MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Shockwave (G1)/toys

2012-02-12T06:15:13Z

72.193.240.249:

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'''[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]''' has many toys, so logic dictates that they should receive a page. Logic also dictates that they should be awesome.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Shockwave toy.jpg|thumb|250px|You can try to play Duck Hunt with him all day long, but it just doesn't work.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Decepticon, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''49'''
**''Accessories'': "Magnetic impulse defuser" barrel
: Sold boxed, Shockwave was one of the very first 1985 toys to see release, if not ''the'' first. Shockwave transforms into a large Cybertronian handgun. He has light and sound electronics activated by his gun-mode trigger and powered by a 9-volt battery. The sound effects can be switched between two (fairly generic) blaster-sound frequencies with a small toggle on his battery pack. As a robot, he has a large, if not the most, amount of articulation for the era.

: Shockwave was initially sold without a rub sign; one was later added to the side of his torso.

:The rubber hose covering the wires connecting his torso and arm's electronics is particularly prone to dry-rotting. Be careful!

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Shockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Shockwave at TFU.info]''

[[Image:ActionMaster Shockwave.jpg|thumb|Small and deadly.]]

* '''Shockwave with Fistfight''' (Action Master, 1990)
** ''Accessories'': Double-barreled "Turbo Rifle"

: As an [[Action Master]], Shockwave is a non-transforming action figure who combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy, with a few more details. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. Part of the third wave of individually-carded Action Master figures, He came with his small robot [[Action Master partner|partner]] [[Fistfight (G1)|Fistfight]], who combines with Shockwave's handgun to form a "Lightning Gun" cannon.

: Reportedly, early "test market" releases came with a rubber hose that connects from his gun-arm to his back, like the original toy. There are holes in the toy's gun-arm and backpack; the black hoses found in many old ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' toys can fit in the holes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Decepticon/Shockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Shockwave at TFU.info]''

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===Alternators===
[[Image:AlternatorsShockblast toy.jpg|thumb|250px|Guns akimbo.]]
*'''Shockblast''' (Alternator, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''12'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-13'''
**''Accessories'': Muffler-blaster

: A [[Retool|retooling]] of the "[[Jazz (G1)/toys|Meister]]" Alternator, "Shockblast" ([[trademark]] problems...) transforms into a 1:24-scale fully-licensed Mazdaspeed-modified RX-8 sports car. He features working car doors, hood, and trunk. His muffler unfolds to become a hand-held blaster; the mounting peg for car-mode actually pegs into the holes on his forearms by the elbow joints quite snugly, letting you mount the blaster there if you wish. While the box has the name "Shockblast", the car's actual license plate is "SHKWAV".

: Aside from the new head, color change and the laser cannon replacing his left hand, other differences between Shockblast and Meister are that Shockblast has new front and rear fenders, doors, side skirts and a spoiler.

: The original Meister mold was also used to make the [[Autorooper]] and [[Zoom-Zoom]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/AltShockblast/shockblast.htm More information on Shockblast at TFU.info]''

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===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Shockwavetitanium.jpg|thumb|150px|Cancelling me is illogical.]]
*'''Shockwave'''

: A 6" transforming Shockwave toy was designed and displayed at [[BotCon]] 2007, but [[Titanium Series]] was canceled before its tooling could be completed.
{{Canceledtoy}}{{-}}

===Attacktix===
* '''Shockwave''' (unreleased)

: Shockwave was likely to have been one of several ''Transformers [[Attacktix]]'' Booster pieces, using a wide, powerful, spring-loaded "blaster" missile launcher attack. He was to be a 40-point Leader-class piece. Though displayed as part of the ''Attacktix'' display at the [[Star Wars]] "Celebration IV" convention, Shockwave was ultimately never released as the ''Attacktix'' toyline was put on ice.

{{Canceledattacktix}}
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===Generations===
[[Image:Generationstoy-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Cybertronian Shockwave''' (Deluxe, 2012)
: Part of the first wave of [[2012]] ''[[Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, Shockwave is based on his ''[[War for Cybertron]]'' design and transforms from a robot to a spaceship and back. The front center fuselage of the spaceship may become a handheld weapon.
: This toy was repurposed as ''[[Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]].
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Milk Caramel===
[[Image:Caramel_shockwave.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Laserwave''' (1985)
:A soft rubber figurine—known in Japan as a ''keshigomu''— of Shockwave was released as part of the second wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Milk Caramel]]'' [[candy toy]] range. He came packaged with chocolate-covered caramel candies, and was available in red, blue and yellow.
{{-}}

===Decoy===
{{anchor|TakaraDecoy}} [[Image:Decoy_shockwave.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Destron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1986)
:Shockwave was among the many characters rendered by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] as part of their series of 1.5" ''keshigomu'' figurines. Like all the Decepticons in the series, Shockwave was molded in soft purple rubber, and featured a number sculpted into his back that was the sum total of his [[Tech Spec]]s, for use in the various games that could be played with the figurines. Shockwave was available as part of a 22-piece box set of Autobot figures, and later, in a peach coloration randomly packed as part of various other box sets.

{{anchor|HasbroDecoy}}
*'''Shockwave''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''51'''

:The figurine was later brought over to [[Hasbro]] markets as part of the [[Decoy]] promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number (51, in Shockwave's case). Like all Decepticon Decoys, Shockwave was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] and was, very early on in the promotion, available in an alternate red coloration that was only packed in with the Throttlebots. Unsurprisingly, this red figurine is much rarer.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Decoys/Shockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Decoy Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Bust===
[[Image:Shockwave bust.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Shockwave reminisces back to when he had two hands.]]
* '''Shockwave''' (Bust, 2003)

: In 2003, [[Hard Hero]] released a six-inches tall polystone bust of Shockwave, based upon his Generation 1 cartoon appearance. It was limited to 2500 pieces worldwide, with an additional 100 specially signed by the sculptor.

{{-}}
[[Image:HardHero_MetallicShockwave.jpg|thumb|right|150px|]]
* '''Shockwave Metallic Exclusive''' (Bust, 2003)

: Hard Hero's Shockwave was also released in shiny "metallic" coloration. This version was in even shorter supply, limited to only 500 copies.

{{-}}

===Mini Bust===
[[Image:Shockwave statue.jpg|thumb|"Yeah, I had to sell the trigger and most of the handle to feed my family."]]
* '''Shockwave''' (Diamond Select, 2008)
:Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Shockwave was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1,000 pieces. Both his fist and "gun hand" are translucent to better match his toy incarnation.

{{-}}
===Mini Statue===
[[Image:Shockwaveministatue.jpg|thumb|150px|Meet me in the bank... it's going down...]]
* '''Shockwave''' (Mini statue, 2005)
: Diamond Comics Distributors also released a small, six-inch polystone statue of Shockwave made by [[Palisades Toys]], based upon [[Pat Lee]]'s rendition of the character in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s Transformers comic books.

{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:G1 RobotHeroes ShockwaveVsGrimlock.jpg|200px|thumb|right|He's logical ''and'' cute.]]
* '''Grimlock & Shockwave''' (Robot Heroes, 2007)

: The most adorablest Shockwave ever, ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' Shockwave is a stumpy PVC figurine that combines toy and animation model details into a single package. He has limited articulation (neck and shoulder swivels only), but he's so cute it doesn't matter. He was available in a two-pack with a similarly lovable version of [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]].

{{-}}
===Mighty Muggs===
[[Image:MightyMuggs_Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Cute ''and'' frightening plus angry about my big head]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Mighty Mugg, 2009)

: Part of the third wave of [[Mighty Muggs]], Shockwave is a [[super deformed]], non-transformable PVC figure with articulated arms and head. As all Mighty Muggs are made from the same mold, he has a really weird-looking round head. His left arm, however, is [[retool]]ed to include his trademark gun hand.

: Shockwave was briefly believed to be canceled, but Hasbro revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2009 that his wave would be released. Along with the rest of his wave, Shockwave was eventually released as an exclusive at Diamond Distributors and [[Toys"R"Us]] stores.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:ToyCoAstroMagnum.jpg|230px|thumb|"Shackwave"? '''"Shackwave"?!''' RADIOWAVE, [[fandom|you]] idiots!]]
* Although Shockwave was depicted in the very first episode of the original cartoon series, he did not receive a toy release until early in 1985. Unlike the bulk of early Transformers that drew their molds from [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' toys, Shockwave's original form was first produced by ToyCo as the "[http://www.robot-japan.com/Gallery/Takara/Transformers/G1/AstroMagnum/Toybox-Astro-Magnum.asp 4 Changeable Astro Magnum]". As such, similar non-Transformer toys using the same mold were released in 1985, including a [[RadioShack]] exclusive called "Galactic Man". A minor but amusing difference between the Radio Shack version, humorously called "Shackwave" by fans, and the [[Hasbro]] version, is that Shockwave's inconveniently placed trigger was remolded and appears less... inconvenient.
** A 1985 Hasbro briefing binder gives Shockwave's toy the name "Spark Man," which probably was a name attached to the toy, considering its similarity to Radio Shack's "Galactic Man," rather than being an early name for the Hasbro character. <ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/12/ron-friedman-auction-hasbro-briefing_15.html</ref> He still hadn't settled into his finalized name at the time the script for "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]" was written; in it, he is referred to as '''Flash Beam'''. <ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2011/02/ron-friedman-auctions-scripts-part-3-of.html</ref>
* The Astro Magnum mold also appears to have been licensed to a small company called Village Toys in the 1980s, where it showed up in their [http://counter-x.net/footnotes/convert-a-bots/index.html Convert-A-Bots] line under the name "N-4-SR" (..."Enforcer", get it?). This release was [http://plasticcrack.net/archives/2009/04/convert-a-bot_shockwave_that_is_not_shockwave dark grey, with purple highlights].
[[Image:Starbrigade.jpg|125px|thumb|Product and colors (and franchise) may vary.]]
* Shockwave bears the rather strange distinction of receiving a number of particularly high quality [[Knockoff|knockoffs]], all of which known retain the electronics and some even having odd [[wikipedia:Flash Gordon|Flash Gordonesque]] [[retool]]s.
* One of the earliest pictured versions of Action Master Shockwave features some awkward proportions and Fistfight with reversed colors. Another oddity of this version is that Shockwave's right hand is sculpted in an open position.
* A silhouette of Action Master Shockwave's card art appears on the back of the [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] Star Brigade packaging... as [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]]!

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators Decepticons]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]

Transformation

2012-01-31T00:09:02Z

72.193.240.249: /* Continuity locations */

{{disambigr|Transform|the Japanese image song|Transform!}}
[[Image:OpTransformsSu.jpg|right|400px|thumb|You put your right leg out...]]
'''Transformation''' (or '''Transform''' if you failed English class) is the process by which a [[Transformer]] alters his or her form between modes. It should not be confused with [[reformatting]], a type of full-body upgrade.

The technical details of transformation, as well as the manner in which the art was introduced to the Transformers themselves, vary between [[continuities]]. When the issue is addressed at all, transformation is usually treated as an innovation from some point early in Cybertronian history rather than something that was literally always with them. The Transformers were, at the time of their genesis, simply Cybertronians — mechanical life-forms — and became "Transformers" only later. However, just as often in ''Transformers'' fiction the "origin" of transforming is simply not discussed.

In most continuities, transformation is not a trait limited to Cybertronians. Both sentient alien races (such as [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] and some portrayals of the [[Lithone (species)|Lithones]]) and animals (such as the [[lipole]] on Jupiter's moon [[Io]] or the parasitic [[Scraplet|scraplets]]) exhibit the same ability. The [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] also incorporated transformation into some of their later creations including the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], [[Allicon|Allicons]], and [[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge drones]]. Some examples of transforming robotic aliens, however, can be traced to colonization in the distant past by Cybertronians. The G1 planet [[Paradron]], as well as the main planets in the [[Cybertron (franchise)|''Cybertron'' franchise]] are examples of this.

== Special transformation types ==
===High-speed transformation===
Some Transformers, specifically the Autobot [[Jumpstarter|Jumpstarters]] and the Decepticon [[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]], are specifically designed to transform much faster than ordinary Transformers, usually taking less than half of an Earth second to switch from robot to alt-mode or vice versa. How much this ability depends on physical versus mental capabilities is unknown. In the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] G1 continuity, [[Triple Changer|Triple Changers]] were also stated to have unusually fast transformations (roughly twice the normal speed, whatever that is).

===Multiple alternate modes===
[[Image:Quickswitch's various transformations from Dreamwave's More than Meets the Eye .jpg|left|250px|thumb|"How can you (transform) all six?" It's IMPOSSIBLE!!]]
Robots with multiple transformations (Triple Changers, et al.) are a special case. Though there seems to be some aspect of natural aptitude at play in one's ability to master multiple forms (for example [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comics referred to a "genetic potential" within the [[Spark|sparks]] of such robots), and of course the special physical construction granting those forms, the balance of the matter seems to be one of training. Most Six Changers, like [[Sixshot]] and [[Quickswitch]], are said to have mastered their plethora of transformations through rigorous study. The largest number of modes exhibited by any single individual to date is [[Megatron (RID)|RID Galvatron]], who had ten.

===Adaptable bodies===
Some groups of transforming lifeforms such as the [[Go-Bot (species)|Go-Bots]] use a process similar to reformatting to more radically alter their forms while transforming. This ability to start with one robot and alternate form and transform easily to entirely different variations without extensive mechanical work comes from [[Go-Brillium|unique metals]] in the Go-Bots' bodies, and does not apply to most Transformers.

In the [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] continuity family, Bumblebee seems to demonstrate this ability in the prequel novel ''[[Ghosts of Yesterday]]''. He descends to the desert planet in his cometary [[Transition form]] and transforms to robot mode. Upon realizing he needs to travel quickly, Bumblebee transforms into a very basic four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The narration explains that he created this altmode from an internal memory database of vehicle forms. The entire process seems to take practically no time at all, as if he were just transforming into his alt-mode as all Transformers do. The narration does not imply that this ability is only possessed by Bumblebee, and indeed the movie suggests that all Transformers in this continuity can switch altmodes almost at will.

===Transformation cogs===
[[Image:Transformation cog.jpg|left|200px|thumb|MacGuffin du jour.]]
In the G1 animated series, the city Transformers [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] are both specifically stated to possess devices known as [[Transformation cog|transformation cogs]] that somehow control their transformation processes, and are essential to allow them to transform at all. Such cogs are rarely mentioned elsewhere in the fiction — even in other continuities — so it is not clear if all Transformers require them, or Metroplex and Trypticon are special cases, perhaps because of their size. Other examples are that [[Nitrostreak]] ("Unit One" of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]]) had his cog damaged in a firefight with [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s henchmen {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|Dawn of Future's Past}}, and in the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] universe, [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]] assaulted [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] with one of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] experimental weapons, which overrode his "primary transformation cog", thus trapping Soundwave in his [[alternate mode]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave|Spotlight: Soundwave}}
{{-}}

==Fiction==
[[Image:OP transforms.gif|right|247px|thumb|Optimus Prime: Lord of the Dance.]]
===Generation 1===
====Action Master toy packaging blurb====
Transformation is achieved by a Transformer's Figure Alteration [[Systems]]. [[Nucleon]] use converts these systems into Energy Storage Reactors, eliminating the ability to transform.

====Marvel comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Unicron]] was the first Transformer, fashioning his metal prison into a robotic semblance of his original form. [[Primus]], watching from a distance, was all like, "Oh ''snap'', robots that turn into things? Why didn't I think of that?" and quickly trained his own children to do the same thing.

Some accounts credit the development of transformation to Megatron and the Decepticons, with the Autobots later copying the technique. This, perhaps, implies that the potential for transformation instilled by Primus was dormant until Megatron realised it, or that it was forgotten and rediscovered at some point.

''It would appear that neglecting to transform between altmode and robot mode at least on occasion had physical feedback consequences: whilst battling [[Flame (Marvel)|Flame]], [[Emirate Xaaron]] was well aware that, having failed to transform for hundreds of years, the shock to his system upon transforming to combat mode had a good chance of killing him. Which just goes to show that Continuing Physical Exercise Is Important For Everyday Health.''

''Just as importantly, neglecting to have all one's body parts connected at the time of attempting transformation was also a very painful, if not impossible, process.''

[[Image:City of Fear! Fizzle and Sizzle transform.jpg|thumb|left|400px|Sometimes transformers were shown phasing through a patchy cloud. We think this is due to artistic license.]]

[[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] eventually lost his ability to transform after using [[Nucleon]] for fuel. {{storylink|Still Life!}}
{{-}}

====Animated series====
[[Image:Bumblebee transforming.gif|right|213px|thumb|Just lying down is a transformation]]
Transformation was an [[Autobot]] innovation, developed during their first war with the [[Decepticon]]s when it became apparent that they could not match their firepower and strength. The art of transformation allowed the Autobots to disguise their forms, thereby allowing for stealthy attacks on their enemies. This strategy met with great success, and the Decepticons were defeated, allowing the era of peacetime known as the [[Golden Age|Golden Age of Cybertron]] to settle in. The Decepticons subsequently adopted transformation technology themselves, coupled with robot-mode [[flight|flight powers]], and re-ignited the [[Great War (G1)|civil war]]. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

Transformers generally seem able to shift modes at will, although in cases where they have suffered severe physical injuries, transformation is sometimes a strain. In one case, [[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court|and one case only]], a Transformer indicated that staying in his altmode was too energy consumptive, and had to revert to his robot mode: [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], when trapped in medieval [[United Kingdom|England]] and low on fuel. This problem seems to almost never come up, even in cases where Transformers are very low on energy, so its significance is unknown. Perhaps walking is simply more energy efficient than moving his tank treads.

====Japanese animated series====
[[Image:Headmasters tf stuck.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Ow.]]
With the introduction of the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], transformation was established to be quite a rigorous task that, at least initially, required intense physical and mental concentration to accomplish, honed over a period of in-depth training. These small robots left Cybertron during the wars millions of years ago, but were so young that they had not actually learned how to transform yet. To survive the harsh climate of the [[Master (planet)|planet]] they crash-landed on, they developed [[Transtector]]s—normal-sized Transformer bodies that they would be able to connect to—and underwent a period of prolonged, intensive training so that they could learn to transform and link up with them. Even the most promising candidates struggled when they first connected with their Transtectors, spasming and becoming stuck between modes as they attempted to trigger the conversion. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines''===
''Beast Wars''-era Transformers have their transformation sequences controlled by the same onboard computers which manage a variety of other body functions, such as [[stasis lock]]. Transformation is triggered by a command to this computer, usually done by voice, but sometimes with a thought. These computers may have been a part of the [[Great Upgrade]], and once activated they choreograph the shifting body parts, allowing the Transformer to continue to concentrate on other matters. This is in-line with the Japanese portrayal of transformation, in that it suggests transformation is a mentally rigorous task (at least in the sense that it requires a few seconds of concentration), which is now conveniently removed from the equation.

Post-reformatting, the new [[technorganic]] forms granted to Cybertron's inhabitants lacked on-board computers, requiring them to re-learn the mental disciplines involved. It may be that a technorganic transformation is more difficult even than a traditional transformation, as the reformatted Maximals often reverted to their beast modes upon losing their concentration or emotional "center". This notion that the transformed state requires constant effort may be related to Warpath's statement about his tank mode consuming more energy (mentioned above).

Due to their technorganic nature, the Maximals of Beast Machines do not transform via any recognized mechanical process. Rather, in many cases their limbs actually change shape via an unknown means, presumably part and parcel of their new condition. One of the most prominent examples of this is [[Noble]], who transforms between two extremely dissimilar and wholly organic forms.

===Movie continuity===
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime highwaytransform1.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Cool to see, but it's a nightmare with regards to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys 2|toy accuracy]].]]
Transformation requires an alternate mode which is [[Frenzy (Movie)|generally]] of similar mass to the Transformer's robot mode. Once taking the form, however, the Transformer appears to be able to reorder his physical structure, causing some of the outward appearances of the vehicle mode to disappear. For example, Optimus Prime displays an incredibly complex Transformation where some of his alternate mode's appearances seem to be absorbed into his body or outright disappear. This may be due to the [[self-regenerating molecular armor]]'s possibly fluid [[Trans-scan|trans-scanning]] abilities.
{{-}}

===Animated continuity===
Transforming is something that can be done for exercise. In [[Autoboot Camp]], [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)| Sentinel Minor]] had recruits perform ''transform-ups'', rapidly switching from their robot to their vehicle form while in a [[Wikipedia:prone_position|prone position]].

==The noise==
===Technical description===
Transformation is often accompanied by a [[media:Tf_sound.ogg|distinct noise]] — an 8hz pulse, repeated five times, with each pulse lasting a roughly equal amount of time, whose pitch can be represented by the absolute value of a declining (for alt-mode to robot mode) or increasing (for robot mode to alt-mode) sine wave. In the G1 series, the sine wave generally increased when a Transformer changed to his robot mode, and declined when he converted to vehicle form (or whichever mode was smaller/shorter.) In general, the larger the robot, the deeper the pitch of the sound, and the longer the duration of the pulses. There is no general consensus as to what onomatopoeia should be used to represent this sound.

===Continuity locations===
[[Image:Transformation_Noise_Arrival_4.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Within the early years of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 Cartoon]], almost all transformations were accompanied by the Noise in some manner, generally lasting the duration of the transformation sequence and being the only noise made by transformations. ''[[The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' began with most Transformers still retaining the Noise, but around a third of the way into the series, its use became more intermittent, particularly for the Autobot Headmasters themselves. ''[[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' still used the sound for the [[Pretender|Pretenders]]' transformations in robot mode, but the Autobot [[Headmaster Junior|Headmaster Juniors]] and Autobot [[Godmaster|Godmasters]] had new sounds, with most of the Decepticons retaining the original. The Noise was dropped completely for ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' and ''[[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|Zone]]''. By the era of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']], however, most characters made more complicated mechanical-sounding noises when transforming. In spite of this, the rebuilt [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] still made only the Noise when transforming.

The Noise was in fact first heard in the initial Transformers commercial for [[The Transformers (issue)|#1]] of the Marvel Comic, but only as part of the Transformers music track, the actual transformations being depicted with a series of generic mechanical sounds. The Noise was subsequently shown to occur the same as the animated series during television commercials throughout the rest of [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] and all the way through ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''. It appeared in the first commercials for the [[Beast Wars (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' toyline]], featuring a CG clip of [[Optimus Primal|Optimus Primal (bat) vs Megatron (alligator) two-pack]], but was dropped once the commercials started using footage from the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].

The Noise did not appear again until ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', where the Noise was heard uniformly among all Transformers at the very beginning of transformation sequences, rather than lasting the duration of the transformation like in the past.

Two new versions of the Noise were heard in ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', and then the second version of the ''Armada'' Noise was used in ''[[Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' (though not in ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''). As with RiD, the timing of the Noise did not seem to correspond to the transformation sequence, instead playing at a random point during the sequence. The original version of the Noise was heard briefly in ''Armada'' as part of one of the background music tracks, and in ''Energon'' on occasion whenever part of the Japanese sound effects track was not completely dubbed over (the Noise being more prominent in ''Super Link'').

In the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], the original Noise could be heard accompanying a portion of both [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]'s first transformation, and the conversion of the [[Nokia-bot]], though in both instances, a foreground object blocked the view of the robot at that instant, leaving it unclear if the Noise corresponded with any specific moving parts. The Noise could be heard during Bumblebee's off-screen transformation as he saves the kids while escaping Sector Seven, and a new, mixed and appropriately slowed version of the Noise also accompanied [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]'s later slow-motion transformation. In [[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]], the noise plays rather clearly at the end of the film as Bumblebee transforms from Alt Mode to Robot Mode.

The Noise accompanies most or all transformation sequences in ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'', even minor ones including battle masks, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]'s "stinger" pop-out weapons, Blitzwing's changing of faces, Ratchet's magnets, and [[Sari Sumdac|Sari's]] shape-shifting Key. In the case of smaller, specific parts, the Noise is sometimes played sped up or higher pitched. It was in [[Human Error, Part I|one particular episode]] of ''Animated'' that, for the first time in a series, we see any Transformer actually acknowledged the existence of the Noise in-universe (any more than they would acknowledge the musical score); in this situation manually generating it like any fan would was used as a motivational tool in a virtual environment. This unusual scenario therefore still sheds no light on the actual purpose of the Noise - it just confirmed that they hear it too. In "[[Transformers Animated: The Arrival|The Arrival]]", the noise is consistently spelled "whrr-tschzz-tschzz-tschzz-chk."

[[Manga]] released in Japan uses the onomatopoeia "gi-go-ga-go-go" to represent the Noise.

In 2012 , IDW's More Than Meets the Eye issue 1 writes it as 'Tsche-chu-chu-chu-tsche'. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

===Function===
At this time, neither the cause of the Noise nor its relationship to a Transformer's ability to transform is known. It may just be a side effect to the transformation process; possibly, it represents the parts moving during transformation.

=="Transform" as a verb==
For reasons relating to intellectual property law, and the need to preserve "Transformers" as a [[trademark]], [[Hasbro]] and [[Takara]] do not use "transform" as a verb to describe this ability of Transformers in printed materials describing products. Instead synonyms such as "convert" and "morph" are used. This does not extend to in-fiction dialogue, however.

==See Also==
*[[Transformation (toys)]]
*[[Role of transformation]]

[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]
[[Category:Biology]]

Spotlight: Galvatron

2012-01-16T05:45:14Z

72.193.240.249: /* Notes */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers: Spotlight]]'' #8
|prev=Spotlight: Kup
|next=Spotlight: Optimus Prime
|image=Spotlight_Galvatron_b.jpg
|caption=The first non-Megatron Galvatron... who ruins it by using the [[Energon mace|most Megatron weapon ever]].
|title="The Transformers: Spotlight Galvatron"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 5]], [[2007]]
|coverdate=July 2007
|written by=[[Simon Furman]]
|art by=[[Guido Guidi]]
|colors by=[[Eric Burns]]
|letters by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|edits by=[[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline#Escalation|Escalation]]
}}

'''Galvatron has returned to Cybertron... and [[Furmanism|you won't believe the things he can do now!]]'''

==Synopsis==
In the [[Benzuli Expanse]], a group of aliens monitors an anomaly that threatens the nearby system. Suddenly, their sensors detect something emerging from the anomaly, despite the fact that nothing can possibly survive in it. The something is [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who assaults their ship directly; they turn their comet-destroying weapons on him, shutting him down. They drag his body into their ship for study, but he suddenly comes back online and proceeds to slaughter the crew and destroy the ship. Galvatron speaks of being the harbinger of unlife, and doing the bidding of [[Nova Prime|a dark master]]. Though Galvatron is his herald for the time being, he is not content to remain so. With his secondary objective—the destruction of the probe ship—complete, Galvatron continues to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for his primary objective.

At [[Thunderhead Pass]] on Cybertron, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] gripes to [[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]] about how much he hates his posting, and marches off to make a transmission to [[Earth]] to see about getting reassigned. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] answers and tells Sideswipe that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] is currently away on personal business. Sideswipe tells Ratchet to ask Prime if he's considered his relocation. Sideswipe feels that guarding Thunderhead Pass is a dead-end job and he should be on Earth helping to find [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. His transmission is cut short, however, when [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] arrives and demands him to sign off. [[Verity Carlo]] and [[Jimmy Pink]] were listening over Ratchet's shoulder, and tell him that Sideswipe's right: They're not doing anything to find Sunstreaker or [[Hunter O'Nion]], and that it may already be too late. They walk away telling Ratchet that they've failed their friends through their inaction.

On Cybertron, Hound reprimands Sideswipe for his transmission. He had ordered a total block on all unauthorized outgoing transmissions, and reminds Sideswipe that he's the one in charge. Sideswipe tells him that he's in charge of nothing: while the area might have been important a while ago when [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] was active, with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and his team having packed up and left, the area's essentially a dead zone. He tells Hound that he's in the mood to bust heads and can't think of a better place to do it than Earth. Hound gives him a formal warning and assigns him to sentry duty. Sideswipe marches off to do it, but grumbles that he's still going to do everything he can to get reassigned.

Meanwhile, Galvatron reminisces about the past. Before the chaos of Thunderwing and the [[Great War (G1)|war]], before the factions, Galvatron was a crew member on the first ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. Though the citizens were told that it was about exploration and opening trade routes, the truth was that they had discovered a mysterious anomaly: a door to somewhere else, [[Dead Universe|some dark, parallel universe]], and they were going to examine it. Galvatron had been chosen for the mission due to his willingness to recklessly throw himself in the unknown, but none of the other crew realized just how far he was willing to go...

[[Image:SpotlightGalvatron Leadfoot.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Galvatron hates G2.]]

At Thunderhead Pass, Leadfoot hears a sound, but barely has time to say anything before Galvatron kills him with his bare hands. Sideswipe hears the disturbance and attacks Galvatron, and gets blasted for his troubles. Hound, [[Skram (G2)|Skram]], [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]], and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] also hear the fighting and show up, and Hound orders them to take Galvatron alive for questioning. As they pummel him with weapons fire, Sideswipe recovers, sets his gun to maximum power, and shoots Galvatron in the face, blowing off half of his head. Hound immediately starts yelling at Sideswipe that a corpse can't tell them anything, with Sideswipe naturally defending his actions. Skram interrupts, though, and tells them that Galvatron isn't dead—something that the rising Galvatron notes mentally is "wrong". He transforms to cannon mode and blasts them all... but to incapacitate, not kill. Galvatron considers it a small rebellion against his master, a reminder that his destiny is his own. He says that the others aboard the ''Ark'' are all dead, killed by his hands. The moment they entered the [[Dead Universe]], it claimed them all.

Hound recovers and immediately starts sending out an emergency distress signal. But Skram bursts in with terrible news: Thunderwing is gone! Elsewhere, Galvatron stands beside Thunderwing, and states that his primary objective is achieved.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (2)
*[[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (7)
*[[Skram (G2)|Skram]] (8)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (9)
*[[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] (10)
|c2=
*[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] (11)
|c3=
*[[Verity Carlo]] (5)
*[[Jimmy Pink]] (6)
|c4=
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (1)
}}

==Notes==
[[Image:HoundCyb.gif|thumb|]]
* A Transformer resembling the [[Marvel Comics]] continuity Thunderwing can be seen on the bridge of the first ''Ark'' alongside Galvatron. It is unclear whether this is the same character as the [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]] Thunderwing, or just a tip of the hat to the original comics (most likely the latter).
* The issue includes several pages of sketches (most in color) by [[Guido Guidi]]. Of note, Guidi's colour scheme for Hound slightly differs from the final colour scheme used.
* Among the horde fighting Galvatron on Cover B, are [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and what resembles his [[Pretender]] shell from the Generation 1 era, [[Sharkticon (G1)| Sharkticons]] and a few [[Trans-Organics]]

===Errors===
* Ratchet's head is colored like his cartoon model, rather than the usual scheme used in all his IDW appearances to this point.

===Covers (4)===
{{picsneeded|Alt covers}}
* '''Cover A:''' Galvatron grimacing; art by [[Guido Guidi]] and [[Eric Burns]] (colors).
* '''Cover B:''' Galvatron fights off horde; art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]] (colors).
* '''Cover RI-A:''' Uncolored cover A
* '''Cover RI-B:''' Uncolored cover B
<gallery>
Image:Spotlight Galvatron a.jpg|My cannon is bigger than yours.
Image:Spotlight Galvatron b.jpg|This is why he's crazy!
Image:Spotlight Galvatron ria.jpg|Cover RI-A
Image:Spotlight Galvatron rib.jpg|Cover RI-B
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[Spotlight: Optimus Prime]]''
* ''[[The Transformers: Greatest Battles of Optimus Prime and Megatron|Greatest Battles of Optimus Prime and Megatron]]''
* ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel |Movie Prequel]]'' TPB
* ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' film
* ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation|Movie Adaptation]]'' TPB
* ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' (back cover)

===Reprints===
*[[2008]] — ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|The Transformers: Spotlight Volume 2]]''
*[[2009]] — ''[[The Transformers: The Premiere Collection Volume 2]]''
*[[2011]] — ''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Volume Three]]''

[[Category:Spotlight issues|Galvatron]]

Tyrest (G1)

2011-11-25T07:50:59Z

72.193.240.249:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Tyrest}}
:''Tyrest was an [[Autobot]], now neutral from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:LastStandoftheWreckers5-atrocityafteratrocity.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Justice is blind because his face is in perpetual darkness.]]

We don't know much about Chief Justice '''Tyrest''' except that he's tall, green and yellow, be-winged, and a Chief Justice.

==Fiction==
===IDW Comics continuity===

Chief Justice Tyrest sat in on the [[Aequitas]] trials, where offending Autobots were sentenced for the atrocities they'd committed. He agreed that the trials would be kept secret until the war's end, and then there'd be a full disclosure. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

Both factions in the war follow the [[Tyrest Accord]], a treaty to prevent Transformer tech falling into the hands of other races.

Later, Tyrest was no longer an Autobot and had been recognized as neutral by the [[Galactic Council]]. Because of this, he was suggested as the third party who should run [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] trial. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}}

[[Category:Comic-only Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Transformers]]
[[Category:Politicians]]

Laserbeak (SG)

2011-11-09T03:11:53Z

72.193.240.249:

{{factions|sgDecepticon}}
{{disambig3.5|the heroic Decepticon mini-cassette|his evil counterpart|Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak}}
:''Laserbeak is a heroic [[Decepticon]] [[Mini-Cassette]] from the "[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]" [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Laserbeak shattered glass.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Not that one, the other one.]]
'''Laserbeak''' is one of [[Sir Soundwave|Soundwave]]'s heroic [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette]]s. Also a total hipster.
{{TOCclear}}
==Fiction==
===Shattered Expectations===
[[Image:ShatteredExpectations Laserbeak.JPG|left|175px|thumb|Ironically, he's scarier than his G1 counterpart.]]
As part of the [[Mayhem Suppression Squad]], Laserbeak responded to a signal sent by [[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]], leaping out of [[Astrotrain (SG)|Astrotrain]] while spewing fire at the [[Autobot]]s [[Jazz (SG)|Jazz]], [[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]] and [[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]]. {{storylink|Shattered Expectations}}
{{--}}

===Shattered Glass===
Having decided that [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]]'s ''[[Ark (SG)|Ark]]'' posed too great a threat to the galaxy, the [[Decepticon]]s resolved to destroy it. Once [[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]] and [[Rampage (SG)|Rampage]] had taken out the hapless guards and [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]]'s team had dropped their [[glass gas]] bombs, [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] gave the order to attack the Autobots, and Laserbeak was among the troops that answered his call. He survived the battle and retreated along with [[Sir Soundwave|Soundwave]] and [[Buzzsaw (SG)|Buzzsaw]] after the Decepticons were victorious. {{storylink|Shattered Glass}}

===Recordicons===
[[Image:Recordicons Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|150px|right|He's a pretty obscure character. You probably haven't heard of him.]]
Laserbeak was listening to [[Rosanna (SG)|Rosanna]]'s "[[Look At Me I Am Waving (Double Trance Mix)]]" when he was spotted by [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]. Though he was confident that Ravage would never have heard of Rosanna, Ravage not only had, but knew her through [[Yatter]]. After Rosanna herself confirmed it, Ravage went on to mention that she'd used his Yatters as lyrics to her song, and an enraged Laserbeak was forced to enjoy the song ironically from then on. {{storylink|Recordicons#Recordicons #8|Recordicons #8}}

==Notes==
*Laserbeak and [[Buzzsaw (SG)|Buzzsaw]] presumably derived their [[Earth]] condor modes from the same transmissions as [[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]], [[Rampage (SG)|Rampage]] and [[Divebomb (SG)|Divebomb]], though why they would choose such a form as their [[Robot mode|primary mode]] remains a mystery.
* It is entirely possible that Laserbeak is actually using [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]]'s colors.
* In "Shattered Expectations", Laserbeak's body is based on ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] (a body also used to make "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]), with the colors of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]].

[[Category:Comic-only Transformers]]
[[Category:Convention-original characters]]
[[Category:Mayhem Suppression Squad]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]

Perceptor (Prime)

2011-10-14T00:49:47Z

72.193.240.249:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Perceptor}}
:''Perceptor is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''
{{faceless}}
'''Perceptor''' is a dedicated astronomer and pysicist, although not too mystical. He speaks with a bluntness befitting a scientist and came up with a paradox of some sort.

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
Perceptor was mentioned during one of [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'s ramblings, saying that the synthetic [[energon (fuel)|energon]] formula disproved Perceptor's paradox. {{storylink|T.M.I.}}

===''Exiles'' novel===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Exiles}}

[[Category:Fiction-only characters]]
[[Category:Prime Autobots]]
[[Category:Scientists]]