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2005 IDW continuity

2009-07-11T19:19:57Z

76.25.166.241: /* Media */

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The '''IDW continuity''' is a rebooted ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' universe, and began in [[2005]] by [[IDW Publishing]]. It re-imagines the [[Autobot]]-[[Decepticon]] [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] as a galaxy-spanning conflict, with [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] abandoned as a dead husk, and teams from both sides covertly operating on various alien worlds to defend or destroy the native populations — including [[Earth]].

==Overview==
[[Image:Escalation 1 a.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Remember that time when this didn't happen?]]
The IDW universe brings [[Transformer]]s into the modern day, dispensing with some of the more problematic elements that have dogged previous versions of ''Generation 1''. The Transformers here are relatively recently arrived on Earth; the traditional "crashed on Earth 4 million years ago" approach is not used. Alternate forms are largely updated to modern-day vehicles, with robot modes reworked accordingly.

The series is notable as a much more "cloak-and-dagger" world than many previous iterations of ''Generation 1''. Earth is initially portrayed as simply one of many battlegrounds in a galaxy-spanning war of subversion and conquest. Also of note is that there is a reason Cybertron is not the site of conflict: the planet is a deserted wasteland, a result of the devastation it suffered in the war. The Decepticons follow a [[Infiltration protocol|strict protocol]] of infiltration as they attempt to take over alien worlds. [[Alternate mode]]s serve a very real and important purpose of disguise, as discovery by natives is strictly forbidden by both factions. Open conflict is rare, and battles are often fought entirely in vehicle forms.

The story opens on Earth, as the Decepticons there have discovered a wildly powerful source of energy, and break protocol to secure it. This soon brings both [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to the planet, escalating the conflict. The [[human]]s are deeply involved as well, both innocent bystanders and active covert organizations such as the [[Machination]] and [[Skywatch]]. Various plot threads, many of them outlined in the ''Spotlight'' series, continually thread into the main story , and echoes of the Transformers' dark and distant past are beginning to gather strength as well.

===Cast===
The series is not constrained by the needs of portraying a current toyline, allowing great freedom in cast selection.

The story opened with an assortment of the more familiar 1984 [[Autobot]]s operating on Earth, with some of their standard 1984/85 [[Decepticon]] foes also present. But the free format allows fan favorites such as [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and the [[Battlecharger]]s to be thrown into the mix, and even almost random additions as [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and [[Dogfight]] have played roles as the setting expands and more Transformers head to Earth. Many of the latter-day ''Generation 1'' cast have been shown fighting the war on worlds other than Earth, and even a few ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' Autobots have made appearances.

=== New alternate modes ===
Most of the Transformers seen in this continuity feature [[alternate mode]]s updated to the modern day. Here are some examples:

* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]: Dodge Sprinter ambulance
* [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] and [[Runabout]]: Chevrolet Camaro SS
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]: F-22 "Raptor", but later they take the form of the older F-15 "Eagle" in ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' for apparently no reason.
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]: Nissan 350Z police car
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]: Lamborghini Diablo, later upgraded to a Lamborghini Gallardo to match his [[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]] toy.
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]: Dodge Sprinter van
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]: Current-model Porsche 911 (aka 997)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]: Started in Cybertronian mode, then reformatted as a Walther P99 (with silencer and sight, but no stock) for Earth
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]: has an all-new transformation scheme with a robot mode similar to ''Armada'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. Initially his ground vehicle mode was an American M1 Abrams battle tank, but later assumed the form of a Russian battle tank (possibly a [[wikipedia:T-90|T-90]]) when the Decepticons were in [[Brasnya]].
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]: had a new modern diesel engine train mode, traded it in for a steam locomotive for no apparent reason.
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]: Sony personal media player; however, he later reverted to his classic cassette mode for dubious reasons in ''All Hail Megatron''.
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] started as a Cybertronian hot rod, but was reformatted into a Dodge Viper upon settling down on Earth. However, by the end of ''Maximum Dinobots'' and during ''All Hail Megatron'', he reformatted to look exactly like he did in [[GEEWUN]].
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] started in his familiar Cybertronian self-propelled artillery mode before being reformatted into a wheeled Earth armored vehicle (possibly a [[wikipedia:Pandur 8X8 APC|Pandur 8X8 APC]]).
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]: Initially a Cybertronian hovercar, but later took the form of a Lamborghini Murcialago, and even later still a Lamborghini Gallardo.

{{note|In possibly an art error, one of the covers for [[Infiltration issue 0|''Infiltration'' #0]] features Jazz with his original Porsche 935 hood/chest, though it's possible that at the time IDW and artist [[E. J. Su]] hadn't finalized the designs yet.}}

====Exceptions====
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (although he possesses a new transformation scheme, making for a different looking robot mode to his most familiar appearances)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], though he started in his Cybertronian form, similar to his look in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[The War Within]]''. Note, however, that even in his "classic" mode Prime is given a sun visor on his cab roof/chest and an overall more streamlined and modern truck mode.
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] have their familiar modes, due to their travel to Earth in 1984.
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] also maintain their original forms, having been buried on Earth since the distant past. However, Shockwave's body has been slightly streamlined, and both the Dinobots' robot and beast modes have undergone some heavy reworking to better reflect current science. The Dinobots started out in their ''War Within'' forms however, and Grimlock still sports the teethed face, rather than the traditional [[mouthplate]]. In ''Maximum Dinobots'', however, he reverts back to a face similar to his G1 one, but with a big chin-like bit on the end.
* [[Sixshot]]
* The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]

{{note|The ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' series appears to have more of the cast returned to their more familiar ''Generation 1'' alt modes, possibly to draw more fans who were familiar with the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] to the comic series, or because Shane McCarthy [[GEEWUN | does not like change]]. Also, the Decepticon cast by this point is nearly identical to that of the late Season 1 cartoon. Other characters have assumed bodies based upon their toys from the 2008 ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toylines.}}

===Technology===
Several aspects of Transformer technology have been re-evaluated for the series.

Most prominently, the "facsimile circuitry" dummy drivers shown in the ''Generation 1'' [[Marvel Comics continuity]] have been replaced by sophisticated solid-light projections composed of "[[holomatter]]". Holomatter generators are built into each member of the Autobot contingent on Earth; they can function as an avatar for their respective Autobot, even quite some distance away, allowing the Autobots to covertly interact with a planet's natives.

The Decepticons, in a similar vein, make use of [[Facsimile Construct|facsimile constructs]] — synthetic humans grown in special pods from the bodies and minds of kidnapped "template" humans. These replicas are used to destabilize the societies of planets the Decepticons wish to conquer.

Both sides also possess a variant of teleportation technology, seen for example when Megatron travels to Starscream's [[Oregon]] command bunker. This "[[orbital jump]]" can apparently be coordinated from an ''[[Ark (disambiguation)|Ark]]'' spacecraft or the Decepticons' bunker headquarters. Nightbeat describes it as "not the most pleasant way to travel".

[[Size changing]] is a rarity, generally abandoned in these energy-short times. Megatron, originally possessing a tank mode, is encouraged by the energy-rich [[Ultra-Energon|Ore-13]] and takes on a size-changing alternate form when he arrives on Earth. His transformation sequence and its attendant mass-displacement process consumes a great deal of energy, and is thus surprising to the Autobots who observe it. Why Soundwave and his cassettes utilized it remains unknown, though perhaps it was a necessity to further his role as a spy.

Conversely, certain technologies did not yet exist at the series' starting point. Gestalt ([[combiner]]) technology had only appeared as a long-ago experiment, which yielded only the barbaric [[Monstructor]]. [[Pretender]] technology had likewise appeared only as a failed experiment, and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] and similar binary-bonding tech is just made its debut after years of covert and illegal development. All of these technologies appear to bestow greatly-enhanced power on the users, to the point that [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] devastated the entire planet of Cybertron with his Pretender shell, and Monstructor easily defeated [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]].

==Media==
The continuity includes the following mini-series, listed in approximate ''chronological'' order:

* ''[[Megatron Origin]]'' — Four-issue miniseries. Megatron rises from a laboring miner to founder and leader of the [[Decepticon]] faction.
* ''[[Infiltration]]'' — Seven-issue miniseries (issues #0 to #6). On Earth, the Decepticons have discovered a potent new power source, and risk everything to exploit it.
* ''[[Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer]]'' — Four-issue miniseries (issues #7 to #10). On the burnt-out husk of Cybertron, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] works to revive the ultra-powerful but crazed Thunderwing.
* ''[[New Avengers / Transformers]]'' — Four-issue miniseries. The Earth Autobots team up with the superhero squad the [[Avengers|New Avengers]] to confront the Decepticons in the country of [[Latveria]].
* ''[[Escalation (IDW)|Escalation]]'' — Sequel to ''Infiltration''. Six-issue miniseries (issues #11 to #16). The war on Earth breaks out into open conflict as the Decepticons attempt to make use of the newly-discovered Ore-13.
* ''[[Devastation (IDW)|Devastation]]'' — Sequel to ''Escalation''. Six-issue miniseries (issues #17 to #22). Megatron throws caution and protocol to the wind, unleashing his ultimate warrior, Sixshot, on the Earth-based Autobots.
* ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'' — Sequel to ''Devastation'', presented as a special series of four ''[[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]]''s. The Autobots abandon Earth to deal with the threat of the [[Dead Universe]].
* ''[[Maximum Dinobots]]'' — Sequel to ''Revelation''. Five-issue miniseries that features [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] and his [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and the return of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]].
* ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' — A 16-issue maxi-series dealing with the fate of Earth at the hands of the Decepticons one year after the withdrawal of the Autobots at the end of ''Revelation''.

* ''[[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]]'' — A series of one-shot stories focusing on a single Transformer per issue. The stories generally fit in to various points in the Transformers' history.

==Timeline==
''See main article: [[IDW timeline]].''

==Production==
Initially, the IDWverse was been penned almost entirely by veteran Transformers scribe [[Simon Furman]], with the primary exceptions being:

* ''Megatron Origin'' ([[Eric Holmes]])
* ''[[Spotlight: Kup]]'' ([[Nick Roche]])
* ''[[Spotlight: Mirage]]'' ([[George Strayton]])
* the ''New Avengers'' crossover and ''[[Spotlight: Ramjet]]'' ([[Stuart Moore]]).

Pencils on the main -ation series were done by [[E. J. Su]] (with [[Nick Roche]] and [[Robby Musso]] filling in while Su was on paternity leave); a variety of artists have penciled the other series in the continuity.

However...

IDW decided to shake things up in an attempt to gain new fans. Furman's planned 6-issue ''Revelation'' was shortened to 4 ''Spotlight'' issues and its follow-up, ''Expansion'' was canceled in favor of a new series, ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'', which was written by new writer, [[Shane McCarthy]] and illustrated mainly by [[Guido Guidi]]. ''AHM'' was expanded from 12 to 16 issues to mainly fix continuity issues between McCarthy's and Furman's work.

Also rumored is an ongoing series with sketchy details at this time.

== Items of note ==
* The IDW continuity is equivalent to the [http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Earth-616 Earth-616] from [[Marvel Comics]] in [[New Avengers / Transformers|some way]].

[[Category:Comics]]
[[Category:Continuities]]

Gold Plastic Syndrome

2009-04-03T00:21:55Z

76.25.166.241: /* Generation 1 */

[[Image:GPSSlingshot.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Emoformer: He breaks himself.]]
'''Gold Plastic Syndrome''' (commonly shorthanded to '''GPS''') is fandom terminology used to describe the phenomenon of a toy's [[plastic]]
decomposing and becoming brittle to the point of shattering or
crumbling under minimal-stress conditions. In the most extreme cases,
toys have been reported to spontaneously crumble to small bits without
any applied force at all, even if they're fresh out of their [[MISB|unopened package]].

This breakage is different from the relatively more common stress-fracture type of plastic breakage that can occur in some [[Toy|Transformers toys]].
All noted instances of GPS have occurred in hard, glossy gold-colored
plastics that appear to have a "swirl" to their coloration.

==Notability==
GPS is notably widespread among toys made in the tail-end of [[Generation 1]], typically the second year of [[Pretender|Pretenders]] and even some European-market exclusives, but examples have surfaced from lines as recent as ''[[Generation 2]]'' and the ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' series. Transformers toys are not the only ones to suffer from this; there have been reports of ''[[G.I. Joe]]'' and ''Visionaries'' toys' gold plastics also crumbling seemingly of their own accord.

==Cause of GPS==
*[[Mara-Al-Utha|Wizards]]

{{stub}}

==GPS misconceptions==
[[Image:Brownplasticsyndrome.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The one image for the wiki you don't want to be able to make.]]
The most common misconception about GPS is that ''all''
gold-colored plastic can suffer from this rot. Only certain plastic
grades (described above) have been noted to be susceptible to GPS
crumbling; in the past few years, more durable, pliable plastics have
become the norm for toy construction, so the gold plastic on more
recent toys like [[Cannonball]] are highly unlikely to have the flaw.

Also, not every type of plastic breakage is the kind caused by
GPS. In most instances of broken toys, visible stress marks appear long
before any breakage in the form of discoloration (since these plastics
have a bit more "give" to them), and are typically very clean "snaps"
due to excess pressure.
Even if not subject to "true" GPS breakage, older gold
plastics tend to be rather brittle and more likely than most to snap
under relatively light stresses. But "true" GPS breakages seemingly
come from simple decomposition of the plastic without any form of
excess force at all, and the breaks tend to leave shards of plastic and
dust, appearing similar to dry Play-Doh crumpling.

Additionally, it is not limited to gold plastic. Some other
older metally-swirled plastics may also suffer. However, it is far less
common and is possibly related, though it is just as likely (such as
Transmetal Megatron) that it is simply cast out of more easily broken
plastic.
{{-}}
==Toys commonly associated with Gold Plastic Syndrome==
====Generation 1====
* [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]]
* [[Bristleback]]
* [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]
* [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]]
* [[Slog]]
* [[Killbison]]

====Generation 1-2 Transitional Phase====
* [[Pyro]]

====Generation 2====
* [[Electro]]
* [[Slingshot]]
(Slingshot is infamous for being made almost entirely of gold plastic,
and has been reported to come apart straight out of the package [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/2b8b3dec846e5479?hl=en].)

====Beast Wars====
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
* [[Randy (BWN)|Randy]]
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]
* [[Torca]] - His legs, tail hinge and sides are prone to Gold Plastic Syndrome.
* NOT Transmetal Megatron. He suffers from something different entirely: Brown Plastic Syndrome.

====Other notable instances====
* [[Predator]] [[missile]] launchers
* [[Serpentor]], while not a Transformer, is also known to suffer from this problem.

==Clear Plastic Syndrome==
There is a similar condition in figures made with translucent and
transparent colored plastics. Though it doesn't seem anywhere near as
bad as Gold Plastic Syndrome (which can affect ANY part of a figure),
it seems to affect mostly the joints, either pivot or ball versions.
The main cause of this is the higher friction ratio the plastic has
(pin joints seem to be more susceptible) and the lower flexibility of
the plastic. Some toys were made entirely of clear plastic and didn't
fare much better than ones made entirely of gold plastic. Sorry, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]].

==Etymology==
The earliest use of the term that can be found in the
alt.toys.transformers archives dates to September 2002 in a post by
user Sky Shadow [http://groups.google.co.uk/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/2b3d532961b2c2dc],
though it is unclear from his usage of the term whether or not it was
already in use. A post by Dave "Zobovor" Edwards, meanwhile, made in
June of the previous year,[http://groups.google.co.uk/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/6ed7e0f3586f37e4], is the earliest identifiable acknowledgment of the widespread nature of the phenomenon within the Transformers fan community.

[[Category:Diseases]]
[[Category:Toys]]