Targetmaster (technology)

2008-06-07T01:50:46Z

203.59.253.26: /* Action Master partners */

{{picsneeded|Japanese Targetmasters in "handgun" mode}}
:''Targetmasters are one of several specialized Transformer warriors that were developed during the war on [[Nebulos]]. See also [[Headmaster]] and [[Powermaster]]''

[[Image:Targetmasters.jpg|thumb|250px|'''Targetmasters:''' the small one on the right turns into a gun]]

'''Targetmaster''' is a term first used to describe any of the [[Autobot|Autobots]] or [[Decepticon]]s who were involved in the war on [[Nebulos]] and had their sidearms or other primary weapons binary-bonded to a Nebulan humanoid. Created shortly after their more drastic [[Headmaster]] cousins, the Targetmasters benefit from being able take two minds into battle without ever losing their heads. The term Targetmaster was later expanded to include any Transformer bonded to another being (be they Nebulan or fellow Cybertronian) that becomes their weapon.

A Targetmaster, unlike a normal Transformer, possess a living weapon, one 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. As most Targetmasters follow the practice of carrying an extra "backup" weapon in addition to their Targetmaster partner, this allows them the luxury of having a gun that they command as well as one they can leave to its own devices: the ultimate "fire and forget" weapon.

The benefit to the [[Nebulos|Nebulans]] who participate in this bonding is fairly obvious: they gain the power to transform themselves into a gun, and if that was good enough for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], then who are they to argue with the results? Targetmaster partners tend to be more aggressive and warlike than their fellow Headmasters and [[Powermaster]]s, which tends to come with the territory when someone volunteers to be a walking cannon.

Historically, in most continuities, the Targetmaster process came shortly after the Headmaster process was developed. At various points in their careers, such stalwart warriors as [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]], and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] have been counted amongst the [[Autobot]] Targetmasters, while notable Decepticons like [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] also accepted the process in order to reap the benefits of such added power.

==Terminology==
In conversation, both the primary Transformer and their Nebulan partner are referred to by the title "Targetmaster". Unlike other factions of the Autobot/Decepticon war, like the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] or the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, Targetmasters are generally not considered to form their own unit: Targetmasters can regularly deploy alone or with other, non-bonded Transformers.

The term "Targetmaster" is a description for the unique bonding shared between Transformer and Nebulan. If an Autobot or Decepticon loses their Nebulan partner (such as was the case with [[Hot Rod]], when his partner [[Firebolt (G1)|Firebolt]] died), then they cease to be referred to as a Targetmaster. Unlike their fellow bonded Transformers, it is possible for a Targetmaster to leave, abandon, or otherwise separate from his partner with no ill effects — a Headmaster who splits up his binary bond will have a hard time getting much done without his head, and a Powermaster does not last long without his engine, but a Targetmaster can always pick up a new gun. However, there can be complications to this, as targetmasters, accustomed to their weapon taking care of itself, often find themselves unused to dealing with the unforgiving nature of a standard hand weapon.

Where this is opportunity for confusion, this article refers to the smaller transforming partner as a ''Targetmaster partner.''

==Defining characteristics==

Not all Transformers that turn into guns are Targetmasters. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], and [[Browning]] change into powerful weapons, but they are not bonded to a specific partner or share any of the traits usually associated with the "Targetmaster" title. The smaller members of the [[Seacons]] however are Targetmasters, each member having the ability to become either a limb for, OR a gun for their combined form.

===Japanese Targetmasters===
In Japanese continuities, Targetmaster partners hail from the planet [[Master (Hadmasters)|Master]], but unlike the [[Headmaster]]s 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.

It is unknown at this time why [[Ricochet (G1) (Autobot)|Ricochet]], [[Artfire (G1)|Artfire]], Hot Rod, and Kup have Targetmasters, as they were not present for the explosion. It is also unknown why the Japanese Targetmasters speak in a series of electronic beeps (like the [[Mini-Cons]]) instead of normally like their Headmaster brethren.

===Partnering===
[[Image:Targetmaster-nomore.jpg|thumb|'''Targetmaster No More:''' Hot Rod is no longer a Targetmaster as he mourns Firebolt's death.]]
Targetmasters are [[Binary Bond|binary bonded]] to a specific Targetmaster partner or partners. Unlike non-Targetmaster gun-Transformers, their systems interface, resulting in vastly increased accuracy while leaving the larger Transformer's attention free for other tasks.

In order to be considered a Targetmaster, a Transformer must have a specifically chosen partner. Most examples are Nebulans, but this is not necessarily required. The partner wears a specially designed exoskeleton (not unlike the [[exo-suit]] worn by [[Daniel Witwicky|Daniel]] and [[Spike Witwicky]]) that allows him to change himself into a weapon. In Marvel comic continuity bio-mechanical surgery was also necessary, transforming the partner in a cyborg. Both of the partners also undergo a procedure known as "Binary Bonding". Although each of the pair is still an individual being (unlike the [[gestalt]]s formed when some Transformers combine), they will be able to share thoughts and sensations, not unlike a psychic connection. One of the many advantages to this is that a Targetmaster can send commands to his weapon without needing to actually touch it, or even be in the same room.

In vehicle mode, the Transformer usually has some kind of port or area where his partner can rest in weapon mode, functioning as a sort of self-guided turret and protecting their larger comrade while he focuses on other tasks. Since the partner is the one who controls their weapon mode, they are self-aiming and capable of tracking their own targets independant of any other weapon systems that the Transformer may have available.

===Double Targetmasters===

[[Image:Double targetmasters.jpg|thumb|Nebulan-on-Nebulan action!]]

It should be noted that in some rare cases Autobots or Decepticons have been known to bond themselves to multiple Targetmaster partners. Double Targetmaster<ref>The term comes from the story "[[Starting Over!]]" in the Marvel UK comic.</ref> Transformers are bonded with two smaller partners which, in addition to forming weapons the Transformer can wield, are capable of combining with one another and forming a 'double weapon,' with the power of whichever weapon forms the 'barrel' boosted by the other.

None of the Double Targetmaster toys were released in Japan, nor did they feature in the Japanese anime.

===Action Master partners===
Having given up the power of transformation, a number of action masters make up for the loss of their race's signature ability by having someone else transform for them.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category: Gimmicks]]
[[Category: Subgroups]]
[[Category: Targetmasters| ]]
[[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>

Divebomb (Energon)

2008-06-07T01:48:02Z

203.59.253.26: /* Energon */

{{picsneeded|fictional appearances}}
{{disambig3|Divebomb}}

:''Divebomb is a [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] in the [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. ''

[[Image:Energon_Divebomb_art.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Wings of silver, nerves of steel...]]

'''Divebomb''' has no glaring weaknesses, although his desire to retreat when things get ugly is not a characteristic highly valued by his field commander [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (though it REALLY should be). More than any other Terrorcon, he has a better sense of when to pull his troops before they get toasted. A driven and fierce warrior, he is armed with razor-sharp energon blades that combine into a giant, boomerang-type weapon. He transforms into a robotic hawk with VTOL turbines in its wings.

''Japanese name:'' '''Shadow Hawk'''

==Fiction==
{{charstub}}
===Energon cartoon===

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

===Pack-in comics===

==Toys==
===Energon===
*'''Divebomb''' (Basic, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number: '''''SD-08'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Energon blades, Energon star

[[Image:Energon_Divebomb_toy.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Partly metal, partly...uh, also metal.]]

:Divebomb transforms into a white, robotic hawk with translucent green energon blade pieces attached to his neck and an [[energon star]] attached onto his [[spark crystal]]. He has articulation in his beast legs as well as where the wings meet the body. The wings can further open up to reveal translucent green energon "feathers". Divebomb has an unusual transformation sequence, that might remind you of the Aegis gundam, which has his beast head and neck become his robot mode arms (with the beast legs ending up on the shoulders), while his beast wings become his robot legs. The energon blade pieces can be held in both hands as either blades or guns, and both parts can be combined together to form a sort of boomerang.

:A running change was made to the edged part of the weapon, which sports a standard 5mm handle even though the instructions show the part with a sharp edge.

:This mold was redecoed as [[Timelines]] [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].

{{-}}

*'''Shadow Hawk Cosmo Type''' (Basic, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number: '''''SD-13'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Energon blades, Energon star

:This redeco of Divebomb was a somewhat-[[limited retail]] release during ''Superlink''. The character was known in the American ''Energon'' cartoon as [[Blackout (Energon)|Blackout]], but was never released by [[Hasbro]] as part of the ''Energon'' toyline.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Divebomb/divebomb.htm Divebomb at TFU.info]

[[Category:Terrorcons]]<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>

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Targetmaster (technology)

Divebomb (Energon)