MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Transformer

2007-12-15T14:03:44Z

218.186.11.4: /* Toys */

[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]

'''The Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|Continuities]] in the vast [[Multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to [[Transformation|"transform,"]], to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populance.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''").
{{quote|Many millions of years ago, on the planet Cybertron, there existed life. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|"[[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"}}

==Origin==

{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but of those that exist the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' - Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] and then promptly (and thankfully) ignored.

* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' - Created as consumer goods and military hardware by the alien Quintessons. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Though well known because of the cartoon's prominence it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media. Add to that that according to some [[Al-Badur|sources]] it may be just an other quintesson trick.

* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' - Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman]]'s UK comics and then carried back to the later US Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every Transformers work/continuity since then. A [[retcon]] created by the Transformers [[Universe]] and [[Fun Publications]] [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to 'all' Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future. How this works in light of the original cartoon's Quintesson backstory has not been explained ([[3H]] attempted to do so, however).

[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|thumb|150px|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' - This theory, alluded to by [[Nightbeat]], is that the Transformers evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition seen on [[Gorlam Prime]]. A discovery made during the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]] conflict supports this theory, as it was revealed that in the distant past, Cybertron wasn't always a mechanical planet and even hosted biological lifeforms. Indeed, deep in its soil can be found ancient fossils of creatures which, if not of [[Earth|Earthly]] origin, are startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. The significance of this similarity is still open to speculation.

* '''[[All Spark|Cube creationism]]''' - The Cube did it. End of the story.

==Biology==

===Physical construction===
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]

Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2]] comic books established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, assumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.
[[Image:G1Bw.gif|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell").

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines]]'', events lead to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based [[Kiss-Player]] series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list see: [[:Category:Transformer_anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to be suffer from the following diseases:[[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]] making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

===Size===

[[Image:BigSmall.gif|thumb|130px|left|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two or three times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robots]]). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners.
====See also====
* '''[[Scale]]'''

===Variance in form===

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|thumb|100px|A classic example of a non-humanoid Transformer]]
While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1]]'s [[Ravage]], [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Unconventional limbs make Scorponok a slow typist.]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus]]).

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|thumb|right|50px|Elita 1 - Boys 0]]

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformers]] in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance.)

{{-}}

===Energy===

[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg |left|100px|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]

Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformer's only major biological need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the abillity to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more comonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the kisses of little girls in [[Kiss Players]].

===New bodies===

It is not uncommon at all for a single Transformer to change body form many times across their life-span. The ease of which they can do so depends on the continuity's technology level. In some, changing bodies requires an extensive full-body rebuild and tends to be resource draining and even dangerous. Sometimes, however, all it takes it to transplant their brain or personality program into a compatible new body. Other times, the existing body itself will be "reformatted" on the spot using a scan of a local compatible alt-mode (this is most prevalent during the [[Unicron Trilogy]] AND [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] material).

While not entirely 'new bodies' themselves, the [[Transmetal]] bodies - caused by exposure to a [[Transwarp]] quantum surge - somehow 'mutated' the bodies of Transformers in the Beast Era. How this was done on-the-fly with no harm to the Transformer is unknown.

====See also====
For more information on Transformer biology see:

* '''[[Life cycle]]'''

* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF_Emotion.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Transformers are [[Orion Pax|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]

Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome|schools]] and [[Crankcase|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}
In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic autocratic government centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and [[Supreme Commander|Commander-in-Chief]]. In the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor. The Decepticons however bow only to the supremacy of the most powerful.

In contrast, it should be noted that in the Marvel comic continuity possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership as it was more of a religious icon. Here instead, Cybertron appears to have traditionally been governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders|group of elders]], [[Emirates]] and a [[Senate]] (how Senators and Emirates are chosen is unrevealed), all overseen by a Caesar-like [[Overlord (Autobot)|Overlord]]. The last of the Overlords passed away as the Great War was just beginning and the remaining government powers foundered for years before finally turning political authority and military leadership over to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", where as the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster|head]]s, [[Targetmaster|weapon]]s, and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercore]]s. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer at a dependent situation in the relationship.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformers music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Blaster have shown great interest in music and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves makin art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:

*'''[[Cybertron Civil Wars]]'''

*'''[[Religion]]'''

==Toys==
In 1970's, Japanese subsidiary of the toy maker Hasboro, Takara,Inc created the Diaclone robots. Like viturally all fictional Japanese robots, they were piloted by men and could transform into a variety of common items including cars, trucks and airplanes.

Takara Toys' 1982 Micro Change series of toys were part of the 1980 New Microman toy line and were small household objects that could transform into vehicles or artificially intelligent robot characters that fought alongside their 10-centimeter tall alien cyborg Microman creators against the evil Acroyears.

The Transformers toyline was developed by Hasbro after they met up with Takara representatives at the 1983 Toy Fair trade show in New York and proposed to combine and re-brand Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change toylines into the Transformers for release in the United States. Thus began a long and successful collaboration between Takara and Hasbro on toy development for the Transformers line, a collaboration which has grown increasingly close. Currently, Hasbro does the vast majority of the concept work and character creation, while Takara continues to control the actual manufacture of the toys. Hasbro markets and sells the toys internationally, while Takara sells them in the Japanese market. The design director for the Transformers brand, as of the first week of July of 2007, was Aaron Archer.

The basic back-story of the toyline and subsequent comic books and cartoons was developed by the Marvel Comics writers Jim Shooter and Dennis O'Neil; it was O'Neil who actually changed Convoy's name to Optimus Prime. Most of the subsequent character names and profiles throughout the original run were done by the primary Transformers US comic book writer, Bob Budiansky.

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the toyline now known as [[Generation 1]] and have gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the tie-in [[Movie (toyline)|movie line]] .

Because of Hasbro, Sunbow and Marvel focus on difference market, this leads to conflict in transformer naming and inconsistent story line.

reference:
http://tfarchive.com/toys/trademarks/g1_trademarks_intro.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_(toy_line)

[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]
[[Category: Biology]]<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>

Transformer

2007-12-15T14:01:14Z

218.186.11.4: /* Toys */

[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]

'''The Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|Continuities]] in the vast [[Multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to [[Transformation|"transform,"]], to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populance.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''").
{{quote|Many millions of years ago, on the planet Cybertron, there existed life. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|"[[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"}}

==Origin==

{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but of those that exist the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' - Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] and then promptly (and thankfully) ignored.

* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' - Created as consumer goods and military hardware by the alien Quintessons. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Though well known because of the cartoon's prominence it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media. Add to that that according to some [[Al-Badur|sources]] it may be just an other quintesson trick.

* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' - Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman]]'s UK comics and then carried back to the later US Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every Transformers work/continuity since then. A [[retcon]] created by the Transformers [[Universe]] and [[Fun Publications]] [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to 'all' Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future. How this works in light of the original cartoon's Quintesson backstory has not been explained ([[3H]] attempted to do so, however).

[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|thumb|150px|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' - This theory, alluded to by [[Nightbeat]], is that the Transformers evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition seen on [[Gorlam Prime]]. A discovery made during the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]] conflict supports this theory, as it was revealed that in the distant past, Cybertron wasn't always a mechanical planet and even hosted biological lifeforms. Indeed, deep in its soil can be found ancient fossils of creatures which, if not of [[Earth|Earthly]] origin, are startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. The significance of this similarity is still open to speculation.

* '''[[All Spark|Cube creationism]]''' - The Cube did it. End of the story.

==Biology==

===Physical construction===
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]

Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2]] comic books established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, assumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.
[[Image:G1Bw.gif|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell").

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines]]'', events lead to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based [[Kiss-Player]] series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list see: [[:Category:Transformer_anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to be suffer from the following diseases:[[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]] making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

===Size===

[[Image:BigSmall.gif|thumb|130px|left|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two or three times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robots]]). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners.
====See also====
* '''[[Scale]]'''

===Variance in form===

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|thumb|100px|A classic example of a non-humanoid Transformer]]
While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1]]'s [[Ravage]], [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Unconventional limbs make Scorponok a slow typist.]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus]]).

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|thumb|right|50px|Elita 1 - Boys 0]]

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformers]] in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance.)

{{-}}

===Energy===

[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg |left|100px|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]

Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformer's only major biological need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the abillity to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more comonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the kisses of little girls in [[Kiss Players]].

===New bodies===

It is not uncommon at all for a single Transformer to change body form many times across their life-span. The ease of which they can do so depends on the continuity's technology level. In some, changing bodies requires an extensive full-body rebuild and tends to be resource draining and even dangerous. Sometimes, however, all it takes it to transplant their brain or personality program into a compatible new body. Other times, the existing body itself will be "reformatted" on the spot using a scan of a local compatible alt-mode (this is most prevalent during the [[Unicron Trilogy]] AND [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] material).

While not entirely 'new bodies' themselves, the [[Transmetal]] bodies - caused by exposure to a [[Transwarp]] quantum surge - somehow 'mutated' the bodies of Transformers in the Beast Era. How this was done on-the-fly with no harm to the Transformer is unknown.

====See also====
For more information on Transformer biology see:

* '''[[Life cycle]]'''

* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF_Emotion.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Transformers are [[Orion Pax|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]

Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome|schools]] and [[Crankcase|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}
In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic autocratic government centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and [[Supreme Commander|Commander-in-Chief]]. In the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor. The Decepticons however bow only to the supremacy of the most powerful.

In contrast, it should be noted that in the Marvel comic continuity possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership as it was more of a religious icon. Here instead, Cybertron appears to have traditionally been governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders|group of elders]], [[Emirates]] and a [[Senate]] (how Senators and Emirates are chosen is unrevealed), all overseen by a Caesar-like [[Overlord (Autobot)|Overlord]]. The last of the Overlords passed away as the Great War was just beginning and the remaining government powers foundered for years before finally turning political authority and military leadership over to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", where as the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster|head]]s, [[Targetmaster|weapon]]s, and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercore]]s. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer at a dependent situation in the relationship.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformers music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Blaster have shown great interest in music and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves makin art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:

*'''[[Cybertron Civil Wars]]'''

*'''[[Religion]]'''

==Toys==
In 1970's, Japanese subsidiary of the toy maker Hasboro, Takara,Inc created the Diaclone robots. Like viturally all fictional Japanese robots, they were piloted by men and could transform into a variety of common items including cars, trucks and airplanes.

Takara Toys' 1982 Micro Change series of toys were part of the 1980 New Microman toy line and were small household objects that could transform into vehicles or artificially intelligent robot characters that fought alongside their 10-centimeter tall alien cyborg Microman creators against the evil Acroyears.

The Transformers toyline was developed by Hasbro after they met up with Takara representatives at the 1983 Toy Fair trade show in New York and proposed to combine and re-brand Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change toylines into the Transformers for release in the United States. Thus began a long and successful collaboration between Takara and Hasbro on toy development for the Transformers line, a collaboration which has grown increasingly close. Currently, Hasbro does the vast majority of the concept work and character creation, while Takara continues to control the actual manufacture of the toys. Hasbro markets and sells the toys internationally, while Takara sells them in the Japanese market. The design director for the Transformers brand, as of the first week of July of 2007, was Aaron Archer.

The basic back-story of the toyline and subsequent comic books and cartoons was developed by the Marvel Comics writers Jim Shooter and Dennis O'Neil; it was O'Neil who actually changed Convoy's name to Optimus Prime. Most of the subsequent character names and profiles throughout the original run were done by the primary Transformers US comic book writer, Bob Budiansky.

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the toyline now known as [[Generation 1]] and have gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the tie-in [[Movie (toyline)|movie line]] .

Because of Hasbro, Sunbow and Marvel focus on difference market, naming and translation issue create lots of naming conflict in the transformer naming and story line.

reference:
http://tfarchive.com/toys/trademarks/g1_trademarks_intro.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_(toy_line)

[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]
[[Category: Biology]]<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>

Transformer

2007-12-15T13:58:56Z

218.186.11.4: /* Toys */

[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]

'''The Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|Continuities]] in the vast [[Multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to [[Transformation|"transform,"]], to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populance.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''").
{{quote|Many millions of years ago, on the planet Cybertron, there existed life. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|"[[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"}}

==Origin==

{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but of those that exist the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' - Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] and then promptly (and thankfully) ignored.

* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' - Created as consumer goods and military hardware by the alien Quintessons. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Though well known because of the cartoon's prominence it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media. Add to that that according to some [[Al-Badur|sources]] it may be just an other quintesson trick.

* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' - Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman]]'s UK comics and then carried back to the later US Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every Transformers work/continuity since then. A [[retcon]] created by the Transformers [[Universe]] and [[Fun Publications]] [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to 'all' Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future. How this works in light of the original cartoon's Quintesson backstory has not been explained ([[3H]] attempted to do so, however).

[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|thumb|150px|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' - This theory, alluded to by [[Nightbeat]], is that the Transformers evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition seen on [[Gorlam Prime]]. A discovery made during the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]] conflict supports this theory, as it was revealed that in the distant past, Cybertron wasn't always a mechanical planet and even hosted biological lifeforms. Indeed, deep in its soil can be found ancient fossils of creatures which, if not of [[Earth|Earthly]] origin, are startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. The significance of this similarity is still open to speculation.

* '''[[All Spark|Cube creationism]]''' - The Cube did it. End of the story.

==Biology==

===Physical construction===
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]

Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2]] comic books established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, assumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.
[[Image:G1Bw.gif|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell").

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines]]'', events lead to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based [[Kiss-Player]] series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list see: [[:Category:Transformer_anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to be suffer from the following diseases:[[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]] making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

===Size===

[[Image:BigSmall.gif|thumb|130px|left|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two or three times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robots]]). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners.
====See also====
* '''[[Scale]]'''

===Variance in form===

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|thumb|100px|A classic example of a non-humanoid Transformer]]
While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1]]'s [[Ravage]], [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Unconventional limbs make Scorponok a slow typist.]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus]]).

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|thumb|right|50px|Elita 1 - Boys 0]]

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformers]] in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance.)

{{-}}

===Energy===

[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg |left|100px|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]

Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformer's only major biological need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the abillity to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more comonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the kisses of little girls in [[Kiss Players]].

===New bodies===

It is not uncommon at all for a single Transformer to change body form many times across their life-span. The ease of which they can do so depends on the continuity's technology level. In some, changing bodies requires an extensive full-body rebuild and tends to be resource draining and even dangerous. Sometimes, however, all it takes it to transplant their brain or personality program into a compatible new body. Other times, the existing body itself will be "reformatted" on the spot using a scan of a local compatible alt-mode (this is most prevalent during the [[Unicron Trilogy]] AND [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] material).

While not entirely 'new bodies' themselves, the [[Transmetal]] bodies - caused by exposure to a [[Transwarp]] quantum surge - somehow 'mutated' the bodies of Transformers in the Beast Era. How this was done on-the-fly with no harm to the Transformer is unknown.

====See also====
For more information on Transformer biology see:

* '''[[Life cycle]]'''

* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF_Emotion.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Transformers are [[Orion Pax|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]

Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome|schools]] and [[Crankcase|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}
In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic autocratic government centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and [[Supreme Commander|Commander-in-Chief]]. In the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor. The Decepticons however bow only to the supremacy of the most powerful.

In contrast, it should be noted that in the Marvel comic continuity possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership as it was more of a religious icon. Here instead, Cybertron appears to have traditionally been governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders|group of elders]], [[Emirates]] and a [[Senate]] (how Senators and Emirates are chosen is unrevealed), all overseen by a Caesar-like [[Overlord (Autobot)|Overlord]]. The last of the Overlords passed away as the Great War was just beginning and the remaining government powers foundered for years before finally turning political authority and military leadership over to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", where as the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster|head]]s, [[Targetmaster|weapon]]s, and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercore]]s. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer at a dependent situation in the relationship.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformers music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Blaster have shown great interest in music and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves makin art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:

*'''[[Cybertron Civil Wars]]'''

*'''[[Religion]]'''

==Toys==
In 1970's, Japanese subsidiary of the toy maker Hasboro, Takara,Inc created the Diaclone robots. Like viturally all fictional Japanese robots, they were piloted by men and could transform into a variety of common items including cars, trucks and airplanes.

Takara Toys' 1982 Micro Change series of toys were part of the 1980 New Microman toy line and were small household objects that could transform into vehicles or artificially intelligent robot characters that fought alongside their 10-centimeter tall alien cyborg Microman creators against the evil Acroyears.

The Transformers toyline was developed by Hasbro after they met up with Takara representatives at the 1983 Toy Fair trade show in New York and proposed to combine and re-brand Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change toylines into the Transformers for release in the United States. Thus began a long and successful collaboration between Takara and Hasbro on toy development for the Transformers line, a collaboration which has grown increasingly close. Currently, Hasbro does the vast majority of the concept work and character creation, while Takara continues to control the actual manufacture of the toys. Hasbro markets and sells the toys internationally, while Takara sells them in the Japanese market. The design director for the Transformers brand, as of the first week of July of 2007, was Aaron Archer.

The basic back-story of the toyline and subsequent comic books and cartoons was developed by the Marvel Comics writers Jim Shooter and Dennis O'Neil; it was O'Neil who actually changed Convoy's name to Optimus Prime. Most of the subsequent character names and profiles throughout the original run were done by the primary Transformers US comic book writer, Bob Budiansky.

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the toyline now known as [[Generation 1]] and have gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the tie-in [[Movie (toyline)|movie line]] .

Because of Hasbro, Sunbow and Marvel focus on difference market, naming and translation issue create lots of naming conflict in the transformer naming and story line.

reference: [[http://www.example.com link title]]http://tfarchive.com/toys/trademarks/g1_trademarks_intro.php

[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]
[[Category: Biology]]<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>

Transformer

2007-12-15T13:41:39Z

218.186.11.4: /* Toys */

[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]

'''The Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|Continuities]] in the vast [[Multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to [[Transformation|"transform,"]], to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populance.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''").
{{quote|Many millions of years ago, on the planet Cybertron, there existed life. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|"[[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"}}

==Origin==

{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but of those that exist the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' - Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] and then promptly (and thankfully) ignored.

* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' - Created as consumer goods and military hardware by the alien Quintessons. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Though well known because of the cartoon's prominence it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media. Add to that that according to some [[Al-Badur|sources]] it may be just an other quintesson trick.

* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' - Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman]]'s UK comics and then carried back to the later US Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every Transformers work/continuity since then. A [[retcon]] created by the Transformers [[Universe]] and [[Fun Publications]] [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to 'all' Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future. How this works in light of the original cartoon's Quintesson backstory has not been explained ([[3H]] attempted to do so, however).

[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|thumb|150px|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' - This theory, alluded to by [[Nightbeat]], is that the Transformers evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition seen on [[Gorlam Prime]]. A discovery made during the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]] conflict supports this theory, as it was revealed that in the distant past, Cybertron wasn't always a mechanical planet and even hosted biological lifeforms. Indeed, deep in its soil can be found ancient fossils of creatures which, if not of [[Earth|Earthly]] origin, are startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. The significance of this similarity is still open to speculation.

* '''[[All Spark|Cube creationism]]''' - The Cube did it. End of the story.

==Biology==

===Physical construction===
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]

Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2]] comic books established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, assumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.
[[Image:G1Bw.gif|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell").

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines]]'', events lead to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based [[Kiss-Player]] series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list see: [[:Category:Transformer_anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to be suffer from the following diseases:[[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]] making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

===Size===

[[Image:BigSmall.gif|thumb|130px|left|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two or three times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robots]]). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners.
====See also====
* '''[[Scale]]'''

===Variance in form===

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|thumb|100px|A classic example of a non-humanoid Transformer]]
While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1]]'s [[Ravage]], [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Unconventional limbs make Scorponok a slow typist.]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus]]).

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|thumb|right|50px|Elita 1 - Boys 0]]

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformers]] in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance.)

{{-}}

===Energy===

[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg |left|100px|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]

Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformer's only major biological need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the abillity to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more comonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the kisses of little girls in [[Kiss Players]].

===New bodies===

It is not uncommon at all for a single Transformer to change body form many times across their life-span. The ease of which they can do so depends on the continuity's technology level. In some, changing bodies requires an extensive full-body rebuild and tends to be resource draining and even dangerous. Sometimes, however, all it takes it to transplant their brain or personality program into a compatible new body. Other times, the existing body itself will be "reformatted" on the spot using a scan of a local compatible alt-mode (this is most prevalent during the [[Unicron Trilogy]] AND [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] material).

While not entirely 'new bodies' themselves, the [[Transmetal]] bodies - caused by exposure to a [[Transwarp]] quantum surge - somehow 'mutated' the bodies of Transformers in the Beast Era. How this was done on-the-fly with no harm to the Transformer is unknown.

====See also====
For more information on Transformer biology see:

* '''[[Life cycle]]'''

* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF_Emotion.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Transformers are [[Orion Pax|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]

Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome|schools]] and [[Crankcase|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}
In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic autocratic government centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and [[Supreme Commander|Commander-in-Chief]]. In the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor. The Decepticons however bow only to the supremacy of the most powerful.

In contrast, it should be noted that in the Marvel comic continuity possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership as it was more of a religious icon. Here instead, Cybertron appears to have traditionally been governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders|group of elders]], [[Emirates]] and a [[Senate]] (how Senators and Emirates are chosen is unrevealed), all overseen by a Caesar-like [[Overlord (Autobot)|Overlord]]. The last of the Overlords passed away as the Great War was just beginning and the remaining government powers foundered for years before finally turning political authority and military leadership over to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", where as the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster|head]]s, [[Targetmaster|weapon]]s, and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercore]]s. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer at a dependent situation in the relationship.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformers music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Blaster have shown great interest in music and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves makin art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:

*'''[[Cybertron Civil Wars]]'''

*'''[[Religion]]'''

==Toys==
In 1970's, Japanese subsidiary of the toy maker Hasboro, Takara,Inc created the Diaclone robots. Like viturally all fictional Japanese robots, they were piloted by men and could transform into a variety of common items including cars, trucks and airplanes.

Takara Toys' 1982 Micro Change series of toys were part of the 1980 New Microman toy line and were small household objects that could transform into vehicles or artificially intelligent robot characters that fought alongside their 10-centimeter tall alien cyborg Microman creators against the evil Acroyears.

The Transformers toyline was developed by Hasbro after they met up with Takara representatives at the 1983 Toy Fair trade show in New York and proposed to combine and re-brand Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change toylines into the Transformers for release in the United States. Thus began a long and successful collaboration between Takara and Hasbro on toy development for the Transformers line, a collaboration which has grown increasingly close. Currently, Hasbro does the vast majority of the concept work and character creation, while Takara continues to control the actual manufacture of the toys. Hasbro markets and sells the toys internationally, while Takara sells them in the Japanese market. The design director for the Transformers brand, as of the first week of July of 2007, was Aaron Archer.

The basic back-story of the toyline and subsequent comic books and cartoons was developed by the Marvel Comics writers Jim Shooter and Dennis O'Neil; it was O'Neil who actually changed Convoy's name to Optimus Prime. Most of the subsequent character names and profiles throughout the original run were done by the primary Transformers US comic book writer, Bob Budiansky.

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the toyline now known as [[Generation 1]] and have gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the tie-in [[Movie (toyline)|movie line]] .

[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]
[[Category: Biology]]<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>

Transformer

2007-12-15T13:39:54Z

218.186.11.4: /* Toys */

[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]

'''The Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|Continuities]] in the vast [[Multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to [[Transformation|"transform,"]], to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populance.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''").
{{quote|Many millions of years ago, on the planet Cybertron, there existed life. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|"[[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"}}

==Origin==

{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but of those that exist the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' - Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] and then promptly (and thankfully) ignored.

* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' - Created as consumer goods and military hardware by the alien Quintessons. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Though well known because of the cartoon's prominence it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media. Add to that that according to some [[Al-Badur|sources]] it may be just an other quintesson trick.

* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' - Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman]]'s UK comics and then carried back to the later US Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every Transformers work/continuity since then. A [[retcon]] created by the Transformers [[Universe]] and [[Fun Publications]] [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to 'all' Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future. How this works in light of the original cartoon's Quintesson backstory has not been explained ([[3H]] attempted to do so, however).

[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|thumb|150px|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' - This theory, alluded to by [[Nightbeat]], is that the Transformers evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition seen on [[Gorlam Prime]]. A discovery made during the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]] conflict supports this theory, as it was revealed that in the distant past, Cybertron wasn't always a mechanical planet and even hosted biological lifeforms. Indeed, deep in its soil can be found ancient fossils of creatures which, if not of [[Earth|Earthly]] origin, are startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. The significance of this similarity is still open to speculation.

* '''[[All Spark|Cube creationism]]''' - The Cube did it. End of the story.

==Biology==

===Physical construction===
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]

Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2]] comic books established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, assumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.
[[Image:G1Bw.gif|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell").

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines]]'', events lead to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based [[Kiss-Player]] series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list see: [[:Category:Transformer_anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to be suffer from the following diseases:[[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]] making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

===Size===

[[Image:BigSmall.gif|thumb|130px|left|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two or three times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robots]]). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners.
====See also====
* '''[[Scale]]'''

===Variance in form===

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|thumb|100px|A classic example of a non-humanoid Transformer]]
While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1]]'s [[Ravage]], [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Unconventional limbs make Scorponok a slow typist.]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus]]).

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|thumb|right|50px|Elita 1 - Boys 0]]

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformers]] in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance.)

{{-}}

===Energy===

[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg |left|100px|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]

Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformer's only major biological need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the abillity to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more comonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the kisses of little girls in [[Kiss Players]].

===New bodies===

It is not uncommon at all for a single Transformer to change body form many times across their life-span. The ease of which they can do so depends on the continuity's technology level. In some, changing bodies requires an extensive full-body rebuild and tends to be resource draining and even dangerous. Sometimes, however, all it takes it to transplant their brain or personality program into a compatible new body. Other times, the existing body itself will be "reformatted" on the spot using a scan of a local compatible alt-mode (this is most prevalent during the [[Unicron Trilogy]] AND [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] material).

While not entirely 'new bodies' themselves, the [[Transmetal]] bodies - caused by exposure to a [[Transwarp]] quantum surge - somehow 'mutated' the bodies of Transformers in the Beast Era. How this was done on-the-fly with no harm to the Transformer is unknown.

====See also====
For more information on Transformer biology see:

* '''[[Life cycle]]'''

* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF_Emotion.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Transformers are [[Orion Pax|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]

Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome|schools]] and [[Crankcase|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}
In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic autocratic government centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and [[Supreme Commander|Commander-in-Chief]]. In the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor. The Decepticons however bow only to the supremacy of the most powerful.

In contrast, it should be noted that in the Marvel comic continuity possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership as it was more of a religious icon. Here instead, Cybertron appears to have traditionally been governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders|group of elders]], [[Emirates]] and a [[Senate]] (how Senators and Emirates are chosen is unrevealed), all overseen by a Caesar-like [[Overlord (Autobot)|Overlord]]. The last of the Overlords passed away as the Great War was just beginning and the remaining government powers foundered for years before finally turning political authority and military leadership over to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", where as the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster|head]]s, [[Targetmaster|weapon]]s, and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercore]]s. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer at a dependent situation in the relationship.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformers music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Blaster have shown great interest in music and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves makin art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:

*'''[[Cybertron Civil Wars]]'''

*'''[[Religion]]'''

==Toys==
In 1970's, Japanese subsidiary of the toy maker Hasboro, Takara,Inc created the Diaclone robots. Like viturally all fictional Japanese robots, they were piloted by men and could transform into a variety of common items including cars, trucks and airplanes.

The Transformers toyline was developed by Hasbro after they met up with Takara representatives at the 1983 Toy Fair trade show in New York and proposed to combine and re-brand Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change toylines into the Transformers for release in the United States. Thus began a long and successful collaboration between Takara and Hasbro on toy development for the Transformers line, a collaboration which has grown increasingly close. Currently, Hasbro does the vast majority of the concept work and character creation, while Takara continues to control the actual manufacture of the toys. Hasbro markets and sells the toys internationally, while Takara sells them in the Japanese market. The design director for the Transformers brand, as of the first week of July of 2007, was Aaron Archer.

The basic back-story of the toyline and subsequent comic books and cartoons was developed by the Marvel Comics writers Jim Shooter and Dennis O'Neil; it was O'Neil who actually changed Convoy's name to Optimus Prime. Most of the subsequent character names and profiles throughout the original run were done by the primary Transformers US comic book writer, Bob Budiansky.

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the toyline now known as [[Generation 1]] and have gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the tie-in [[Movie (toyline)|movie line]] .

[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]
[[Category: Biology]]<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>

Transformer

2007-12-15T13:38:23Z

218.186.11.4: /* Toys */

[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]

'''The Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|Continuities]] in the vast [[Multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to [[Transformation|"transform,"]], to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populance.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''").
{{quote|Many millions of years ago, on the planet Cybertron, there existed life. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|"[[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"}}

==Origin==

{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but of those that exist the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' - Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] and then promptly (and thankfully) ignored.

* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' - Created as consumer goods and military hardware by the alien Quintessons. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Though well known because of the cartoon's prominence it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media. Add to that that according to some [[Al-Badur|sources]] it may be just an other quintesson trick.

* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' - Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman]]'s UK comics and then carried back to the later US Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every Transformers work/continuity since then. A [[retcon]] created by the Transformers [[Universe]] and [[Fun Publications]] [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to 'all' Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future. How this works in light of the original cartoon's Quintesson backstory has not been explained ([[3H]] attempted to do so, however).

[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|thumb|150px|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' - This theory, alluded to by [[Nightbeat]], is that the Transformers evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition seen on [[Gorlam Prime]]. A discovery made during the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]] conflict supports this theory, as it was revealed that in the distant past, Cybertron wasn't always a mechanical planet and even hosted biological lifeforms. Indeed, deep in its soil can be found ancient fossils of creatures which, if not of [[Earth|Earthly]] origin, are startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. The significance of this similarity is still open to speculation.

* '''[[All Spark|Cube creationism]]''' - The Cube did it. End of the story.

==Biology==

===Physical construction===
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]

Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2]] comic books established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, assumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.
[[Image:G1Bw.gif|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell").

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines]]'', events lead to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based [[Kiss-Player]] series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list see: [[:Category:Transformer_anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to be suffer from the following diseases:[[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]] making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

===Size===

[[Image:BigSmall.gif|thumb|130px|left|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two or three times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robots]]). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners.
====See also====
* '''[[Scale]]'''

===Variance in form===

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|thumb|100px|A classic example of a non-humanoid Transformer]]
While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1]]'s [[Ravage]], [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Unconventional limbs make Scorponok a slow typist.]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus]]).

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|thumb|right|50px|Elita 1 - Boys 0]]

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformers]] in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance.)

{{-}}

===Energy===

[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg |left|100px|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]

Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformer's only major biological need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the abillity to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more comonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the kisses of little girls in [[Kiss Players]].

===New bodies===

It is not uncommon at all for a single Transformer to change body form many times across their life-span. The ease of which they can do so depends on the continuity's technology level. In some, changing bodies requires an extensive full-body rebuild and tends to be resource draining and even dangerous. Sometimes, however, all it takes it to transplant their brain or personality program into a compatible new body. Other times, the existing body itself will be "reformatted" on the spot using a scan of a local compatible alt-mode (this is most prevalent during the [[Unicron Trilogy]] AND [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] material).

While not entirely 'new bodies' themselves, the [[Transmetal]] bodies - caused by exposure to a [[Transwarp]] quantum surge - somehow 'mutated' the bodies of Transformers in the Beast Era. How this was done on-the-fly with no harm to the Transformer is unknown.

====See also====
For more information on Transformer biology see:

* '''[[Life cycle]]'''

* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF_Emotion.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Transformers are [[Orion Pax|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]

Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome|schools]] and [[Crankcase|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}
In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic autocratic government centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and [[Supreme Commander|Commander-in-Chief]]. In the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor. The Decepticons however bow only to the supremacy of the most powerful.

In contrast, it should be noted that in the Marvel comic continuity possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership as it was more of a religious icon. Here instead, Cybertron appears to have traditionally been governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders|group of elders]], [[Emirates]] and a [[Senate]] (how Senators and Emirates are chosen is unrevealed), all overseen by a Caesar-like [[Overlord (Autobot)|Overlord]]. The last of the Overlords passed away as the Great War was just beginning and the remaining government powers foundered for years before finally turning political authority and military leadership over to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", where as the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster|head]]s, [[Targetmaster|weapon]]s, and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercore]]s. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer at a dependent situation in the relationship.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformers music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Blaster have shown great interest in music and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves makin art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:

*'''[[Cybertron Civil Wars]]'''

*'''[[Religion]]'''

==Toys==
In 1970's, Japanese subsidiary of the toy maker Hasboro, Takara,Inc created the Diaclone robots. Like viturally all fictional Japanese robots, they were piloted by men and could transform into a variety of common items including cars, trucks and airplanes.

The Transformers toyline was developed by Hasbro after they met up with Takara representatives at the 1983 Toy Fair trade show in New York and proposed to combine and re-brand Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change toylines into the Transformers for release in the United States. Thus began a long and successful collaboration between Takara and Hasbro on toy development for the Transformers line, a collaboration which has grown increasingly close. Currently, Hasbro does the vast majority of the concept work and character creation, while Takara continues to control the actual manufacture of the toys. Hasbro markets and sells the toys internationally, while Takara sells them in the Japanese market. The design director for the Transformers brand, as of the first week of July of 2007, was Aaron Archer.

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the toyline now known as [[Generation 1]] and have gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the tie-in [[Movie (toyline)|movie line]] .

[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]
[[Category: Biology]]<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>

Transformer

2007-12-15T13:34:44Z

218.186.11.4: /* Toys */

[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]

'''The Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|Continuities]] in the vast [[Multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to [[Transformation|"transform,"]], to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populance.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''").
{{quote|Many millions of years ago, on the planet Cybertron, there existed life. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|"[[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"}}

==Origin==

{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but of those that exist the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' - Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] and then promptly (and thankfully) ignored.

* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' - Created as consumer goods and military hardware by the alien Quintessons. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Though well known because of the cartoon's prominence it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media. Add to that that according to some [[Al-Badur|sources]] it may be just an other quintesson trick.

* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' - Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman]]'s UK comics and then carried back to the later US Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every Transformers work/continuity since then. A [[retcon]] created by the Transformers [[Universe]] and [[Fun Publications]] [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to 'all' Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future. How this works in light of the original cartoon's Quintesson backstory has not been explained ([[3H]] attempted to do so, however).

[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|thumb|150px|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' - This theory, alluded to by [[Nightbeat]], is that the Transformers evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition seen on [[Gorlam Prime]]. A discovery made during the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]] conflict supports this theory, as it was revealed that in the distant past, Cybertron wasn't always a mechanical planet and even hosted biological lifeforms. Indeed, deep in its soil can be found ancient fossils of creatures which, if not of [[Earth|Earthly]] origin, are startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. The significance of this similarity is still open to speculation.

* '''[[All Spark|Cube creationism]]''' - The Cube did it. End of the story.

==Biology==

===Physical construction===
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]

Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2]] comic books established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, assumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.
[[Image:G1Bw.gif|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell").

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines]]'', events lead to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based [[Kiss-Player]] series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list see: [[:Category:Transformer_anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to be suffer from the following diseases:[[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]] making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

===Size===

[[Image:BigSmall.gif|thumb|130px|left|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two or three times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robots]]). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners.
====See also====
* '''[[Scale]]'''

===Variance in form===

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|thumb|100px|A classic example of a non-humanoid Transformer]]
While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1]]'s [[Ravage]], [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Unconventional limbs make Scorponok a slow typist.]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus]]).

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|thumb|right|50px|Elita 1 - Boys 0]]

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformers]] in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance.)

{{-}}

===Energy===

[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg |left|100px|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]

Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformer's only major biological need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the abillity to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more comonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the kisses of little girls in [[Kiss Players]].

===New bodies===

It is not uncommon at all for a single Transformer to change body form many times across their life-span. The ease of which they can do so depends on the continuity's technology level. In some, changing bodies requires an extensive full-body rebuild and tends to be resource draining and even dangerous. Sometimes, however, all it takes it to transplant their brain or personality program into a compatible new body. Other times, the existing body itself will be "reformatted" on the spot using a scan of a local compatible alt-mode (this is most prevalent during the [[Unicron Trilogy]] AND [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] material).

While not entirely 'new bodies' themselves, the [[Transmetal]] bodies - caused by exposure to a [[Transwarp]] quantum surge - somehow 'mutated' the bodies of Transformers in the Beast Era. How this was done on-the-fly with no harm to the Transformer is unknown.

====See also====
For more information on Transformer biology see:

* '''[[Life cycle]]'''

* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF_Emotion.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Transformers are [[Orion Pax|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]

Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome|schools]] and [[Crankcase|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}
In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic autocratic government centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and [[Supreme Commander|Commander-in-Chief]]. In the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor. The Decepticons however bow only to the supremacy of the most powerful.

In contrast, it should be noted that in the Marvel comic continuity possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership as it was more of a religious icon. Here instead, Cybertron appears to have traditionally been governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders|group of elders]], [[Emirates]] and a [[Senate]] (how Senators and Emirates are chosen is unrevealed), all overseen by a Caesar-like [[Overlord (Autobot)|Overlord]]. The last of the Overlords passed away as the Great War was just beginning and the remaining government powers foundered for years before finally turning political authority and military leadership over to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", where as the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster|head]]s, [[Targetmaster|weapon]]s, and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercore]]s. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer at a dependent situation in the relationship.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformers music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Blaster have shown great interest in music and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves makin art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:

*'''[[Cybertron Civil Wars]]'''

*'''[[Religion]]'''

==Toys==
In 1970's, Japanese subsidiary of the toy maker Hasboro, Takara,Inc created the Diaclone robots. Like viturally all fictional Japanese robots, they were piloted by men and could transform into a variety of common items including cars, trucks and airplanes.

1980's, Hasboro brought the Japanese Diaclone toys to America by creating the Transformers. The carefully designed Cartoon on which they were centered kept new toys being cycled through American checkout stands from 1983 to 1998. An entire Saturday morining sub-culture sprang up. Now independant robots with their own lives, the Transfomers cartoon series, comics series and toy lines were a sucess, foreshadowing the cartoon/comercial-based such as the pokemon and digimon line of toys. Like any good culture, the Transformers popularity left its mark on a generation of young children and adolescence. Unfortunately, Transformers: The Movie proved to be a failure at the box-office. This left a lot of children with interesting robot toys with detailed drivers seats, crew cabs and tiny steering wheels (re: Diaclon robots made it to America but the little driver men didn't) but no cartoon to watch.

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the toyline now known as [[Generation 1]] and have gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the tie-in [[Movie (toyline)|movie line]] .

[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]
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