]] to go with seasons 2/3 - Japan only, 'natch.

===Expanded Universe===
There are several 'expanded' Beast Wars storylines featuring events taking place 'just offscreen' of the cartoon series. Though the ''events'' of cartoon series are understood to occur just as had been portrayed, the ''context'' may be different, taking place in different time period, etc. These contradictory stories all co-exist within the vast Transformers [[Multiverse]].
* From 1997 - 2004 [[3H]] featured a series of comics, toy-exclusives and text stories set in the same continuity as the Beat Wars and Beast Machines cartoon series, continuing into the [[Universe (franchise)|Transformers: Universe]] series.
* In 2006 [[IDW]] published [[The Gathering]], a 4-issue comic book occurring parallel to the final season of the Beast Wars cartoon. A followup is planned for late 2007.

Other expanded storylines are less congruent with the original cartoon, and are perhaps better considered 'alternate' versions rather than expanded stories.
* [[Dreamwave Productions]] planned a Beast Wars comic book series, but the company declared bankruptcy in 2004 with only [[Ain't No Rat|1 'sneak-peak']] story published.<ref>The planned Dreamwave Beast Wars comic is believed to be very similar to the later IDW Beast Wars series, which would be produced by the same writer and artist.</ref> A framing sequence to their [[More Than Meets The Eye|G1 profile series]] featuring [[Megatron (BW)|BW Megatron]] establishes that Dreamwave's version of the Beast Wars has some [[Golden Disk (MTMTE)|significant divergences]] from the original cartoon.

* [[Fun Publications]] [[Timelines]] imprint (2005 — ) has published several Beast Wars comics and text stories.

=="Other" Beast Wars==
* The initial toys and the [[mini-comic]] packed with the basic Optimus Primal VS Megatron two-pack toy strongly implied that Beast Wars was a continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict on present day Earth, with Primal and Megatron simply new forms of the original Prime and Megatron. This setting was abandoned when the 1996 cartoon established its futuristic setting. This remains an intriguing [[Micro-Continuities|micro-continuity]].
* A version of the Beast Wars occoured in the past of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]]. One text story ([[Fire in the Dark]]) in the 2004 [[Transformers Legends]] anthology is set in this version of Beast Wars. {{see|Beast Wars (Armada)}}
* The [[Movie (franchise)|2007 live-action movie franchise]] has a version of the Beast Wars in its past.<ref>[[Sector Seven]] had the shattered [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] (and possibly the [[Covenant of Primus]]) in its archives 1898, some 80 years before the disk's creation.</ref><ref>The [[Sector Seven (game)|Sector Seven Alternate Reality Game]] indicates Sector Seven is at least partially aware of the events of the Beast Wars as early as 1983, as they are mentioned in the [[Takara Agreement]].</ref>

==A Dramatic Change / [[Ruined FOREVER]]==
The major change in direction for Transformers followed organizational changes within [[Hasbro]]. Hasbro had recently{{fact}} bought out their rival toy manufacturer, [[Kenner]], and in 1995, they transferred their boys toylines from the Hasbro headquarters in Rhode Island to Kenner's Cincinnati, Ohio offices. Kenner was asked to revitalize the brand with new ideas, and that is exactly what they did.

Beast Wars was the first complete reinvention of the [[Transformers brand]], discarding the previous setting/characters/factions to create a new story, set several hundred years in the future. Transformers in the Beast Era are much smaller (often human-sized) and transform into 'fleshy' non-robotic animals. Initially met with outrage by fans (for a variety of reasons) Beast Wars would eventually become highly regarded, largely due to the exceptional quality of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|cartoon series]]. It is now not unusual for even longtime "Generation 1" fans to consider BW to be their favorite Transformers franchise.

Almost every '[[Generation 1]]' series that followed has established Beast Wars as 'the future.'

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Era]]
[[Category:Beast Wars| ]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>