Size changing

2007-10-10T09:17:33Z

68.103.192.250: /* Fandom explanations */

Although [[Scale|scale has never exactly been a deep concern]] when it comes to Transformers, given that the series has featured F-15 jets not much larger than sports cars, it is not uncommon for certain Transformers to clearly and deliberately '''change size''' when transforming from one mode to the next. The methods employed for this startling alteration in physicality have differed from timeline to timeline, and have long been a heavily debated aspect of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]ian technology.

==Examples==

Note that many of the Transformers named here have also transformed at certain times ''without'' shrinking or enlarging, retaining an alternate mode to scale with their robot mode.

===Shrinking===

The most famous examples of size-changing Transformers are [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], who becomes a pistol, and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who becomes a stereo cassette player. These two [[Decepticons]] shrink as they transform, assuming one of two sizes – one that allows another Transformer to wield or operate them, and another, even smaller size, [[Scale|to scale with]] [[human]]s. Other shrinking Transformers include [[Reflector]], [[Blaster]], his and Soundwave’s cassettes and [[Perceptor]].

===Enlarging===

Conversely, Transformers have been known to grow in size when assuming their [[altmode]]s — the most prominent example is surely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], whose space shuttle mode could become large enough to convey a whole contingent of Decepticon warriors, and even allow [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] to form inside him. Other Transformers that enlarge in such a manner also generally do so for the purposes of transporting others; they include [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] and [[Cosmos]]. In the original animated series many of the Transformers arguably enlarged or shrank in vehicle mode to a lesser extent, this is most notable among groups such as the [[Seeker|Decepticon]] [[Conehead|jets]] and [[Minibot|minibots]], whose altmodes [[Scale|could not possibly turn into robots that are the size they are depicted otherwise]]. Whether this was truly intended to indicate actual size changes, was merely "lazy animation", or was simply a stylistic choice designed to emphasise the awesome stature of robot-mode Cybertronians, is a matter of individual opinion.

==Explanations==

Although size-changing has been evident in Transformers from the very beginning, the original animated series and comic books never address the topic, and it was regarded as simply being the way of things. Fandom debate on the topic has seemingly inspired later fiction to offer varying explanations on how it functions.

===Dreamwave===

[[Dreamwave]] offered two explanations for size-changing within its continuity.

The first, to explain enlarging, was '''parts compression''' – the notion that the Transformers in question, such as Astrotrain and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], had many dense layers of armor in robot mode, which then slid out, expanding to create a much larger, but less-strongly-armored vehicle mode.

The second explanation, to justify shrinking, was '''mass conversion'''. This method put it that Transformers like Soundwave were genetically endowed with the ability to transform not simply their bodies, but their entire molecular structure. This ability, not under their conscious control, only activates when they transform, shifting their atoms according to a pre-determined schematic.

===IDW===

[[Image:Massdisplacement.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Shrinky-dink.]]

[[IDW]]'s ''[[Escalation]]'' sees Megatron employ a '''mass-displacement sequence''', physically discarding a portion of his bodily mass to allow himself to shrink to a human-scaled pistol of appropriate weight and density. What with E equalling mc², the loss of this amount of mass (shunted to an undisclosed location in space and time) results in a volatile energy discharge, requiring bystanders to step away lest they be injured by the forces released.

Due to the energy shortage (and seeming near-total depletion of Transformers' primary fuel source, [[Energon]]) caused by their war, mass displacement hasn't been commonplace for a very long time. Since it requires a huge amount of energy, the technology had practically vanished until the discovery of [[Ore-13]] on [[Earth]].

===2007 movie===
The creators of the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 live-action movie]] explictly avoided including any Transformers who could change size, wishing to avoid the necessary suspension of disbelief. Therefore, any observed [[scale]] problems are genuine scale problems. (And there are a few.) That said, size-changing technology clearly exists in ''some'' form in the movie continuity, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] somehow shrinks the [[All Spark]] down to a manageable size and mass. Thus far, there's no evidence this trick can be applied to anything except the All Spark.

===Fandom explanations===
[[Image:No mass shifting here.jpg|right|thumb|150px| Just when you thought you had it all figured out...]]

The issue of shrinking and enlarging was, in the early days of the online Transformers fandom, a frequently debated subject. The Transformers were clearly displacing their mass, to allow their shrunken forms to be operable – so where was that mass going? The postulated answer to this question was '''subspace''', the void of sub-dimensional space between realities.

This explanation also served as an answer to the top Transformers question of all time ever – “Where does [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]’s trailer go when he transforms?” The answer? Subspace. Furthermore, in a few sparse instances throughout the American animated series, and with alarming frequency in the Japanese shows, Transformers’ weapons can also be seen appearing and vanishing in a flash of energy. Where are they going? Subspace. You get the idea, folks.

And if that doesn't grab you, a wizard did it...

...or nanomachines. Nanomachines can do anything.

...or Chuck Norris, Chuck Norris does what Nanomachines can't.

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

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Size changing