MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Micromaster

2009-10-16T13:02:28Z

213.120.118.172:

{{stub|Fiction, images}}

{{picsneeded|Main pic, Commercial screengrabs, fictional appearances, toys}}

{{disambig2|the Generation 1 subline and the characters contained therein|the Dreamwave miniseries|Micromasters}}

'''Micromasters''' are Transformers with small and extremely fuel-efficient bodies. Some were created that way, others were created as ordinary Transformers (or [[Guzzler|guzzlers]], as Micromasters sometimes call normal-sized Transformers) and rebuilt into Micromasters. Transforming into ([[Scale#Undersized_alternate_modes|usually]]) tiny cars, planes, and other vehicles, they are depicted as roughly human-sized in robot mode in most continuities.

Some Micromasters are also [[Combiner]]s. One kind are the '''[[Micromaster Combiner]]s''', who can each form either the front or back half of a combined vehicle. They are not constrained to joining only with their Combiner partner; they can join with any other as well as to the back of any [[Micro Trailer]]. In addition, there are the '''[[Combi-Micromaster]]s''', who combine together in another humanoid robot. No character has ever been specifically designated as one, but the description at least fits the members of the [[Multiforce]].

Recently, the Multiforce members have been branded as '''DX Micromasters'''. What exactly a DX Micromaster is has not been explained. Perhaps it's a Micromaster who is [[Action Master Elite|no longer small and extremely fuel efficient]]?

:''Japanese name:'' '''Microtransformers'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Generic decepticon 3 marvel uk 230.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Makin' Micromasters!]]
The Micromasters were created by the Autobots as a downsizing means to increase fuel efficiency. ''Though at first the technology was created by the Autobots, the Decepticons were able to capture and study the [[Battle Patrol]] to learn the secrets themselves, and the first Decepticon Micromasters were born.'' {{storylink|A Small War!}}

''The Micromasters served under [[Emirate Xaaron]], with [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] acting as one of the base's medics.'' {{storylink|Demons!}} {{storylink|Dawn of Darkness}}

Two of the Micromaster squads were deployed to Earth to assist [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s forces, but they quickly went their own way. {{storylink|King Con!}} Soon they had all but integrated into [[New York City]] society, their small size allowing them to interact easily with humans. Only the arrival on Earth of the Decepticon [[Air Strike Patrol]] shook them loose from this position. {{storylink|The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!}}

The Air Strike Patrol soon proved to have ulterior motives for coming to Earth, as they, along with the [[Sports Car Patrol]], were working for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Back from the Dead}} While the Air Strike Patrol manipulated [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] and Optimus Prime into a battle, the Sports Car Patrol kidnapped [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and laid explosives aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} [[Blackjack]] wasn't able to maintain control of the Ark, however, and the rest of the patrol were defeated by [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s Pretender team. {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}} {{storylink|Skin Deep}}

The Micromaster Autobots continued to play roles in the Autobot insurgency on Cybertron, though the [[Rescue Patrol]] prepared to leave for Earth. A teleportation accident transported them to the center of Cybertron, {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}} where they nearly but not quite managed to defeat the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] with help from their larger brethren. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}}

On Earth, the Air Strike Patrol met their fate in [[Louisiana]] at the hands of a pissed-off [[Dynamo|mutant oil rig worker]]. {{storylink|The Human Factor!}}

Having arrived on Earth, Fixit served as the chief medic aboard the Ark, in the absence of Ratchet. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm!}} {{storylink|The Price of Life!}}

''A few of the Micromasters were still active many years later, when the Autobots followed the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to [[Hydrus Four]] to rescue them and prevent the resurrection of Megatron.'' {{storylink|Another Time and Place}}

===Dreamwave continuity===
{{storylink|Destined for Nothing}} {{storylink|The Gray Race}} {{storylink|Recipe for Hate}} {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

===IDW continuity===
The Micromasters (never identified as such) are by-products of [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]' attempts to further the evolution of the Transformer race. The Sports Car Patrol confronted [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] beneath [[Gorlam Prime]], {{storylink|Spotlight: Nightbeat}} and they (along with several other teams) pursued him again when he and [[Hardhead (G1)| Hardhead]] returned. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}} Jhiaxus' Micromaster lackeys were last seen being dismembered by [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]. At some point in the future, the survivors renamed their planet '''Cybertron'''. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
:The Micromasters were first released in the US and European markets in the two final years of the Generation 1 toyline, 1989 and 1990, as a market response to the growing popularity of [[Wikipedia:Micro Machines|Micro Machines]]. The Generation 1 Micromasters were either grouped as Patrols, Squads, Transports, Stations or Bases.

:Each Micromaster stands about 1" high in robot mode, making them the smallest Transformers released to that point (since surpassed only by few members of the [[Smallest Transforming Transformers]] line). Many share a standardized transformation scheme of "flip out rear of vehicle to form legs; swing up arms from side." Articulation is generally limited to swiveling shoulders and knees joints (the latter limited by conjoined uni-feet).

* '''Micromaster Patrols''' (1989)
[[Image:Micromaster-rescuepatrol-toys.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Rescue Patrol]]
[[Image:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Sports Car Patrol]]

;Autobots:
:* [[Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain]], and [[Tote]])
:* [[Race Car Patrol]] ([[Tailspin]], [[Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]], and [[Swindler]])
:* [[Rescue Patrol]] ([[Seawatch]], [[Stakeout]], [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]], and [[Red Hot]])
:* [[Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot]], [[Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner]], and [[Flak]])

;Decepticons:
:* [[Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]], [[Whisper (G1)|Whisper]], and [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]])
:* [[Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Detour (G1)|Detour]], [[Blackjack]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)|Hyperdrive]], and [[Road Hugger (G1)|Road Hugger]])

* '''Micromaster Patrols''' (1990)
;Autobots:
:* [[Construction Patrol]] ([[Neutro]], [[Groundpounder]], [[Crumble]], and [[Takedown]])
:* [[Air Patrol]] ([[Sky High (Micromaster)|Sky High]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Eagle Eye]], [[Blaze Master]], and [[Tread Bolt]])
:* [[Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke]], [[Big Hauler]], and [[Heavy Tread]])
:* [[Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)|Big Daddy]], [[Trip-Up]], [[Greaser]], and [[Hubs]])

;Decepticons:
:* [[Race Track Patrol]] ([[Roller Force]], [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog]], and [[Motorhead]])
:* [[Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)|Bombshock]], [[Tracer (Decepticon)|Tracer]], [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]], and [[Growl (G1)|Growl]])

: The Patrols came carded in four-packs beginning in 1989, with a couple following in 1990. All were sold at the $5 price point. Each patrol's alternate modes generally have a recurring common theme—for example, military vehicles in the case of the Military Patrol, or planes and helicopters in the case of the Air Patrol.

{{-}}
*'''Micromaster Combiner Squads'''
[[Image:Micromastercombiners-vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The First Combinental Congress]]
;Autobots:
:* [[Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner]], [[Oiler]], [[Slide]], [[Power Run]], and [[Strikedown]])
:* [[Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser]], [[Blast Master]], [[Moonrock]], [[Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)|Barrage]], and [[Heave]])

;Decepticons:
:* [[Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit (G1)|Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch (G1)|Power Punch]], [[Fireshot (G1)|Fireshot]], and [[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]])
:* [[Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)|Hammer]], [[Grit (G1)|Grit]], and [[Knockout (G1)|Knockout]])

:{{main|Micromaster Combiner}}

:The Combiner Squads were sold in carded six-packs in 1990. Each Squad consist of six Micromaster Combiners, thus making three vehicles in their alt mode. Micromaster Combiners transform into half of a vehicle form, which can use standardized connection plugs to combine with any other Micromaster Combiner to form a complete vehicle. Not all combinations make a lot of sense—the rear half of a dump truck connected to the front half of a space shuttle isn't anything you can win a war with, eh?

{{-}}
* '''Micromaster Transports''' (1989)
[[Image:G1-toy Erector.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Erector? I hardly knew 'er!]]

;Autobots:
:* [[Erector]]
:* [[Overload (G1)|Overload]]

;Decepticons:
:* [[Flattop (Decepticon)|Flattop]]
:* [[Roughstuff]]

{{main|Micromaster Transport}}

:The [[Micromaster Transport|Micromaster Transports]] are single Micromasters that come with a transforming vehicle with which they can interact in some way. Flattop transforms into a jet and comes with an aircraft carrier, whereas the other three transform into trucks and pull transforming trailers. Except for Erector's trailer, all the additional vehicles transform into jets. They were released in 1989.

{{-}}
* '''Micromaster Combiner Transports''' (1990)
[[Image:G1-toy TankerTruck.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Tanker Truck. THE Tanker Truck. Apparently it's the only tanker truck in the whole Transformers universe.]]

;Autobots:
:* [[Missile Launcher]] with [[Retro]] and [[Surge]]
:* [[Tanker Truck]] with [[Pipeline]] and [[Gusher]]

;Decepticons:
:* [[Cannon Transport]] with [[Terror-Tread]] and [[Cement-Head]]

{{main|Micromaster Combiner Transport}}

:The Combiner Transports consist of a pair of Micromaster Combiners and a big transforming trailer. Each trailer can optionally transform into a big battle station or into two separate fighting vehicles, each manned by one of the Combiners.

{{-}}
* '''Micromaster Stations''' (1989)
[[Image:G1-Zone-toy Airport.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Airport, featuring the largest plane length to runway length ratio of any airport in the universe.]]

;Autobots:
:* [[Hot House]] with [[fire station]]
:* [[Ironworks]] with [[construction station]]

;Decepticons:
:* [[Greasepit (G1)|Greasepit]] with [[gas station]]
:* [[Airwave]] with [[airport]]

:The stations are big bases commanded by a single Transformer and disguised as human buildings. Hot House's station stands out a bit, as it is ''mobile'' in its alternate mode instead of being a stationary base.

{{-}}
* '''Micromaster Bases''' (1989)
[[Image:CountdownToy.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The Rocket Base is one hundred and forty kilometers due west of the Autobot camp.]]

;Autobots:
:* [[Groundshaker]] with [[ATV]]
:* [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] with [[Rocket Base|rocket base]]

;Decepticons:
:* [[Skyhopper]] with [[Helicopter]]
:* [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] with [[Interstellar shuttle]]

:The Micromaster Bases are huge fighting vehicles that transform into even bigger battle stations. They are commanded by a single Micromaster. Countdown's and Skystalker's vehicles are a big chunk taller than those of Groundshaker and Skyhopper, indicating that these two should be seen as the respective leaders of their Micromaster factions.

{{-}}
* '''Micromaster Combiner Bases''' (1990)
[[Image:G1 Anti-Aircraft Base toy.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Anti-Aircraft Base]]
;Autobots:
:* [[Battlefield Headquarters]] with [[Full-Barrel]] and [[Overflow]]

;Decepticons:
:* [[Anti-Aircraft Base]] with [[Blackout (G1)|Blackout]] and [[Spaceshot]]

:The Combiner bases are large vehicles commanded by a combiner duo. While the Decepticon Anti-Aircraft Base is pretty similar in concept to the previous year's Bases (transforming from a tank into a battle station), the Battlefield Headquarters lacks a base mode, instead transforming from an earthbound vehicle (a truck) into two airborne ones (a space shuttle and a attack jet).

===Generation 1 (Japan)===
Japan as well released lots of Micromasters during their ''[[Zone (toyline)|Zone]]'', ''[[Return of Convoy (toyline)|Return of Convoy]]'' and ''[[Operation Combination (toyline)|Operation Combination]]'' toylines (and later rereleases during [[Micromaster Collection]]). Most of them were identical to their western releases, but some were recolored or renamed and most Decepticons were depicted as Autobots. Next to this, the characterization they received in fiction differed heavily from their Western appearances, depiciting them as childish, young and inexperienced compared to the bigger Transformers.

====Micro Trailer====
* [[Monster Truck Patrol|Big Truck Team]] ([[Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke]], [[Big Hauler]], and [[Heavy Tread]])
* [[Hot Rod Patrol|Hot Rod Team]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)|Big Daddy]], [[Trip-Up]], [[Greaser]], and [[Hubs]])
* [[Military Team]] ([[Bombshock (ROC)|Bombshock]], [[Tracer (ROC)|Tracer]], [[Dropshot (ROC)|Dropshot]], and [[Growl (ROC)|Growl]])
* [[Shuttle Rocket W Team]] ([[Phaser]], [[Blast Master]], [[Moonrock]], [[Missile Master]]))
* [[Fire Tanker W Team]] ([[Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner]], [[Oiler]], [[Slide]])
* [[Radar Hover W Team]] ([[Barrage (Micromaster)|Barrage]], [[Heave]], [[Power Run]], [[Strikedown]])
* [[Dump Shovel W Team]] ([[Hammer (ROC)|Hammer]], [[Sledge (ROC)|Sledge]], [[Grit (ROC)|Grit]], [[Knockout (ROC)|Knockout]])
* [[Crane Cannon W Team]] ([[Direct-Hit (ROC)|Direct-Hit]], [[Excavator (ROC)|Excavator]], [[Power Punch (ROC)|Power Punch]], [[Stonecruncher (ROC)|Stonecruncher]])
* [[Jet Tank W Team]] ([[Fireshot (ROC)|Fireshot]], [[Vanquish (ROC)|Vanquish]], [[Meltdown (ROC)|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (ROC)|Half-Track]])
* [[Rescue Patrol Team]] ([[Boater]], [[Fire]], [[Holi]], [[Pīpō]])
* [[Battle Patrol|Battle Patrol Team]] ([[Big Shot|Gunlift]], [[Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner]], and [[Flak|Powerbomb]])
* [[Super Car Patrol Team]] ([[Black Heat]], [[Deadhour]], [[Gingham]], [[Road Hugger (Zone)|Road Hugger]]

====Micromaster Sixteams====
Apart from releasing US-made Micromasters, Takara also developed the Micromaster concept further on their own, resulting in the Micromaster Sixteams, Micromasters that combined in robot mode to form a bigger robot similar to the full-size Transformer [[Combiner|combiners]].

;Autobots:
{{collist|5|
*[[Sixliner]]
**[[Alan]]
**[[D-Go]]
**[[Joe (ROC)|Joe]]
**[[Leaf]]
**[[Night]]
**[[Spark (ROC)|Spark]]

*[[Sixtrain]]
**[[Atlan]]
**[[Convertor (OC)|Convertor]]
**[[Desire]]
**[[Raise]]
**[[San D-Go]]
**[[Windy]]

*[[Sixturbo]]
**[[Circuit (OC)|Circuit]]
**[[Discharge]]
**[[Glide]]
**[[Neo-Wheel]]
**[[Road Police]]
**[[Sireen]]

*[[Sixwing]]
**[[Chain Gun]]
**[[Falcon (OC)|Falcon]]
**[[Flanker]]
**[[Missile Run]]
**[[Raker]]
**[[Supersonic]]

*[[Sixbuilder]]
**[[Crush-Bull]]
**[[Digger]]
**[[Gran Arm]]
**[[Iron Lift]]
**[[Mixing]]
**[[Treader]]
}}
;Decepticon:
*[[Decepticon Sixbuilder]]
**[[Bonecrusher (Micromaster Collection)|Bonecrusher]]
**[[Scavenger (Micromaster Collection)|Scavenger]]
**[[Scrapper (Micromaster Collection)|Scrapper]]
**[[Gren]]
**[[Mixmaster (Micromaster Collection)|Mixmaster]]
**[[Long Haul (Micromaster Collection)|Long Haul]]

===Universe===
The Micromasters returned to North American markets in 2004 under the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' label as [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]]s. Inspired by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s slightly-[[redeco]]ed Sixteam reissues, Hasbro decided to sell them as well. Sixturbo, Sixwing, and Sixbuilder were further redecoed and renamed to evoke the ''Generation 1'' [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s, and [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, respectively. Sixtrain was not redecoed, but he was renamed according to the ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Team Bullet Train]] (with a few additions).

;Autobots
{{collist|3|
*[[Defensor (Universe)|Defensor]] (slightly redecoed Sixturbo):
**[[First Aid (Universe)|First Aid]]
**[[Groove (Universe)|Groove]]
**[[Hot Spot (Universe)|Hot Spot]]
**[[Prowl (Universe Micromaster)|Prowl]]
**[[Red Alert (Universe)|Red Alert]]
**[[Streetwise (Universe)|Streetwise]]

*[[Rail Racer (Universe)|Rail Racer]] (Sixtrain):
**[[Midnight Express (Universe)|Midnight Express]]
**[[Overload (Railbot)|Overload]]
**[[Railspike (Universe)|Railspike]]
**[[Rapid Run (Universe)|Rapid Run]]
**[[Swindle (Universe)|Swindle]]
**[[Tankor (Micromaster)|Tankor]]

*[[Superion (Universe)|Superion]] (redecoed Sixwing):
**[[Air Raid (Universe)|Air Raid]]
**[[Fireflight (Micromaster)|Fireflight]]
**[[Ro-Tor (Universe)|Ro-Tor]]
**[[Silverbolt (Universe)|Silverbolt]]
**[[Skydive (Universe)|Skydive]]
**[[Storm Jet (Universe)|Storm Jet]]
}}

;Decepticons:
*[[Constructicon Devastator (Micromaster)|Constructicon Devastator]] (redecoed Sixbuilder):
**[[Bonecrusher (Universe Micromaster)|Bonecrusher]]
**[[Buckethead]]
**[[Hightower (Micromaster)|Hightower]]
**[[Long Haul (Universe Micromaster)|Long Haul]]
**[[Quickmix (Universe)|Quickmix]]
**[[Scavenger (Universe Micromaster)|Scavenger]]

==Notes==
[[Image:MicroTFlogo.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Absolutely, positively not inspired by Micro Machines. No sir. Not at all.]]

[[Image:Transformers micro.jpg|right|150px|thumb|GiG continues on its parade of weirdness.]]

* An early name for the original Micromasters line was simply "Micro Transformers", having been featured on the packaging of the early 1989 Micromaster Patrols. The name was quickly dropped in favor of the now more common "Micromasters", possibly due to its similarity to [[Galoob]]'s "[[Micro Machines]]".

* Interestingly, Hasbro's early logo was used for the entirety of Italian company [[GiG]]'s release of the Micromasters figures.

* All four Micromaster Station molds were reused sans Micromasters in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Brave]] Police series a few years later, under the subline name "Distortion Machines".

* While the first ''Universe'' franchise redecoed a number of Micromaster molds as non-Micromaster characters, the [[Universe (2008 toyline)|newer ''Universe'' toyline]] has used several Micromaster characters as the basis of redecoes of non-Micromaster toys.

[[Category:Micromasters| ]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]

File:Combat deck marvel 1.jpg

2009-04-06T12:59:46Z

213.120.118.172: REAL ULTIMATE KITBASH

The Ark's revival drone (strongly resembling Optimus Prime's [[combat deck]]) engages in some REAL ULTIMATE [[Kitbash|KITBASH]].

Dreamwave Productions

2008-03-04T09:56:20Z

213.120.118.172: /* The end */

[[Image:Dreamwave.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"We're not saying you should buy Dreamwave comics, only that you'll regret it."]]

'''Dreamwave Productions''' was a fairly unknown independent comic book publisher when it obtained the ''Transformers'' license in 2001. For a time, there was gigantic buzz surrounding Dreamwave's relaunch of the Generation 1 title, even pushing it past Marvel and DC's top titles. Many comic book fans had been away from Transformers for a long time and were overjoyed to see highly detailed manga-style art driving a childhood favorite.

Dreamwave published a good deal of ''Transformers'' books, including many varied miniseries, before capitulating to the notoriously fickle comic-buying public. Towards the end of 2004 delays started getting more and more frequent. This was followed by rumors of writers and artists leaving because they weren't being paid, which were then confirmed. In early January 2005, Dreamwave declared bankruptcy, and there were no Transformers comics to be had for more than half of 2005.

{{quote|TO ME DREAMWAVE WAS MORE THAN JUST A WORD. IT'S MEANING TO ME FULLFILLS ALL OF WHAT I BELIEVE IN. SUCCESS, LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, HOPES ANS WISHES. WHEN ALL IS BAD HUMANS EXCLUDE THEMSELVES FROM REALITY ONLY TO FIND THEMSELVES IN THE REALM OF DREAMS. BECAUSE HERE IN OUR DREAMS WE FIND THE FREEDOM FROM THE SHACKLES THAT THIS SOCIETY HAS LOCKED US IN REALITY.|[[Pat Lee]] [http://www.angelfire.com/pa/infrarred/infrarred4.html]}}

==History==
===The beginnings===
Dreamwave Productions was originally launched by brothers [[Pat Lee|Pat]] and [[Roger Lee]] as a studio within [[Wikipedia:Image Comics|Image Comics]] in 1996, at the height of the Image boom.

In 1998, Dreamwave would start to publish various <strike>blatantly plagiarized</strike> originally created titles such as ''[[wikipedia:Ghost in the Shell|Darkminds]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Record of Lodoss War|Warlands]]'', as well as accepting work-for-hire assignments for other publishers such as the four-issue limited series ''Wolverine/Punisher: Revelation'' for Marvel. Other titles such as ''Shidima'', ''Fate of the Blade'' or ''Arkanium'' would follow. Furthermore, Dreamwave also collaborated with [[wikipedia:VIBE (magazine)|VIBE]] and [[wikipedia:Wizard (magazine)|Wizard: The Comics Magazine]] on various projects, developed an advertising campaign for the [[wikipedia:Dr. Martens|Dr. Martens]] shoe label and created the production designs for the music video to [[wikipedia:Janet Jackson|Janet Jackson's]] song "Doesn't Really Matter".

Initially, the "hook" for Dreamwave's financial success was the drawing style of its president, Pat Lee, which many readers viewed as "manga-like" (although readers of actual Japanese Mangas had a different opinion on this matter).

===Splitting from Image and getting the Transformers license===
In 2001, issue #111 of ''Wizard: The Comics Magazine'' ran a feature named "Big 80s", featuring various popular properties of the 1980s such as ''Thundercats'' or ''Masters of the Universe'' in new interpretations by modern artists. Pat Lee and Dreamwave submitted their own take on the ''Transformers'', one of Pat's personal favorites from his childhood days. That same year, a group of Dreamwave employees (including Alvin Lee, who had worked with Pat on the ''Wizard'' piece) departed from their company to form their own business, UDON Studios.

Shortly afterwards, [[Hasbro]] was offering the license for Transformers comics, with the premise being that the artwork should look close to the sample Dreamwave had done for ''Wizard''. Several companies, including Marvel (with UDON being supposed to handle the art), were interested,<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=litg&article=1365 Lying in the Gutters confirming that other publishers were interested in the Transformers license]</ref> but ultimately it was Dreamwave who offered Hasbro the biggest amount of money, thereby acquiring the license in December of 2001<ref>[http://tformers.com/New-Transformers-Comic/130/news.html TFormers confirms that Dreamwave acquired the Transformers comic license]</ref> - money which Hasbro would ultimately never see in full. To commemorate the new flagship title, Dreamwave officially cut all ties with Image and became an independent publisher on their own.

===Success of the Transformers titles===
Dreamwave's launch title, ''[[Prime Directive|Transformers: Generation 1 vol. 1]]'', written by [[Chris Sarracini]] and drawn by Pat Lee, became an instant hit, dominating Diamond's sales charts for months. Dreamwave would soon expand their range of Transformers comics to include an ongoing ''Transformers: Armada'' series (which later evolved into ''Transformers: Energon'' to accompany the respective toylines), initially also written by Sarricini. Although the [[War and Peace|second ''Generation 1'' volume]] was originally supposed to be written by Sarracini again, he was replaced by new writer [[James McDonough]] (who originally worked under the alias "Brad Mick"), thereby ultimately writing an entirely different story than what was originally intended<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=1051 TFormers citing a ''Wizard Edge'' article that hints at the originally proposed plot for Dreamwave's Transformers: Generation 1 vol. 2]</ref>. With [[Original Sin|issue #5]] of the [[Generation 1 (Dreamwave comic)|third ''Generation 1'' volume]] (now an ongoing title), McDonough was joined by his longtime friend [[Adam Patyk]], now forming a writing duo, eventually shifting out his "Brad Mick" alias.

Furthermore, Dreamwave hired fan-favorite [[Simon Furman]] to pen various ''Transformers: The War Within'' mini-series, the first official Transformers fiction ever to be not directly based on an existing toyline. Furman would be joined by artist [[Don Figueroa]], whom Dreamave had hired directly out of the fandom. More fan artists such as [[Guido Guidi]] and [[Joe Ng]] would soon follow Don into the professional comic book world. Meanwhile, Furman would later also take over the ''Armada'' title as a writer.

===Trouble on the horizon===
The first problems arose in 2003, when it turned out that Dreamwave had only acquired the license for distributing ''Transformers'' titles in the USA, which resulted in a temporary hold in the international distribution until the matter was settled.<ref>[http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=580 Newsarama reporting on problems resulting from Dreamwave's lack of a license for an international release of their ''Transformers'' titles]</ref>

Following the success of their ''Transformers'' titles, Dreamwave put their own titles ''Warlands'' and ''Darkminds'' on hold, instead focussing on other licensed books such as ''[[wikipedia:Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'', numerous [[wikipedia:Capcom|Capcom]] franchises such as ''[[wikipedia:MegaMan|MegaMan]]'', and ''[[wikipedia:Duel Masters|Duel Masters]]'' (a [[Hasbro]]-backed Japanese import card game/toyline). None of those titles would last particularly long, however, and some (mainly numerous Capcom titles) never even got the first issue out. This was also when rumors of creators not getting paid first came up.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=litg&article=1760 Lying in the Gutters reporting on early rumors of Dreamwave artists not getting paid]</ref> Rumors about a rigid "house style" committing other artists to draw in a style close to company president Pat Lee started to circulate as well, most evident in the second ''War Within'' miniseries, where the original pencils by artist [[Andrew Wildman]] were drastically reworked by the inker, with rather disappointing results.

In mid-2004, Dreamwave announced the "addition" of new creators<ref>[http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?t=31236 The infamous "Dreamwave adds Transformers' creators" press release]</ref>, failing to mention that this also meant the departure of Adam Patyk and James McDonough from the company. Although Dreamwave tried to contain this delicate bit of information by asking websites to consider any public statements by the two regarding their current situation with Dreamwave as "private" and thus delete them<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=litg&article=2033 Lying in the Gutters reporting on Dreamwave's attempt to contain information about Patyk and McDonough's firing]</ref>, some sites ignored that request, thereby revealing that Patyk and McDonough were owed a significant amount of money for their work.<ref>[http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=3842 TFormers.com quoting a statement by Patyk and McDonough]</ref> At the same time, Pat Lee would start to do contractual work for Marvel and DC again, such as issues of ''House of M'' or ''Superman/Batman''.

===The end===

While other artists and writers, including Simon Furman, at least temporarily joined the fold of creators not getting paid by Dreamwave, Chris Sarracini was asked to rewrite the stories previously submitted by Patyk and McDonough.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=litg&article=2045 Lying in the Gutters reporting that even Simon Furman was temporarily not paid, and the stories by Patyk and McDonough were being rewritten]</ref> Likewise, a long-since announced ''Beast Wars'' title McDonough and Patyk had previously worked on was now supposed to be written by Furman instead. However, those stories would ultimately never be published, as Hasbro had already declined to renew Dreamwave's license to publish Transformers comics by this point. <ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=litg&article=2054 Lying in the Gutters reporting that Hasbro had revoked Dreamwave's ''Transformers'' license]</ref> Following numerous rumors, including one posted by [[Ben Yee]] on his own website [http://www.bwtf.com/ BWTF.com], Dreamwave officially declared bankruptcy on January 4, 2005, blaming the weak Canadian Dollar and other scapegoats for the company's failure, including a vastly incorrect claim about Dreamwave being the "only Canadian independent comics publisher".<ref>[http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=4053 Dreamwave's final press release]</ref>

By this time, Pat and Roger had already spent four months secretly moving most of Dreamwave's assets to a new company named Dream Engine, whose website domain was registered to Roger's name. The existence of Dream Engine first became public in early January of 2005.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=litg&article=2059 Lying in the Gutters discovering the existence of Dream Engine]</ref>

===The aftermath===
The overall amount of Dreamwave's debt was far over a million dollars.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?article=2102 Lying in the Gutters' list of Dreamwave's creditors]</ref> While former Dreamwave employees never saw a single cent of the money they were owed for their work, Pat Lee repeated the performance a year later with Dream Engine, ultimately resulting in him departing from the new company and once again starting a new business, ''Pat Lee Productions''. Meanwhile, a Canadian entrepreneur named Christian Dery acquired the remaining Dreamwave assets, including the name "Dreamwave" and the rights to their "original" titles such as ''Warlands'' or ''Darkminds'', in August of 2005. Ultimately, however, no new Dreamwave comics would ever see the light of day, and the "new" Dreamwave ended up not paying employees ''either''.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=litg&article=2765 Lying in the Gutters reporting on trouble with the "new" Dreamwave]</ref> Eventually, Dreamwave II would close shop in mid-2006, selling back the remaining Dreamwave properties to Roger Lee and Dream Engine.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=litg&article=2769 Lying in the Gutters reporting on the final fate of the "new" Dreamwave]</ref>

==Series published==
=== Dreamwave G1 ===
*''[[Prime Directive|Prime Directive (G1 Volume 1)]]''
*''[[War and Peace|War and Peace (G1 Volume 2)]]''
*''[[Generation 1 (Dreamwave comic)|Generation 1 Ongoing (G1 Volume 3)]]''
*''[[The War Within]]''
*''[[The War Within: The Dark Ages]]''
*''[[The War Within: Age of Wrath]]''
*''[[Micromasters (comic)|Micromasters]]''

''See also:
* [[Dreamwave timeline]]
* [[Dreamwave continuity]]''

=== Unicron Trilogy ===
*''[[Armada (Dreamwave comic)|Armada]]''
*''[[Energon (comic)|Energon]]''

=== Transformers/G.I. Joe ===
*''[[Transformers/G.I. Joe Vol. 1]]''
*''[[Transformers/G.I. Joe Vol. 2]]''

=== Other ===
*''[[More Than Meets The Eye]]'' (G1)
*''[[More Than Meets The Eye]]'' (Armada)
* ''[[Dreamwave Summer Special|20th Anniversary Transformers Summer Special]]''

''See also: [[Unreleased Dreamwave issues]]

== Footnotes ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [http://tfarchive.com/comics/dreamwave/ By-issue guides, G1 timeline and information (TFArchive)]
* [http://seibertron.com/comics/series.php Cross-referenced information about series and creators (Seibertron)]
* [http://www.electric-escape.net/tf/comics/Dreamwave Another comprehensive guide (Electric Escape)]
* [http://tfarchive.com/community/showpost.php?p=509985&postcount=44 Unpublished Dreamwave G1 continuity timeline]
[[Category: Comics]]
[[Category: Companies]]
[[Category: Dreamwave| ]]<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>