Megatron (BW)/toys

2009-08-02T03:07:54Z

70.70.17.245: /* Beast Wars */

The '''[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]''' of the [[Beast Wars]] has many toys, yeeess.

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronBasic.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It appears to be a harmless Earth creature!]]
* '''Optimus Primal VS Megatron''' (Basic 2-pack, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

: The initial version of ''Beast Wars'' Megatron transformed into a green alligator. The toy is a [[retool]] of [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] with new alligator and robot heads, and no frill. The screw hole for the frill bracket remains. Both toys were released at roughly the same time.

:Whether this toy can be considered the ''Beast Wars'' Megatron character as seen in the primary fiction is a matter of debate. Released before the animated series began, which established Megatron as a separate entity from [[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 Megatron]], the accompanying profiles and mini-comic seem to assume that the Beast Wars are a progression of the same characters from the Autobot/Decepticon war. Whether the animated series's [[retcon]] affected this set of toys is probably a matter of personal preference. It can be interpreted as representing one of the more interesting [[micro-continuities]].

:More recently, the ''[[Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' has asserted that, in [[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)|IDW's version of ''Beast Wars'' continuity]], Megatron's alligator body was suggested by the ''Darksyde'''s computer as a potential alternate mode, but he rejected it in favor of the more powerful T-Rex, without ever actually reformatting into it. Thus, this [[micro-continuity]] posits alligator-mode Megatron as an essentially theoretical alternate form that never actually came to be. ''Suuure.''

:This mold was additionally used to make the purple-recolored Megaligator (who may or may not be a separate character to either Megatron or [[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 Megatron]]). It was also proposed for [[Albitron]].

{{-}}{{anchor|BWultra}}
[[Image:Bwmegatron toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't call him Barney.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: This Megatron transformed into a purple organic ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. He has limited articulation in beast mode, but his dinosaur head can shoot water. In robot mode, he has no hands, as his right arm ends with his dinosaur head, and his tail, folded into a pincer, forms his left arm. The outer shells of his dinosaur thighs conceal spring-loaded missile launchers that fire anchor-shaped projectiles.

: His robot head feature two bat-like wing adornments that fold to become a [[mutant head]].

: This mold was also used to make the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobot]] [[T-Wrecks]].

{{-}}{{anchor|GatorJ}}
* '''Megaligator''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

: In Japan, the gator Megatron toy was also sold as an individual toy, as well as in a VS pack with Optimus. The individual release is identical to the two-pack version, which is in turn identical to the Hasbro version.

{{-}}{{anchor|CDgator}}
*'''Convobat vs Megaligator''' (Basic 2-pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''S-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

:This figure is a purple [[redeco]] of Megatron's alligator form, and was sold with a red and blue redeco of Bat Primal. This may or may not be intended to be the same character as Megatron or Generation 1 Megatron.

{{-}}{{anchor|Microverse}}
*'''Arachnid''' ([[MicroVerse]], 1997)

: A small, non-transforming micro-figure of Megatron in his alligator body came with the [[MicroVerse]] [[Arachnid]] playset.

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldUltra}}
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra, 199?)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''?'''
**''Accessories:'' Two misslies, water squirter

:A gold chrome redeco of Ultra-class Tyrannosaurus Megatron. It was a Japanese exclusive [[Lucky Draw]] figure, and at least ten were made.

{{-}}{{anchor|MegaTransmetal}}
[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ducky not included. Bummer.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Transmetal Mega, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-40'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail/whip

: The third ''Beast Wars'' Megatron toy transformed from a mechanical ''Tyrannosaurus'' to an organic robot mode. As with all Transmetal toys, he has a 'third' vehicle mode; roller skates fold out of his feet and his turbines flip open. These modifications can also be deployed in robot mode. In robot mode, his tail becomes a flexible, segmented cutlass weapon. He can either hold it or it can be stored at his side on the connector piece it was attached to when in beast mode.

:The Hasbro release of this figure was in gold, dark brown, and silver. The Hasbro release is known for being remarkably fragile — the deep brown plastic used for Megatron's waist and torso is prone to eventual breakage due to stress fractures. This is not [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]] ''per se'', but breakage is a known issue with the figure. The Takara version, which used a different plastic, does not have this problem.

[[Image:BWtoy-MegatronMetals.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm the one that doesn't crumble in your hands.]]
: The Japanese version of Transmetal Megatron is slightly different. The Japanese version uses black instead of the brown of the Hasbro version, a light gray for the beast-mode hands, tail, and skates instead of the metallic silver of the Hasbro release, and the copper is darker as well.

:This mold was retooled used to make ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Predacon (Armada)|Predacon]].

: Why hasn't anyone thought to [[retool]] it into a new [[Grimlock]] toy? New head sculpt, recolour black into grey, gold into silver and purple into gold, It would be perfect!

{{-}}{{anchor|MetalsVs}}
*'''Metals Convoy VS Metals Megatron''' (VS pack, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-40'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail/whip

: In Japan, Transmetal Megatron was available both individually and in a two-pack with [[Optimus Primal|Mega Transmetal Optimus Primal]]. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|TM2}}
[[Image:BWdragonmegs toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't call him Puff, either.]]
* '''Megatron''' (Transmetal 2 Ultra, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-47'''
**''Accessories:'' Three missiles

: The final version of ''Beast Wars'' Megatron transformed into a mostly mechanical dragon, with articulation in his legs, little dragon arms and his flexible, rubber neck with vacuum metallized overlapping plates attached on top. The neck was flexible able to be controlled and locked into position by a small lever located at its base. Two projectiles stored in his wings can be fired from a spring-loaded launcher inside his dragon's mouth.

:In robot mode, Megatron resembles a winged demon, appropriate given his characterization. His chest is dominated by a small cockpit with a control chair inside (see Trivia). Megatron's dragon neck and head replaces his left arm, with an additional missile launcher above his helmet. Transmetal 2 Megatron has a third 'vehicle' mode, which appears to be an afterthought, as it basically involves the dragon sitting very low to the ground so the wheels mounted on the legs and body can make contact and roll. His spark crystal, colored purple, is located on his dragon mode's right pectoral.

:This mold was also used to make [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]].

{{-}}

===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BMtoy-MegatronMega.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's a flasher! Mangle!]]
* '''Megatron''' (Mega, 2000)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' Mega-class toys, the first ''Beast Machines'' incarnation of Megatron was based on his Transmetal 2 dragon form, but with cues from his ''Beast Machines'' design added, specifically the gilded control helmet and the wrapping cape. A compartment on his chest can be lifted to reveal a [[spark]] chamber with a Vehicon spark crystal, similar to other Beast Machines toys. Other than a robot and dragon mode, a third mode, one that wraps and closes the dragon wings around the robot, mimics the shrouded appearance seen on the television show.

{{-}}
[[Image:BMtoy-MegatronMcD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Looks good enough to drink.]]
* '''Megatron''' (McDonald's Happy Meal, 2000)

: Transforms from cloaked robot mode to a very weak dragon mode. Much of the toy is made of translucent plastic, and he uses light piping to light up the spark crystal on his dragon mode's tummy. He doesn't do it very well, though—you sorta have to hold him up sideways to the light and hope it's working.

{{-}}
* '''Megatron''' (Little Red Rooster Meal, 2000)

: The McDonald's Happy Meal Megatron was also released in Australia through the Red Rooster restaurant chain. Like the other three toys, it came in four color schemes. He was also retooled to remove the light piping on the original. Strangely enough, the toy was labeled as "Nightscream" on the plastic baggy it came in.

* '''Beast Changer''' (Deluxe, 2001)

: A toy version of [[Noble|Savage/Noble]], he transforms from a wolf-creature to a dragon creature, with no robot mode.

: It was later redecoed in show-accurate colors for the Japanese ''Beast Wars Returns'' toyline.

*'''Megatron''' (Jollibee Kids Meal, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Con Pencil Point Vise, wing unit

: Megatron was available as one of three figures in a Jollibee promotion. The toy is a greatly simplified version of his ''Beast Machines'' Mega toy. The dragon mode is him wearing his wings as a silly hat.

===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMtoy-Megatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Utahraptor, maybe in an alternate timeline I'm being less of a jerk right now, but that's just rampant speculation, okay?"]]
* '''Beast Megatron''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Claw/tail, missile launcher, missile

: Beast Megatron is a simplified version of the 1996 Ultra ''Beast Wars'' Megatron. Much smaller, it had a very similar transformation and had a sculpt resembling the television series CGI model, but a paint scheme similar to the original toy. The tail/claw weapon was now removeable, revealing a robot fist which the tail/claw weapon could clamp around. He also came with a small laser rifle.

{{-}}
===Beast Wars Returns===
* '''Megatron''' (Mega, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-05'''

:This release is the same as the American ''Beast Machines'' Mega toy.

* '''Noble Savage''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-11'''

: A toy version of [[Noble|Savage/Noble]] and a redeco of Beast Changer, he transforms from a wolf-creature to a dragon creature, with no robot mode. The difference lies in that select red plastic parts were changed to a blue color.

[[Image:Megaheadtoy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You will have to pay a lot for this, yessss...]]
* '''Megahead Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-12'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile

: This is a Japanese-[[exclusive]] redeco of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Megatron (RID)|Megabolt Megatron]]. Megahead Megatron transforms into a head (its design based on the [[Grand Mal]]) with scuttling spider-leg action, opening jaw for chip-eating action, and a hidden spring-loaded missile launcher in its mouth. In robot mode, the launcher swings over his head, placing a battle mask down over his face.

: If one removes the toy's spider-legs in head mode, it fits into the head socket to the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] main body. Though this is likely unintended, it is pointed out here as an extra play feature.

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Titanium RM BWMegatron.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
* '''Beast Wars Megatron''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Stand

: For the ''Titanium Series'', the initial 3" Megatron toy was based off his 1996 Ultra version. He's kind of squat.

:The toy features five points of articulation, including shoulders and head articulation. His dino-arm even features a 'wrist' and an articulated jaw. Despite his waist being a connection point it does not swivel.

:Megs features an enormous amount of paint for such a small toy, including cute little red eyes, and paint washes on most of his dinosaur features.

{{-}}
===Timelines===
* '''Megatron''' (Ultra-class, 2006)

[[Image:Timelinestoy-MegatronDoFP.jpg|right|300px|thumb|My face defies all photographic lighting!]]
:''Accessories'': Claw attachment, hammer attachment, spring-loaded shield, [[Golden Disk]] key

:Representing Megatron before his crash on [[Earth]], ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' Megatron is a [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''-series [[Cybertron Defense Team|Cybertron Defense]] [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] toy. Megatron transforms into a large, purple military vehicle similar to a Russian [[wikipedia:R-400_Oka|R-400 Oka mobile ballistic missile launcher]]. The left side of his vehicle mode has a flip-up non-firing double-blaster, which can also be "used" in robot mode. Inserting the Golden Disk key into the rear of the missile pops it in half and exposes the inner spring-loaded missile launcher "laser cannon". Megatron comes with a shield that, when a Key is inserted, flips out a multi-tool arm that can be equipped with several tools stored in his shins (a spring-loaded hammer-head or a gripping claw). This shield can be mounted on either arm. He has two (nonfunctional) [[Mini-Con]] [[Powerlinx]] hardpoints in vehicle mode, and two ''different'' hardpoints in robot mode. He comes with a Golden Disk key marked with the [[Faction symbol|Predacon symbol]].

: Megatron was an at-show souvenir for [[BotCon 2006]], coming in a two-pack with [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

: This mold was also used to make [[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe (2008)]] [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]].
{{-}}

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BW 10th Megatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Grape-faces don't give up, they conquer!"]]
* '''Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail, missile, Jungle Planet Key

: For the 10th Anniversary of ''Beast Wars'', [[Hasbro]] created an all-new Deluxe-size tooling based mostly upon his original 1996 Tyrannosaurus form, but with technorganic detailing. When a [[Cyber Planet Key]] is inserted into his tail, it opens up to reveal a missile launcher.

: He is also packaged with a mini-comic-sized reprinting of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Gathering]]'' #1, a small ''[[Darksyde]]'' ship figurine, and a [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] style Cyber Planet Key ''without'' a [[Cyber Key Code]] stamped on it. On its packaging, "Predacon" is misspelled as "Preadcon", but a sticker was placed over it with the proper spelling.

:This mold was [[Redeco|redecoed]] and released as [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. The sculpts for both leader toys were intentionally designed to blend in with the Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" they didn't get a Beast Wars Anniversary release (according to [[Aaron Archer]]'s statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).

{{-}}
[[Image:BW Megatron BWReborn.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Is it me, or does his tail-weapon-thing have teeth?]]
* '''Optimus Primal vs. Megatron''' (multipack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: The same figures as the ''Beast Wars Reborn'' two-pack released in the United States as a Toys "R" Us exclusive and packaged with "[[Possession]]".

===Beast Wars Reborn===
* '''Convoy vs Megatron''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BWR-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

: For the 10th Anniversary of ''Beast Wars'', [[Takara]] retooled the original 1996 Ultra-sized Megatron toy, giving him a new head sculpt and a new paint scheme based upon the appearance of the CGI model used in the ''Beast Wars'' television series.

: The 1996 Ultra-sized Optimus Primal was also retooled and redecoed in the same manner.

===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
*'''Megatron''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Claw/tail

: A redeco of ''Robot Masters'' Megatron, with extensive paint details based upon the larger Ultra class ''Beast Wars Reborn'' reissue. He came packed with a DVD of an episode of the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' dub.

{{-}}
[[Image:BWTelemochaMegatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Running out of caption ideas for same boring things rehashed over and over!]]
*'''DX Megatron''' (Ultra, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-SP'''
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, water squirter

:An extensive show-accurate redeco of the original Ultra-class Megatron mold, even more so than the ''Reborn'' toy—''without'' the recently remolded show-accurate head. What the hell?

{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===Metal Monument===
* '''Metal Monument Megatron''' (TAKARA, 1999)

: As the name suggests, the product is a [[die-cast]] statue of Megatron. The head is convertible/removable in order to change the normal one with the battle mask/mutant head. The [[box art]] and the design of the product are both done by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]].

===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[Image:Megatron Predacon Battle Card.jpg|right|80px|thumb|"I dare you not to make fun of me."]]
*'''Predacon Megatron''' (2007)

: A 52-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Megatron "transforms" into a purple approximation of a ''T. rex''. He uses the same parts layout as [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Cruellock]], although his robot mode is assembled differently. Megatron is nominally the leader of the Decepticons in the set.

{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Rattrap vs. Megatron''' (2008)

[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Such a cute megalomaniac.]]
:Part of the "Beast Wars Series," Megatron comes packaged with [[Rattrap]]. He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.

{{-}}
* '''Silverbolt vs. Transmetal Megatron''' (2008)

[[Image:Robotheroessilverboltmegatron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He has the Golden Disk, he has the power to change the future, and the only obstacle in the way of his path to unimaginable glory... is being two inches tall.]]
:Part of the "Beast Wars Series," Megatron comes packaged with [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]. Megatron holds the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] in a special tail attachment seen in the episode "[[Code of Hero]]". He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.

{{-}}
==Trivia==
*The concept art for the original Ultra class figure was largely the same, except in one minor difference: The left arm would have housed an open three clawed hand. The idea of that wouldn't be revisited until the 10th anniversary Deluxe Megatron.

* In a bit of little known trivia, Hasbro originally intended Inferno to be the new body for Megatron. According to [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/b334d45514e26ab4/bc8e54e9165e0823?hl=en&lnk=st&q=bob+forward+interview+inferno+megatron&rnum=1#bc8e54e9165e0823 a 1997 interview conducted by fan HooksX], Bob Forward stated: "For a while there Hasbro was planning to make the Inferno toy the new Megatron. We were going to kill Megatron and bring him back as Inferno."

[[Image:BWRConcept35.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Transmetal 2 Megatron's control art. Look! Spark figure! Painful amounts of detail!]]
*Originally, Transmetal 2 Megatron, along with [[Optimus Primal|Optimal Optimus]] and [[Tigerhawk]] were to have small driver-like figures sitting on control chairs located in cockpits on their bodies. These drivers were meant to represent their sparks. But [[Hasbro]] then later realized that kids might confuse these spark representations as drivers controlling the robots, so they were abandoned, but the cockpits remain. The spark pilot was eventually used in the Japanese release of [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]].

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/MegatronGator/megatron.htm Megatron at TFU.info]
*[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Maximal/BeastChanger/beastchanger.htm Beast Changer at TFU.info]

[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Predacons]]
[[Category:Predacon leaders]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Vehicons]]

Autotransformation

2009-08-01T06:19:05Z

70.70.17.245:

'''Autotransformation''' is when a toy undergoes a partial or full [[Transformation (toys)|transformation]] without external manipulation beyond initial activation. Certain classes of [[Toy|Transformer toys]] are defined largely by their autotransformation mechanisms. These include the following:

*[[Jumpstarter|Jumpstarters]]
*[[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]]
*[[Autoroller|Autorollers]]
*[[Flipchanger|Flipchangers]]
*[[Deployer|Deployers]]
*[[Automorph Technology]]
*[[Fast Action Battlers]]
*[[Activators]]
*[[Gravity Bot]]s

Other toys may include autotransformation as a secondary feature. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|''Armada'' Optimus Prime]]'s trailer is designed to autotransform when it receives an infrared signal from the manually-transformable cab. Partial autotransformation was a large part of the 2007 movie line, where it was referred to as "[[Automorph Technology]]".
__NOTOC__
==In fiction==
Transformers fiction has sometimes presented characters whose toys autotransform as having the ability to transform unusually quickly. For example, the Battlechargers were said to transform "more quickly than the human eye could follow".

==Fan reaction==
Autotransformation is frequently reviled in online discussions, perhaps because it takes away from the mechanical-puzzle aspect of the toy, or perhaps because its mechanism tends to limit the design and articulation of the figure. Or maybe it's because it is a disgusting [[gimmick]] and gimmicks are for babies.

Fans who make stop-motion animations with their figures tend to dislike figures with autotransformation as they are more difficult to smoothly represent given stop-motion's reliance on the figure being in one position at one time. With autotransformation, the figure can only generally be at the start and end point and this renders it useless for that particular purpose.

==History of the term==
The earliest use of the term "auto-transform" to be found is in the Google groups archives from July of 1996<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/80a627f1fedf9702 BW TFs] on alt.toys.transformers.</ref>. Other message boards of the day have, unfortunately, turned into bit-smoke and blown away in the cold, cold winds, making thorough research difficult. Judging by the nonstandardized form of the term in 1996, it was probably fairly new, and was quickly adopted, but lost its hyphen.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Toys]]

MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Megatron (BW)/toys

Autotransformation