MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Spider-Man

2007-06-20T15:49:57Z

76.180.82.27:

:''Spider-Man is a [[human]] character in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Spider-man.jpg|thumb|250px|Someday we may learn more about this mysterious Spider-Man.]]
'''Peter Parker''' is a photographer for a newspaper named ''The New York Daily Bugle'' under Editor-in-Chief [[Joe Robertson]]. Parker is ''also'' the friendly costumed hero '''Spider-Man'''. The source of his powers appears to be his black costume, which he can control with his mind. Other than being able to shapeshift into normal clothes, the costume also fires thread-like projectiles from his wrists, which can be used to spin a web of practically any size, or to catch thieves and other assorted rogues just like earth flies. His superhuman strength and agility may also come from this suit.

He's kind of a smartass.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
While covering the news of the new [[Decepticon]] fortress in Oregon, Peter Parker/Spider-Man intercepted [[Gears]], who had been sent on a scouting mission, and attacked, thinking Gears was one of the invaders. When [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] threw a tank at a gaggle of unwary reporters, Gears saved them, convincing Spider-Man he was good.

Spider-Man teamed up with the [[Autobot]]s to help rescue [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] from the [[Decepticon]]s. Spider-Man noted that he has had many adventures in his long history as a superhero. [[Optimus_Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] replied that he is sure tales of his exploits would be interesting... they could possibly even be described as ''amazing''.

Spidey managed to get the Autobots past the army with a little subterfuge, which lasted about ten seconds. While the Autobots dealt with both the human army ''and'' some invading Decepticons, he and Gears made their way into the base. After dispatching the cassettes and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], the pair found Sparkplug, and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]! He used his webbing to completely mummify [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], but it didn't hold for very long. Megatron blasted a hole in the floor of their base, so Gears, and Sparkplug would plummet to their deaths. Webbing saved Spider and Spark, but couldn't hold Gears' weight.

Spider-Man was aghast that the Autobots would treat their comrade's apparent death so nonchalantly. He followed the Autobots back to the [[Ark]], and Prime failed to explain in any adequate sense how Gears was neither dead nor alive right then. But Spider-Man couldn't stick around, so he left... and was never seen again. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

Wonder what happened to him.

==External links==
*[[Wikipedia:Spider-Man|Spider-Man information at Wikipedia]]

[[Category: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Humans]]
[[Category: Marvel properties]]
[[Category: Superheroes]]<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>

Wolverine (Marvel)

2007-06-20T15:46:33Z

76.180.82.27:

:''Wolverine is a [[human]] in the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] universe of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Prowl-Wolverine.jpg|right|thumb|250px|That is one pissed-off Oompa-Loompa.]]

'''Wolverine''' is a diminutive military veteran cowboy from Canada who's famous for acting as a superhero. He is not [[Peter Cullen]].

His fleshy, hairy human exterior seems to hide some sort of metallic infrastructure, which is [[Beast Wars|not unheard of]] by Transformers.

==Fiction==
===IDW comics continuity===
====''New Avengers/Transformers''====

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolverine_(comics) Wolverine on Wikipedia]

{{stub}}
[[Category: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Humans]]
[[Category: Marvel properties]]
[[Category: Superheroes]]<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>

Iron Man

2007-06-20T15:35:17Z

76.180.82.27:

{{disambig2|the cool exec with a heart of steel|the Autobot buried under England|Man of Iron}}

:''Iron Man is a [[human]] in the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] universe of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Ironman.jpg|right|thumb|250px|How think do you drunk I am?]]

'''Iron Man''' will send you to the Negative Zone for not registering your superpowers. He appears to be a normal, squishy human who's taken the surprisingly sensible step of encasing himself in metal like a ''proper'' being.

He is not [[G.B. Blackrock]].

==Fiction==
===IDW comics continuity===
====''New Avengers/Transformers''====

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Man Iron Man on Wikipedia]

* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Wn4iYoMcAA Iron Man theme song]

{{stub}}
[[Category: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Humans]]
[[Category: Marvel properties]]
[[Category: Superheroes]]<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>

Size changing

2007-05-31T06:52:54Z

76.180.82.27: /* 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]], who's 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 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]].

===Fandom explanations===

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 his 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.

[[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>

For safety reasons

2007-05-31T06:36:43Z

76.180.82.27: /* Trivia */

[[Image:G1Megatron_toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In your dreams, American fans.]]

The United States is a very litigious society. If a child is injured, or heaven forbid, killed by use or abuse of a toy, that child's parents are very likely to sue the toy manufacturer. As such, [[Hasbro]] puts its toys through rigorous safety testing. Sometimes, a toy has to be altered from the original design in order to maintain safety standards, which vary from country to country.

==Safety testing==
Hasbro has several tests that come up frequently. One of the more famous ones is the "drop test." As its name implies, this involves dropping a toy from great heights in order to ascertain whether or not said toy will break, and if any of the parts which may have broken loose could potentially injure a child (sharp edges, swallowable/chokeable bits, etc.). This is often cited as the reason [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] has not been reissued in the United States, as well as the shortened smokestacks on the shoulders of various [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] toys (which actuallly started in 1988 with the [[Powermaster]] version).

Other tests have similar goals, generally concerned with breakage issues. Hence, the Japanese version of [[Vector Prime]] has hard plastic wings, but the U.S. version uses a rubbery material less likely to accidentally snap off or gouge out the eye of a child (or particularly clumsy adult). Even as early as 1985, [[Jetfire]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] were altered to have blunted nosecones, and the [[Seeker]] jets had rubber nosecones instead of hard plastic. Again, this was likely to prevent trauma from a thrown or jabbed toy.

==Safety standards==
Besides the safety testing, Hasbro (and other toy manufacturers) try to make sure their products conform to certain standards. Some of these standards are self-imposed, while others are mandated at the state or national level. Most notably, these laws include choke laws, which are designed to prevent small parts (''especially'' projectiles) from being lodged in a child's windpipe; the use of toxic materials like lead-based paints; and toy gun laws, which are designed to prevent scenarios where law enforcement officials accidentally shoot children or adults who are not armed, but carrying "realistic" toy guns (like say, [[Megatron (G1)|G1 Megatron]]. U.S. law requires that toy guns have either an orange plug in the barrel, or a coat of orange paint on the barrel. Some states have even more stringent laws, which requires that toy guns must be brightly colored and must not resemble real-world firearms. (Some retailers won't ''carry'' realistic toy guns anyway, so that's a double-whammy some places.)

Note that the major federal toy gun law was enacted in 1988, and applies to all toy guns manufactured after May 1989. As such, it is entirely legal for dealers to sell original G1 Megatron figures, as they are grandfathered in; but any later American release of the toy WOULD have to meet these standards, hence the "Safety/Lava Bath Megatron" toy, which STILL failed to meet these guidelines, as the entire external surface was not (and likely could not be) made from a single color of plastic.

==Trivia==
* According to Hasbro, toys that represent flying characters are given more stringent drop tests and rounded/collapsable bits, as children (and the kind of adults who buy Transformers, actually) are more prone to throwing these figures around or ramming them into things (or people).

* In Italy's ''Trasformers'' line, the missile launchers didn't have their springs removed, but the missiles ''did'' have comically-huge giant rubber balls attached to the tips. Makes those [[Commemorative Series]] missiles not seem so bad, huh?

==External links==
* [http://theswca.com/textf/toydeath.html Page featuring articles on the genesis of the choke-gate test, due to a missile-firing ''Battlestar Galactica'' toy.]
* [http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/cfr/title15/part1150.html CFR Title 15, Part 1150, the official federal law on "realistic" toy guns and the markings thereof.]
* [http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/toypremguid04.pdf Pages five and six of this article give a brief summary of the federal safety guidelines regarding breakability testing.] (PDF format.)
* [http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28331 The Onion's slightly snarkier take on the subject, for those who like their snarky snark snarkiness.]

[[Category:Toys]]<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>

For safety reasons

2007-05-31T06:34:56Z

76.180.82.27:

[[Image:G1Megatron_toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In your dreams, American fans.]]

The United States is a very litigious society. If a child is injured, or heaven forbid, killed by use or abuse of a toy, that child's parents are very likely to sue the toy manufacturer. As such, [[Hasbro]] puts its toys through rigorous safety testing. Sometimes, a toy has to be altered from the original design in order to maintain safety standards, which vary from country to country.

==Safety testing==
Hasbro has several tests that come up frequently. One of the more famous ones is the "drop test." As its name implies, this involves dropping a toy from great heights in order to ascertain whether or not said toy will break, and if any of the parts which may have broken loose could potentially injure a child (sharp edges, swallowable/chokeable bits, etc.). This is often cited as the reason [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] has not been reissued in the United States, as well as the shortened smokestacks on the shoulders of various [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] toys (which actuallly started in 1988 with the [[Powermaster]] version).

Other tests have similar goals, generally concerned with breakage issues. Hence, the Japanese version of [[Vector Prime]] has hard plastic wings, but the U.S. version uses a rubbery material less likely to accidentally snap off or gouge out the eye of a child (or particularly clumsy adult). Even as early as 1985, [[Jetfire]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] were altered to have blunted nosecones, and the [[Seeker]] jets had rubber nosecones instead of hard plastic. Again, this was likely to prevent trauma from a thrown or jabbed toy.

==Safety standards==
Besides the safety testing, Hasbro (and other toy manufacturers) try to make sure their products conform to certain standards. Some of these standards are self-imposed, while others are mandated at the state or national level. Most notably, these laws include choke laws, which are designed to prevent small parts (''especially'' projectiles) from being lodged in a child's windpipe; the use of toxic materials like lead-based paints; and toy gun laws, which are designed to prevent scenarios where law enforcement officials accidentally shoot children or adults who are not armed, but carrying "realistic" toy guns (like say, [[Megatron (G1)|G1 Megatron]]. U.S. law requires that toy guns have either an orange plug in the barrel, or a coat of orange paint on the barrel. Some states have even more stringent laws, which requires that toy guns must be brightly colored and must not resemble real-world firearms. (Some retailers won't ''carry'' realistic toy guns anyway, so that's a double-whammy some places.)

Note that the major federal toy gun law was enacted in 1988, and applies to all toy guns manufactured after May 1989. As such, it is entirely legal for dealers to sell original G1 Megatron figures, as they are grandfathered in; but any later American release of the toy WOULD have to meet these standards, hence the "Safety/Lava Bath Megatron" toy, which STILL failed to meet these guidelines, as the entire external surface was not (and likely could not be) made from a single color of plastic.

==Trivia==
* According to Hasbro, toys that represent flying characters are given more stringent drop tests and rounded/collapsable bits, as children are more prone to throwing these figures around or ramming them into things (or people).

* In Italy's ''Trasformers'' line, the missile launchers didn't have their springs removed, but the missiles ''did'' have comically-huge giant rubber balls attached to the tips. Makes those [[Commemorative Series]] missiles not seem so bad, huh?

==External links==
* [http://theswca.com/textf/toydeath.html Page featuring articles on the genesis of the choke-gate test, due to a missile-firing ''Battlestar Galactica'' toy.]
* [http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/cfr/title15/part1150.html CFR Title 15, Part 1150, the official federal law on "realistic" toy guns and the markings thereof.]
* [http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/toypremguid04.pdf Pages five and six of this article give a brief summary of the federal safety guidelines regarding breakability testing.] (PDF format.)
* [http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28331 The Onion's slightly snarkier take on the subject, for those who like their snarky snark snarkiness.]

[[Category:Toys]]<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>