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Religion

2009-11-01T20:57:51Z

74.190.191.47: /* Sacred artifacts */

As in human cultures, in many continuities the Transformers have possessed religion to help them explain and cope with their place in the universe. In continuities where they exist, Transformer spiritual and religious beliefs are usually specifically illustrated to be truth rather than legend or superstition.

== Generation 1 cartoon==
In the original Generation 1 Cartoon, despite their witnessing supernatural occurrences such as [[magic]] and [[ghosts]] on a number of occasions without any apparent amazement or surprise there is little direct evidence for general Transformer spiritual or religious beliefs. [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] recommends praying before battle, but does not specify to whom. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness}}

It is known that the spirits of [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leaders]] past dwell within the [[Matrix of Leadership]] even after their deaths, but the mechanism of this is unknown. A living Autobot leader can journey within the Matrix to commune with them and receive visions of the past. (Rodimus needed to be near death to achieve this, but Optimus could instigate it at will.) It is unknown how spiritual or how mechanical this whole process is.

The best, if not only, other evidence we have comes from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' with the apparent prophecy that "one day an Autobot shall rise from our ranks, and use the power of the Matrix to light our [[darkest hour]]" and the repetition, prayer-like, of the phrase "[['Til all are one]]."

== Marvel Comics continuity ==
[[Image:Primus original.jpg|right|125px|thumb|No resemblance to Hot Rod whatsoever, no siree, no foreshadowing here!]]
This is where the concept of Transformer religion and spiritual beliefs really took form and spread. Nearly all subsequent uses of Transformer religion derive from the foundation laid in these stories.

=== Primary beliefs ===
The story of the gods [[Primus]] and [[Unicron]] went through several iterations as they were retold by different speakers over the course of the US and UK comic run. The most distinct difference across these revisions was the fading out of their respective pantheons. When first told, by Unicron, Primus and Unicron were each merely part of a whole pantheon of other light and dark gods respectively. In the next version, by the [[Keeper (Transformer)|Keeper]], they were the last of their pantheons, the others already having been destroyed or passed on to the [[Omniversal Matrix]]. Finally, in the version told by Primus, they were each unique beings with the existence of other gods ignored or refuted. This final version is the most frequently borrowed by later material. (The [[BotCon]] "Reaching the Omega Point" story being the notable exception, see below.)

One legend surrounding Primus is that of the [[Last Autobot]], Primus' final guardian who would come after the god's passing and the defeat of Unicron.
{{-}}
=== Sacred artifacts ===
[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|left|150px|thumb|This is the strangest Pokeball I've ever seen.]]
The [[Creation Matrix]] is the living essence of Primus' life force and considered a sacred artifact. The bearer of it is gifted with the power to create new Transformer life. Each Matrix bearer, known as a Prime, takes a derivation of the name Primus as part of his own. Five have existed: [[Prima]], [[Prime Nova]], [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], Optimus Prime, and Rodimus Prime. Though its existence was well known, the manifest physical nature of the Matrix was not, thus it was ignored by Shockwave when he captured Optimus and, following his death, was launched into space with Optimus' body by his fellow Autobots.

[[Image:Matrixflame.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Noooooo! Someone blew the candle out!]]
The [[Matrix Flame]] on Cybertron is set in a golden brazier on a green altar, and tended by a red tabard clad acolyte. It is the living embodiment of the sacred Creation Matrix. Its status indicates that of the Matrix and its bearer.

Several scriptural texts were recorded in the [[Covenant of Primus]], believed to be prophetic. Only two copies existed.

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=== Believers ===
After millennia of war, many Transformers regarded Primus and Unicron as mere legends or disregarded them entirely. On hearing the name Primus spoken Bumblebee claims to have almost forgotten the Transformers ever had a God. Even when confronted with a giant head at the center of their planet Grimlock does not at first accept the myth of Primus and Unicron as true.

On the other hand, Emirate Xaaron appears to have believed, and Optimus Prime, likely due to his being Prime, was quick to accept Primus and Unicron. Interestingly, though he is bearer of Primus's life force, Optimus was not one to unthinkingly and zealously follow his god, harboring, at times, serious misgivings and distrust about the use to which Primus was putting his children.

There were likely still some number of true believers, even prior to Primus' reemergence, as the tender of the Matrix Flame and the purple cloaked monk-like elders who aid Prime in the Generation 2 comics attest.

==Reaching the Omega Point==
The only other Transformer God, aside from Primus and Unicron, to appear in any story shows up here: The [[Chronarchitect]]. He is presumably of Primus' pantheon (see Marvel Comics above) given his alliance. He is the god of time.

==Beast Wars/Machines==

The Transformers have a belief in "the Matrix", where the sparks of the dead go and exist together. It would turn out this is an actual dimension, the [[Allspark]], where all sparks that exist, have existed, or ever will exist originate, existing as a collective whole.

==Unicron Trilogy==
While exploring Cybertron's interior [[Brian Jones (Energon)|Dr. Brian Jones]] was transported to an long-abandoned temple where offerings of [[Energon (Energon)|energon]] had been left for the legendary "[[Omega Supreme (Energon)|guardian of energon]]" who had protected Cybertron long before the current generation of Transformers was created. Prior to witnessing [[Ancient Guardian]]'s reactivation, Jones believed these stories were just myths. {{storylink|Crash Course}} ''The Japanese version of this episode describes the Energon offerings as happening 'tens of thousands of years ago.'''

== The multiversal mythos ==
Beginning around the time of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', a new version of the Primus/Unicron story began to take shape. This new mythos was most notable for its multiversal nature: it applied not just to the new [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]] but also to the new iterations of Generation 1 being created by [[Dreamwave Productions]] and to the multiversal ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' spin-off [[Universe (2003 franchise)|Transformers: Universe]]. In fact, by its very nature the new Multiversal Mythos attempted to apply itself to everything, even retroactively to past continuity where it was often a not-so-easy fit.

The basics of this new version of the myth are that both Primus and Unicron were created by "The One," an original God-being, and sent out into the universe as emissaries/explorers. Unicron goes bad and Primus must stop him. For some unexplained reason Primus exists in all possible continuities simultaneously (picture a single string stretching through many rooms) and his destruction in any one of them would destroy all creation, while Unicron, on the other hand, exists in only one Universe at a time ever. There are no "alternate reality" multiversal versions of Unicron, he's just one single God who leaps between universes (picture a ball of yarn thrown from room to room).

Needless to say this is a tricky bit of [[Retcon|retconning]] that is hard to mesh with the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] (where there was no Primus and Unicron was only a robot made by [[Primacron]]) or the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel Comics]] where Primus is stated to have died and the multiverse doesn't implode.

== Alternate beliefs ==
===Cult of Unicron===
[[Image:Acolyte of unicron.jpg|right|75px|thumb|Trick or Treat?]]
Some Transformers have willingly (or unwillingly) come to serve the dark god Unicron. The [[The Fallen|Fallen]] was the first of these.

In the Marvel Comic, before their long sleep Unicron was able to bury a powerful compulsion in the minds of a number of Transformers causing them to form a secret cult of Unicron, which attempted to slay Optimus Prime upon his being named the leader of Primus' forces.

===Decepticon religion?===
The Decepticon myth of the [[Ultimate Warrior]] appears to be a corruption of the [[Last Autobot]] story. In the Marvel Comic the mystically inclined Decepticon [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] dedicated his life to the "teachings" of the Ultimate Warrior, a path that may be taken as a possible alternate Cybertronian religion.

In Dreamwave's second ''[[The War Within]]'' miniseries Bludgeon and other like-minded Decepticon mystics are shown to commune with and worship "dark" mystical forces in attempt to gain power.

The Japanese Generation 1 series present two characters that might also factor in to a Decepticon religion. [[Devil Z]] is described alternately as 'the god of the Destrons' and a guardian angel who's looked after/been worshiped by them. After Devil Z's destruction a new supernatural being arises to lead the Decepticons: [[Violen Jiger]]. A demon-like being said to be born from many angry Decepticon sparks, V.J. possessed the supernatural ability to raise the dead.

It has also been speculated that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] took his name from a verse from the Covenant of Primus.

===Xal===

[[Cybertronian (faction)|The Cybertronian Imperial]] [[Mindset]], in a moment of great fear, screamed "Great [[Xal]] protect me!". {{storylink|Swarm (issue)|Swarm}} The nature of Xal is unknown, though the Cybertronians appear familiar with the concept of Primus which indicates Xal is a separate entity.

===[[Atechnogenesis]]===
[[Image:Wellofallsparks.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Em..., I think I need a stiff drink now.]]
[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] is often portrayed as being a Transformer atheist due to his scientific worldview. In IDW's comic series he swears by [[Primacron]] rather than Primus. (Although what that implies about said continuity beyond being a cute in-joke is unknown. [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] swears by him later on in the same issue.)

[[Category:Religion]]

Shockblast

2009-11-01T19:03:11Z

74.190.191.47: /* Energon */

{{factions|decepticon}}

{{disambig2|the Energon Decepticon tank/satellite|the Generation 1 space gun|Shockwave (G1)}}

:''Shockblast is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Shockblast energon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No, the toy doesn't have that hose. Or that arm joint. Or that hand.]]
'''Shockblast''' packs an incredible amount of strength and firepower inside his chassis, and he knows it. He's brash, arrogant, sarcastic, and fearless, even willing to challenge the might of Megatron directly. He's also a sociopath, casually killing solely for the fun of it. He revels in destruction, and he's not particularly bothered which side is
doing the exploding.

Shockblast is the brother of [[Six Shot]]. He has an unspecified history with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]; the two hate each other, probably because Shockblast is a jerk.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Laserwave'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Pöröly''' ("Hammer"), '''Sokkoló''' ("Shocker", [[Ultimate Battles]] DVD only)

==Fiction==
===''Energon'' pack-in mini-comics===
When [[Slugslinger (Energon)|Slugslinger]] and [[Sharkticon (Energon)|Sharkticon]] attempted to break into an [[Autobot]] island facility, Shockblast scrambled the security system with an electromagnetic pulse from orbit. However, when the plan went wrong, [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] nailed Shockblast with cannon-fire, despite the Decepticon being in low orbit.

Later, Shockblast was part of the Decepticon party that had cornered [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] and a wounded [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]. However, Shockblast was blown away by the combined power of Optimus and the newly-arrived [[Wing Saber]]. {{Storylink|Energon (mini-comic)}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Energon''====
:''Voice actor'': [[Brian Drummond]] (English), [[Nobutoshi Canna]] (Japanese), [[Fredrik Beckmann]] (Swedish)

{{cleanup|March 2009|Needs more expansion since he appeared in more episodes than this.}}

Shockblast was held prisoner deep inside [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], under near-constant supervision due to his status as a dangerous Decepticon war criminal. {{storylink|Alpha Q: Identity}} During a Decepticon uprising, Shockblast escaped and slaughtered most of the Autobot guards, including [[Padlock]], earning the ever-lasting hatred of [[Wing Dagger]]. [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] decided to add Shockblast to his team, and dispatched [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] to Cybertron to retrieve him. The two immediately began to squabble, reviving an old emnity. Shockblast damaged Cybertron's [[Energon grid|energon grid]] before fleeing the planet. {{storylink|Shockblast: Rampage}}

Shockblast was quickly given command of Megatron's troops and told to lead an assault on Cybertron, to destroy the rest of the grid. Unfortunately, Tidal Wave was severely damaged during Shockblast's attack due to Shockblast's own carelessness, leading to his reformatting into [[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Energon|Mirage]]. Wing Dagger attempted to capture Shockblast during this attack, but was also crushed under the same falling energon tower that damaged Tidal Wave. {{storylink|Each One Fights...}} {{storylink|Unicron Unleashed}}

Shockblast regarded Megatron with a high level of contempt, and eventually attempted to overthrow Megatron and take command of Unicron. This didn't go so well for him. {{storylink|Open Fire!}} {{storylink|Ripped Up Space}}

[[Image:Shockblast tentacles.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Tentacles. In a Japanese cartoon. This isn't going to end well...]]

On the other side of the [[Rift (Energon)|rift in space]], he crash landed alone on [[Iron Planet]]. Surrounded by Autobots, he was defeated by the reborn Wing Dagger, [[Wing Saber]], captured and chained up. {{storylink|Protection}} For a time, Megatron refused to rescue him, but finally freed him, while capturing his guard Inferno at the same time. Shockblast was subsequently demoted to the bottom of the ranks for his treachery. {{storylink|Improsoned Inferno}}

[[Image:Shockblast smoosh.jpg|right|180px|thumb|..Told ya.]]
Shockblast eventually tricked Megatron and attempted to assume control of Unicron in his stead. The full power of Unicron proved too much for him to handle, however; it drove him insane, sending him on a mindless rampage under Unicron's control. He crashed on [[Blizzard Planet]], where Optimus Prime battled him while trying to reach past Unicron to reach the real Shockblast. Prime's words worked, and Shockblast managed to free himself. He turned his firepower on Unicron, but the Chaos Bringer brought one hand down on the surface of Blizzard Planet, and Shockblast was crushed before Prime's horrified eyes. {{storylink|The Power}}

{{charstubfiction}}

{{Note|The Japanese ''Super Link'' version of the cartoon states that Shockblast (called Laserwave) was part of Tidal Wave's platoon during the previous battles. After eliminating their Autobot enemies, he grew bored and began to attack and destroy his own Decepticon allies, leading to Tidal Wave's animosity towards him. Shockblast and Six Shot were captured in between ''Armada'' and ''Energon'' for their continued attempts to keep the war going between the two factions, refusing to accept the newfound period of peace.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
===''Energon''===
Shockblast intercepted the [[Ocean City]] schematics [[Slugslinger (Energon)|Slugslinger]] used to infiltrate the Autobot installation.

{{charstubfiction}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Energon===
[[Image:Energon Shockblast toy.jpg|250px|thumb|I transform into nothing!]]
*'''Shockblast''' (Mega, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-14'''
**''Accessories'': Missile

: Shockblast transforms into a Cybertronic laser-tank, plus has a third satellite-cannon mode. His cannon-arm contains a spring-loaded missile launcher and an electronic sound gimmick (which refuses to shut up most of the time). His design is obviously an [[homage]] to the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]].

: Many specimens of this toy have the same problem: in satellite mode, a peg on one of his legs will not fit into the corresponding slot to hold the mode together. Also, his torso connects to his legs via a ''very'' small hinge, which is quite susceptible to breaking.

: The Japanese version of Shockblast, named '''Laserwave''', differs from the Hasbro release, with slightly more detailed paint deco and using a cooler grey plastic colour.

: This mold was also used to make ''Energon'' [[Six Shot]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* Shockblast's right shoulder-armor was used for the shoulders of the [[Autobot nurse]] [[generic]] model in the [[Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]].
* Shockblast's body was also used as the basis for [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]]'s pre-beast body in "[[Theft of the Golden Disk]]".
* Shockblast probably would've been called Shockwave if weren't for the fact that [[Hasbro]] didn't have the [[trademark]] for the name "Shockwave" at the time. This is supported by at least two facts: He's called Laserwave in the Japanese version (Laserwave is Shockwave's Japanese name), and in the same year, a [[Shockwave (G1)#Alternators|second Shockwave homage figure]] was released into the [[Alternators]] series, also officially called Shockblast, but bearing a license plate reading "SHKWAV". Hasbro has subsequently reclaimed the "Shockwave" trademark

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Shockblast/shockblast.htm Shockblast at TFU.info]

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Energon characters]]
[[Category:Toys with sound]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]