MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Torca (BW)

2008-05-19T00:32:26Z

144.135.2.148: /* Beast Wars */

:''Torca is a [[Maximal]] in the [[Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:BWprofile_Torca.jpg|thumb|right|250px| How would '''you''' like to taste everyone you ever hugged?]]

General '''Torca''''s fuzor body equips him well for land and water. His massive size belies his combat skill. Hand-to-hand combat with Torca is a challenge; his huge tusks can swat most [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s with ease.

==Fiction==
===IDW Beast Wars comics===
[[Image:IDW Torca.jpg|thumb|left|150px|How'd they fit ''him'' in a stasis pod, anyway?]]

Torca was one of the [[protoforms]] jettisoned from the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' on prehistoric [[Earth]]. He was activated and put in chronal phase by [[Razorbeast]] at [[Magmatron (BW)|Magmatron]]'s request, but was protected from Magmatron's Predacon shell-program by Razorbeast's viral code.

Soon after awakening, he joined up with [[K-9]], [[Bantor]], [[Stinkbomb]], [[Armordillo]], and [[Noctorro]]. During their journey to meet up with Razorbeast, Torca got stuck in some mud. He needed the help of his new travelling companions to free him. After following Razorbeast's signal for days, and picking up more Maximals along the way, Torca exploded into battle (sporting a painted Maximal symbol on his shoulder!) against Magmatron's [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s. The giant Fuzor tipped the scales, allowing the Maximals to win that altercation. The united group awaited rescue from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

{{-}}
===3H ''Universe'' comics===
After the [[Maximal High Council]] returned to power following the [[Great Reformatting]], Torca was shown to be one of its members. It is unknown whether he served on the Council prior to this. {{storylink|Homecoming}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Torca toy1998.jpg|thumb|AAHH! It's a... a... What the [[Pit|hell]] is that thing anyway?!?]]
*'''Torca''' (Deluxe Fuzor, 1998)
:Torca's beast mode is a combination of orca and elephant. His dorsal fin becomes his accessory gun; moving the fin back and forth while still plugged into his back makes his tusks pinch in and out a little bit.

:Note that Torca can suffer from [[Gold_Plastic_Syndrome|gold plastic syndrome]]

:Torca was later [[redeco]]ed to make the ''[[Beast Wars Neo]]'' character [[Elephorca]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:KhangTorca.jpg|thumb|right|125px| HEY GUYS I HAD THIS GREAT IDEA I CALL IT WHALEPHANT (Way-Le-Fant)!]]

* The sculpt and design for the beast modes of Torca (and likely [[Bantor]]) have a somewhat dubious history. An eagle-eyed fan spotted the distinctive beast form amidst the online portfolio of a concept designer around 2002. Upon contacting the designer ("Khang" as per the signatures on the art), he was unaware that his designs had been put to use. This is likely a case of miscommunication between Hasbro, a subcontracted design firm, and the concept artist.

*In Beast Wars: The Gathering, Torca is one of the few Transformers to not have a typical insignia. His insignias in beast form are mutated and blotched to match his Fuzor skin.

{{-}}

==External Links==
[http://tfu.info/1998/Maximal/Torca/torca.htm Torca at tfu.info]

[[Category: Fuzors]]
[[Category: Maximals]]
[[Category: Maximal leaders]]<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>

Torca (BW)

2008-05-19T00:31:01Z

144.135.2.148: /* Beast Wars */

:''Torca is a [[Maximal]] in the [[Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:BWprofile_Torca.jpg|thumb|right|250px| How would '''you''' like to taste everyone you ever hugged?]]

General '''Torca''''s fuzor body equips him well for land and water. His massive size belies his combat skill. Hand-to-hand combat with Torca is a challenge; his huge tusks can swat most [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s with ease.

==Fiction==
===IDW Beast Wars comics===
[[Image:IDW Torca.jpg|thumb|left|150px|How'd they fit ''him'' in a stasis pod, anyway?]]

Torca was one of the [[protoforms]] jettisoned from the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' on prehistoric [[Earth]]. He was activated and put in chronal phase by [[Razorbeast]] at [[Magmatron (BW)|Magmatron]]'s request, but was protected from Magmatron's Predacon shell-program by Razorbeast's viral code.

Soon after awakening, he joined up with [[K-9]], [[Bantor]], [[Stinkbomb]], [[Armordillo]], and [[Noctorro]]. During their journey to meet up with Razorbeast, Torca got stuck in some mud. He needed the help of his new travelling companions to free him. After following Razorbeast's signal for days, and picking up more Maximals along the way, Torca exploded into battle (sporting a painted Maximal symbol on his shoulder!) against Magmatron's [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s. The giant Fuzor tipped the scales, allowing the Maximals to win that altercation. The united group awaited rescue from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

{{-}}
===3H ''Universe'' comics===
After the [[Maximal High Council]] returned to power following the [[Great Reformatting]], Torca was shown to be one of its members. It is unknown whether he served on the Council prior to this. {{storylink|Homecoming}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Torca toy1998.jpg|thumb|AAHH! It's a... a... What the [[Pit|hell]] is that thing anyway?!?]]
*'''Torca''' (Deluxe Fuzor, 1998)
:Torca's beast mode is a combination of orca and elephant. His dorsal fin becomes his accessory gun; moving the fin back and forth while still plugged into his back makes his tusks pinch in and out a little bit.

:Note that Torca can suffer from [[gold plastic]]

:Torca was later [[redeco]]ed to make the ''[[Beast Wars Neo]]'' character [[Elephorca]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:KhangTorca.jpg|thumb|right|125px| HEY GUYS I HAD THIS GREAT IDEA I CALL IT WHALEPHANT (Way-Le-Fant)!]]

* The sculpt and design for the beast modes of Torca (and likely [[Bantor]]) have a somewhat dubious history. An eagle-eyed fan spotted the distinctive beast form amidst the online portfolio of a concept designer around 2002. Upon contacting the designer ("Khang" as per the signatures on the art), he was unaware that his designs had been put to use. This is likely a case of miscommunication between Hasbro, a subcontracted design firm, and the concept artist.

*In Beast Wars: The Gathering, Torca is one of the few Transformers to not have a typical insignia. His insignias in beast form are mutated and blotched to match his Fuzor skin.

{{-}}

==External Links==
[http://tfu.info/1998/Maximal/Torca/torca.htm Torca at tfu.info]

[[Category: Fuzors]]
[[Category: Maximals]]
[[Category: Maximal leaders]]<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>

Torca (BW)

2008-05-19T00:30:27Z

144.135.2.148: /* Beast Wars */

:''Torca is a [[Maximal]] in the [[Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:BWprofile_Torca.jpg|thumb|right|250px| How would '''you''' like to taste everyone you ever hugged?]]

General '''Torca''''s fuzor body equips him well for land and water. His massive size belies his combat skill. Hand-to-hand combat with Torca is a challenge; his huge tusks can swat most [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s with ease.

==Fiction==
===IDW Beast Wars comics===
[[Image:IDW Torca.jpg|thumb|left|150px|How'd they fit ''him'' in a stasis pod, anyway?]]

Torca was one of the [[protoforms]] jettisoned from the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' on prehistoric [[Earth]]. He was activated and put in chronal phase by [[Razorbeast]] at [[Magmatron (BW)|Magmatron]]'s request, but was protected from Magmatron's Predacon shell-program by Razorbeast's viral code.

Soon after awakening, he joined up with [[K-9]], [[Bantor]], [[Stinkbomb]], [[Armordillo]], and [[Noctorro]]. During their journey to meet up with Razorbeast, Torca got stuck in some mud. He needed the help of his new travelling companions to free him. After following Razorbeast's signal for days, and picking up more Maximals along the way, Torca exploded into battle (sporting a painted Maximal symbol on his shoulder!) against Magmatron's [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s. The giant Fuzor tipped the scales, allowing the Maximals to win that altercation. The united group awaited rescue from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

{{-}}
===3H ''Universe'' comics===
After the [[Maximal High Council]] returned to power following the [[Great Reformatting]], Torca was shown to be one of its members. It is unknown whether he served on the Council prior to this. {{storylink|Homecoming}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Torca toy1998.jpg|thumb|AAHH! It's a... a... What the [[Pit|hell]] is that thing anyway?!?]]
*'''Torca''' (Deluxe Fuzor, 1998)
:Torca's beast mode is a combination of orca and elephant. His dorsal fin becomes his accessory gun; moving the fin back and forth while still plugged into his back makes his tusks pinch in and out a little bit.

:Note that Torca can suffer from [[gold plastic syndrome]]

:Torca was later [[redeco]]ed to make the ''[[Beast Wars Neo]]'' character [[Elephorca]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:KhangTorca.jpg|thumb|right|125px| HEY GUYS I HAD THIS GREAT IDEA I CALL IT WHALEPHANT (Way-Le-Fant)!]]

* The sculpt and design for the beast modes of Torca (and likely [[Bantor]]) have a somewhat dubious history. An eagle-eyed fan spotted the distinctive beast form amidst the online portfolio of a concept designer around 2002. Upon contacting the designer ("Khang" as per the signatures on the art), he was unaware that his designs had been put to use. This is likely a case of miscommunication between Hasbro, a subcontracted design firm, and the concept artist.

*In Beast Wars: The Gathering, Torca is one of the few Transformers to not have a typical insignia. His insignias in beast form are mutated and blotched to match his Fuzor skin.

{{-}}

==External Links==
[http://tfu.info/1998/Maximal/Torca/torca.htm Torca at tfu.info]

[[Category: Fuzors]]
[[Category: Maximals]]
[[Category: Maximal leaders]]<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>

Gold Plastic Syndrome

2008-05-19T00:19:54Z

144.135.2.148: /* Beast Wars */

[[Image:GPSSlingshot.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Emoformer: He breaks himself.]]

'''Gold Plastic Syndrome''' (commonly shorthanded to '''GPS''') is fandom terminology used to describe the phenomenon of a toy's plastic decomposing and becoming brittle to the point of shattering or crumbling under minimal-stress conditions. This is different from the relatively more common stress-fracture type of plastic breakage that can occur in some [[toy|Transformers toys]]. All noted instances of GPS have occurred in hard, glossy gold-colored plastics that appear to have a "swirl" to their coloration.

==Notability==
GPS is notably widespread among toys made in the tail-end of [[Generation 1]], typically the second year of [[Pretender]]s and even some European-market exclusives, but examples have surfaced from lines as recent as ''[[Generation 2]]'' and the ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' series. Transformers toys are not the only ones to suffer from this; there have been reports of G.I. Joe and Visionaries toys' gold plastics also crumbling seemingly of their own accord.

==Cause of GPS==
[[Mara-Al-Utha|Wizards]]
{{stub}}

==GPS misconceptions==
The most common misconception about GPS is that ''all'' gold-colored plastic can suffer from this rot. Only certain plastic grades (described above) have been noted to be susceptible to GPS crumbling; in the past few years, more durable, pliable plastics have become the norm for toy construction, so the gold plastic on more recent toys like [[Cannonball (UT)|Cannonball]] are highly unlikely to have the flaw.

Also, not every type of plastic breakage is the kind caused by GPS. In most instances of broken toys, visible stress marks appear long before any breakage in the form of discoloration (since these plastics have a bit more "give" to them), and are typically very clean "snaps" due to excess pressure.

Older gold plastics do tend to be rather brittle and more prone than most to snapping under relatively light stresses, but "true" GPS breakages seemingly come from simple decomposition of the plastic without any form of excess force at all, and the breaks tend to leave shards of plastic and dust.

==Toys commonly associated with Gold Plastic Syndrome==

====Generation 1====
* [[Black Zarak]]
* [[Bristleback]]
* [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]
* [[Skyhammer]]
* [[Slog]]

====Generation 1-2 Transitional Phase====
* [[Pyro]]

====Generation 2====
* [[Electro]]
* [[Slingshot]] (Slingshot is infamous for being made almost entirely of gold plastic)

====Beast Wars====

* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
* [[Randy]]
* [[Silverbolt (G1)#Beast Wars|Silverbolt]]
* [[Torca]] - His legs, tail hinge and sides are prone to Gold Plastic Syndrome.
* NOT Transmetal Megatron. He suffers from something different entirely: Brown Plastic Syndrome.

====Other notable instances====
* [[Predator]] [[missile]] launchers
* [[Serpentor]], while not a Transformer, is also known to suffer from this problem.

==Clear Plastic Syndrome==

There is a similar condition in figures made with translucent and transparent colored plastics. Though it doesn't seem anywhere near as bad as Gold Plastic Syndrome (which can affect ANY part of a figure), it seems to affect mostly the joints, either pivot or ball versions. The main cause of this is the higher friction ratio the plastic has (pin joints seem to be more susceptible) and the lower flexibility of the plastic. Some toys were made entirely of clear plastic and didn't fare much better than ones made entirely of gold plastic. Sorry, [[Starscream (Movie)#Toys|Starscream]].

==Etymology==
The earliest use of the term that can be found in the alt.toys.transformers archives dates to September 2001 in a post by user Sky Shadow [http://groups.google.co.uk/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/2b3d532961b2c2dc], though it is unclear from his usage of the term whether or not it was already in use. A post by Dave "Zobovor" Edwards, meanwhile, made a few months prior in June of the same year,[http://groups.google.co.uk/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/6ed7e0f3586f37e4], is the earliest identifiable acknowledgement of the widespread nature of the phenomenon within the Transformers fan community.

[[Category: Diseases]]
[[Category: Toys]]<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>

Gold Plastic Syndrome

2008-05-19T00:16:44Z

144.135.2.148: Added Torca to the BW Gold Plastic Syndrome list with a brief explanation of particular vulnerabilities.

[[Image:GPSSlingshot.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Emoformer: He breaks himself.]]

'''Gold Plastic Syndrome''' (commonly shorthanded to '''GPS''') is fandom terminology used to describe the phenomenon of a toy's plastic decomposing and becoming brittle to the point of shattering or crumbling under minimal-stress conditions. This is different from the relatively more common stress-fracture type of plastic breakage that can occur in some [[toy|Transformers toys]]. All noted instances of GPS have occurred in hard, glossy gold-colored plastics that appear to have a "swirl" to their coloration.

==Notability==
GPS is notably widespread among toys made in the tail-end of [[Generation 1]], typically the second year of [[Pretender]]s and even some European-market exclusives, but examples have surfaced from lines as recent as ''[[Generation 2]]'' and the ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' series. Transformers toys are not the only ones to suffer from this; there have been reports of G.I. Joe and Visionaries toys' gold plastics also crumbling seemingly of their own accord.

==Cause of GPS==
[[Mara-Al-Utha|Wizards]]
{{stub}}

==GPS misconceptions==
The most common misconception about GPS is that ''all'' gold-colored plastic can suffer from this rot. Only certain plastic grades (described above) have been noted to be susceptible to GPS crumbling; in the past few years, more durable, pliable plastics have become the norm for toy construction, so the gold plastic on more recent toys like [[Cannonball (UT)|Cannonball]] are highly unlikely to have the flaw.

Also, not every type of plastic breakage is the kind caused by GPS. In most instances of broken toys, visible stress marks appear long before any breakage in the form of discoloration (since these plastics have a bit more "give" to them), and are typically very clean "snaps" due to excess pressure.

Older gold plastics do tend to be rather brittle and more prone than most to snapping under relatively light stresses, but "true" GPS breakages seemingly come from simple decomposition of the plastic without any form of excess force at all, and the breaks tend to leave shards of plastic and dust.

==Toys commonly associated with Gold Plastic Syndrome==

====Generation 1====
* [[Black Zarak]]
* [[Bristleback]]
* [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]
* [[Skyhammer]]
* [[Slog]]

====Generation 1-2 Transitional Phase====
* [[Pyro]]

====Generation 2====
* [[Electro]]
* [[Slingshot]] (Slingshot is infamous for being made almost entirely of gold plastic)

====Beast Wars====

* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
* [[Randy]]
* [[Silverbolt (G1)#Beast Wars|Silverbolt]]
* Torca - His legs, tail hinge and sides are prone to Gold Plastic Syndrome.
* NOT Transmetal Megatron. He suffers from something different entirely: Brown Plastic Syndrome.

====Other notable instances====
* [[Predator]] [[missile]] launchers
* [[Serpentor]], while not a Transformer, is also known to suffer from this problem.

==Clear Plastic Syndrome==

There is a similar condition in figures made with translucent and transparent colored plastics. Though it doesn't seem anywhere near as bad as Gold Plastic Syndrome (which can affect ANY part of a figure), it seems to affect mostly the joints, either pivot or ball versions. The main cause of this is the higher friction ratio the plastic has (pin joints seem to be more susceptible) and the lower flexibility of the plastic. Some toys were made entirely of clear plastic and didn't fare much better than ones made entirely of gold plastic. Sorry, [[Starscream (Movie)#Toys|Starscream]].

==Etymology==
The earliest use of the term that can be found in the alt.toys.transformers archives dates to September 2001 in a post by user Sky Shadow [http://groups.google.co.uk/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/2b3d532961b2c2dc], though it is unclear from his usage of the term whether or not it was already in use. A post by Dave "Zobovor" Edwards, meanwhile, made a few months prior in June of the same year,[http://groups.google.co.uk/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/6ed7e0f3586f37e4], is the earliest identifiable acknowledgement of the widespread nature of the phenomenon within the Transformers fan community.

[[Category: Diseases]]
[[Category: Toys]]<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>