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Transformers: The War Within

2009-09-08T04:49:44Z

JZ: typo

[[Image:DW TWW TPB.jpg|right|240px|thumb|Well, this about sums up the story!]]
'''''The War Within''''' is a six-part miniseries published by [[Dreamwave Productions]] in 2002, set in the main G1 [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave continuity]]. It depicts the early days of the [[Autobot]]/[[Decepticon]] war and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s ascension to [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot|Autobots]]. The series was successful enough to lead to two sequels. <ref>Well, one and a half. It was not successful enough to keep Dreamwave from folding halfway through ''Age of Wrath.''</ref>

{|style="margin:0 auto;padding:0 auto" align=center id=toc
!align=center bgcolor=#6699CC|'''''The War Within'' issues:'''
|-align=center
|| [[The War Within issue 1|#1]] | [[The War Within issue 2|#2]] | [[The War Within Preview|Preview]] | [[The War Within issue 3|#3]] | [[The War Within issue 4|#4]] | [[The War Within issue 5|#5]] | [[The War Within issue 6|#6]]
|}

{{quote|For curing grief of the fans who look at ARMADA (TV) and are drowned in sadness.|Broken translation of [[Hirofumi Ichikawa|Hirofumi Ichikawa's]] [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/de814303c33cba37?dmode%3Dsource "TWW review"]}}

==Overview==
Eons ago on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] is in its early stages, with the vicious [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] cutting a swath through the ranks of the Autobots. When the previous Prime is killed, the High Council chooses a common data entry bot to step up and become the new leader: Optimus Prime. But not everyone is happy with the new choice, as his initial command decision is to surrender Cybertron to the Decepticons. Meanwhile, Megatron works to activate planetary scale engines which could remake the face of Cybertron. He needs one thing to power them... and Optimus Prime has it.

''The War Within'' was the first of any series to seriously re-imagine G1 characters as they might have appeared on Cybertron. Previously, pre-Earth Transformers were often just simplified versions of their Earthen selves, if they were redesigned at all.

==Creative team==
The series was written by long-time Transformers scribe [[Simon Furman]], marking his return to mainstream Transformers comics. Pencils were by [[Don Figueroa]], who also did the redesigns of dozens of [[Generation 1]] characters for the series.

==Items of note==
* Though the individual comics from Dreamwave were titled ''Transformers: '''The''' War Within,'' the collected volume from [[IDW Publishing]] is titled ''Transformers: War Within,'' possibly for trademark reasons.
* Several of Figueroa's designs were later made into toys for the [[Titanium Series]] toy line, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (recolored into [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] — both of whom had slightly different designs in the series itself — and [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], who did not exist in the time period), [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. Starscream's design was also adapted for [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]'s ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' form. An unpainted prototype was developed for ''War Within'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] with an alternate head for [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], which will likely never see release.

==Errors==
* On the back cover of the trade paperback collection, "Transformers", in one place, is spelled "Transfrormers", including on the IDW reprint.

==Sequels==
* ''[[War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages]]''
* ''[[War Within: The Age of Wrath|The War Within: The Age of Wrath]]''

==Collections==
* ''Transformers: War Within'' — Pocket novel (July 14, 2004) ISBN 1897105010
* ''Transformers: War Within'' — IDW reprint (March 28, 2007) ISBN 1600100562
* ''[[Transformers: War Within Omnibus]]'' — IDW reprint also including ''The War Within: The Dark Ages''. (March 1, 2009) ISBN 1600103731

==Footnotes==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:War Within}}
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Dreamwave titles]]

Rav (BM)

2009-09-07T05:20:49Z

JZ:

{{factions|maximalbm|wreckers}}
:''Rav is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Ravdillo.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He is the Cybertronian member of the Knights Who Formerly Said Ni]]
'''Rav''' is a reformatted ancient task drone who was found by [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]. As one of the [[Deployer]]s, he is capable of quick transformation abilities and has devastating assaults in siege weapon mode, which he gained millennia ago thanks to an [[Beta|ancient female Autobot warrior]]. He's a quiet scout with a penchant for singing to Nightscream, because Nightscream ''wasn't annoying enough''.

==Fiction==
===Universe: The Wreckers===
Having recently been discovered by Nightscream, Rav and his fellow Deployers [[Mol]] and [[Dillo]] were escorting the young Maximal and [[Optimus Primal]] back to their hidden base when they were stopped cold by a squad of [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] [[Tank Drone]]s. Things looked grim for the group until [[Ramulus]], [[Primal Prime]] and [[Apelinq]] arrived and were all super-awesome and unstoppable. The whole group then journeyed underground, where the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] gave the gathered Cybertronians their tasks. The shifty Maximal [[Packrat]] convinced the Deployers to join up with the [[Wrecker]]s crew.

The Deployers took part in the later battle for the Autobot shuttle that would take the Wreckers off-planet, fighting through hundreds of Vehicon drones. However, once they were on board and off-planet, the Deployers, [[Spittor (BW)|Spittor]] and [[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]] were battered insensible by a stowaway, the bounty hunter [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]]. {{storylink|Departure}}

Things didn't get much better for Rav and crew, as an act of sabotage by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] sent explosions rocking through the ship. The section the Deployers, Spittor and Sonar were in was jettisoned by Packrat, leaving the five to die a fiery death in deep space. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

Maybe they should have stuck with Optimus Primal after all.

==Toys==
===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BM RavRed-toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Cr(ossbo)oooooow!]]
*'''Rav''' (Deployer, 2000)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: Rav transforms from a mechanical raven with an opening beak (which is very hard to see when closed!) into a siege "[[Energon (fuel)|energon]] crossbow" weapon, featuring a pair of spring-loaded missile launchers. His transformation to crossbow mode is a largely one-step, spring-loaded [[autotransformation]].

: The early (and ultimately harder-to-find) releases of Rav were red, black and bronze.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2000/Maximal/Rav/rav.htm More information on red Rav at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Blue}}
[[Image:BM RavBlue-Chro-toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I'm different!]]
*'''Rav''' (Deployer, 2001)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

:Later on, Rav was given a [[running change]] [[redeco]] into navy and dark blue, though the packaging was not altered in any way to reflect this change. The blue version of the toy was later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] by [[3H Productions|3H]] into [[Chro]], owing to unrealized pre-release plans (''see Trivia below'').

::*''[http://tfu.info/2000/Maximal/Rav/chro.htm More information on blue Rav/Chro at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* The running-change redecoes of the Deployers were originally meant to be renamed as new characters, but ultimately came out with their original names. What happened is unknown, but the name for the Rav redeco "Chro" (or sometimes "Cro") made it to "canon" via retcon in the [[Universe (2003 comic)|''Wreckers'' comics]].

* Rav's [[bio]] makes a veiled reference to him having been trained by the ancient [[Autobot]] [[Beta]], who used a crossbow weapon in her only cartoon appearance.

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Maximals]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]

Bad Spark

2009-05-18T02:23:00Z

JZ: /* Notes */

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=34
|image=BWRampage Badspark.jpg
|caption=Herrrree'sss Jonnnny!
|title="Bad Spark"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[February 22]], 1998
|written by=[[Greg Johnson]]
|directed by=[[Steve Sacks]] [[Jonathan Goodwill]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''An oversized stasis pod reveals the secrets of Protoform X.'''

:''Japanese title: Beast Wars Super Lifeform Transformers - Metals'' (see below)

==Synopsis==
[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], on recon patrol, spots a giant stasis pod (labeled with a big yellow "X") crashed inside a patch of unstable [[Energon (G1)|energon]] deep inside a murky swamp. [[Optimus Primal]] orders Cheetor not to open the pod until he arrives. As Optimus and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] leave, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] invokes the help of [[Primus]] if "that thing survived". However, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] intercept the transmission, and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] sends [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] to retrieve it, subtly planting a listening device on the former. He calmly taps his chair armrest, possibly aware that [[Tarantulas]] left a bug of his own under it.

[[Image:Bad Spark Optimus cheetor.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"I don't feel a pulse, so it's dead." (Sure it is.)]]
When Optimus and Silverbolt meet Cheetor beside the pod, Primal tells them what the pod means: The stasis pod holds "the dark secret of [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']]'s journey," Protoform X. Protoform X was created in experiments attempting to replicate the mutation in the [[spark]] of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], making it indestructible, but the subject was treacherous and insane, so the ''Axalon'' was to dump the protoform "somewhere far, someplace barren."

Blackarachnia and Waspinator strike, attempting to take Protoform X for themselves. Attacking Silverbolt, Blackarachnia is angry that his code of honor won't allow him to fight back by hitting a female. Then Tarantulas arrives and threatens her. Silverbolt defends her, but the battle accidentally ignites the energon beneath Protoform X's stasis pod, which explodes and triggers an energon storm that scatters everyone for miles.

[[Image:Bad Spark Tarantulas.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Horror movies have shown us that if you see a shadow come from behind you, just run!]]
Blackarachnia and Silverbolt crash-land next to each other. They agree to work together, as they are far from their respective teams and Silverbolt's wing is broken. Tarantulas lands next to the pod; he investigates it, only to find it empty. He then turns to find ''something'' looming over him through the mist. His scream echoes for miles...

Optimus Primal and Cheetor return to the ''Axalon'', too damaged to search for Silverbolt. Blackarachnia and Silverbolt journey by foot, learning to trust each other, but Megatron is eavesdropping on them. They soon discover a piece of Tarantulas and conclude with dark humor that he is no longer a threat. [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] is disgusted by their alliance, but Megatron notes that with Tarantulas out of the way, Blackarachnia no longer needs a protector. This becomes apparent when Silverbolt is the first to cross a log bridge, only for Blackarachnia to pull her weapon on him. However, a sabertooth tiger attacks her, which Silverbolt defeats, but is left dangling on a vine. Blackarachnia saves Silverbolt, awkwardly saying that it was in case there were more tigers around. Megatron is disgusted, as it is apparent that she may have feelings for the [[Maximal]].

[[Image:Bad Spark Blackarachnia Silverbolt.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Look, just admit that it's possible Frenzy is the blue one.]]
As the two Transformers walk on, Silverbolt tries to appeal to Blackarachnia's "inner Maximal goodness", only to receive gunfire in return. As Blackarachnia stomps off, she finds Tarantulas' stasis locked body—in several pieces. Silverbolt notes that Protoform X must have done this, and tells Blackarachnia about the protoform's indestructible spark. Megatron, still eavesdropping, fashions an energon blade in preparation. Blackarachnia, freaked, prepares to high-tail it out of the area as an ominous form skitters through the fog behind them. Suddenly, the two find themselves face-to-face with Protoform X! Huge and frightening, it knocks them around effortlessly and is immune to their firepower. The monster lifts Silverbolt in its powerful claw, relishing his victim's mounting terror. Silverbolt screams in pain as X crushes him.

[[Image:Bad Spark Megatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This will hurt me a lot more than it will hurt you...oh, I'm lying. This won't hurt me. If anything, I'll enjoy it.]]
Primal and Cheetor arrive in the nick of time and attack, freeing Silverbolt. Blackarachnia joins them in blasting Protoform X, eventually driving it off a cliff edge. However, it transforms into tank mode and ascends the cliffside. Silverbolt throws a feather missile, knocking him down into another pile of raw energon, but not before Protoform X fires at Blackarachnia, knocking her off the other side of the cliff. Silverbolt jumps after her, unsure if his wing mechanism is healed, but he succeeds, and she is saved. The Maximals let her go before returning home. Blackarachnia watches them depart, then uses her grappling wire to depart, emphasizing a claim that she didn't need Silverbolt's last rescue.

Helpless in the pile of raw energon, Protoform X sees Megatron appear over him with the energon blade. X wakes up in the Predacon base to find that Megatron has carved out a piece of his spark and put it in a tiny cage that, when squeezed, causes him tremendous pain. Megatron has Protoform X at his mercy and renames him "Rampage".
{{-}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (1)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (2)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (3)
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] (4)
*[[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]] (9)
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (12)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s
|c2=
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (6)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (7)
*[[Tarantulas]] (8)
*[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (10)
*[[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] (11)

}}
==Quotes==
"Primus help us all if that thing survived."
:—'''Rhinox''', on Protoform X

"Spiders spin their webs, yes. But I spin them larger."
:—'''Megatron''' after placing a cloaked tracking device on Blackarachnia

"Are you...damaged?" 
"Ah...just enough to make me...interesting."
:—'''Silverbolt''' and '''Blackarachnia'''

"Tarantulas!" 
"Where?!" 
"Do not worry. He has...been disarmed." 
"To say the least."
:—'''Silverbolt''' and '''Blackarachnia''' share a dark joke.

"Are ya...damaged?" 
"Just enough to make me...interesting."
:—'''Blackarachnia''' and '''Silverbolt''' trade roles and lines.

'''Silverbolt:''' "Why did you save me?" 
'''Blackarachnia:''' "Well, uh...there...might be other...creatures..." 
'''Megatron:''' "Eww, yuck."
:—'''Megs''' listens in on '''Silverbolt''' and '''Blackarachnia''''s conversation.

"Forget the rescue plan, Optimus, and start devising an attack plan! Megatron has lost two, but we have only lost one." 
"I'll remember that...next time ''you're'' out missing in an energon storm." 
:—'''Dinobot''' and '''Optimus Primal''' debate priorities.

"Is that fear you're feeling, Maximal? Mmm...yes. My spark, it feeds on terror. Let it grow! Let it consume your circuitry! Feel it! Yes, feel it! Feel the fear!"
:—'''Protoform X''' with Silverbolt in his claws

"Your persistence is futile! I rise again...!" 
"In that case, let us give you further to fall!"
:—'''Protoform X''' and '''Silverbolt'''

"You are much more than a Predacon, my lady. Someday, you will come to realise that."
:—'''Silverbolt''' to the departed Blackarachnia.

"Welcome to the Predacons, '''RAMPAGE'''. You shall be an honored member...so long as you never forget one important fact about your new life: ''It's mine.''"
:—'''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
As Optimus is departing the bridge with Silverbolt in tow, the panels that make up his boogie board/robot lower legs are missing.

===Continuity errors===
* Why would Optimus Primal be so quick to assume Protoform X's indestructible spark was permanently off-line?

===Transformers references===
* Rhinox notes, "[[Primus]] help us all if that thing survived," which was the first reference to the Creator-God of the Transformers outside of the original Marvel comics. According to Bob Forward, they took the term from a post in the [[alt.toys.transformers]] newsgroup, and were unaware of its history until afterwards. <ref>Forward's introduction to the [[Matrix Quest (Titan)|Matrix Quest]] TPB.</ref>
* Protoform X was created as an attempt to duplicate [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s "mutant indestructible spark." This is a reference (and a retcon in technobabble jargon) to Starscream's ghost in the third season of the original animated series and, more recently, to Starscream's appearance in the ''Beast Wars'' episode "[[Possession]]." It also explains why, as Optimus noted in "Possession", Starscream's records were sealed; the Council didn't want anyone else to make the same mistake they did and try to recreate Starscream's spark condition.

===Additional notes===
* Cheetor's [[Transmetal]] body can soak up energon, and instead of seizing up, he can shunt it away from his body in a burst of gas. Primal thinks this is rude, and Cheetor apologizes for "blasting one off." In other words, Transformers can [[The Low Road|fart]]. This absorption and release of energon radiation was rarely mentioned in the series.
*[[Rattrap]] does not appear in this episode.
*Apparently Blackarachnia can shoot a line downwards to save Silverbolt; however, she can't shoot one upwards to scale the wall of the chasm they must venture through on foot. Her usual ability to scuttle up walls in beast mode is also seemingly offline. On the other hand, immediately afterwards she said, *sigh* "Like I needed him to catch me anyway." while using her grappling gun. So it seems likely she simply ''wanted'' Silverbolt to catch her. Wacky mis-matched buddy adventures can be a tricky business.

===Theatrical release===
*This episode was released theatrically in Japan as the third segment in the ''[[Beast Wars Special Super Lifeform Transformers]]'', known as ''Beast Wars Super Lifeform Transformers - Metals''. The episode was included to get fans anticipating the long-awaited Japanese release of ''[[Beast Wars Metals]]'', seasons 2 and 3 of the American series.

*For the VHS release of the special, it was presented in the original English language version without Japanese subtitles. [[Pioneer]]'s DVD release, however, came with optional Japanese audio or the English version with Japanese subtitles. Why this was done remains a mystery. How the episode was originally presented theatrically, whether in English or Japanese, also remains a mystery.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Films]]