MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Variant

2026-02-26T01:52:41Z

ArmyRanger: /* Colors and deco */

[[File:G1 Bumblebee Cliffjumper Red Yellow.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|Wait till you see what crazy colors [[Generation 1 toylines in Latin America|other countries]] got.]]
A '''variant''' is a product, usually a toy (in recent years, also often a comic), that is available in more than one version, but is technically considered the "same" product from a manufacturing standpoint. Each version differs from the other(s) in one or more ways. The exact definition of a variant is not cut-and-dry and varies from person to person. Though a variant is generally different from a [[redeco]] or re-release, even that line is blurry in some cases.

The distinction between an error and a variant is equally unclear: A variant is something that someone might want; an error is something people usually don't want. However, if the error becomes widespread, some people might start considering it a genuine variant. Generally, a variant does require some quantity of each version: Isolated one-of-a-kind freak incidents are not variants.

There are several possible causes for variants: In some instances, the manufacturer creates variants on purpose with the intention to sell more product to [[completist]]s; in other cases, a variation is the result of an effort to improve the product by altering it in some way in the middle of its production run, with some quantities of the unaltered version having been produced (and possibly already distributed) before the alteration was implemented. This is also referred to as a "'''running change'''". In some drastic cases, errors have been found during [[quality control]] which then have to be corrected. Sometimes these changes aren't even a conscious decision, but the by-product of subtle changes in the manufacturing process, minor differences in the materials used for different batches of the production run, etc. In the case of toys, variants aren't just limited to the toys themselves, but can also occur with their packaging or the paperwork included.

Many collectors enjoy finding variants. It can be fun to discover some difference in two supposedly-identical toys, and some differences are quite major. Some collectors make a hobby of collecting all variants of a particular toy, which can lead to impecunious insanity if this toy is one like [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Ultra Magnus]].

==Collector-incentive variants==
[[File:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Buy me twice!]]
Companies want to sell their products. Sometimes they try to sell multiples of the same product to the same buyer. One way to achieve this is by offering variants:
*''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1 2|Cliffjumper]] were both available in yellow and red versions well into the 1985 assortments. According to former [[Hasbro]] R&D Vice President [[George Dunsay]], this was a conscious decision to "make the line look bigger".<ref name="dunsay">[http://www.tfarchive.com/fandom/interviews/george_dunsay/george_dunsay_interview.php Interview with George Dunsay at TFArchive.com]</ref> Less clear is the case of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]], an entirely different sculpt who was also sold in "Cliffjumper" packaging.
*[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] has offered quite a few simultaneously released variants of ''Transformers'' toys, usually marketed as such. Sometimes they are just color swaps using the same [[paint operation|paint mask]]s and [[tampograph]]s, while occasionally, they are outright simultaneously released [[redeco]]s:
**''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Smokescreen]] and his retool "Smokescreen GT" were both available in two slightly different decos, with two different driver-specific sets of decals each, based on the real-life rally cars the toys were based on. Similarly, ''Binaltech'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators|Meister]] was available in both white and red versions, and [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]] was even available with [[mold]] differences, as a black and white police car including a lightbar and as a blue civilian vehicle with a different rear spoiler. [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators|Tracks]] was also available in yellow and blue versions, but the blue version was released months after the yellow one and shipped all by itself, unlike the other ''Binaltech'' variants, each of which shipped in mixed [[case]]s.[[File:G1 Vol.1 Issue1 all covers.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Buy me six times!]]
**Similarly, ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force]]'' [[Scrapmetal (race)|Rumble]] was simultaneously available in red, blue and yellow versions.
**Also, let's not forget the [[chase figure]]s from various [[blindpacking|blind-packed]] assortments like ''[[The Transformers: Micromaster|Micromaster]]'' or the [[JUSCO]] [[exclusive]] [[Spychanger]]s.
*Sometimes stores also get [[exclusive]] variants of toys that include bonus non-toy accessories, such as DVDs (e.g. ''Cybertron'' Deluxes at [[Walmart]]), posters (e.g. ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' Deluxe "preview figures" at Walmart) or comic books (e.g. ''Movie'' [[Transformers (2007 toyline)#Collector items|Unleashed]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/merchandise#Unleashed|Bumblebee]] at [[Kmart]]). Occasionally the exclusive version is released in redesigned packaging (arguably making it a different product, see below), but not always.
*While '''variant covers''' have been a common staple in the comic book industry since the early 1990s, usually reserved for the first issue of a new series or special occasions (issue numbers like 500, 333 etc., major story-based events), former ''Transformers'' comic publishers [[Dreamwave Productions]] and [[IDW Publishing]] took the concept to the max, with nearly ''every single'' ''Transformers'' comic published to date having been released with more than one cover.
{{-}}

==Market-specific variants==
[[File:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Buy my superior deco!]]
Sometimes a toy is available in different versions in different markets. This mostly affects the toys' packaging, but differences between the toys themselves can also happen:
*The most common difference is between [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] versions of a toy. These can range from minor differences in the plastic colors to different plastic color layouts, different [[paint operation|paint masks]], different [[tampograph]]s and fully-blown different decos.
*Material differences can also occur, such as the [[die-cast]] metal parts used for Takara's ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' toys versus Hasbro's mostly-plastic ''Alternators'' versions, ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]'s Japanese version sporting [[rubber tires]] instead of the Hasbro version's plastic wheels, or the soft, flexible plastic used for [[for safety reasons|pointy parts]] on Hasbro's toys in the place of the harder plastic used on Takara's versions. (See also [[unpaintable plastic]].)
*In some cases there are even [[mold]] differences, such as some ''Binaltech'' toys having their steering wheels on the right side of their dashboards, whereas Hasbro's ''Alternators'' usually had the steering wheel on the left side. In addition, Hasbro's [[Windcharger (G1)#Alternators|Windcharger]] lacked the long gun barrel his ''Binaltech'' counterpart [[Overdrive#Binaltech|Overdrive]] came with, and [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]] sported several changes with his car shell reflecting the differences between the real-life Acura RSX (''Alternators'' Prowl) and the Honda Integra Type R (''Binaltech'' Prowl).
[[File:UniRedAlertThreeVersions.jpg|upright=1.55|thumb|Buy me in different countries!]]
*Packaging differences can range from "Hasbro-derived packaging with additional stickers for the Japanese market" ([[USA Edition]]s, ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toys) to entirely different Japanese packaging for the Takara versions. Likewise, Japanese toys traditionally come with their own (oftentimes superior) [[instructions]].
*Hasbro themselves also have packaging differences between different markets: Whereas the United States market (as well as Australia, New Zealand and some other English-speaking countries) typically gets toys in English-only packaging, Canada and Latin America used to be stuck with English/French/Spanish [[Multilingual packaging|trilingual packaging]] and instructions and recently moved on to quadrilingual packaging including Portuguese, and [[Europe]] has to deal with an increasing number of languages on their packaging (currently thirteen), and even ''more'' in the accompanying instructions.
*The European versions also replaced the US versions' [[package art]] with [[stock photography|stock photos]] of the toys themselves for undisclosed reasons between the tail end of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and the launch of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' and the second ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line.
[[File:UltimateBattleUSEuro.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|Buy me in another country with more economic packaging!]]
*Packaging shapes and sizes can also differ between markets, such as the smaller European version of the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' "Ultimate Battle" two-pack without excessive space for the [[Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle|DVD]] case or the smaller ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Human Alliance]] packaging Australia got.
*Toys may even be distributed in packaging attributed to different [[franchises]] in different Hasbro markets: For example, the original ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line's [[Micromaster]] [[combiner]] waves (originally [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]]s in the USA) were released in ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' ([[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]) and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' ([[Railbot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]) packaging in European markets, but retained the same product code numbers. More complicated are the [[Superion (G1)#Universe (2008)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus (G1)#Universe (2008)|Bruticus Maximus]] combiner giftsets that were originally intended for the second ''Universe'' line and were released in some markets (Australia, Singapore) in intended-for-the-US-market ''Universe'' packaging, but were released in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' packaging in the USA. Since the ''Revenge'' versions sported different product codes than their ''Universe'' counterparts, this raises the question whether they are to be considered "packaging variants" or different products (see below).
*Name variants mostly exist between Hasbro and Takara versions of toys; however, in the 1980s and 1990s, [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European]] releases could even have different names on the toys' packaging for different markets (such as the [[Turbomaster]]s aka "Cannonmasters" and the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]]s). This practice has been abandoned with the introduction of uniform multilingual European packaging. The occasional name change of a [[gimmick]] still exists, though: ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Beast Hunters (2013)|Prime Beast Hunters]]'' Battlemaster Class "[[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#Talking|Talking Bumblebee]]" was renamed into "SFX Bumblebee" for European markets, with the sound chip changed from containing voice clips to generic sound effects, and ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' "[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Mega1Step|Mega 1-Step Bumblebee]]" was renamed into "Mega Flip Bumblebee" for European markets.
*A particularly odd case: In 2012, Hasbro's Asian division released several redecos and retools of older toys in ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' packaging in markets such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia, with all the various texts on the packaging being kept in English. Several months later, Hasbro's US division released those toys in the United States and Canada as [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusives, with the toys now sporting [[:File:GenerationsAsianDeluxes.jpg|bilingual English/Chinese texts on their packaging]]. In addition, the Deluxe Class toys were now packaged in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] rather than in [[robot mode]].
*Color differences between different Hasbro markets are rare, but not completely unheard of. The "[[Thrust (Armada)#PowerlinxBrown|Powerlinx]]" redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Con Thrust figure was originally intended to be colored as an homage to his [[Thrust (G1)|''Generation 1'' namesake]], but Hasbro decided to change his colors at the eleventh hour, with the figure released in North America instead sporting a color scheme inspired by ''Generation 1'' [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]. However, the figure ''was'' released in its originally intended colors in Europe, where the North American color scheme was never available. (Both versions were released by Takara as "[[USA Edition]]s", exclusively available via different venues.)
{{-}}

==Running changes==
[[File:G1toy optimus prime variants and running changes.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Collect them all! (The red-footed version was a running change in European markets only.)]]
When companies come up with a way to slightly tweak and improve their product, they sometimes do so in the middle of the production run. This creates "running change" variants, but as far as the company is concerned, the later version is usually considered the "superior" product that is supposed to "replace" the earlier, "inferior" version. This can be an [[retool|improved tooling]] of a toy, allowing for more stability of joints or pegs or higher plastic tolerances improving the toy's [[articulation]]; it can be minor changes to the coloration or deco, occasionally in an attempt to make the toy more [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]]; or it can be limited to the packaging and/or paperwork included with the toy. Whether these changes are to be considered fixes to a perceived flaw or "error", cosmetic improvements or equally valid "alternate versions" with neither version being superior to the other one depends from case to case, and sometimes also from person to person (see "[[#Errors|errors]]" below for more).

Sometimes, the changes of a toy's colors are very noticeable, suggesting other intentions than cosmetic improvements.
{{-}}

===Tooling===
[[File:G2OptimusPrimeFuelTanksComp.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Variants not only drive completists insane, they also make it a lot more difficult to use toys [[for parts]].]]
[[File:DOTMLegionSoundwave.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|The benefits of having a [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed vehicle alternate mode]].]]
[[File:BH CV Hun-Gurrr Claws comparison.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Clawfingers.]]
*Many ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' toys were available both with and without [[rubsign]] indents.
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] had [[retool]]ed fist [[Peg|holes]] so that he could better hold his [[ion blaster]]. Furthermore, the weapon was also available with a larger barrel than the standard version.
*[[Transmetal]] [[Rattrap (BW)#Transmetal1|Rattrap]]'s neck-hinge was retooled to include a "catch" that keeps his head upright better in [[robot mode]].
*The first [[wave]] containing ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Alternators|Silverstreak]] had the toy sport its steering wheel on the right side of the dashboard, a carry-over from the Japanese ''Binaltech'' release of the toy. Subsequent shipments replaced the interior with the tooling from its (earlier released) [[retool]] [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators|Smokescreen]], with the steering wheel on the left side.<ref name="streakright">[http://toynewsi.com/index.php?itemid=3482 Toy News International gallery of Alternators Silverstreak] depicting the first version with the steering wheel on the right side of the dashboard.</ref><ref name="streakleft">[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/resources/review/alternator/silverstreak/1132 Transformers @ The Moon gallery of Alternators Silverstreak] depicting the later version with the steering wheel on the left side of the dashboard.</ref>
*''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Classics|Bumblebee]]'s air scoop on the roof of his car mode was made a touch bigger after the first half of his run when it was found that the [[rubsign]] did not fit on top of the scoop itself. Later redecos would continue to use this version of the mold.
*''Movie'' [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Deluxe Class Classic Camaro Bumblebee]] saw two changes to his mold during its production run: The initial version had even tabs on its [[Automorph Technology|Automorph]] gimmick; the first modification saw that changed to an uneven tab, which frequently caused the gimmick to break, which in turn resulted in the toy refusing to stay in its [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]; the second modification, which was only available with the UK [[exclusive]] "Towed to Safety" two-pack with [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and with the more widely available "Evolution of a Hero" two-pack with Concept Camaro Bumblebee, saw the addition of another small tab which fixed the gimmick's fragility.<ref name="moviebbtab">[http://web.archive.org/web/20071016124950/http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38149 Comparison photos for all three tab variants of Movie Bumblebee's Automorph gimmick.]</ref> All three versions are, by definition, "variants", since they were intentional changes on behalf of the factory; but since the intermediate version worsened the toy, not all fans interested in collecting variants would want it.
*Later versions of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Cyberverse|Soundwave]] figures featured sculpted "grill" details on the front, sides, and hood of the vehicle, whereas the initial production run had left those areas smooth.<ref name="dotmcvswave">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/dark-of-the-moon/soundwave/2513/ Both versions of ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Soundwave] (the MOSC one is the later variant, whereas the photos featuring a loose one depict the earlier version).</ref>
*The ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)#Series 2|Cyberverse]] Legion Class [[Vehicon (Prime)#Cyberverse|Vehicon]] figure had a molding variation with his included weapon: In the initial run of figures, the "shield" piece on the side was thicker. Later waves thinned the shield a bit, tapered the ends and added a few more sculpted details.
*In 2012, Hasbro released minor redecos of [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] "[[Reveal the Shield]]" [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Starscream]] (sporting the same decos as TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Chronicle (toyline)|Chronicle]]'' EZ Collection releases of those sculpts) in generic 2010 ''Transformers'' packaging as "Dollar store" exclusives. Later shipments saw Optimus and Starscream sporting retooled hands, holes compatible with [[C joint|3mm ports]] and additional weapon accessories, all of which originated with the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Motormaster (G1)#Generations|Motorbreath]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Generations|Thundercracker]] retools of those sculpts, respectively.
*Initial shipments of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Beast Hunters (2013)|Prime Beast Hunters]]'' ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class [[Hun-Gurrr (Prime)|Hun-Gurrr]] were unable to fold the claws over all the way in both directions due to problems with the plastic tolerances. This was amended by a running change, which also affected international releases of the figure. (All subsequent releases and redecos of the sculpt came with the same problem-free claws as the running change version.)
*Initial releases of ''[[Kre-O]] Custom Kreon'' [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#CustomRID2015|Optimus Prime]] had an unsculpted helmet (either opaque or transparent, depending on the various samples) on his right side, while his left side is sculpted. However, this problem was solved by giving two perfect helmets via a running change in later releases.
*Later releases of Combiner Wars [[Swindle (G1)#Generations|Swindle]] featured two sets of nubs on his gun that could clip over either of his shoulders (meant for his retool, [[Hound (G1)#Generations|Hound)]], whereas initial releases lacked the aforementioned nubs.
*''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Trypticon (G1)#Titans Return|Trypticon]] originally featured symmetrical towers; the right tower was later redesigned to mimic the original asymmetrical towers on the original toy.
{{-}}

===Materials===
*The "gray [[Roller (G1)|Roller]]" version of ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]] (see below) had metal plates on the insides of his trailer/[[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] instead of stickers.
*Generation 1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#G1RodimusPrime|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Metroplex (G1)#Generation 1|Metroplex]] were all originally available with rubber tires, while later shipments saw them replaced with plastic wheels. In addition, the first version of Rodimus Prime had toes made of [[die-cast]] metal, which were also replaced with plastic toes on the later version, and the second version of Metroplex replaced the [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] legs with flat white plastic legs.
*Some Generation 1 [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style [[combiner]] components were alternatively available with metal parts or in all-plastic versions.

===Colors and deco===
[[File:Prowl tm2 fktoy.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Buy both of us for the sake of completeness!]]
*''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]] was available with a gray [[Roller (G1)#Generation 1 2|Roller]] and gray missiles for his [[Combat Deck (G1)#Generation 1 2|Combat Deck]], and with a blue Roller and black missiles. Furthermore, the second version also had an ''additional'' variant with a lighter shade of blue for both Roller and the Combat Deck components.
*The initial Japanese release of Generation 1 [[Astrotrain (G1)#Generation 1 2|Astrotrain]] sported different colors than his Hasbro counterpart, resulting in a black steam locomotive mode and a mostly white Space Shuttle mode complete with [[NASA]] decals. The following year, Takara re-released Astrotrain, now sporting the same colors as the Hasbro version.
*The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Dinobot (G1)#Generation 2|Dinobots]], [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Grimlock]], [[Snarl (G1)#Generation 2 2|Snarl]], and [[Slag (G1)#Generation 2 2|Slag]], were all available in three different color variants, each released in sequence.
*Some toys with [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts were available in slightly different shades, such as ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Seaspray (G1)#Generation 2|Seaspray]] or ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#OptimalOptimus|Optimal Optimus]] (both with either "blue" or "purple" parts).
*The ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] toys [[Dinobot II#Beast Wars|Dinobot]] and [[Prowl (TM2)#Beast Wars|Prowl]] were some of Hasbro's early attempts at same-[[character]] [[redeco]]s: The first few [[wave]]s featured Dinobot in a bone-tan and purple coloration, whereas Prowl was white, turquoise, and red; several waves in, Dinobot's colors were changed to bright white with blue, and Prowl was now black, blue, and red. Neither toy's packaging made mention of the change, and both toys' packaging retained the same individual SKU rather than having them as completely new releases, as later lines would do with redecos.
*''Beast Wars'' [[Transmetal]] [[Rampage (BW)#toys|Rampage]] had an extremely limited variant release that had silver paint apps on the chest and head. It is still unclear whether it came before or after the far more common version with orange paint on the chest and head.
[[File:Movie legends ratchet colorvariants.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Ignore the left one! Buy the right one!]]
*Early shipments of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Unicron/toys#Energon|Unicron]] also had the toy still sporting the same colors as the original ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' release, eventually being replaced by an all-new [[redeco]].
*''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Autobot Ratchet]] was originally released in a very saturated green color, but later shipments had his color changed to a lime-ish tone closer to the character's larger [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Voyager Class toy]].
[[File:PCC-toy Huffer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|You'd think this gets spotted sooner.]]
*Similarly, ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] originally had his truck mode hood painted in a notably different shade of orange than the orange plastic used for the rest of the truck body. Later shipments changed the [[paint operation]] to a different shade that matched the plastic much better.
*''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Breakaway (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Breakaway]],<ref name="breakway">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/revenge-of-the-fallen/breakaway/1883/1/ Side-by-side comparison of both variants of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Breakaway.]</ref> [[Sideways (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys|Sideways]],<ref name="rotfsideways">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/revenge-of-the-fallen/sideways/1848/ Side-by-side comparison of both variants of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Sideways.]</ref> and [[Scattorshot (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Scattorshot]]<ref name="rotfscattorshot">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys-products-30/revenge-of-the-fallen-scout-scattorshot-variant-169202/ Both versions of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Scout Class Scattorshot side by side.]</ref> all had their colors changed to slightly darker tones in later shipments. It's possible that this change wasn't actually intentional, but just the result of slightly differently mixed colors for the batch.
*''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Mudflap initially came with a license plate that referenced his car model, "Trax."<ref name="traxplate">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/view/revenge-of-the-fallen/mudflap/1817/1/21/ ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Mudflap with "TRAX" license plate.]</ref> A later variant enlarged the license plate and changed it to "Mudflap".<ref name="mudflapplate">[http://desmondyoongcollection.blogspot.com/2009/07/hasbro-mudflap-rotf.html ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Mudflap with "MUDFLAP" license plate.]</ref>
*The initial production run of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Cannon|Cannon Bumblebee]] featured nearly opaque blue windows. Later cases then featured translucent blue windows instead.<ref name="cannonbee">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/revenge-of-the-fallen/cannon-bumblebee/1855/2/92/ Comparison between both versions of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Cannon Bumblebee.]</ref>
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Roadbuster (DOTM)#Human Alliance|Roadbuster]] initially sported his tampographed "88" driver numbers in a generic font, "NASCAR" decals behind the headlights and a missile made out of clear yellow plastic. A later variant saw the "88" numbers changed to resemble the font used for the real-life {{w|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.}} {{w|Chevrolet Impala#NASCAR Sprint Cup|Sprint Cup Chevy Impala}} (including black and white outlines) and replaced the "NASCAR" decals with Sprint Cup Series logos and the clear yellow missile with an opaque yellow one.<ref name="haroadbuster">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/dark-of-the-moon/roadbuster/2516/1/ Comparison of both versions of Human Alliance Roadbuster.]</ref>
*Some variants even omit deco present on previous production runs. The second, [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] run of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#First Edition (2011)|Prime: First Edition]]'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#FirstEdition|Optimus Prime]] omitted the red paint on, beside, and below the truck side windows, revealing the patch of brown plastic underneath.
*''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Beast Hunters (2013)|Transformers: Prime/Beast Hunters]]'' ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class [[Soundwave (WFC)#Cyberverse|Soundwave]] originally had his head including the [[mouthplate]] as well as the "collar" around the head all painted in flat black. Coupled with the purple paint operations on each side of the mouthplate, this made it look as if Soundwave had a huge black head with two purple eyes. This was later amended to some degree by a running change that gave the face a slightly darker, more glossy paint job.
*''Transformers: Prime''/''Beast Hunters'' Deluxe Class [[Windrazor (Prime)#Beast Hunters|Windrazor]] was originally released in colors that were very close to those of his [[wave]]-mate [[Twinstrike (Prime)#Beast Hunters|Twinstrike]]. A later running change replaced nearly ''all'' plastic and paint colors, most notably splitting up the formerly bright yellow plastic parts into gray and gold. This was effectively the most significant color variant officially marketed and sold as the same product since the ''Beast Wars'' Transmetal 2 Dinobot and Prowl variants.<ref name="windrazor">[http://ofensau.wordpress.com/2014/07/26/beast-hunters-deluxe-class-vs-cyberverse-legion-class-windrazor-twinstrike/ Comparison between both variants of Deluxe Class Windrazor] (and also Deluxe Class Twinstrike and Legion Class Windrazor and Twinstrike).</ref>
*One of the most infamous cases: The original production run of ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' Deluxe Class [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Power of the Primes|Autobot Jazz]] became the center of a minor controversy when it was discovered that the figure's deco featured a tampograph with the letters "MAGA" in tiny [[Cybertronix]] text underneath Jazz's Autobot insignia (with "MAGA" being the acronym for the 2016 [[President of the United States|presidential campaign]] of the...let's say controversal {{w|Donald Trump}}). When reached for questioning, Hasbro responded that they had not sanctioned the political message and would address the issue with the "vendor" (corporate language for "freelance artist") responsible.<ref>[https://io9.gizmodo.com/uh-is-this-transformers-toy-a-trump-supporter-1820555691 Uh, Is This Transformers Toy a Trump Supporter?]</ref> A few months later, Jazz was re-released as part of wave 3 of the ''Power of the Primes'' Deluxe Class assortment. Hasbro took this as an opportunity to remove the "MAGA" text, leaving only a conspicuously large blank black space underneath the Autobot insignia.
{{-}}

===Packaging and paperwork===
[[File:EnergonPerceptorPackagingVariant.jpg|upright=1.45|thumb|''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' is dead! Long live ''The Powerlinx Battles''!]][[File:ThunderwingInstructionsChange.jpg|upright=1.05|thumb|Not so fast, bucko.]]
*Early versions of carded ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' Basic and Deluxe figures when sold in the United States featured a craggy, rock-like plastic bubble, but later versions instead came packaged in a more traditional, rounded ("smooth") bubble. Toys from the first few [[wave]]s that still shipped after the change had been implemented were thus available in a running change packaging variant with the new bubble style.
*Meanwhile, over in Europe, early releases in [[multilingual packaging|trilingual]] English/Spanish/Italian packaging simply featured the ''Beast Wars'' branding and the standard English names for the individual toys, but a running change saw that changed to a double ''Beast Wars/Biocombat'' branding, and additional names for each individual toy for the Italian market underneath the English name.
*The ''Beast Wars'' [[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]] originally used a Roman numeral, "Transmetal '''II'''", but later changed it to an Arabic number, "Transmetal '''2'''".
*The [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] ''[[Transformers: Dinobots|Dinobots]]'' line had the name "Swoop" changed to "[[Terranotron (Dinobots)|Terranotron]]" on the toy's character card after initial shipments.
*Similarly, early versions of [[Red Alert (Armada)#CybCD|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] were also available with the "Cybertron Defense" prefix missing on the packaging.
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#BoltBumblebee|"Bolt" Bumblebee]] was released under the simple name "Bumblebee" in the United States. The [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]] initially also simply used the name "Bumblebee" everywhere on the packaging, but replaced it with a variant in later shipments that identified the toy as "Bolt Bumblebee". Conversely, ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#LegionStealth|Stealth Bumblebee]] was consistently named "Stealth Bumblebee" on the European packaging, whereas the United States version was once again initially named "Bumblebee", only to be followed by a variant that now also sported the name "Stealth Bumblebee".<ref name="dotmstealthbb">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys-products-30/dark-of-the-moon-stealth-bumblebee-packaging-variant-173523/ ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Stealth Bumblebee packaging variant]</ref>
*Lines that run longer than a year often see the introduction of a [[subline imprint]] such as the ''Unicron Battles'' for ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', ''The Powerlinx Battles'' for ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'', ''Primus Unleashed'' for ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' or ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' for the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie line]]. This often coincides with a slight change of the packaging design. Sometimes, toys originally released before the packaging design change will also be available in the new design.
*The packaging ''size'' can also change. For example, some ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Mini-Con]] two-packs were also available in slightly smaller packaging at [[Walmart]] stores. Likewise, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Human Alliance]] packaging was severely shrunk down for the Australian market following [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Human Alliance|Bumblebee]]'s initial release, with a running change for Bumblebee himself.
*Some toys were available alternatively packaged in robot or [[alternate mode]]. Examples include the 1984 ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]] for the 1985 lineup, or assorted ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe and Voyager Class toys. In the latter case, the packaging's orientation was also flipped sideways to keep the same dimensions. However, most of those alternate versions have only been released in Asia, so they might rather fall under "market-specific variants".
*''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class [[Laserbeak (DOTM)#Dark of the Moon|Laserbeak]] was initially packaged with the toy pointing diagonally to the left (like all ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class toys), with his guns placed to the right, pointing in the same direction as Laserbeak. A later variant saw Laserbeak pointing diagonally to the ''right'', with the guns placed to the left, pointing straight up.<ref name="dotmlaserbeak">''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class Laserbeak packaging variant [http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/dark-of-the-moon-laserbeak-packaging-variant/21891/ comparison 1] and [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/430237-dotm-deluxe-laserbeak-packaging-variant.html comparison 2].</ref>
*Various ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toys came with [[instructions]] that depicted different heads and other sculpt differences compared to the actual toys, hinting at planned [[retool]]s for those toys. The line art for ''Generations'' [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s instructions, for example, depicted the head and chest that would later be used for [[Black Shadow (G1)#Generations|Sky Shadow]]. However, a running change version of the instructions changed the head (but not the chest) to Thunderwing's.
*''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' Voyager Class [[Megatron (WFC)/toys#Prime|Megatron]]'s packaging initially featured a larger Decepticon [[insignia]] cutting into the box window, whereas a later variant not only featured a smaller insignia, but also an additional "Glowing fusion cannon!" call-out.<ref name="primemegs">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/transformers-prime-voyager-megatron-packaging-variant-174672/ Comparison between both packaging variants Voyager Class Megatron.]</ref>
*The ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Beast Hunters (2013)|Beast Hunters]]'' redeco/retool of ''Prime'' Voyager Class [[Megatron (WFC)/toys#Beast Hunters|Megatron]] was originally identified as simply "Megatron" by his packaging, and his weapon was referred to as the "Tartarex Warp Sword", whereas the instructions call the toy "Sharkticon Megatron" and his weapon the "Sharktooth Spear". Later shipments had the packaging changed to match the instructions in both instances.<ref name="sharkticon">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/sharkticon-megatron-packaging-variant-and-shoulder-fix-video/28150/ Side-by-side comparison of both versions of Sharkticon Megatron] at Seibertron.</ref>
*The single pack version of the ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mini-Con]] [[Back]] was named "Decepticon Forth" on his packaging when available from US-based online retailers but "Decepticon Back" when released in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Eventually, both versions were even found side by side in the same store at US retail.
*2023's ''[[Transformers: Legacy]]'' Deluxe Class [[Breakdown (G1)#Legacy|Breakdown]] was deliberately released in the original 2022 ''Legacy'' packaging design in order to maintain a cohesive look for the entire [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] team, even though he was released in a [[wave]] with figures that otherwise featured the updated packaging design of the 2023 ''Evolution'' [[subline imprint]]. His ''instructions'', however, came in both flavors, alternatively featuring the "vanilla" ''Legacy'' branding and a purple color scheme or the ''Legacy: Evolution'' branding and a green color scheme.
{{-}}

===Planned but unfulfilled running changes===
Sometimes Hasbro states plans for a running change in an official capacity that ultimately never come to pass:
* At [[OTFCC 2003]], Hasbro noted they had vague plans to release a running change variant of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Wheeljack (Armada)#Armada|Wheeljack]] using the deco of his Takara counterpart, ''Legends of the Microns'' Rampage. This never materialized, however.
*In their then-weekly Hasbro.com website Q&A, Hasbro contemplated releasing the #7 ''Binaltech'' variant of [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Smokescreen]] (see above) as part of their ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line "in late 2004 or early 2005". This idea was likely dropped due to the original #8 version of Smokescreen ending up as a major [[shelfwarmer]].
*Following [[fandom|fan]] complaints about ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Deluxe Class [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ironhide]]'s face being painted ''blue'', Hasbro promised that a running change would see the face color changed to silver,<ref name="hasuni">"Hasbro Responds RE: Universe Cyclonus & Ironhide", originally posted at theIDW boards, mirrored at [https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-responds-re-universe-cyclonus-ironhide/14201/ Seibertron].</ref> which never happened.
*When Hasbro originally revealed ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Combiner Wars|Generations Combiner Wars]]'' Voyager Class [[Onslaught (G1)#CombinerWars|Onslaught]] at [[BotCon 2015]], he was advertised as having a tan Bruticus chestplate for a ''Generation 1'' Onslaught-accurate color scheme as the first release and a silver chestplate for a ''Generation 1'' Bruticus-accurate color scheme as a running change. Instead, only the version with a silver chest plate ever made it to retail, while the version with a tan chestplate has never surfaced at all.
Chances are that when Hasbro actually announces a running change in advance, it will most likely never happen, as all the running changes listed above that ''did'' happen were never announced at all.

==Variants from gang-molding==
[[File:G2-toy Motormouth.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
In some rare cases, toys that were [[gang-molding|gang-molded]] with other toys were available in unintentional variants when the toys they were gang-molded with were [[redeco]]ed for a subsequent [[wave]]:
*The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]] [[Gearhead]] and [[Motormouth (G2)|Motormouth]] were both available with either clear or solid plastic parts. The clear plastic parts corresponded with the clear car shells of their wave-mates [[Firecracker]] and [[Blowout (G2)|Blowout]], the solid plastic parts with the car shells of Go-Bot [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]] (redecos of Firecracker and Blowout, respectively).

==Borderline cases==
===Variant or different product?===
[[File:CybertronPrimusPackagingComparison.jpg|upright=1.55|thumb|Buy two of us for exclusive accessories, and the third one for the toy itself!]]
Following ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] [[Dinobot II]] and [[Prowl (TM2)|Prowl]], [[Hasbro]] decided to become more straightforward about same-character [[redeco]]s, which have been treated as separate products since then:
*The "new style" redecos of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]], [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[X-Brawn]] sported different product code numbers, as did the red and yellow versions of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]]. Still, all of them were released under the same names as the originals, without a prefix or suffix like most same-character redecos have.
*Likewise, the limited edition version of ''Cybertron'' [[Primus]] with the [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] head accessory also had different product code and assortment numbers than the regular, bonus-free release.
*The same applies to store exclusive versions of toys containing "Bonus" figures such as [[Mini-Con]]s or [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] toys. Officially, they are separate products; but some collectors might consider them "variants".
[[File:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|upright=0.95|thumb|Buy me again for less money!]]
*Furthermore, various ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toys were re-released in [[rebranding|rebranded]] ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging as "Dollar store" exclusives, again sporting different product code numbers than their initial releases.
*The [[Target]]-exclusive ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]] [[combiner]] giftsets sported different product code numbers than their ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' counterparts released in Australia and Singapore, though the Target versions ''were'' originally intended to be released in ''Universe'' packaging as well. (One might argue that the different-franchise packaging makes them different [[character]]s, though chances are the marketing department didn't put nearly as much thought into this as fans do.)
*On the other hand, there are things like the re-release of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] in ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging ([[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]]) five years after his ''Armada'' release, but sporting the same product code number (the fact that he sports minor color differences compared to the ''Armada'' version doesn't help either).
*''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' are particularly complicated: On the one hand, when [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Meister]] and [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Autobot Tracks]] were re-released as part of a "rebooted" assortment for the North American market in the new "bubble" style packaging, they all sported different product code and assortment numbers than their initial releases. On the other hand, [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Silverstreak]] and [[Swindle (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Swindle]] were also re-released in the new "bubble" style packaging for the European market only, where both of them had previously been available in one of the older packaging styles... and retained the same product code numbers as those earlier releases. On top of that, Europe also saw a release of [[Dead End (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Dead End]], [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Shockblast]] and [[Decepticharge#Alternators|Decepticharge]] in the new "bubble" style packaging, none of whom had previously been available in [[multilingual packaging|multilingual]] packaging in Europe. (Shockblast and Dead End ''had'' been available as [[parallel import|gray import]]s in American packaging via Argos stores in the United Kingdom and via [[Toys"R"Us]] stores in Denmark and Sweden, respectively.) All of them sported the same product code numbers as their initial American releases in one of the older packaging styles. Needless to say, the line between "variant" and "different product" gets very blurry here.
*Another example of European market release with no ''direct'' American counterparts operating under different rules were redecos of ''Movie'' Legends Class [[Jazz (Movie)#Legends Class|Autobot Jazz]] and [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Legends Class|Barricade]] (a minor, yet distinct redeco in Jazz's case). In the United States, these two were released in "Allspark Battles" two-packs (possibly part of the ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' [[subline imprint]], based on the similar packaging design) with a new Legends Class sculpt of [[Bonecrusher (Movie)#Legends Class|Bonecrusher]] and Legends [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legends Class|Bumblebee]]'s redeco [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Legends Class|Cliffjumper]], respectively. While the two-packs are clearly different products to most collectors, the Jazz and Barricade redecos (as well as Bonecrusher and Cliffjumper) were released as single packs in Europe, with both of them sporting the same product codes as their original releases... even though Barricade not only sported an entirely different deco, but also a modified name, "Recon Barricade".
*Confusingly, all three ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mini-Con#Robots in Disguise (2015)|Mini-Con]] 4-Packs were not only released under the same product code number, but even retained the same UPC barcode in non-European markets (as well as retaining the same EAN barcode in Europe, which is less unusual)... despite each of them containing an almost entirely different lineup of figures! In fact, [[Undertone]] is the only sculpt actually shared between two of the sets.
*The [[Transformers (2014 toyline)|2014 ''Transformers'' line]]'s Legion Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Starscream]] figures were re-released in different packaging in 2015. All three sported different Hasbro product code numbers and UPC barcodes than their 2014 counterparts, despite being released under the same assortment number. In 2017, they were released ''again'' in minor variants of their 2014 packaging, this time again with the original Hasbro product code numbers and UPC barcodes.

===Errors===
[[File:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Buy me and fix me!]]
[[File:GrappleGripMudflapUSvsEuro.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|Make mistake?]]
Sometimes running changes do not simply tweak the toys slightly, but are actually intended to fix errors that were caught during [[quality control]], but not until some quantities of the flawed version had already shipped. In some cases the difference between outright "errors" and genuine "variants" is blurry (see the examples for ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Legends Class|Autobot Ratchet]] or [[Power Core Combiners]] [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] above), but even in instances where something is objectively a defect, some collectors still consider the earlier, faulty versions as "variants":
*Considerable quantities of the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Jumpstarter]]s were available with each other's [[Package art|character artwork]] depicted in the [[Tech Spec]]/[[bio]] strips.
*Generation 1 [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]]'s packaging contained the erroneous blurb "[[Firebolt (G1)|Firebolt]] transforms into ''[[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]]'s'' weapon!"<ref name="tmhotrod">[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/ToysTMHotRodMISB.html Targetmaster Hot Rod MISB] at Super Toy Archive.</ref> Targetmaster [[Scourge (G1)#Targetmaster|Scourge]]'s box contains the same error, only replacing Firebolt's name with "[[Fracas]]" but still incorrectly mentioning Misfire.<ref name="tmscourge">[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/ToysTMScourgeMISB.html Targetmaster Scourge MISB] at Super Toy Archive.</ref> For Hot Rod, this was fixed in two steps: first Misfire's name was covered with a sticker that contained the correct name "Hot Rod" and later shipments came in boxes that had the correct name printed on them.<ref name="hartman">[http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-30-karl-hartman/ "Collector Interview 30 – Karl Hartman"] at the TFSource blog.</ref> A fixed version for Scourge's box supposedly also exists, but is said to be much rarer than the fixed Hot Rod box.
*Early shipments of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#CybDx|Deluxe Class Optimus Prime]] (a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Con Optimus Prime toy) had [[misassembly|incorrectly assembled]] and therefore less poseable arms, just like the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Battle in a Box]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Universe|Ultra Magnus]] release of the sculpt before it. In Prime's case, some people consider the incorrectly assembled version an "error" because it was done unintentionally; others, however, consider it a "variant", because it has been released in considerable quantities, and the later, corrected version was an intentional change.
*The European version of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Scout Class [[Dead End (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Dead End]] was initially released with the name "Detour", an early working name of the toy, on the cardboard insert inside the packaging's blister bubble<ref name="detour1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/rotf-decepticons-384/dead-end-scout-2113/ Official Hasbro stock photos of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Scout Class Dead End], including European "Detour" version in packaging</ref> (though the back of the card and the instructions correctly identified him as "Dead End"). Later shipments replaced the cardboard insert with a corrected "Dead End" version.<ref name="eurodeadend">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/62713543@N00/3625412256/sizes/l/in/datetaken/ Scout Class Dead End in European packaging], named "Dead End".</ref> In at least one case, the European "Detour" name insert was accidentally even included with a US Dead End packaging.<ref name="rotfdetour2">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/234588-package-variant-rotf-dead-end.html Standard US ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Dead End side by side with error version with misapplied ''European'' "Detour" name insert.]</ref>
*Initial batches of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Dirge (G1)#Generations|Dirge]] lacked the white center of the head crest for all three [[tampograph]]ed Decepticon [[insignia|faction symbols]], which was later fixed by a running change.<ref name="dirge">[http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=2160&size=0&start=176 Comparison between both versions of ''Generations'' Dirge.]</ref>
*A particularly odd case: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Fast Action Battlers]] [[Mudflap (ROTF)#Fast Action Battlers|Grapple Grip Mudflap]] had his name spelled as "Grapp'''el''' Grip Mudflap" all over his [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]], whereas the North American version had it corrected into "Grapple". However, considering that the spelling was ''also'' used on [[Hasbro]]'s public website,<ref name="fabhasbro">Hasbro website entry for FAB "Grappel Grip" Mudflap, [http://web.archive.org/web/20090612230515/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/shop/details.cfm?guid=B237456C-7A23-1014-B596-FBA5EE4D560D&product_id=24286&src=endeca archived version]</ref> and is repeated with [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] "[[Grapple (G1)|Solar Storm Grapp'''el''']]", this raises the question ''which'' version is officially to be considered the "incorrect" one, and whether the "Grappel" (mis)spelling is in fact intentionally used for [[trademark]] reasons...
*While less common, running changes can also occur in comics: The original printing run of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' [[Movie Prequel issue 1|issue 1]] featured a printing error, with the text captions from page 2 repeated on page 5. The shipment was recalled by IDW, and a second printing run with the error corrected was shipped to retailers. Some fans kept the flawed version of the comic instead of exchanging it for the fixed version, considering it a "variant".

==Not variants==
===An isolated incident does not a variant make===
[[File:BTAltProwlMisassemblies.jpg|thumb|right|One variant? ''Hundreds''!]]While the errors listed above are considered genuine variants by some collectors, there are lots of other cases where the common consensus is that these are ''not'' variants: Every collector has probably encountered at least one one-of-a-kind freak error over the years (''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] assembled without a head, a toy lacking some of its [[paint operation]]s, a toy with a cardboard insert featuring the wrong name inside the packaging etc.). Unless this error affected considerable quantities of the production run, and is found on all specimens of the same toy packed in multiple [[case]]s, this isn't considered a "variant" by the vast majority of the [[fandom]].

Likewise, if a single specimen contains an entirely different toy (or at least an entirely different deco of the toy) than depicted on the packaging, this was most likely done by somebody who didn't want to pay for the toy and thus returned the packaging to the store with another toy inside. This is a case of [[toy swapping]] (simply put, a variety of store theft), and no more a "variant" than a fan-made [[Customizing|custom]]. A genuine ''variant'' requires something to occur at the factory stage.

Another bizarre variety are toys designed with an alternate head sculpt that is [[gang-molding|gang-molded]] with the original head, intended for a potential future [[redeco]]/[[retool]]. Sometimes, a small number (possibly even a single specimen) is accidentally assembled with the wrong head sculpt and makes it to retail. These occurrences often end up being isolated incidents, and can thus be assumed to be unusual manufacturing errors that result in a unique toy, rather than a genuine defect. Some notable examples:
* ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]] [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Cyberverse|Optimus Prime]] had an alternate head sculpt that was based on the [[mouthplate]]-less face as seen on the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|show]]. Said alternate sculpt was eventually used for the [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Nightwatch|Nightwatch Optimus Prime]], but before that was even announced, a specimen sporting the mouthplate-less head was found at retail and immediately reported as a "variant".<ref name="opcvvari">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/cyberverse-optimus-prime-unmasked-variant-174184/ TFW2005 reporting] on the head sculpt "variant" for Cyberverse Commander Class Optimus Prime.</ref>
*In 2017, multiple specimens of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Deluxe Class [[Chromedome (G1)#Titans Return|Chromedome]] were found at US retail that included the TakaraTomy ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' counterpart's "Headmaster" figure rather than the Hasbro version's normal [[Titan Master]] [[Stylor#Generations|Stylor]] figure, complete with the different [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] Chromedome face sculpt, additional paint operations for the Titan Master figure itself and a black screw otherwise unique to the TakaraTomy versions. In total, less than a dozen specimens were confirmed between two or three different stores.<ref name="chromedome">[http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/03/03/titans-return-chromedome-variant-features-takara-titan-master-334923 "TFW2005 Titans Return Chromedome Variant Features Takara Titan Master"]</ref>
*Also in 2017, a single specimen of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' Warrior Class [[Soundwave (WFC)/toys#Robots in Disguise (2015)|Soundwave]] was found with an alternate head sculpt that featured a mouthplate. This alternate head has thus far never actually been officially used.<ref name="ridsoundwave">[https://news.tfw2005.com/2017/05/14/possible-variant-robots-disguise-soundwave-338936 "Possible Variant for Robots in Disguise Soundwave"] at TFW2005.</ref>
*A single specimen of ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Micromaster]] [[Blackjack (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Blackjack]] was found at US retail with the chest and head of the previously released [[Swindler#War for Cybertron: Siege|Swindler]]. Despite the tireless efforts of the original finder to have this reported as a "variant", no other specimens were found, and the consensus was reached that this was simply a one-off factory error.<ref name="blackjack">[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/possible-siege-wfc-blackjack-variant-found.1176815/ "Possible Siege WFC Blackjack variant found"] at TFW2005.</ref>
*''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' Leader Class [[Megatron (BW)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Megatron (Beast)]] had an alternate head sculpt with grinning teeth rather than closed lips, which was intended for [[T-Wrecks#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|T-Wrecks]], who ultimately feaured the original Megatron head instead due to a widespread manufacturing error. However, a single specimen of Megatron was found with the intended T-Wrecks head sculpt.<ref name="t-wrecks">[https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/01/23/transformers-kingdom-megatron-head-variant-found-427767 TFW2005 news story] about ''Kingdom'' megatron's alternate head sculpt, 2001.</ref>
{{-}}

===Pre-release items===
[[File:Universe2008 G1Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|You can't get it in the market NOW! Woh!!!]]
Pre-release items such as [[prototype]]s, test shots and packaged samples that differ from the final products in sculpt, plastic color, paint, deco or packaging details do not count as "variants" either. True variants only exist between different specimens of officially released and distributed products. So unless the pre-release version has been officially released in some quantities before a running change replaced it with the more common version, it's not a variant. Stolen prototypes do not count.
Some examples of samples that differ from the final product include:
*''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Alternators|Sunstreaker]] features a rear license plate sporting an Autobot insignia followed by his full name, "'''[[File:Symbol autobot reg.png|15px]] SUNSTREAKER'''", but an earlier sample only featured an abbreviated form of the name in a different font, with an Autobot insignia in the middle, "'''SUN [[File:Symbol autobot reg.png|15px]] STRK'''".
*At one stage shortly before mass production, [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]] Deluxe Class [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Cyclonus]] (depicted at the right) had his alternate mode's nosecone as well as the included [[Nightstick (G1)#Universe (2008)|Nighstick]] [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] figure cast in beige plastic. Because [[Hasbro]]'s [[stock photography|promotional photos]] that depict both a pre-release sample and a packaged sample featured these colors, it created some [[fandom]] [[Ruined FOREVER|angst]] in its wake. The plastic color was fixed to purple before the figure went into mass production, and thus far only one packaged sample sporting the beige plastic color has surfaced.<ref name="beige">[http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=370804&postcount=6208 Sample of ''Universe'' Cyclonus with "error" color] at the Ozformers forums.</ref>
*The mass-produced version of the 2013 ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Fall of Cybertron (2012–2013)|Transformers: Generations/Fall of Cybertron]]'' Deluxe Class [[Impactor (Prime)#Generations|Impactor]] figure features a tampographed light blue version of the "[[Wreckers]]" [[insignia]], while [[Topspin (FOC)#Generations|Topspin]] from the same wave, a retool of [[Blast Off (FOC)#Generations|Blast Off]], features a retooling for the hinged section that covers his head in vehicle mode to sport an additional [[5 mm post|5 mm peg]] hole for his new weapon accessory. However, at least one person in Taiwan got his hands on a specimen of Impactor that features a light blue regular Autobot insignia instead,<ref name="taiwan">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/929782-generations-foc-wreckers-ruination-pics.html TFW2005 thread] with a Taiwan-based fan's photos of the Wreckers, depicting Impactor with a light blue regular Autobot insignia</ref> thus matching the sample on display at [[Toy Fair 2013]] <ref name="toyfair2013">[http://www.tfu.info/HasbroFanMediaEvent/2013/Generations/index.htm Hasbro Fan Media Event 2013] at TFU.info.</ref>, as well as a specimen of Topspin that features am unchanged tooling for the hinged section that covers his head (including different paint operations as well),<ref name="taiwan">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/929782-generations-foc-wreckers-ruination-pics.html TFW2005 thread] with a Taiwan-based fan's photos of the Wreckers, depicting Topspin with a non-retooled section lacking the 5mm peg hole.</ref> which matches Hasbro's stock photos for the figure.
{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://fredsworkshop.com/framesvars.html Fred's Complete Variants Page]—Very thorough online variant resource.

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

Ninjaink

2026-02-26T01:49:38Z

ArmyRanger:

[[File:NinjainkSelfPortrait.jpg|thumb|right|250px|]]

'''Ninjaink''' is the name used by artist '''Timothy Lim''' (born [[July 28]], [[1982]]). As Ninjaink, Lim has done cover work and interior illustrations for [[IDW Publishing]] titles such as ''[[Ghostbusters]]'', ''[[Back to the Future]]'', ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'', ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars Adventures]]'' and ''[[Street Fighter II × Transformers|Street Fighter]] X [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''. As an employee of [[We Love Fine]], Lim has done licensed merchandising art for ''Star Wars'', [[Marvel Comics]], numerous [[Hasbro]] brands, and many other licenses.

Unfortunately, he is also co-author of numerous pro-Trump works, including a children's book that includes references to white nationalism and sexual assault.<ref>[https://www.salon.com/2018/01/06/alex-jones-is-hawking-pro-trump-childrens-book-that-indoctrinates-them-to-white-nationalism_partner/ Salon: Alex Jones is hawking pro-Trump children’s book that indoctrinates them to white nationalism]</ref>

==Covers==
*[[New Cybertron Part 1: To Walk Among the Chosen|''Optimus Prime'' #1]] RIPT variant
*[[Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|''Lost Light'' #1]] RIPT variant
*[[The World In Your Eyes Part One|''Transformers'' #1]] Comic Books for Kids variant

==Licensed Transformers work==

Ninjaink has produced [http://community.welovefine.com/profile/7940 numerous Transformers t-shirt designs]. Highlights include:

[[Knights of Unicron (band)|Knights of Unicron]]
*''Dark Side of the Matrix'' t-shirt
*''Bot Out of Chaar'' t-shirt
*''Til All Are One'' tour t-shirt (reverse side venue list only)

[[My Little Pony]]/Transformers crossover t-shirt series (adapted from IDW covers)
*[https://www.forfansbyfans.com/pinkieprime-5736.html Til All Are Fun!] ([[Pinkie Pie]]/[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]])
*[https://www.forfansbyfans.com/thrillseeker-9169.html Thrill Seeker] ([[Rainbow Dash]]/[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]])
*[https://www.forfansbyfans.com/raisethehoof-9174.html Operation: Raise Da Hoof!] ([[Vinyl Scratch]]/[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]])
*[https://www.forfansbyfans.com/friendshipthroughtyranny-9173.html Friendship Through Tyranny] ([[wikia:mlp:Princess Luna#Nightmare Moon|Nightmare Moon]]/[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]])

==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
Image:SteveBlum1.jpg
Image:Dark Side of the Matrix album cover.jpg
Image:Bot Out Of Chaar album cover.jpg
Image:LL1 Riptcvr.jpg
Image:OP1 Riptcvr.jpg
TF1 cvr RE B.jpg
</gallery>

''[[:Category:Images by Ninjaink|Extended Ninjaink gallery]]''</center>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.facebook.com/NinjainkArt/ Ninjaink on Facebook]
*[http://ninjaink.tumblr.com/ Ninjaink on Tumblr]

[[Category:Cover artists]]

Sandro Larenas

2026-02-26T01:48:36Z

ArmyRanger:

'''Sandro Larenas''' (born [[February 16]], [[1956]] in Santiago, Chile) is a Latin-American Spanish actor and voice actor. He is the official Latin-American Spanish voice of [[Frank Welker|Garfield The Cat]], and has also dubbed Donald Trump in ''The Apprentice'', Robin Mask in ''Kinnikuman'' and Jack O'Neill in ''Stargate SG-1''.

==Voice roles==
*[[Carmine Fanzone]] ''(seasons 1 and 2)''

==External links==
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0488085/ IMDB entry]
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=23414 Anime News Network entry]
*{{w|lang=es|Sandro Larenas}} on the Spanish Wikipedia

{{DEFAULTSORT:Larenas, Sandro}}
[[Category:Spanish voice actors]]

Trump Tower

2026-02-26T00:50:44Z

ArmyRanger:

[[File:DOTM Trump Tower.jpg|thumb|right|300px|It's YUGE!]]
'''Trump Tower''' is <strike>the secret headquarters for the fascists</strike> a tall glass building in [[Chicago]].

==Fiction==
===''Dark of the Moon''===
[[Dylan Gould]] maintained a lower penthouse apartment in Trump Tower. After kidnapping [[Carly Spencer]], he took her there to keep her prisoner while he, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], and the [[Decepticon]]s set up the [[Pillar]]s. They had a magnificent view from there of the Decepticon conquest of Chicago. [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and [[Sam Witwicky]] later turned up in a [[Orbital Assault Carrier|stolen Decepticon fighter]], and after rescuing Carly, used the craft's guns to perforate the apartment. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

==External links==
*[https://www.trumphotels.com/chicago Trump International Hotel & Tower]
*{{w|Trump International Hotel and Tower (Chicago)|Trump International Hotel and Tower}} at Wikipedia

[[Category:Dark of the Moon locations]]
[[Category:Midwest]]
[[Category:Real-world buildings]]

United States of America

2026-02-26T00:45:26Z

ArmyRanger:

{{faction|usa}}
[[File:OptimusUSA1.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Insert obligatory “freedom of all sentient beings” joke.]]
[[File:Map of the united states.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|A map of the United States of America.]]

The '''United States of America''' (also called '''Region 1''') is a nation-state on the planet [[Earth]], and one of the world's largest countries both in land area and population. It is considered to be one of the world's two "superpowers," along with its rival, the [[Soviet Union]] (or [[Russia]]). The American government is headed by a [[President of the United States|president]]. Interaction between that government and Transformers operating on Earth is a near inevitability in most dimensions of the multiverse, although whether that relationship is friendly, adversarial, or somewhere in between varies.

Also, they spell things funny and their {{w|NTSC|DVDs}} won't play on our DVD players. Spooky.

==States==
The United States of America consists of at least 50 "states", plus various territories, special districts, protectorates, hangers-on, sponsored dictatorships, and an astonishing number of {{w|Banana republic}}s.

Unlike Cybertronian [[Polities of Cybertron|City-states]], the divisions of the United States are semi-independent administrative zones existing under an umbrella government, which may in turn have smaller cities ''within'' them, which may in turn contain "boroughs" (a sort of township), populated by very tiny humans.

The capital of the country is the [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]], which is not part of any state.

{{collist|4|
* [[Alabama]]
* [[Alaska]]
* [[Arizona]]
* [[Arkansas]]
* [[California]]
* [[Colorado]]
* [[Connecticut]]
* [[Delaware]]
* [[Florida]]
* [[Georgia]]
* [[Hawaii]]
* [[Idaho]]
* [[Illinois]]
* [[Indiana]]
* [[Iowa]]
* [[Kansas]]
* [[Kentucky]]
* [[Louisiana]]
* [[Maine]]
* [[Maryland]]
* [[Massachusetts]]
* [[Michigan]]
* [[Minnesota]]
* [[Mississippi]]
* [[Missouri]]
* [[Montana]]
* [[Nebraska]]
* [[Nevada]]
* [[New Hampshire]]
* [[New Jersey (Earth)|New Jersey]]
* [[New Mexico]]
* [[New York (state)|New York]]
* [[North Carolina]]
* [[North Dakota]]
* [[Ohio]]
* [[Oklahoma]]
* [[Oregon]]
* [[Pennsylvania]]
* [[Puerto Rico]]
* [[Rhode Island]]
* [[South Carolina]]
* [[South Dakota]]
* [[Tennessee]]
* [[Texas]]
* [[Utah]]
* [[Vermont]]
* [[Virginia (state)|Virginia]]
* [[Wales]]
* [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
* [[West Virginia]]
* [[Wisconsin]]
* [[Wyoming]]
}}

==Government==
The government of the United States is divided between three branches—the Executive Branch (consisting of the [[President of the United States|President]], [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]], Cabinet, and assorted officials), the Judicial Branch (the Supreme Court and all district and federal courts below them), and the Legislative Branch (Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate). The individual powers of these branches within the government are outlined in the United States Constitution, but the powers of one branch are countered by a series of checks and balances. One example of this practice is that either house of Congress can propose, write, and approve a bill which the President may or may not sign into law and which the Supreme Court may or may not declare valid under the Constitution.

Needless to say, this can get confusing.

{{stub|General overview of how the government operates, its structure etc. as seen in TF fiction.}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
''Not long after awakening on Earth, the Autobots sought to forge an alliance with the human authorities. They contacted the U.S. Government asking for a meeting with the [[President of the United States]] to discuss matters. Their offer was accepted and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] traveled to [[Washington, D.C.]] to visit the [[White House]].''

''Unfortunately [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] intercepted a human communication giving details of the meeting. Unwilling to risk an Autobot-Human alliance, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] activated the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]<ref>This clashes somewhat with later continuity when the Insecticons are shown to be on Cybertron.</ref> and sent them to Washington to sabotage the talks.''

''The Insecticons attacked at just the moment that Optimus Prime and the President met. They attempted to discredit the Autobots by pledging to destroy in the name of Optimus Prime. They then headed for the city and began to cause mindless destruction''

''Horrified, Optimus Prime led Prowl and Warpath in a counter attack that eventually drove the Insecticons away. Prime then decided that the humans would never believe that the Insecticons were not Autobots and left Washington to go back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]].''

''The President meanwhile was initially convinced that the Autobots had been set up and allowed them to deal with the Insecticons themselves. When the Autobots then failed to return, the President concluded that he had made a mistake and misjudged the Autobots’ good intentions. He vowed never to make that mistake again.''

''After this the Autobots’ relations with the U.S. Government continued to deteriorate.'' The Government assigned the shadowy organization [[Intelligence and Information Institute|Triple-I]] to find a way to protect the public from the Transformer threat. Triple-I engaged the Transformers on a number of occasions, although it was usually the Autobots who came off worse.

Over time tensions seemed to ease, mainly due to the efforts of [[G.B. Blackrock]] who on several occasions attempted to convince the authorities of the truth of the Autobot/Decepticon conflict.

This ultimately seemed to meet with some success leading to Blackrock forming the [[Neo-Knights]], a group of superhumans that the President then sent to attack a battling [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] just before they were transported back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by [[Primus]]. As this led to most Transformers being removed from the planet, tensions were finally eased.

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
{{locationstub}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
After the initial [[Decepticon]] threat was repulsed, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] wrote in [[Spike's diary|his journal]] that "all of the world's governments" were assisting the [[Autobot]]s' attempts to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. This would presumably include the United States. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}
{{locationstub}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{locationstub}}

=====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon=====
{{locationstub}}

=====''Victory'' cartoon=====
{{locationstub}}

====''Wings Universe''====
The second generation Transformer [[Clench (G1)|Clench]] was born in a [[cyberfactory]] in the U.S. state of [[Texas]]. Although he was designed to be a security 'bot, Clench had other ideas. Less than 10 minutes after coming online, he had demolished the facility he was born in and set off on one of the most atrocious criminal careers in history. Following the addition of the Non-Biological Entity Citizenship Amendment to the {{w|Constitution of the United States|U.S. Constitution}}, Clench was simultaneously declared a citizen and number one on the most wanted list. {{storylink|Wings of Honor|''Wings Universe'' Clench's profile}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
{{locationstub}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
{{locationstub}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
The United States had a secret intelligence organization named [[Skywatch]], who investigated alien incidents and potential threats. In 1985, after discovering [[Laserbeak (G1)|one such alien]], they had their budget increased {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave|Spotlight: Soundwave}}—despite the [[Pentagon]] and National Security Council seemingly being completely unaware that robotic aliens were operating on American soil. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} We all knew security agencies have rivalries and don't like talking to each other, but ''damn''.

A year after the initial contact, America was hit with a devastating Decepticon attack. [[New York City]] was seized and the [[United States military|United States Military]] humiliated, and then a few days later four other cities came under simultaneous attack - one of which was Washington, D.C, which saw the death of the President. {{storylink|The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron}}

===''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
{{locationstub}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
Millions of years ago, the Autobot starship ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' was shot down in a space battle with the Decepticon flagship ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' and crashed into the side of a volcano, in a region that would one day become North America. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Much, much later in 1977, the United States' National Aeronautical and Space Administration ([[NASA]]) launched the ''Voyager'' probes exploration probes. These primitive, unmanned spacecraft carried [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disks]] depicting humans, the approximate location of Earth in space as well as containing imaging and audio data on Earth and its inhabitants. When the Autobots and Decepticons on the Ark awoke and resumed the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the Decepticon leader [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] somehow managed to capture one of the probes and encoded a message within for any descendants. The message was a desperate gamble: should the Decepticons fail to defeat the Autobots, their descendants must use the then-emerging [[unspace|transwarp]] technology to go back to the past and eliminate [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] as he slumbered on the Ark in [[stasis lock]]. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

Years in the future, a rogue [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] general named [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] stole the Golden Disk and travelled back in time, though he was loath to follow his namesake's instructions, preferring keep that plan as a last resort. Meanwhile, he used the information on the Golden Disk to destroy the valley where the meddlesome humanity was purported to have evolved from. This act of genocide was prevented by the heroic former Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], who gave his life to protect the valley, and all-but destroy the Disc. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

{{locationstub}}

===Unicron Trilogy===
====Cartoon continuity====
=====''Armada'' cartoon=====
Some kids from the arid region of [[Lincoln (city)|Lincoln]], U.S.A. met a small squadron of [[Autobot]]s led by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. The Autobots and their human companions then competed with [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s [[Decepticon]]s to repeatedly hunt down [[Mini-Con]]s, typically in rural parts of the state such as [[Big Canyon]] or quaint villages.
{{locationstub}}

=====''Energon'' cartoon=====
{{locationstub}}

=====''Cybertron'' cartoon=====
Much of the story takes place in the town of [[Rockville]], [[Colorado]].
{{locationstub}}

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity====

{{locationstub}}

===Live-action film series===
====Movies====
=====''Transformers'' film=====
The [[United States military|United States Armed Forces]] can take on and do serious damage to Transformers. {{storylink|Transformers (film)|Transformers}}

{{locationstub}}

=====''Revenge of the Fallen'' film=====
{{locationstub}}

====Titan movie comic====
In an alternate timeline where Megatron won the battle of Mission City, the United States Armed Forces all got beaten up, and the Decepticons ruled America. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}}

The Decepticons were overthrown by the Autobots, but many cities are left devastated. The previous President is presumed dead, the Georgia town Savannah is the site of a large medical shelter for refugees, and [[NATO]] has military command. New President [[Theodore Allen]] has been sworn in; let's hope he's not the pawn of an alien robot jet, eh? {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14|Aftermath Part 1}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|Aftermath Part 2}}

The Decepticons carried on a deliberate policy of infrastructure destruction {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}} that climaxed in six hundred square miles of southern U.S. soil being taken over as a Decepticon nation. They loved it, the humans left it. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 20|Return to Cybertron: Part 4}}

The Decepticons would go on to launch punitive attacks and a diplomatic assault to get the U.S. government to boot the Autobots out. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part 1}} The day after this was done, the Decepticons swarmed across the Eastern seaboard, overrunning cities like Baltimore while their pet President kept the military from taking action. The Decepticons would've conquered half the country within a few hours if [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade]] hadn't taken control of a third of their [[drone]]s and started a [[Decepticon Civil War]] on US soil, halting the advance. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part 2}}

====IDW movie comics====
{{locationstub}}

===''Animated'' continuity family===
Much of the story of Animated takes place in the city of [[Detroit]], Michigan.
{{locationstub}}

===Aligned continuity family===
===='' Prime'' cartoon====
Much of the story takes place in [[Jasper]], [[Nevada]]. [[Team Prime]] also has an alliance with the U.S. government.
[[File:DarkmountNV-Louisiana.jpg|thumb|Texas is smaller in this world.]]
{{locationstub}}

====''Rescue Bots'' cartoon====
The primary action of [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]] takes place in [[Griffin Rock]], a fictional island community off the coast of [[Maine]]. The [[Rescue Bot Training Center]] is also located on the mainland, presumably in Maine itself.

====''Transformers: Universe''====
The Autobots formed an alliance with the U.S. government to deal with the Decepticon threat to [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]] and elsewhere in the United States.

====2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon====
Most of the story takes place in [[Crown City]] somewhere in the United States.

==Toys==
===''Transformers''===
[[File:USA Star Eagle Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Did you know I have 50 different split personalities?"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-m1|'''Star Eagle''' (Deluxe Class, [[2026]])}}</ul>
{{main|Star Eagle#Transformers}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
* Californian AJ Ard has the world's largest collection of ''Transformers'' memorabilia (3,626) as of 9 January 2018.<ref>Guiness World Records 2022 page 197</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{w|United States}} at Wikipedia
* {{i|United States of America}} at the IDW Hasbro Wiki
{{GBwiki|United States of America}}

[[Category:Animated locations]]
[[Category:Armada locations]]
[[Category:Cybertron locations]]
[[Category:Energon locations]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon locations]]
[[Category:Generation 1 countries]]
[[Category:Generation 2 locations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) locations]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:North American countries]]
[[Category:Real-world countries]]
[[Category:United States of America| ]]

Star Eagle

2026-02-26T00:41:56Z

ArmyRanger:

{{factions|maximal}}
[[File:USA Star Eagle Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Ready to see the fireworks go off.]]

'''Star Eagle''' is a [[Maximal]] who celebrates the [[United States of America]].

==Toys==
===''Transformers''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-m1|'''Star Eagle''' (Deluxe Class, [[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 rocket blasters<ref>[https://newsroom.hasbro.com/static-files/bd7a8f8c-7280-468e-b732-1e39efae6f4c Hasbro press release] description calls the rockets "attachable rocket blaster accessories"</ref>
{{toydesigner|[[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Releasing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States signing their Declaration of Independence, "Star Eagle" is a redeco of Deluxe Class [[Airazor (BW)#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Airazor]] from the ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' line, transforming into a realistic peregrine falcon colored as a (barely) red, white and blue bald eagle in 22 steps. The beast mode has multiple joints in their wings, legs, and head, and an opening beak. Star Eagle includes two red rocket accessories that can be held in their hands or attach to their arms, and can store on their beast mode rear.

: Being designed to celebrate the USA, Star Eagle's packaging is decked with several stars and stripes on the box's outside and the cardboard inserts. Unlike the [[Nerf]] blasters that Hasbro is also releasing under the 250th anniversary branding, Star Eagle lacks any tacky stars or stripes on the figure itself.

: It is currently unknown if the wings' stress mark issue from the original Airazor release is still present.

: Per the press release, pre-orders for Star Eagle will begin in March 2026 on Walmart and Hasbro Pulse, and will ship in Spring 2026. Star Eagle's package does not appear to mention any toyline, but the design closely adheres to the new layout followed by the [[2025]] ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' and ''[[Studio Series]]'' toylines.

{{WFCKingdomAirazorMold}}

{{comingsoontoy|Spring 2026}}
{{--}}

==Notes==

* Star Eagle is part of a [[Walmart]]-exclusive initiative across multiple [[Hasbro]] brands to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary in [[2026]]. Other toylines getting the USA treatment include [[Nerf]]—so children can patriotically shoot at each other with star-spangled sidearms bearing fanciful names such as "Dunk-Fill Freedom", "Freedom Frenzy", and the van mural-style "Stars & Stripes Eagle Blaster"—and ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', via [[Super7]]'s ReAction+ line, which features the Real American Heroes [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]], [[Lady Jaye]], [[Snake-Eyes]], and [[Falcon (G.I. Joe)|Falcon]] in gaudy red, white, and blue fatigues.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Maximals]]
[[Category:United States of America]]