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Fortress Maximus (G1)

2012-11-13T09:13:32Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* The Headmasters cartoon */

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{{disambig3|Fortress Maximus}}
:''Fortress Maximus is an [[Autobot]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[City-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:FortMax1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Nobuyuki Hiyama|Link]] called. He wants the [[Master Sword]] back.]]
Despite his great power, size, and rank, '''Fortress Maximus''' is a weary and reluctant warrior. Fighting is against his pacifist nature, even for the most noble of causes. Over time, the endless conflict on Cybertron has worn him down, to the point that he's willing to walk away from the war entirely to preserve himself and his ideals.

Fortress Maximus is big. ''How'' big generally depends on the universe, but often as not he's binary-bonded to a smaller robot named [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] who forms his head; Cerebros's own head is formed by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]].

{{note|Fortress Maximus is one of those fun characters whose English comic, English cartoon and Japanese cartoon incarnations were very different. See individual fiction entries below for continuity specific profiles.}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Ringofhate-evilstain.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He is mad as hell and he's not gonna take it anymore!]]
Fortress Maximus was an architect in his early career, designing and even constructing many works on Cybertron. When the war came, he reluctantly turned his talents to fighting. {{storylink|The Transformers Universe|Transformers Universe profile}}

During the long absence of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], and their respective troops from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], unit commander Fortress Maximus established a headquarters in the [[Manganese Mountains]] and continued the fight against Scorponok's Decepticon contingent.

One fine day on Cybertron, Fortress Maximus's troops staged an ambush on Scorponok's Decepticons, who had just leveled an Autobot city and were marching their prisoners toward the [[Smelting pool|smelting pools]]. Maximus's troops cut a swath through the Decepticon ranks, quickly driving them into retreat.

{{bigquote|Whether I am a hero or a coward is ''not'' the issue! I am ''weary!'' My joints creak from the corrosion of ''war without end!'' I... cannot break this ring of hate that surrounds us all -- but I can remove myself from it. No matter what you decide... I am leaving.|Fortress Maximus announces his decision to quit the war|"[[Ring of Hate!]]"}}

[[Image:Pan-galactic telescope.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"...And that, prospective investors, is why GoogleSaturn will make a million dollars per month."]]
Though his troops were jubilant at their victory, the battle was the last straw for Fortress Maximus. He had become so sick of the war that he decided to leave it. He didn't care if it made him a coward or not, he simply believed that the war would go on regardless of whether or not he was in it. Maximus declared that no matter what the others decided, he was leaving for the planet of [[Nebulos]], a world he had long studied and which seemed to be at peace. His stunned troops agreed, and together constructed a starship dubbed the ''[[Steelhaven]]'' to propel them across the void.

Fortress Maximus immediately sent [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] as an messenger to the Nebulan natives; however, an accident made it appear that the giant robots from outer space came with hostile intent. Some of the more reactionary elements among the Nebulan leadership conspired to make Fortress Maximus's envoy [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] also appear to have hostile intent, and thus were able to incite their fellow Nebulans to arms.

[[Image:Fortmaxgiveshead.jpg|right|250px|thumb|GIVE ME YOUR FACE-I MEAN HEAD!]]
Fortress Maximus and his troops thus found themselves under a full attack from the Nebulans. Max ordered his troops to not fight back, despite complaints from the likes of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], and covered them as they retreated into the woods.

Faced with a newly hostile enemy, Fortress Maximus resolved to wage peace, not war. Gathering ten of his followers, he marched up to the Nebulan capital of [[Koraja]], begged to be heard out, and had his group discard their weapons. When that didn't work, he did the next logical thing and pulled his head off. Four other Autobots also resorted to this grotesque stunt before [[Galen]], head of the Nebulan [[World Watchers]], was convinced they weren't a threat. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}}

[[Image:Brokenglass-autobotstorage.jpg|left|200px|thumb|My honey my baby, don't put my head upon no shelf.]]
The five Autobots' heads were stored in a warehouse, and Galen occasionally consulted with Fortress Maximus, keeping him up to date on outside events as anti-robot protests rocked the capital city.

Soon after, a horde of the Autobots' Decepticon foes appeared before the city gates. Max advised Galen that turning the Autobots over to Scorponok would not prevent him from attacking, and under the Autobot-Nebulan peace agreement, Galen could not simply restore the five Autobots to their bodies. But together with [[Arcana]], the pair came up with another plan. Five volunteer Nebulans were bio-engineered to combine with special armor, and transform into likenesses of the Autobots heads, connecting with and controlling them through the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster process]]. Galen himself became Fortress Maximus's new partner. Fortress Maximus led his newly-enhanced troops against Scorponok, and soundly defeated his numerically superior squad. {{storylink|Broken Glass!}}

[[Image:Loveandsteel-runfortmaxrun.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I'm just a-runnin' down the road, trying to loosen my load, got a world of troubles on my mind.]]
Fortress Maximus remained inert while Galen performed his various duties. He came back online to lead the Headmasters to the [[Grax Communications Facility]], where a number of Nebulan leaders were apparently being held hostage by the Decepticons. It turned out to be a trap, however, as the Decepticons had also become Headmasters, with Galen's rival [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] now bonded to Scorponok himself. Using several Nebulans as a distraction, Scorponok's troops overpowered Fortress Maximus and the others, taking them hostage. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

Max remained out of commission until Zarak, briefly overcoming Scorponok's influence on his mind, freed Galen and the other Autobot-allied Nebulans. Fortress Maximus and company smashed their way out of the holding facility, then ran straight into the newly-formed Decepticon Targetmasters. Max briefly led his troops against the Decepticons, but opted to retreat rather than fight it out. To spare Koraja the carnage of a full-scale fight to the finish, he covered their retreat with the time-honored technique of smashing his enemies with Koraja's metal sculpture of the planet Nebulos. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

''Scorponok and Zarak challenged Fortress Maximus and Galen (here called "Kord") to a duel to settle their differences. Kord/Maximus won by cheating, but it didn't matter because the duel was a ruse to distract the Autobots while [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] stole Autobot fuel converters. The Deceptions had bugged the Autobot base and learned of Earth. They needed the converters to travel there. The Decepticons left for Earth and the Autobots followed.'' {{storylink|The Final Conflict}}

{{note|The events in this UK story differ in significant ways to the [[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]] mini-series.}}

Returning to the Autobot camp, Max/Galen decided to lead the troops away from Nebulos, knowing that Scorponok would follow. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

[[Image:Trialbyfire-fortmax-disassemble.jpg|left|200px|thumb|He does seem to have trouble staying in one piece, doesn't he?]]
During their voyage to Earth, Fortress Maximus underwent a radical reconstruction to alter his size considerably, increasing himself from a slightly tall dude to a ''very'' tall dude, about twice the height of the average Transformer. Of course, with his larger scale, Fortress Maximus needed a new head (Galen still being stuck at roughly human size). For this reason, another Autobot, [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], was added to serve as a secondary stage between Galen and Maximus. As the head of Cerebros, Galen could transform Cerebros into the larger head of Fortress Maximus.

Arriving on Earth, Fortress Maximus led his fellow Headmasters to [[Mount St. Hilary]], source of the Autobot distress call that had drawn them to Earth. After recovering the damaged [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]], the group encountered [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], who had come in search of his missing younger brother [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]. Spike asked for the Autobots' help in finding his brother, but Fortress Maximus was more interested in their primary mission of locating the Autobots of Earth, and he led his troops off to follow the fuel trail of the missing [[Ark (G1)|Ark]].

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-trialbyfire-rollout.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The usage of "roll out" gets stranger and stranger.]]
Scorponok's crew soon followed Maximus to Earth, however, and to the same cave. When Spike replayed Goldbug's distress message, Fortress Maximus and company returned to the cave, apologizing to Spike for his failure to consider the danger he had brought to Earth's natives by leading the Decepticons there.

In the ensuing battle, Spike retreated further into the volcano's caves to seek shelter. Scorponok followed, seeking a hostage, and Fortress Maximus pursued him. As the caves narrowed down, Maximus was forced to send Cerebros onward, and eventually Galen himself had to leave Cerebros to cross a fragile rock bridge. Scorponok used the distraction to blast rocks down on Galen, killing him. As the Decepticon leader left, laughing, Galen passed on his control helmet to Spike, allowing the Earthling to assume control of Fortress Maximus and drive the Decepticons off. {{storylink|Trial by Fire!}}

Spike soon underwent the full binary bonding process and became the leader of the ''Steelhaven'''s crew of Autobots. With his new partner, Fortress Maximus led the Autobot [[Targetmaster]]s in an effort to locate Buster, first visiting his father at a shady motel, then heading to a spot in the tropics where the Decepticons had set up an island base.

[[Image:Clubconpalmtreespear.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The purpose of Club Con is to flip out and spear people.]]
With Kup worried about the inexperience of Fortress Maximus's new partner, Max held back while the Targetmasters landed on the island. They were driven back by automated defenses, however, and the island revealed itself to be a rocket ship, launching into the atmosphere with Buster still aboard. Maximus resolved to take matters into his own hands, and took off after the rocket (who knew he could fly?) Unfortunately, once in space, the ship's defenses made shishkabob out of him, forcing Spike to resort to using Cerebros instead. Cerebros was likewise trashed by an attack from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], though Spike was able to use Maximus's guns to send Shockwave falling to his apparent demise. Maximus and his partners were subsequently rescued by the Targetmasters, and for his gusto, Spike was welcomed as the group's new leader. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}}

As Fortress Maximus underwent repairs, his crew caught wind of a [[floppy disk]] in possession of one [[Ethan Zachary]], which contained the memories and personality of Optimus Prime. With the aid of a computer-generated version of Prime, Fortress Maximus gathered a lot of data from Scorponok's [[Pretender]] experiments and gave that ability to some of his own crew. {{storylink|Pretender to the Throne!}}

With the disk in their possession, Fortress Maximus oversaw efforts to build a new body for Optimus Prime's mind. However, the ''Steelhaven'''s resources were depleted after creating the Pretenders, causing the effort to fail explosively. Thus when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] located the Ark nearby, Fortress Maximus was eager to contact its Autobots and forge an alliance.

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-totalled-worthlesshuman.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It begs the question of why Grimlock didn't just step on him.]]
Unfortunately, [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] developed an immediate dislike for Fortress Maximus, partially because he was a possible threat to Grimlock's leadership, partially because he was part human, and partially because he had a fugitive (Goldbug). He challenged "Fruitloop Multipuck" to a duel for leadership on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. Faced with the prospect of a divided Autobot force, Fortress Maximus agreed, though his unhealed injuries made victory an unlikely prospect. Luckily for Max, the imprisoned [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] agreed to fill in for him.

[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] led a Decepticon assault on the Autobots during the duel. While fighting off the attackers, Fortress Maximus ordered Goldbug, [[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]], [[Getaway]], and [[Slapdash (G1)|Slapdash]] to take the disk to Nebulos to restore Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

With Optimus Prime restored, Maximus accepted a subordinate role in the Autobot ranks. ''He was among those Autobots present as Optimus Prime briefed the troops about the threat of the time-displaced [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. When Optimus and five other Autobots spontaneously and explosively vanished into thin air, only to be replaced by six Transformers claiming to be Autobots from the future, Fortress Maximus immediately assumed command, freaked out, and ordered his troops to destroy the "imposters". (Apparently, his memory was a little rusty, since said "imposters" included his own present-day troops Kup and Blurr.) Maximus sparred with Rodimus Prime until the words of Goldbug, as well as a Matrix-linked Optimus Prime, convinced him that Rodimus was telling the truth when he claimed to be a future Autobot leader. Maximus participated in the subsequent battle against Megatron and Galvatron; he attacked Megatron alongside Grimlock and Swoop, but was quickly put down by the battle-crazed Decepticon.'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

[[Image:Fortmaxboat.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Contrary to what's advertised here, the toy will sink if you put it in the bathtub.]]
Fortress Maximus provided a floating search platform for Optimus and Blaster as they searched the ocean for the Decepticons' [[Club Con]] base. Spike expressed frustration that they still had not located his brother, though Optimus vowed to keep searching. {{storylink|Cold War!}}

Fortress Maximus was among the many Autobots who responded to an Autobot emergency signal in the Arctic... which turned out to be sent by none other than Buster Witwicky, who was dying of hypothermia. Maximus took his human sibling into a special thermal compartment, restoring his body temperature to normal.

When the Decepticons attacked soon after, Maximus came under attack from the [[Horrorcon]]s, followed by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who clung to him tenaciously and eventually caused Buster to spill out of the warming compartment. This turned out to be a lucky break, as Buster reminded Ratbat that the battle was nothing but a ruse engineered by Starscream. Ratbat and Maximus together called for all the combatants to lay down their arms.

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-maninthemachine1.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Cast in the name of God, Ye not guilty]]
After Starscream seized the power of the [[Underbase]], Fortress Maximus and Soundwave led a team to [[Buenos Aires]] to try and stop him. As their troops fell en masse, Maximus attacked Starscream, only to receive a debilitating energy blast in return. His organic component, however, allowed him to survive the first attack. Omega Supreme intervened just then, preventing Maximus from being crushed by a monument hurled by Starscream. Starscream disposed of Omega, and was on the verge of finishing off Maximus, when he was lured away by a radio signal from Buster aboard the Ark. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-maninthemachine2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|So why couldn't he have just kept Cerebros attached to him and gone on with his life?]]
With Buster rescued and the threat of Starscream removed, Spike and Fortress Maximus's tumultuous relationship came to light. Feeling his work with the Autobots was done, Spike tried to go his own way and resume his life, going so far as to pitch his control helmet into a junkyard, but his binary bond could not be left behind so easily. Strange nightmares plagued him, visions of falling into a void. Nor would the Decepticons relent; while on a skiing expedition, he found himself hunted by Carnivac and Snarler. Turning inwards, he found his link to Fortress Maximus remained even without the control helmet and that he could summon the giant warrior from afar. Max left his storage space aboard the Ark and descended to Earth. Despite Carnivac's dirty fighting, Fortress Maximus easily disposed of the two attackers and their Pretender shells, once he and Spike physically recombined. With the battle over, Spike sent Fortress Maximus back to the Ark. {{storylink|The Man in the Machine!}}

Despite Spike's reconciliation, Fortress Maximus was subsequently out of action for many months or even years. He was still stored aboard the Ark just before the great battle with Unicron, when Grimlock and his Dinobots had returned from [[Hydrus Four]]. They had come looking for the rest of the Autobots, but the Ark's scanners were only picking up one Transformer. Weirder still, this Transformer was in ''two'' parts! {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}}

{{note|It's kind of odd that [[Primus]] didn't warp Fortress Maximus with every other Transformer on Earth, but it's implied that it's because half of him was on the Ark. Odder still is that the Dinobots didn't notice or mention that half of this Transformer was on the Ark with them.}}

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-thelastautobot1.jpg|right|125px|thumb|]]
After Unicron was defeated, the Ark plummeted to Earth and crashed in the northern tundra of Canada. When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] emerged from the wreckage to wreak havoc, it fell to Fortress Maximus to stop him. He called to Spike, who came. He and Spike went through some mental wrangling before Max convinced Spike to reunite with him once more. Anxious and desperate after so long out of the war, Maximus immediately suppressed his hesitating partner and took full control upon regaining his head. This proved not to be such a wise idea. Fortress Maximus alone wasn't quite ready to deal with the totally insane Galvatron, who started smashing and biting(!) him to pieces. Realizing the power of their combined strength, Spike and Fortress Maximus managed to unite in thought and deed, and defeated the crazed Decepticon. Fortress Maximus stood alone at the battle's end, the last Autobot, guardian of Earth. {{storylink|The Last Autobot?}}

{{-}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Fortressmaximus-allornothing2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Let me demonstrate just how much you don't have a [[To sell toys|toy on the shelves]] anymore.]]
It was ultimately [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] who would prove to be the undoing of this giant warrior. The reborn and reconditioned Decepticon leader stole the Ark from its crash site in [[Canada]], and used it as his personal flagship. {{storylink|Realignments}} While establishing control over the ship, Megatron found and disabled Fortress Maximus's dormant form. Spike sneaked aboard the ship and rejoined with Maximus, but the damage inflicted by Megatron meant they had virtually no chance to win.

Brutally beaten in combat with an upgraded and super-charged Megatron, the pair dragged themselves to the heart of the ship and threw themselves into the anti-matter containment unit at the core of its power supply, killing them both and causing the Ark to explode. {{storylink|All or Nothing!}}

Though it kept the Ark out of Megatron's hands, and nearly derailed his plans entirely, their effort was ultimately not successful: Megatron escaped aboard a shuttle and lived to fight again, and even had time to take the convalescent Starscream with him. {{storylink|New Dawn}} {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}

{{-}}

====''Classics''====
{{classicsnote}}

[[Image:Invasion-FortMax.jpg|right|thumb|200px|]]

Decades later, in [[2012]] Fortress Maximus was stationed in [[South America]]. Due to the actions of an evil [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] from [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|another dimension]], a rift of space time opened over Earth, causing catastrophes worldwide. Cerebros, merged with Spike, gathered civilians inside Fortress Maximus for safety. {{storylink|Invasion (issue)|Invasion}}
{{-}}

====''Regeneration One====
{{noteRG1}}
After the crash of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] in [[Canada]], Fortress Maximus kept out unwanted visitors for at least 2 years. At some point [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] wanted to live his life and intruders were able to get aboard the crashed ship and re-awaken [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Circa 1994, Fort Max battled Megatron and died, which killed Spike in the process. Spike's body was recovered by [[G.B. Blackrock]], who rebuilt his body using tech from [[Circuit Breaker|a former employee]] and returned him to life as "Circuit Smasher". {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 3}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Stephen Keener]] (English), [[Kunihiko Yasui]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Fortressmaximusg1rebirth.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

When a battle for possession of the [[Key to the Plasma Energy Chamber]] led a group of Autobots and Decepticons to be stranded on the planet [[Nebulos]], partnership between the Transformers and the native Nebulans led to the development of Headmaster and Targetmaster technology. The planet's evil ruling council, the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]], took the technology to its most powerful extreme when its leader [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] created the massive city-sized Scorponok to serve as his Headmaster partner and used his power to steal back the chamber key. The Decepticons departed for Cybertron, and the Autobots were poised to give chase when Spike Witwicky announced that he and the pacifistic Cerebros would be staying behind. While the other Autobots left in pursuit, Spike had Cerebros lead him to the ruins of the Hive's original city, which they had lived in before moving underground. Taking control of the various abandoned machines there, Spike rebuilt the city, Cerebros and even himself into a Headmaster robot that could stand up to Scorponok's power: Fortress Maximus!

[[Image:Rebirth3_fortmax_battlestation.jpg|left|250px|thumb]]

The completed Fortress Maximus quickly flew to Cybertron and made a dramatic entrance, setting down in city mode and then transforming to battle station mode to bombard Scorponok and the Decepticons with a hail of weaponsfire. When Zarak transformed Scorponok to robot mode, Spike did likewise with Fortress Maximus, and the two titans battled, with Maximus on the losing end until Zarak threatened the life of Spike's son, Daniel. With a burst of strength, Fortress Maximus took Scorponok down, causing him to collapse with such force that he transformed back to city mode. Spike and Cerebros then disconnected from Maximus and headed inside Scorponok to recover the captive Daniel and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], leaving Maximus to keep the other Decepticons at bay with his many weapons. The Decepticons were able to get through Maximus's firestorm and got Scorponok airborne, but not before Spike succeeded in his rescue.

Subsequently, with the Plasma Energy Chamber back under Autobot control, Fortress Maximus flew the Autobot Headmasters and Targetmasters back to Nebulos. There, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] announced that after they had eradicated the Hive's evil from the planet, Cerebros would live on the planet as its guardian, presumably meaning that Fortress Maximus would be staying there too. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

{{note|It is unclear if Fortress Maximus had any sentience of his own; he did speak once in his own voice, but for the most part, even Cerebros's will seemed to be pushed aside so Spike could run the whole thing himself.}}

===Japanese animated continuity===
{{note|In Japan, Fortress Maximus's mental functions are housed in a small robot who transforms into a head and connects to a larger, lifeless transtector body. This larger body in turn becomes the head of a ''giant'' transtector, forming the robot known as Fortress Maximus. The ''Headmasters'' toyline referred to the smallest robot as '''Cerebros''', who formed the head of the intermediate robot '''Fortress''', but this distinction was never actually made in fiction, and the character was always referred to as "Fortress" regardless of whether he was in small or intermediate form.}}

====''The Great Transformer War'' comic====
[[Image:Hmmanga battered headmasters.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

In the year 2010, while significant Transformer battles were being waged throughout space and on Earth, Fortress was active on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]]. After the younger Headmaster warriors under his command were defeated in battle by [[Sixshot]] and the Decepticon Headmasters, Fortress quickly roused his fallen comrades and ordered them to board his battleship, the Maximus, so that they could pursue the villains. Their destination: Cybertron! {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Ikuya Sawaki]]

[[Image:Hm7 fortress small bot.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

Four million years ago, Fortress was a [[Cyberdroid|diminutive Cybertronian]] who had not yet mastered the art of transformation, and was a friend of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s. He was among the many Transformers that fled Cybertron in an attempt to escape the corrosion of war without end, and led a group of his fellow small Cybertronians in search of a new peaceful world they could call home. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Alas, engine trouble caused their ship to crash on the inhospitable world of planet Master, whose hazardous environmental conditions began threatening the lives of Fortress and his men almost as soon as they departed the wreckage of their ship and began trekking through a desert of shifting sands. The need for survival fostered many technological and mental advancements, however, and Fortress and his people endured.

[[Image:Hm1_battleship_maximus.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]

Fortress was responsible for many of the technological quantum leaps, the most significant of which was the invention of "[[transtector]]s": larger, lifeless Transformer bodies to which the small Cybertronians could connect as heads. After a rigorous physical and mental training program that allowed them to finally master transformation and even instilled powerful telepathic and telekinetic powers in them, Fortress and nine other warriors bonded with these transtectors to become "Headmasters". {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}} Fortress even took the process one step further, and with the aid of other Master scientists like [[Jack (Headmasters)|Jack]], created a ''huge'' transtector that could transform into the battleship, Maximus. Fortress's own transtector was engineered to also transform into a head, which could control the many functions of the Maximus from a special docking bay on the battleship's bridge, {{storylink|Rebellion on Planet Beast}} and which could form the head for the battleship's own colossal robot mode, known as "Fortress Maximus". Fortress also created the powerful [[Master Sword]] for himself, and tied the Maximus's transformation into it; in order to convert the battleship to robot mode, Fortress had to draw a small version of the blade from a sheath beneath his command console, but this feat could only be accomplished when his physical and mental energies were in perfect synchronization. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

Unfortunately, half of the Headmasters eventually rebelled against Fortress's leadership, siding with a traitor named Scorponok against him. The traitors were defeated by Fortress and his comrades and exiled from Master, but eventually, they came to ally themselves with the Decepticons under the command of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

{{note|The events of the ''Great Transformer War'' manga occur at this point.}}

[[Image:Hm2_kup_and_fortress.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

In the year 2011, when Galvatron launched his latest attack on Cybertron with the added power of his new Decepticon Headmasters, Fortress Maximus brought the Autobot Headmasters back to their homeworld aboard the Maximus. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} Even the mightiest of the Decepticons' [[combiner]]s could not stand against Battleship Maximus's firepower, and the evil robots were forced into retreat. This task complete, Fortress set the Maximus down at the Autobots' secondary headquarters on the planet [[Athenia]], where he introduced himself and his comrades and explained their origins, and was reunited with Kup. After being filled in by the Autobots on the current crisis—[[Vector Sigma]] had become destabilized, putting the planet at risk—Fortress deduced that the [[Matrix of Leadership]] was necessary to bring the computer back under control. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Unfortunately, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] had already ventured into the depths of Cybertron without the Matrix, willing to sacrifice his own life to stabilize Vector Sigma, so Fortress headed into the planet's catacombs after him while the other Headmasters helped [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] search for the Matrix, hidden somewhere on [[Earth]]. Though Fortress was not able to catch up to Prime before he reached Vector Sigma's chamber, he was able to use his telepathic powers to contact Prime's companion, the spirit of [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], helping to guide him safely through the maze of tunnels. It turned out that [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] had made it to the chamber ahead of Prime, however, and Fortress raced through the remainder of the tunnels to aid Prime against the two Decepticons. Hot Rod soon arrived with the Matrix, which he used to become Rodimus Prime again, but before he could use it to bring Vector Sigma back under control, Optimus Prime merged with the computer to stabilize it, giving up his life in the process. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} Prime was not the only casualty of the crisis: [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] also lost his life in the search for the Matrix. Luckily, Fortress was able to use the advanced technology of Master to rebuild and resurrect him, as Twincast. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

[[Image:Hm5_fortmax_headmode.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

While patrolling space for Decepticon activity aboard the Maximus, the Autobot Headmasters discovered [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] stowed away on board. After explaining the function of his Head Mode to the shocked youngsters, Fortress agreed to let the pair join them on the patrol. Soon after, the Autobots came upon two stranded [[Beastformer]]s from the planet [[Beast (planet)|Beast]], and learned that the Decepticons had invaded their planet; the infuriated Fortress made for the planet with all due speed, after sending a report to Rodimus Prime on Athenia. The Autobot Headmasters helped the native Beastformers liberate their planet from Decepticon control, but Fortress was concerned with a blueprint recovered from an underground factory that indicated the Decepticons were building something. {{storylink|Rebellion on Planet Beast}}

[[Image:Hm6_fortmax_funnyfaces.jpg|left|thumb|225px|:D]]

When the Decepticons launched a [[Metamorphose|metal-warping meteor]] at Athenia, Fortress and his battleship were powerless to do anything, for fear of being destroyed by the meteor's gravity sensors. It fell to Daniel Witwicky to destroy the meteor, so Fortress transported him as close to it as he was able. Daniel lost his nerve at the last minute, so Fortress calmed him down by making some silly faces. Dignified! {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}} Later, a phoney distress call lured Fortress and the Autobot Headmasters into a trap on the planet [[Praum]] set by their old foe, Scorponok. Despite being trapped in a subterranean chamber with the endless desert sands pouring in on top of him, Fortress kept his head and reminded his young allies of the similar hardships they had suffered on Master and the training they had undergone to overcome them. With the skills they had learned back then, they were able to escape. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}}

[[Image:Hm10_fortress_appointed_commander.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

When Galvatron launched an attack on Cybertron in an attempt to steal a new alloy developed by Vector Sigma named [[cybertonuron]], Fortress advised Rodimus Prime against striking back in full force, preferring to find another way to stop the Decepticons than putting all their warriors in danger. Rodimus refused, and Fortress quietly acquiesced to his commander's wishes, ferrying him to Cybertron on Battleship Maximus. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} The battle ended catastrophically, however, when treachery on the part of Scorponok led to the detonation of a collection of bombs in Vector Sigma's chamber, devastating Cybertron and rendering it uninhabitable, and apparently killing Galvatron in the process. Realizing with deep regret that Fortress's caution had been warranted, Rodimus Prime decided that the era of his generation of Transformers was over, and vowed to search the universe for a new planet the Transformers could call home. He passed the title of [[Supreme Commander]] of the Autobots (though not the Matrix of Leadership) to Fortress, who was visibly uncomfortable with the appointment, but accepted it graciously, telling himself not to contest it because it was his destiny. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

[[Image:G1FortressMaximus HMstockfootage.jpg|left|225px|thumb|"...But it's the pelvic thruuuuuust / that really drives you in-sa-a-a-ane..."]]

Fortress's tenure as leader got off to a strong start with the successful completion of the [[Sol 1]] satellite, a joint venture between the Autobots and humanity to gather solar energy. Unfortunately, the satellite was stolen by the Decepticons, forcing the Autobot Headmasters to destroy it to keep it out of their hands. Before being destroyed, however, the satellite's energy was beamed by the villains to the planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]]. {{storylink|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok}} Fortress attempted to study Zarak from afar in hopes of deducing what the Decepticons were up to, but the planet's gaseous shroud prevented remote observation of its surface, and the Decepticons began staging concentrated attacks on Earth to keep the Autobots' attentions divided. {{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} One such attack saw the Decepticons unleash a carnivorous, ambulatory plant upon [[San Francisco]], which Fortress identified as a [[buridanka]] from the planet [[Darhos]]. When the Autobot Headmasters responded, Battleship Maximus was caught in the plant-monster's vines, and Fortress's lack of focus left him unable to draw the Master Sword and transform. Galvanized by the cries of the other Headmasters, however, his energies soon came into alignment, and for what was apparently the first time (given everyone else's surprise when it happened) Fortress transformed the Maximus and combined with it to form Fortress Maximus. With the power of the Master Sword, he easily dispatched the giant plant. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}}

[[Image:Hm14 fortress draws mastersword.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

Weakened by the great energy demands of his transformation, Fortress sent the Autobot Headmasters to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] without him when news of Decepticon movement on the planet reached the Autobots. When the Headmasters discovered that the Decepticons were planning to blow up Mars, however, Fortress went into action, only to be struck with a [[plasma energy]] bomb by the Decepticons Headmasters just as he was in the middle of transforming into Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}} Although Fortress survived the blast, his energies were severely drained, and the powerless Maximus was unable to depart Mars as the countdown to the Decepticons' planet-destroying explosion continued. Even worse, into the middle of this crisis stepped Scorponok, now outfitted with a gigantic transtector of his own: the end result of the mysterious construction operations on planets Beast and Zarak. Scorponok pummelled the paralyzed Maximus, then pulled out just before the chain of explosion began. Fortress told the Headmasters to leave him and the Maximus to their fate, but luckily, at the last minute, the battleship began absorbing the energy released by the early stages of the explosion. Fortress was able to use this energy to transform into Fortress Maximus, and escaped the destruction of Mars, slashing Scorponok with the Master Sword as he came bursting from the conflagration. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

[[Image:Hm17_maximus_vs_scorponok.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

While Fortress and the Headmasters were patrolling the edges of Decepticon space to keep an eye on their enemies' activities, Scorponok attacked the Maximus, only for the fight to be broken up by a strange UFO. Back on Athenia, Fortress met with the Autobots' deep cover spy, [[Punch (G1)|Punch]], and learned that Scorponok was holding a coronation ceremony for himself on Earth's [[moon (moon)|moon]]. The Autobots attacked the ceremony, during which Fortress again pitted his battleship against Scorponok, but the fighting was brought to an end when the UFO returned, and was revealed to belong to Galvatron, who had survived Cybertron's destruction. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Fortress fought Scorponok again soon after, when the Autobots tried to provide energy relief to the other-dimensional planet [[Sandra (planet)|Sandra]]. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}

[[Image:Hm23_fortmax_sword_slash.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

When the Decepticons embarked on an interplanetary energy quest, the Autobots determined to follow them aboard Fortress's battleship; Fortress had to be convinced to allow Daniel to come with them. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}} Their first port of call was the planet [[Hive (planet)|Hive]], but before the Maximus could set down, they were attacked by the planet's force. Fortress was intent on a show of non-resistance and would not fire back, while [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] went down to the planet's surface and proved the Autobots' good intentions to Hive's [[Queen Bee]]. The Autobots joined forces with the natives to fend off the Decepticons; Fortress disconnected the Maximus's "Master Shot" cannon so the Headmasters could wield it, then transformed into Fortress Maximus to send Scorponok packing with the Master Sword. {{storylink|Fight to the Death on Planet Hive!!}} Fortress then used the Maximus to fly the Autobots to [[Twin Star]], where he dealt with Scorponok by hauling him into the air and dropping him, {{storylink|Battle for Defense of the False Planet}} and [[Daros]], where he used the Maximus's internal defense systems to stop [[Curl|a gang of prisoners]] from taking control of the battleship. {{storylink|Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!}} The battleship needed some repairs before it could take the Autobots to [[Paradise]], which Fortress had Chromedome and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] perform. {{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}} Fortress again transformed to Fortress Maximus on the final planet of their journey, [[Pirate Planet]], taking Scorponok out with a Master Sword-slash to the chest. {{storylink|Mystery of the Space Pirate Ship}}

[[Image:Hm25_fortress_cradles_magnus.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

After returning to Athenia, Fortress and the Headmasters received news of a Decepticon attack on Earth and headed there with all due haste, but they were not in time to stop [[Sixshot]] from mortally wounding [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]. Fortress held Magnus as he died, then carried his body aboard the Maximus for burial along an Earth coastline. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} Soon after, with Decepticon attacks intensifying, Fortress had to talk [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] out of risking his own life in the pursuit of revenge against Sixshot. When word came through from Punch that Galvatron intended to use the gathered energy to fuse himself with the Earth itself, Fortress and the Headmasters immediately departed to confront the Decepticon leader in [[Alaska]]. The Headmasters were able to use Punch's information to finally end the threat of Galvatron with their [[Head Formation]], burying him in the Arctic ice. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[Image:Hm26_weak_spot.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]

Galvatron's demise left a power vacuum that Scorponok immediately filled, and once appointed leader again, he immediately put into motion a plan to destroy the Earth by simultaneously erupting every volcano on the [[Pacific Ring of Fire]]. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] deduced his plan, but a Decepticon attack on [[Autobot City]] left Spike fatally wounded, with a chunk of shrapnel embedded in one of his arteries. Medical science could do nothing for Spike, so Fortress used his telekinetic powers to dissolve the shrapnel, saving Spike, but draining all of Fortress's energy. Even in his weakened state, unable to transform, Fortress still attempted to stop Scorponok from initiating his plan on the Kamchatka Peninsula, but Scorponok simply hurled the Maximus into a volcano. As it turned out, this allowed Fortress to absorb the geothermal energy of the volcano's magma, restoring his power and ability to transform. Following information decoded by Chromedome, Fortress Maximus was able to puncture Scorponok's weak spot, the Decepticon symbol on his chest, forcing the villain and his followers to flee the planet. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

[[Image:Hm28_fortress_examines_targetmaster.jpg|left|thumb]]

With Earth finally free of the Decepticons, the Autobots set about removing every trace of their evil from the planet. Fortress co-ordinated the effort, but just as he was meeting with three new Autobot arrivals—[[Pointblank]], [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]—a report came through from Chromedome that one of the plasma energy bombs he had been tasked with gathering up had become active. Fortress quickly picked up the bombs in Battleship Maximus, intending to transport them into space so they could detonate harmlessly, but as the ship departed the atmosphere, it crossed paths with another vessel containing refugees from Master. While the Autobots held off the Decepticons pursuing the Master vessel, Fortress and Twincast welcomed the refugees on board, and learned from them that Scorponok's Decepticons had attacked Master. The refugees then helped get the plasma bombs off Battleship Maximus, but they proceeded to detonate before everyone could get clear, and the explosion fused the refugees to the arms of the Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)}} Fortress used his scientific know-how to remove the refugees from the Autobots' arms, but a strange link remained between the warriors. With these "[[Targetmaster]]s" added to their ranks, Fortress piloted Battleship Maximus to Master to stop Scorponok's evildoings there. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 2)}}

[[Image:MasterSwordDanger Floppydisk.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Insert 80's computer joke here.]]

Seeking to forge a weapon to counter Fortress's Master Sword, Scorponok arranged for the kidnap of Wheelie so that he could be ransom for information on the sword. Fortress agonized over what to do, but the decision was made for him when Chromedome and Daniel snuck away to rescue Wheelie themselves. Learning of their insubordination, Fortress played along, keeping the Decepticons' attentions on his battleship and preparing a data disk to "hand over". Unfortunately, when the Decepticons learned that Wheelie had been rescued, a fight broke out over the disk and it was snatched from Fortress's grasp. {{storylink|The Master Sword Is in Danger!!}} The Decepticons retreated underground, but Fortress was able to track them down by equipping the Master Sword with sensors that would allow the Maximus to track any surges of the energy needed to create it, which Scorponok was sure to require to forge his own weapon. Unfortunately, [[Weirdwolf]] was able to sneak aboard the Maximus, and although Fortress repelled him, he had secretly planted bombs on the battleship that covered the Decepticons' escape when they went off. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}}

[[Image:Hm31_fortmax_defeated.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

As Battleship Maximus was repaired, Fortress debated strategy with the Autobots, eventually agreeing with the Targetmasters' plan to lure the Decepticons into space to avoid collateral damage to Master. Unfortunately, the hot-headed Chromedome disagreed, and staged his own attack on the Decepticons with the aid of the young warriors of Master. Chromedome's strategy went sour, forcing Fortress Maximus to go into action, but when the Master Sword clashed with Scorponok's newly-forged "[[Zarak Shield]]", it was the Zarak Shield that emerged triumphant! Defeated, Fortress Maximus could only watch as Scorponok departed for Earth, intending to destroy it once and for all. {{storylink|Operation: Destroy the Decepticons}}

The Autobots gave chase in the Maximus, but during the space battle that resulted, Daniel was set adrift when the Maximus's Laser Block unit was damaged and jettisoned. Fortress was forced to divert to rescue the boy, allowing the Decepticons a substantial lead in the race back to Earth. {{storylink|My Friend Sixshot!}} Their lead was lost when they were forced to set down on the asteroid [[Pallas]] for repairs, and the Maximus set down on [[Ceres]] in order to attack. During the fight, Sixshot challenged Chromedome to a one-on-one duel, and Fortress's pleas that he not accept the challenge fell on deaf ears. Even as Scorponok took off for Earth again, Fortress concluded that he and the other Autobots would have to leave Chromedome to his duel and carry on the chase. As it happened, the duel was interrupted by an explosion courtesy of bombs Scorponok had planted on the battlefield, so Chromedome was able to rejoin Maximus not long after. {{storylink|Duel on the Asteroid}}

[[Image:Hm35 master sword zappped.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

As the Maximus entered the final stretch back to Earth, reports began coming in from the Autobots down on the planet of Decepticon attacks, accompanied by the emergence of strange towers at specific points around the globe. Once back on Earth, Fortress met with Punch, who unfortunately had to report that Scorponok had disappeared into the Mediterranean Ocean. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} The Autobots soon realized that the "Death Towers" were composed of energy-amplifying [[crysmagnetal]], and were creating a field of energy that was surrounding the Earth. Following Punch's lead, Fortress led the Autobots to Egypt, where Scorponok was outfitting a Death Tower with an induction booster to magnify the amount of energy it was projecting. The Master Sword played the unfortunate role of lightning rod in the presence of the Death Tower, attracting bolts of the tower's energy and stunning Fortress, preventing him from stopping Scorponok. As Scorponok fled, he told Fortress to meet him at the North Pole, where even he would have a role to play in his scheme.

[[Image:Hm35_final_battle.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

With no other choices, Fortress followed his enemy's instructions, and the entire Autobot and Decepticon armies clashed in battle in the frozen north. There, Scorponok lured Fortress Maximus onto a crysmagnetal dais, at which point, an orbiting Decepticon satellite that had been gathering the energies projected by the Death Towers activated, beaming the collected energy down to the dais. Scorponok disconnected from his transtector, and left the paralyzed Fortress Maximus trapped in the satellite's beam, part of a deadly circuit of energy that threatened to tear the Earth apart. The four Headmasters joined in Head Formation and tried to channel their energy into Fortress Maximus in hopes of giving him the strength to break free, but their own power was not enough. At Daniel's suggestion, all the other Autobots linked up as part of the chain, and together combined in "Final Formation", they infused Maximus with enough energy to deflect the satellite's beam with the Master Sword, destroying it. With one mighty slash, Fortress Maximus bisected Scorponok's transtector, finally ending the Decepticon threat.

The Decepticons subsequently fled Earth, and the Autobots gathered to pursue them. Fortress told the tearful Daniel that it was necessary in order to continue defend peace throughout the universe, but promised the boy that they would meet again. Together, the Autobots all boarded Fortress's battleship, and took off into the setting sun. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

====''Kiss Players/15 Go! Go!''====
[[Image:KPBraveMax.jpg|right|thumb|115px]]
{{note|Fortress's cameo appearance in ''Kiss Players'' is set shortly after his arrival on Master.}}

Slumped miserably on the barren surface of Master in their smallest robot forms, Fortress, Chromedome and Highbrow's attention was caught when a [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|time-travelling spaceship]] materialized over their heads and crashed nearby. {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 1}} By studying and reverse-engineering the technology found in this spaceship, Fortress and the scientists of Master invented transtectors and the Headmaster process. {{storylink|Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #48}}/{{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 3}}

====''The Headmasters'' comic====
{{note|The events of the Headmasters manga take place concurrently with the Headmasters cartoon.}}

[[Image:Manga fort max.jpg|left|thumb|275px]]

Soon after Optimus Prime died stabilizing Vector Sigma, the Decepticons staged an attack on Athenia, and Fortress and the Autobot Headmasters quickly took off in Battleship Maximus to intercept them as they approached the planet. Daniel opined that the Decepticons were "a lot like parasites", to which Fortress murmured an agreement. At that point, the Decepticons appeared in front of them, and the Autobots realized that they had played into the villains' hands: they intended to destroy Fortress's battleship with a bomb. Luckily, Chromedome moved quickly enough to snatch the bomb away and save the Maximus. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 1|The Headmasters #1}}

Responding to an SOS from their Beastformer comrades, Fortress escorted the Autobot Headmasters to planet Beast to investigate. No sooner had the young warriors left Battleship Maximus to search, Rodimus Prime radioed Fortress for an update. Fortress didn't have anything to tell him, but assured Rodimus that the Headmasters would get to the bottom of the mystery. {{storylink|Great Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!}} Later, once they were back on Earth, Fortress sent the Headmasters on their next mission, to respond to a Decepticon attack on an Alaskan energy plant. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 2|The Headmasters #2}}

When a fire tore through [[Shinjuku]], Chromedome, [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] and [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]] responded, but their rescue effort was impeded by the Decepticon Targetmaters. Luckily, Fortress soon arrived to extinguish the fire by dumping a massive amount of water on it from above using Battleship Maximus, freeing up the others to deal with the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 7|The Headmasters #7}}

{{-}}
====''Super-God Masterforce Master File''====
Following the expulsion of the Decepticons from Earth after the battle at the North Pole, the Transformers' war shifted into a series of space-based exchanges between Athenia and Chaar known as the [[Master Wars]]. With the space bridge destroyed, interstellar transportation was severely limited, and it fell to Fortress and the Maximus to patrol space for the Decepticons. While on one such patrol, Fortress received a transmission from Sixshot alerting him to the existence of a [[Devil Z|new shadowy puppet master]] who had taken control of the Decepticons. This news came at the same time as a report from the Trainbots which indicated that Scorponok had constructed a new transtector for himself, and so Fortress had no choice but to focus on dealing with this mystery. With access to the ever-important Earth now greatly reduced and his attentions now focused elsewhere, Fortress left guardianship of the planet in the hands of [[Metalhawk]] and his [[Pretender]]s. {{storylink|Master File No, 1}}

{{note|Following the end of the ''Headmasters'' franchise, Japanese cartoon continuity branches off in two separate directions. One version of the story is told through the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon]], the other is told through the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (manga)|''Masterforce'' manga]]. Fortress plays much the same role in both, but gets up to a bit more in the manga.}}

====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon====
[[Image:Masterforce ep23 FuzzyFortress.JPG|right|thumb]]
:''Voice actor:'' [[Ikuya Sawaki]] (Japanese)

Following the commands of Devil Z, the space-based Decepticon forces orchestrated the bombardment of Earth with meteors. Although they were able to carry out this assault without the direct knowledge of Fortress's Autobots, Fortress did become suspicious when he observed that the Decepticons had broken their usual formation. Worried, Fortress sent a message to Metalhawk's Autobots on Earth, but alas, by the time the distorted missive arrived, the meteors had already struck the planet and caused massive collateral damage. {{storylink|Expose the Decepticons' Dark Trap!}}

Soon after, Fortress's younger brother, [[Grand Maximus|Grand]], travelled to Earth to aid the Autobots there against the approaching threat of [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]]. Grand was physically identical to his big bro, save for his coloration, and even piloted a smaller Maximus-style battleship of his own. {{storylink|Life? Death? The Desperate Lightfoot}}

{{-}}
====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic====
[[Image:Mfmanga fortress meets ginrai.jpg|left|thumb]]

When a new and powerful Autobot warrior named [[Ginrai]] rose to prominence on Earth, he distinguished himself to the point that Fortress decided to step down as Supreme Commander and appoint Ginrai in his place. The Trainbots brought Ginrai and his [[Headmaster Junior]] allies to Athenia, where Fortress formally handed over leadership, then departed to take care of some business on Master. In his absence, the united forces of the Earth- and space-based Decepticons attacked Athenia, but Ginrai was able to repel them. Fortress arrived back just as the Decepticons were pulling out, and announced that the Autobots must pool their resources as their enemies had, uniting their forces on Earth and space to commence the [[Godbomber|Bomber Project]]. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
Fortress Maximus served as transport when Ultra Magnus lead a mission to a small asteroid in search of a new source of [[Energon]]. The Autobots discovered a [[Observer|small alien]], and [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] utilized Maximus's laboratory to determine that the creature turned its food into Energon. A later fracas with the Decepticons resulted in Fortress Maximus getting involved, leading to a fight with Scorponok. {{storylink|The Test (issue)|The Test}}

===''Transformers PD Type''===
[[Image:Pdtype_fortmax_manga.jpg|right|thumb|275px]]
While casually minding his own business one day, Fortress Maximus was suddenly shocked to see a wave of Decepticons led by Galvatron bearing down on him. He immediately transformed into robot mode... but he had completely forgotten that he had been in city mode, leaving all the poor Autobots who had been inside him squished and thinking there had been an earthquake. {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##12 "Bigger than Life! Fortress Maximus!"|Bigger Than Life! Fortress Maximus!}}

Fortress Maximus later met Scorponok in battle, vowing to never surrender. All the other Transformers would probably have preferred that he ''did'' surrender, though, since the battle put them ''all'' in danger when the two towering titans toppled over, threatening to accidentally crush them all! {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##14 "Watch Out! Mega Zarak!"|Watch Out! MegaZarak!}}

{{-}}
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
A normal-sized Fortress Maximus was a co-leader of the Autobot forces on Cybertron, along with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. As Cybertron's resources ran low, they struggled to hold the Autobot army together. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing}} The war continued despite their best efforts, and after a fruitless and disastrous skirmish with the Micromaster [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] and the Decepticons, Fortress Maximus gave up on the war. He left the Autobot army in order to seek a new path. {{Storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

A gargantuan Fortress Maximus was also seen in a [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-induced vision of future [[Nebulos]] by Optimus Prime and Megatron. {{Storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:Ironclaw artofwar.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
While imbued with the wisdom of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]] had a vision of Fortress Maximus and [[Sgt. Savage]] fighting against [[Iron Klaw]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightArcee FortressMaximus.jpg|left|300px|thumb|You wanna argue with him?]]
Fortress Maximus is referred to as 'warborn', presumably meaning he came online during the war. Much less pacifistic than in other [[universal stream|universal streams]], he's well-known among the rank-and-file for having killed a substantial amount of Decepticons at [[Simanzi]]. {{storylink|Interiors}}

Fortress Maximus became the hard-edged warden in charge of [[Garrus-9]], an Autobot-run penitentiary where both Autobot and Decepticon prisoners were kept in containment. As the ultimate imprisonment, most inmates were reduced down to their [[spark]] and [[laser core]] alone, held inanimate in a storage center known as "The Rig" until such a time as Fortress Maximus deemed to rebuild and release them, if ever. Astoundingly, this method was deemed too "merciful" for at least one [[Impactor (G1)|prisoner]].

Fortress Maximus was one of many Autobots across the galaxy who watched a news report heralding the miraculous return of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

After [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] encountered the [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] [[Combiner|combiners]] on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'s asteroid bunker, he sent them to Garrus-9 with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], hoping the science team could help the six recover from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s experimentations. Fortress Maximus was dubious of the possible results, but allowed Jetfire and his team to run their tests at Garrus-9. Things changed for the worse, however, once word of the gestalt technology got out, and agents of the [[Decepticon Secret Service]] came to claim the remarkable new tech for themselves. Faced with an incredible amount of orbital bombardment and ground warfare, Fortress Maximus and his defensive crew were at serious risk of being overrun.

In order to maintain control of his base, Max reactivated the only Autobot inmate classified as Threat Level-9: [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]. Knowing Arcee had strong feelings about Jhiaxus and his work from personal experience, Fortress Maximus felt confident she would do anything to prevent the Decepticons from laying claim to the "[[Pretender Monster|Monstructor Six]]." In case he was wrong, though, Fortress Maximus made it clear to Arcee she was lowjacked with synchronized G-forces that would crush her spark if she stepped out of line. Despite Arcee's help, the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] still managed to make off with the gestalt robots. Against his better judgment, Fortress Maximus allowed Jetfire to convince him that Arcee was the best available to track and intercept the Secret Service ships and retrieve or destroy the gestalt robots. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

When Optimus Prime and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] met with Fortress Maximus and Jetfire on Garrus-9 to discuss the prisoners' breakout, also mentioned was that a surviving Decepticon had been tortured. Maximus and Jetfire exchanged guilty glances. Prime left Maximus in charge and returned with Prowl and Jetfire to the ''[[Ark-32]]''. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}}

With the death of [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]] was forced to enter the living universe and confront Optimus Prime at Garrus-9. Fortress Maximus and the other Autobots were hunkered down in The Last Resort, the best-defended, highest-security section of the penitentiary, and he believed that not even a [[Cortynivian shadow worm]] could get in. He was wrong, as Nemesis effortlessly forced his way in, killed [[Manta Ray (G2)|Manta Ray]] and [[Drench (G2)|Drench]] and shrugged off all Autobot weapons fire. Maximus called in reinforcements until Optimus convinced him that conventional tactics would not work with the undead Prime and went to deal with Nemesis Prime himself. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

During Megatron's massive push against the Autobots, an annoyed Maximus led the defense of the prison against the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]] forces. However, when the sociopathic [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] took control of the Decepticon forces, the prison was overrun and Fortress Maximus beaten down by the monster. And then, to keep the liberated prisoners on his side, Overlord tossed them their former warden to have some fun... so long as they kept him alive. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}

[[Image:Overlord-Fort-Max-Interiors.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]
The inmates apparently followed Overlord's instructions, as Fortress Maximus survived...only to be put through brutal torture by the Phase Sixer. During one particularly brutal session (in which he lost one leg and the rest of him was nailed to a table and Overlord threatened to torture and murder a guard for every moment of hesitation), Overlord interrogated him to gain access to the [[Aequitas]] chamber. Maximus said Overlord had no idea what Aequitas even was, only for the Decepticon to explain he had no interest in the 'judgement machine', and wanted what was Aequitas was built over. He then continued sawing the warden apart according to footage [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] possessed.{{storylink|Interiors}}

[[Image:LastStandoftheWreckers3-Fort Max the cabbage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Hope you weren't going to bed after reading this page!]]
Half of the [[Wrecker]]s eventually came across Maximus's barely-alive body. Rendered comatose and with his optics and limbs removed, he had been plugged into the lock of the door to [[Aequitas]]'s chamber, and put to use entering in code after code in a Decepticon attempt to break in. [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] removed Maximus's connection to the lock, then [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] and [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] pulled his body from the door to carry him. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

When the Decepticons broke into the Aequitas chamber, [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] carried Fortress Maximus to safety. Eventually, the Wreckers succeeded in defeating Overlord and saving Garrus-9, and Maximus was placed on life support alongside [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

He was later transferred to [[Delphi]], where he was diagnosed with 'an eternal coma'. When [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Pharma]], and [[Ambulon]] were cornered by [[Genericon]]s, [[First Aid (G1)| First Aid]] managed to revitalize Fortress Maximus to fight the Decepticons. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} Fortress Maximus then brutally murdered them. After Pharma revealed himself be in league with the Decepticons, Maximus pursued him until he disappeared into a bolthole too small for Maximus to follow. Once Ratchet dealt with Pharma and the [[Red Rust]], Fortress Maximus joined the crew of the [[Lost Light]] on their mission to find the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}
[[Image:FortressMaximus Interiors dutyofcare.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
On Ratchet's orders, Fort Max was compelled to visit [[Rung]], who questioned him about events on Garrus-9. Fortress Maximus denied remembering anything, despite his torture at Overlord's hands being clear in his mind. Afterwards, Maximus then headed to [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve's]] bar, where he went on a shooting spree, blasting [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]], [[Boss (G1)|Boss]], [[Turbine]], [[Dogfight]] and [[Doubletap]], because they reminded him of Overlord. Fort Max then locked himself within Rung's office, tying the psychoanalyst to his chair and impaling Rung's current patient, [[Whirl (G1)| Whirl]], to the ground with a pipe. Threatening to murder them, he repeatedly pistol-whipped Whirl, who constantly insulted him. At Rung's suggestion, Maximus contacted '[[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]' to demand to be taken back to Cybertron so he could get an explanation from [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] regarding why he was left on Garrus-9 for so long. Hanging up and crushing the communicator underfoot, he noticed Rung's right thumb contained a microphone and was broadcasting to the ship, and promptly ripped off said thumb. Whirl continued to taunt him, and at Maximus's prompting, told his life story. This turned out to be a delaying tactic, and once Maximus realized the ship hadn't changed course, he prepared to kill his hostages. He was distracted by images of his own torture at Overlord's hands, projected as a distraction by Rewind while Swerve lined up a shot. Swerve's shot instead accidentally hit Rung, much to Maximus' anguish, shortly before he himself was impaled by Whirl. He survived and was placed in the ship's brig. {{storylink|Interiors}}
{{-}}

===''United''===
When the [[Autobot]]s fell down with a [[nano-virus]], Fortress Maximus was in city mode as part of [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: The Headmasters''===
When the Decepticons struck out at four planets, including Cybertron and Earth, Fortress Maximus was joined by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and the Headmasters of Justice to save the final planet from [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|Transformers: The Headmasters (video game)|Transformers: The Headmasters}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1FortressMaximus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|If I hear somebody ask "how's the weather up there" one more time, Primus help them...]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (Headmaster Base, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-114'''
**''Accessories:'' Spike Headmaster unit, Cerebros large Headmaster unit, [[Cog (G1)|Gasket]], [[Cog (G1)|Grommet]], Photon Rifle, Dual Laser Cannon, Cerebros's Mini Laser Rifle, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]]'s Laser rifle, Radar Scope, Master Sword (Japanese release only), Cerebros's sword (Japanese release only)

: Fortress Maximus is, by far, the largest Transformers toy ever produced. In robot mode it stands 22" (or 56 cm) tall, nearly 8" (20 cm) taller than its in-fiction rival Scorponok. The original retail price was over $100USD. Taking into account ongoing trends in toy pricing and retail shelf space jockeying, it was highly doubtful any other Transformer even close to this size would ever be made again, until his planned release in the Encore line was announced. ''(see below)''

: The toy has multiple alt mode configurations, transforming into a relatively compact "city" mode, and also a secondary mode described in the US instruction as a "battle station." That mode was rebranded as a starship for the Japanese instructions, and is the "default" mode for Fortress Maximus in the ''Headmasters'' animated series. Additionally, the 1987 Hasbro toy catalog features a mis-transformed Fortress Maximus in a mode referred to as an "impenetrable fortress," essentially consisting of his city mode with the legs splayed outwards.

: In all modes, Maximus has a wide array of pop-out (non-firing) guns and gimmicks. Its left leg hides a small prison cell, plus has a swing-out cannon/helipad. Its right leg has a small storage compartment. Its torso has a gear-activated spinner for the detachable radar array accessory, a "control socket" for [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]]' "communications room" mode, and a working elevator that can lift small toys up to its central ramp to be launched in its altmodes. (The crank for this elevator ends up in a very unfortunate position in robot mode.) Each arm had a long ramp on the back with sliding launchers for small vehicles.

: Its robot-mode head is formed by Cerebros, who does not actually need Spike to attach to the upper body. It came with both Headmaster units, plus the Gasket and Grommet mini-vehicles.

:[[Megatron (BW)/toys#MegaheadMegatron|Megahead Megatron]]'s spider-head mode (with a few alterations) can fit into Fortress Maximus's head socket; though surely a coincidence, it was noted on the card [[bio]].

: The Japanese release of Fortress Maximus came with a pair of [[Master Sword]]s; one for Fortress, a ''large'' one for Maximus. It is currently unknown if the swords were originally planned for the [[Hasbro]] version but dropped for price or [[For safety reasons|safety concerns]], or if they were a [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]-initiated addition to their release of the toy.

: This mold was used to make ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (toyline)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' [[Grand Maximus]], ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Car Robots]]'' [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Brave Maximus]], and ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' "[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Cybertron Base]]".
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Autobot/FortressMaximus/fortressmaximus.htm More information on Fortress Maximus at TFU.info]

{{-}}

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:G1 FortressMaximus Jnr toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|We represent the Lollybot guild]]
* '''Fortress Maximus''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-114'''
**''Accessories:'' Fortress Headmaster unit, Photon Rifle

: ''[[Transform Jr]]'' Fortress Maximus is a smaller rendering of the character, scaled down to regular Transformer size, and with only one head. Fortress Maximus could only transform from his starship mode to his robot mode, as his legs lack the joints to fold into city mode. Much of his detail and accessories have been simplified into stickers, such as his shin cannons. He comes with only one weapon, his large blue photon rifle.

:This toy was also available in a leaders three-pack with [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]]

::*''[http://www.cliffbee.com/reviews/fortmaxjr.php More information of Transform Jr Fortress Maximus at Cliffbee.com]''
{{-}}

===Encore===
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (Headmaster Base, 2013)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''#23'''
**''Accessories:'' Headmaster unit, Cerebros large Headmaster unit, [[Cog (G1)|Gasket]], [[Cog (G1)|Grommet]], Photon Rifle, Dual Laser Cannon, Cerebros's Mini Laser Rifle, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]]'s Laser rifle, Radar Scope, Master Sword, Cerebros's sword.
: The first re-release of Fortress Maximus in Encore.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_fortmax.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (1987)
**''Accessories:'' Head, Photon Rifle, Dual Laser Blaster
:Released in the seventh wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' line of snap-together "[[candy toy]]" model kits, this version of Fortress stands at about four inches tall and is cast in grey, white and blue plastic. Unlike the Headmaster figures from the previous ''Transformers Gum'' wave, this version of Fortress Maximus does away with his Headmaster gimmick, and by sheer necessity of size, also lacks the guns in his forearms and fists and the prison cell in his left leg. He does include both of his hand-held weapons and swing-out waist cannons, however, and he can still transform into both starship and city modes. As a ''Transformers Gum'' kit, he featured no paint applications, but came with stickers for detail, and a piece of terrible gum.

::*''[http://bowbowdaijin.blog96.fc2.com/blog-entry-27.html More information on Transformer Gum Fortress Maximus at a Japanese fansite]''
{{--}}

===Parody Deformed===
[[Image:Pdtype_fortmax.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Fortress Minimus]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (1990)
**''Accessories:'' Master Sword

:A small, blue and white non-transforming [[super deformed]] model kit of Fortress Maximus was available as part of Kabaya's "[[Parody Deformed]]" line of candy toys. The twelfth figure in the series, he came with a "Transformers PD Type" comic about himself, "Bigger Than Life! Fortress Maximus!", and more of that alleged "gum".
{{--}}

===Super Collection Figure/Heroes of Cybertron===
[[Image:Fortmax_scf_hoc.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (2001)

:Fortress Maximus was the collectible "Build-A-Figure" from the third ''Headmasters''-centric wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s line of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' PVC figurines. He was divided into six parts, each one packaged with one of the other six figurines in the line: His head and sword came with [[Raiden]], his torso with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], his left arm with [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], his right arm with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]], his left leg with [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]] and his right leg with [[Sixshot]].

:As the first collectible figure from the line, Fortress Maximus was much rarer than those that would come later, with his parts only coming in two out of every ten cases. Like all the other figures in the wave, his parts were available in two color schemes; of the two cases he was available in, one contained a full-color figure, while the other contained a colorless translucent version.

*'''Fortress''' (2002)

:A standard 3" PVC figurine of Fortress was available in the eighth and final ''SCF'' wave line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a metallic silver "pewter" version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures. Additionally, in eight out of every ten cases, the pewter version of Fortress came packaged with head and torso of the wave's collectible [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] figure.

*'''Fortress Maximus''' (2003)

: The Fortress Maximus PVC was later revisited by [[Hasbro]] for their domestic release of the ''Super Collection Figure'' series, ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]''. Like all the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures, this version of Fortress Maximus was cast entirely in clear-blue plastic and then painted over, save a small spot on his head to give him a "light-pipe" glowing-eyes effect. He remained available only as a collectible pack-in, one part in each of the six releases in the line's fourth wave. His head and sword came with [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], his torso with [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], his left arm with [[Powermaster]] [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Gigatron]], his right arm with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], his left leg with [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Autobot Jazz]] and his right leg with the Autobot Espionage Team ([[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]).

==Notes==
* "Fortress Maximus" was an early name for the characters that eventually became [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. The [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.

* Fortress Maximus was the first toy to be released with a bona-fide Earthling figure. All of the other Headmasters' companions were from Nebulos. (Although Maximus's on-package [[bio]] refers to "the Nebulan leader, Spike", the general consensus is that it was supposed to be the popular figure from TV and other media, who is almost certainly an Earthling.)

* Both Scorponok and Fortress Maximus suffer from the writers struggling to reconcile the characters' high rank with their size. In their comic appearances, they are portrayed as commanders in some capacity but are shrunk down to interact with other Transformers, and their city modes pretty much don't exist. Conversely, the cartoons have opted to portray them as giant city Transformers, though they seem to be merely extensions of the smaller beings that bond with them, with no real life or will of their own.

[[Image:FortMaxReds.jpg|thumb|250px]]

*Fortress Maximus appeared in an unusual red-accented color scheme on the cover of Marvel's [[Ring of Hate!|''Headmasters'' #1]]. This color scheme was repeated in the corner box for [[Love and Steel!|''Headmasters'' #3]] and on the cover of [[The Man in the Machine!|''The Transformers'' #51]]. Its origin is unknown.

* The Battleship ''Maximus'' bears a slight resemblance to the [[Wikipedia:White Base|White Base]], a battleship from the [[Wikipedia:Gundam|''Gundam'' franchise]].

* When Spike transforms to join Fortress Maximus for the last time in the ''Generation 2'' book, Cerebros is not shown, and Spike transforms directly into Fortress Maximus's head. Maximus is shown to be no larger than Megatron. In real-life terms, it's an obvious series of art errors; in the context of the story, one might wonder if Maximus was reduced back to his original, smaller, size. It seems improbable, considering that Spike had been retired for years by that point.

* Fortress Maximus has the distinction of having one of the most well known Transformers [[Knockoff|bootleg]] versions in existence. While Cerebros has been omitted, the Spike figure is the same, and the body has been scaled down to match, effectively making the body compatible with any other Headmaster head. It also fetches absurd prices for a bootleg.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cerebros''' (セレブロス ''Sereburosu''), '''Fortress''' (フォートレス ''Fōtoresu''), '''Fortress Maximus''' (フォートレスマキシマス ''Fōtoresu Makishimasu'')
*''English:'' '''Spaceship Bruce''' (spaceship mode, [[Omni Productions]] dub), '''Cerebros''' (Fortress, [[Shout! Factory]] sub)
*''French:'' '''Forteresse Maximus''' (Canada)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Ford''' (Taiwan, 福特 ''Fú Tè''), '''Furmon''' (Taiwan, 福蒙 ''Fú Méng''), '''Fortry''' (Taiwan [[Omni Productions]] dub, 福崔 ''Fú Tsuēi'')
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Fortecya Maxima''' (Фортеця Максима, "Fortress Maxima")
*''Russian:'' '''Krepysh Maximus''' (Крепыш Максимус, "Sturdy Fellow Maximus")

==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Fortress_Maximus Fortress Maximus's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Autobot starships]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Generation 1 starships]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]

Lobbing

2011-04-11T06:31:05Z

LBD Nytetrayn: Redirecting to Cybertronian sport#Lobbing

#REDIRECT [[Cybertronian sport#Lobbing]]

Lobbing

2011-04-11T06:29:13Z

LBD Nytetrayn: Redirecting to Http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cybertronian sport#Lobbing

#REDIRECT [[http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cybertronian_sport#Lobbing]]

Jumpstarter

2010-04-25T11:22:32Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Generation 1 */

{{factions|autobot}}

{{picsneeded}}

{{disambig2|the Autobot subgroup from ''Generation 1''|the Mini-Con from ''Armada''|Jumpstart}}

:''The Jumpstarters are an [[Autobot]] subgroup from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:LastStandoftheWreckers1-Jumpstarters 'explain'.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
The '''Jumpstarters''' are [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] and [[Twin Twist]], impulsive warriors with the ability to transform from vehicle to robot in less than half a second.<ref>Twintwist's toy bio and both of their ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]'' bios.</ref>

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Démarreurs-Bondisseurs'''

==Fiction==
The Jumpstarters were not depicted as a sub-group of their own in fiction. They were Autobots who were often part of the elite [[Wrecker]]s unit. Their [[gimmick]] was never highlighted except in their bios.{{fact|Confirmation needed.}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
They were members of the Wreckers.

They died. {{storylink|Time Wars}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
They were members of the Wreckers.

===IDW comics continuity===
They were members of the Wreckers. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 3}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Jumpstarters''' (1985)
** [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]
** [[Twin Twist]]
:The Jumpstarters were sold boxed at the $6 price point; Topspin transforms into afuturistic/Cybertronian hovercraft-type thing, while Twin Twist's alternate mode is a double-drilling tank. Both Jumpstarters are notable for their [[autotransform]]ing feature. Their [[alternate mode]]s are spring-loaded, and held into place by a catch. Equipped with [[pull-back motor]]s, they race forward when released, tripping the catch, which allows internal springs to snap the robots' bulky legs into place, which are balanced so as to leave the robot standing upright on its rather broad feet.

:On the back of both figures' heads is a device resembling a switch. The switch is asymmetric and each position presents a different gap between the back of the head and the surface the toy is running on. When the spring-loaded transformation is triggered, the inertia of the legs unfolding in one direction torques the body backward in the opposite direction, causing the whole unit to rear up on the rubber driving wheels. When the switch on the back of the head comes in contact with the running surface, it becomes the new fulcrum point for levering the toy up off the surface, both increasing the lever length between the spring hips and the running surface, and lifting the driving wheels off the surface, removing any forward acceleration from the jumble of intersecting forces. That anonymous bit of plastic on the back of the head thus controls the timing for the wheels to be removed from contact with the running surface, the moment when the lever length and thus the force required to rotate the body backward increase significantly, and the angle at which the whole assembly is positioned when the giant feet impact the prongs/screws of the upper body, creating the sudden 'snap' that tosses the whole assembly up onto its feet. Changing the little tabs' position can be the deciding factor between landing dramatically upright, smacking forward onto your face, or flopping limply onto your back.

:Jumpstarters were made in sufficient numbers to fill the toy boxes of the entire known universe.
{{stub}}

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]

Talk:Jumpstarter

2010-04-25T11:21:35Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

Talk:Jumpstarter

2010-04-25T11:20:59Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

I think I remember reading somewhere that the lever on the back of their head was intended to be an adjustment, but on the final product it doesn't actually do anything, but I'm not going to take apart my Topspin to find out. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:50, 12 May 2009 (EDT)

: It actually does, but it's as useful as the useless piece of gum on the end of a pencil.--[[User:Sunjumper|Sunjumper]] 14:27, 12 May 2009 (EDT)

:: It does exactly what I put into the article: The two positions alter the distance between the back of the head and the surface it's running on, thus changing the angle at which the body rises before the head hits the floor, and thus the timing and force behind the 'kickoff' when the feet finally hit the prongs/drills.

The description of the duo says they both turn into futuristic/Cybertronian hover-vehicles, but Twin Twist turns into a drilling tank. I'd have made a change myself, but it looked as though a little bit of alliteration of sorts went into that section with the frequent use of "both," and I didn't want to mess that up. - [[User:LBD_Nytetrayn|LBD "Nytetrayn"]] 07:19, 25 April 2010 (EDT)

Talk:Raksha

2010-03-22T12:08:39Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Mainpic */

I dunno how appropriate almost all of this is, frankly. Not saying she's not snapped a twig or ten, but really, is it worth dragging shit here? --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 02:13, 4 July 2006 (UTC)
: Right, we don't need a page attacking her. All she need is a mention that she ran BotCon '95, and created Nightracer.And about taking interest in a toy line too far, well, I don't think she's spent $4000 on a First Aid recolor. --[[User:FortMax|FortMax]] 02:29, 4 July 2006 (UTC)
::Cut out the specifics. [[User:Singularity|Singularity]] 02:33, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

I think that having an article about Raksha at all is kind of questionable considering how minor her hand in official stuff has been. She's played a much smaller role than, say, Ben Yee, even before he joined with Fun Pub. She even had a smaller role than somebody like Ravestrike who penned an official story. But still, organizing a BotCon and creating Nightracer is technically an official role so I suppose I can accept the article being here. If the article is going to stay, though, I think it still needs to be much less POV than it currently sounds. It's reasonable to mention that she is controversial (although she's also completely irrelevant anymore), but it should be done in a detached way. --[[User:Steve-o|Steve-o]] 03:39, 4 July 2006 (UTC)
:Word. Raksha hasn't been relevant to the online fandom in years. I think the last high-profile (non-ridiculous drama) thing she did was TF:DD. Incidentally, do we want to include MUSHes and things like that in the fandom category? I'm tending towards 'no', but that is a fairly historical part of the fandom activity... [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 03:51, 4 July 2006 (UTC)
::Perhaps a single article explaining what they are. I'd avoid mentioning specific ones, though. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 03:57, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

:::Edited the article to be more netural and have her as a "former figure". I truly think she's batshit insane, but I'm quite willing to concede to requests to remove the negative parts. [[User:Singularity|Singularity]] 04:27, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

::::I think the current revision is fine. Thanks, Singularity. --[[User:Steve-o|Steve-o]] 16:16, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

:IIRC, the onyl reasont his article was written was to counterpoint her mention in the Botcon 98 script. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:14, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

::If Ben Yee's in-canon death goes on his normal page, why does Raksha-the-fan and Raksha-the-Visitations-concept get two separate pages? --[[User:Monzo|Monzo]] 01:26, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

:::Because Ben Yee explicitly refers to himself, whereas while Rakasha is the name of a wilf in a well-known piece of literature, and thus could (ostencibly) be a reference to a character, not the fan.
:::(Or at least such is the logic)
:::Besides, Megatron mistaking Antagony for Raksha is funny. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:34, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
::::I think the Raksha (Decepticon) entry is unneeded. Megatron is obviously referring to the real human in Visitations. Pretending that he's referring to a Decepticon of the same name in an attempt to close off the fourth wall in THAT script, of all things, is absurd. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 01:37, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

:::::MOnzo's revision looks great. As the original article author, i give blessing for Raksha (BW)'s deletion

Just a question, but is Raksha the chick David Kaye mentioned in the interview on the Beast Machines DVD set that was harassing him at a convention? --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 18:51, 24 August 2006 (UTC)
:IIRC, yeah. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 19:31, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

Minor question: Is [[Flamewar]], given the internet name pun and mention of "She holds disdain for the current crop of Decepticon Generals, including Deathsaurus. Flamewar sees them all as pale imitators of Megatron(...)", a nod towards Raksha or am I reading too much into that?--[[User:MCRG|MCRG]] 06:57, 26 March 2007 (UTC)
:Ben swears up and down that he didn't have Raksha in mind when he created her. And to be fair, Raksha loved Deathsaurus, because she could make up what he was like. -[[User:LV|LV]] 07:35, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

==David Kaye on the BM DVD==
Question about this: ''In an interview on Kid Rhino's Beast Machines DVD set, David Kaye recounts an unpleasant encounter at a Botcon convention with a very obsessed and ill-mannered fangirl with a snake around her neck. That fangirl would happen to be Raksha.''

Is this accurate? I had heard rumors to this effect, but after seeing [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=26415&st=260&p=554788&#entry554788 this account] of Kaye's comments a while back, it doesn't seem to fit. Did Kaye actually say anything about her being "very obsessed and ill-mannered" or that the encounter was "unpleasant"? --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 20:44, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

*Well, here's his quote regarding her entirely. I'll just substitute the trivia out with this:

"I didn't know it was such a huge deal. And there was one fan, she had a snake around her, I found out she was a big G1 fan and she didn't like the new series, and that's fine. But then I found out that, wow, some people ''really'' don't like what we do...''huh''. It kinda deflates you but then you realize it's the fan thing, some people like it, some people don't, whatever." --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 21:14, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

== Legal Name ==

Is "Raksha" really her legal name? I recall another name as her legal name (first initial J, last initial K). I will refrain from posting it in the case she chooses it not to be mentioned in the Wiki, but the phrase "yes, that is her legal name" might be inaccurate. (Unless she changed it?)
:Yes, she changed her name, legally, about a decade ago. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 22:02, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

== Mainpic ==
Hey, I found a picture of her in her article at Encyclopedia Dramatica. Is it alright to use it? WARNING WEBSITE VERY NSFW: http://images.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/b/b7/Raksha-avatar.jpg -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 23:02, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
:Also, ED claims that her birth name was Jovanka Kink (spelling not certain). Is that true and/or worth noting in the article? -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 23:15, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
::Seriously, I have a picture and name. Is it okay to use them? Anyone? -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 00:33, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
:::"Hey everybody! Who wants to talk about Raksha?" is the problem you're having. Look, I don't know. I've learned to assume that anything I do Re: Raksha will only make her very, very mad. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 00:56, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Then why don't I just do it so she can get mad at me instead of you. Her anger will only make me more ruthless. I feed upon it. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 01:30, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::You know, I'm a few years younger than Walky and didn't have internet during the 90s, so I wasn't around during the ATT days. But even I know not to touch this issue. I'd just leave it alone, if I were you. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 03:14, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
::::...my word, what an unflattering picture of her!
::::Isn't Raksha briefly seen on one of the Kid Rhino Botcon montages? Standing in front of that poster of Megatron, Shockwave, Nightbird and... uh... Nightlash(?) at her booth? Thar was both much nicer-looking, and (by virtue of being on an official DVD) nicer-looking!
::::(I think she's on the DVD... or maybe there's a shot on the DVD of her booth with her not in it, and a photo taken from the same angle with her I've seen...)
::::Semysane, got an e-mail? (Not all anger is nutritious.) -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 03:53, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Yes, gibbering(underscore)mouther(at)hotmail(dotcom). And yeah, I wasn't part of the online fandom back then either, so maybe I just don't fully appreciate her crazy. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 10:48, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::Just a quick note from someone else who wasn't part of internet fandom back then. I came to this page to find out more about this "Raksha" I keep hearing about, but there is very little on here. For example, it is stated that her views on the Decepticons were controversial but not what those views were. From dribs and drabs I've gleaned from all over I THINK I know what they were, but I could be massively wrong. Perhaps the "old timers" (no disrespect meant, I've been a fan since the very beginning - just not on the net) could put in something about this? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:51, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::I think the staff here made it a point not to go into much detail about her views or personality so as to avoid getting ugly and just remain as civil as possible. Raksha was a very..."unbalanced" individual. Her 'controversial' views on the Decepticons were that they were an oppressed minority driven to acts of terrorism by their Autobot oppressors and were, in fact, the actual "good guys" of the fiction. That's all well and good, and a fun viewpoint, but Raksha tended to take it to a fanatical level and could get very bitter and volitile about it in discussions online and in person. She also tended to hate all things Beast Wars, which lead to her harassing voice actors at conventions. David Kaye got it pretty bad, since she hated Beast Wars Megatron more than anything else (her love of G1 Megatron bordered on the...sexually obsessive). And Raksha as a human being? Well, I'll just let you [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/91b77bcbdd361921/e3ccecd565394778?hl=en&q=skyflight&lnk=ol&pli=1 read this thread] and come to your own conclusion. Anyhow, she's a rather controversial figure among the fandom and the staff are being rather polite by not including these infamous moments in her article. Nicer than I would've been, anyhow. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 13:21, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::"Her 'controversial' views on the Decepticons were that they were an oppressed minority driven to acts of terrorism by their Autobot oppressors and were, in fact, the actual "good guys" of the fiction." Interesting. And completely not in the article. Shouldn't the opening be rephrased to something like this: "She was controversial due to her view of the Decepticons as the true heroes in the original cartoon and intense dislike for later media, such as Beast Wars." No namecalling, no screeching, just telling people what made her controversial? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 13:39, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::::Dare I point out that Raksha's negative view of overall Autobot policy isn't ''entirely'' made up?
::::::::::That "War Dawn" had the Decepticons raiding food from corrupt (or at least insulated, lazy uninvolved) city-states with [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY5oWOSYMVc#t=2m30s incurious citizenry, unconcerned by the problems of the world because they were rich and full of an arrogant assurance that nothing could possibly threaten them]?
::::::::::No? Okay then! (I could go on for some time... pretty much EVERY Transformers backstory the Decepticons as arising at the end of a golden age where rot had set in...) The view itself isn't ''that'' crazy, Raksha just isn't necessarily the best spokesman for it. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 00:31, 14 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::I edited that line into the article. -- [[User:Dark T Zeratul|Dark T Zeratul]] 14:06, 13 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::Thank you Semysane.
::::::Anyway, as I was saying... it's not like Raksha gets a free pass not to conduct herself like a rational human being... but an awful lot of the crap slung her way back in the day involved people baiting her for her amusing responses. Your suggestions of content to add seemed to evoke a similar somewhat ''lurid'' "check out the freakshow" tone that carries negative associations from that baiting. (I know/knew Raksha mildly well from a few mailing lists back in the day, which may color my impression of her.) -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 00:18, 14 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::Wow, thanks Derik. Being from after Raksha's time, I've always wondered if this knee-jerk reaction to her behaviour and ideas (and by association, everything else surrounding her or even the ridiculous-slightest associatable with her) was at all justified. Her ideas never sounded that weird to me, nor did her behaviour seem much worse (if at all) than what is nearly common practice around the internet (nowadays). It's good to hear a milder, more objective opinion for once. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 00:44, 14 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::See, here's the thing about Raksha - back in the heyday of ATT, things were extremely extremely chill by internet standards. Raksha, while an actual fan and genuinely interested in the product, was probably the closest thing the fandom (and in the day, ATT ''was'' the fandom) had to a troll for many years - except that she was serious! The combination of her unorthodox interpretation of the material, her dedication to said interpretation, and then the general kookiness that surrounded her made her kind of a quasi-celebrity, but also painted a big fat target on her back because OH HEY IT'S RAKSHA SHE'S CRAZY ABOUT DECEPTICONS HEY RAKSHA I BET YOU'RE REALLY CRAZY TOO DO YOU JERK OFF TO MEGATRON HAW HAW HAW and so, while hell yes she put way too much into a kids' cartoon, a lot of people were kind of dickish to her about it, and by the end of her time in the active fandom, she was generally kind of dickish right back (that is, of course, the Decepticon way). Of course, by that point, nobody much was talking about the stuff she cared about (this was the end of BW/beginning of BM, before the Dreamwave comics, so the well was ''really'' dry as far as G1 conversations go) and the really mean stuff got ''really'' mean (former friends of hers making some pretty harsh claims about her personal life, etc.) so she just packed up and left, 'cause nothing else was ever going to be like the G1 cartoon, and if nobody wanted to talk about that specific universe and how great it was (again, this was 2000 or so - the big nostalgia boom hadn't hit yet) then she was just going to go back to whatever it was she did outside of TF.

::::::::By and large, if you were there then, you're really really over it now. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 08:13, 14 October 2009 (EDT)

Thanks a lot everyone, I really appreciate everything you've all told me. I'm starting to really get a feel for this rather interesting character from the Transformers fandom. I think such an influential figure should have lots of information in her article, but I'll see if I can go about making it more neutral and less judgmental. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 15:19, 14 October 2009 (EDT)
:Er... on that note, the article is fairly neutral and non-judgmental as is, so I'll just stop trying to dig up dirt. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 15:26, 14 October 2009 (EDT)
::Could still use a picture. Are we good to go on the one listed before or do we need to find another? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 19:22, 14 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Just post it and if someone disapproves they can substitute it with one they like more. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 19:38, 14 October 2009 (EDT)
:::How about we don't care and just leave it alone? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 20:31, 14 October 2009 (EDT)
::::If we don't care, then why have a non-pic up asking for one? --[[User:LBD_Nytetrayn|LBD "Nytetrayn"]] 08:13, 22 March 2010 (EDT)

Commercial/Generation 1

2010-03-22T08:45:12Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* 1988 */

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[[Image:Hasbrooldlogo.jpg|left|75px|thumb|And if I had a hammer....]]
Generation 1's stylized and somewhat dated commercials played a huge part in propelling the [[Transformers brand]] to household name status (after all, they reached audiences who weren't actively looking for robots). As the [[theme song]] played over many of them, they are also responsible for the jingle's status as a mid-80s icon.

Generation 1 commercials would commonly start with a short sequence of original cel animation, then cut to two or more boys in the 7 to 10-year-old range playing with the toys. [[Victor Caroli]] and another narrator (here referred to as [[The Other Guy]]) provided voice-overs to describe just how exciting the incredible new toys were. Various show characters narrated some spots, including Optimus Prime, Megatron, Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime, but Caroli and The Other Guy were usually there at the end to affirm that the toys were "each sold separately". Background music would feature the show's [[theme song]], but often with new lyrics about the toys in question. The lyrics had to stretch to fit the cadence of the song; sometimes they were jammed into a different melody altogether.

[[Image:Jetfireg1commercial.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Transforms from robot to lawsuit right before your eyes!]]
The animated segments often featured high-quality art and animation. Some of the 1986 and 1987 animation was combined into a [[title sequence]] for "[[The Rebirth]]", the final three-part episode of the Generation 1 cartoon (they contrasted painfully with the lower-quality segments produced by [[AKOM]].) The short length of television commercials meant the animated sections were fast-paced, with characters speaking their lines very rapidly; within the context of the fictional world they portray, this could lead to some hilarious results, such as Jazz taking about 1/4th of a second to decide to become an Action Master. The animated segments would sometimes feature the voice actors from the cartoon; however, some such as Blaster had not been assigned a voice actor yet. Later segments required soundalikes for characters whose voice actors had died (Jazz) or were unavailable (Megatron). These spots were the only American animation produced for dozens of characters from the toyline's later years, and in [[Micromaster Combiner|a few cases]], remain their only fictional appearance ''ever''.

[[Image:OptimusMagnusCommercialChange.JPG|right|250px|thumb|The Halloween masks were weak this year.]]
[[Image:Kid_to_Galvatron.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Transforms from child to robot and back!]]
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the commercials featured one of the young actors staring very seriously into the camera, mouthing "Robots in disguise!" as his eyes glowed and/or his face transformed into that of a robot (based on Galvatron or Ultra Magnus.) Variants on the "kidmation" clip continued throughout Generation 1. [[The AllSpark Almanac]] dubbed this process "[[reverse-pretender technology]]."

Many commercials were reedited into even shorter versions, without the animation segments.

Some of these commercials, along with some Takara Transformers ads are available on the Sony DVD release of [[The Transformers: The Movie]]. Because of legal issues, the young actors' faces have now been blurred. A greater number of the commercials (of varying quality) were also avaliable on the earlier [[Madman Entertainment]] release of The Transformers: The Movie in Australia, and their final collection of the Generation 1 cartoon complete with unblurred children. [[Shout! Factory]]'s "Matrix of Leadership" complete series collection of the Generation 1 cartoon, as well as some of their individual season sets, contains several Generation 1 commercials and the ad for Generation 2 Optimus Prime. The first season set's "Triple Changer: The Origins of the Transformers" featurette contains clips of the commercial for the ''The Transformers'' #1 comic.

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===1984===
[[Image:Earlymegatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You've got to get up preeeetty early in 1984 to catch Megs with a black head.]]
[[Image:Starscreamg1early.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Starscream in his Ramjet suit.]]
* '''''The Transformers'' #1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9-7RjhFzpM]

:''Animation:'' Fast pan-ins take us from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to [[Earth]], with a Decepticon ship attacking the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and forcing it to crash on Earth. The three [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] fly in, transform and attack a power plant. Three cars drive out to meet them, transforming into [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] joins the counter-attack, prompting the Autobots to take off into the sky. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] arrives out of an explosion cloud, transforming and firing. An image of [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue]] cross-fades into view.
:''Toy segment:'' None.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Notes:'' Almost every element is an early production model. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] have strangely colored faces; Megatron is in his pre-animation black helmeted design; the Ark is a green-colored model with X-shaped wings; and the Decepticon ship resembles a flying aircraft carrier.

* '''Transformers''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcDja2hgxiQ]

:''Animation:'' In the desert, the Seekers strafe Prowl, Sideswipe and Jazz, who transform and fire back; the three jets transform, land, and grapple with the Autobots, while three more Seekers fly past in robot mode.
:''Toy segment:'' Some very early 80s streaking effects as the toys are shown instantly changing from vehicle to robot.
:''Narration:'' Almost none, apart from "The Transformers, from Hasbro", by [[Victor Caroli]].
:''Kidmation:'' Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' The show's season 1 theme song plays over most of the commercial. A total of six Seekers are seen in a single shot. The Seekers continue to use the pre-cartoon animation models with the dark faces.
:"We're under attack!" "[[To sell toys|Get more Autobots!]]"

* '''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' [http://dvd.ign.com/dor/objects/14342171/transformers-the-complete-first-season-25th-anniversary-edition/videos/trans_com_062309.html]
:''Animation:'' Partially recycled from the ''Transformers #1'' commercial and the cartoon opening, including animation model Megatron leading his troops, immediately followed by pre-animation model Megatron landing. Whoops! New footage (possibly borrowed from Soundwave's commercial below) shows Prowl, Jazz and Sideswipe on what appears to be Cybertron.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Buck-toothed kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: "Attack the Autobot commander!" "Call in the Decepticon leader!" Yep, Neither Optimus Prime's nor Megatron's name is ever actually mentioned in the commercial.
:* '''Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kbokeZsoTY] - Nearly the same as above, except the footage of Megatron transforming with streaking effects is replaced by footage of the Optimus Prime toy being "flown" in front of a mountain. The reason for Megatron's removal is presumably due to legal issues with advertising a toy that turns into a realistic looking gun.

[[Image:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Soundwave's pink phase didn't last long... [[:Image:Soundwave_uscomics.jpg|in the cartoon.]]]]
* '''Soundwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhIb5H5rSkg]

:''Animation:'' Prowl, Jazz, and Sideswipe transform, as well as a light purplish-blue [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who fires twice, opens his cassette door, and tosses out [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who transforms and fires upon the three Autobots, who fire back.
:''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
:''Kidmation:'' Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"

[[Image:Powercycle-ad.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Homeland security falls to a kid on a Big Wheel. You know, it must be said that NSA really is failing here.]]

* '''Transformers [[Power Cycle]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTSuBDZ5T58]

: Advertising a Coleco-made Big Wheel.
: ''Animation:'' Recycled from the first Transformers commercial, including black helmet Megatron, and some cuts between the live-action and animated footage that has the kid blasting some Autobots. Oops.
: ''Narration:'' Some wussy dude.
:"Missed! But ''I'' won't!"

* '''[[F.H.E.]] [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] Video Tapes''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5898/]

: ''Animation:'' Excerpts from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|More than Meets the Eye]]".
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy
: ''Notes:'' Despite the animation being taken from "More Than Meets The Eye", that tape is not actually among those pictured. The pictured tapes are (from left to right): [[Divide and Conquer]], [[Transport to Oblivion]] and [[Roll for It]]. It is stated that the tapes are available on VHS or Beta.
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===1985===

* '''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C7ebWaFaVI]

:''Animation:'' Amid a raging thunderstorm on Earth, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] take on [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].
:''Narration:'' [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation:'' Buck-toothed kid #3 mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' Soundtracked with a minor variation on the Season One cartoon opening theme: "Dinobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons!"
:* '''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaNG6nXmQmU] - A re-soundtracked version of the previous commercial. Narrated by The Other Guy; soundtracked with the Season 2 theme song (still with "Dinobots" replacing "Autobots".) Kidmation spot uses the same footage of buck-tooth kid #3, but ''with freaky glowing green eyes'' (and, bizarrely enough, his polo shirt has been recolored from green to blue.)

* '''Grimlock''' [http://www.retrostatic.com/videos/p803_sectionid/13/p803_fileid/483/p803_js_on/1]

: ''Animation:'' Same as Dinobots.
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' None.
: ''Notes:'' Very similar to the two [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] commercials, using the same toy scenes (albeit in a different order, and with a different soundtrack) and animation. There are two characteristics, that most Generation 1 commercials share, but this one does not:

:*There is no Kidmation, but the voice is present in the audio.
:*The ending still shot is not taken in front of the diorama used in the toy segment. Instead a blue backdrop is employed.

:Because of these oddities, it is not clear whether this commercial was a finalized spot or an early/test version. Given the similarites and differences, it is quite likely that this commercial was reworked to create the Dinobots commercials or vice versa.

[[Image:Mini-Spies_Commercial_Symbol_Reveal.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Congratulations, Cliffjumper. It's a Decepticon!"]]
* '''Mini-Spies''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5GGZ3we68]

:''Animation:'' [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] allow a yellow [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spy]] to enter Autobot Headquarters. The little robot starts messing with the computer; Huffer and Cliffjumper come racing in and check his faction symbol. "It's a Decepticon! After him!"
:''Narration:'' [[I Wish I Was Victor Caroli]]
:''Kidmation:'' Kid points urgently at the camera: "It's an Autobot!"
:''Notes:'' [[Casey Kasem]] provides the voice for Cliffjumper's single line. Visible among the packaged Mini-Bots on the store pegs are a red Bumblebee and a (red) Cliffjumper with a yellow vehicle mode pictured on the package.

* '''Jetfire''' and '''Shockwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4et4QzUDno]

:''Animation:'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] strafe [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. As the three transform and retreat, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] steps out of a mountain and takes on the Decepticon jets; [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] transforms halfway and fires, then transforms the rest of the way and fires again.
:''Narration:'' An incredibly mellow Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' A grim-faced buck-toothed kid mouths the robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' Jetfire here is in his original, toy-based animation model.

* '''Insecticons''' plus '''Swoop''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZWNnzzjm3E]
:''Animation:'' A horde of [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] attacks a farm.
:''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' Glowing green eyes kid.
: "Pa, look!" "What is it?" "It's the Insecticons, an evil, new menace in the world of the Transformers!"
:* '''Insecticons''' - Resoundtracked from the previous commercial, with the 1986 version of the background music.

* '''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-arvwj7VN8]
:''Animation:'' The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], working on a building site in the desert, suddenly transform and combine. [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] touches his fists together over his head and is [[Commercial bumper|enveloped with energy]].
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' Blond-haired kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: "It's Devastator — six ''Constructicons'' in one!"
:*'''Constructicons/Devastator Giftset''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxVdqHn-tOo] - Similar to the previous commercial, but with a few differences. The background music has been changed from the Season 1 intro to the Season 2 intro, a different kid without glowing eyes is used for the Kidmation, and the end is changed to feature the Constructicon Giftset.
:* '''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3hzPZ0fdmY] - Resoundtracked and slightly re-edited for a 1986 re-use. Narration by The Other Guy and Megatron; Kidmation segment featuring a kid's face fold-morphing into Ultra Magnus-like generic robot.

* '''Jumpstarters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKpxHsU5ho&#t=1m59s]
: ''Animation:'' None.
: ''Toy segment:'' Repeated shots of the [[Jumpstarter]] toys doing their thing on a futuristic smooth black surface (with custom early-80s sound effects), while shaggy-haired kids turn their heads to watch at whiplash-inducing speeds.
: ''Narration:'' [[The Other Guy]]
: ''Kidmation:'' Buck tooth kid mouths "Robots in Disguise"
: ''In the world of the Transformers, no Autobots can jump into battle faster than the Jumpstarters!''

* '''Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sxMlvn3Dsw]
:''Animation:'' As [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] fight a battle in the desert, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Grapple]] drive up and transform, prompting Megatron to summon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]].
: ''Narration:'' You're Gonna Get It
: ''Kidmation:'' Beatles haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: Included a tail-end ad for Transformers [[Action Cards]].

* '''Triple Changers''' and '''Perceptor''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crn_8VIxaOk] or [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8LKVfwxoEY]
: ''Animation:'' [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] grapples with Optimus Prime, then escapes on some train tracks. The Autobots blast a trestle out from under him; he transforms and flies away. Optimus Prime uses [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] to examine some Decepticon debris.
:''Narration'': The Other Guy; possibly Victor Caroli as well (While supplies last.)
:''Kidmation'': Taller bowl haircut kid with glowing green eyes.
:''Notes:'' Cameo animation appearances from Sunstreaker, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Perceptor is portrayed as significantly shorter than Optimus, perhaps the same size as Bumblebee. In one version, a bizarre stinger note labels the Perceptor toy as "While supplies last".
:''Triple changers, the most eeeeevil Decepticons of all!''

[[Image:RumbleBlasterCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey Soundwave, check out this new radio I found!" (actual dialogue)]]

* '''Blaster''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhzQUI3-t_U]
: ''Animation:'' [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] merrily walks into a Decepticon base carrying Blaster in boom box mode; [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] transforms, prompting Soundwave to send Laserbeak and Ravage at him.
:''Narration'': [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation'': Glowing green eyes kid.
:''Notes:'' Soundwave and Rumble have their usual cartoon voices, but Blaster has a completely different voice for his single word of dialogue.
: ''Not a working radio!''

* '''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbcwV818LuA]
: ''Animation:'' In the desert, Starscream and Thrust attack the new Autobot defense base, not realizing it's [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega transforms and attacks. Includes [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger at the end.
:''Narration:'' I Wish I Was Victor Caroli
:''Kidmation:'' Shaggy haired kid.
:''Notes:'' Starscream and Thrust have their normal cartoon voices. Except for Starscream's last line, "It's Omega Supreme!" which sounds like [[Chris Latta]] inhaled helium.
:"It's the Autobot defense base!" "But where are the Autobots?" "Who cares? Attack!"
:* '''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKpxHsU5ho&#t=3m25s] - Edited and resoundtracked with Optimus Prime narration, the 1986 theme song and [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger.

* '''Prime time spot'''
: [[wikipedia:Alex_Karras|Alex Karras]] calmly promotes the virtues of Perceptor (a working microscope!) and urges you to shop ''now'' if you want one for your kid for Christmas.

* '''[[Rubsign]]s''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYFshTLWNcU#t=1m21s]
:To distinguish real Transformers from [[Knockoff|bootlegs]] and other brands such as [[Tonka GoBots]].
: "We are conquerors." "No one is like us." "Only we have the right to be called by the name." "Only we have the right to wear this symbol." "Or THIS symbol." "Only WE are Autobots and Decepticons." "Good versus evil." "And only WE have the right to be called the Transformers!" ''Only the Transformers are REAL Transformers!''
: ''Animation:'' A mixture of clips from various 1984 and 1985 commercials.
: ''Narration:'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], Optimus Prime and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Reused from Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge. Same kid is used for the Constructicon giftset commercial, but in a different clip.

* '''Tyco [[Electric Train and Battle Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8FgZDtFsAA]
: ''Animation:'' Pseudo Autobots and Decepticons fight it out over the transforming train.

[[Image:Transformers_Tyco_Electric_Racing_Nightglow.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They shouldn't race so close to the nuclear power plant.]]

* '''Tyco Transformers [[Electric Racing Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCm5bOiI2R8]
: ''Animation:'' None.
: ''Toy Segment:'' Shots of the racers speeding along the track in normal lighting and then "into a whole new universe of night-glow" are featured.
: ''Notes:'' Features the same version of the Season 1&2 outro as the train set commercial for background music. This is the only time [[Natron]] and [[Freezon]] are given names.
: "By Tyco, of course."

[[Image:ViewMaster_Projector_Commercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Put your hands in the air!"]]

* '''ViewMaster Showbeam Projector with Transformers cartridge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t781lHy-CV0]
: A brother and sister talk their mom into letting them stay up to play with the projector. They are then suddenly pulled into the images and the battle they depict. Mom walks back in to see what the ruckus is about, and thus returning them to reality.
: "Let's show the Transformers!" "Yeah!" "Wow!" "Look out! Decept-i-cons!" "Take that Megatron!"

* '''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUYryiY2_jU] / [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvDyMjWeW2Q]

: ''Animation:'' Various cartoon excerpts which are mostly from Season One episodes. A clip of the Sub-Atlantican General firing at the Autobots from [[Atlantis, Arise!]], which is used in the Monday-Friday collage, is the most notable exception.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' The Season Two theme is played in the background as Victor Caroli informs us that we can "''Watch the heroic Autobots battle the evil Decepticons five days a week.''" The Caroli narrated segment was sent to the various local TV stations who then added narration and a screen with the station logo and slogan to the end of the spot. This type of customized promo would continue until [[Armada (franchise)|Transformers]] [[Cartoon Network|left]] terrestrial television.
: ''The Transformers are like nothing you've ever seen before. Don't miss a single day!''

* '''15 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGDsr1GqYag]

: ''Animation:'' Various cartoon excerpts from the first two seasons, though mostly Season One.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli and Optimus Prime.
: ''Notes:'' This spot reuses the animation clips from the collage in the previous commercial. However, instead of using them in a collage, a screen flipping transition is used to go from one to the next. The local station end screen was modified to include a small clip of Optimus Prime standing up. To go along with this, a [[Peter Cullen]] as Optimus Prime narration was added in the format of "Weekdays at [insert time here] on [insert station call letters here]." Considering there were likely in the neighborhood of 100 or so sydication affiliate stations, that must have been a long day at the office for Mr. Cullen!
{{-}}
===1986===
[[Image:DiacloneMagnusAnime1.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
* '''[[The Transformers: The Movie promo|The Transformers: The Movie promo trailer]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvoAxeykxwc] (Japanese Subtitles)
: Created for the purpose of getting potential investors to buy into the movie, this trailer features LOTS of unfinished or ultimately unused animation. Also features a temp music track featuring cues taken from ''Star Trek III: The Search for Spock''.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]] tells us how awesome the movie will be by giving away some fairly hefty plot spoilers.
:* '''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh3wgldJxRM]
:: Edited down from the promo trailer and re-soundtracked with some new Victor Caroli narration and proper [[Vince DiCola]] music to be sent out to cinemas.

* '''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaEWLuVJee0]
: ''Animation:'' Clips from the movie, starting with the Autobot shuttle launching and the Sharkticon guard pulling the feed-them-to-the-Sharkticons lever. [[The Touch|"The Touch"]] plays across the first half, then [[Lion|Lion's]] rendition of the [[theme song]].
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli introduces the characters and expounds on how great the movie is.
: ''Hold on tight. The most incredible rock and roll adventure ever is here!''

* '''The Transformers: The Movie TV spots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvy218PYh3A],[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEtsCBHjua0]

: ''Animation:'' Similar to the trailer with Autobot shuttle launch at the beginning, then switches back and forth between the [[Autobot City]] battle, [[Unicron]] devouring [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] vs. the Decepticons. Again, "The Touch" plays for the first half, then Lion's rendition of the theme song.
: ''Narration:'' Depending on the version, Victor Caroli, The Other Movie Guy, or both.
: ''Notes:'' Several different versions of the TV spot were produced, updating the amount of time to go until the movie's release. The known variations are: "August 8th" (60 & 30 seconds), "Opens Tomorrow" (60 & 30 seconds), "Now playing!"(60 & 30 seconds), "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #1), and "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #2). The first 6 versions can be found as part of the extras on the 20th Anniversary Edition DVD, while the other two are linked to above.
: ''So exciting you'll have to see it twice to take it all in!''

* '''Hot Rod''', '''Kup''', and '''Blurr'''; '''Cyclonus''' and '''Scourge'''; and '''Rrrrrodimus Prime'''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tdf8Q14scM]

: ''Animation:'' A running battle in the desert with each character charging in as the narrator identifies him.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes'': Cameos by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], making this bit of animation yet another one of the pre-TF:TM ancillary stories that contradicts the movie itself. Additionally features an older Hot Rod animation model placing his Autobot symbol above his fire emblem, as it also appears in the movie promo trailer.
: '''''No one''' can take on the Decepticons like Rrrrrodimus Prime!''

* '''Ultra Magnus''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYFshTLWNcU#t=1m51s]

: ''Animation:'' Decepticons are attacking the Autobot launch site. With Optimus on Cybertron, it's up to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]! Magnus loads up some 'bots in Autobot City, then rolls out into the desert to fight the Decepticons, plowing through the Combaticons en route.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and Magnus both have their normal cartoon voices. Cameo appearances by Starscream, Skywarp, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]; [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]; [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]; [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]].

* '''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Galvatron''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUNUWzKbdyY]

: ''Animation:'' Magnus and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], along with others, do battle on a highway. Starscream and Skywarp can be glimpsed flying into battle alongside Galvatron!
: ''Narration:'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by Jazz, Red Alert, Smokescreen, Tracks (could this be in continuity with the previous commercial?!); Skywarp and Starscream. Galvatron's voice appears to be Frank Welker doing a less-gravely Megatron-like voice.
: Includes tail-end ad for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', narrator unknown. ''Does Prime die?!''

[[Image:SpringerWreckGarCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It sorta happened like this in the movie. A little.]]
* '''Springer''' and '''Wreck-Gar''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEalmPOL0Gs]

: ''Animation:'' Original animation, but the plot draws heavily from ''The Transformers: The Movie''. [[Springer (G1)|Springer's]] shuttle is destroyed by the ''[[Revenge (G1)|Revenge]]''; he flies to the surface of [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and battles [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and another Junkion.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus Prime describes Springer; Megatron gleefully describes Wreck-Gar as though he were a Decepticon; [[Victor Caroli]] (Each sold separately.)
: ''Notes:'' Wreck-Gar's is voiced by [[Frank Welker]] for this commercial, not sounding particular distinct from Megatron; his lines are directly copied from the movie.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.

* '''Sharkticons''', '''Kup''', '''Hot Rod''' and '''Wheelie''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGKZ3qhYKvA]

: ''Animation:'' Like the previous commercial, heavily based on the movie. Hot Rod and Kup battle a group of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (sounding like Scrappy Doo) arrives to help.
: ''Narration:'' Prime and Megatron; Victor Caroli (Sold separately).
:''Kidmation'': Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Autobots never faced an evil force worse than the terror of - the Sharkticons!''

* '''Aerialbots''' and '''Stunticons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdA_0PXT1fQ]

: ''Animation:'' The two teams both arrive in the desert and transform; both combine, and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] bashes [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] into a cliff. Menasor's legs are on backwards.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus and Megatron.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: "Only the Stunticons!" ...only the Stunticons ''what?''

* '''Combaticons/Bruticus''' and '''Metroplex''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCVd2XgbUtw]

: ''Animation:'' The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] fly through a canyon, combine, and attack [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who transforms to his enormous robot mode and fires at them.
:''Narration'': Megatron, Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (From Hasbro.)
:''Kidmation'': Kid face to Galvatron face.
: "But the ''Combaticons'' can combine to form ''Bruticus!''"

* '''Protectobots/Defensor''' and '''Trypticon''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF-Xno8KJno]

: ''Animation:'' The Protectobots drive down a road towards the Decepticons' massive new base, transform and attack. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s voice commands the base to transform into battle station mode; the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] become [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and fire back. [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] changes to dinosaur mode and blasts fire-breath at Defensor.
: ''Narration:'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]; [[Victor Caroli]] (Batteries not included.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes:'' Trypticon is voiced by [[Jack Angel]] for this commercial.
: ''Toy segment:'' Two kids playing with the toys are ''very'' affected by the sight of toy Trypticon knocking over Defensor.

* '''Predacons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPOpI_fGoyo]

: ''Animation:'' The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] barrel over Skywarp, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and Starscream; the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] charge in to counter the Dinobots, transforming into robot mode and then combining into [[Predaking]].
: ''Narration:'' Megatron; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] is missing from the animated Dinobots. He was also missing from previous commercials featuring the Dinobots.
: "Few Decepticons can stand up to the Dinobots, but the Predacons can!"

* '''Sky Lynx''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQXPiKZ0hNk]

: ''Animation:'' Predaking smashes through a mountain to attack the Dinobots. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] thinks they're in trouble, but then [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] swoops in to save the day.
:''Narration'': Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (Batteries not included.)
:''Kidmation'': Kid face to generic Magnus face.
:''Notes'': Like the Magnus commercials, this one could actually be in continuity with the Predacon commercial, which ended with the Predacons combining. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and Grimlock both have their cartoon voices (well, the higher-pitched voice that Slag had in Season 3.)

* '''Triple Changers''' - '''Sandstorm''', '''Broadside''' and '''Octane''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRj3Xo8wqiM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and Astrotrain attack [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]; [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] change repeatedly as they travel over land and water.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]]
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
:''Autobot - triple changers battling - the triple changers of - the Decepticons!''

[[Image:Patches g1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Spike, if you don't put the patch on your skin, you won't get the nicotine.]]
[[Image:LiveActionJazz-Skywarp01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This socially awkward scene could be all yours!]]
* '''Battlechargers''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXkHp9J51do#t=3m53s]

: ''Animation:'' Amid a field of erupting volcanoes, Ultra Magnus and his usual team of Autobots (Jazz, Smokescreen, Red Alert and Tracks) transform and march forward in lock-step, prompting Megatron to order the Battlechargers to attack. [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] drive off a cliff; Runabout transforms and fires.
: ''Narration'': Megatron; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Toy segment:'' The toy portion also features repeated cuts of a kid's head/eyes following the rolling [[Battlecharger]] toys.
: ''Nobody jumps into action - faster than - Battlechargers!''

* '''[[Prizes in Disguise]] contest/[[Iron-on patch|reflective patches]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76Bbz1-fRK8]

: ''Animation:'' Jazz and Cosmos shine their headlights to reveal that a group of humans are wearing Transformers reflective patches, thus gaining entry to the Autobot base.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face; also, a kid saying "Robots in Disguise" through the Voice Changer.
: ''Notes:'' Standard cartoon voices for Jazz and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. Background cameos by Tracks and Smokescreen(?).
: ''You could win a party with life-sized Transformers!''

* '''[[Underoos]]''' [http://www.retrostatic.com/videos/p803_sectionid/6/p803_fileid/398/p803_js_on/1]

: ''Kidmation:'' Three different kids turn into animated versions of the lead good guy from the toyline that corresponds to their underwear while growling that line's catchphrase and the name of the good guy. The last of the three is Freddy, who pulls on his Transformers Underoos and turns into Optimus Prime while growling "MORE than meets the eye! The Transformers!".
: ''Notes:'' The animation model used for Optimus Prime has design simplifications which make it very similar to the animation model used in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|actual cartoons]]. The coloring of the model however, is based off Prime's [[package art]]. It oddly deviates by coloring the upper legs blue, and having a white line just under his forehead crest.
: "Freddy, what are you doing up there?"

* '''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVkK1h7rFto] / [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/4290/]
: ''Animation:'' Various Season One and Two excerpts.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' In addition to the customized end tag, a text overlay in that station's style was placed over several scenes early in the spot. Uses the Season 3/Season 4 theme. Three different Megatron quotes are used.
: "We'll be waiting!"

* '''30 second cartoon promo #2''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/2986/]
: ''Animation:'' Various Season Two excerpts.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Uses Season Three/Season Four theme.
:''It's the incredible adventures of the Transformers. Watch as Heroic Autobots bravely battle Evil Decepticons every Monday through Friday. Don't miss a single day!''

===1987===
Many of the live-action segments for the 1987 toy commercials showed kids playing with the toys in a rocky, doom-laden environment, replete with constant flashes of lightning illuminating the toys. It is possible this is meant to be [[Nebulos]], given the way that planet is portrayed in the animated segments.

[[Image:Brainstormpretenderscommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Let's search that planet, Magnus! We've got to find them! With their help, we can defeat the Decepticons!" Keep hoping, Rodimus. Keep hoping.]]
* '''Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__QTNCp5RhI]

: ''Animation:'' The four Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Nebulos|Nebulans]] climb into their respective partners, who are parked in vehicle mode in a base; they roll out and clash with the three Headmaster Decepticons. Includes particularly nice closeups of [[Monzo]] and [[Stylor]].
: ''Narration:'' [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] narrate. (well, Rodimus actually spews out a series of basically incomprehensible lines.)
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid leaps and flips, turning into a stop-motion version of Ultra Magnus's toy.
: ''Head. MasterTransformers—more muchmore than meets the eyes!'' {{sic}}

* '''Decepticon Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ6FtUb-WQo]

: ''Animation:'' At the secret base of the Headmaster Decepticons, the "trainers" are putting [[Skullcruncher]], [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] through their paces, having them jump through hoops and smash through rock statues of the Autobot Headmasters. Yes, the "trainer" concept actually made it into animation. They even carry whips!
: ''Narration:'' [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Magnus toy.
: ''Nothing's better than going into battle with '''these''' Transformers!''

* '''Headmaster Horrorcons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr4iHCbkRWw]

: ''Animation:'' [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon]] fly into a canyon and transform to robot mode, then change to beast mode and charge, spewing fire and swinging rocks around.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Extreme closeup of a kid's eye, with a camera pull-out emerging from the pupil.
: ''The jaws of the beast become the pilot of the plane, and the pilot of the plane becomes the head of the robot!''

* '''Targetmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugF7cyTOuro]

: ''Animation:'' Live-action set of a rocky planet explodes. Cel: on Cybertron(?), [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] get strafed by [[Triggerhappy]], who transforms and grapples with Sureshot, while their guns do the same. Crosshairs drives forward; he and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] transform and run, then both get tackled by [[Misfire]] and [[Aimless]].
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid flips and becomes stop-motion Ultra Magnus toy.
: ''Two Trans-for-mers, all in one! The vehicle transforms and so does the gun!''

* '''Sixshot''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZz2xhptRc]

: ''Animation:'' Rodimus Prime and Galvatron lead their teams in battle; [[Sixshot]] attacks and runs through his various modes, as Galvatron describes them and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] counts them off.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. Galvatron has his usual cartoon voice, but Cyclonus does not. A deeper version of the substitute Cyclonus voice is also used for Sixshot. Also, atypically for animators Toei, Cyclonus' earlier pre-production character model as most often seen in AKOM-animated episodes is used.
: ''The most challenging Transformer of them all!''

[[Image:Technobots.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hi-Tech Sentai Nerdranger]]
[[Image:Computron animated.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Revenge of the nerds!]]
* '''Technobots/Computron''' and '''Scorponok''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mc28D8K--o]

: ''Animation:'' Galvatron runs down a ramp as [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] transforms from base to scorpion to repulse the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]; the Technobots combine, and get hit with a rock thrown by Scorponok.
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' Naturally, [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Zarak]] is visible running around as Scorponok transforms.
: ''And now it's a beast with capture claws and a trainer who becomes...the HEAD of its robot!''

* '''Technobots''' and '''Terrorcons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFxkWQHHBJY]

: ''Animation:'' The two teams battle on Earth, while Rodimus and Magnus narrate.
: ''Narration:'' Ultra Magnus, Rodimus Prime, and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Includes [[decoy]] stinger.
: "Those hi-tech heroes are in for one horrific battle!"

* '''Punch/Counterpunch''' and '''Clones''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ1T_jL6oF4]

: ''Animation:'' [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] informs Rodimus that he can trust him, transforms to car mode, rolls out of the base and promptly transforms to Counterpunch and tells the waiting Galvatron that he can trust ''him''. The Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]] run through a rocky landscape in perfect step and open fire on the Autobot clones, then both groups transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] and Cyclonus. Includes [[decoy]] ending.

* '''Monsterbots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SdN-zvZpYo]

: ''Animation:'' Blurr and Rodimus Prime arrive; Kup tells them that there's been an accident, and the new Autobots are monsters! The [[Monsterbots]] trash a lab, then burst through a wall and fight some Decepticons.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by Scourge, [[Octane]], and Cyclonus.
: ''And they've even got sparks, BLASTING out of them!''

[[Image:Weirdwolfweirdhead.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I think pulling my head off is a pretty good idear.]]
[[Image:Brainstormweirdhead.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Brainstorm was actually pretty happy to get rid of his bizarre zombie vampire head.]]
* '''Duocons/Throttlebots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXkHp9J51do#t=1m53s]

: ''Animation:'' [[Flywheels|Flywheels’s]] jet portion swoops down out of the sky and links up with his tank, transforming to robot mode before being jumped on by Rodimus Prime. That jet is going to crash into that tank!
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Includes decoy stinger.
: ''They think they’re twice as tough as any Autobot—and MAYBE THEY ARE.''

* '''Fortress Maximus''' "FOR-TRESS MAX-I-MUHUUUS!" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6qIgMbRvc]

: ''Animation:'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] transforms to base mode and blows away the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], who combine into [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and attack him.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus.

* '''''[[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]]''' comic book'' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiBfxykv5go]

: ''Animation:'' The post-Movie Autobots and Decepticons shoot it out on Cybertron: Galvatron and Scourge fire on Blurr and Rodimus; [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] grapples with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]; Ultra Magnus...stands there. Two teams "blast" their way to Nebulos. The Autobots detach their heads, which are replaced by "the intelligent Nebulons". The Decepticons do the same. Scorponok and Fortress Maximus slug it out; the [[Targetmasters]] charge at each other and transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Features completely random, made-up heads for the pre-Headmaster robots.

* '''The Return of Optimus Prime promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjHBeeQAZyU]
: ''Animation:'' Excerpts of the Optimus Prime death scene and Prime vs. Megatron from The Transformers: The Movie.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli and various local TV announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features Unicron's Theme as the background music.
:"It's over Prime." "Never!" ''Hang on, Autobots, it's not over! Optimus Prime returns, February 24th and 25th on ''The Transformers''.''
:*'''Optimus Prime week''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgbmYGDbjkw] – Same as above commercial but re-narrated with the removal of "Never!" and changed to speak of a whole Optimus Prime week.
::"It's over Prime." ''Wrong, Megatron! It's just the beginning!''

*'''Season 4 cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kja8RSRq21g]
: ''Animation:'' A set of excerpts from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' almost identical to those used for the Return of Optimus Prime and Optimus Prime week spots.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, trying to exclaim every line more dramatically than the last and various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features a brand new piece of background music incorporating the Transformers theme. Similar in sound to the music [[Vince DiCola]] composed for The Transformers: The Movie.
:''Autobots versus Decepticons. Good against evil. Metal against metal!''

[[Image:G1 Season 4 promo.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]
*'''Season 4 cartoon promo #2''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1CpeK-XRQ]

: ''Animation:'' Excerpts from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and several 1987 toy commercials/the Season 3 [[title sequence]]. A scene from the movie of Hot Rod and Kup watching Decepticon missiles come back towards their shuttle has the view from the shuttle's “windshield” replaced with crude CGI to make it look like they're flying through a...a...well, we're not really sure what it's supposed to be. It kind of looks like a base, though it has both Autobot and Decepticon logos in different areas. A shot of a crude CGI Optimus Prime closes out the commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features the same new music used in the previous commercial.
:''They're more, much more than you've ever imagined! The Transformers. Watch as the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons reaches an incredible new level.''

===1988===
Many of the 1988 commercials began with a still shot of several animation frames, arranged as if in a comic book. The camera would zoom in on one as the animation began.

* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GpTjkDrJkU]

: ''Animation:'' [[Brainstorm]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] battle [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] and [[Weirdwolf]]. Three Autobot [[Pretenders]] are created (nekkid!). [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and [[Darkwing]] attack and the armored Pretenders split to reveal their robots, forcing the Decepticons to flee. The Decepticon Pretenders burst through the wall and both groups split.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
:''Notes:'' Features only the first wave of large Pretenders ([[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]], [[Cloudburst]], [[Waverider]]; [[Skullgrin]], [[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]] and [[Bomb-Burst]].)
:''After a series of startling defeats at the hands of the Decepticons...''
:* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eA8RwvAm7s]
: ''Animation:'' The Autobot Pretenders splitting, re-used from the above commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' A bizarre segment of kids proclaiming what they "are" ("I’m a video gamer!" "I’m a skateboarder!"), only for the skateboarder to split Pretender-style, revealing a generic CGI robot who announces "I’m a Transformer!"
::* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OfIYC1FC3Y] - Edited down version of the immediately preceding commercial.
:* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL0uRBKRHa8]
: ''Animation:'' The Autobot Pretenders splitting, same as the above commercials.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid's face splits apart to reveal his 'inner' robot face.

* '''Pretenders'''
: ''Animation:''
: ''Narration:''
: Includes tail-end spot for the relevant [[Pretender to the Throne!|Marvel Comics issue]].

[[Image:Slapdashcommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Why are you here, again?]]
* '''Powermasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEAjoH_EEtY]

: ''Animation:'' amid desert canyons, the various Powermaster partners transform to engine form and combine with their partners, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] transforming his trailer to base mode. This is followed by the Autobot [[Powermasters]] shooting at Darkwing and Dreadwind who, now that they've accomplished their [[To sell toys|goal]], are once again in their plane modes.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Notes:'' Features [[Getaway]] / [[Rev]], [[Slapdash]] / [[Lube]], and [[Joyride (Autobot)|Joyride]] / [[Hotwire]]; [[Darkwing]] / [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] / [[Hi-Test]]; and [[Hi-Q]]. Includes tail-end ads spot for the relevant [[People Power!|Marvel Comics issue]].
: ''Their engine’s the key that unlocks their Transformer en-er-geeee!''

[[Image:HiQCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Truck? What truck?]]

* '''Powermaster toys''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo2gEIZMSeE]

: ''Animation:'' Dreadwind and Darkwing chase Getaway and Joyride around the rim of a crater. Dreadwind and Darkwing transform. Includes segments recycled from the first Powermaster commercial.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid crackles with energy, which surrounds and replaces his head with a ''very'', and we mean ''very'', crude CGI Powermaster Optimus Prime head.
: ''Powermaster Transformers! They've got the power to surprise!''

* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ahamtdTLDY#t=0m59s]

: ''Animation:'' Recycled footage of Prime transforming from the Powermasters commercial; Powermaster Optimus Prime firing [[Quickswitch]].
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Kid to Powermaster Optimus Prime.
: ''POW-er-master Optimus Prime! Greatest hero of his time!'' ("It's great to be back!")
:* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f-0UF_NBgs] - edited down from the previous commercial.

*'''Powermaster Prime''' and '''Doubledealer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjCqcOAQPq0]

: ''Animation:'' Footage of Prime reused from other commercials featuring him, then a new segment with [[Doubledealer]] in robot mode standing with Prime. Doubledealer transforms to vehicle mode, then [[Skar]] flies out of [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]]'s hand and locks into place, transforming Doubledealer to falcon mode.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: "Who’s that new Transformer with Optimus Prime?"

[[Image:NightbeatTV.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Look at my chest.]]
[[Image:Fangrycommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|HOOKA chaka HOOKA chaka HOOKA HOOKA HOOKA chaka]]

* '''Small Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf-MDd7cdi0]

: ''Animation:'' The small Autobot Headmasters ([[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Siren]], [[Hosehead]]) drive on a rocky world; Nightbeat and [[Muzzle]] transform. The small Decepticon Headmasters burst through a wall in beast mode; [[Fangry]] and [[Brisko]] transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who's obviously never met Fangry, [[Squeezeplay]] or [[Horri-Bull]]: "Our new Decepticon Headmasters will give us more brainpower than ever!"
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid flips through the air, converting to a robot and folding up to become the head of a larger (stop motion?) robot resembling Brainstorm.
: ''And when the '''head''' enters the robot's body you get a '''readout''' of its power!''

[[Image:Snarlercommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|If it's a Beast War you want...]]
* '''Pretender Beasts/Pretender Vehicles''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdgmccNpuqM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Snarler]] and [[Chainclaw]] battle in beast mode... then... are suddenly in their shells... and then come out of their shells...? [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]] emerges from his vehicle and transforms to jet mode; [[Roadgrabber]] emerges and transforms his vehicle to battle mode, opening fire on the flying Gunrunner.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Pretender Kid.
:''Now, in the world of Pretenders, there are Pretender Beasts; Strange and terrifying.''

* '''Quickswitch'''. "It's Quickswitch, Sixshot's son! And he's on our side!" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDgSnwgp0NQ]

: ''Animation:'' In the midst of a moon battle, Getaway spots [[Quickswitch]] incoming and mistakes him for a Decepticon, urging the others to destroy him, until someone says he's an Autobot. Quickswitch runs through his modes, beating up Horri-Bull and [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]], then goes to gun mode and lands in Powermaster Optimus Prime's hand.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid holding the toy mouths a synthesized "How quick can you all six" [''sic''], while his head flops around disturbingly.
: ''Determined to make good where his Decepticon father went bad, Quickswitch joins the Autobots!''

* '''Double Targetmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCfnJpHFRuc]

: ''Animation:'' [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] and [[Needlenose]] chase the Autobot small Targetmaster Nebulans (most prominently [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (Nebulan)|Ricochet]]) across a rocky landscape. The Nebulans transform to gun modes and link up with their vehicle-mode Autobot partners, [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] and [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]], who then transform and fire. [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]] fly out of Scoop's hand and combine into their double weapon form. Scoop fires at a strafing Spinister and Needlenose, who transform, land and charge into battle.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid flips over and turns into a gun for a very crude CGI robot.
: ''Targetmaster Transformers—theeeeeey've got the power to surprise!''

[[Image:FireconCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Now auditioning for Gamera vs. The Firecons]]
* '''Firecons'''

: ''Animation:''
: ''Narration:''
: ''Kidmation:''

* '''Triggerbots/Triggercons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xBLVLIKprA]

: ''Animation:'' Recycled Dreadwind and Darkwing chasing Getaway and Joyride, from the Powermasters commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''And when the Triggerbots battle the Triggercons, there's no doubt there'll be a real shoot-out!'' KERRUNCH.

[[Image:PiranaconCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, Dreamwave never learned that what works in animation doesn't always go over so well as a still image.]]
* '''Seacons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwyf28trZhg]

: ''Animation:'' Beneath the ocean, the beast-mode [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]] take bites out of a submarine. Piranacon switches out his left arm and gun.
: ''Narration:'' Unknown.
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid leaps over the top of a generic stop-animated robot and transforms into his gun, which he fires.
:* '''Seacons / Sparkabots / Firecons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MOFXjDTJ50#t=1m33s]
: Portions of the Seacon commercial with a Sparkabots/Firecons segment at the end.
:''Animation:'' The [[Firecon|Firecons]] march forward in beast mode, spewing flames; the [[Sparkabots]] drive forward and transform; the Firecons transform and grapple with the Sparkabots ([[Cindersaur]] vs. [[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]] being most prominent.)
:* '''Seacons / Triggerbots / Trigggercons''' - Same as previous.

===1989===
* '''Micromaster Patrols''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GKXFzYvLGU]

: ''Animation:'' From Optimus Prime's glowing fist, the [[Sports Car Patrol]] and [[Off Road Patrol]] charge forth. They infiltrate a Decepticon base, driving right past Piranacon, [[Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], who wonder why they don't have those things. Then the Micromasters swarm around Dreadwind's head. In stop motion, a stream of [[Micromaster]] toys topples a gray-painted [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]].
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid scoops up the Micromasters and opens his palm to show them off.
: ''Notes:'' Dreadwind and Darkwing are given voices.
: "Our new commandos, who go where no one else goes!"

[[Image:Destronsoldier micromasters.jpg|right|200px|thumb|""]]
* '''Micromaster transports and battle stations''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2sGiQPOSxs] or [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5542/]

: ''Animation:'' A horde of Micromasters swarms over an attacking [[Giant Decepticon Soldier]]; Prime opens his palm to reveal a Micromaster city; [[Red Hot]] transforms and flies at the camera. Stop-motion spots show a fleet of Micromaster vehicles driving around the combined playsets.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "The most incredible Micros of all! They're not just small; they're ''Tranzzforrrmerrzzz''!"
:* '''Micromaster battle stations''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9qABpn1U5s] - edited down from the previous commercial.
: "The ''only'' Micros that transform!"
:* '''Micromaster transports''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU0ApqagpFk] - edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Micromasterbasescommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bumblebee, you fool!]]
[[Image:SkystalkerCommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Go ahead. Make my day.]]

* '''Micromaster micro bases''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lQjziUSVME]

: ''Animation:'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] drag two captured Decepticon vehicles (the [[Interstellar shuttle]] and the [[Helicopter]]) up to Optimus Prime in an Autobot base, only to have them transform and attack, with the guns manned by the [[Sports Car Patrol]] and [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]].
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Bumblebee has his [[Dan Gilvezan|normal voice]]. An unidentified voice presumably belongs to Skystalker.
: ''You can connect them to form whole cities!''
:* '''Micromaster micro bases''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9APg4jM3KJI] - edited down from the previous commercial.

* '''Classic Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecehJWexUaE] or [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5541/]

: ''Animation:'' As Prime transforms and comes under attack in a nighttime city, the Autobot Pretenders arrive to help out.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is voiced by his regular actor. Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the movie when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "Bumblebee, Jazz, you're back!" "And me Grimlock!" ''And the '''eeeevil''' Starscream is here too!''
:* '''Classic Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSi6ZVZe0no] - edited down from the previous commercial.

* '''Mega and Ultra Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Vz63YmywM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] and [[Vroom]] slowly drift out of their shells and transform; [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]] avoids a strafing run from [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]], then his two robot forms both pop out of his vehicle shell and fire.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: "Who's more than they pretend to be? Mega Pretender Transformers, Mega Pretenders!"
:* '''Mega Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBmplIUYCms] - edited down from the previous commercial.
:: "Inside one, there's the other; then they both transform and combine to form another!"
:* '''Ultra Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsgfEOamaMw] - edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Pretendermonstercommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Decades later, their [[Pretender_Monster#Toys|melting shells]] let you re-enact this scene.]]
* '''[[Pretender Monster|Pretender Monsters]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQRzQIXQkTU]

: ''Animation:'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] dunks [[Wildfly]], [[Icepick]] and [[Scowl]] into colorful vats; they and the others emerge as Pretenders and charge at the camera. "BEYOND! (beyond) anything you've EVER SEEN before: Transformers Monster Pretenders!"
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: '''''Now''', the Decepticons have '''Monster Pretenders'''. Monster Pretenders with '''rubbery skin!'''''

===1990===
[[Image:Sprocketoverruncommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Sure, Prime, I'll give up the alternate mode that I never had."]]
[[Image:GutcruncherG1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Estroy them!" Actual dialogue. We're not making this up.]]
The Action Master commercials began and ended with a metal fist bursting through a wall, with "ACTION MASTERS" emblazoned across its knuckles. Some of the animation was screened against real-world backgrounds, with poorly animated characters morphing into the real toys.

* '''Action Masters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeNf3jQ1zdw]

: ''Animation:'' Inside a base, [[Optimus Prime (G1)| Optimus Prime]] invites a circle of Autobots ([[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Rad (G1)|Rad]], [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] and [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]]) to join him. Prime, Jazz and Rad dash before the animation morphs to show their respective toys. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] and [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] blast through a wall before they too morph from animation to toys.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' Jazz is voiced by a sound-alike, [[Scatman Crothers]] having passed away. Rad is given a voice by [[Michael Bell]].
: "Who will give up the power to transform to become stronger faster more alive?" [''sic'']

* '''Action Master vehicles — Starscream, Prowl''', and '''Overrun''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMn36VbUamU]

: ''Animation:'' A short battle sequence (on Cybertron?) with the three featured characters.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''And '''look!''' The Action Master vehicles transform into powerful '''battle stations!'''''

* '''Action Master vehicles — Wheeljack, Sprocket''', and '''Gutcruncher''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_zEQL5qoSs]

: ''Animation:'' [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] takes to the sky in the [[Stratotronic Jet|Stratojet]]; Wheeljack and Sprocket drive out of a tunnel.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Gutcruncher speaks!
: "Estroy them!" [again, ''sic'']
:* '''Action Master vehicles''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldTBFhVOeyA] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Micromasters melt in your mouth, not in your hand.]]
[[Image:Bigdaddycommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hey, daddy-o, where's the drive thru at?]]

* '''Hot Rod Patrol''' and '''Construction Patrol''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BULkif6vEsA]

: ''Animation:'' Cel: Jazz and Prime pick up the Hot Rod Patrol and examine them. Stop-motion toys: The Construction Patrol destroys a bridge, making Scorponok fall into a ravine. Rawr!
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:* '''Hot Rod Patrol / Construction Patrol''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAGdONYuMxQ] - Abbreviated (and accelerated) version of the previous commercial. [[Neil Ross]] jibbers his lines at hilariously high speed: "Micromasterconstructionpatroldestroythebridge!"

* '''Micromaster Combiners/Combiner Transports''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NHa_xEPCCA]

: ''Animation:'' Megatron grabs at a couple of combiner vehicles ([[Roadburner]]/[[Wheel Blaze]] and [[Missile Master]]/[[Moonrock]]), only to have them split apart, reconnect, and shoot him in the face. [[Cement-Head]] and [[Terror-Tread]], along with their transport, transform from vehicle to robot/base.
:''Notes:'' A rather wussy Frank Welker soundalike voices [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]; Neil Ross voices the indeterminable Micromaster. Roadburner somehow fires a laser from the short end of his cherry picker crane.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:* '''Micromaster Combiners''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4c2GiO-8D4#t=7m02s] - Edited down from the previous commercial.
{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WssZjIsUIU Generation 1 commercial compilation, 1985-1988]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4c2GiO-8D4 Generation 1 commercial compilation, 1989-1990]

[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Talk:The Rebirth, Part 2

2010-03-22T04:48:34Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

==Another error?==

My screen isn't too good but [[:Image:Rebirth 2 Decepticon offerings.JPG]] looks like Triggerhappy has removed his head. Can anyone confirm this? [[User:Timrollpickering|Timrollpickering]] 18:11, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:Yep, good call. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 18:18, 31 October 2009 (EDT)

==Krunk and Nightstick==

Under "Continuity Errors," it says "When Krunk is removing the key to the Plasma Energy Chamber from Brainstorm's body and declares, "The key, I have it!", Brainstorm's Headmaster partner Arcana replies, "Ah ha, but I have you, Nightstick!" before Krunk leaves with the Key. Why not just, you know, grab Krunk?" This doesn't seem to take into account that Brainstorm was trying to scan one of the Targetmaster bodies to see how they tick. [[User:LBD_Nytetrayn|LBD "Nytetrayn"]] 00:53, 22 March 2010

Talk:The Rebirth, Part 2

2010-03-22T04:45:38Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

Nemesis Prime (G1)

2010-03-16T07:47:30Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Story of Binaltech */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3.5|evil clones of Optimus Prime|the corrupted [[Dead Universe]] version of Nova Prime from the IDW comics|Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime}}
{{disambig2|the evil, sentient Optimus Prime clone|the mindless remote-control clone|Optimus Prime clone}}
:''Nemesis Prime is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:AltNemesisPrimeArt.jpg|right|300px|thumb|THIS, I COMMAND!]]
'''Nemesis Prime''' is the dark mirror of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], a [[Cloning|clone]] of the [[Autobot]] leader imbued with many of his abilities but lacking all moral restraint.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Black Convoy'''

==Fiction==
===''Alternators'' toy bio===
[[Doctor Arkeville]] spent years personally constructing Nemesis Prime piece by stolen piece, hiding his handiwork from both [[Concurrence]] agents and the Decepticons. Designed to be the ultimate military commander, he had arguably the mightiest [[Binaltech]] Transformer body ever constructed, but it remained without a life-force. Dr. Arkeville planned to acquire one by tapping into an amazingly powerful extra-spatial source that the Autobot Translink Project had uncovered. It is unknown whether this final step ever came to fruition.<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=6142 Nemesis Prime's ''Alternators'' bio.] This was not on the toy's packaging, but rather distributed online to Transformers news sites to promote the figure's availability at San Diego Comic-Con. It was later confirmed to be the work of [[Hasbro]] copywriter Forest Lee.{{fact}}</ref>

{{note|This is the only known ''[[Alternators]]'' fiction. While it is clearly based on the ''[[Binaltech]]'' storyline, borrowing elements with no precedent in English-language canon, it differs from ''Binaltech''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "Black Convoy" bio in some details and may be considered a separate continuity.}}

===''Story of Binaltech''===
Dr. Arkeville, seeking to create an evil leader greater than [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], used a subspace impulse cloner to duplicate Optimus Prime (with a snazzy black-and-teal paint job). To this end, Arkeville twisted Prime's imported essence to evil with a rewriting program, but the clone still lacked life. He experimented with a subspace linkup to channel a life force, but the operation was interrupted: A time warp suddenly appeared and produced a [[Spark|mysterious orb]] which touched the clone body, causing the clone to both activate and vanish.

Meanwhile, on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], the Autobots were enacting [[Operation: Distant Thunder]] to undo the changes that [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] had wrought upon the timeline. The Autobots had just send a drone into the past with the intent of restoring the correct timeline, expecting reality to change around them, returning to its proper state. Instead, the successful restoration of the correct flow of history caused their alternate timeline to become undone, as all of their reality was torn apart by warp holes. At that moment, Arkeville's clone appeared before them, extending his hands as an orb of light engulfed first the island, then the entire world. The warp holes were extinguished, and the clone announced that it had used the power of the spark that now inhabited it to preserve the "Binal-Time" that the Autobots inhabited. The Autobots continued questioning this "Black Optimus", who explained that he was a spark who had been sent back in time from the distant future, referring to himself only as "the [[Optimus Primal|Protector]]". His mission was to preserve the Binaltechs, as their existence would, in the future, bring about the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]], a "great existence" involving beings who would ensure prosperity and protection across the multiverse.

When these explanations were done, the clone's core AI suddenly asserted itself, and he began taunting the Autobots, even manifesting a Decepticon symbol on his body. Using what remained of the Protector's power, the clone rejected his foreign spark and formed a warp portal back to Arkeville's lab. Reduced to an automated state, the clone still was able to leap through the portal to its creator. There, the doctor initiated another subspace translink experiment, this one succeeding in connecting the clone to an ancient, evil, greedy life force. At last, Arkeville's creation became Nemesis Prime.{{storylink|Binal Time}}

What happened to Dr. Arkeville after that is unknown, but soon after activation, Nemesis Prime began to make his move. When Megatron's forces attacked the [[Earth Defense Command]] base on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], Nemesis Prime appeared to block any further progress by the Decepticon leader, refusing to let him dominate Earth's solar system, which Nemesis Prime desired for himself. Megatron was disgusted that an Earth-born machine would wear the Decepticon [[insignia]], but just as they were about to battle, across the galaxy, on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] accomplished his mission to activate the [[Quintesson]]-created [[Large switch|killswitch]], deactivating all non-Binaltech Transformers. Megatron was frozen, and Nemesis Prime calmly seized the opportunity to take power, ordering Shockwave to gather as many Decepticon bodies as possible. Seeing the logic in this order, Shockwave complied. Nemesis Prime sat on Megatron's throne and plotted future moves. {{storylink|Kill Switch}}

Seeking to make himself a true match for Optimus Prime, Nemesis Prime schemed to create an artifical [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] by using a device to wrench minds from their bodies and combine them in a crystalline storage unit. Attempting a test run in a human settlement in [[Australia]], Nemesis Prime was thwarted by a contingent of Autobots led by Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. The two Primes went one-on-one during the ensuing battle, but when Optimus was sent tumbling into a riverbank, the Protector's spark flew to his aid and fused with him, lending Prime its power. Supercharged by the power of the Protector's spark, Optimus absorbed Nemesis Prime's next attack and redirected it upon his dark twin, who was engulfed and finally destroyed as his body exploded into shards. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 4}}

===''Universe Classic Series'' toy bio===
[[Image:NemesisPrimebox.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"They'll never guess I'm evil."]]
Nemesis Prime was the product of a mad plan by [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], who put a lowly, unknown warrior through an excruciating rebuilding process, tortuously reforging him into the very image of Optimus Prime. Through forcible data uploads and brainwashing, the Decepticon was imbued with memories and skills culled from many sources, giving him much of Optimus Prime's knowledge and combat algorithms. This, however, cost him not just his sense of identity, but also any framework with which to process this knowledge. His creator having since perished, Nemesis Prime became a threat to all, skulking in the dark parts of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and targeting both Autobots and Decepticons in his murderous insanity.<ref>[http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/ProductsByBrand.htm?BR=496&ST=SO&ID=22380&PG=1 ''Universe Classic Series'' Nemesis Prime's on-package bio]</ref>
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Alternators===
[[Image:AltNemesisPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In Australia, I'm a shelf-warmer.]]
* '''Nemesis Prime''' (2006)
**''Alternators ID number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/blaster

: Nemesis Prime is a [[Black repaint|black]] [[redeco]] of ''[[Alternators]]/[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] with red translucent windows and blue paint detail. Like Optimus, he transforms into a Dodge Ram SRT-10 at 1:24 scale, with opening doors, hood, and tailgate, plus an open passenger compartment. His engine transforms into a handgun.

: He was initially sold [[Exclusive|exclusively]] at San Diego Comic-Con 2006 and limitedly at Hasbro Toy Shop, selling out roughly an hour after its 2pm sales debut. Prior to that, he was released in large quantities at regular retail in various Asian countries, becoming a [[shelfwarmer]] there, ironically.

: Later, he was offered in Australia through online stores. A few weeks later he showed up in massive numbers in the Australian retail store Toy World for half the price.

{{-}}
===Binaltech===
[[Image:BTBlackConvoy toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I am the evil clone of an evil clone! How do you beat this?]]
* '''Black Convoy''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-17'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/blaster

: Black Convoy is the first ''Binaltech'' release since [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] in early 2006, and was available exclusively in Japan at the winter Wonder Festival in 2007. His plastic colours are different from Nemesis Prime's, with grey plastic replacing the black on his shins, waist, shoulders and forearms. In addition, Nemesis Prime's windows are tinted red, but Black Convoy's windows are completely clear. His paint deco is based upon ''Kiss Players'' Convoy's, arranged in the same patterns but using teal, and he has vacuum-metallized wheels and front grill. The paint deco on his head is meant to evoke that of Car Robots [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]]. Perhaps the most important differences are that he has die-cast metal parts, and most of his truck body panels are coated in gloss black paint.

: Perhaps due to cost-cutting, this toy was released in the large bubble-on-a-tray packaging also used in the ''Alternators'' line. However, he came with no character or packaging art.

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
* '''Nemesis Prime''' (3" Cybertron Heroes)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand

:Had it been released, this toy would have been a repaint of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|''War Within'' Optimus Prime]]. His unpublished bio described a character much like the ''Universe'' version mentioned above, but without reference to Straxus or any type of origin story. As a redeco of a War Within toy, this Nemesis would presumably—but not necessarily—have been part of the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|comics continuity]].

{{canceledtoy}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Nemesisprimesdcc08.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Straxus died before he could finish my trailer.]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 2 smokestacks/"Stellar Converter Cannon", wind vane/"Disruptor Cannon"

: Nemesis Prime is a redeco of ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Optimus Prime, transforming into a modern cab-over style truck of made up model, dominated by a large aero fairing on his roof. Premiering as San Diego Comic Con 2008 [[exclusive]], it later saw wider release via [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] as part of the Classics Series of the 2008 ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toyline. He was not designed to pull a trailer, and subsequently does not come with one. The figure largely follows the same paint application map as the original figure, with some minor omissions as well as new paint applications. As well, it features metallic purple and silver [[tampograph]]s of the Decepticon symbol on its forearm and shoulder, as well as red paint blocking the [[light-piping]] feature in the figure's head.

:In robot mode, his aero fairing transforms into a large "Disruptor Cannon", and his smokestacks transform into a smaller "Stellar Converter Cannon". Additionally, both can combine together to form a back-mounted shoulder weapon.

: This mold was also used to make ''Classics'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and the evil "[[Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]]. In fact, counting the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' [[redeco]]s, this is the '''sixth''' version of this mold released within two years. You milk those [[completist]]s, [[Hasbro]]/[[TakaraTomy]], you milk 'em ''good''.

==Notes==
*[[Forest Lee|The author of Nemesis Prime's ''Alternators'' bio]] has said that the "extra-spatial source" that Arkeville tapped into was actually a pocket dimension that served as [[Unicron]]'s power battery—and that Unicron gave Arkeville exactly what he wanted, in the form of a [[spark]] fragment from Unicron's [[Nemesis Prime (Universe 2003)|own attempt at cloning an Optimus Prime]].{{fact}}

*Nemesis Prime's ''Universe'' bio seems directly inspired by the Marvel UK "[[Two Megatrons!]]" storyline, which revealed that Straxus had rebuilt a "[[hapless trooper]]" into a Megatron clone, complete with copied brain patterns. Unlike Nemesis Prime, however, this clone became a repository for Straxus's consciousness after Straxus's botched attempt to invade the original Megatron's mind.

*According to [[Hasbro]] copy writer [[Forest Lee]], this reference to Straxus was mentioned in Comic-Con 2008 Nemesis Prime's bio entirely to make [[David Willis]] happy.

*Stellar Converter Cannons are also weapons found on the [[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]] [[Primus]] toy.

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/NemesisPrime/nemesisprime.htm Nemesis Prime at TFU.info]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Evil clones]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)

2010-03-12T03:59:35Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Transformers references */

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=74
|ep2=9
|prev2=Dark Awakening
|next2=The Killing Jar
|image=Time Portal.jpg
|caption=The biggest [[wikipedia:Interocitor|Interocitor]] in history.
|title="Forever Is a Long Time Coming"
|production code=700-94
|airdate=[[October 8]], 1986
|written by=[[Gerry Conway]]<br>[[Carla Conway]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In an attempt to alter history, the Quintessons open a Time Window to Cybertron's ancient past, but their meddling ultimately causes time itself to begin unraveling.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 時の罠 (''Toki no Wana'', "Time Trap")
:''German title:'' "'''Die Ewigkeit dauert lange'''" ("The Eternity takes a long Time")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:ForeverLongTime Sharkticons asteroid.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Belch Blasters]]

[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] investigate chronal pulses coming from an asteroid belt near [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. They are fired upon by [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], which launch from an installation on a bowl-shaped asteroid, the source of the pulses. The Autobots make quick work of the Sharkticons as Perceptor tells Blaster to radio [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] for reinforcements. The Autobots land on the asteroid just in time to see a Quintesson scientist open a time portal to eleven million years in the past to retrieve a "target subject", much to Perceptor's horror. The Autobots are fired on by Quintesson ships, which blast Perceptor and herd the other Autobots toward the time portal—much to the chagrin of the scientist. The time window fades out as the Autobots, sans Perceptor, end up eleven million years in the past!

The Quintesson ships continue firing, striking the time portal before being ambushed by [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and Rodimus Prime. The Quints escape as a damaged Perceptor tells Rodimus Prime to find the Autobots and Silverbolt instructs the other Aerialbots not to follow... as a mysterious figure suddenly materializes, confused from the time travel.

[[Image:Darkguardian.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"You're very tall."]]

Eleven million years ago, automatic defenses fire upon the Autobots, who quickly retreat. [[Ramhorn]] charges and runs right into a [[Dark Guardian]] in hot pursuit. The Dark Guardian attempts to step on the Autobots, but is stopped by a shot from an unknown female Transformer called [[Beta (G1)|Beta]], who tells the others to follow her to the [[Warrens]] before the Quints send more. She states even though she's taking a risk bringing in Blaster and his cadre, they need all the help they can get for an attack on [[Hive City]]. Beta is disgusted by the "mark of shame" on the Autobots' chests. She explains the Autobot symbol has been a symbol of slavery for over a million years, but that [[Alpha Trion (G1)|A3]] says it must become a symbol of freedom. She states A3 has a [[Coda Remote]] device to freeze the Dark Guardians, allowing the [[Autobot rebel|slaves]] to rise against the Quintessons. [[Rewind]] finally realizes they are in Cybertron's past, when the Transformers were still slaves for the Quintessons, and if the Quintessons stop this [[Autobot Rebellion|rebellion]], they would rule Cybertron in the present. Beta notes that A3 is missing, but that they must attack at dawn with or without him. The Autobots agree to help the slaves in their attack.

[[Image:ForeverLongTime A3 superion.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Frankly, my dear Superion, I don't give a damn."]]

Back in 2006, the time window is leaking energy into space—ripples in the timestream. Rodimus refuses to shut the window down while five Autobots are stuck in the past. The Quintessons fear that if the window isn't closed in the next hour, the ripples will travel through the universe, jeopardizing reality itself—some events will repeat in an endless loop (such as [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] winning a race over and over) while some will reverse (such as water running backward in a lake) and worse, the past and future will collide—evidenced by [[Marissa Faireborn]] reverting to a baby—until the universe ceases to exist. The only solution, according to the Quintessons, is to destroy the time window. The scientist orders a full scale assault on the asteroid.

A3 has finally revived, but refuses to give information to "Quintesson slaves" like the Autobots. A3 and Rodimus take cover from Quintesson starbombs and an incoming Sharkticon offensive as the other Autobots begin defending the time portal. A3 is blasted away from the asteroid and tumbles through space before being saved by Superion, who is cornered by Quintesson ships. Under heavy fire and proclaiming his failure, Superion has a vision, seeing A3 turn into his future self—[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]! Suddenly, the ripples in the time stream cause Superion to briefly warp into two places at once, as space and time begin to warp and mutilate itself. The Quintessons retreat, fearing the results of the distortions. Rodimus orders [[Pipes]] to repair Perceptor, as he's the only one that can figure out what's going on. [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] attempts to talk to A3, who isn't even sure who he is anymore.

[[Image:ForeverLongTime Beta rebels.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Blue 42...Blue 42...Hike!]]

Back in the past, the Autobots take part in the raid on Hive City, finding themselves and the slaves against several Dark Guardians, as in the present, the Quintesson scientist proposes an alliance—and for the time window be closed. The raid is apparently successful with the help of the Autobots, but a five-faced Quintesson demands surrender, as the Dark Guardians surround the rebellion.

[[Image:A-3 Constellation.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It's a couple of light years away from the Optimus Prime hologram.]]

Rodimus is finally convinced by the Quintesson to close the time window, but A3 volunteers to go through the time portal to retrieve the time-displaced Autobots, much to the Quintesson scientist's chagrin. A3 lands at the raid point to Beta's elation, as the Quintesson orders the Guardians to attack. A3 removes the golden Autobot symbol on his chest, which is the Coda Remote in disguise. A3 triggers the Remote, which disables the Dark Guardians, then orders the Autobots to return to the present, thanking them for their help. The Autobots return to 2006 just in time for Rodimus to close the time window, which self-destructs.

As the day is saved, the Autobots finally realize that A3 was Alpha Trion, as a constellation forms with his likeness.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (1)
* [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (2)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (3)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
* [[Rewind]] (5)
* [[Ramhorn]] (7)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (10)
* [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (11)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (12)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (13)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (14)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (15)
* [[Slingshot]] (16)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|A3/Alpha Trion]] (17)
* [[Beta (G1)|Beta]] (19)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (20)
* [[Pipes]] (21)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (22)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (23)
* [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (24)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (25)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (26)

|c3=
* [[Marissa Faireborn]] (27)

|c4=
* [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] (6)
* [[Quintesson]]s (9)
** [[Inquirata]] (8)
* [[Dark Guardians]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"So why'd ya-w-why'd ya want us along? This ain't-this ain't our gig-k-kinda gig!"
:—'''Ramhorn''' has a problem with scientific expeditions...and speaking coherently.

"How come they made you Aerialbot leader, Silverbolt? You've got no sense of adventure!"<br>
"Exactly."
:—'''Air Raid''' gets put in his place by '''Silverbolt'''.

"What in the name of Alpha Trion?!"
:—'''Rodimus Prime''', as A-3 comes through the time portal. See what they did there?

"Ohhhh! I don't know where we are but wherever it is it's somewhere but somewhere else would definitely be a better place to be!"
:—'''Blurr''' isn't too fond of ancient Cybertron.

'''Superion''': I...have...failed you Rodimus...it is...finished.<br>
'''A-3''': No...Superion! ''('transforming' into Alpha Trion)'' You must live...so that I may be born!<Br>
'''Superion''': Alpha...Trion?<br>
'''A-3''': A...3...

'''Wreck-Gar''': Phew. One to five rodents agree exceptional headache number one is a mad dog guardian.<br>
'''Blaster''': Right on, but we still gotta lure 'em away from the walls so Beta and the rebels can attack.<br>
'''Blurr''': Yeah, that's what we said we'd do, and I always do what I say I'll do, because I have to, so I'd better do it, because if we say we do and then we don't—<br>
''[Ramhorn roars and charges the Dark Guardians]''<br>
'''Rewind''': Methinks the die has been cast.<br>
:—The Autobots discuss strategy as Ramhorn gets bored.

"You will now put down your arms and return to work, or the Dark Guardians will incinerate you where you stand. Please decide quickly."
:—An ever-polite '''Quintesson''' gives the Autobots a simple choice.

"Your friends want you home. Go, now."<br>
"Yeah, but—"<br>
"No time for talk. We thank you for your help, but you must go at once."<br>
"Okay. I guess we can trust you to win this one. After all, you already did."
:—'''A-3''' and '''Blaster'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Blaster Sideways Door.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ouch. That's gotta hurt.]]
* The Autobots are shown leaving Cybertron twice in a row.

* When the asteroid begins firing on the Autobots, Perceptor's reaction shot is shown twice in a row.

* Although the Autobots are seen flying toward the time window, which begins to fade in and out, they're never actually shown flying INTO the window.

* As Rodimus arrives to help the Autobots, Perceptor is flying with him. He's supposed to be unconscious on the asteroid at this point.

* As the Autobots come under attack from the guardian robot, Rewind points and his faceplate moves as if he's speaking, but he doesn't say anything.

* Rewind calls Beta by her name without her actually giving her name. (Then again, given his habit of endless amounts of trivia without any real use for it...)

* When Blaster ejects Rewind on ancient Cybertron, his tape door opens sideways.

* An abnormally huge Wheelie is shown racing Jazz.

* When the Quintesson bailiff instructs the Sharkticons to attack the Autobots, their background is deep space, but the Sharkticons then are shown exiting the Quintesson ship.

[[Image:ForeverLongTime Ramhorn guardian.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Maybe it's a very small Dark Guardian?]]
* Ramhorn rams a Dark Guardian and is somehow much larger than usual.

* The five-faced Quintesson in the past hovers on board a chair, but when a closeup is shown, the chair is not seen. When the view is restored, the chair is visible again.

* When A-3 returns to the past, the Autobots are standing in a completely different setting than when we last saw them. They're also no longer surrounded by Dark Guardians.

* The Autobot symbol on A-3's chest is suddenly a solid plate (including surrounding metal) when it is revealed as the Coda Remote, but looks no different from the regular Autobot symbol in previous shots (other than being golden).

===Real-world references===
*Wreck-Gar gets a few digs in:
** "Golly, Mr. Wizard" is a reference to the famous children-oriented television science show, ''[[wikipedia:Watch Mr. Wizard|Watch Mr. Wizard]]'' (later ''Mr. Wizard's World'').
** "We've come a long way, baby!" is a take on a [[wikipedia:Virginia Slims|Virginia Slims]] cigarette ad campaign of the 1970s.
** "Exceptional headache #1" is a take on an [[wikipedia:Excedrin|Excedrin]] ad campaign.

===Transformers references===
* This is one of the few episodes to not feature the [[Decepticon]]s.

* So the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] save A3. To whom they would eventually bring Orion Pax, causing him to be rebuilt as Optimus Prime. {{storylink|War Dawn|War Dawn}} Who would eventually call for the Aerialbots to be built, prompting Alpha Trion to sacrifice his life to give life to the Aerialbots. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}} Who had saved his life 11 million years earlier. Or twenty years later. It all makes sense.
**Though one would think they would have recognized him from their previous excursion into the past.

===Trivia===
* The Quintesson scientist is named Inquirata in the script, but is unnamed in the episode proper.

* This is the second episode in a row to conclude with a constellation image of a character, as "[[Dark Awakening]]" ends with a star image Optimus Prime right after his apparent destruction.

==Home video releases==
*''[[The Original Transformers]]'' — Volume 5: Return to Cybertron (VHS, 2000)

==External links==
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808827/ IMDb's page for this episode]
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/forever_is_a_long_time_coming.html Dossier on the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Transport to Oblivion (episode)

2010-03-08T08:46:16Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=4
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=4
|prev2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 3
|next2=Roll for It
|image=FHE-TransportToOblivion.jpg
|caption="What a fool Megatron is, Ratchet!" "Yeah, we won't have anyone '''to''' pray to until [[Yesterday's Heroes!|1989!]]"
|title="Transport to Oblivion"
|production code=#700-01
|airdate=[[October 6]], 1984
|written by=[[Bryce Malek]]<br>[[Dick Robbins]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After months in hiding, the Decepticons return and have a new method for moving energon cubes to Cybertron.'''

:''Japanese title:'' スペースブリッジ作戦 (''Space Bridge Sakusen'', "Operation: Space Bridge")
:''German title:'' Die Weltraumbrücke (''The Spacebridge'')
:''German Generation 2 title:'' Reise nach Cybertron (''Journey to Cybertron'')
{{TOCclear}}
==Synopsis==
[[Image:TransporttoOblivion Decepticon-shaped rock.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The Shadow knows....]]

The [[Decepticon]]s have not been seen in months and are presumed dead by the [[Autobot]]s. That doesn't stop a twitchy [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] from blasting a rock that vaguely resembles a Decepticon. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] is also not completely convinced of the Decepticons' demise. Unknown to the Autobots, the Decepticons are in fact still alive and have constructed an [[Decepticon Headquarters|undersea fortress]] out of their [[Victory (ship)|crashed ship]] under the ocean.

Meanwhile, on Cybertron, an energy-depleted [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] attempts to make contact with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. Shockwave succeeds in his attempt and informs Megatron that the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] reserves on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] are almost depleted. He also tells him of the newly-constructed [[Space Bridge]].

The Decepticons head out again to collect more energy. Their first target is a solar power plant. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] scare off the workers and secure the generators for energon creation.

[[Image:TransporttoOblivion Cliffjumper attacks Megatron.jpg|right|150px|thumb|If Megatron were human, that'd be really painful.]]

While cruising the city, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] encounter a traffic jam—the cause of which is a city-wide blackout. Both decide they need to head back to base to check in. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] shows that the blackout has spread across the city. Optimus has Teletraan survey the surrounding power stations. At the solar plant, Optimus sees Megatron.

Optimus puts together a small strike team consisting of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], Cliffjumper, [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] to take care of the Decepticon raid (the rest of the force are out on patrol). The Autobots arrive and drive off the Decepticons, but not before they manage to steal a large amount of energy. During the battle, Ironhide is injured while saving Optimus from an attack.

[[Image:TransporttoOblivion Spacebridge theory.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The rebel base will be in firing range in 4 minutes...]]

Back at base, Ironhide is worked on by Ratchet and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], but his pride is more wounded then his chassis. Wanting to know how they plan to get the energon to Cybertron, Optimus sends Bumblebee out on recon to search for signs of the Decepticons in the surrounding area; Spike offers to go with him.

The two stumble upon the location of the Space Bridge and witness the Decepticons' first failed attempt to transport a small vehicle across space. Bumblebee and Spike attempt to leave, but are captured before they can report back. Megatron decides to use his two captives as pilots for the shuttle to help keep it on its course to Cybertron.

[[Image:TransporttoOblivion Bumblebee escapes.jpg|right|150px|thumb|That's what happens when you drive your car too close to Area 51.]]

Bumblebee and Spike are placed in the second test vehicle and sent toward the Space Bridge portal, but the Decepticons run out of time and the alignment between Cybertron and [[Earth]] passes. The Bridge can't be reactivated for 3,000 astro-seconds. While the Decepticons grouse about the delay, Bumblebee transforms into his car mode and smashes free of the transport vehicle. Spike is recaptured immediately. Bumblebee manages to evade them for a short time but is also recaptured. Megatron alters Bumblebee's memory chips so he can lead the Autobots into a trap.

Bumblebee returns to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and tells the gathered Autobots that Spike has been captured. They head for the Space Bridge, but Bumblebee has given them an incorrect location. The false location leads them to a cave where the Decepticons, tipped off by Laserbeak, have been waiting in ambush.

[[Image:TransporttoOblivion Bumblebee rescues Spike.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Spike performed his own stunts.]]

The battle is cut short as the dimensional alignment between Cybertron and Earth recurs, allowing for Space Bridge transport. The Decepticons leave, but not before Megatron blasts the cave, sealing the Autobots within. During the battle, Bumblebee is injured and Ratchet discovers that a bank of Bumblebee's memory chips have been altered. The Autobots soon learn the true location of the Space Bridge and once free of the cave, roll out.

The Autobots engage the Decepticons once more at the true location of the Space Bridge, managing to rescue Spike and destroy the shipment of energon. As the battle nears its conclusion, Megatron is knocked into the active Space Bridge and is presumed destroyed. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] assumes command and orders a retreat. But within [[Decepticon Headquarters (Cybertron)|the Decepticon base]] on Cybertron, Megatron emerges intact from the Space Bridge, and swears vengeance on his enemies.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (10)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (13)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (15)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (19)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (21)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (22)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (7)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (9)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (16)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (18)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (20)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (11)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Cliffjumper:''' "Don't worry, Megatron. I'll get them after I've taken care of YOU!"<br>
(Cliffjumper punches Megs downstairs. This has no effect, and he is brushed aside like a rag doll.)<br>
'''Megatron:''' "WHO will take care of me?"<br>
'''Optimus Prime:''' "I will, Megatron."
:—Megatron gets put in his place for picking on the short one.

'''Skywarp:''' "Starscream! Behind you!"<br>
(Starscream turns to see Cliffjumper and Gears running towards him)<br>
'''Cliffjumper:''' "Too late, Starscream!"<br>
'''Starscream:''' "It's never too late, Autobot."<br>
[''calmly raises his left arm and fires'']

"No more backtalk, or I'll short your mouth circuit."
:—'''Ratchet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bedside manner toward Ironhide.

"How're we gonna get out of this?"<br>
"By the skin of our teeth!"<br>
"I didn't know human teeth had skin!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Spike'''

"The Autobots robbed me of my victory, but they have not seen the last of Megatron. I shall be avenged!"
:—'''Megatron''', for the first time, but not the last.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Maybe not an error, but definitely odd: The establishing shots of [[Decepticon Headquarters]] are two completely different matte paintings that show the exact same thing.
* A strange establishing shot meant to convey the transition of an Earth-bound scene to one set on Cybertron shows a whole bunch of gray planets near each other, then suddenly cuts to the stock shot of Cybertron. It's possible this was meant to be a pan across our solar system, showing the Moon and then Saturn, but what it actually portrays is more like three moons orbiting a distant ringed planet unlike any in our [[Solar System]].

[[Image:TransporttoOblivion colourchanging Ed.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Black-White-Black]]

* The animated glow behind Shockwave when he is communicating to Megatron is mis-aligned with his body.
* Ed, a solar power plant worker, has his skin change color from one shot to the next. He's first seen as an African-American when his coworker tells him to turn the radio down. When he turns to face the radio in the next shot, he's white. As he backs away from Soundwave's transformation, he's black again, possibly suffering from a rapid (but intermittent) form of [[wikipedia:Vitiligo|Vitiligo]].
[[Image:Soundwave jesus.jpg|thumb|right|200px|So Soundwave and Laserbeak [[Warrior School!|use their alternate forms to sneak into an industrial facility and take it over]]...]]

* A glow effect surrounds Soundwave as he enlarges out of his tape player form. While it is clearly a deliberate artistic choice, this effect is never again seen for Soundwave's transformations.
* Cliffjumper and Gears' voices can clearly be heard among the panicked power plant workers.
[[Image:TransporttoOblivion fillingcubes.jpg|thumb|right|200px|...and the Decepticons [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|re-establish contact with Cybertron]], and [[The Bridge to Nowhere!|build a space bridge]], and [[Rock and Roll-Out!|start making energon cubes]]...]]
[[Image:Trans to ob megs spacebridge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|...and the whole thing ends with [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|Megatron getting tossed into his own space bridge and unceremoniously launched to Cybertron]]. Did [[Bob Budiansky]] watch this episode or what?]]

* As the Decepticons start filling energon cubes, the background cubes filled by Skywarp are layered in front of the foreground cubes filled by Starscream.
* On-screen [[Engrish]]:
** The signage in the city includes some rather odd phrases: Par, Bolo Bulue, Spu Rashu, Bolve, Fee, Mascot, IOU, April, AGF, Bell.
** When Optimus Prime is using Teletraan I to survey nearby power stations, the map on the screen is labeled "EVE ISLAND".
** Teletraan's readout screen has a number of lost-in-translation typographical errors. It reads: SOLOR POWE STATION #001; CAPACITY: 80 %; PURRENT PRODUCTION: 0%.
* When the Autobots crash through the skylight, Cliffjumper is colored like Bumblebee.
* Skywarp has the wrong voice as he says his "Hurry it up!" and "Starscream! Behind you!" lines.
* As Megatron gloats over Optimus Prime's defeat and prepares to transform into gun mode, he says "Soundwave—Prime is target, Soundwave! FIRE!", an awkward-sounding line that appears to have been hastily edited to remove some dialog. Additionally, Megatron orders Soundwave to fire him before he even finishes transforming.
* After Ironhide is shot protecting Optimus Prime, Prowl's gun is black.
* When the Decepticons are leaving the power station, Skywarp is seen flying away twice.
* Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated and are much more bird-like than the synthetic trill that would become his standard vocalization later in the series.
* The Autobots storming into the power plant at the battle's end do not have the standard Autobot laser fire sound effects.
* As the space bridge powers up for its first test, the light effects at the back of the ring pass in front of the test vehicle, which is inside the ring.
* Amid the rocks and debris sucked up into the space bridge, the test vehicle can be seen rising...then falling back down again!
* Bumblebee and Spike clearly withdraw from the edge of the river canyon, yet Bumblebee is standing right at the edge again when he transforms (a convenient conceit, so he can fall down and be captured).
* The sides of Starscream's air intakes are gray instead of red when Megatron restrains him from attacking Bumblebee.
* As Megatron says that Bumblebee and Spike have "volunteered", a glint of light plays across his optics. The sound guys mistook this for a powered light-up effect and inserted a sound effect accordingly.
* The animation of test run #2 is recycled from the first test run...which means that the test vehicle is shown inside the ring, even though it shouldn't be there.
* When Shockwave says, "Test run number two aborted," the animation is of Megatron speaking.
* Starscream's thighs are dark gray instead of light gray as he and Megatron fire on the fleeing Bumblebee.
* Skywarp and Starscream get the same not-standard-issue laser sound effect that the Autobots at the power plant had.
* As the Autobots are waiting for Bumblebee and Spike's return home, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.
* Upon arriving, Bumblebee says that "''Pike'' was taken by the Decepticons!" Maybe it's [[The Insecticon Syndrome|a nickname]]?
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Four red(dish) cars are among the group leaving Autobot Headquarters. Ironhide and Cliffjumper should be red; the third could be Gears. The fourth is either a miscolored Prowl or Jazz, leaving the group one man short.
** Best guess is that it's Jazz who is missing from that last shot, because he's also missing from the lineup of Autobot cars outside the cave. His voice shows up once the group enters the cave...but he's not actually ''seen'' until after the first commercial break.
** Brawn, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, and Trailbreaker all appear at various points during the battle in the cave and its aftermath, despite not being part of the group that arrives and leaves the cave.
* As often happens, Soundwave's chest is suddenly see-through transparent when he's playing back a tape report.
* Prowl's car form is horrifically off-model when Ironhide asserts that Bumblebee is never wrong. Gears isn't much better and is missing some of his red coloration as well. When off-model Prowl transforms, his missing headlights and bumper appear out of nowhere.
* Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black as he threatens to finish Ironhide and Prime.
* Megatron's wrist blaster disappears instantly after he fires it.
* Starscream is holding one of his arm-mounted weapons in his hand as Megatron orders him to blast the cave entrance open.
* After Megatron blasts the cave shut (again) and returns to robot mode, blue sky can be seen between Starscream's arms and torso, in the space where his wings should be. Possibly the artists thought his wings were attached to his arms instead of his back.
* Ironhide's cheek guards are gray instead of red as he patches himself up after the cave battle.
* Ratchet announces that Bumblebee's memory banks have been altered, despite not doing any work near or inspection of his head. All he does is weld 'Bee's chest for a brief second.
* Megatron's face is black as he listens to Shockwave's instructions about the space bridge.
* As Ravage guards Spike, the energy cage is layered over Ravage's neck, even though he is closer to the camera's point of view.
* Spike makes a very strange gesture as the energy cage disappears, seemingly rubbing a rock in the background as if he were wiping it off. Not only is it strange, it's also spatially impossible, as the "rock" is actually the ground below him, meaning he's just making a random wiping motion in the air.
* Soundwave's shadow over Spike disappears a second before the shot ends.
* As Megatron coaches Spike, Soundwave is missing his Decepticon insignia. Megatron's own insignia is missing its central crest.
* When the space bridge opens for the third time (with Spike as the driver), the inside of the ring is bizarrely misdrawn; the outlines and edges of the bridge ring do not line up correctly, resulting in [http://www.blifaloo.com/illusions/impossible.php impossible shapes].
* Megatron's eyes are blue instead of red as he punches buttons on the space bridge console.
* Ironhide is suddenly toting a HUGE green bazooka cannon laser gun thing when the Autobots attack the space bridge. He's never had this weapon before or since.
* After Megatron falls into the [[space bridge]], two successive shots feature Skywarp in Starscream's color scheme, resulting in two Starscreams appearing on screen at once.
* Starscream is missing his back wing insignia as he takes off.
* As the space bridge beam arrives on Cybertron, the beam is layered in front of the bridge receiver tower that it's supposed to be entering.

===Continuity errors===
* At the end of the previous episode, the Autobot ship was being refueled and repaired in preparation for the imminent return of the Autobots to Cybertron. At the beginning of this episode, their journey home seems to have been all but forgotten. Apparently, they left the lights on and the battery died, and there wasn't another interstellar spaceship available for a jump start.
* It certainly took Cliffjumper long enough to notice the Decepticon-shaped rock outside the base.
* This is the only time Autobot Headquarters is ever depicted as being near a cliffside overlooking the ocean.
* In the opening scenes, Optimus seems pretty certain that the Decepticons have survived...yet he still seems shocked when Megatron reappears.
* Speaking of which, could the Decepticons really have built this whole huge underwater fortress without anybody noticing their activities?
* If Shockwave is "losing power", then he really shouldn't be up on the roof of [[Decepticon Headquarters (Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] shooting at nothing. The animation fails to convey that he had any sort of target or that a battle was occurring.
* Shockwave is clearly the most loyal soldier in all of creation. He's still trying to communicate with Megatron ''four million years after he disappeared'' and clearly expects an answer. What would it take to convince Shockers that Megs is actually dead??
* There doesn't appear to be any purpose to Soundwave sneaking into the power station in tape player mode. Megatron just marches right in about five seconds after Soundwave launches his attack.
* A ''solar'' power station would not need generators.
* Again, if Prime is shocked to find that Megatron is alive, it doesn't make a lot of sense for over half the Autobots to be on patrol.
* Ratchet and Sparkplug are working on Ironhide outside, in the desert sand, even though Ratchet has a (presumably) sanitary medical center for such things.
* Given that Starscream is a highly sophisticated living machine, it seems unlikely that he would have to look at his (notably unadorned) wrist to count down five seconds accurately.
* Would it really have killed Bumblebee to stop for half a second to let Spike get inside, instead of making him run alongside?
* Jazz is somehow able to use a stalagmite as a bat to knock back a null ray blast at Starscream.
* Optimus Prime's foot gets caught in a boulder for no apparent reason. In one shot, he's just standing around after helping Ironhide; in the next, he's suddenly stuck.
* It's a totally [[The Agenda (Part III)|stock cartoon trope]], but really, how many times can one cave be blasted open and shut? (Two times each in this episode.)
* Megatron can't possibly be dumb enough to think that Prime and company couldn't just blast their own way out of the cave, yet he declares that sealing the cave means "the end of Prime and the Autobots".

===Continuity notes===
* This episode does a fair bit to establish the status quo for the rest of Season 1 and all of Season 2:
** The Decepticons are shown to have converted their crashed space cruiser into the vast [[Decepticon Headquarters]] complex.
** The Decepticons re-establish contact with Cybertron.
** The 'Cons make their first use of the [[space bridge]], a device that will feature in many future episodes. The space bridge's erratic performance and seemingly random opening times and locations would feature in a few more episodes, but would largely be downplayed.
* The generic hard rock/big band song makes its debut in this episode; the guitar section is featured as source music played by both Jazz and Soundwave.
* Prime's casual reference to "the entire city losing power" might be construed by continuity hounds as meaning that the traffic jam that Spike and Bumblebee run into is in [[Central City (G1)|Central City]], a city later demonstrated to be close to, and have some legal jurisdiction over, the land where Autobot Headquarters is located. That might be giving the continuity editors too much credit, however.
* This episode continues the trend of Cybertron being located outside the [[Milky Way]] galaxy, as Shockwave refers to the space bridge as an "intergalactic transport system".
* Gadgets and powers:
** When Cliffjumper opens fire on the rock formation, he is carrying Jazz's gun.
** Ratchet describes Starscream's fire as "a concussion blast" (it's supposed to be a null ray.)
** Ratchet has a [[laser scalpel]] (or something similar) that emerges from his forearm. Later, he uses a less focused device that slides out of his wrist.
** Megatron has a chest-mounted hose-like memory scrambler... and a gauntlet-launched saw blade... and a wrist laser.
** Watching Bumblebee make his scrambled report, Laserbeak uses a head-mounted retractable microphone. Laser episodes (and the Movie) would have show a video camera in the same spot instead.
** Ratchet has a wrist-based net launcher, that fires a Pac-Man shaped net (which for some reason brings down Laserbeak.)
** Optimus Prime's laser rifle has a variable focus barrel that allows him to shoot a needle-beam blast.
** The blue button on Megatron's tummy blinks to show him communicating with Shockwave. [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Later]], it would be the two trapezoids on his pecs that blinked.
* What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron fell into the space bridge! '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|'''> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak is a one-bot ''Star Wars'' effects gallery. He launches from his spy mission with the sound of the Death Star's superlaser obliterating the planet Alderaan.
** He then arrives at the Decepticon Headquarters docking tower with the sound of the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' arriving at the Rebel Base on Yavin IV, followed by a repeat of the Death Star/Alderaan effects.
** He then flies into Soundwave's chest with another burst of ''Millennium Falcon'' engines.

===Trivia===
[[Image:TransporttoOblivion Cliffjumper attacks Megatron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Right in the gonads!]]

* In an unusual directorial choice, the second and third acts of this episode lack most of the usual flip-symbol [[scene transition]]s, instead using a series of ''Star Wars''-like transition effects (iris out, triangular wipes, radar screen wipe, etc.)
* The third act also features a one-time-only bit of background music as the Decepticons retreat from the cave.
*Seriously, Cliffjumper charges Megatron and punches him in the junk! That takes bearings of chrome steel.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/transport_to_oblivion.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

More than Meets the Eye, Part 3

2010-03-08T08:37:01Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=3
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=3
|prev2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|next2=Transport to Oblivion
|image=More Than Meets Part 3.jpg
|caption= NOW ENTERING AREA 51 - ACCESS RESTRICTED! NO TRESPASSING, NO PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED
|title="More than Meets the Eye, Part 3"
|production code=4025
|airdate=[[September 19]], 1984
|written by=[[George Arthur Bloom]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
}}

'''When an Autobot attempt to lure the Decepticons into a holographic trap fails, the villains succeed in gathering the energy they need, leaving the Autobots with only one chance to stop them returning to Cybertron.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 地球脱出! (''Chikyū Dasshutsu!'', "Escape from Earth!")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Die letzte Schlacht'''" ("The Last Battle")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 PushingPrimeupright.jpg|left|200px|thumb|After a bad fall, it's important that you move every part of the victim. Forcibly if needed.]]

Caught in the blast of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack's]] explosive, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] tumbles down the mountainside. Shaken but not defeated, he musters the energy to transform into robot mode. The [[Autobot|Autobots]] begin digging through the rubble and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] finds [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] alive and unharmed. Before the Autobots can begin celebrating what they presume to be the end of their enemies, there's a blast from the rubble. The [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] have survived their burial and have blasted their way out. With their [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] haul unscathed, the Decepticons take to the air.

[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is tired of this string of defeats, and he soon takes to the air to follow. [[Bluestreak]] takes off to try to rein him in. Ironhide takes a few pot-shots at the fleeing Decepticons, and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] breaks formation to teleport behind their pursuers. He lands a rocket square in Ironhide's back, knocking the old Autobot out of the chase. Ironhide crashes into a lake, and the Autobots catch up with him to pull him out of the water and into [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet's]] waiting repair bay. The Autobots return to base.

Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] taunts the captive [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and discusses the Decepticon spy's apparent abandonment by his comrades. In using a hologram of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to goad Ravage, Hound and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] brainstorm an idea: to use an enormous hologram to trick the Decepticons into a trap. He pitches the idea to Optimus Prime, and the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] agrees.

Soon after, Hound talks to Mirage about a report from [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] of a secret supply of rocket fuel. He says all this quite within earshot of Ravage, explaining how there's enough fuel there to make "four trips back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]." As Mirage and Hound walk away, Hound "accidentally" drops the key to Ravage's cage. The Decepticon retrieves it and escapes captivity.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Starscreambegs.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The genesis of a whole lot of slashfic.]]

Back at the Decepticon camp, Ravage reports in to Megatron about the rocket base. Megatron is delighted; it's the last energy source they'll need before they can return to Cybertron. As Megatron gloats, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] grouses about the need for a change in leadership. In a foolish move, Starscream tries to blast Megatron in the back. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] warns his leader, who deflects the blast with a built-in energy shield. Starscream has spent all his ammunition in this single shot, and he is left defenseless. Megatron returns the sentiment by blasting Starscream in the arm, knocking his disloyal lieutenant to the ground. Groveling, Starscream huddles to Megatron's feet, who answers his pleas only by issuing the command: "We attack the rocket base at sunrise!"

In a flat stretch of desert, Hound creates the rocket base hologram. The Decepticons move into position, and Megatron orders them to attack.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Jazz ScrapDecepticon.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Jazz soon regrets buying from eBay.]]

The Autobots spring their trap, running out from hiding to ambush the attacking Decepticons. However, when they engage in hand-to-hand combat, the Decepticons break apart like poorly made machines. Optimus Prime realizes they've been had. These aren't the Decepticons, but are instead decoys. Megatron, the only real Decepticon present, laughs at Prime's misstep. He saw through the phony release of Ravage. Megatron reveals to his defeated enemy that the real Decepticon army has been attacking the real rocket base.

Cut to [[Cape Carlson]], the real rocket base, where the Decepticon jets arrive. They transform and neutralize the human army's attempt to stop them. In short time, Megatron rejoins them, and they soon return to their launch base with all the fuel they need. Soundwave reports the space cruiser's readiness, and Megatron orders the Decepticons to prepare to blast off.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Optimus overacting.jpg|right|200px|thumb|KHAAAAAAAAAN!]]

Back at the Autobot ship, Optimus Prime briefs his soldiers on the grim situation. He tells them that Megatron is on the verge of returning to Cybertron, where he could become unstoppable with the energon he has tapped from [[Earth]]. The Autobots have no choice but to directly attack the Decepticons. Prime asks for volunteers, and all the Autobots—and their human allies [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and Sparkplug—step forward. The Autobots transform into vehicle mode and roll out.

As the Decepticons begin to board the [[Victory (ship)|cruiser]], the Autobots encircle the base. Prime's forces transform into robot form and begin the attack. The Autobots grapple with the Decepticons, but the battle is brief. Megatron and his forces get aboard their ship and blast off into the sky.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 ExtinctiontoallTraitors.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Naturally, Megatron is a firm advocate of the Second Amendment.]]

Optimus Prime refuses to concede defeat. He orders [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to hand over his rocket pack. Donning the pack, Prime takes off to personally pursue the Decepticon cruiser. Starscream spots Prime in pursuit. The cruiser opens fire, blasting Prime who falls out of the sky and hits the ground hard.

The Autobots gather to see if Prime is okay, and the tough Autobot shrugs off their help. It's then that he notices that Mirage is missing from their ranks.

Aboard the cruiser, Starscream makes his move to usurp Megatron. Waiting for the Decepticon leader to lower his guard and remove his arm-cannon, Starscream raises his weapon to Megatron. Just then, Mirage drops his invisibility power to fire a few shots in the cruiser's controls. Starscream turns to blast Mirage, and Megatron takes advantage of the distraction to retrieve his cannon and fire on Starscream. Chaos erupts aboard the cruiser as Mirage's sabotage begins spreading and Soundwave loses control of the ship.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Mirage HALOjump.jpg|right|200px|thumb|WHEEEEEE!]]

Mirage scrambles to his feet and jumps from the doomed ship as it crashes into the ocean. The Autobots on the ground stare incredulously as the Decepticons are suddenly and mysteriously defeated. They then spot Mirage, the unlikely hero, floating to the ground in a parachute rig. The Autobots celebrate their victory.

Spike writes in his journal that because the Autobots stopped the Decepticons from stealing Earth's resources, the governments of the world have decided to give Optimus Prime the energy he needs to revitalize Cybertron. The Autobot ship is being refurbished, and Spike and Sparkplug eagerly await their trip to the Transformers' home world.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the ocean, the Decepticon space cruiser rests. Bubbles emerge from a hatch that is pulled free from the inside by massive metal hands. Megatron lives.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (4)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (5)
*[[Bluestreak]] (6)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (7)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (8)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (9)
*[[Roller]] (10)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (11)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (26)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (19)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (27)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (29)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"You gave us all a pretty good scare."<br>
"It's been worse. I remember the time on Cybertron—"<br>
"Save the war stories, hot shot. Just remember, there's a thin line between being a hero, and being a memory."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ironhide'''

"The rocket base is one hundred and forty kilometers due west of the Autobot camp."
:—'''Ravage'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sole line of dialog in the entire series.

"I am the leader of the future!"<br>
"You couldn't lead [[ant-droid]]s to a picnic. How can you pretend to lead the Decepticons?"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' arguing over Starscream's competence... again.

"We knew you were anxious to get back to Cybertron, but at least you could have waited for us."<br>
"Sorry, Prime. The ship was... full."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Mirage''' uttering a classic line.

==Other notes==
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 ExaggeratedPrime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Apparently Pat Lee had this as a poster in his office.]]

* There is a nice touch by the animators during the scene where the Autobots assist Optimus Prime after he rolls down the hill at the start of this episode. After Mirage, Prowl and Ratchet have pushed Optimus Prime's truck mode upright, he bounces as his suspension compensates for the weight of the truck landing on its wheels.

* After Ironhide assures that he'll be right back in action, Optimus Prime is depicted with rather exaggerated 'puffy' proportions for a brief sequence before he transforms into vehicle mode, which is similarly exaggerated with large wheels in comparison to the rest of the truck, followed by an exaggerated Ratchet in vehicle mode. Part of this animation is later reused near the end of the episode after the Decepticon space cruiser crashes, with the rest of the Autobots having similar proportions in both robot and vehicle mode.

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Autobot Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Autobots superior, Decepticons inferior.]]

* As the Autobots gather around Optimus Prime's fallen form and Mirage and Cliffjumper fly in, Cliffjumper is colored yellow like Bumblebee, who is currently buried under tons of rubble.

* Inside the mines, Soundwave is shown with a [[Shattered Glass (franchise)|purple Autobot insignia]].

* After the Decepticons fly out of the mines, Skywarp and two generic purple Decepticon jets are drawn with the silhouettes of pilots sitting inside their cockpits.

* Ironhide's back-mounted rocket launcher is shown in firing position before it emerges from his back.

* The energon cubes that Megatron holds when giving Skywarp permission to teleport are uncolored.

* When the Autobots volunteer, Jazz is seen among them at the same time that he's giving instructions.

*In the Japanese dub of the scene where Ironhide chases after Megatron and Skywarp, it is ''Thundercracker'' who requests permission to teleport.

* Skywarp's damaged tailfin isn't damaged when he teleports back into the scene.

* A mislayering of animation cells when Hound creates a hologram of Megatron to taunt Ravage causes it to appear as if Hound is standing in the prison cage with Ravage.

* After Ravage escapes, Hound explains to Optimus what happened, but it is Mirage's voice.

* In the reaction shot of the Autobots when Optimus Prime is pleased at Ravage's escape, the tips of Prowl's doors are colored as parts of Jazz and Mirage's heads.

* As the Decepticons move into position to attack the holographic rocket base, one shot has two Starscreams. However, given that these Decepticons are all junky decoys, this may not necessarily be an error.

* When Hound and Rumble struggle at the final battle, bubbles are rising up in the close-up of Hound. Either the animators got this confused with last episode's underwater fight, or Rumble is doing something really gross.

* In the original broadcast version of the episode—and in Rhino's DVD release—the establishing shot at the start of the third act uses a flubbed take: A major piece of artwork—the Decepticon starship blasting off into the sky—is missing, meaning the Autobots on the ground are reacting to nothing. (The completed shot does appear in the teaser for the episode at the end of Part 2, however.) Oddly enough, the bonus disc in this DVD set calls out the error in a collection of bloopers and oddities.

* This episode features a curious sound oddity as presented on the More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Special Edition disc (included as a pack-in with Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime). When the edited-together film reaches the point covered by the third episode, the viewer will notice strange, random mechanical sound effects popping up that have no on-screen source. The sound effects usually appear at scene transitions, and indeed seem to be the sound effects for the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] used in the [[Generation 2]] broadcast of this episode. Note however, that Cybernet Space Cube visual effects are ''not'' present, as the episode is presented more in terms of its original broadcast. How and why the Cybernet Space Cube sound effects were included in this presentation of the episode (and why the problem only afflicts the third part and not parts one and two) are currently unknown.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Dullsurprise.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Dull surprise|DULL SURPRISE!]]]]

* Mirage, Hound, Jazz and Prowl all react with shock at Optimus' statement that Ravage's escape was a good thing. Yet they were all in on the plan to let Ravage get away to tell the Decepticons about the secret hologram rocket base that is most certainly not a trap. Did they just forget?

* The [[Mini Vehicle]] Autobots are shown disguised as lab-coat-wearing scientists to complete the holographic illusion of a rocket base, though it's a pretty poor disguise when you realize these scientists are big enough to turn into trucks and cars. Also, where'd they get the lab coats? (For that matter, why not just make holographic scientists?)

* Spike can throw a rock with enough force to knock Starscream's Null Ray off his arm. To be fair, it was the arm that Megatron blasted in an earlier scene. Of course, when we next see Starscream a few seconds later, it's been magically repaired and reattached, so it all works out.

* Mirage is clearly visible (prominent, in fact) during the Autobots' final, desperate assault on the space cruiser, despite later being shown to have snuck aboard it. This is either a major continuity error or the one time that Mirage's electro-disruptor works in the cartoon in the way his [[bio]] says it does.

[[Image:OptimusCDeckMTMTE3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Look away from the animation errors!"]]

* During the final showdown between the Autobots and Decepticons, there is a scene in which Optimus Prime uses his [[Combat Deck]] to shoot the fusion cannon off Megatron's arm. This allows them to fight hand to hand. However, only a scene change or two later, Prime throws Megatron to the ground, his cannon perfectly visible in place.

* Also, in the shot of Optimus telling his Combat Deck to fire, there is a mountain visible in the background. When the exact same shot of Prime and the Deck appears again, there's a clear sky behind them.

* Prime is nearly knocked out of commission by the explosion that collapses [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma|a Burmese ruby mine]], yet he simply seems to shrug off the effects of getting hit by a cruiser cannon and falling to Earth from the very edge of the atmosphere.

* Despite the heights the space cruiser certainly reached before the sabotage, Mirage parachutes down to exactly the spot where the Autobots were assembled.

* The space cruiser is shown crashing into the ocean near the coast. However, later episodes show the cruiser is well far away from any coast line.

===Real-world references===
* Rocket base Cape Carlson may be a reference to Cape Canaveral, Florida.

===Trivia===
* This is the only time in the original series that Ravage speaks, relaying the information on the rocket base with his own voice instead of merely replaying Hound and Mirage's conversation about it. When he reappeared in ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]],'' he was similarly growly, but he had gained an [[Accents|Eastern European accent]].

* During the aforementioned final showdown between Optimus Prime and Megatron, an animation oddity results in what a few fans have taken as evidence of an obscure, little-used ability of Optimus: the Finger of Doom. As described, Optimus deploys Combat Deck to shoot Megatron's cannon off of his arm. Simultaneously, Megatron fires his arm cannon and destroys Combat Deck. However, during the shot of Combat Deck exploding, the animation of Prime pointing at Megatron is ''re-used''. The next immediate shot is Megatron being disarmed by an energy blast, which would seem to have come not from Combat Deck, whose blast should have already arrived, but from Prime's immediately prior pointing finger. Thus, Optimus Prime's Finger of Doom.

* In a continuing trend during the Generation 1 cartoon, Prime's Combat Deck looks nothing like its toy counterpart or like it will appear in any future episodes. Not really an error since it's blown up here and could've been rebuilt differently.

==Home video releases==
* In 1984, this episode was edited together with "Parts 1" and "2" to create a "feature-length movie", which was sold on videocassette as Volume 1 of [[Family Home Entertainment]]'s ''Transformers'' collection. The release had the (now somewhat quaint) honor of being available in both VHS and Betamax formats.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/more_than_meets_the_eye_part_3.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

More than Meets the Eye, Part 3

2010-03-08T08:36:04Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=3
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=3
|prev2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|next2=Transport to Oblivion
|image=More Than Meets Part 3.jpg
|caption= NOW ENTERING AREA 51 - ACCESS RESTRICTED! NO TRESPASSING, NO PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED
|title="More than Meets the Eye, Part 3"
|production code=4025
|airdate=[[September 19]], 1984
|written by=[[George Arthur Bloom]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
}}

'''When an Autobot attempt to lure the Decepticons into a holographic trap fails, the villains succeed in gathering the energy they need, leaving the Autobots with only one chance to stop them returning to Cybertron.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 地球脱出! (''Chikyū Dasshutsu!'', "Escape from Earth!")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Die letzte Schlacht'''" ("The Last Battle")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 PushingPrimeupright.jpg|left|200px|thumb|After a bad fall, it's important that you move every part of the victim. Forcibly if needed.]]

Caught in the blast of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack's]] explosive, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] tumbles down the mountainside. Shaken but not defeated, he musters the energy to transform into robot mode. The [[Autobot|Autobots]] begin digging through the rubble and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] finds [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] alive and unharmed. Before the Autobots can begin celebrating what they presume to be the end of their enemies, there's a blast from the rubble. The [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] have survived their burial and have blasted their way out. With their [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] haul unscathed, the Decepticons take to the air.

[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is tired of this string of defeats, and he soon takes to the air to follow. [[Bluestreak]] takes off to try to rein him in. Ironhide takes a few pot-shots at the fleeing Decepticons, and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] breaks formation to teleport behind their pursuers. He lands a rocket square in Ironhide's back, knocking the old Autobot out of the chase. Ironhide crashes into a lake, and the Autobots catch up with him to pull him out of the water and into [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet's]] waiting repair bay. The Autobots return to base.

Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] taunts the captive [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and discusses the Decepticon spy's apparent abandonment by his comrades. In using a hologram of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to goad Ravage, Hound and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] brainstorm an idea: to use an enormous hologram to trick the Decepticons into a trap. He pitches the idea to Optimus Prime, and the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] agrees.

Soon after, Hound talks to Mirage about a report from [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] of a secret supply of rocket fuel. He says all this quite within earshot of Ravage, explaining how there's enough fuel there to make "four trips back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]." As Mirage and Hound walk away, Hound "accidentally" drops the key to Ravage's cage. The Decepticon retrieves it and escapes captivity.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Starscreambegs.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The genesis of a whole lot of slashfic.]]

Back at the Decepticon camp, Ravage reports in to Megatron about the rocket base. Megatron is delighted; it's the last energy source they'll need before they can return to Cybertron. As Megatron gloats, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] grouses about the need for a change in leadership. In a foolish move, Starscream tries to blast Megatron in the back. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] warns his leader, who deflects the blast with a built-in energy shield. Starscream has spent all his ammunition in this single shot, and he is left defenseless. Megatron returns the sentiment by blasting Starscream in the arm, knocking his disloyal lieutenant to the ground. Groveling, Starscream huddles to Megatron's feet, who answers his pleas only by issuing the command: "We attack the rocket base at sunrise!"

In a flat stretch of desert, Hound creates the rocket base hologram. The Decepticons move into position, and Megatron orders them to attack.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Jazz ScrapDecepticon.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Jazz soon regrets buying from eBay.]]

The Autobots spring their trap, running out from hiding to ambush the attacking Decepticons. However, when they engage in hand-to-hand combat, the Decepticons break apart like poorly made machines. Optimus Prime realizes they've been had. These aren't the Decepticons, but are instead decoys. Megatron, the only real Decepticon present, laughs at Prime's misstep. He saw through the phony release of Ravage. Megatron reveals to his defeated enemy that the real Decepticon army has been attacking the real rocket base.

Cut to [[Cape Carlson]], the real rocket base, where the Decepticon jets arrive. They transform and neutralize the human army's attempt to stop them. In short time, Megatron rejoins them, and they soon return to their launch base with all the fuel they need. Soundwave reports the space cruiser's readiness, and Megatron orders the Decepticons to prepare to blast off.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Optimus overacting.jpg|right|200px|thumb|KHAAAAAAAAAN!]]

Back at the Autobot ship, Optimus Prime briefs his soldiers on the grim situation. He tells them that Megatron is on the verge of returning to Cybertron, where he could become unstoppable with the energon he has tapped from [[Earth]]. The Autobots have no choice but to directly attack the Decepticons. Prime asks for volunteers, and all the Autobots—and their human allies [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and Sparkplug—step forward. The Autobots transform into vehicle mode and roll out.

As the Decepticons begin to board the [[Victory (ship)|cruiser]], the Autobots encircle the base. Prime's forces transform into robot form and begin the attack. The Autobots grapple with the Decepticons, but the battle is brief. Megatron and his forces get aboard their ship and blast off into the sky.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 ExtinctiontoallTraitors.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Naturally, Megatron is a firm advocate of the Second Amendment.]]

Optimus Prime refuses to concede defeat. He orders [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to hand over his rocket pack. Donning the pack, Prime takes off to personally pursue the Decepticon cruiser. Starscream spots Prime in pursuit. The cruiser opens fire, blasting Prime who falls out of the sky and hits the ground hard.

The Autobots gather to see if Prime is okay, and the tough Autobot shrugs off their help. It's then that he notices that Mirage is missing from their ranks.

Aboard the cruiser, Starscream makes his move to usurp Megatron. Waiting for the Decepticon leader to lower his guard and remove his arm-cannon, Starscream raises his weapon to Megatron. Just then, Mirage drops his invisibility power to fire a few shots in the cruiser's controls. Starscream turns to blast Mirage, and Megatron takes advantage of the distraction to retrieve his cannon and fire on Starscream. Chaos erupts aboard the cruiser as Mirage's sabotage begins spreading and Soundwave loses control of the ship.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Mirage HALOjump.jpg|right|200px|thumb|WHEEEEEE!]]

Mirage scrambles to his feet and jumps from the doomed ship as it crashes into the ocean. The Autobots on the ground stare incredulously as the Decepticons are suddenly and mysteriously defeated. They then spot Mirage, the unlikely hero, floating to the ground in a parachute rig. The Autobots celebrate their victory.

Spike writes in his journal that because the Autobots stopped the Decepticons from stealing Earth's resources, the governments of the world have decided to give Optimus Prime the energy he needs to revitalize Cybertron. The Autobot ship is being refurbished, and Spike and Sparkplug eagerly await their trip to the Transformers' home world.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the ocean, the Decepticon space cruiser rests. Bubbles emerge from a hatch that is pulled free from the inside by massive metal hands. Megatron lives.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (4)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (5)
*[[Bluestreak]] (6)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (7)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (8)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (9)
*[[Roller]] (10)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (11)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (26)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (19)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (27)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (29)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"You gave us all a pretty good scare."<br>
"It's been worse. I remember the time on Cybertron—"<br>
"Save the war stories, hot shot. Just remember, there's a thin line between being a hero, and being a memory."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ironhide'''

"The rocket base is one hundred and forty kilometers due west of the Autobot camp."
:—'''Ravage'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sole line of dialog in the entire series.

"I am the leader of the future!"<br>
"You couldn't lead [[ant-droid]]s to a picnic. How can you pretend to lead the Decepticons?"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' arguing over Starscream's competence... again.

"We knew you were anxious to get back to Cybertron, but at least you could have waited for us."<br>
"Sorry, Prime. The ship was... full."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Mirage''' uttering a classic line.

==Other notes==
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 ExaggeratedPrime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Apparently Pat Lee had this as a poster in his office.]]

* There is a nice touch by the animators during the scene where the Autobots assist Optimus Prime after he rolls down the hill at the start of this episode. After Mirage, Prowl and Ratchet have pushed Optimus Prime's truck mode upright, he bounces as his suspension compensates for the weight of the truck landing on its wheels.

* After Ironhide assures that he'll be right back in action, Optimus Prime is depicted with rather exaggerated 'puffy' proportions for a brief sequence before he transforms into vehicle mode, which is similarly exaggerated with large wheels in comparison to the rest of the truck, followed by an exaggerated Ratchet in vehicle mode. Part of this animation is later reused near the end of the episode after the Decepticon space cruiser crashes, with the rest of the Autobots having similar proportions in both robot and vehicle mode.

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Autobot Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Autobots superior, Decepticons inferior.]]

* As the Autobots gather around Optimus Prime's fallen form and Mirage and Cliffjumper fly in, Cliffjumper is colored yellow like Bumblebee, who is currently buried under tons of rubble.

* Inside the mines, Soundwave is shown with a [[Shattered Glass (franchise)|purple Autobot insignia]].

* After the Decepticons fly out of the mines, Skywarp and two generic purple Decepticon jets are drawn with the silhouettes of pilots sitting inside their cockpits.

* Ironhide's back-mounted rocket launcher is shown in firing position before it emerges from his back.

* The energon cubes that Megatron holds when giving Skywarp permission to teleport are uncolored.

* When the Autobots volunteer, Jazz is seen among them at the same time that he's giving instructions.

*In the Japanese dub of the scene where Ironhide chases after Megatron and Skywarp, it is ''Thundercracker'' who requests permission to teleport.

* Skywarp's damaged tailfin isn't damaged when he teleports back into the scene.

* A mislayering of animation cells when Hound creates a hologram of Megatron to taunt Ravage causes it to appear as if Hound is standing in the prison cage with Ravage.

* After Ravage escapes, Hound explains to Optimus what happened, but it is Mirage's voice.

* In the reaction shot of the Autobots when Optimus Prime is pleased at Ravage's escape, the tips of Prowl's doors are colored as parts of Jazz and Mirage's heads.

* As the Decepticons move into position to attack the holographic rocket base, one shot has two Starscreams. However, given that these Decepticons are all junky decoys, this may not necessarily be an error.

* When Hound and Rumble struggle at the final battle, bubbles are rising up in the close-up of Hound. Either the animators got this confused with last episode's underwater fight, or Rumble is doing something really gross.

* In the original broadcast version of the episode—and in Rhino's DVD release—the establishing shot at the start of the third act uses a flubbed take: A major piece of artwork—the Decepticon starship blasting off into the sky—is missing, meaning the Autobots on the ground are reacting to nothing. (The completed shot does appear in the teaser for the episode at the end of Part 2, however.) Oddly enough, the bonus disc in this DVD set calls out the error in a collection of bloopers and oddities.

* This episode features a curious sound oddity as presented on the More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Special Edition disc (included as a pack-in with Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime). When the edited-together film reaches the point covered by the third episode, the viewer will notice strange, random mechanical sound effects popping up that have no on-screen source. The sound effects usually appear at scene transitions, and indeed seem to be the sound effects for the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] used in the [[Generation 2]] broadcast of this episode. Note however, that Cybernet Space Cube visual effects are ''not'' present, as the episode is presented more in terms of its original broadcast. How and why the Cybernet Space Cube sound effects were included in this presentation of the episode (and why the problem only afflicts the third part and not parts one and two) are currently unknown.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Dullsurprise.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Dull Surprise|DULL SURPRISE!]]]]

* Mirage, Hound, Jazz and Prowl all react with shock at Optimus' statement that Ravage's escape was a good thing. Yet they were all in on the plan to let Ravage get away to tell the Decepticons about the secret hologram rocket base that is most certainly not a trap. Did they just forget?

* The [[Mini Vehicle]] Autobots are shown disguised as lab-coat-wearing scientists to complete the holographic illusion of a rocket base, though it's a pretty poor disguise when you realize these scientists are big enough to turn into trucks and cars. Also, where'd they get the lab coats? (For that matter, why not just make holographic scientists?)

* Spike can throw a rock with enough force to knock Starscream's Null Ray off his arm. To be fair, it was the arm that Megatron blasted in an earlier scene. Of course, when we next see Starscream a few seconds later, it's been magically repaired and reattached, so it all works out.

* Mirage is clearly visible (prominent, in fact) during the Autobots' final, desperate assault on the space cruiser, despite later being shown to have snuck aboard it. This is either a major continuity error or the one time that Mirage's electro-disruptor works in the cartoon in the way his [[bio]] says it does.

[[Image:OptimusCDeckMTMTE3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Look away from the animation errors!"]]

* During the final showdown between the Autobots and Decepticons, there is a scene in which Optimus Prime uses his [[Combat Deck]] to shoot the fusion cannon off Megatron's arm. This allows them to fight hand to hand. However, only a scene change or two later, Prime throws Megatron to the ground, his cannon perfectly visible in place.

* Also, in the shot of Optimus telling his Combat Deck to fire, there is a mountain visible in the background. When the exact same shot of Prime and the Deck appears again, there's a clear sky behind them.

* Prime is nearly knocked out of commission by the explosion that collapses [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma|a Burmese ruby mine]], yet he simply seems to shrug off the effects of getting hit by a cruiser cannon and falling to Earth from the very edge of the atmosphere.

* Despite the heights the space cruiser certainly reached before the sabotage, Mirage parachutes down to exactly the spot where the Autobots were assembled.

* The space cruiser is shown crashing into the ocean near the coast. However, later episodes show the cruiser is well far away from any coast line.

===Real-world references===
* Rocket base Cape Carlson may be a reference to Cape Canaveral, Florida.

===Trivia===
* This is the only time in the original series that Ravage speaks, relaying the information on the rocket base with his own voice instead of merely replaying Hound and Mirage's conversation about it. When he reappeared in ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]],'' he was similarly growly, but he had gained an [[Accents|Eastern European accent]].

* During the aforementioned final showdown between Optimus Prime and Megatron, an animation oddity results in what a few fans have taken as evidence of an obscure, little-used ability of Optimus: the Finger of Doom. As described, Optimus deploys Combat Deck to shoot Megatron's cannon off of his arm. Simultaneously, Megatron fires his arm cannon and destroys Combat Deck. However, during the shot of Combat Deck exploding, the animation of Prime pointing at Megatron is ''re-used''. The next immediate shot is Megatron being disarmed by an energy blast, which would seem to have come not from Combat Deck, whose blast should have already arrived, but from Prime's immediately prior pointing finger. Thus, Optimus Prime's Finger of Doom.

* In a continuing trend during the Generation 1 cartoon, Prime's Combat Deck looks nothing like its toy counterpart or like it will appear in any future episodes. Not really an error since it's blown up here and could've been rebuilt differently.

==Home video releases==
* In 1984, this episode was edited together with "Parts 1" and "2" to create a "feature-length movie", which was sold on videocassette as Volume 1 of [[Family Home Entertainment]]'s ''Transformers'' collection. The release had the (now somewhat quaint) honor of being available in both VHS and Betamax formats.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/more_than_meets_the_eye_part_3.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

More than Meets the Eye, Part 3

2010-03-08T08:35:19Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=3
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=3
|prev2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|next2=Transport to Oblivion
|image=More Than Meets Part 3.jpg
|caption= NOW ENTERING AREA 51 - ACCESS RESTRICTED! NO TRESPASSING, NO PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED
|title="More than Meets the Eye, Part 3"
|production code=4025
|airdate=[[September 19]], 1984
|written by=[[George Arthur Bloom]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
}}

'''When an Autobot attempt to lure the Decepticons into a holographic trap fails, the villains succeed in gathering the energy they need, leaving the Autobots with only one chance to stop them returning to Cybertron.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 地球脱出! (''Chikyū Dasshutsu!'', "Escape from Earth!")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Die letzte Schlacht'''" ("The Last Battle")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 PushingPrimeupright.jpg|left|200px|thumb|After a bad fall, it's important that you move every part of the victim. Forcibly if needed.]]

Caught in the blast of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack's]] explosive, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] tumbles down the mountainside. Shaken but not defeated, he musters the energy to transform into robot mode. The [[Autobot|Autobots]] begin digging through the rubble and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] finds [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] alive and unharmed. Before the Autobots can begin celebrating what they presume to be the end of their enemies, there's a blast from the rubble. The [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] have survived their burial and have blasted their way out. With their [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] haul unscathed, the Decepticons take to the air.

[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is tired of this string of defeats, and he soon takes to the air to follow. [[Bluestreak]] takes off to try to rein him in. Ironhide takes a few pot-shots at the fleeing Decepticons, and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] breaks formation to teleport behind their pursuers. He lands a rocket square in Ironhide's back, knocking the old Autobot out of the chase. Ironhide crashes into a lake, and the Autobots catch up with him to pull him out of the water and into [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet's]] waiting repair bay. The Autobots return to base.

Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] taunts the captive [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and discusses the Decepticon spy's apparent abandonment by his comrades. In using a hologram of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to goad Ravage, Hound and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] brainstorm an idea: to use an enormous hologram to trick the Decepticons into a trap. He pitches the idea to Optimus Prime, and the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] agrees.

Soon after, Hound talks to Mirage about a report from [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] of a secret supply of rocket fuel. He says all this quite within earshot of Ravage, explaining how there's enough fuel there to make "four trips back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]." As Mirage and Hound walk away, Hound "accidentally" drops the key to Ravage's cage. The Decepticon retrieves it and escapes captivity.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Starscreambegs.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The genesis of a whole lot of slashfic.]]

Back at the Decepticon camp, Ravage reports in to Megatron about the rocket base. Megatron is delighted; it's the last energy source they'll need before they can return to Cybertron. As Megatron gloats, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] grouses about the need for a change in leadership. In a foolish move, Starscream tries to blast Megatron in the back. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] warns his leader, who deflects the blast with a built-in energy shield. Starscream has spent all his ammunition in this single shot, and he is left defenseless. Megatron returns the sentiment by blasting Starscream in the arm, knocking his disloyal lieutenant to the ground. Groveling, Starscream huddles to Megatron's feet, who answers his pleas only by issuing the command: "We attack the rocket base at sunrise!"

In a flat stretch of desert, Hound creates the rocket base hologram. The Decepticons move into position, and Megatron orders them to attack.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Jazz ScrapDecepticon.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Jazz soon regrets buying from eBay.]]

The Autobots spring their trap, running out from hiding to ambush the attacking Decepticons. However, when they engage in hand-to-hand combat, the Decepticons break apart like poorly made machines. Optimus Prime realizes they've been had. These aren't the Decepticons, but are instead decoys. Megatron, the only real Decepticon present, laughs at Prime's misstep. He saw through the phony release of Ravage. Megatron reveals to his defeated enemy that the real Decepticon army has been attacking the real rocket base.

Cut to [[Cape Carlson]], the real rocket base, where the Decepticon jets arrive. They transform and neutralize the human army's attempt to stop them. In short time, Megatron rejoins them, and they soon return to their launch base with all the fuel they need. Soundwave reports the space cruiser's readiness, and Megatron orders the Decepticons to prepare to blast off.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Optimus overacting.jpg|right|200px|thumb|KHAAAAAAAAAN!]]

Back at the Autobot ship, Optimus Prime briefs his soldiers on the grim situation. He tells them that Megatron is on the verge of returning to Cybertron, where he could become unstoppable with the energon he has tapped from [[Earth]]. The Autobots have no choice but to directly attack the Decepticons. Prime asks for volunteers, and all the Autobots—and their human allies [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and Sparkplug—step forward. The Autobots transform into vehicle mode and roll out.

As the Decepticons begin to board the [[Victory (ship)|cruiser]], the Autobots encircle the base. Prime's forces transform into robot form and begin the attack. The Autobots grapple with the Decepticons, but the battle is brief. Megatron and his forces get aboard their ship and blast off into the sky.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 ExtinctiontoallTraitors.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Naturally, Megatron is a firm advocate of the Second Amendment.]]

Optimus Prime refuses to concede defeat. He orders [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to hand over his rocket pack. Donning the pack, Prime takes off to personally pursue the Decepticon cruiser. Starscream spots Prime in pursuit. The cruiser opens fire, blasting Prime who falls out of the sky and hits the ground hard.

The Autobots gather to see if Prime is okay, and the tough Autobot shrugs off their help. It's then that he notices that Mirage is missing from their ranks.

Aboard the cruiser, Starscream makes his move to usurp Megatron. Waiting for the Decepticon leader to lower his guard and remove his arm-cannon, Starscream raises his weapon to Megatron. Just then, Mirage drops his invisibility power to fire a few shots in the cruiser's controls. Starscream turns to blast Mirage, and Megatron takes advantage of the distraction to retrieve his cannon and fire on Starscream. Chaos erupts aboard the cruiser as Mirage's sabotage begins spreading and Soundwave loses control of the ship.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Mirage HALOjump.jpg|right|200px|thumb|WHEEEEEE!]]

Mirage scrambles to his feet and jumps from the doomed ship as it crashes into the ocean. The Autobots on the ground stare incredulously as the Decepticons are suddenly and mysteriously defeated. They then spot Mirage, the unlikely hero, floating to the ground in a parachute rig. The Autobots celebrate their victory.

Spike writes in his journal that because the Autobots stopped the Decepticons from stealing Earth's resources, the governments of the world have decided to give Optimus Prime the energy he needs to revitalize Cybertron. The Autobot ship is being refurbished, and Spike and Sparkplug eagerly await their trip to the Transformers' home world.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the ocean, the Decepticon space cruiser rests. Bubbles emerge from a hatch that is pulled free from the inside by massive metal hands. Megatron lives.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (4)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (5)
*[[Bluestreak]] (6)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (7)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (8)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (9)
*[[Roller]] (10)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (11)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (26)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (19)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (27)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (29)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"You gave us all a pretty good scare."<br>
"It's been worse. I remember the time on Cybertron—"<br>
"Save the war stories, hot shot. Just remember, there's a thin line between being a hero, and being a memory."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ironhide'''

"The rocket base is one hundred and forty kilometers due west of the Autobot camp."
:—'''Ravage'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sole line of dialog in the entire series.

"I am the leader of the future!"<br>
"You couldn't lead [[ant-droid]]s to a picnic. How can you pretend to lead the Decepticons?"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' arguing over Starscream's competence... again.

"We knew you were anxious to get back to Cybertron, but at least you could have waited for us."<br>
"Sorry, Prime. The ship was... full."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Mirage''' uttering a classic line.

==Other notes==
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 ExaggeratedPrime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Apparently Pat Lee had this as a poster in his office.]]

* There is a nice touch by the animators during the scene where the Autobots assist Optimus Prime after he rolls down the hill at the start of this episode. After Mirage, Prowl and Ratchet have pushed Optimus Prime's truck mode upright, he bounces as his suspension compensates for the weight of the truck landing on its wheels.

* After Ironhide assures that he'll be right back in action, Optimus Prime is depicted with rather exaggerated 'puffy' proportions for a brief sequence before he transforms into vehicle mode, which is similarly exaggerated with large wheels in comparison to the rest of the truck, followed by an exaggerated Ratchet in vehicle mode. Part of this animation is later reused near the end of the episode after the Decepticon space cruiser crashes, with the rest of the Autobots having similar proportions in both robot and vehicle mode.

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Autobot Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Autobots superior, Decepticons inferior.]]

* As the Autobots gather around Optimus Prime's fallen form and Mirage and Cliffjumper fly in, Cliffjumper is colored yellow like Bumblebee, who is currently buried under tons of rubble.

* Inside the mines, Soundwave is shown with a [[Shattered Glass (franchise)|purple Autobot insignia]].

* After the Decepticons fly out of the mines, Skywarp and two generic purple Decepticon jets are drawn with the silhouettes of pilots sitting inside their cockpits.

* Ironhide's back-mounted rocket launcher is shown in firing position before it emerges from his back.

* The energon cubes that Megatron holds when giving Skywarp permission to teleport are uncolored.

* When the Autobots volunteer, Jazz is seen among them at the same time that he's giving instructions.

*In the Japanese dub of the scene where Ironhide chases after Megatron and Skywarp, it is ''Thundercracker'' who requests permission to teleport.

* Skywarp's damaged tailfin isn't damaged when he teleports back into the scene.

* A mislayering of animation cells when Hound creates a hologram of Megatron to taunt Ravage causes it to appear as if Hound is standing in the prison cage with Ravage.

* After Ravage escapes, Hound explains to Optimus what happened, but it is Mirage's voice.

* In the reaction shot of the Autobots when Optimus Prime is pleased at Ravage's escape, the tips of Prowl's doors are colored as parts of Jazz and Mirage's heads.

* As the Decepticons move into position to attack the holographic rocket base, one shot has two Starscreams. However, given that these Decepticons are all junky decoys, this may not necessarily be an error.

* When Hound and Rumble struggle at the final battle, bubbles are rising up in the close-up of Hound. Either the animators got this confused with last episode's underwater fight, or Rumble is doing something really gross.

* In the original broadcast version of the episode—and in Rhino's DVD release—the establishing shot at the start of the third act uses a flubbed take: A major piece of artwork—the Decepticon starship blasting off into the sky—is missing, meaning the Autobots on the ground are reacting to nothing. (The completed shot does appear in the teaser for the episode at the end of Part 2, however.) Oddly enough, the bonus disc in this DVD set calls out the error in a collection of bloopers and oddities.

* This episode features a curious sound oddity as presented on the More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Special Edition disc (included as a pack-in with Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime). When the edited-together film reaches the point covered by the third episode, the viewer will notice strange, random mechanical sound effects popping up that have no on-screen source. The sound effects usually appear at scene transitions, and indeed seem to be the sound effects for the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] used in the [[Generation 2]] broadcast of this episode. Note however, that Cybernet Space Cube visual effects are ''not'' present, as the episode is presented more in terms of its original broadcast. How and why the Cybernet Space Cube sound effects were included in this presentation of the episode (and why the problem only afflicts the third part and not parts one and two) are currently unknown.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Dullsurprise.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[DULL SURPRISE]]!]]

* Mirage, Hound, Jazz and Prowl all react with shock at Optimus' statement that Ravage's escape was a good thing. Yet they were all in on the plan to let Ravage get away to tell the Decepticons about the secret hologram rocket base that is most certainly not a trap. Did they just forget?

* The [[Mini Vehicle]] Autobots are shown disguised as lab-coat-wearing scientists to complete the holographic illusion of a rocket base, though it's a pretty poor disguise when you realize these scientists are big enough to turn into trucks and cars. Also, where'd they get the lab coats? (For that matter, why not just make holographic scientists?)

* Spike can throw a rock with enough force to knock Starscream's Null Ray off his arm. To be fair, it was the arm that Megatron blasted in an earlier scene. Of course, when we next see Starscream a few seconds later, it's been magically repaired and reattached, so it all works out.

* Mirage is clearly visible (prominent, in fact) during the Autobots' final, desperate assault on the space cruiser, despite later being shown to have snuck aboard it. This is either a major continuity error or the one time that Mirage's electro-disruptor works in the cartoon in the way his [[bio]] says it does.

[[Image:OptimusCDeckMTMTE3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Look away from the animation errors!"]]

* During the final showdown between the Autobots and Decepticons, there is a scene in which Optimus Prime uses his [[Combat Deck]] to shoot the fusion cannon off Megatron's arm. This allows them to fight hand to hand. However, only a scene change or two later, Prime throws Megatron to the ground, his cannon perfectly visible in place.

* Also, in the shot of Optimus telling his Combat Deck to fire, there is a mountain visible in the background. When the exact same shot of Prime and the Deck appears again, there's a clear sky behind them.

* Prime is nearly knocked out of commission by the explosion that collapses [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma|a Burmese ruby mine]], yet he simply seems to shrug off the effects of getting hit by a cruiser cannon and falling to Earth from the very edge of the atmosphere.

* Despite the heights the space cruiser certainly reached before the sabotage, Mirage parachutes down to exactly the spot where the Autobots were assembled.

* The space cruiser is shown crashing into the ocean near the coast. However, later episodes show the cruiser is well far away from any coast line.

===Real-world references===
* Rocket base Cape Carlson may be a reference to Cape Canaveral, Florida.

===Trivia===
* This is the only time in the original series that Ravage speaks, relaying the information on the rocket base with his own voice instead of merely replaying Hound and Mirage's conversation about it. When he reappeared in ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]],'' he was similarly growly, but he had gained an [[Accents|Eastern European accent]].

* During the aforementioned final showdown between Optimus Prime and Megatron, an animation oddity results in what a few fans have taken as evidence of an obscure, little-used ability of Optimus: the Finger of Doom. As described, Optimus deploys Combat Deck to shoot Megatron's cannon off of his arm. Simultaneously, Megatron fires his arm cannon and destroys Combat Deck. However, during the shot of Combat Deck exploding, the animation of Prime pointing at Megatron is ''re-used''. The next immediate shot is Megatron being disarmed by an energy blast, which would seem to have come not from Combat Deck, whose blast should have already arrived, but from Prime's immediately prior pointing finger. Thus, Optimus Prime's Finger of Doom.

* In a continuing trend during the Generation 1 cartoon, Prime's Combat Deck looks nothing like its toy counterpart or like it will appear in any future episodes. Not really an error since it's blown up here and could've been rebuilt differently.

==Home video releases==
* In 1984, this episode was edited together with "Parts 1" and "2" to create a "feature-length movie", which was sold on videocassette as Volume 1 of [[Family Home Entertainment]]'s ''Transformers'' collection. The release had the (now somewhat quaint) honor of being available in both VHS and Betamax formats.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/more_than_meets_the_eye_part_3.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers

2010-03-08T08:14:34Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Japanese Generation 1 fiction */

{{picsneeded}}
Over the years, many '''misconceptions and urban legends''' have sprung up within ''Transformers'' [[fandom]], often resulting from such factors as fuzzy childhood memories, inaccurate catalog illustrations, and mistranslations of foreign material.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Transformers is (only) a cartoon from the Eighties that has been brought back into vogue recently.'''
: A misconception usually held by casual fans or nostalgic adults is that Transformers went away some time around 1986 (or 1987, or 1988—pick your year), and has only recently popped back up as an attempt to cash in on '80s nostalgia.
:In fact, the [[Transformers brand]] has been continuous since 1984 (there was a brief gap between 1990 and 1993 as far as the United States market was concerned, but the brand still continued with new products on other markets). It includes many [[Franchise|lines of toys, cartoons and comics]] that span over two decades, with no sign of stopping, as Hasbro considers it a core brand. Each line has experienced varying degrees of success, rebooting when its target audience gets too old or uninterested in the toyline and fiction.
:Some of this misconception is based on the fact that most of the original audience stopped watching and following the franchise after its cancellation, or even before (as it wasn't "cool" to be kiddy once puberty hit). Without any exposure to the market, the toyline and the new cartoons, they simply assume that ''Transformers'' has sunk in popularity, quality and/or sales, since it's not what they remember.
:It ''is'' true that Transformers hit a low point of popularity in the early 1990s, with the cancelation of Generation 1 and the unremarkable sales of ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]''. But the successor ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' line re-established the brand for a new generation beginning in 1996, and Transformers has been a dominant toy franchise ever since.

*'''Generation 1 obviously has the best toys, cartoons and characters.'''
:Casual fans likewise tend to assume automatically that the original 1980s iteration of Transformers is the best and most successful line to date, with all other successors being unpopular and/or unsuccessful ventures.
:While it's hard to measure the overall success of every line in all its aspects, the original line has been surpassed in both quality and sales multiple times over. In factors such as realistic alternate forms, durability, articulation, action features, and complexity, various later toylines have all exceeded Generation 1. And while fiction can't be measured objectively, many fans will swear up and down by some of the later incarnations of ''Transformers''.
:Arguably, Transformers is in an endless cycle of creating new fans who share new opinions on what is "teh greatest".

*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime was the first, ''original'' Optimus Prime toy.'''

[[Image:G1 OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|1984—the original.]]
[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|1988—the Powermaster version.]]
:This one claims that the [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] toy, originally released in 1988, is the ''original'', first Optimus Prime toy ever released, rather than the ''earlier'', non-Powermaster toy, which is an entirely different mold and was originally available in 1984. This phenomenon is particularly common in [[eBay]] auctions, where Powermaster Optimus Prime toys are frequently advertised as "ORIGINAL Optimus Prime".
:The reasons for this misconception are obvious: Numerous people arrived late to the party—that is, became fans of the original ''Transformers'' line after the ''real'' original Optimus Prime toy had vanished off the shelves in 1986 (the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] was still shown in reruns on TV). Any of them looking for a toy of the iconic [[Autobot]] leader would only find the Powermaster toy on store shelves starting in 1988. Fast-forward to 20 years later, and people who weren't really paying a lot of attention to the brand for the past few years, now looking to sell off their childhood toys, would naturally conclude that the toy they got as a kid was the ''original'' Optimus Prime toy.
:The phenomenon is even more widespread in countries such as Germany, where the cartoon wasn't officially shown on TV until 1989(!). By that point, the ''original'' toy, which had originally been released by [[Milton Bradley]] on the European market in 1985, was long gone off the shelves. Thus, the only Optimus Prime toy available to kids who had only just become fans because of the cartoon was the Powermaster version. Admittedly, gray imports of the Mexican version of the ''original'' toy by [[IGA]] were also available in European stores around this time, and Hasbro themselves would release the original toy again two years later as part of their European-exclusive [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] line of reissues. However, the Powermaster Optimus Prime toy was still a lot more widespread.

*'''20th Anniversary Optimus Prime was the Optimus Prime toy available more than 20 years ago/Alternators are the same toys that were available 20 years ago.'''

[[Image:20thAnniversary OptimusPrimesm.jpg|left|125px|thumb|Sadly, this didn't exist until 2003.]]
:This misconception usually comes from people who, upon seeing the 20th Anniversary [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] toy (which was originally released in 2003/2004), honest-to-god swear it's the toy they had when they were a kid. Similarly, there are also people who believe that the toys from the ''[[Alternators]]'' line are the same toys they had as kids, when they're most likely confusing them with the original Autobot Cars, which are about half the size.
:The reasons for this aren't too hard to guess: People were a lot smaller when they were kids, so obviously the original Transformers toys seemed a lot larger to them. Since these fans didn't repeatedly hold or play with their Transformers while growing up, they weren't constantly adjusting to the toys' size in relation to their own. This resulted in blurred memories of outright ''gargantuan'' Transformers toys available in the 1980s. (One might wonder how tall those people would remember [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] being.)
:When confronted with the original toys—now relatively small because the fans have grown up—these people often reject them, insisting the "original" toys were ''larger'' (occasionally even accusing the ''real'' original toys of being downsized [[Knockoff|knockoffs]]). Showing them the Alternators or 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, on the other hand, will bring back warm (albeit incorrect) memories.

{{-}}

*'''A "giant"-sized Optimus Prime toy was available during Generation 1.'''
:A variant of the above of sorts. In at least a few cases, claims regarding a "giant" Generation 1 Prime may stem from dim memories of coming across [http://www.pleasesavemerobots.com/scrambledcity/skorbia/skorbyg2.html oversized Optimus Prime knockoffs that were made in Korea]—or because they had the ''normal'' Prime as kids, when they (the former kids) were about ''half'' the height they are now (see above). Other people also may have blurred memories of the Powermaster Optimus Prime toy's larger robot mode when combined with his trailer.
:The release of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime didn't exactly help matters either (again, see above).

*'''"Bumblejumper" is a fan name for a yellow version of Cliffjumper./Bumblejumper was sold both on Bumblebee and Cliffjumper cards.'''
[[Image:G1Bumper toy.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Bumper", who later would be known as "Bumper".]]
:As part of the launch of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|''Generation 1'' toyline]] in 1984, Hasbro released two Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Minicar]] toys, [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], both of which had vehicle modes that used [[Choro-Q]]-like proportions. Bumblebee was based on a classic Volkswagen Beetle, whereas Cliffjumper was based on a Porsche 924 Turbo. In all the official advertising as well as the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon series]] and the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comics]], Bumblebee was consistently colored yellow, whereas Cliffjumper was colored red (not counting one-off coloring and [[Animation error|animation errors]]). However, Hasbro also released a red Bumblebee and a yellow Cliffjumper, both of which used the same cardbacks as the regular versions.
:In addition, Hasbro also released a [[Bumper (G1)|''third'' mold]] using a similar body structure and transformation scheme, based on a Mazda Familia 1500XG. This toy had originally been available as part of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' line, but was not officially advertised as a ''Transformers'' toy. (Note that this toy is not to be confused with [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]], a yellow [[retool]] of Cliffjumper released in 1986.) To this very day, only yellow samples of this toy in ''Transformers'' packaging have surfaced, all of them on "Cliffjumper" cards. The color variants for Bumblebee and Cliffjumper continued to be available with the 1985 assortment (which featured [[Rubsign|rubsigns]] and the Mini Vehicle toys packaged in robot mode rather than in [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]), whereas no samples of the Mazda Familia in 1985 packaging have surfaced thus far.
:Fans later started to refer to the Mazda Familia mold by portmanteau names such as "Bumblejumper", "Cliffbee" and "Bumper". The last of these names was eventually made official when a character based on the toy made appearances in the ongoing [[Generation One (Dreamwave comic)|''Generation One'' Volume 1]] comic series by [[Dreamwave Productions]] and in the ''[[Megatron Origin]]'' mini-series by [[IDW Publishing]]. However, fans who know about the Bumblebee/Cliffjumper color variants, but are unaware of the existence of the Mazda Familia mold, occasionally incorrectly assume that the name "Bumblejumper" refers to the yellow color variant of Cliffjumper... which is simply referred to as "yellow Cliffjumper" by most fans.

*'''A now-rare (and thus valuable) blue variant of Bluestreak was available during Generation 1.'''

[[Image:G1 Bluestreak boxart.jpg|right|150px|thumb|You had this as a kid. The picture, that is. Not the toy.]]
:The very earliest [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] toy [[catalog]]s used a photo of a blue-sided ''[[Diaclone]]'' Fairlady Z to represent [[Bluestreak]]; photographs of the same toy were used for Bluestreak's own [[Instructions|instruction booklet]]. The same blue-sided color scheme was also used on his [[Package art|box art]]; Bluestreak's box art was in turn shown on ''every'' 1984 instruction booklet as a sample tech spec.
:All this gave rise to a long-standing myth that a blue Bluestreak toy was sold under the ''Transformers'' brand during Generation 1, with some people going so far as to "remember" owning blue Bluestreaks as children, or at least knowing someone else who did. Adding to the confusion, ''[[wikipedia:ToyFare|ToyFare]]'' magazine has a long history of listing the supposed blue Bluestreak as a "foreign [[variant]]" in its monthly price guide.
:However, actual samples of a blue-sided Bluestreak in a sealed ''Transformers'' box have ''never'' appeared, and the [[Karl Hartman|collectors who have been at it since the very beginning]] and [[Jon Hartman|amassed ''insane'' numbers of rare Transformers]] have never seen one.
: Oddly enough, numerous other Transformers toys from that era were depicted in both catalogues and packaging art with colors they were never released in —[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], for example— yet Bluestreak is the only one to be (mis)remembered in this manner, perhaps because his name is <i>Blue</i>streak, so he had to have been blue, right?

*'''A show-accurate Skyfire toy was available during Generation 1.'''

[[Image:Jetfire-SkyfireModels.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Patience. You just have to wait 22 years.]]
:Due to some legal entanglements, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] was renamed "Skyfire" for the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], with a character model that bore only a vague resemblance to the toy. Some confused viewers seem to have come away assuming that there had to be a [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] Generation 1 toy by the name of Skyfire. (The ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Jetfire toy is actually designed as a mix between the original toy and the cartoon character model.)

*'''Some Generation 1 toy molds were in use as long ago as 1974.'''
:Some ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]''-derived toys have the text "©1974 TAKARA" stamped on them, and as a result are occasionally sold on eBay with descriptions such as "original 1974 [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]". However, the date 1974 refers to the introduction of the original [[Microman]] franchise; the first ''Microchange'' toys weren't even designed until the early 1980s.

*'''A winged variant of Sludge was available during Generation 1.'''
:A [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] [[knockoff]] that featured wings and a pterodactyl-like beast head was fairly commonplace during the Generation 1 era, and in some cases people who owned this knockoff as children seem to have misremembered it as being a [[Hasbro]] or [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]-produced [[variant]].<ref name="Sludge Knockoff">[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/Sludge1.html http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/Sludge1.html]</ref>

*'''A Unicron toy was available during Generation 1.'''
[[Image:Unicron Proto.jpg|thumb|200px|Seriously, aren't you glad your poor parents didn't have to waste like a hundred bucks on this back in '86?]]
:No toys of [[Unicron]] were available (or even produced beyond [[prototype]]) until 2003. In fact, the mere ''existence'' of those prototypes wasn't actually officially confirmed until many years later. The first official Unicron toy to be released came out as part of the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line in 2003 and was a brand new mold, not based on an old, unused prototype.
:The fictional existence of a ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' Unicron toy is likely based on schoolground one-upmanship: if one kid had a larger toy such as [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], a rival kid would claim to have a Unicron toy in order to appear cooler, but would most likely retire to his bed a sobbing mess, knowing in his heart that one day God would punish him for being a HUGE FIBBER.

*'''The Decepticon combiner team Seacons is pronounced "See-ih-cons" vice "See-cons."'''
:This belief stems from the fact that nearly all Decepticon teams before them had a "i" or "a" vowel break in between the prefix and "con" (Construct'''i'''cons, Combat'''i'''cons, Pred'''a'''cons, etc), with nearly all the teams having three or more syllables. To fit the pattern, some fans inserted an extra syllable into "[[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]s", expanding the name to "See-ah-cons" or something similar. There was little to disprove this, since audio media mentioning the team by name is rare. However, fans have since found there was one toy commercial for the set and the narrator clearly calls them "See-cons."

*'''The reissue Soundwave toys released by Takara are reverse-engineered from Soundblaster because the original molds are lost'''
:Both the ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' and ''[[Encore]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] releases have different tape buttons and hinges than the ones found on the vintage Hasbro release. While the vintage Hasbro Soundwave had inset controls and an internal tape deck hinge, the Takara reissues have a large button block that serves as a pivot point for an external tape deck hinge. The supposed reason for this is the mold for the original versions of the buttons and door are lost or worn out, so a new single tape door was made to work with the Soundblaster mold.
:In fact, the buttons and hinge used on the reissue Soundwaves were originally a [[retool]]ed running change [[variant]] of Takara's original 1985 release of Soundwave. The further Soundblaster retool was based on the later Japanese version of Soundwave, as were the reissues. Presumably, the original mold in its original condition ''is'' lost - but this happened ''long'' before Takara retooled Soundwave into Soundblaster.

===Generation 2===
*'''"Generation 2" means "after ''The Transformers: The Movie''."'''
:This common but explicitly false idea probably stems from the many casual fans who grew up with the original ''Transformers'' line but stopped paying much attention around 1986, when the animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' debuted and the ''Transformers'' craze began to die down. Many such fans regained some interest in ''Transformers'' many years later, particularly with hype surrounding the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 live-action movie]]. Seeing the phrase "Generation 2" batted around in fandom, it might seem natural to assume it refers to the big changeover that happened with the animated film. It certainly didn't help that, early in the life of [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]], [[Pat Lee]] shared in this misconception, leading other new arrivals to the fandom to ape his use of the term.
:While the original animated movie certainly marked a change from one "generation" of toys to another, along with some new design trends, the phrase "Generation 2" refers to [[Generation 2 (franchise)|a very specific franchise]], marketed from 1992 to 1995—years after the animated film had come and gone. Its relative obscurity probably contributes to the mis-attribution of the term, as ''Generation 2'' marks a low point in popularity for ''Transformers'' as a whole.

===Robots in Disguise===
*'''The ''Robots in Disguise'' toyline was known as "Transformers 2000" in Japan.'''
:As information about the then-new [[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|''Car Robots'' toyline]] began to trickle out of Japan in 2000, early rumors purportedly from Japanese sources indicated that it was officially named "Transformers 2000".<ref name="Transformers 2000">http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/e6436b92178f0c0a</ref> It's possible those Japanese sources were also going by early, inaccurate rumors or perhaps a soon-to-be-discarded working title for the line. The idea persisted with many Western fans well after the true name of the show was revealed, encouraged by online import retailers (who were equally misinformed) using the title to promote pre-orders on their sites.

===Alternators===
*'''A yellow version of Alternators Tracks was released to North American stores (but then recalled by Hasbro).'''

[[Image:YellowTracks.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Only in Japan, baby.]]
:When [[Hasbro]] (and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) originally announced the ''[[Alternators]]'' version of [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] in 2004, the toy's [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode's]] primary color was yellow. This caused the ire of a significant portion of the fandom, which insisted that the toy had to be ''blue'', like its ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' predecessor.
:However, while Takara did release their ''Binaltech'' version of the toy in yellow, stolen [[Prototype|samples]] of the Hasbro version eventually surfaced which were indeed blue rather than yellow. Hasbro eventually confirmed at [[OTFCC 2004]] that the initial idea had been to release the toy in yellow first, and then later as a running change [[variant]] in blue, like Takara would ultimately do. However, Hasbro had encountered problems at the test shot stage, where it became evident that some of the toy's innards were shining through the yellow plastic. As a result, plans for a release of the yellow version were scrapped, and it was decided to release the blue version from the get-go.
:However, around the time when the yellow version of ("Autobot") Tracks was originally supposed to arrive in stores, rumors started circulating that some stores (usually Wal-Mart) had indeed received a shipment of the toy, but were then asked by Hasbro to send back the entire batch. Some variants of this rumor later even claimed having seen a cell photo from the friend of a friend depicting a yellow Alternators Tracks in packaging on top of a case sporting a "RETURN TO SENDER" note. Conveniently, circumstance always prevented these people from taking a photo and sharing it with the internet public.
:Needless to say, no substantial evidence has ever surfaced to back up these claims. Furthermore, there are several factors that make this story extremely doubtful: First, Hasbro—in their own words—discovered the problems with the see-through yellow plastic at the test shot stage (which is the entire ''point'' of this part of the production run). Why would they actually bother to continue the production run, print the packaging, pack the toy and send it to stores and ''then'' decide to recall it? Never mind that toy recalls are usually done due to safety concerns, not because of ''looks''. Also, we've seen "leaked" (read: stolen) packaged samples of pretty much every single Alternators toy several months prior to its official release. Yellow Tracks? The last thing we saw of him was an unpackaged, painted sample with (intentionally) off-color Autobot sigils and "NOT FOR SALE" markings. In the four years since the toy's alleged stealth shipment to stores, not a single packaged sample has surfaced.
:The only "packaged" versions of a yellow ''Alternators'' Tracks we ever got to see were internet pranks of the "yellow ''Binaltech'' Tracks in photoshopped Hasbro box" variety. Which, of course, didn't exactly help matters.

*'''Hasbro omitted ''Alternators'' Windcharger's gun barrel for safety reasons.'''

[[Image:WindchargerOverdrive.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Castrated at the request of Honda.]]
:When the first stolen [[Prototype|test shots]] of ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] surfaced in 2004, the toy sported an extraordinarily long gun barrel (which doubled as the [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]'s drive shaft). However, when [[Hasbro]] finally officially announced the toy on their public website, the gun barrel was missing from all the official photos. Since Hasbro's photographers have a reputation of frequently depicting mistransformed toys in their official promotional photos, fans initially assumed that Hasbro was showing a "broken" toy—but then the first (stolen) packaged samples surfaced, which were also lacking the barrel.
:The toy was ultimately released without the barrel, which was not shown or mentioned anywhere on the packaging or in the instructions. Indeed, Windcharger's weapon accessory was officially identified as a "shield" on the back of the packaging (in addition to the actual, ragtop roof shield). [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], on the other hand, later released their own ''Binaltech'' version of the toy (named [[Overdrive]]) with the full barrel, prominently shown in the official promotional photos.
:The initial fan theory upon seeing the barrel-less toy was that Hasbro had gutted it [[for safety reasons]], since the long barrel might pose choking hazard. Even though this was refuted by actual experts on toy safety standards, the rumor still persisted. An official response of Hasbro's customer service department to an e-mail inquiry (published on a fan site's message board) confirmed that the reason for the barrel's omission was "so the accessory would not look like a weapon".<ref name="Windcharger gun barrel">"http://forums.tformers.com/talk/index.php?showtopic=13088 Response from Hasbro's customer service department regarding the lack of Alternators Windcharger's gun barrel.</ref> Some fans now shifted the blame from Hasbro (or toy safety laws) to Honda, since all ''Alternators'' toys were officially licensed vehicles (Honda wouldn't be the first company to have objections about their vehicles being depicted as "war toys", either), while others tried to ambiguously interpret the response mail, or even accuse Hasbro's customer service department of simply not actually knowing what they were talking about. The release of Takara's version with the full gun barrel intact didn't exactly help to resolve matters either.
:Eventually, Hasbro (in the presence of Takara representatives) would confirm the full story at [[BotCon 2005]]: It had indeed been Honda, specifically their North American branch, that had asked to remove the gun barrel and all references to "weapons" from the toy, its packaging and included paperwork. Honda's Japanese department, on the other hand, had no such concerns, which is why Takara were able to release the ''Binaltech'' version with the barrel intact.
:This didn't mark an end to the "for toy safety reasons" rumor, though: Some fans who are unaware of Hasbro's statement at the BotCon panel still assume the (seemingly) evident explanation, whereas some conspiracy theorists explicitly reject the official explanation by Hasbro, arguing that Hasbro would rather put the blame on Honda than openly admit that they had altered a toy in order to conform to toy safety regulations.

===Masterpiece===
*'''Masterpiece Convoy has more diecast parts than 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime/Masterpiece Convoy is made almost entirely out of diecast/20th Anniversary Optimus Prime is made entirely out of plastic'''
:This misconception ''might'' be extrapolated from the ''[[Alternators]]'' toys, which are made entirely out of plastic (except for the rubber tires) for their Hasbro releases, whereas their Japanese ''Binaltech'' counterparts feature a few parts made out of [[die-cast|die-cast metal]].
:In fact, however, the amount of die-cast metal parts versus injection-[[mold|molded]] plastic parts is the same between 20th Anniversary [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and his Japanese ''[[Masterpiece]]'' Convoy counterpart. The only differences between the two toys (not counting the packaging) are the shortened smokestacks for Hasbro's 20th Prime and the addition of painted battle damage that is missing from the Takara version.

===Europe (all generations)===
*'''The Generation 1 Seacon Overbite was released under the name "Jawbreaker" on some European markets.'''
[[Image:JawbreakerComic.jpg|right|thumb|UK comic exclusive name variant!]]
:This appears to originate from the fact that [[Enemy Action!|issue 152]] of the Marvel UK comics, the first appearance of the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], refers to [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]] as "Jawbreaker", a name repeated in his appearance in [[Salvage!|issue 160]] and an "A to Z" profile in the [[Transformers Annual 1989]]. In the early days of the Transformers online fandom, when information about (and scans of) the UK comics were made available to a larger number of American fans for the first time, they concluded that this must mean that the toy had been released under a different name in Europe (which is not ''entirely'' unfounded: Generation 1 toys ''had'' been released under alternate names in Canada and Italy; and many of the tail-end G1 toys that were released following the cancellation of the line on the United States market were also available in several name variants on various European markets). A further variation of this rumor even cited legal (possibly [[trademark]]) reasons as an explanation for the alleged name change.
:However, no substantial evidence has ever surfaced to back up this rumor; in fact, European fans, when questioned, all claimed to recall that the toy was called "Overbite" when released in their respective countries (except for Italy, where [[GiG]] actually didn't release the Seacons ''at all''). Furthermore, the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|letters page]] in [[City of Fear!|issue #164]] of the UK comic features a question by a confused (British) reader who inquires about the "Jawbreaker" name, since the toy was called "Overbite" when released in the UK (which then results in a made-up-on-the-spot explanation on behalf of the Marvel staff to reconcile both names).
:So, why ''did'' the story identify the character as "Jawbreaker"? It's likely that writer [[Simon Furman]] simply got a few names mixed up, since the Overbite toy's instructions refer to his ''weapon'' as a "Jawbreaker cannon". That, or "Jawbreaker" was an early working name for Overbite. Or, as his first appearance was very early in the year, when the story was written Marvel UK had received incomplete information about a toy that was not yet on sale.

*'''Some toys were exclusively (or predominantly) available in the United Kingdom (sometimes also the Netherlands)'''
:This likely stems from the fact that during the early days of the Transformers online fandom, when information from European countries was shared with American fans, two of the most active fanbases (or, at least, fanbases with members who were capable of, and interested in, engaging in conversations using the English language) as far as Europe was concerned were based in the UK and in the Netherlands. As a result, when information about toys (or toy variants) that were not available in the United States was spread, there simply were no fans from Germany or France around to confirm that the toys in question had also been officially available in their respective countries.
:As a result, the red variant of [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] was initially branded a "Netherlands" release, as were some the Mexican toys originally produced by [[IGA]] for the Mexican market that were later imported to Europe through gray channels and sold in at least half a dozen countries (most notably exotic variations such as blue versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]). Meanwhile, tail-end G1 releases after the toyline had been cancelled as far as the United States market was concerned, such as the [[Action Master Elite|Action Master Elites]], the "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" reissues, the [[Turbomaster|Turbomasters]] or the [[Obliterator|Obliterators]], were often referred to as "UK exclusives" (and are occasionally still to this very day), even though all of them were also available in numerous other countries—some of them even in Canada and Australia!
:Simply put, there are very few toys that were actually exclusive to a single European country. The bizarre red-footed variant of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|G1 Optimus Prime]] has only been confirmed for the UK and France thus far (apparently in two different packaging variations, no less), and ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Jazz (G1)|Meister]] and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] have both only been released in Italy as far as the European (but not the American, or Australian, or Asian) market is concerned. Even the red "Powerlinx" version of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], which had originally been available as a "[[USA Edition]]" in Japan and was later found in Israel of all places, also has confirmed sightings for Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. The toy was even found in ''Australia'', but only in stores that also occasionally sell toys imported from other countries, and again in European packaging, oddly enough.
:The first ''genuine'' "UK exclusives" were released as part of the accompanying [[Movie (toyline)|toyline]] for the 2007 [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' live action movie]], namely a three-pack containing the Deluxe Class toys [[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]], [[Protoform]] [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]], and a two-pack, named "Towed to Safety", which contained the first of the two Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] molds and [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] (''not '' to be confused with the Screen Battles "Final Stand" set, which was ''also'' available in the UK), both of them in their original decos. Meanwhile, other multi-packs or minor variants of toys from the 2007 movie toyline that were available in the UK but not in the United States were also available in other places, such as Japan, Hong Kong, Australia or other European countries again.

*'''A green variant of Trailbreaker was available in some European countries.'''
:This belief seems to stem from the fact that [[IGA]]'s Mexican version of [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (which, like most Mexican Transformers, was widely available on the European gray market circa 1989, as mentioned above) used the same head sculpt as [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]. But like the "Blue" Bluestreak, no samples of an actual green version of the Trailbreaker mold actually sold ''as'' "Trailbreaker" have been found.

===Other===
*'''Takara (alternatively, Hasbro) are ''solely'' responsible for designing, developing and manufacturing (all, or certain specific) ''Transformers'' toys.'''
: This was true only for the original [[The Transformers (toyline)|''Generation 1'' toys]], and possibly also the [[Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' toys]]. Most of the toys from 1984 to 1986 were imported (and, occasionally, slightly altered) versions of already-existing Japanese toys originally designed and released by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. Following that, Takara developed new toys both for the Japanese and the Western market, now specifically with ''Transformers'' in mind. The primary exceptions are a handful of toys licensed from other Japanese companies (Jetfire, Whirl and Roadbuster, for example), and the 1986 toys for the [[The Transformers: The Movie|animated movie]], which were mostly based on designs by [[Floro Dery]].
: However, at least since the time of the [[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]] toyline, most "main" line toys released both in Japan and the Western hemisphere (such as the [[Unicron Trilogy]], ''[[Alternators]]'', the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 Movie line]] and ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]/[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'') have been designed and developed in cooperation between [[Hasbro]] (or its subsidiary [[Kenner]]) and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] (now TakaraTomy). (For the specifics of this joint venture development process, see the article about [[Toy|toys]].)
: Still, numerous reasons have led some people to assume incorrectly that ''all'' ''Transformers'' toy lines were ''solely'' developed by only one of the two companies:
:* The Western public and mainstream media, naturally, tend to be unaware of the existence of Takara (TakaraTomy these days). It's therefore logical to assume that Hasbro, the company responsible for distributing Transformers toys outside Japan, is also solely responsible for developing and manufacturing the toys. The fact that Hasbro regularly chooses not to mention their Japanese business partner in official press releases and interviews hasn't exactly helped matters, either.
:* On the other hand, Western anime fans are used to Japanese companies being solely responsible for designing robot toys, which are then imported and sold by Western companies. For lack of better knowledge, those people then simply assume the same also applies to ''Transformers'' toys — namely, that Takara does ''all'' the design and engineering work on their own, and Hasbro is merely the Western ''distributor'' of those toys. The fact that the back of Hasbro's packaging for ''Transformers'' toys sports a small note saying "Manufactured under license from Takara Co., Ltd." (changed to "TOMY Company, Ltd." on more recent toys) is occasionally cited as "proof" that Takara is the sole manufacturer of ''Transformers'' toys as well. A long paper trail of evidence to the contrary<ref name="Hasbro Tour">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/gallery.php?event_id=70&size=0&start=272 Exemplary rundown] of the development process of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], shown during the Hasbro tour at [[BotCon 2007]]. Of course, Hasbro just replaced the name "Takara" in some of the steps with "Hasbro" in order to convince fans that... yeah, riiiight.</ref> has not been able to convince those people of the flaws in their conspiracy theory — rather, some of them have even postulated the existence of a so-called "Hasbro PR machine", whose sole purpose is to convince ''Transformers'' fans that Hasbro actually has a larger part in the development of ''Transformers'' toys than is actually the case.<ref name="Propaganda">[http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?1,88668 ToyBoxDX thread with anime fanboys arguing that "Takara is an enormous toy '''manufacturing''' company. Hasbro doesn't manufacturer anything. The sole reason for its existence is for marketing the products of their partners and wholly-owned subs. Just to be clear here - Takara is bigger than Hasbro."] They wouldn't even believe that [[Joe Kyde]] actually worked at Hasbro. No kidding.</ref>
: That being said, there ''are'' indeed a few toys originally developed by either Hasbro or Takara without the other one's involvement, and then later picked up by the other company, but they're fewer than usually assumed: For Takara, those include the new molds for ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'', ''[[Beast Wars Neo (toyline)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' and ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Car Robots]]'', plus various mostly short-lived, collector-aimed, niche market lines (such as the new ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' molds, the ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'', the ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' toys etc.); for Hasbro, those are mostly either toys originally based on fiction-based franchises that did not originate with Hasbro (such as [[Animorphs]] or the ''[[Star Wars|Star Wars Transformers]]'' and their later successor, ''[[Crossovers|Transformers Crossovers]]''), cross-brand lines ''within'' Hasbro where the Transformers toys only make up one part of the overall lineup (such as the [[Titanium Series]] and the [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] figures) and a few very rare "main" line Transfomers toys such as the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Power Master|Power Masters]] and [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]], [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]], [[Alpha Quintesson]], [[Kicker Jones#Toys|Energon Kicker]] and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] from ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]''.

*'''Takara's Japanese-market releases are always of intrinsically better quality than their U.S. counterparts. (E.g., they have sweeter exclusives, and are always more show-accurate, have more accessories, and have tighter quality control.)'''
: This one depends a bit on the speaker, as it can either be a genuine misconception, a matter of opinion, or at worst, [[Personal canon|willful]] [[True fan|snobbery]]. But, like any broad generalization, it does have some basis.
:*"Better quality" can refer to the fact that Japanese versions of individual toys sometimes have clear plastic instead of painted-on windows like [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Movie Bumblebee]], or have vac-metallized parts where the equivalent U.S. release doesn't, like [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|''Energon'' Optimus Prime/Grand Convoy]]. Or, "better" quality can refer to the fact that Japan is a less litigious society, with different toy safety laws, and Takara can thus give [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Prime]] toys old-school long smokestacks, which are now shortened in the U.S. [[for safety reasons]]. These laws also mean that [[Megatron (G1)|Masterpiece Megatron]] is freely available in Japan, but hard to get in the U.S. (the exact opposite of ''real'' handguns, ironically).
:*"More [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] decos" does have some basis, as Takara frequently releases its toys later than Hasbro does Stateside, and thus they are better able to reflect discrepancies between late-run changes to a character's coloration in a show (such as with the original [[Rattrap]] or [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|''Armada'''s Tidal Wave]]). The most extreme example of this was ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Wars Returns]]'', the Japanese release of ''Beast Machines'', which was ''years'' later than in the U.S., allowing Takara to add a lot of the deco that was added to the characters by [[Mainframe Entertainment]] that was not the original toys. (''See also'': [[Show-accuracy]])
:*"More accessories" mostly comes from the fact that ''some'' of Takara's releases have some extra accessories, but the only cases of this before the reissues were [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'s two swords, Megatron's sword and bullets (even though the Japanese release lacked the barrel, scope and stock extensions) and clear cases from the various cassettes. Japanese reissues have included additional accessories from the cartoon (the axe, chain mace, Energon cubes and gun-mode Megatron in the [[Transformers Collection]] reissues of Optimus and Megatron, Insecticons and Starscream, respectively, the Matrix from New Year's Convoy). Some ''[[Energon (franchise)|Super Link]]'' releases came with [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Energon weapon|Energon weapons]] as well. [[Hot Rod (Henkei!)|Henkei Hot Rod]] came with two missile launchers and missiles not included with [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Universe_.282008.29|Universe Hot Shot]] due to budget constraints, and consequently had a remolded rear bumper for their inclusion.
:*"Sweeter exclusives" is really a matter of taste. If endless redecos of Generation 1 toys as completely unprecedented Generation 1 characters, buying $40 worth of toys you got a month ago for a single [[Mini-Con]], and shelling out half your mortgage for [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] gold chrome figures is what floats your boat, then yeah, Japan has better exclusives.
:*"Tighter quality control" is a total myth. Takara products are manufactured under much the same production conditions as Hasbro's (pretty much everything for both markets is made in China), and their standards of quality control are just as likely to let mistakes creep through.

*'''"Repackaged" toys are ''literally'' unsold toys sent back to Hasbro, taken out of the old packaging, put into new packaging and then sent back to stores.'''

[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Not literally a waste of packaging material.]]
:Every so often, a ''Transformers'' toyline features toys that were originally released as part of a previous line, but are neither [[Redeco|redecos]] nor [[Retool|retools]]—they're virtually indistinguishable from the previous release other than the packaging. This happened most frequently during the final stages of the original ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, when it changed from being a line of redecos to a line of straight re-releases of toys from older lines, including Basic/Scout and Deluxe-sized toys from the ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' lines, [[Spy Changer|Spychangers]] and even the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' "Ultimate Battle" two-pack, which were available from various "Dollar" store chains such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, Roses, Tuesday Morning or Big Lots.
:It also doesn't help that the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'']] [[Unicron]] is a virtually unchanged re-release of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Unicron. And, to further complicate matters, on the shelf tags for ''Universe'' Unicron, he is actually called "Armada Unicron."
:Because the common fandom term for those releases was "repackages", a popular misconception claims that those toys are ''literally'' "repackages", namely, unsold toys sent back to Hasbro, who took them out of their old packaging, put them into new packaging and then sent them back to (different) stores.
:Needless to say, that theory is dubious for various reasons: Generally, old unsold toys are ''not'' sent back to Hasbro. They either [[Shelfwarmer|sit on the store shelf]] (or hang on the peg) until someone finally decides to buy them, or the store somehow dumps them. And even ''if'' Hasbro did regularly get sent back huge shipments of unsold toys, they'd rather try to get rid of those toys in the old packaging rather than going through the effort of literally repackaging them.
:In addition, some of the Dollar Store exclusive ''Universe'' Basics and Deluxes were limbs and torsos from the ''Energon'' [[Combiner|combiners]] [[Superion Maximus]], [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]] and [[Constructicon Maximus]]. The ''Energon'' combiners all sold out well, and now demand high prices on the aftermarket (with the exception of the ''Universe'' "repackages", ironically). So it's rather questionable that stores would have kept a huge unsold stock of those toys in numbers large enough to warrant the alleged repackaging business.
:Therefore, the most logical conclusion appears to be that those "repackages" are in fact a brand new production run simply using the same plastic colors and paint masks as the original releases of those toys, which is cheaper to produce (and therefore easier to sell for the lower "Dollar" stores price tags) than designing new decos. Hasbro recently confirmed this, stating that due to the toys being manufactured in Asia, it would be a waste of time and money to repackage them only to sell them at the same price-point.<ref>[http://www.sirstevesguide.com/index.php?categoryid=13&p2_articleid=1934 SirStevesGuide.com, Tri-Weekly Hasbro Q&A - January 30th]</ref>
:This wouldn't be the first misconception based on popular fan terms, however: A common fan term for [[Redeco|redecos]] is "repaints", which has led to the misconception that those toys are ''literally'' toys from a previous production run ''painted over in new colors''. Obviously, however, the fact that most redecos are cast in differently colored plastic should be sufficient evidence for the absurdness of this assumption.

*'''A new toy that is vaguely reminiscent of an older toy is a retool of said toy.'''

[[Image:BumblebeeRRvsSB.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Screen Battles Bumblebee—remolded from scratch (not from Robot Replicas Bumblebee)!]]
:Hasbro like to [[redeco]] toys a lot (usually to recoup the R&D costs for developing the original [[mold]]). They also like to release redecos of toys from older lines in newer lines. In some instances, Hasbro also don't just redeco a toy, they [[retool]] it (or create new toolings for new parts that replace parts of the old version of the toy)—sometimes to improve a feature or fix an error, but sometimes also to give the toy new features or [[Gimmick|gimmicks]], or simply to make it different enough from the original version so owners of the original version would be interested in buying the "retool" as well.
:Some of those retools are comparably minor (such as [[Jazz (Movie)|Final Battle Jazz]] from the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 Movie line]]), whereas others can be pretty elaborate. Sometimes the retools are so elaborate that the line between "retool" and "new [[mold]]" gets blurred. The most drastic instances in this regard would be [[K-9]] from ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' (based on [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] from the same line) and [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Dark Crumplezone]] from ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' (based on the original ''Cybertron'' Crumplezone toy), both of which have most, if not ''all'' of their parts entirely retooled. Another borderline case would be the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] and [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], which were released around the same time and are based on the same basic design, share a similar body structure and have very similar [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]].

[[Image:SmokesniperStarscream.jpg|right|150px|thumb|The similarities are astounding. Especially those that aren't there.]]
:However, sometimes fans ''definitely'' get too far decrying a new toy a "retool" (or "remold"). Toys that share some superficial design similiarities, coupled with similar transformation schemes, are often mistaken for retools even though they're simply that: Similar toys based on the same general design, maybe even directly influenced by the older toy, but nothing more. Examples:
*Despite their very similar body constructions and transformation schemes, the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] toys are ''not'' retools of each other. And neither is [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] a retool of Cliffjumper. ([[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]], however, ''is'' a retool of Cliffjumper.)
*Likewise, the [[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]] [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] aren't retools of each other either.
*And neither are the [[Jumpstarter|Jumpstarters]] [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] and [[Twin Twist]] retools of each other.
*''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] is not a retool of ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Smokescreen (G2)|Smokescreen]], even though he was obviously inspired by the latter.
*Some fans actually seriously believed that ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Jazz (G1)|Meister]] is a retool of [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. (To be fair, the two actually share the same ''hand'' sculpts.)
*''Cybertron'' [[Hardtop (Cybertron)|Hardtop]] is not even ''remotely'' a "retool" of the ''Energon'' [[Sledge (Energon)|Sledge]]/[[Bonecrusher (Energon)|Bonecrusher]] mold.
*The legless [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] figure included with the Screen Battles "Final Stand" set from the 2007 [[Movie (toyline)|Movie line]] is not a retool of [[Robot Replicas]] Bumblebee.

*'''Hasbro lost the copyright to a lot of G1 Transformers names. That is why you see toys named "Autobot Jazz" or "Decepticon Brawl" these days. Takara is more competent than Hasbro and doesn't need to change their toys' names.'''
: First of all, this is not "copyright". Copyright refers to the expression of ideas. For example, the backstory for the Transformers, the specific plot of a comic or a TV episode are protected by copyright. The names these stories are sold under, however, are protected by [[trademark]]. The same also applies to the names toys are sold under.
:That being said, there are indeed a few instances where another company has snatched a trademark, making it unavilable for Hasbro for the time being. The reason for that is because trademarks need to be consistently used in commerce (at least once every year or so), or the trademark can be considered "abandoned", making it open for grabs. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] is unavailable to [[Hasbro]] because Mattel holds several similar trademarks, [[Bluestreak]] is too similar to Gendron's "Toledo 'Blue Streak'" trademark, and a company named Lanard held the trademark "Shockwave" until a few years ago. This prompted Hasbro to use substitute names for toys based on these characters, such as "Rodimus Major" or simply "Rodimus" for Hot Rod, "Silverstreak" for Bluestreak and "Shockblast" for Shockwave (unlike the other two, Hasbro has since managed to reacquire the "Shockwave" trademark).
:Meanwhile, the names with prefixes such as "Autobot" or "Decepticon"? Those are usually non-compound single real words from the English language. Hasbro's legal department considers them too "generic" to be easily defendable as trademarks, hence the addition of prefixes such as "Autobot Jazz", "Decepticon Brawl "or "Constructicon Devastator" for better protection. This does ''not'' work with names already trademarked by another company–otherwise, [[Bandai]] could release a toy named "Megazord Optimus Prime" tomorrow, and Hasbro couldn't do anything about it.
:For a while, it seemed like these trademark quibbles were limited to Hasbro, and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] was somehow exempt due to different conditions in Japanese trademark law. However, the ''[[Classics (2006)#Henkei! Henkei!|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' line saw the emergence of quite a few "Cybertron", "Destron" and "[[Stunticon (G1)|Stuntron]]" prefixes, and for the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen toyline]]'', Takara even uses "Autobot" and "Decepticon" prefixes the Hasbro versions of those toys ''don't'' have.

*'''Hasbro is responsible for your local store not having the newest toys right now.'''
: Hasbro actually has almost nothing to do with distribution (when Product A arrives in Store B) beyond making sure the manufactured product leaves the factories and shipyards of China at the desired time. Once the items arrive on US shores, they are almost immediately sent from the ships to the distribution centers for the retail chains that ordered them. From there, it's more truck rides to various regional warehouses, which is all controlled by the retailers, not Hasbro. After that, the schedule for taking product from those warehouses and putting it on shelves is dictated by each chain's inventory system.
: It's ''conceivable'' that Hasbro could take more control of the situation, but that would require chains like Wal-Mart to release the vise-like death grip they have on manufacturers' nuts that lets them dictate how the system works—and they're sooooooo not doing that.

*'''Hasbro should totally cater to the wishes of older collectors, as they purchase the most Transformers product.'''
: Fans would like to think they've got some sway over the direction of the [[Transformers brand]]. After all, they've been buying toys for many years (as opposed to the limited purchasing span of most children), and they buy many ''more'' toys than any individual child. And in truth, Hasbro does pay attention to the desires and discussions of its older buyers, even designing certain line segments like [[Alternators]] and [[Classics (2006)|''Classics'']] with collectors as the primary target audience.
: Collectors, however, simply can't compare to the vast numbers of children out there whose parents buy Transformers for them. The bulk of Transformers product is purchased for and/or by young children, and if it wants to stay in business and keep making money (and by extension, more toys), Hasbro must design and market its products accordingly. No accurate figures exist on the collector/children ratio, but estimates mentioned at BotCon panels range from around 10% to 20% of all purchases coming from older collectors—enough to be worth listening to, but not at all the driving force behind the brand. Past toylines have shown that betting ''too much'' on sales from adult collectors can be disastrous.
: Furthermore, it's not as though the fans speak with a unified voice. More often, for every fan pushing for one particular idea, there's another fan who thinks that same idea is boring or awful.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1===
====The original cartoon====
*'''The original ''The Transformers'' series was redubbed anime which originated in Japan, just like ''Battle of the Planets'', ''Voltron'', ''Robotech'' and other such shows screened in the '80s.'''
: Although most moderate-to-hardcore fans are well aware that this is a fallacy, there are those more casual fans (or those who have not rewatched the Generation 1 cartoon since childhood) who are under the misconception that [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] was an anime.
: Although the original toyline and thus the characters' basic visual designs were taken from Japanese-originated products, the original characters, names, factions and entire story premise of the whole ''Transformers'' franchise were developed in the United States by [[Hasbro]], [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] and eventually [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]]. Although the animation was farmed out, the writing and original voice recording of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|all four seasons of the original series]] plus ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|The Movie]]'' were entirely done in America.
: This misconception probably stems from distant childhood memories of the cartoon, coupled with the later realization that shows like the aforementioned ''Robotech'' were redubbed anime (presuming they didn't know this when they were kids) and, due to ''Transformers''' obvious Japanese influence, have made the assumption that it too was anime. This ''may'' also be due to passing exposure to ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' and the [[Unicron Trilogy]] shows which, viewed as an adult, are ''very'' obviously redubbed anime.
: This is in part related to the misconception that '''all''' ''Transformers'' toys are ''solely'' designed, developed and manufactured by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], and all [[Hasbro]] ever does is to put them in new packaging and distribute them on the Western market (see above). Because this is true for other Japanese robot toylines, and therefore it must also apply to ''Transformers''.

*'''''The Headmasters'' was going to be dubbed into English and shown in America.'''
: In America, "Season 4" consisted of "The Rebirth", a 3-episode mini-series. In Japan, "The Rebirth" was ignored, and a full-fledged series titled ''The Headmasters'' continued the story instead. Rumors once swirled in the fandom of an American-led dub of ''The Headmasters'' series; the dub was largely finished, goes the story, till the materials were lost in a warehouse fire.
: Given the meandering pace of the series (common for Japanese shows but anathema to American sensibilities), the presence of numerous characters who had no toy equivalent on US shelves, the incompatibility with the "[[Nebulan]]" head characters, the number of Japanese cultural references, and the very existence of "[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Rebirth]]", this rumor seems unlikely on the surface.
: More to the point, no official confirmation or other evidence has ever surfaced to back it up. In all likelihood the rumor was probably a [[wikipedia:Chinese_whispers|Chinese Whisper]] from the fact that the Malay English language [[Omni Productions]] dub {or "Star TV" dub) was screened on UK satellite TV during the 1990s.

====The Transformers: The Movie====
*'''There exists an "uncut version" of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' containing all sorts of non-kid-friendly content.'''
: These stories stem mainly from the fact that many home-video releases of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' omit two relatively minor instances of characters using profanity, which during the 1990s resulted in some [[alt.toys.transformers]] posters advertising "uncut" VHS copies of the movie for sale, thus either intentionally or unintentionally creating the myth of a really foul-mouthed and ultra-violent alternate version of ''The Transformers: The Movie''. At least one poster claimed to have uncut reels of the original film showing a number of violent scenes, but, unsurprisingly, was unwilling to provide any form of proof. So have ended all claims of uncut footage from the film.
: Also two additions were made for the British release of the movie: The opening credits were replaced by a ''Star Wars'' style text scroll complete with narration, whilst the last scene of the Movie has an additional voice over declaring that the Transformers' adventures will continue and Optimus Prime will return. These additions have been seen in other international versions of the Movie but are less well known in the US.

[[Image:TFTM dead gray Prime.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Traumatizing enough as it is, frankly.]]
:A much stranger rumor, whose origins are unclear, claims that the original theatrical cut of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' depicted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] crumbling into dust after dying, and that that scene was cut by the distributor in mid-release because children were traumatized by the imagery. Interestingly, the "[[Death of Optimus Prime]]" track on the original soundtrack album does contain ten extra seconds of music. At the end, just before the song's final low-octave percussion sequence, there is a very distinct series of notes that appears nowhere else in the song and is not in the onscreen version. However, no other evidence of this "lost" animation sequence exists among the many storyboards, preliminary animations, interviews, varying formats, etc., that have come to light.
:The myth could be related to the death of Starscream, a few scenes later, where Starscream '''does''' indeed crumble to dust after being shot by Galvatron; time and distance could lead fans to confuse the two scenes.
:These claims should not be confused with the extra storyboarded scenes which have come to light over the years. A number of scenes were planned out at the storyboarding stage, but no evidence exists that they were ever animated. Given the expense of producing full animation, it is unlikely they ever made it past the level of storyboards.
::''See also: [[The Transformers: The Movie#Edits]].''

*'''''The Transformers: The Movie'' was never released in Japan.'''
: A widespread (but false) assumption among Western fans holds that ''The Transformers: The Movie'' is not part of Japanese Generation 1 [[canon]], and that ''[[Scramble City]]'' was effectively its Japanese replacement. ''The Transformers: The Movie'' went unreleased in Japan until August 1989, and the various discrepancies between it and subsequent Japan-only Generation 1 fiction are largely a matter of the Japanese animators and writers being unaware of the precise details of ''The Transformers: The Movie''.<ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&postid=216153#post216153</ref><ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&postid=216478#post216478</ref><ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?threadid=30800</ref>

*'''''The Transformers: The Movie'' was released in Japan under the title ''Matrix Forever''.'''
: ''[[Matrix Forever]]'' was actually the title of a 20-minute video created to promote the Japanese release of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', but some Western (and even Japanese) fans have been confused into thinking that ''The Transformers: The Movie'' itself was renamed ''Matrix Forever''.<ref>http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/a5d29844863d2c29</ref>

====Japanese Generation 1 fiction====
*<span id="MegGalvJapan">'''In Japanese continuity, Megatron and Galvatron are two separate characters.'''</span>
:There are a few instances of Japanese fiction (and advertising) that would seem to support this notion, all of which can be attributed to a lack of communication between [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] prior to the release of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. All of them were ultimately ignored by the "primary" fiction, namely as the (dubbed) third season of the cartoon (named ''Transformers: 2010'' in Japan) and the accompanying manga, which followed the Western story concept of Galvatron being a reformatted [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].
:There is also a ''Transformers: 2010'' [[manga]] story that depicts [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] commanding a legion of automatons created in [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s image, which some non-Japanese-speaking fans have interpreted as depicting Galvatron and Megatron co-existing.<ref>http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=179</ref>

*<span id="PlanetDestron">'''In Japanese continuity, the Destrons (Decepticons) were invaders from a planet called Destron.'''</span>
:The [[Autobot|Autobots]] were renamed "Cybertrons" in the Japanese translation, resulting in a misconception that the Destrons ([[Decepticon|Decepticons]]) must hail from somewhere other than the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. However, the Japanese translation also used slightly different spellings for the faction, "Cybertron" (literally: サイバトロン, "Sa-i-ba-to-ro-n"), and the planet, (literally: セイバートロン, "Se-i-baa-to-ro-n"), commonly interpreted as "Seibertron" by Western fans, in order to avoid confusion, even though both words originally started out based on the English name "Cybertron".<ref name="tfa522">[http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=522 The Transformers Archive essay about various urban legends surrounding the Transformers franchise]</ref>
:This rumor presumably originates from an article a Thomas Wheeler had written for ''Attic's Collectible Toys and Values Monthly'' during the hiatus between the [[The Transformers (toyline)|G1]] and [[Generation 2 (toyline)|G2]] toylines. According to that article, Hasbro chose not to follow this element of the story because of the similarity between the term "Destron" and G.I. Joe's "Destro" character. Of course, seeing as the story originated in America to begin with and was only dubbed into Japanese later on, this doesn't make a lot of sense. More recently, Wheeler has been writing toy reviews for Master Collector's website, which occasionally also display a certain lack of knowledge about various toys and the ''Transformers'' brand's overall history, so it doesn't seem entirely out of place for him.

*<span id="SpaceMafia">'''Black Shadow and Blue Bacchus are both members of a "Space Mafia".'''</span>
:[[Black Shadow]] and [[Blue Bacchus]], two characters from ''[[Victory (franchise)|Victory]]'', both have their function listed as "Space Gangster". An early fan translation of their on-package [[Bio|bios]] misinterpreted the Japanese word for "gangster" to mean "Mafia", hence the belief that a "Space Mafia" exists in the Japanese Generation 1 universe.

*<span id="MetrotitanZombie">'''Metrotitan is a zombie version of Metroplex.'''</span>
: [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] was a Destron [[redeco]] of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] from the ''[[Zone (franchise)|Zone]]'' portion of Japanese Generation 1 continuity. For unclear reasons, Western fans believe that Metrotitan was a "zombified" version of Metroplex, and a stranger variation on this rumor holds that Metrotitan was somehow "regrown" from one of Metroplex's legs.<ref name="tfa522" />

====European Generation 1 fiction====
*'''Starscream and Shrapnel are female characters in the French dub of Generation 1.'''
: This rumor is only partly true. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon]] used three different dub teams for the French version: one for the TV show's dub broadcast in Quebec, one for the TV show's dub broadcast in France and one for the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]] used in both countries. Neither of the TV show's dubs use [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] as a female as he uses a distinctively male voice;<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhOCYZRxypM YouTube: Doublage de France: Combaticons et Égo]</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMXCeXw5Vdo Doublage Québécois: Égo et Dr. Croc-en-ville]</ref> however, the movie's dubbing team used a female voice for Starscream, and at one point [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] calls Starscream "une imbécile" (articles in French are gender-specific), clearly cementing Starscream's movie status as a female.<ref>http://bigbot.com/mp3/transformers_mp3.shtml#Femmes</ref> (Although let's face it, he might just be insulting Starscream.) All the same is also true for [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], who is even referred to as "Mademoiselle Shrapnel" by [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] in the movie.

*'''The German version of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was edited and didn't depict Starscream's death scene.'''
: German TV didn't air a dubbed version of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]] until 1989. ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' was aired for the first time on German TV in 1994, with only one repeat. For unknown reasons, a rumor was circulating for several years claiming that [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream's]] death was considered too "violent" for German TV standards for children's programs and had therefore been edited out.<ref>[http://www.ofdb.de/view.php?page=fassung&fid=7489&vid=38680 German movie database ''still'' listing the rumor about Starscream's "edited death" in TF:TM]</ref> However, recordings of the TV airing still exist, which don't feature any obvious edits other than [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike's]] infamous "swear" line. Furthermore, a German DVD edition of the movie released in 2004 that features an entirely different dub also depicts Starscream's death in all its glory.

*'''An Earthforce story was written to promote the non-combining Constructicon toys.'''
:The comic story "[[Desert Island Risks!]]" from issue 264 of the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|G1 comic]] reveals that the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] have somehow lost their ability to combine into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. As a result, they try to build another Devastator as a new robot.

:Some fans mistakenly believe that this is somehow related to a re-release of the Constructicons (now in yellow) that were available in [[Generation 1 Europe (toyline)|Europe]] after the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' toyline had ended in the USA. Those Constructicons omitted the extra parts necessary to form Devastator; and furthermore, [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] and [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (neither of them officially named in this version; all six toys came on multi-purpose cardbacks simply named "Constructicon") were [[retool|retooled]] to omit the tabs that were necessary for combining them (and [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]) when forming Devastator. Since the toys couldn't combine into Devastator anymore, fans believe that the [[Earthforce]] comic story was intended to serve as an "explanation" for this.

:The problem with this theory, however, is that the yellow "Euro" Constructicon toys were released in 1992; the comic story, however, had already come out in early 1990. If anything, "Desert Island Risks!" was based on the [[Action Master]] version of Devastator, which no longer consisted of six individual Constructicons.

===Beast Wars===
*'''In Japanese ''Beast Wars'' continuity, Optimus Primal and Megatron were the same characters as their Generation 1 namesakes.'''
: Although the Japanese dub of the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon originally did state that [[Optimus Primal|Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] were new incarnations of the Generation 1 faction leaders (possibly due to a communications breakdown with Hasbro and/or [[Mainframe Entertainment|Mainframe]]), the translators eventually backed away from that idea.<ref>http://www.bwtf.com/bw/toys/techspecs/primalultra.shtml</ref><ref>http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=180" rel="nofollow</ref>

*'''In ''Beast Wars II'', Apache is a drunkard as part of a Native American stereotype.'''
: [[Apache]] did indeed get drunk in the first episode of the ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' cartoon, but only in grief, believing (erroneously) that his actions earlier had caused the death of [[Lio Convoy]] (which didn't happen). He did not get drunk again for the duration of the cartoon, nor did he ever do so in the manga. Outside of that, the Native American stereotype "common" to Japanese fictions is a stoic, silent, and often mystical warrior—none of which could be used to describe Apache accurately at all.
: That's not to say there aren't [[Jointron|some ethnic stereotypes]] in BWII that could be considered pretty offensive.
: Amusingly enough, in the sixth installment of the [[Beast Wars II (manga)|''Beast Wars II'' manga]], ''Lio Convoy'' gets drunk for no apparent reason and ends up trashing Apache's room.

===Beast Machines===
*'''A ''Beast Machines'' writer said, "Real heroes don't use guns."'''
:''Beast Machines'' was the first (but not the last) ''Transformers'' series to explicitly avoid all hand-held projectile [[weapon]]ry. While the [[Vehicon (BM)|villains]] still had traditional "blasters" mounted on their bodies, some of the [[Maximal|heroes]]' weapons were more esoteric (such as [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]'s energy-web attack, activated by putting her hands on the ground, or [[Optimus Primal]]'s gauntlets, powered by absorbing enemy fire). According to story editor [[Bob Skir]], this creative decision was agreed upon between the story editors, [[Fox Kids]], [[Mainframe Entertainment]], and [[Hasbro]],<ref name="Skir">[http://www.bigbot.com/beast-machines-transformers-bob-skir/Beast-Machines-FAQ/Sat_06_Nov_1999.html Archived Q&A from Bob Skir's now-defunct website,] where Skir responds to the gun controversy (question 7).</ref> and it is indeed reflected in the toys as well.

:Note that many Maximals had weaponry that was functionally no different from a "gun"—compare [[Botanica]]'s hip-mounted energy cannons, [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]'s back-mounted sonic blaster, or Optimus Primal's chest-mounted energy disc launcher to [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]'s shoulder-mounted ray guns or [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]'s wrist-mounted energy... tossing thingies.

:On his website, Skir also elaborated on his own position as a writer choosing if or how to portray gun use, including this statement: "Our heroes use their wiles and resourcefulness, plus a few cool weapons. Guns? I've never been a fan of them myself, and do not write heroes who need them."<ref>[http://members.aol.com/zobovor/guns.html Article on the fan Dave "Zobovor" Edwards' personal site,] quoting Bob Skir's original gun statement.</ref> Some fans interpreted Skir as condemning ''all'' gun use, even in the real world, no matter the circumstances. This led to the misquote, "Real heroes don't use guns,"<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/be5e55a90df944bb/b748601b997b3508#b748601b997b3508 Alt.toys.transformers thread] with the misquote and attendant assumptions right at the start.</ref> which remains a notoriously persistent error in the fandom. Skir, responding to the controversy, said on his site that "there '''are''' heroes who '''do''' need guns (such as the Punisher). Spider-Man doesn't need guns. Neither does the Hulk. And neither do Optimus, Cheetor, Black Arachnia{{sic}}, et al."<ref name="Skir" />
:Notably, the [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|series]] [[Unicron Trilogy|immediately]] [[Movie (franchise)|following]] ''Beast Machines'' did return to classic hand-held gun use among both heroes and villains. However, the more recent ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' series has again eschewed guns, probably because of its younger target audience.

===Robots in Disguise===
*'''The Japanese ''Car Robots'' cartoon was a direct sequel to ''Beast Wars Neo''.'''
: Some fans seem to have concluded, based on the similar animation style and overall tone, that the [[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|''Car Robots'' cartoon]] was meant to pick up where ''[[Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' had left off, but all indications are that ''Car Robots'' wasn't meant to take place in any pre-existing TF continuity. But now Takara says it's in the Generation 1 continuity. Along with the 2007 movie. Oooookay.<ref>http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=490</ref>

===Transformers (2007)===
*'''''Transformers'' was nearly rated R by the MPAA.'''
: In the spring of 2007, it was reported that ''[[wikipedia:Disturbia|Disturbia]]'', a then-upcoming [[DreamWorks]] film starring [[Shia LaBeouf]] and produced by [[Steven Spielberg]], had received an R rating from the [[wikipedia:Motion_Picture_Association_of_America|Motion Picture Association of America]]. That film's rating was eventually lowered to PG-13 on appeal, but in the meantime some ''Transformers'' fans became confused and believed that it was ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' that had been rated R, leading to some heated discussion on ''Transformers'' message boards.

*'''Brawl is named in the credits.'''

[[Image:MovieCreditsNoBrawl.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Invisible credit.]]
: There's a huge controversy surrounding the name of the Decepticon tank, who was named "[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]" in [[Hasbro|Hasbro's]] [[Movie (toyline)|toy line]] but "Devastator" in a subtitle in the movie itself. Both Hasbro and the screenwriters, [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]], have expressedly favored the toy's name, referring to the name in the movie as an "error".
: Since the character has a "speaking" line in the movie (which sounds an ''awful'' lot like a garbled "''Brawl'' reporting"), fans keep claiming that the voice actor is named in the ending credits, and the character's name is stated as "Brawl" there. In fact, however, there's no credit ''at all'' for the character, under either name, as he has no voice actor.

{{-}}

*'''The Decepticons' hologram is Tom Banachek.'''

[[Image:BanachekMustacheMan.jpg|right|150px|thumb|One of these is not like the others.]]
: Several Decepticons in the movie ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]) are seen using a holographic "pilot"/"driver" based on the same mustache-clad human, only wearing different clothes matching the Decepticons' respective [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]].
: Since [[Tom Banachek]], the head of [[Sector Seven]]'s Advanced Research Division, also sports a mustache, many fans mistakenly believe that the Decepticons' hologram is meant to look like Banachek.
: There's only one problem with that: The "[[Moustache Man]]" (the Decepticons' hologram) is played by a real-life United States Air Force Major named [[Brian Reece]], whereas Tom Banachek is portrayed by established actor [[Michael O'Neill]].
: In essence, this is a phenomenon ''Lost'' fans [http://www.lostpedia.com/wiki/Apophenia#Forced_Connections should be awfully familiar with].

{{-}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===

*'''Barricade's return?'''
:A common misconception among fans is that [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade's]] Saleen Mustang alternate mode was spotted on the set of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. In fact, however, a truck transporting three "Barricade" prop vehicles was spotted in Culver City, California, in March 2008, more than ''two months'' before principal shooting for ''Revenge of the Fallen'' started.<ref name="vehspotted">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=6980 Superhero Hype reporting on the spotting of Barricade vehicles in March 2008]</ref>
{{-}}

==Companies==
*'''Takara was taken over by Tomy'''
:In 2005, it was announced that Takara, longtime Japanese manufacturer/distributor of Transformers toys, and former competitor Tomy would merge into a new company, named [[TakaraTomy]], as of March 1, 2006. Some fans misinterpreted the media coverage, believing that Takara had been bought out by rival Tomy. This was not helped by official press releases declaring Tomy the "surviving company", Tomy having the majority of shares, and the merged company simply going by the name "Tomy" outside Japan.
:The name issue is easily explained, as it was done for purely pragmatic reasons. "Tomy" is an internationally established brand, since the company already had divisions in many other countries prior to the merger, and distributed their toys under their own name there. Takara, meanwhile, had mostly abandoned ventures into international markets years ago, and had its products distributed through other companies (such as [[Hasbro]]) instead. Thereby, the merged company decided to use the better-known name for its international business, while it would continue as "TakaraTomy" within Japan itself.
:Now, as for the specifics of the merger... Although the merger ratio was set at 0.356 of a Tomy share for each Takara share (including a split of Tomy's stock), and the companies announced a layoff of 15% of their combined workforce mostly on the Takara side, the term "merger" (as compared to "take-over") was prominently used in all the official announcements by the two companies, and twisting tiny details into a de facto "takeover" of Takara by Tomy is effectively splitting hairs.

*'''e-Hobby is owned by Takara (TakaraTomy)'''
:The [[e-Hobby]] shop is owned by Part One, Ltd. Although the company has had close ties with Takara for decades, the online store also sells toys by other companies, primarily TakaraTomy's rival [[Bandai]].
:The online store ''directly'' owned by TakaraTomy, meanwhile, is [[Toy Hobby Market]].

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=522 Ten popular but incorrect rumors about Japanese Transformers]

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Lists]]

Toy Fair 1986

2010-03-01T23:25:55Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Contributors */

==Gallery==
<center>
<gallery>
Image:ToyFair1986-cover.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage00.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage01.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage02.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage03.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage04.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage05.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage06.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage07.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage08.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage09.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Contributors==
{|cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" width="100%"
|-valign="top"
|
*Alan Wilkinson
*[[User:Abates|Alden Bates]]
*An Allspark Lurker
*[[User:Andrusi|Andrusi]]
*Anthony Oster
*Asquian
*[[User:Autobus Prime|Autobus Prime]]
*[[User:Awa64|awa64]]
*Axaday
*Bainreese
*Bass XO
*[[Bill Forster]]
*Bill Heaston/Fangwing
*Bleargh001
*Blindmouse
*BlitzwingHaz
*Blue Fuel
*Bonebot
*Boss Borot
*BraveMax
*Brett Goldman/Deathy G1
*Brett Sommers
*Brian Kilby
*Brian Orms
*Buster D
*BWBM (Tformers)
*Caboose/Alex Cooley
*Camron King/TM Silverclaw
*Chaotic Descent
*Cheetimus Primal/M.W. Roberts, Jr.
*ChessPieceFace
*[[User:Chip|Chip]]
*Chris Carolan/Terminal Hipster
*Christine Love
*Christopher Cerny
*[[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]]
|
*Chug
*Ciaran Fitzgerald/Sprocket
*Counterpunch
*CreatureSH
*DanHibiki
*Daniel Sayre/Mr Blud
*[[User:LBD_Nytetrayn|David Oxford/LBD "Nytetrayn"]]
*[[David Willis]]/[[User:ItsWalky|Walky]]
*Daytonus
*DetectiveFork
*[[User:Detour|Detour]]
*Dilbertron
*Donocropolis
*[[Kris Carter|Drivaaar]]
*[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]]
*Edwin
*Emeraldbeacon
*Engledogg
*Eric Wilson
*[[User:Esser-Z|Esser-Z]]
*Fairplay
*Fenrir
*[[User:FortMax|FortMax]]
*Fullstrength Motleypuss
*Gabriel Owens
*Galen Rafferty/Galenraff
*Geoffrey Sproule
*Gothsaurus
*Graham Weaver
*Greg Kuhn/Kalidor
*[[Greg Sepelak]]/[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]]
*Gryphman
*HellCat
*InfiniteCron
|
*[[User:Interrobang|Interrobang]]
*Jason DuBose/Onyx Minor
*Jeff Willoughby
*Jeremy Carmichael/J Gargoyle220
*Jerry Blaise/Big Show
*[[Jesse Wittenrich|Jesse Wittenrich/NightViper]]
*[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]]
*[[User:Jimsorenson|Jim]] [[Jim Sorenson|Sorenson]]
*Jose Negron
*[[User:Spectre|Justin Severson/Spectre]]
*Kevin Sigmund
*Kurai Z
*Logan Rogan
*Luke Thompson
*[[Mark Baker-Wright|Mark Baker-Wright/G.B. Blackrock]]
*Master Fwiffo
*Matt Hume
*[[User:Monzo|Matt Karpowich/Monzo]]
*[[User:Primal Rage|Mathew Ignash]]
*Michael Ivey/General Tekno
*[[User:Might Gaine|Might Gaine]]
*Mike Estipona/Lastmaximal
*Mikeatron
*Mkall (Seibertron)
*Mouse_Pad
*Msol
*mx-01 archon
*Newsy891
*[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showuser=246 Nic Woodward/tec]
*Nicolas I./Nightblade
*Noah Carroll/Defunct
*Owen Brownell/Robogeek1973
*Paladin
|
*Phil Barker/Daith
*Phil Zeman (ASM)
*Pyre
*Quicky
*[[User:Poweredconvoy|Randy Para/Powered Convoy]]
*Ray Kremer
*Razorclaw0000 (Seibertron)
*Redjack Ryan
*Robert Chambers/Agent X
*Robert Petrimoulx
*RockinRobin
*S.A.M.
*Sara Franks-Allen
*[http://ssjmihoshi.deviantart.com/ Sara Rude]
*Sean Curry/Dake
*Sebastien Blouin/Devcon
*Shawn Chellis
*Silverwynde & Defensis Prime
*Simon Dick
*Solarstorm/Nicholas Sampone III
*Solarstorm's kids, Laurita and Victoria Sampone
*Solidgoomba
*[[User:MCRG|Spark]]
*Specimen-17
*Stackups Immy
*Steve Kushnir/Soundwave9
*Strangefour
*Sunlink (TFW2005)
*[[User:Swift|Swift]] & Quez
*T16skyhopp (TFW2005)
*Tentakil
*[[User:Lonegamer78|Tiffany T. Wong/Lonegamer]]
*[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]]
*Tom Rutzler/Fenix Twilight
*Wingus
*Wolfboy
|}

==External links==
*[http://www.allspark.com The AllSpark]
*[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6756/20/ "Transformers Fan Community Charity Drive, Organized by Allspark.com and TFwiki.net"]
*[http://www.lifespan.org/hch/ Hasbro Children's Hospital]

[[Category:Toy Fair]]
[[Category:Fandom]]

User:LBD Nytetrayn

2010-03-01T23:24:56Z

LBD Nytetrayn: New page: Info pending, once I decide what to put here.

Info pending, once I decide what to put here.

Toy Fair 1986

2010-03-01T23:22:43Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Contributors */

==Gallery==
<center>
<gallery>
Image:ToyFair1986-cover.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage00.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage01.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage02.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage03.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage04.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage05.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage06.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage07.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage08.jpg
Image:ToyFair1986-TFpage09.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Contributors==
{|cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" width="100%"
|-valign="top"
|
*Alan Wilkinson
*[[User:Abates|Alden Bates]]
*An Allspark Lurker
*[[User:Andrusi|Andrusi]]
*Anthony Oster
*Asquian
*[[User:Autobus Prime|Autobus Prime]]
*[[User:Awa64|awa64]]
*Axaday
*Bainreese
*Bass XO
*[[Bill Forster]]
*Bill Heaston/Fangwing
*Bleargh001
*Blindmouse
*BlitzwingHaz
*Blue Fuel
*Bonebot
*Boss Borot
*BraveMax
*Brett Goldman/Deathy G1
*Brett Sommers
*Brian Kilby
*Brian Orms
*Buster D
*BWBM (Tformers)
*Caboose/Alex Cooley
*Camron King/TM Silverclaw
*Chaotic Descent
*Cheetimus Primal/M.W. Roberts, Jr.
*ChessPieceFace
*[[User:Chip|Chip]]
*Chris Carolan/Terminal Hipster
*Christine Love
*Christopher Cerny
*[[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]]
|
*Chug
*Ciaran Fitzgerald/Sprocket
*Counterpunch
*CreatureSH
*DanHibiki
*Daniel Sayre/Mr Blud
*[[David Willis]]/[[User:ItsWalky|Walky]]
*Daytonus
*DetectiveFork
*[[User:Detour|Detour]]
*Dilbertron
*Donocropolis
*[[Kris Carter|Drivaaar]]
*[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]]
*Edwin
*Emeraldbeacon
*Engledogg
*Eric Wilson
*[[User:Esser-Z|Esser-Z]]
*Fairplay
*Fenrir
*[[User:FortMax|FortMax]]
*Fullstrength Motleypuss
*Gabriel Owens
*Galen Rafferty/Galenraff
*Geoffrey Sproule
*Gothsaurus
*Graham Weaver
*Greg Kuhn/Kalidor
*[[Greg Sepelak]]/[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]]
*Gryphman
*HellCat
*InfiniteCron
*[[User:Interrobang|Interrobang]]
|
*Jason DuBose/Onyx Minor
*Jeff Willoughby
*Jeremy Carmichael/J Gargoyle220
*Jerry Blaise/Big Show
*[[Jesse Wittenrich|Jesse Wittenrich/NightViper]]
*[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]]
*[[User:Jimsorenson|Jim]] [[Jim Sorenson|Sorenson]]
*Jose Negron
*[[User:Spectre|Justin Severson/Spectre]]
*Kevin Sigmund
*Kurai Z
*[[User:LBD_Nytetrayn|LBD "Nytetrayn"/David Oxford]]
*Logan Rogan
*Luke Thompson
*[[Mark Baker-Wright|Mark Baker-Wright/G.B. Blackrock]]
*Master Fwiffo
*Matt Hume
*[[User:Monzo|Matt Karpowich/Monzo]]
*[[User:Primal Rage|Mathew Ignash]]
*Michael Ivey/General Tekno
*[[User:Might Gaine|Might Gaine]]
*Mike Estipona/Lastmaximal
*Mikeatron
*Mkall (Seibertron)
*Mouse_Pad
*Msol
*mx-01 archon
*Newsy891
*[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showuser=246 Nic Woodward/tec]
*Nicolas I./Nightblade
*Noah Carroll/Defunct
*Owen Brownell/Robogeek1973
*Paladin
|
*Phil Barker/Daith
*Phil Zeman (ASM)
*Pyre
*Quicky
*[[User:Poweredconvoy|Randy Para/Powered Convoy]]
*Ray Kremer
*Razorclaw0000 (Seibertron)
*Redjack Ryan
*Robert Chambers/Agent X
*Robert Petrimoulx
*RockinRobin
*S.A.M.
*Sara Franks-Allen
*[http://ssjmihoshi.deviantart.com/ Sara Rude]
*Sean Curry/Dake
*Sebastien Blouin/Devcon
*Shawn Chellis
*Silverwynde & Defensis Prime
*Simon Dick
*Solarstorm/Nicholas Sampone III
*Solarstorm's kids, Laurita and Victoria Sampone
*Solidgoomba
*[[User:MCRG|Spark]]
*Specimen-17
*Stackups Immy
*Steve Kushnir/Soundwave9
*Strangefour
*Sunlink (TFW2005)
*[[User:Swift|Swift]] & Quez
*T16skyhopp (TFW2005)
*Tentakil
*[[User:Lonegamer78|Tiffany T. Wong/Lonegamer]]
*[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]]
*Tom Rutzler/Fenix Twilight
*Wingus
*Wolfboy
|}

==External links==
*[http://www.allspark.com The AllSpark]
*[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6756/20/ "Transformers Fan Community Charity Drive, Organized by Allspark.com and TFwiki.net"]
*[http://www.lifespan.org/hch/ Hasbro Children's Hospital]

[[Category:Toy Fair]]
[[Category:Fandom]]

MediaWiki talk:Community Portal

2010-01-01T23:30:22Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Blocking Spam Accounts */

__NEWSECTIONLINK__

This is the place for discussion of topics that affect the entire wiki. Some topics that would ordinarily be here have merited their own pages:

{{chapters|title=Specific Discussion Subjects|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">'''Moving From Wikia:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving|Arriving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving|Leaving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki:Community Portal/Complaints|Complaints]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''New Ad Policy:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki:Ads|Ads]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Bookworm Database-Crash:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Damage Control Central|Damage Control Central]]
* [[Project:Bookworm Crash]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving2|Leaving Take 2]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Server Move:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving2|Arriving Take 2]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Relicensing:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Relicensing|Relicensing]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Dealing With Vandalism:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Vandalism|Vandalism]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''GoBots Sister Wiki:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/GoBots|Discussion on the place of GoBots in this wiki]]
}}<br/>

{{:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}/Archive}}


== Boxes gone from disambig templates? ==
I noticed the disambiguation templates don't seem to have those gray boxes behind them anymore. Is this intentional? Because it's confusing. -[[User:Mazenoise|Mazenoise]] 08:16, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:Derik shifted the CSS styling into the stylesheet. Your browser probably had the old stylesheet cached, but a shift-reload should fix it. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 08:20, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::Yeah, it did actually. Thanks! -[[User:Mazenoise|Mazenoise]] 08:29, 17 September 2009 (EDT)

And they (well, the ones Derik hit anyway) sprouted a thick grey left border in the transition because...? - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 11:34, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:I forget the reason. Rest assured that it did make sense though!
:Main advantage of switching the disambig boxes to CSS: When you have multiple in a row, they stack prettier without a double-outline between them. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 19:47, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::''I forget the reason. Rest assured that it did make sense though!''
::If that's not a Derikism, it deserves to be. (And is the main reason why I'm scared of changing to external CSS rather than inline CSS - you having the keys to the styles virtually unfettered, since those admins who could either override or yank the emopanda CSS mostly either don't know how or are absent much of the time)
::So now we have disambig templates that are unique amongst messageboxen in a particularly... nondescript way. Different enough to be irritating, not different enough to serve any real purpose. - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 21:09, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::Eh? Oh, I thought I changed it back. (I remembered why they had a border on the left... I was testing something and decided it didn't work, I didn't realize it was still on.)
:::In theory Scout was going to make some changes last week to move us out of the existing CSS situation with much less living in my dev file... but she seems to have forgotten... -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 21:24, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::What was she planning to do? I can have a crack at it. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:29, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::Move a bunch of stuff to [[MediaWiki:common.css]], I expect.
:::::(Note the difference between Common.css [all skins, including the ones no-one uses like Simple and MySkin], Monacobook.css [Monacobook only] and Monobook.css [Monobook only]. Scout [[User_talk:Suki_Brits#.22Fixed.22_Monobook|forgot about Monobook]] the last time common.css was edited. Incidentally, where did she ultimately put those changes? They ain't in the empty Monacobook.css.) - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 21:44, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::I have a suspicion that the plan may be to create a new user class with rights to edit css files here (in which case I don't have the necessary access rights to do so)... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:59, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::::That was the one. :) Either she forgot, or she tried and it didn't work. I'll bug her when I remember. (It's not like it's pressing... it's been needing doing for some time so it can wait a bit longer.) -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:33, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::And to answer the css question, the changes are in [http://tfwiki.net/w2/skins/monacobook/tt1.css this file] which isn't editable through the Mediawiki interface. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 00:03, 18 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::::"Scout, I have 3 requests."
:::::::"No, no, yes if I don't have to do any work."
:::::::-[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:51, 18 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::::Did that ever get done in the end? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:45, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

== WTF? ==
Why does [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive11|Archive 11]] even exist? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:35, 1 October 2009 (EDT)

== Obscure BW comic, anyone? ==
Alright for the past while now, I've been looking up and adding in obscure Beast Wars products. I remembered both the Mutating Card Game and both Jigsaw Puzzles, and I've already taken note to add those in. But one piece of memorabilia that has still eluded me is a really old comic... My memory's a bit fuzzy on this one, and I can't quite recall if it was a seperate mini-comic from the two-pack of "Optimus vs. Megatron!" or if the scenes I'm remembering are part of that comic as well.
The only scenes I recall from said comic are the opening, where a pre-earth mode Cheetor peeks through some vegetation to reveal a (very small) crystal. The subsequent dialog explained that they had to take on beast modes to overcome the toxic radiation of the crystal (much like the tv show).
Anyone has any similar recollection? Or if anyone has scans of the "Optimus vs. Megatron!" mini-comic to clear up wether or not it is a scene from that comic that I'm remembering, I'd appreciate it. In any case, I hope I'm not going crazy and remembering a comic that doesn't exist, because as far as I can tell, it's not listed on the Beast Wars comics page. Thanks --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 14:23, 3 October 2009 (EDT)

:It's not the "Optimus Primal Vs. Megatron!" comic, that one starts with Primal(in beast mode) flying in the sky, and then Cheetor running in the dark with a glow in his eyes. Unless you mistake the sparkle in his eyes for a crystal, it's not the same comic.--[[User:Sunjumper|Sunjumper]] 13:41, 5 October 2009 (EDT)

::I vaguely recall something similar to that being used to advertise the first Beast Wars video game on PC and PSX.--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 15:23, 23 October 2009 (EDT)

== Categories for modes? ==

I've been trying to find out which transformer one of my old toys is, and I'd hoped I could compare it against each of the transformers with an aeroplane mode - but I couldn't find such a list. So I wondered whether it would be a good idea to have categories for the transformers' modes, so I could go to "Category:Aeroplanes" and look it up like that. Good idea? I'm not volunteering to do the legwork :-) [[Special:Contributions/86.7.22.40|86.7.22.40]] 06:50, 5 October 2009 (EDT)
:[http://tfu.info/ID/index.htm This external link] might help. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 09:56, 5 October 2009 (EDT)

== "Notes" ==
When did we start changing all the "Trivia" subheaders to "Notes"? ...And why even bother?--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 20:17, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
:Someone stated that they hated the header "Trivia" as it made the info seem inconsequential when sometimes it was actually useful/relevant, and those of us who thought they had a point started going along with that thought. (Although much to my annoyance I don't recall off-hand who said it or where, other than I think maybe it was on one of the Shattered Glass articles.) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 20:34, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
::It becomes irritating to me since "Notes" was solely confined to the comics and media articles and "Trivia" was confined to character and toy pages, so now we've got a bunch of random character pages with a "Notes" section (Hot Rod character page, for instance) and others with a "Trivia" section (Hot Rod toy page, for instance) for no particular reason. It looks sloppy and I have no idea whether I should be trying to track down and reset the headings to one or the other or if I'll get warned for it.--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 23:32, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
:::"Someone" was probably me. -- [[User:Repowers|Repowers]] 00:16, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Yeah, you're our resident cruft inquisition!--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 00:18, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

:::I think some page's contents in the Trivia sections is, um, mixed up with notes (relevant but can't be put in other section) and trivia (a little irrelevant BUT notable) things. So, maybe page like this would still need a trivia section, that is, separate their Trivia section into Trivia and Notes section. Of course, that may involve subjective view of the users who edit the page.--'''[[User:TX55|<span style= "color:#00FA9A">TX55</span>]]'''<small><SUP>''[[User talk:TX55|<span style= "color:#0000CD">TALK</span>]]''</SUP></small> 21:19, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::So are we going to decide on some form of consistent change or just use the two words randomly?--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 02:31, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::I've been changing pages to "Notes" as I work them. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 12:34, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::It'd also be a fairly easy bot request.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 13:38, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::Easy as long as you have a full list of the pages on the wiki. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:39, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::It's not as simple as it might appear - we have [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|episode pages]] with Notes sections with Trivia subsections, so the bot would have to take that into account (and a blanket change of #Trivia anchors wouldn't be possible because some will be legitimately pointing to those Trivia sections). --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:56, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::In the case of the bot request I made, I specifically said to replace <nowiki>==Trivia==</nowiki> with <nowiki>==Notes==</nowiki>. The pages you reference have <nowiki>===Trivia===</nowiki>, which should be possible to exclude in a search.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 16:54, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

== Preventing direct image linking ==

As we know, the wiki costs a fair bit to run and early on in our post Bookworm crash server move, it used more bandwidth than our bosses calculated, so the last thing we need is people going around directly linking images off of our server for forums or even their blogs or whatever (The [[Mountain Dew Robot]]s logo was one of our most popular articles... because some idiot linked the image to his website). Is there any way for us to prevent this? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 11:54, 9 October 2009 (EDT)
:Yes and no.
:Yes in the sense that it's pretty easy to create an .htaccess file that redirects hotlinks in some way.
:No in the sense that it might break the GoBoxes, if there isn't some way to make it so that the rewrite rules allow just the GoBox images to be hotlinked. Hrm. Although I think the GoBoxes are all PNGs, and we have very few PNGs as normal images, so it might not be ''that'' big a workaround problem. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 17:40, 9 October 2009 (EDT)
::Well, all the gobox images are in their own folder anyway, so it's simple enough to exclude them. This is probably a REALLY good idea; somebody give me a suitable (and tiny) replacement image and I'll try to make it so. --[[User:Suki Brits|Suki Brits]] 08:45, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Depends on what you had in mind. You could either go the route of just making a one pixel GIF (i.e. smallest image possible), or maybe use our logo with "no hotlinking permitted" written on it. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 09:01, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Goatse. Or the nearest TF equivalent of "ridiculous shock image." [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 10:00, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Anything from Kiss Players, then. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:09, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::...can we still let me inline images on my blog? Can we make exceptions? Because sometimes I do that, because it's technically me paying for the bandwidth anyway. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 10:17, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::Whitelisting domains is easy. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 10:36, 11 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::::I'm not extremely savvy with that kind of stuff (most of my knowledge coming from archived talkpages on this wiki), so I have no idea whether it's possible.
:::::::What ''is'' a goatse, anyway? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:24, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::You don't want to know if you don't already. Trust me. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 10:36, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::Sorry I asked.
:::::::::*remembers the vandal that came in and messed with some talk pages* --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:39, 11 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::''"Or the nearest TF equivalent"'' - Something like [[:Image:Tftm1986e.jpg|this]], you mean? - [[User:Magnus Maximus|Magnus Maximus]] 10:50, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::Something more like [[:Image:LegionRape1.jpg|this]] would be "the nearest TF equivalent", surely. [Or, potentially even more disturbing, [[:Image:AtariScream.jpg|this]].] - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 12:07, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Even Kiss Players is only about a 3 on the shock meter compared to Goatse. An image of Pat Lee might be appropriate... I suggest sticking to something small anyway, otherwise the bandwidth problem is still there. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:41, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::How about [[:Image:Siestacron.gif|this]] with something like "You have found The Void." -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 15:52, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::I vote for Pat Lee. That's awesome. BANDWIDTH SUPERSTAR! [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 18:06, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
Well, the GoBoxes are fairly bandwidth-light, right? What if we did a variation on them, with the leeched image replaced with a notice that the image was leeched, and encouraging them to go to TFWiki.net to learn about Transformers?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 15:57, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:I stand by my Kiss Players suggestion. That or the image of dead Prime from TFTM with a tagline at the bottom saying "This image is dead due to hotlinking." --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:37, 12 October 2009 (EDT)
::Rosicrucian has the right idea. We make it work for us, rather than just 'punish' the people doing it. We don't try to shock or dismay, just state that hotlinking is bad (m'kay?) and that tfwiki.net is the place to learn about Transformers. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 11:44, 17 October 2009 (EDT)

:FFN brought up an important issue! (FFN also totally forgot about this immediately after posting the original question and only just read this discussion.) And yeah, I totally forgot about the Go-Box. Since I'm not on the Allspark, I've never really seen the go box in use, other than Derrik Wyatt's blog. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 01:22, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
[[Image:Quintessa.jpg|thumb|250px]]
::'''This''' is about the most vindictively confusing thing you could spike someone with, IMO. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 11:47, 19 October 2009 (EDT)
:::USE IT. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:58, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

{{-}}

:So... did we get around to doing anything about this or what? A couple of readers on Kotaku (a popular gaming site) have direct-linked some images. The Allspark crashing yesterday because of Kotaku and other sites linking to it shows those game sites have major readership numbers, so I'm concerned people doing this sort of direct linking will cost us significant bandwidth, and I'm getting tired of asking people to do the right thing and just upload it elsewhere if they really want to direct-link an image. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 17:30, 9 December 2009 (EST)
::Enjoy having your bandwidth wasted. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:38, 23 December 2009 (EST)
:::The only ones who can actually do anything about this are McFly and Scout, so unless anyone's talked to them directly about it... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 03:37, 23 December 2009 (EST)

== GoBots on this wiki ==
{{main|Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/GoBots}}

== Audio file problems - they don't seem to work ==
I don't think we ever resolved this when Derik brought it up a long time ago, but whatever script we use for audio files doesn't work, at least it doesn't work the way it's supposed to. On Wikia wikis, when you click on a "listen to this audio file", your browser should activate java, buffer the ogg file and play it. However, on TFWiki, the browser merely tries to download the file, not play it. If you choose to open the file via your browser's download dialogue, the file downloads into your temp files and plays it off the nearest compatible media player, which is a *''remarkably''* roundabout way of doing things. Is there any way we can fix this? (I'm using Firefox 3 and Internet Explorer 6)--[[User:FFN|FFN]] 01:19, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:I'm assuming that Wikia must have some embedded audio file player installed or something, which is probably doable via an extension. I have to admit I don't see it as a high priority... having the browser call up a helper file is a normal way of handling such things, plus I like being able to download and save the file.
:Not only that, but we barely have any audio files to worry about... I think the Scene Transition page is the only article I've come across that has an appreciable number of audio files on it. Although now that I think about it, I wonder if creating WAVs of characters' main quotes where possible might be an interesting idea, to give samples of what characters sound like. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 03:09, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
::Downloading - well, there's the minor issue that the majority of our users will be unable to play .ogg files anyway, for even if codecs are easily had, it's a fairly obscure format. Hell, I never even heard of it until 2005. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 03:27, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:::WinAmp plays OGGs just fine out-of-the-box, among a number of other media players out there, so I don't see an issue. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 03:35, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:In case we want to install an extension to handle this: [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:OggHandler] --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:50, 18 October 2009 (EDT)

== Editing Go Boxes? ==
I've utterly failed at finding a guide to editing a Go Box address, so I figured I'd just note that the Go Box for "Tankor (ROTF)" instead links to a blank "Revenge of the Fallen Tankor" page for some reason. {{unsigned|MCRG Again}}
:Fixed. Someone put the destination page down as "Revenge of the Fallen Tankor" in [[Template:Goicons]], thus causing the GoBox to send you to a non-existent page. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 02:51, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

== When was the last Database backup? ==

Just curious. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:10, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:That is exactly why we need that "Database last backed-up by: (insert-person-here) on: (insert-date-here)." thing someone suggested a long time ago. That way, we may avoid Bookworm Crash 2.0. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:15, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Of course, one of the major causes of The Bookworm Event was that corrupt or otherwise failed backups were being registered as successful. That backups are regularly checked is just as important as backups being made in the first place, and "(insert-person-here) on: (insert-date-here)" wouldn't prove that. - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 12:31, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::::At least we know if there ''is'' a backup to check at all. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:02, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::By us, manually? I dunno. We pay for automatic backups every week as part of our hosting. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 12:22, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Ah, that last one is slightly more reassuring.
:::I mean-- they're the same automatic backups Bookworm was theoretically making, but IIRC the current host was picked (in part) for having a good reputation for such things. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 14:32, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::::McFly confirmed [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive41#Googlejuice_-_Bad_News_Everyone|a while back]] that the auto backups were working, so hopefully they still are. Good news for when we eventually upgrade the software! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:57, 20 October 2009 (EDT)

==Self-sufficiency==
It's come up that the hosting costs for this site exceed the revenue generated by this site. That's a bad situation, not sustainable in the long run. Because I don't want to see the site go away, addressing it should be a big concern. Is there anything we can do to generate extra revenue?
I see a few potential avenues:
:a: more advertising or better advertising.
:b: licensing out some of our content. This is tricky, since it's partially not owned by us. But what about something like an iPhone app that pulls in our This Day in Transformers History? That should be ok if we don't use the name Transformers - it'd be a kind of news service.
:c: some kind of virtual gifts or badges perhaps? I'm thinking like the gigantion award for contributions, but where users have the option of paying a dollar to send another editor a token of some sort. Cons are that it would require some sort of transaction engine and coding.
Any other ideas?--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 16:53, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:Another idea - best one yet, maybe. Add in amazon links to all products, and set up an affiliate account. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 17:47, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The hosting costs for this site SOMETIMES don't exceed the revenue generated. And the difference is usually by $5-10 if so. We're not in a crisis by any stretch. But I do have some ideas. I'm thinking of putting a minimum bid on the top ad. I've been told that having a minimum bid reduces the amount of bidders, but in my experience with Shortpacked!, the opposite is true. I lost a lot of money by removing the minimum bid for a few months, and stuff shot right back up to normal when I reinstated it. The only problem I see with that is that our top ad IS kind of unstandard-sized, so that means we're aiming it at a smaller pool of advertisers than most. But I'm gonna try this thing. The top ad's only bringing in $1.60/day at this very moment anyhow, and so that's not a huge investment to lose either way. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 17:59, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The unfortunate underside to this is that you have to cancel all of the spot's current bids to change the minimum bid. It'll take a day or two for ads to show up again as folks return to it. But I'll throw up an ad on there myself to bridge the time.--[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:03, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::And just like that we're in the black. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:05, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Segue-touring out of crassly commercial concerns into site-content concerns that ''overlap'' crassly commercial ones...
:::Our "year" pages are a mess. No one works on them, and they're just kinda... there and useless.
:::For months I've been toying with a suggestion that we re-format them (dumping what we have, which isn't much in most cases) and re-do them as a cross between the old "annual assortment" pack-in brochures and the old TSarchive wave listings. (Which I always found useful for gettign a picture of what came out when.)
:::For the old pages it'd basically be a wave listing, but for the current year, you'd have a functional "What's out/what's upcoming" list, which could be updated with dates a wave was first sites, when a product was available online... Including Amazon-icon links after character names is a ''plus'', because it give users the ability to see the gallery, read reviews, etc.
:::I just think it could be really ''useful'', I often feel swamped by the sheer volume of TF merchandise being offered, and I'd love to have a large central page that keeps track of it all. That such a page might serve as a revenue stream is pure gravy on top. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 18:16, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::::I'm willing to use my existing Amazon seller's account for this.--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 18:21, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::We could implement this idea without totally scrapping the year pages couldn't we? Split out the toy pages for more recent years so you don't have to browse way down the page to get to the Amazon links and such, while still keeping our other info. As for nothing being done with them, I've been looking for a new Wiki project to work on. I'll start tackling these, once we have a consensus on what to do with them.--[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 23:26, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::See, the difference between being in the red and in the black is like 50 cents a day. I don't think we need to try that hard. I don't think the Wiki needs to be a For-Profit business. What would we even do with the money? Advertise more? --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:24, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Depends on how much money we get. I mean, dovetailing with the BG wiki idea... --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 18:53, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The whole financial "crisis" came out of the notion that we might not be able to afford a GoBots Wiki. Thus bringing to light the sudden reality that we might not be able to exceed Super Jawsome levels and reach Mega Jawsome status because of cash strappitude. If maintaining the TF Wiki as-is isn't a financial bother, if the GB Wiki (should it ever happen) does turn out to create an issue, I'm still willing to donate and I'm sure a handful of chums around here are also up to the task. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 19:06, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Yeah... I don't think that people are realizing that running another wiki on the same server, on a subdomain is ''literally'' free. I mean-- it will have to share bandwidth with TFWiki... but that's no different than if we documented the material within this site! They're just logistically separate. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 06:25, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
===Analytics for October 2008 - October 2009===
[[Image:Analytics october2009.png|thumb|250px|What are you squinting at this for? click on it to get the full-size version!]]
Discussing site promotion prompted me to take a look at our analytics again.
*Traffic dipped 20% in mid-September, finally shedding most of our movie bump... but stayed above where we were in May when the bump began. (Translation: We gained.) The economy's pinch on people's free time, plus the relative lull in TF news is probably a factor here.
*In the last 3 weeks, we've had a surge in search-engine traffic-- vast numbers of which ('''much''' moreso than normal) are leaving right after getting here, meaning we don't have the information they're looking for.
*This spike is almost certainly related to people searching for information about the ROTF DVD release. Not information on the film itself... because traffic on our film page has seen no corresponding spike.
I suggest we create a "ROTF DVD field guide" page, listing all the different versions, what features come with what, pictures of the box (if possible) where they're available, etc. (We're talking about ~2,500 people every day that come here looking for this, then immediately leave because we don't have it.) The traffic spike around the DVD promotion seems to be mirroring the one around the film (though to a much smaller degree) which means it's about halfway through. But-- these bumps have a "long tail," especially going into the holiday shopping season. We can expect a page like this to yield significant traffic dividends over the next 80-odd days.

So.... yeah. [[Revenge of the Fallen DVD field guide]]. Big blinking neon sign in the analytics. We should make this. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 08:10, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
:I heartily concur, my good man. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 08:19, 22 October 2009 (EDT)

::Well don't look at me! I have no idea how many versions exist! Here, whoever wants to block it in can use this image. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 08:51, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
:::You can put it back now, mostly, Derik. I put in the main details. It needs some pictures that I don't have, but it's ready enough to release, I think. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 15:05, 22 October 2009 (EDT)

==(Universe) identifier==
:''See also: [[Talk:Universe (2003 franchise)]]''

We are currently using (Universe) as identifier for both characters from the 2003 line and the 2008 line. This does not look like a fine situation to me. Proposing change to (Universe 2003) and (Universe 2008), or perhaps something shorter. I'm not sure if and how this should effect such identifiers as (Universe Micromaster). [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 02:54, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:I think "Name (Universe 2003/2008)" would be a nice idea. As for some characters who have two counterparts within a franchise... it surely need some discussion. --'''[[User:TX55|<span style= "color:#00FA9A">TX55</span>]]'''<small><SUP>''[[User talk:TX55|<span style= "color:#0000CD">TALK</span>]]''</SUP></small> 04:34, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:We already have a few with the year in the name, e.g. [[Treadshot (Universe 2008)]], which is disambiguated with [[Treadshot (Universe)]]. I don't know if that's strictly a good precedent... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:42, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::That's a terrible precedent. If both toys are trying to occupy the namespace "Treadshot (Universe)" '''both''' get disambig'd, and neither gets the no-year slot. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 17:13, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
::Well, what's the alternative? List the "series" and have (Universe Classic)/(Universe G1)/(Universe Cybertron)/etc? - [[User:Mammalian Verisimilitude|Mammalian Verisimilitude]] 06:05, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:::Probably best (and simplest) to change any Universe tags to include the year. While not strictly needed if there is only one character of that name in any Universe line, it would save time if another character of that name appears in a Universe line later (Short aside to anyone who says the Universe line is over: Hasbro has stated that the concept is a good one, they may bring it back as Universe (2015) and store exclusives [such as Powerglide, Hardhead, and Skyfall] may be released under the universe banner even if no new Universe product is shipping). As for Universe Micromaster, this could probably stay as is but I'm not averse to changing it to something else. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 08:28, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Our ''existing'' policy '''had''' been "The line is called Universe, therefore that is the disambig." That Hasbro was obnoxious enough to gift us with a second Universe line, with oodles of name-reuse... hh.
::::Let us be clear on what we are discussing-- a proposal to '''change''' the disambigs of both the 2003 and 2008 lines, such that we will, in the future, treat them as is there was '''always''' an invisible qualifying subtitle (at least as far as the disambig is concerned) much like how "Star Trek" slowly drifted into being called "Star Trek: The Original Series" even in official products simply for clarity/sanity-- picking up an after-the-fact subtitle 25 years late.
::::I would ''generally'' oppose that kind of thing... because it errs to far on the side of "disambigs should provide information" (which inevitably leads to obnoxious [[Project:Deckchair edit|Deckchair edit]]s-- it's simply ''not'' the purpose of disambigs.) But both the 2003 and 2008 lines are sweeping toylines with a hodgepodge of mostly-absent fiction and a cast of characters creeping into the triple digits with a lot of name overlap. For our '''sanity''', this might be a good move.
::::Phrasing this as an implicit subtitle of the franchise is important, IMO. Because it means we're '''not''' turning disambigs into information-delivery systems (e.g. "Prowl (Universe 2003)" even though he came out in 2004) but merely recognizing the need to more clearly seperate these two unrelated franchises.
::::So, um... tentatively in favor? Provided the actual move doesn't happen until November. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 17:11, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Surely there's a set of '''ex'''plicit subtitles for the 08-09 line in the form of the classic/G1/etc series? - [[User:Mammalian Verisimilitude|Mammalian Verisimilitude]] 22:16, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::: So like how everything done before 1992 is retroactively "Generation 1"? Aheh. Seriously, though, I currently have no problem with (Universe 2003)/(Universe 2008) as opposed to a sloppier (Universe Cybertron) or (Universe Generation 1) or (Universe Classics). We've already done this for [[Ransack]] and [[Treadshot]], and given that catch-as-catch-can store exclusives (not to mention the discount-market repackages) came out in 2003-style ''Universe'' packaging well until ''2008'', it's not insane to think that we won't get a continued trickle of 2008 ''Universe'' toys for a while. That being said, the biggest difference between 2003 ''Universe'' and 2008 ''Universe'', to me, is that 2003 ''Universe'' has a specific attached fiction, with Unicron and the interdimensional battle and all that - it's right there on the package, whereas 2008 ''Universe'' is literally a catch-all line where it can be explicitly said "This is the same team of Aerialbots you remember from G1, just in new bodies" whereas with the 2003 line, you have a bunch of dudes whose origins are virtually unknown. When you look at it like that, it seems like "2003" vs "2008" is a reasonable breakdown, as if we get, say, another green construction vehicle named "Scavenger" in Universe 2008 packaging, it'll likely be marked "Generation 1 Series", meaning that we don't have to disambiguate between this theoretical new Scavenger and the Mini-Con wolf. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 09:26, 28 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::I agree with Hoop. Using (Universe Cybertron) and such would be terrible. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 19:28, 28 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::Yes, because that would be the opposite of a franchise-identifier, that would be a continuity-identifier. Thus my long-winded schpiel above about re-naming the ''franchise'' identifiers. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:59, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::You'll find, Derik, that I was pretty much agreeing with you re: "Universe (2003)" and "Universe (2008)," especially given that it appears, based on a thing from the DVD press junket, that we may be adding "Universe (2010)" to the mix. I'm assuming we're considering each one a new "Universe" series every time... there's a stop in product? There's a packaging change? What's the delineator? Like I said above, the 2003 packaging stayed in use until very very recently... [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 08:32, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::::::::I've kind of gathered that the delineator was the change in logo/packaging. But if Hasbro is going to trot out a new version of Universe every few years, perhaps that should be reexamined. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:41, 2 November 2009 (EST)
Just noticed this: when talking about anything called "Universe", we put the year in front in the disambig (like "Universe (2008 toyline)"). But the current Universe characters are dismabig'd with the year at the end (like "Treadshot (Universe 2008)"). Should this be made the same or is the difference between them good enough to keep things this way? [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 05:46, 15 November 2009 (EST)
:Nobody says "2008 Universe or "toyline 2008". [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 06:50, 15 November 2009 (EST)
::And I see no reason to make disambigs longer than necessary, nor anybody agreeing with the point enough to move pages like [[Universe (cartoon)]], which nobody talked about at all. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 06:59, 15 November 2009 (EST)
:::I'm quite under the impression that the above conversation is about the year as invisible, retroactive name element to both and all possible future "Universe" franchises. Hence, even if there is only one "Universe" character/element, it will still get the franchise's year in its identifier as part of franchise's name. And no, nobody spoke about the cartoon, but is that such a different thing from character pages when only talking about its part in either of the Universe lines? [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 07:38, 15 November 2009 (EST)
::::I'm so not going to let this discussion die off like this. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 01:49, 4 December 2009 (EST)
:::::So, should we add years to any Universe tag or only if there are 2003 and 2008 figures? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 01:02, 6 December 2009 (EST)
::::::No, because it's ugly and unnecessary. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 01:28, 6 December 2009 (EST)

== GoBots faction symbols? ==

Ages ago, I remember reading a toy review (probably by Zobovor) that mentioned the [[Guardian_(GoBots)|Guardian_(GoBots)]]s and [[Renegade]]s had faction-symbols. Specifically, IIRC "tiny stickers with bad glue that liked to slide around and fall off."

I don't ''think'' they've appeared in TF Fiction... but how would I know? (Maybe an artist modeled one of Cy-Kill's cameos on a toy with stickers intact?) Can anyone tell me what they looked like? Are [http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l262/skywarp2/Gobots/challengeofgobots11.jpg these] them? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 02:07, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:Hrm, [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/81b1fc7cdafbb765?hl=en&dmode=source this] is the review I remember with "friendly" and "enemy" stickers of dubious relevance... I wonder where the slidy-stickers memory came from? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 02:16, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
::Not sure if this helps, but TFU's entry on Tonka GoBot [http://www.tfu.info/Gobots/Guardians/Rumble/rumble.htm Rumble] has a 'Guardian' sticker on it, and ToyArchive's review of the Gobot [http://www.toyarchive.com/Gobots/Blast.html Blast] has a Renegades sticker on it. Not sure if these are the slidy stickers you refer to, but they do resemble some kind of formalized faction logos to my inexperienced eye -- [[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 02:39, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:::I remember them being triangular, so those are likely them! -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:44, 1 November 2009 (EST)
:::FYI,. the same symbols are on the Power Suit Combiners. So yes, they're definitely faction symbols-- however infrequently-used. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:53, 1 November 2009 (EST)

== Privacy policy ==

Since we currently have a link in the footer of every page of the Wiki which leads to a blank page, I thought I'd have a go at bashing out something resembling a [[User:Abates/Privacy policy|privacy policy]]. Thoughts? Please feel free to make changes to it.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, however I did watch all of ''Boston Legal''. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 01:29, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:Can we write it as if we were Captain Kirk? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 09:41, 2 November 2009 (EST)

Having a privacy policy is kind of a big deal. It's a legal document that 'we' the wiki have to follow. I'd recommend against having anything other than the most general text. There's little to gain for us (How many of our users, really, won't browse or edit due to privacy? Not a lot I'd wager.) but a lot to lose if we promise more than we can deliver. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 10:34, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:So it should be shorter and vaguer? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:59, 2 November 2009 (EST)

== 10000th page ==

Is there anything special planned for the ten thousandth "real" page? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 22:25, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:I could see a little template to commemorate it.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 22:47, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::I don't imagine anything CAN be specifically planned, like say making a specific character or something the 10,000th page. It'll probably wind up being something incredibly obscure and wiki-tastic, like the manufacturer of the Optimus Prime lollipop from that one BotCon. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 22:52, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:::Yeah, our last milestone articles were a [[Ego|TFCC TransTech character]] and a [[Michael York|famous actor who got a whole one line of dialogue in a bit of TF fiction]]. If our 10000th article ''isn't'' obscure, I'll be surprised. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 23:07, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::::I have created [[:Image:Wiki10k.png|a proposal]] for what I wanna stick on the 10k article. It'll be smaller when we actually do it, though.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 00:26, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Our article count is currently inflated by about 75 due to the macron issue, so it'll be when the counter hits 10075 or so. :O --[[User:Abates|abates]] 23:55, 2 November 2009 (EST)

[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] asked on [[Image talk:Wiki10k.png|here]] about marking previous milestones. As accurate as I can work it out:

* 1000th: [[Shooting Star]] on 17 May 2006
* 2000th: [[Beast (planet)]] on 30 September 2006
* 3000th: [[Altered Image!]] on 3 February 2007
* 4000th: [[Noise Effect]] on 25 June 2007
* 5000th: [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]] on 2 November 2007
* 6000th: [[Larry Leahy]] on 24 March 2008
And then 7000 was sometime in September 2008, followed by:
* 8000th: [[Ego]] on January 25th, 2009
* 9000th: [[Michael York]] on June 28th, 2009
--[[User:Abates|abates]] 05:46, 3 November 2009 (EST)

:Is it weird that both the 1k and 5k milestones I mentioned are space-based objects of some kind? --[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 13:28, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Ideally, I think we could make a milestones page that links to all of these, and the milestone icons on each of them link back to it for easy navigation. Maybe put it at [[Transformers Wiki: Milestones]]. --[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 14:01, 3 November 2009 (EST)

::More importantly... what will be the ''last'' article on TFWiki? Mu-hu-hah-ha-hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha! [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 15:42, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:::"Axanite". --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 16:13, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::Mr. Willis, you do realize that by including that red-link there, you're just begging for an editor with too much time on their hands to prove you wrong, right? --[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 16:20, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:::::I don't think you understand what [http://www.worlds-worst.com/worldsworst/fanfic/idea_detail.php?LinkID=147&CatID=2 Axanite] is. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 16:23, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Gah, here I am trying to pare down the wanted pages, and then you go and do something like make a fake link. DYW *Fixed* --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 16:25, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::::At least the author put an exclamation mark at the end of the title to make it easier to disambiguate with the character. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:52, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Surely the 1st page is also a milestone, but I suppose it is just something boring like the main page or something. 10,000 is a lot of pages! - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 16:17, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::Not counting the main page, the first article was (unsurprisingly) [[The Transformers (cartoon)]] --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:52, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Hey, I made the 2000th article! I feel so special! Not really, but still. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 12:37, 5 November 2009 (EST)

A couple thoughts: One, if the count is off by 75 due to the Bookworm crash, I would think that means the 9000th article was actually something else, as it happened after the crash. Two, we should make a milestone list, some little icons for each milestone, and co-opt the custom Factions icons option. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:00, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:I just tried a little investigation as to what it really was. Unfortunately, the new pages log was ''extremely'' uncooperative. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 16:07, 6 November 2009 (EST)

::FWIW, the 75th article after Michael York was [[Ryan Church]] on the 9th of July. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 23:45, 13 November 2009 (EST)

== Wanted pages? ==

Yesterday we had over 4150 wanted pages. Now we have ~4012. I've seen nothing in the deletions or page creations that would cause such a sudden shift in the numbers. Is there anything odd going on here or did we really knock out over 100 wanted pages in the span of a day?
I'll also take this moment to point out that we still have the duplicate "special character" pages cluttered up the orphaned pages since the bookworm crash. --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 12:04, 5 November 2009 (EST)
:Name variations were consolidated and links made more consistent. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 12:34, 5 November 2009 (EST)

:I discovered that sorting the list of wanted pages alphabetically makes it a ''lot'' easier to spot duplicates. :) McFly has said that he'll apply the fix for the macron pages when he and Scout get the time to upgrade the wiki software... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:34, 5 November 2009 (EST)
::Ah, so the upgrade is still in the pipe?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 14:39, 5 November 2009 (EST)
:::Well, I'm only assuming, admittedly, given it's a couple of months now since [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive41#Googlejuice_-_Bad_News_Everyone|he mentioned it]]. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:50, 5 November 2009 (EST)

== Skin problem in Chrome ==

Have any changes been made to the site skin in the last 24 hours? It's currently misbehaving for me in Chrome (no problems in Firefox and IE though). Everything in the left-hand column from the navigation menu down is being pushed down below the content area. It was working fine last night! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:06, 7 November 2009 (EST)
:After further investigation, it appears that Google recently released a new version on the beta channel, which is probably behind the problem. I'll have to see if I can find somewhere to report Chrome bugs. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:08, 7 November 2009 (EST)

== An Idea ==
Would it be possible to somehow code a searchbox thingy for this community portal? Because having to look through tons of archives to find something takes a while. I tried stealing the code from Wikipedia, but (oh the horror) it's HTML. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 06:59, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:Go to Special Pages>Search, uncheck "(Main)", check "Transformers Wiki talk", then run your search. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 12:29, 8 November 2009 (EST)
::Thanks. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:01, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:::No problem. Not that a Community Portal searchbox isn't an interesting idea, but with how slow our tech admins have been in responding lately, I figured I'd mention that workaround.
:::If you find yourself frequently searching other namespaces, you can change what you search in by default by [[Special:Preferences|going here]] and clicking "Search". --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 13:46, 8 November 2009 (EST)
::::As I said, I stole some code from Wikipedia, but apparently our wiki doesn't like HTML. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:48, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:I've added a Community Portal search box to the [[User:Derik/kired_tools|Kired Tools]] utilities. Bug reports welcome. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 18:13, 11 November 2009 (EST)
::<s>Well, here's a bug report for ya. I just spent five minutes reloading the site so it would work after I used your Kired Tools utilities. I may have screwed something up, so I'll keep trying.</s> --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:46, 12 November 2009 (EST)
:::Ignore that. It was caused by me screwing up. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:50, 12 November 2009 (EST)

== Unreleased toy sections ==

I've noticed that on some pages unreleased toys are integrated into the overall toy sections, while on others they are separate. Personally I find it more useful if they are separate, as it keeps confusion as to what's really out there to a minimum. Is there a standard position? If not, should there be a standard? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:46, 16 November 2009 (EST) (sorry if this is the wrong place to bring this up)
:Could you provide examples? From what I can tell, usually we integrate them and add a unreleased toy template (the one with Unicron). --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:05, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::On the [[Unicron/toys]] page there is a separate section for the unproduced toys. While on [[Arcee (G1)]] the unproduced Headmaster starts off her toys section (which also includes an unproduced Titanium series toy). These are the two pages that brought the question to my mind in the first place, but I'm sure there are more. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 18:22, 18 November 2009 (EST)
:::The unreleased toys should be listed under their intended release toyline, not segregated under "Unrelease toys." Unicron's page in that section is really old and needs to be updated to reflect this. It's funny, because it's his template. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 21:20, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::::I just updated it. Still need pics of the Japanese version of G1 Unicron. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 22:56, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::::That's what struck me as so strange, that his section of all the pages would be different. As I said before, I find the standard set up somewhat strange but consensus seems to be against me. Anyways, thanks for the clarification. I'll try to fix any more such problems that I come across. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 00:12, 19 November 2009 (EST)

==CSS not working?==
I'm not able to see the blue boxes around the disambig templates, and the featured characters template doesn't have lines around the columns. Neither Firefox or Internet Explorer display it correctly. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 19:10, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:I purged cache and refreshed, and am unable to reproduce the issue.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 19:14, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::That's what I did when it first came up. The issue persists. (My computer has been having file system problems lately, but I doubt that's the cause here.) [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 19:22, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:::I think Derik broke the CSS file on his server. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 20:19, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::::Wait, I did what?
::::...do you actually think that, or is that just the automatic first assumption? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 06:23, 21 November 2009 (EST)
:::::It was indeed an assumption, but it was based on looking at the tfwiki_tmp_global.css and seeing it ended with a couple of code fragments. Admittedly, since no one else has complained about anything being broken, I have to fall back on the assumption that it's a problem at Interrobang's end, so my apologies for the accusation. :) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:54, 21 November 2009 (EST)

== Question ==

Is there a feature in the software that allows you to find all pages created by a specific user? Just curious. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 15:17, 20 November 2009 (EST)
:Nope, I don't think there's even an extension to do that. I think the only way to do it at the moment would be to download a backup (if we had a way to do so) and run a script on it to check who did the first revision of each page. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:14, 20 November 2009 (EST)
::Even if we could do that, sadly any page created between June and March wouldn't would just say that Maintainence Script was the creator. --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 21:45, 21 November 2009 (EST)

:You could try simply scanning through the User Contributions pages of the user in question, as any pages they've created are marked a "New page:" prefix in the edit summary. Though as Bluestreak says, it'll only work so far back due to the crash. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:57, 22 November 2009 (EST)
::That ''would'' work, though it would be a very time-consuming process, depending on the user's number of edits. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 07:13, 23 November 2009 (EST)
:::And contribution != creation. The first page creator might not be the one who does the lion's share of the work on a given page. -[[User:Derik|Derik]]

:::True, but it's the only way I can think of to do it. Out of curiosity, was there any particular reason you wanted to know about new pages? (Maybe we can help?) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:08, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::::Just wondering. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 08:09, 25 November 2009 (EST)

== We're Number One! ==

Go to google.com and do a search for transformers wiki. For me, tfwiki.net is showing up first. Awesome! Can someone else confirm? (We're still lagging on Yahoo search.) --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 13:31, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:Has been happening occasionally for months. If it's doing it consistently now, that's awesome. As I've said many times, we've got momentum on our side.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 13:33, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::Hmm, I'm still consistently getting wikia as the number one hit. Might be different since I'm Canadian. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 18:03, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:::It's still Wikipedia then Wikia then us for me (Google seems to treat "wiki" and "wikipedia" as synonyms, which is a bit like treating "Windows" as a synonym for "operating system", but hey...) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:16, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::::Over on Google.ca, at least, we're now ahead of Wikipedia for Transformers Wiki. Still have Wikia to beat, though. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 19:23, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:::::First the tf-wikia, then tfwiki.net for me (then the dutch wikipedia, then the english wikipedia, then the dutch tf-wikia... there's a dutch tf-wiki???). [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 01:24, 25 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Always Wikia first down here. TF Wiki is fifth. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:09, 25 November 2009 (EST)

::::::Wikia provides multilanguage versions for all its wikis. Most of the non-English TF ones aren't very busy though. The largest seems to be the Hungarian version (hu.) with 661 articles. The Danish version was vandalized in 2008 and has been sitting that way ever since! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 02:20, 25 November 2009 (EST)

:::::::Was it the usual FUCK DETOUR guy I wonder? Has Detour been policing all the wikis? :) [[User:Drmick|Drmick]] 14:41, 26 November 2009 (EST)
::::::::Actually, it was Kremzeek, our ''other'' notorious vandal. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:13, 27 November 2009 (EST)
::::::I've got Wikia then their page for ROTF then us. {{unsigned|90.196.71.97|11:20, 31 December 2009}}

==Suggestion for a new project: The Quote Hunt==
I think it's clear that there are a number of pages that really need decent quotes. Some lack them and some have terrible ones ([[Divebomb (G1)|case in point]]). I'd like to put forward an idea to go over as many pages as possible and ensure that any quotes used are suitiable and if not that where possible a good one can be found. Obviously, one person could do this but I thought a consensus on which quotes worked might be better. Maybe a systematic approach. People take specific eras and work with them. Opinions? [[User:Eire]]

==Advice requested==
Hi people. I'm relatively new to the Transfandom and I didn't really know where to put this. This seemed as good a place as any. BTW I think this wiki probably surpasses anything else as the repository of TF knowledge. If only we could fit all this into Furmans ''Ultimate Guide''. A few questions:

1. What's the best and most widely used forum? I currently use IDW's but not sure if it's best
2. Is deviantart a good fanart display place? (my page is [http://www.minimus-minor.deviantart.com])

Thanks. [[User:Warpspeed Hellscream|Screamer]] 13:46, 27 November 2009 (EST)

:Those sorts of questions don't really suit this site, since this is a wiki dealing in the TF fiction, its history, the toys and so on, rather than a forum for us to have a chinwag about things that are unrelated to this wiki. Besides, the first question is also unanswerable - there is no "best" forum. The "big four" TF sites seem to be allspark.com, TFW2005.com, tformers.com and seibertron.com. I do not believe we can make a recommendation for you. As for your second question, I assume so. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 15:33, 27 November 2009 (EST)

==Wal-Mart Black Friday exclusives==
For those who haven't seen them, the Wal-Mart exclusives this year were straight repackages of the Target-exclusive Scouts from 2007 (Storm Surge, Clocker, Air Raid and Hardtop) in Universe packaging. This wouldn't really be a thing, except that they're all explicitly stated as being from Energon or Cybertron on the card back. So do we have to create four new articles or what? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 09:20, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:That seems pretty unusual as far as I know. Usually if they are going to re-release a figure they slip it into the current line, and we don't consider them to be actually part of that toyline, just a re-release in different packaging (example: "Cybertron collection" legends [[Leo Prime]]). I don't know what to do in the case of repackaging into a past toyline. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 09:36, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::They even have Sector 7 markings on some of the figures. Is there a Sector 7 in Cybertron now? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:33, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:::Taking a second look at it, it appears they were deliberately put into Cybertron. They are in the Universe "Cybertron Series" I believe. I think they are Cybertron characters. (I never did figure out what those Sector 7 insignias were supposed to mean, even in the movie universe. They don't appear to be part of the Sector 7 faction.) - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 10:42, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::::All that needs to be assumed for movieverse figures with Sector 7 insignia is that the vehicles scanned were issued by Sector 7.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 10:45, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:::::But how does that relate to these new Cybertron releases? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:47, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Probably the same as Cyber Planet Keys relate to the Movie Universe. That is to say, just pretend they aren't there. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 11:05, 28 November 2009 (EST)

== Proposal ==

So, in the wake of the Bookworm crash, we have had to reupload hundreds of images, perhaps more. A lot of those currently have no description save "Uploading image file". Couldn't we run a bot to at least append <nowiki>{{bookworm|5}}</nowiki> tags to them? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:30, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:It'd be handy if there was some way to sort them into different categories by type, so we could have a "screencaps needing descriptions", "toy images needing descriptions", etc categories. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 18:47, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::That would be very diificult. We'd need to have people running around listing all the toy images so we could then feed the list to Deceptitraan. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:07, 30 November 2009 (EST)
:::Sure, but if we simply stick the bookworm tag on them, all we're doing is shifting them from [[Special:Uncategorizedimages]] to [[:Category:Recovery-5]], which I can't see much advantage in. Sorting them into categories by type may be extra work now, but it should hopefully encourage more people to take a crack at putting descriptions to them later. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:11, 30 November 2009 (EST)
::::The advantage is that, Uncategorized images implies to me that only a category is lacking (since there are images that at least have descriptions, just no categories), while having it in Recovery-5 tells that the entire description is missing, and thus it's higher on the "needs attention" scale. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 17:50, 30 November 2009 (EST)
:::::That's one way to look at it. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:42, 1 December 2009 (EST)

== Reprolabels ==

...my God. ''Finally'' they advertise with us. I love the company, but it was downright ''mystifying'' that they hadn't hit up our Project Wonderful before now.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 03:05, 6 December 2009 (EST)
: I don't think they do a lot of advertising, period. I can't say I've ever seen a banner ad for them or anything like that. 99% of what I've heard from them has been either because I'm on their mailing list, from Delta himself posting on various fan forums with updates, or from the various fan forums frontpaging his updates. Word of mouth, essentially. (I also can't believe they don't offer gift certificates.) [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 05:20, 6 December 2009 (EST)

== Bot activity ==

''Deceptitran''-ish <small>(it's the new 'bot, but it's using Deceptitran's account)</small> is currently adding images which lost their descriptions to [[:Category:Image import error]]. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 13:50, 7 December 2009 (EST)
:That should help clean-up what's left of the aftermath of B-C. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:02, 7 December 2009 (EST)
::Bot has finished sweeping. It may have missed one or two here or there (I'm working from an outdated list,) but the '''vast majority''' of the import-error images should now be listed. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:44, 8 December 2009 (EST)

== Some thoughts on Infoboxes ==

I've been picking away at some ideas for [http://www.emopanda.com/tmp/infobox2_proposal_derik.pdf a redesigned infobox]. The idea isn't to ''change'' what we have so much as to standardize it, clean up the code, make it more immediately useful, etc. The biggest change in this proposal would be some top-level metadata-- "type of media," "language," "year produced."

I'd also like to suggest we add a "Format:" (?) field the data below. e.g. ( SD/HD for videos, color/b&w for comics, probably size for books. ) I was flipping through some of our UK stuff yesterday and it wasn't clear if it had ever been republished in color... because we don't have a standard scheme for addressing republishing (which I only touched on in the abstract in the PDF above.) When republishing data was included ''at all'' on pages... there was no consistent section title, language or treatment to it. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 15:14, 7 December 2009 (EST)
:My suggestion for a tweak is that I wonder if there's some way to create production order/reading order lists that can be called up automatically by the series, prev, and next links in the infoboxes. Most of them match up OK, but there's things like the Timelines stories where it's getting kind of snarled up.
:The continuity area also gets out of wack sometimes in terms of consistency. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:07, 7 December 2009 (EST)
::''Part'' of that can probably be attributed to the fact we lack an example page that give a clear guideline how to implement these things. -[[Special:Contributions/150.253.70.235|150.253.70.235]] 19:15, 7 December 2009 (EST)

== Transformers (2007) BD-live content? ==

So apparently ppls who picked up the '''2007''' Transformers film in blue-ray were able to access [http://tformers.com/transformers-/11768/news.html exclusive content] starting in June, including the (previously IMAX-exclusive?) [http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2009/06/transformers-bd-live-breakdown.html intro scene for Maggie and Fig's death.]

Do we / can we have this documented and screencapped? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:13, 8 December 2009 (EST)
:Four of those things--Metal in Motion, Stunts 101, Choose Your Weapon, and Voices--sound like they might be the same as the four featurettes that were available on the Circuit City website if you bought the Circuit City version of the DVD.
:If so, I actually have them on [http://www.youtube.com/JeysieC my YouTube account], as I uploaded them after Circuit City went bye-bye to ensure they were still archived somehow.
:...which, er, doesn't help with your specific request, but I thought I'd mention it anyway in case someone else found it useful. *ahem* --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 12:56, 8 December 2009 (EST)
::I agree the concent listed seems liek a lot of shovelware. (The walmart ROTF "transforming megatron case" videos are in there too) unfortunately these two deleted scenes are actually important. :( -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 13:04, 8 December 2009 (EST)
:::I will attempt to get a hold of this content once I can use my friend's PS3 as a player if no one else has done it by then. Could be tomorrow if I'm lucky. --[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 22:10, 8 December 2009 (EST)

==Video game plot box?==
Not sure how to actually title that, but what I was thinking was there are quite a few TF games where you play the same story potentially as multiple characters (the console versions of ROTF, the Armada game, the BW games, etc.) so theoretically most of those games' plot could happen to any of the playable characters. In that case, on each character's page, you put a rough summary of the plot and above it, a box like "This character was one of several playable options in a video game - the events described below form a very specific [[micro-continuity]]" or words to that effect. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 16:30, 8 December 2009 (EST)

==Blocking Spam Accounts==
First, apologies if this is in the incorrect place, but I am trying this on Walky's advice. I'm running a different wiki at The Mega Man Network called [http://www.themmnetwork.com/wiki/ The Mega Man Universe], and we've been constantly plagued by tons and tons of spambots signing up and creating spam entries in the Wiki, trying to pawn medications and such. This has forced us to shut down registration, which has slowed production considerably. We have attempted to install anti-spammer software, but to no avail; Walky said that you all seemed to have something well in place, and so I've come for any help or advice on the subject that can be given. If this matter is bettered discussed in another avenue or by e-mail with one of you, please let me know where to go and I can proceed there. [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD "Nytetrayn"]] 20:43, 8 December 2009 (EST)
:You'd be best off starting off by setting up CAPTCHAs on account creation. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:48, 9 December 2009 (EST)
::Thanks, I don't know why it didn't work before, but this time seems to have done the trick.
--[[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD "Nytetrayn"]] 18:29, 1 January 2010 (EST)

==10,000 pages and numbering==
So, we should probably make the main page say that this is an editable resource of 10,005 pages, rather than 10005 pages.--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 16:20, 16 December 2009 (EST)
:<nowiki>*</nowiki>makes it so* --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:27, 16 December 2009 (EST)
::Thanks for the quick response.--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 16:34, 16 December 2009 (EST)
:::You're welcome! :) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:37, 16 December 2009 (EST)

::What about users from those parts of the world that use periods for digit grouping instead of commas? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:30, 16 December 2009 (EST)
:::You'll have to take that one up with Mediawiki, unfortunately... the comma is the only option for place separation that I can see off-hand on the list of "magic words". --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:37, 16 December 2009 (EST)
:::Ah, wait, I see. "The input with decimal and decimal group separators, and localized digit script, according to the wiki's default locale." --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:42, 16 December 2009 (EST)
::::If possible wouldn't a space be the best option?[[Special:Contributions/81.108.237.26|81.108.237.26]] 03:48, 24 December 2009 (EST)

== Foreign name format (3) ==

:''[[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive23#Foreign name format (2)|Old discussion 2]]''

I've found a, um, problem? with the character foreign name. By far, it seems we have an old format and a new format {{m-}} both seems contain respective problem, especially if the character have a bunch of name.

*[[User:TX55/Sandbags 7#Testing|Example]]
**The old one is simpler in reading (in some way) but is '''vertically too crowd''', sometimes it would just like building a tower.
**The new one is simpler in format and suitable for a character with not-so-many-foreign-names. However, if it comes to a character with bunches of foreign name, it will became '''horizontally too crowd''', especially for a character who has a tall picture (like Sixshot, but thank God that he doesn't have too many names.)

So, are we going to use the new/old format depending on pages or unification? For me, if I had to choose only one, I would choose "depending on pages". Or any better idea/solution is welcome. --'''[[User:TX55|<span style= "color:#00FA9A">TX55</span>]]'''<small><SUP>''[[User talk:TX55|<span style= "color:#0000CD">TALK</span>]]''</SUP></small> 07:10, 17 December 2009 (EST)

== Redeco names for the same character. ==

It seems to me we could be doing more to highlight the different redeco names of characters. (Freeway Jazz, Buster Optimus Prime). People might be looking for them and there are no shortcuts to finding them. Suggestions: 1) give them a section heading to make them show up in the page's TOC. Also give their original name a section heading, so there would be a "Autobot Jazz" section and a "Freeway Jazz" section. 2) Make "Freeway Jazz" (etc.) redirects. Isn't it possible someone would try typing that in? - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 13:01, 17 December 2009 (EST)
:I [[User:Starfield/Sandbox|sandbox-ed]] what Jazz would look like. See how the different versions are in the TOC? I think it works that way, but it does break up the size classes. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 21:48, 17 December 2009 (EST)
::I don't like how it mixes the size classes together. Also, if you just put "Freeway Jazz" (including the quotation marks) in the search box it gives a list of pages that have that term on them; so I'm not sure if it is really needed. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 21:53, 17 December 2009 (EST)PS Maybe the redirects are the best way to go.[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 21:55, 17 December 2009 (EST)
:::It would get crazy fast with someone like movie Bumblebee. I really like the clickable list of the different names in the TOC though. Too bad it is impractical. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 22:09, 17 December 2009 (EST)
::::This is not really something we should be caring about. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 12:35, 18 December 2009 (EST)
:::::Call me weird then for finding the redeco names interesting. Each one represents a version of the character with his own slightly different bio card. Seeing them in a list is kind of neat. Here is movie Bumblebee:
{{collist|3|
:::::*Bumblebee
:::::*All Spark-Enhanced Bumblebee
:::::*Stealth Bumblebee
:::::*Plasma Punch Bumblebee
:::::*Rally Rocket Bumblebee
:::::*Recon Bumblebee
:::::*Cannon Bumblebee
:::::*Alliance Bumblebee
:::::*Battlefield Bumblebee
:::::*Ultimate Bumblebee Battle Charged
:::::*Pulse Blast Bumblebee
:::::*Sand Attack Bumblebee
:::::*Bolt Bumblebee
}}
::::: - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 13:21, 18 December 2009 (EST)

== Images with no descriptions or copyright (mainly Marvel stuff) since the Crash ==

When we crashed in March, we lost the descriptions/copyright info for images we uploaded since July 2008, if I recall correctly. While we've cleaned up a significant portion of them since, most of the Marvel G1 US/UK images have been neglected since March. Might I suggest the people who uploaded those images or the ones who have the know where the images come from/what is going on fix these pics? For example [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] pics are unfixable by somebody such as myself (who has never read the Marvel stuff), because I don't know the context of what is happening in the panels, or the exact issue the panel is from. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:37, 23 December 2009 (EST)

== Server Slowdown ==

Still getting some periodic lag during access, though I'm not accessing regularly enough to discern a pattern yet. It's been transient enough most times that I wouldn't even mention it, but it lasted at least 10 minutes or so today, as opposed to the usual 5 or so. The error message I got was as follows:<br>

=== ERROR ===

===The requested URL could not be retrieved===

While trying to retrieve the URL: http://tfwiki.net/w2/index.php?

The following error was encountered:

:''<nowiki>*</nowiki> Read Error''

The system returned:

:''(104) Connection reset by peer''

An error condition occurred while reading data from the network. Please retry your request.

Your cache administrator is webmaster.<br>
''Generated Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:26:56 GMT by 174-143-26-81.slicehost.net (squid/2.7.STABLE3)''

I'm guessing the lag isn't news in and of itself, but I couldn't find recent mention on this page, so I figured it couldn't hurt to bring it up.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 22:46, 27 December 2009 (EST)

:The strange thing is that traffic isn't any higher than usual. In fact it's actually down, I presume because people are on holiday. So what's causing this latest spate of slowdowns is a mystery! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 23:30, 27 December 2009 (EST)
::Maybe it's because of the direct image linking I was complaining about above? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:39, 28 December 2009 (EST)
== A question to all!! ==
Hi, I want to ask anybody! Today is a new kind of Russian youth folklore - the jokes about the Transformers. What do you think about to add such a page to the Transformers Wiki? I know a lot of these funny stories, and I'm ready to translate them to English…--[[User:He-l-en1959|Waz-z-z-zpinator59]] 03:15, 28 December 2009 (EST)

:Since they aren't officially released material, they aren't really the sort of thing we cover. that being said, I know I think it sounds interesting - post them to your User Talk page, maybe? or create a break-off from your user talk and host them there? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 08:33, 28 December 2009 (EST)

== Password Failure ==

Just tried to log in several times and the wiki wouldn't accept my password. My cookies are working, the caps lock is off, I'm typing the password correctly, and nothing in the computer's settings has changed since I logged in yesterday/earlier this morning. Do I just need to be patient until whatever it is passes? Or does this actually require some higher-level attention?--[[Special:Contributions/99.58.112.223|99.58.112.223]] 09:54, 29 December 2009 (EST) (Apcog, unable to log in.)
:Addendum: The former, apparently. The problem's solved for now, but I don't regret mentioning it. It may be indicative of server problems that can be solved if they're pinpointed enough. Unfortunately, I can't offer any more info than I already have.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 11:17, 29 December 2009 (EST)
::Default first strategy: Try Chrome. It's immune to (most) browser errors, so if the problem occurs under Chrome, then you can be fairly confident it's server-side instead of browser-side. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 13:21, 29 December 2009 (EST)

== 2010 for 2010? ==

Is it too late, and/or too cloying, to nominate [[Transformers 2010]] for January's featured article? --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 10:02, 31 December 2009 (EST)

MediaWiki talk:Community Portal

2009-12-09T01:46:27Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Blocking Spam Accounts */

__NEWSECTIONLINK__

This is the place for discussion of topics that affect the entire wiki. Some topics that would ordinarily be here have merited their own pages:

{{chapters|title=Specific Discussion Subjects|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">'''Moving From Wikia:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving|Arriving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving|Leaving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki:Community Portal/Complaints|Complaints]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''New Ad Policy:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki:Ads|Ads]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Bookworm Database-Crash:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Damage Control Central|Damage Control Central]]
* [[Project:Bookworm Crash]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving2|Leaving Take 2]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Server Move:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving2|Arriving Take 2]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Relicensing:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Relicensing|Relicensing]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Dealing With Vandalism:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Vandalism|Vandalism]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''GoBots Sister Wiki:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/GoBots|Discussion on the place of GoBots in this wiki]]
}}<br/>

{{:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}/Archive}}


== Boxes gone from disambig templates? ==
I noticed the disambiguation templates don't seem to have those gray boxes behind them anymore. Is this intentional? Because it's confusing. -[[User:Mazenoise|Mazenoise]] 08:16, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:Derik shifted the CSS styling into the stylesheet. Your browser probably had the old stylesheet cached, but a shift-reload should fix it. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 08:20, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::Yeah, it did actually. Thanks! -[[User:Mazenoise|Mazenoise]] 08:29, 17 September 2009 (EDT)

And they (well, the ones Derik hit anyway) sprouted a thick grey left border in the transition because...? - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 11:34, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:I forget the reason. Rest assured that it did make sense though!
:Main advantage of switching the disambig boxes to CSS: When you have multiple in a row, they stack prettier without a double-outline between them. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 19:47, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::''I forget the reason. Rest assured that it did make sense though!''
::If that's not a Derikism, it deserves to be. (And is the main reason why I'm scared of changing to external CSS rather than inline CSS - you having the keys to the styles virtually unfettered, since those admins who could either override or yank the emopanda CSS mostly either don't know how or are absent much of the time)
::So now we have disambig templates that are unique amongst messageboxen in a particularly... nondescript way. Different enough to be irritating, not different enough to serve any real purpose. - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 21:09, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::Eh? Oh, I thought I changed it back. (I remembered why they had a border on the left... I was testing something and decided it didn't work, I didn't realize it was still on.)
:::In theory Scout was going to make some changes last week to move us out of the existing CSS situation with much less living in my dev file... but she seems to have forgotten... -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 21:24, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::What was she planning to do? I can have a crack at it. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:29, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::Move a bunch of stuff to [[MediaWiki:common.css]], I expect.
:::::(Note the difference between Common.css [all skins, including the ones no-one uses like Simple and MySkin], Monacobook.css [Monacobook only] and Monobook.css [Monobook only]. Scout [[User_talk:Suki_Brits#.22Fixed.22_Monobook|forgot about Monobook]] the last time common.css was edited. Incidentally, where did she ultimately put those changes? They ain't in the empty Monacobook.css.) - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 21:44, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::I have a suspicion that the plan may be to create a new user class with rights to edit css files here (in which case I don't have the necessary access rights to do so)... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:59, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::::That was the one. :) Either she forgot, or she tried and it didn't work. I'll bug her when I remember. (It's not like it's pressing... it's been needing doing for some time so it can wait a bit longer.) -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:33, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::And to answer the css question, the changes are in [http://tfwiki.net/w2/skins/monacobook/tt1.css this file] which isn't editable through the Mediawiki interface. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 00:03, 18 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::::"Scout, I have 3 requests."
:::::::"No, no, yes if I don't have to do any work."
:::::::-[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:51, 18 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::::Did that ever get done in the end? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:45, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

== WTF? ==
Why does [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive11|Archive 11]] even exist? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:35, 1 October 2009 (EDT)

== Obscure BW comic, anyone? ==
Alright for the past while now, I've been looking up and adding in obscure Beast Wars products. I remembered both the Mutating Card Game and both Jigsaw Puzzles, and I've already taken note to add those in. But one piece of memorabilia that has still eluded me is a really old comic... My memory's a bit fuzzy on this one, and I can't quite recall if it was a seperate mini-comic from the two-pack of "Optimus vs. Megatron!" or if the scenes I'm remembering are part of that comic as well.
The only scenes I recall from said comic are the opening, where a pre-earth mode Cheetor peeks through some vegetation to reveal a (very small) crystal. The subsequent dialog explained that they had to take on beast modes to overcome the toxic radiation of the crystal (much like the tv show).
Anyone has any similar recollection? Or if anyone has scans of the "Optimus vs. Megatron!" mini-comic to clear up wether or not it is a scene from that comic that I'm remembering, I'd appreciate it. In any case, I hope I'm not going crazy and remembering a comic that doesn't exist, because as far as I can tell, it's not listed on the Beast Wars comics page. Thanks --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 14:23, 3 October 2009 (EDT)

:It's not the "Optimus Primal Vs. Megatron!" comic, that one starts with Primal(in beast mode) flying in the sky, and then Cheetor running in the dark with a glow in his eyes. Unless you mistake the sparkle in his eyes for a crystal, it's not the same comic.--[[User:Sunjumper|Sunjumper]] 13:41, 5 October 2009 (EDT)

::I vaguely recall something similar to that being used to advertise the first Beast Wars video game on PC and PSX.--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 15:23, 23 October 2009 (EDT)

== Categories for modes? ==

I've been trying to find out which transformer one of my old toys is, and I'd hoped I could compare it against each of the transformers with an aeroplane mode - but I couldn't find such a list. So I wondered whether it would be a good idea to have categories for the transformers' modes, so I could go to "Category:Aeroplanes" and look it up like that. Good idea? I'm not volunteering to do the legwork :-) [[Special:Contributions/86.7.22.40|86.7.22.40]] 06:50, 5 October 2009 (EDT)
:[http://tfu.info/ID/index.htm This external link] might help. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 09:56, 5 October 2009 (EDT)

== "Notes" ==
When did we start changing all the "Trivia" subheaders to "Notes"? ...And why even bother?--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 20:17, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
:Someone stated that they hated the header "Trivia" as it made the info seem inconsequential when sometimes it was actually useful/relevant, and those of us who thought they had a point started going along with that thought. (Although much to my annoyance I don't recall off-hand who said it or where, other than I think maybe it was on one of the Shattered Glass articles.) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 20:34, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
::It becomes irritating to me since "Notes" was solely confined to the comics and media articles and "Trivia" was confined to character and toy pages, so now we've got a bunch of random character pages with a "Notes" section (Hot Rod character page, for instance) and others with a "Trivia" section (Hot Rod toy page, for instance) for no particular reason. It looks sloppy and I have no idea whether I should be trying to track down and reset the headings to one or the other or if I'll get warned for it.--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 23:32, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
:::"Someone" was probably me. -- [[User:Repowers|Repowers]] 00:16, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Yeah, you're our resident cruft inquisition!--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 00:18, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

:::I think some page's contents in the Trivia sections is, um, mixed up with notes (relevant but can't be put in other section) and trivia (a little irrelevant BUT notable) things. So, maybe page like this would still need a trivia section, that is, separate their Trivia section into Trivia and Notes section. Of course, that may involve subjective view of the users who edit the page.--'''[[User:TX55|<span style= "color:#00FA9A">TX55</span>]]'''<small><SUP>''[[User talk:TX55|<span style= "color:#0000CD">TALK</span>]]''</SUP></small> 21:19, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::So are we going to decide on some form of consistent change or just use the two words randomly?--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 02:31, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::I've been changing pages to "Notes" as I work them. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 12:34, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::It'd also be a fairly easy bot request.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 13:38, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::Easy as long as you have a full list of the pages on the wiki. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:39, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::It's not as simple as it might appear - we have [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|episode pages]] with Notes sections with Trivia subsections, so the bot would have to take that into account (and a blanket change of #Trivia anchors wouldn't be possible because some will be legitimately pointing to those Trivia sections). --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:56, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::In the case of the bot request I made, I specifically said to replace <nowiki>==Trivia==</nowiki> with <nowiki>==Notes==</nowiki>. The pages you reference have <nowiki>===Trivia===</nowiki>, which should be possible to exclude in a search.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 16:54, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

== Preventing direct image linking ==

As we know, the wiki costs a fair bit to run and early on in our post Bookworm crash server move, it used more bandwidth than our bosses calculated, so the last thing we need is people going around directly linking images off of our server for forums or even their blogs or whatever (The [[Mountain Dew Robot]]s logo was one of our most popular articles... because some idiot linked the image to his website). Is there any way for us to prevent this? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 11:54, 9 October 2009 (EDT)
:Yes and no.
:Yes in the sense that it's pretty easy to create an .htaccess file that redirects hotlinks in some way.
:No in the sense that it might break the GoBoxes, if there isn't some way to make it so that the rewrite rules allow just the GoBox images to be hotlinked. Hrm. Although I think the GoBoxes are all PNGs, and we have very few PNGs as normal images, so it might not be ''that'' big a workaround problem. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 17:40, 9 October 2009 (EDT)
::Well, all the gobox images are in their own folder anyway, so it's simple enough to exclude them. This is probably a REALLY good idea; somebody give me a suitable (and tiny) replacement image and I'll try to make it so. --[[User:Suki Brits|Suki Brits]] 08:45, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Depends on what you had in mind. You could either go the route of just making a one pixel GIF (i.e. smallest image possible), or maybe use our logo with "no hotlinking permitted" written on it. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 09:01, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Goatse. Or the nearest TF equivalent of "ridiculous shock image." [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 10:00, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Anything from Kiss Players, then. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:09, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::...can we still let me inline images on my blog? Can we make exceptions? Because sometimes I do that, because it's technically me paying for the bandwidth anyway. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 10:17, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::Whitelisting domains is easy. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 10:36, 11 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::::I'm not extremely savvy with that kind of stuff (most of my knowledge coming from archived talkpages on this wiki), so I have no idea whether it's possible.
:::::::What ''is'' a goatse, anyway? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:24, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::You don't want to know if you don't already. Trust me. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 10:36, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::Sorry I asked.
:::::::::*remembers the vandal that came in and messed with some talk pages* --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:39, 11 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::''"Or the nearest TF equivalent"'' - Something like [[:Image:Tftm1986e.jpg|this]], you mean? - [[User:Magnus Maximus|Magnus Maximus]] 10:50, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::Something more like [[:Image:LegionRape1.jpg|this]] would be "the nearest TF equivalent", surely. [Or, potentially even more disturbing, [[:Image:AtariScream.jpg|this]].] - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 12:07, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Even Kiss Players is only about a 3 on the shock meter compared to Goatse. An image of Pat Lee might be appropriate... I suggest sticking to something small anyway, otherwise the bandwidth problem is still there. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:41, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::How about [[:Image:Siestacron.gif|this]] with something like "You have found The Void." -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 15:52, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::I vote for Pat Lee. That's awesome. BANDWIDTH SUPERSTAR! [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 18:06, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
Well, the GoBoxes are fairly bandwidth-light, right? What if we did a variation on them, with the leeched image replaced with a notice that the image was leeched, and encouraging them to go to TFWiki.net to learn about Transformers?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 15:57, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:I stand by my Kiss Players suggestion. That or the image of dead Prime from TFTM with a tagline at the bottom saying "This image is dead due to hotlinking." --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:37, 12 October 2009 (EDT)
::Rosicrucian has the right idea. We make it work for us, rather than just 'punish' the people doing it. We don't try to shock or dismay, just state that hotlinking is bad (m'kay?) and that tfwiki.net is the place to learn about Transformers. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 11:44, 17 October 2009 (EDT)

:FFN brought up an important issue! (FFN also totally forgot about this immediately after posting the original question and only just read this discussion.) And yeah, I totally forgot about the Go-Box. Since I'm not on the Allspark, I've never really seen the go box in use, other than Derrik Wyatt's blog. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 01:22, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
[[Image:Quintessa.jpg|thumb|250px]]
::'''This''' is about the most vindictively confusing thing you could spike someone with, IMO. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 11:47, 19 October 2009 (EDT)
:::USE IT. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:58, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

{{-}}

== GoBots on this wiki ==
{{main|Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/GoBots}}

== Audio file problems - they don't seem to work ==
I don't think we ever resolved this when Derik brought it up a long time ago, but whatever script we use for audio files doesn't work, at least it doesn't work the way it's supposed to. On Wikia wikis, when you click on a "listen to this audio file", your browser should activate java, buffer the ogg file and play it. However, on TFWiki, the browser merely tries to download the file, not play it. If you choose to open the file via your browser's download dialogue, the file downloads into your temp files and plays it off the nearest compatible media player, which is a *''remarkably''* roundabout way of doing things. Is there any way we can fix this? (I'm using Firefox 3 and Internet Explorer 6)--[[User:FFN|FFN]] 01:19, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:I'm assuming that Wikia must have some embedded audio file player installed or something, which is probably doable via an extension. I have to admit I don't see it as a high priority... having the browser call up a helper file is a normal way of handling such things, plus I like being able to download and save the file.
:Not only that, but we barely have any audio files to worry about... I think the Scene Transition page is the only article I've come across that has an appreciable number of audio files on it. Although now that I think about it, I wonder if creating WAVs of characters' main quotes where possible might be an interesting idea, to give samples of what characters sound like. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 03:09, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
::Downloading - well, there's the minor issue that the majority of our users will be unable to play .ogg files anyway, for even if codecs are easily had, it's a fairly obscure format. Hell, I never even heard of it until 2005. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 03:27, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:::WinAmp plays OGGs just fine out-of-the-box, among a number of other media players out there, so I don't see an issue. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 03:35, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:In case we want to install an extension to handle this: [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:OggHandler] --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:50, 18 October 2009 (EDT)

== Editing Go Boxes? ==
I've utterly failed at finding a guide to editing a Go Box address, so I figured I'd just note that the Go Box for "Tankor (ROTF)" instead links to a blank "Revenge of the Fallen Tankor" page for some reason. {{unsigned|MCRG Again}}
:Fixed. Someone put the destination page down as "Revenge of the Fallen Tankor" in [[Template:Goicons]], thus causing the GoBox to send you to a non-existent page. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 02:51, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

== When was the last Database backup? ==

Just curious. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:10, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:That is exactly why we need that "Database last backed-up by: (insert-person-here) on: (insert-date-here)." thing someone suggested a long time ago. That way, we may avoid Bookworm Crash 2.0. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:15, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Of course, one of the major causes of The Bookworm Event was that corrupt or otherwise failed backups were being registered as successful. That backups are regularly checked is just as important as backups being made in the first place, and "(insert-person-here) on: (insert-date-here)" wouldn't prove that. - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 12:31, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::::At least we know if there ''is'' a backup to check at all. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:02, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::By us, manually? I dunno. We pay for automatic backups every week as part of our hosting. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 12:22, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Ah, that last one is slightly more reassuring.
:::I mean-- they're the same automatic backups Bookworm was theoretically making, but IIRC the current host was picked (in part) for having a good reputation for such things. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 14:32, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::::McFly confirmed [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive41#Googlejuice_-_Bad_News_Everyone|a while back]] that the auto backups were working, so hopefully they still are. Good news for when we eventually upgrade the software! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:57, 20 October 2009 (EDT)

==Self-sufficiency==
It's come up that the hosting costs for this site exceed the revenue generated by this site. That's a bad situation, not sustainable in the long run. Because I don't want to see the site go away, addressing it should be a big concern. Is there anything we can do to generate extra revenue?
I see a few potential avenues:
:a: more advertising or better advertising.
:b: licensing out some of our content. This is tricky, since it's partially not owned by us. But what about something like an iPhone app that pulls in our This Day in Transformers History? That should be ok if we don't use the name Transformers - it'd be a kind of news service.
:c: some kind of virtual gifts or badges perhaps? I'm thinking like the gigantion award for contributions, but where users have the option of paying a dollar to send another editor a token of some sort. Cons are that it would require some sort of transaction engine and coding.
Any other ideas?--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 16:53, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:Another idea - best one yet, maybe. Add in amazon links to all products, and set up an affiliate account. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 17:47, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The hosting costs for this site SOMETIMES don't exceed the revenue generated. And the difference is usually by $5-10 if so. We're not in a crisis by any stretch. But I do have some ideas. I'm thinking of putting a minimum bid on the top ad. I've been told that having a minimum bid reduces the amount of bidders, but in my experience with Shortpacked!, the opposite is true. I lost a lot of money by removing the minimum bid for a few months, and stuff shot right back up to normal when I reinstated it. The only problem I see with that is that our top ad IS kind of unstandard-sized, so that means we're aiming it at a smaller pool of advertisers than most. But I'm gonna try this thing. The top ad's only bringing in $1.60/day at this very moment anyhow, and so that's not a huge investment to lose either way. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 17:59, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The unfortunate underside to this is that you have to cancel all of the spot's current bids to change the minimum bid. It'll take a day or two for ads to show up again as folks return to it. But I'll throw up an ad on there myself to bridge the time.--[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:03, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::And just like that we're in the black. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:05, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Segue-touring out of crassly commercial concerns into site-content concerns that ''overlap'' crassly commercial ones...
:::Our "year" pages are a mess. No one works on them, and they're just kinda... there and useless.
:::For months I've been toying with a suggestion that we re-format them (dumping what we have, which isn't much in most cases) and re-do them as a cross between the old "annual assortment" pack-in brochures and the old TSarchive wave listings. (Which I always found useful for gettign a picture of what came out when.)
:::For the old pages it'd basically be a wave listing, but for the current year, you'd have a functional "What's out/what's upcoming" list, which could be updated with dates a wave was first sites, when a product was available online... Including Amazon-icon links after character names is a ''plus'', because it give users the ability to see the gallery, read reviews, etc.
:::I just think it could be really ''useful'', I often feel swamped by the sheer volume of TF merchandise being offered, and I'd love to have a large central page that keeps track of it all. That such a page might serve as a revenue stream is pure gravy on top. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 18:16, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::::I'm willing to use my existing Amazon seller's account for this.--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 18:21, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::We could implement this idea without totally scrapping the year pages couldn't we? Split out the toy pages for more recent years so you don't have to browse way down the page to get to the Amazon links and such, while still keeping our other info. As for nothing being done with them, I've been looking for a new Wiki project to work on. I'll start tackling these, once we have a consensus on what to do with them.--[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 23:26, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::See, the difference between being in the red and in the black is like 50 cents a day. I don't think we need to try that hard. I don't think the Wiki needs to be a For-Profit business. What would we even do with the money? Advertise more? --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:24, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Depends on how much money we get. I mean, dovetailing with the BG wiki idea... --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 18:53, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The whole financial "crisis" came out of the notion that we might not be able to afford a GoBots Wiki. Thus bringing to light the sudden reality that we might not be able to exceed Super Jawsome levels and reach Mega Jawsome status because of cash strappitude. If maintaining the TF Wiki as-is isn't a financial bother, if the GB Wiki (should it ever happen) does turn out to create an issue, I'm still willing to donate and I'm sure a handful of chums around here are also up to the task. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 19:06, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Yeah... I don't think that people are realizing that running another wiki on the same server, on a subdomain is ''literally'' free. I mean-- it will have to share bandwidth with TFWiki... but that's no different than if we documented the material within this site! They're just logistically separate. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 06:25, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
===Analytics for October 2008 - October 2009===
[[Image:Analytics october2009.png|thumb|250px|What are you squinting at this for? click on it to get the full-size version!]]
Discussing site promotion prompted me to take a look at our analytics again.
*Traffic dipped 20% in mid-September, finally shedding most of our movie bump... but stayed above where we were in May when the bump began. (Translation: We gained.) The economy's pinch on people's free time, plus the relative lull in TF news is probably a factor here.
*In the last 3 weeks, we've had a surge in search-engine traffic-- vast numbers of which ('''much''' moreso than normal) are leaving right after getting here, meaning we don't have the information they're looking for.
*This spike is almost certainly related to people searching for information about the ROTF DVD release. Not information on the film itself... because traffic on our film page has seen no corresponding spike.
I suggest we create a "ROTF DVD field guide" page, listing all the different versions, what features come with what, pictures of the box (if possible) where they're available, etc. (We're talking about ~2,500 people every day that come here looking for this, then immediately leave because we don't have it.) The traffic spike around the DVD promotion seems to be mirroring the one around the film (though to a much smaller degree) which means it's about halfway through. But-- these bumps have a "long tail," especially going into the holiday shopping season. We can expect a page like this to yield significant traffic dividends over the next 80-odd days.

So.... yeah. [[Revenge of the Fallen DVD field guide]]. Big blinking neon sign in the analytics. We should make this. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 08:10, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
:I heartily concur, my good man. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 08:19, 22 October 2009 (EDT)

::Well don't look at me! I have no idea how many versions exist! Here, whoever wants to block it in can use this image. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 08:51, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
:::You can put it back now, mostly, Derik. I put in the main details. It needs some pictures that I don't have, but it's ready enough to release, I think. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 15:05, 22 October 2009 (EDT)

==(Universe) identifier==
:''See also: [[Talk:Universe (2003 franchise)]]''

We are currently using (Universe) as identifier for both characters from the 2003 line and the 2008 line. This does not look like a fine situation to me. Proposing change to (Universe 2003) and (Universe 2008), or perhaps something shorter. I'm not sure if and how this should effect such identifiers as (Universe Micromaster). [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 02:54, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:I think "Name (Universe 2003/2008)" would be a nice idea. As for some characters who have two counterparts within a franchise... it surely need some discussion. --'''[[User:TX55|<span style= "color:#00FA9A">TX55</span>]]'''<small><SUP>''[[User talk:TX55|<span style= "color:#0000CD">TALK</span>]]''</SUP></small> 04:34, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:We already have a few with the year in the name, e.g. [[Treadshot (Universe 2008)]], which is disambiguated with [[Treadshot (Universe)]]. I don't know if that's strictly a good precedent... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:42, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::That's a terrible precedent. If both toys are trying to occupy the namespace "Treadshot (Universe)" '''both''' get disambig'd, and neither gets the no-year slot. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 17:13, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
::Well, what's the alternative? List the "series" and have (Universe Classic)/(Universe G1)/(Universe Cybertron)/etc? - [[User:Mammalian Verisimilitude|Mammalian Verisimilitude]] 06:05, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:::Probably best (and simplest) to change any Universe tags to include the year. While not strictly needed if there is only one character of that name in any Universe line, it would save time if another character of that name appears in a Universe line later (Short aside to anyone who says the Universe line is over: Hasbro has stated that the concept is a good one, they may bring it back as Universe (2015) and store exclusives [such as Powerglide, Hardhead, and Skyfall] may be released under the universe banner even if no new Universe product is shipping). As for Universe Micromaster, this could probably stay as is but I'm not averse to changing it to something else. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 08:28, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Our ''existing'' policy '''had''' been "The line is called Universe, therefore that is the disambig." That Hasbro was obnoxious enough to gift us with a second Universe line, with oodles of name-reuse... hh.
::::Let us be clear on what we are discussing-- a proposal to '''change''' the disambigs of both the 2003 and 2008 lines, such that we will, in the future, treat them as is there was '''always''' an invisible qualifying subtitle (at least as far as the disambig is concerned) much like how "Star Trek" slowly drifted into being called "Star Trek: The Original Series" even in official products simply for clarity/sanity-- picking up an after-the-fact subtitle 25 years late.
::::I would ''generally'' oppose that kind of thing... because it errs to far on the side of "disambigs should provide information" (which inevitably leads to obnoxious [[Project:Deckchair edit|Deckchair edit]]s-- it's simply ''not'' the purpose of disambigs.) But both the 2003 and 2008 lines are sweeping toylines with a hodgepodge of mostly-absent fiction and a cast of characters creeping into the triple digits with a lot of name overlap. For our '''sanity''', this might be a good move.
::::Phrasing this as an implicit subtitle of the franchise is important, IMO. Because it means we're '''not''' turning disambigs into information-delivery systems (e.g. "Prowl (Universe 2003)" even though he came out in 2004) but merely recognizing the need to more clearly seperate these two unrelated franchises.
::::So, um... tentatively in favor? Provided the actual move doesn't happen until November. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 17:11, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Surely there's a set of '''ex'''plicit subtitles for the 08-09 line in the form of the classic/G1/etc series? - [[User:Mammalian Verisimilitude|Mammalian Verisimilitude]] 22:16, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::: So like how everything done before 1992 is retroactively "Generation 1"? Aheh. Seriously, though, I currently have no problem with (Universe 2003)/(Universe 2008) as opposed to a sloppier (Universe Cybertron) or (Universe Generation 1) or (Universe Classics). We've already done this for [[Ransack]] and [[Treadshot]], and given that catch-as-catch-can store exclusives (not to mention the discount-market repackages) came out in 2003-style ''Universe'' packaging well until ''2008'', it's not insane to think that we won't get a continued trickle of 2008 ''Universe'' toys for a while. That being said, the biggest difference between 2003 ''Universe'' and 2008 ''Universe'', to me, is that 2003 ''Universe'' has a specific attached fiction, with Unicron and the interdimensional battle and all that - it's right there on the package, whereas 2008 ''Universe'' is literally a catch-all line where it can be explicitly said "This is the same team of Aerialbots you remember from G1, just in new bodies" whereas with the 2003 line, you have a bunch of dudes whose origins are virtually unknown. When you look at it like that, it seems like "2003" vs "2008" is a reasonable breakdown, as if we get, say, another green construction vehicle named "Scavenger" in Universe 2008 packaging, it'll likely be marked "Generation 1 Series", meaning that we don't have to disambiguate between this theoretical new Scavenger and the Mini-Con wolf. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 09:26, 28 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::I agree with Hoop. Using (Universe Cybertron) and such would be terrible. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 19:28, 28 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::Yes, because that would be the opposite of a franchise-identifier, that would be a continuity-identifier. Thus my long-winded schpiel above about re-naming the ''franchise'' identifiers. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:59, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::You'll find, Derik, that I was pretty much agreeing with you re: "Universe (2003)" and "Universe (2008)," especially given that it appears, based on a thing from the DVD press junket, that we may be adding "Universe (2010)" to the mix. I'm assuming we're considering each one a new "Universe" series every time... there's a stop in product? There's a packaging change? What's the delineator? Like I said above, the 2003 packaging stayed in use until very very recently... [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 08:32, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::::::::I've kind of gathered that the delineator was the change in logo/packaging. But if Hasbro is going to trot out a new version of Universe every few years, perhaps that should be reexamined. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:41, 2 November 2009 (EST)
Just noticed this: when talking about anything called "Universe", we put the year in front in the disambig (like "Universe (2008 toyline)"). But the current Universe characters are dismabig'd with the year at the end (like "Treadshot (Universe 2008)"). Should this be made the same or is the difference between them good enough to keep things this way? [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 05:46, 15 November 2009 (EST)
:Nobody says "2008 Universe or "toyline 2008". [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 06:50, 15 November 2009 (EST)
::And I see no reason to make disambigs longer than necessary, nor anybody agreeing with the point enough to move pages like [[Universe (cartoon)]], which nobody talked about at all. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 06:59, 15 November 2009 (EST)
:::I'm quite under the impression that the above conversation is about the year as invisible, retroactive name element to both and all possible future "Universe" franchises. Hence, even if there is only one "Universe" character/element, it will still get the franchise's year in its identifier as part of franchise's name. And no, nobody spoke about the cartoon, but is that such a different thing from character pages when only talking about its part in either of the Universe lines? [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 07:38, 15 November 2009 (EST)
::::I'm so not going to let this discussion die off like this. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 01:49, 4 December 2009 (EST)
:::::So, should we add years to any Universe tag or only if there are 2003 and 2008 figures? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 01:02, 6 December 2009 (EST)
::::::No, because it's ugly and unnecessary. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 01:28, 6 December 2009 (EST)

== GoBots faction symbols? ==

Ages ago, I remember reading a toy review (probably by Zobovor) that mentioned the [[Guardian_(GoBots)|Guardian_(GoBots)]]s and [[Renegade]]s had faction-symbols. Specifically, IIRC "tiny stickers with bad glue that liked to slide around and fall off."

I don't ''think'' they've appeared in TF Fiction... but how would I know? (Maybe an artist modeled one of Cy-Kill's cameos on a toy with stickers intact?) Can anyone tell me what they looked like? Are [http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l262/skywarp2/Gobots/challengeofgobots11.jpg these] them? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 02:07, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:Hrm, [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/81b1fc7cdafbb765?hl=en&dmode=source this] is the review I remember with "friendly" and "enemy" stickers of dubious relevance... I wonder where the slidy-stickers memory came from? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 02:16, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
::Not sure if this helps, but TFU's entry on Tonka GoBot [http://www.tfu.info/Gobots/Guardians/Rumble/rumble.htm Rumble] has a 'Guardian' sticker on it, and ToyArchive's review of the Gobot [http://www.toyarchive.com/Gobots/Blast.html Blast] has a Renegades sticker on it. Not sure if these are the slidy stickers you refer to, but they do resemble some kind of formalized faction logos to my inexperienced eye -- [[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 02:39, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:::I remember them being triangular, so those are likely them! -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:44, 1 November 2009 (EST)
:::FYI,. the same symbols are on the Power Suit Combiners. So yes, they're definitely faction symbols-- however infrequently-used. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:53, 1 November 2009 (EST)

== Privacy policy ==

Since we currently have a link in the footer of every page of the Wiki which leads to a blank page, I thought I'd have a go at bashing out something resembling a [[User:Abates/Privacy policy|privacy policy]]. Thoughts? Please feel free to make changes to it.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, however I did watch all of ''Boston Legal''. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 01:29, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:Can we write it as if we were Captain Kirk? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 09:41, 2 November 2009 (EST)

Having a privacy policy is kind of a big deal. It's a legal document that 'we' the wiki have to follow. I'd recommend against having anything other than the most general text. There's little to gain for us (How many of our users, really, won't browse or edit due to privacy? Not a lot I'd wager.) but a lot to lose if we promise more than we can deliver. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 10:34, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:So it should be shorter and vaguer? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:59, 2 November 2009 (EST)

== 10000th page ==

Is there anything special planned for the ten thousandth "real" page? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 22:25, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:I could see a little template to commemorate it.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 22:47, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::I don't imagine anything CAN be specifically planned, like say making a specific character or something the 10,000th page. It'll probably wind up being something incredibly obscure and wiki-tastic, like the manufacturer of the Optimus Prime lollipop from that one BotCon. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 22:52, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:::Yeah, our last milestone articles were a [[Ego|TFCC TransTech character]] and a [[Michael York|famous actor who got a whole one line of dialogue in a bit of TF fiction]]. If our 10000th article ''isn't'' obscure, I'll be surprised. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 23:07, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::::I have created [[:Image:Wiki10k.png|a proposal]] for what I wanna stick on the 10k article. It'll be smaller when we actually do it, though.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 00:26, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Our article count is currently inflated by about 75 due to the macron issue, so it'll be when the counter hits 10075 or so. :O --[[User:Abates|abates]] 23:55, 2 November 2009 (EST)

[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] asked on [[Image talk:Wiki10k.png|here]] about marking previous milestones. As accurate as I can work it out:

* 1000th: [[Shooting Star]] on 17 May 2006
* 2000th: [[Beast (planet)]] on 30 September 2006
* 3000th: [[Altered Image!]] on 3 February 2007
* 4000th: [[Noise Effect]] on 25 June 2007
* 5000th: [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]] on 2 November 2007
* 6000th: [[Larry Leahy]] on 24 March 2008
And then 7000 was sometime in September 2008, followed by:
* 8000th: [[Ego]] on January 25th, 2009
* 9000th: [[Michael York]] on June 28th, 2009
--[[User:Abates|abates]] 05:46, 3 November 2009 (EST)

:Is it weird that both the 1k and 5k milestones I mentioned are space-based objects of some kind? --[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 13:28, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Ideally, I think we could make a milestones page that links to all of these, and the milestone icons on each of them link back to it for easy navigation. Maybe put it at [[Transformers Wiki: Milestones]]. --[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 14:01, 3 November 2009 (EST)

::More importantly... what will be the ''last'' article on TFWiki? Mu-hu-hah-ha-hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha! [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 15:42, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:::"Axanite". --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 16:13, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::Mr. Willis, you do realize that by including that red-link there, you're just begging for an editor with too much time on their hands to prove you wrong, right? --[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 16:20, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:::::I don't think you understand what [http://www.worlds-worst.com/worldsworst/fanfic/idea_detail.php?LinkID=147&CatID=2 Axanite] is. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 16:23, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Gah, here I am trying to pare down the wanted pages, and then you go and do something like make a fake link. DYW *Fixed* --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 16:25, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::::At least the author put an exclamation mark at the end of the title to make it easier to disambiguate with the character. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:52, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Surely the 1st page is also a milestone, but I suppose it is just something boring like the main page or something. 10,000 is a lot of pages! - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 16:17, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::Not counting the main page, the first article was (unsurprisingly) [[The Transformers (cartoon)]] --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:52, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Hey, I made the 2000th article! I feel so special! Not really, but still. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 12:37, 5 November 2009 (EST)

A couple thoughts: One, if the count is off by 75 due to the Bookworm crash, I would think that means the 9000th article was actually something else, as it happened after the crash. Two, we should make a milestone list, some little icons for each milestone, and co-opt the custom Factions icons option. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:00, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:I just tried a little investigation as to what it really was. Unfortunately, the new pages log was ''extremely'' uncooperative. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 16:07, 6 November 2009 (EST)

::FWIW, the 75th article after Michael York was [[Ryan Church]] on the 9th of July. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 23:45, 13 November 2009 (EST)

== Wanted pages? ==

Yesterday we had over 4150 wanted pages. Now we have ~4012. I've seen nothing in the deletions or page creations that would cause such a sudden shift in the numbers. Is there anything odd going on here or did we really knock out over 100 wanted pages in the span of a day?
I'll also take this moment to point out that we still have the duplicate "special character" pages cluttered up the orphaned pages since the bookworm crash. --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 12:04, 5 November 2009 (EST)
:Name variations were consolidated and links made more consistent. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 12:34, 5 November 2009 (EST)

:I discovered that sorting the list of wanted pages alphabetically makes it a ''lot'' easier to spot duplicates. :) McFly has said that he'll apply the fix for the macron pages when he and Scout get the time to upgrade the wiki software... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:34, 5 November 2009 (EST)
::Ah, so the upgrade is still in the pipe?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 14:39, 5 November 2009 (EST)
:::Well, I'm only assuming, admittedly, given it's a couple of months now since [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive41#Googlejuice_-_Bad_News_Everyone|he mentioned it]]. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:50, 5 November 2009 (EST)

== Skin problem in Chrome ==

Have any changes been made to the site skin in the last 24 hours? It's currently misbehaving for me in Chrome (no problems in Firefox and IE though). Everything in the left-hand column from the navigation menu down is being pushed down below the content area. It was working fine last night! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:06, 7 November 2009 (EST)
:After further investigation, it appears that Google recently released a new version on the beta channel, which is probably behind the problem. I'll have to see if I can find somewhere to report Chrome bugs. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:08, 7 November 2009 (EST)

== An Idea ==
Would it be possible to somehow code a searchbox thingy for this community portal? Because having to look through tons of archives to find something takes a while. I tried stealing the code from Wikipedia, but (oh the horror) it's HTML. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 06:59, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:Go to Special Pages>Search, uncheck "(Main)", check "Transformers Wiki talk", then run your search. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 12:29, 8 November 2009 (EST)
::Thanks. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:01, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:::No problem. Not that a Community Portal searchbox isn't an interesting idea, but with how slow our tech admins have been in responding lately, I figured I'd mention that workaround.
:::If you find yourself frequently searching other namespaces, you can change what you search in by default by [[Special:Preferences|going here]] and clicking "Search". --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 13:46, 8 November 2009 (EST)
::::As I said, I stole some code from Wikipedia, but apparently our wiki doesn't like HTML. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:48, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:I've added a Community Portal search box to the [[User:Derik/kired_tools|Kired Tools]] utilities. Bug reports welcome. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 18:13, 11 November 2009 (EST)
::<s>Well, here's a bug report for ya. I just spent five minutes reloading the site so it would work after I used your Kired Tools utilities. I may have screwed something up, so I'll keep trying.</s> --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:46, 12 November 2009 (EST)
:::Ignore that. It was caused by me screwing up. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:50, 12 November 2009 (EST)

== Unreleased toy sections ==

I've noticed that on some pages unreleased toys are integrated into the overall toy sections, while on others they are separate. Personally I find it more useful if they are separate, as it keeps confusion as to what's really out there to a minimum. Is there a standard position? If not, should there be a standard? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:46, 16 November 2009 (EST) (sorry if this is the wrong place to bring this up)
:Could you provide examples? From what I can tell, usually we integrate them and add a unreleased toy template (the one with Unicron). --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:05, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::On the [[Unicron/toys]] page there is a separate section for the unproduced toys. While on [[Arcee (G1)]] the unproduced Headmaster starts off her toys section (which also includes an unproduced Titanium series toy). These are the two pages that brought the question to my mind in the first place, but I'm sure there are more. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 18:22, 18 November 2009 (EST)
:::The unreleased toys should be listed under their intended release toyline, not segregated under "Unrelease toys." Unicron's page in that section is really old and needs to be updated to reflect this. It's funny, because it's his template. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 21:20, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::::I just updated it. Still need pics of the Japanese version of G1 Unicron. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 22:56, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::::That's what struck me as so strange, that his section of all the pages would be different. As I said before, I find the standard set up somewhat strange but consensus seems to be against me. Anyways, thanks for the clarification. I'll try to fix any more such problems that I come across. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 00:12, 19 November 2009 (EST)

==CSS not working?==
I'm not able to see the blue boxes around the disambig templates, and the featured characters template doesn't have lines around the columns. Neither Firefox or Internet Explorer display it correctly. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 19:10, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:I purged cache and refreshed, and am unable to reproduce the issue.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 19:14, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::That's what I did when it first came up. The issue persists. (My computer has been having file system problems lately, but I doubt that's the cause here.) [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 19:22, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:::I think Derik broke the CSS file on his server. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 20:19, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::::Wait, I did what?
::::...do you actually think that, or is that just the automatic first assumption? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 06:23, 21 November 2009 (EST)
:::::It was indeed an assumption, but it was based on looking at the tfwiki_tmp_global.css and seeing it ended with a couple of code fragments. Admittedly, since no one else has complained about anything being broken, I have to fall back on the assumption that it's a problem at Interrobang's end, so my apologies for the accusation. :) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:54, 21 November 2009 (EST)

== Question ==

Is there a feature in the software that allows you to find all pages created by a specific user? Just curious. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 15:17, 20 November 2009 (EST)
:Nope, I don't think there's even an extension to do that. I think the only way to do it at the moment would be to download a backup (if we had a way to do so) and run a script on it to check who did the first revision of each page. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:14, 20 November 2009 (EST)
::Even if we could do that, sadly any page created between June and March wouldn't would just say that Maintainence Script was the creator. --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 21:45, 21 November 2009 (EST)

:You could try simply scanning through the User Contributions pages of the user in question, as any pages they've created are marked a "New page:" prefix in the edit summary. Though as Bluestreak says, it'll only work so far back due to the crash. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:57, 22 November 2009 (EST)
::That ''would'' work, though it would be a very time-consuming process, depending on the user's number of edits. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 07:13, 23 November 2009 (EST)
:::And contribution != creation. The first page creator might not be the one who does the lion's share of the work on a given page. -[[User:Derik|Derik]]

:::True, but it's the only way I can think of to do it. Out of curiosity, was there any particular reason you wanted to know about new pages? (Maybe we can help?) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:08, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::::Just wondering. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 08:09, 25 November 2009 (EST)

== We're Number One! ==

Go to google.com and do a search for transformers wiki. For me, tfwiki.net is showing up first. Awesome! Can someone else confirm? (We're still lagging on Yahoo search.) --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 13:31, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:Has been happening occasionally for months. If it's doing it consistently now, that's awesome. As I've said many times, we've got momentum on our side.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 13:33, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::Hmm, I'm still consistently getting wikia as the number one hit. Might be different since I'm Canadian. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 18:03, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:::It's still Wikipedia then Wikia then us for me (Google seems to treat "wiki" and "wikipedia" as synonyms, which is a bit like treating "Windows" as a synonym for "operating system", but hey...) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:16, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::::Over on Google.ca, at least, we're now ahead of Wikipedia for Transformers Wiki. Still have Wikia to beat, though. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 19:23, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:::::First the tf-wikia, then tfwiki.net for me (then the dutch wikipedia, then the english wikipedia, then the dutch tf-wikia... there's a dutch tf-wiki???). [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 01:24, 25 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Always Wikia first down here. TF Wiki is fifth. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:09, 25 November 2009 (EST)

::::::Wikia provides multilanguage versions for all its wikis. Most of the non-English TF ones aren't very busy though. The largest seems to be the Hungarian version (hu.) with 661 articles. The Danish version was vandalized in 2008 and has been sitting that way ever since! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 02:20, 25 November 2009 (EST)

:::::::Was it the usual FUCK DETOUR guy I wonder? Has Detour been policing all the wikis? :) [[User:Drmick|Drmick]] 14:41, 26 November 2009 (EST)
::::::::Actually, it was Kremzeek, our ''other'' notorious vandal. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:13, 27 November 2009 (EST)

==Suggestion for a new project: The Quote Hunt==
I think it's clear that there are a number of pages that really need decent quotes. Some lack them and some have terrible ones ([[Divebomb (G1)|case in point]]). I'd like to put forward an idea to go over as many pages as possible and ensure that any quotes used are suitiable and if not that where possible a good one can be found. Obviously, one person could do this but I thought a consensus on which quotes worked might be better. Maybe a systematic approach. People take specific eras and work with them. Opinions? [[User:Eire]]

==Advice requested==
Hi people. I'm relatively new to the Transfandom and I didn't really know where to put this. This seemed as good a place as any. BTW I think this wiki probably surpasses anything else as the repository of TF knowledge. If only we could fit all this into Furmans ''Ultimate Guide''. A few questions:

1. What's the best and most widely used forum? I currently use IDW's but not sure if it's best
2. Is deviantart a good fanart display place? (my page is [http://www.minimus-minor.deviantart.com])

Thanks. [[User:Warpspeed Hellscream|Screamer]] 13:46, 27 November 2009 (EST)

:Those sorts of questions don't really suit this site, since this is a wiki dealing in the TF fiction, its history, the toys and so on, rather than a forum for us to have a chinwag about things that are unrelated to this wiki. Besides, the first question is also unanswerable - there is no "best" forum. The "big four" TF sites seem to be allspark.com, TFW2005.com, tformers.com and seibertron.com. I do not believe we can make a recommendation for you. As for your second question, I assume so. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 15:33, 27 November 2009 (EST)

==Wal-Mart Black Friday exclusives==
For those who haven't seen them, the Wal-Mart exclusives this year were straight repackages of the Target-exclusive Scouts from 2007 (Storm Surge, Clocker, Air Raid and Hardtop) in Universe packaging. This wouldn't really be a thing, except that they're all explicitly stated as being from Energon or Cybertron on the card back. So do we have to create four new articles or what? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 09:20, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:That seems pretty unusual as far as I know. Usually if they are going to re-release a figure they slip it into the current line, and we don't consider them to be actually part of that toyline, just a re-release in different packaging (example: "Cybertron collection" legends [[Leo Prime]]). I don't know what to do in the case of repackaging into a past toyline. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 09:36, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::They even have Sector 7 markings on some of the figures. Is there a Sector 7 in Cybertron now? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:33, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:::Taking a second look at it, it appears they were deliberately put into Cybertron. They are in the Universe "Cybertron Series" I believe. I think they are Cybertron characters. (I never did figure out what those Sector 7 insignias were supposed to mean, even in the movie universe. They don't appear to be part of the Sector 7 faction.) - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 10:42, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::::All that needs to be assumed for movieverse figures with Sector 7 insignia is that the vehicles scanned were issued by Sector 7.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 10:45, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:::::But how does that relate to these new Cybertron releases? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:47, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Probably the same as Cyber Planet Keys relate to the Movie Universe. That is to say, just pretend they aren't there. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 11:05, 28 November 2009 (EST)

== Proposal ==

So, in the wake of the Bookworm crash, we have had to reupload hundreds of images, perhaps more. A lot of those currently have no description save "Uploading image file". Couldn't we run a bot to at least append <nowiki>{{bookworm|5}}</nowiki> tags to them? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:30, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:It'd be handy if there was some way to sort them into different categories by type, so we could have a "screencaps needing descriptions", "toy images needing descriptions", etc categories. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 18:47, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::That would be very diificult. We'd need to have people running around listing all the toy images so we could then feed the list to Deceptitraan. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:07, 30 November 2009 (EST)
:::Sure, but if we simply stick the bookworm tag on them, all we're doing is shifting them from [[Special:Uncategorizedimages]] to [[:Category:Recovery-5]], which I can't see much advantage in. Sorting them into categories by type may be extra work now, but it should hopefully encourage more people to take a crack at putting descriptions to them later. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:11, 30 November 2009 (EST)
::::The advantage is that, Uncategorized images implies to me that only a category is lacking (since there are images that at least have descriptions, just no categories), while having it in Recovery-5 tells that the entire description is missing, and thus it's higher on the "needs attention" scale. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 17:50, 30 November 2009 (EST)
:::::That's one way to look at it. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:42, 1 December 2009 (EST)

== Reprolabels ==

...my God. ''Finally'' they advertise with us. I love the company, but it was downright ''mystifying'' that they hadn't hit up our Project Wonderful before now.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 03:05, 6 December 2009 (EST)
: I don't think they do a lot of advertising, period. I can't say I've ever seen a banner ad for them or anything like that. 99% of what I've heard from them has been either because I'm on their mailing list, from Delta himself posting on various fan forums with updates, or from the various fan forums frontpaging his updates. Word of mouth, essentially. (I also can't believe they don't offer gift certificates.) [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 05:20, 6 December 2009 (EST)

== Bot activity ==

''Deceptitran''-ish <small>(it's the new 'bot, but it's using Deceptitran's account)</small> is currently adding images which lost their descriptions to [[:Category:Image import error]]. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 13:50, 7 December 2009 (EST)
:That should help clean-up what's left of the aftermath of B-C. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:02, 7 December 2009 (EST)
::Bot has finished sweeping. It may have missed one or two here or there (I'm working from an outdated list,) but the '''vast majority''' of the import-error images should now be listed. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:44, 8 December 2009 (EST)

== Some thoughts on Infoboxes ==

I've been picking away at some ideas for [http://www.emopanda.com/tmp/infobox2_proposal_derik.pdf a redesigned infobox]. The idea isn't to ''change'' what we have so much as to standardize it, clean up the code, make it more immediately useful, etc. The biggest change in this proposal would be some top-level metadata-- "type of media," "language," "year produced."

I'd also like to suggest we add a "Format:" (?) field the data below. e.g. ( SD/HD for videos, color/b&w for comics, probably size for books. ) I was flipping through some of our UK stuff yesterday and it wasn't clear if it had ever been republished in color... because we don't have a standard scheme for addressing republishing (which I only touched on in the abstract in the PDF above.) When republishing data was included ''at all'' on pages... there was no consistent section title, language or treatment to it. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 15:14, 7 December 2009 (EST)
:My suggestion for a tweak is that I wonder if there's some way to create production order/reading order lists that can be called up automatically by the series, prev, and next links in the infoboxes. Most of them match up OK, but there's things like the Timelines stories where it's getting kind of snarled up.
:The continuity area also gets out of wack sometimes in terms of consistency. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:07, 7 December 2009 (EST)
::''Part'' of that can probably be attributed to the fact we lack an example page that give a clear guideline how to implement these things. -[[Special:Contributions/150.253.70.235|150.253.70.235]] 19:15, 7 December 2009 (EST)

== Transformers (2007) BD-live content? ==

So apparently ppls who picked up the '''2007''' Transformers film in blue-ray were able to access [http://tformers.com/transformers-/11768/news.html exclusive content] starting in June, including the (previously IMAX-exclusive?) [http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2009/06/transformers-bd-live-breakdown.html intro scene for Maggie and Fig's death.]

Do we / can we have this documented and screencapped? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:13, 8 December 2009 (EST)
:Four of those things--Metal in Motion, Stunts 101, Choose Your Weapon, and Voices--sound like they might be the same as the four featurettes that were available on the Circuit City website if you bought the Circuit City version of the DVD.
:If so, I actually have them on [http://www.youtube.com/JeysieC my YouTube account], as I uploaded them after Circuit City went bye-bye to ensure they were still archived somehow.
:...which, er, doesn't help with your specific request, but I thought I'd mention it anyway in case someone else found it useful. *ahem* --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 12:56, 8 December 2009 (EST)
::I agree the concent listed seems liek a lot of shovelware. (The walmart ROTF "transforming megatron case" videos are in there too) unfortunately these two deleted scenes are actually important. :( -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 13:04, 8 December 2009 (EST)

==Video game plot box?==
Not sure how to actually title that, but what I was thinking was there are quite a few TF games where you play the same story potentially as multiple characters (the console versions of ROTF, the Armada game, the BW games, etc.) so theoretically most of those games' plot could happen to any of the playable characters. In that case, on each character's page, you put a rough summary of the plot and above it, a box like "This character was one of several playable options in a video game - the events described below form a very specific [[micro-continuity]]" or words to that effect. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 16:30, 8 December 2009 (EST)

==Blocking Spam Accounts==
First, apologies if this is in the incorrect place, but I am trying this on Walky's advice. I'm running a different wiki at The Mega Man Network called [http://www.themmnetwork.com/wiki/|The Mega Man Universe], and we've been constantly plagued by tons and tons of spambots signing up and creating spam entries in the Wiki, trying to pawn medications and such. This has forced us to shut down registration, which has slowed production considerably. We have attempted to install anti-spammer software, but to no avail; Walky said that you all seemed to have something well in place, and so I've come for any help or advice on the subject that can be given. If this matter is bettered discussed in another avenue or by e-mail with one of you, please let me know where to go and I can proceed there. [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD "Nytetrayn"]] 20:43, 8 December 2009 (EST)

MediaWiki talk:Community Portal

2009-12-09T01:45:04Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

__NEWSECTIONLINK__

This is the place for discussion of topics that affect the entire wiki. Some topics that would ordinarily be here have merited their own pages:

{{chapters|title=Specific Discussion Subjects|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">'''Moving From Wikia:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving|Arriving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving|Leaving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki:Community Portal/Complaints|Complaints]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''New Ad Policy:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki:Ads|Ads]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Bookworm Database-Crash:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Damage Control Central|Damage Control Central]]
* [[Project:Bookworm Crash]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving2|Leaving Take 2]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Server Move:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving2|Arriving Take 2]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Relicensing:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Relicensing|Relicensing]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''Dealing With Vandalism:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Vandalism|Vandalism]]
<br/><div class="list-header">'''GoBots Sister Wiki:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/GoBots|Discussion on the place of GoBots in this wiki]]
}}<br/>

{{:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}/Archive}}


== Boxes gone from disambig templates? ==
I noticed the disambiguation templates don't seem to have those gray boxes behind them anymore. Is this intentional? Because it's confusing. -[[User:Mazenoise|Mazenoise]] 08:16, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:Derik shifted the CSS styling into the stylesheet. Your browser probably had the old stylesheet cached, but a shift-reload should fix it. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 08:20, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::Yeah, it did actually. Thanks! -[[User:Mazenoise|Mazenoise]] 08:29, 17 September 2009 (EDT)

And they (well, the ones Derik hit anyway) sprouted a thick grey left border in the transition because...? - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 11:34, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:I forget the reason. Rest assured that it did make sense though!
:Main advantage of switching the disambig boxes to CSS: When you have multiple in a row, they stack prettier without a double-outline between them. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 19:47, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::''I forget the reason. Rest assured that it did make sense though!''
::If that's not a Derikism, it deserves to be. (And is the main reason why I'm scared of changing to external CSS rather than inline CSS - you having the keys to the styles virtually unfettered, since those admins who could either override or yank the emopanda CSS mostly either don't know how or are absent much of the time)
::So now we have disambig templates that are unique amongst messageboxen in a particularly... nondescript way. Different enough to be irritating, not different enough to serve any real purpose. - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 21:09, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::Eh? Oh, I thought I changed it back. (I remembered why they had a border on the left... I was testing something and decided it didn't work, I didn't realize it was still on.)
:::In theory Scout was going to make some changes last week to move us out of the existing CSS situation with much less living in my dev file... but she seems to have forgotten... -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 21:24, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::What was she planning to do? I can have a crack at it. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:29, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::Move a bunch of stuff to [[MediaWiki:common.css]], I expect.
:::::(Note the difference between Common.css [all skins, including the ones no-one uses like Simple and MySkin], Monacobook.css [Monacobook only] and Monobook.css [Monobook only]. Scout [[User_talk:Suki_Brits#.22Fixed.22_Monobook|forgot about Monobook]] the last time common.css was edited. Incidentally, where did she ultimately put those changes? They ain't in the empty Monacobook.css.) - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 21:44, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::I have a suspicion that the plan may be to create a new user class with rights to edit css files here (in which case I don't have the necessary access rights to do so)... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:59, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::::That was the one. :) Either she forgot, or she tried and it didn't work. I'll bug her when I remember. (It's not like it's pressing... it's been needing doing for some time so it can wait a bit longer.) -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:33, 17 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::And to answer the css question, the changes are in [http://tfwiki.net/w2/skins/monacobook/tt1.css this file] which isn't editable through the Mediawiki interface. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 00:03, 18 September 2009 (EDT)
:::::::"Scout, I have 3 requests."
:::::::"No, no, yes if I don't have to do any work."
:::::::-[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:51, 18 September 2009 (EDT)
::::::::Did that ever get done in the end? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:45, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

== WTF? ==
Why does [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive11|Archive 11]] even exist? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:35, 1 October 2009 (EDT)

== Obscure BW comic, anyone? ==
Alright for the past while now, I've been looking up and adding in obscure Beast Wars products. I remembered both the Mutating Card Game and both Jigsaw Puzzles, and I've already taken note to add those in. But one piece of memorabilia that has still eluded me is a really old comic... My memory's a bit fuzzy on this one, and I can't quite recall if it was a seperate mini-comic from the two-pack of "Optimus vs. Megatron!" or if the scenes I'm remembering are part of that comic as well.
The only scenes I recall from said comic are the opening, where a pre-earth mode Cheetor peeks through some vegetation to reveal a (very small) crystal. The subsequent dialog explained that they had to take on beast modes to overcome the toxic radiation of the crystal (much like the tv show).
Anyone has any similar recollection? Or if anyone has scans of the "Optimus vs. Megatron!" mini-comic to clear up wether or not it is a scene from that comic that I'm remembering, I'd appreciate it. In any case, I hope I'm not going crazy and remembering a comic that doesn't exist, because as far as I can tell, it's not listed on the Beast Wars comics page. Thanks --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 14:23, 3 October 2009 (EDT)

:It's not the "Optimus Primal Vs. Megatron!" comic, that one starts with Primal(in beast mode) flying in the sky, and then Cheetor running in the dark with a glow in his eyes. Unless you mistake the sparkle in his eyes for a crystal, it's not the same comic.--[[User:Sunjumper|Sunjumper]] 13:41, 5 October 2009 (EDT)

::I vaguely recall something similar to that being used to advertise the first Beast Wars video game on PC and PSX.--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 15:23, 23 October 2009 (EDT)

== Categories for modes? ==

I've been trying to find out which transformer one of my old toys is, and I'd hoped I could compare it against each of the transformers with an aeroplane mode - but I couldn't find such a list. So I wondered whether it would be a good idea to have categories for the transformers' modes, so I could go to "Category:Aeroplanes" and look it up like that. Good idea? I'm not volunteering to do the legwork :-) [[Special:Contributions/86.7.22.40|86.7.22.40]] 06:50, 5 October 2009 (EDT)
:[http://tfu.info/ID/index.htm This external link] might help. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 09:56, 5 October 2009 (EDT)

== "Notes" ==
When did we start changing all the "Trivia" subheaders to "Notes"? ...And why even bother?--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 20:17, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
:Someone stated that they hated the header "Trivia" as it made the info seem inconsequential when sometimes it was actually useful/relevant, and those of us who thought they had a point started going along with that thought. (Although much to my annoyance I don't recall off-hand who said it or where, other than I think maybe it was on one of the Shattered Glass articles.) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 20:34, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
::It becomes irritating to me since "Notes" was solely confined to the comics and media articles and "Trivia" was confined to character and toy pages, so now we've got a bunch of random character pages with a "Notes" section (Hot Rod character page, for instance) and others with a "Trivia" section (Hot Rod toy page, for instance) for no particular reason. It looks sloppy and I have no idea whether I should be trying to track down and reset the headings to one or the other or if I'll get warned for it.--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 23:32, 6 October 2009 (EDT)
:::"Someone" was probably me. -- [[User:Repowers|Repowers]] 00:16, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Yeah, you're our resident cruft inquisition!--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 00:18, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

:::I think some page's contents in the Trivia sections is, um, mixed up with notes (relevant but can't be put in other section) and trivia (a little irrelevant BUT notable) things. So, maybe page like this would still need a trivia section, that is, separate their Trivia section into Trivia and Notes section. Of course, that may involve subjective view of the users who edit the page.--'''[[User:TX55|<span style= "color:#00FA9A">TX55</span>]]'''<small><SUP>''[[User talk:TX55|<span style= "color:#0000CD">TALK</span>]]''</SUP></small> 21:19, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::So are we going to decide on some form of consistent change or just use the two words randomly?--[[User:MCRG Again|MCRG Again]] 02:31, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::I've been changing pages to "Notes" as I work them. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 12:34, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::It'd also be a fairly easy bot request.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 13:38, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::Easy as long as you have a full list of the pages on the wiki. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:39, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::It's not as simple as it might appear - we have [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|episode pages]] with Notes sections with Trivia subsections, so the bot would have to take that into account (and a blanket change of #Trivia anchors wouldn't be possible because some will be legitimately pointing to those Trivia sections). --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:56, 7 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::In the case of the bot request I made, I specifically said to replace <nowiki>==Trivia==</nowiki> with <nowiki>==Notes==</nowiki>. The pages you reference have <nowiki>===Trivia===</nowiki>, which should be possible to exclude in a search.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 16:54, 7 October 2009 (EDT)

== Preventing direct image linking ==

As we know, the wiki costs a fair bit to run and early on in our post Bookworm crash server move, it used more bandwidth than our bosses calculated, so the last thing we need is people going around directly linking images off of our server for forums or even their blogs or whatever (The [[Mountain Dew Robot]]s logo was one of our most popular articles... because some idiot linked the image to his website). Is there any way for us to prevent this? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 11:54, 9 October 2009 (EDT)
:Yes and no.
:Yes in the sense that it's pretty easy to create an .htaccess file that redirects hotlinks in some way.
:No in the sense that it might break the GoBoxes, if there isn't some way to make it so that the rewrite rules allow just the GoBox images to be hotlinked. Hrm. Although I think the GoBoxes are all PNGs, and we have very few PNGs as normal images, so it might not be ''that'' big a workaround problem. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 17:40, 9 October 2009 (EDT)
::Well, all the gobox images are in their own folder anyway, so it's simple enough to exclude them. This is probably a REALLY good idea; somebody give me a suitable (and tiny) replacement image and I'll try to make it so. --[[User:Suki Brits|Suki Brits]] 08:45, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Depends on what you had in mind. You could either go the route of just making a one pixel GIF (i.e. smallest image possible), or maybe use our logo with "no hotlinking permitted" written on it. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 09:01, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Goatse. Or the nearest TF equivalent of "ridiculous shock image." [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 10:00, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Anything from Kiss Players, then. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:09, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::...can we still let me inline images on my blog? Can we make exceptions? Because sometimes I do that, because it's technically me paying for the bandwidth anyway. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 10:17, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::Whitelisting domains is easy. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 10:36, 11 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::::I'm not extremely savvy with that kind of stuff (most of my knowledge coming from archived talkpages on this wiki), so I have no idea whether it's possible.
:::::::What ''is'' a goatse, anyway? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:24, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::::You don't want to know if you don't already. Trust me. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 10:36, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::Sorry I asked.
:::::::::*remembers the vandal that came in and messed with some talk pages* --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:39, 11 October 2009 (EDT)

:::::''"Or the nearest TF equivalent"'' - Something like [[:Image:Tftm1986e.jpg|this]], you mean? - [[User:Magnus Maximus|Magnus Maximus]] 10:50, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::Something more like [[:Image:LegionRape1.jpg|this]] would be "the nearest TF equivalent", surely. [Or, potentially even more disturbing, [[:Image:AtariScream.jpg|this]].] - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 12:07, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Even Kiss Players is only about a 3 on the shock meter compared to Goatse. An image of Pat Lee might be appropriate... I suggest sticking to something small anyway, otherwise the bandwidth problem is still there. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:41, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::How about [[:Image:Siestacron.gif|this]] with something like "You have found The Void." -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 15:52, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::I vote for Pat Lee. That's awesome. BANDWIDTH SUPERSTAR! [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 18:06, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
Well, the GoBoxes are fairly bandwidth-light, right? What if we did a variation on them, with the leeched image replaced with a notice that the image was leeched, and encouraging them to go to TFWiki.net to learn about Transformers?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 15:57, 11 October 2009 (EDT)
:I stand by my Kiss Players suggestion. That or the image of dead Prime from TFTM with a tagline at the bottom saying "This image is dead due to hotlinking." --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:37, 12 October 2009 (EDT)
::Rosicrucian has the right idea. We make it work for us, rather than just 'punish' the people doing it. We don't try to shock or dismay, just state that hotlinking is bad (m'kay?) and that tfwiki.net is the place to learn about Transformers. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 11:44, 17 October 2009 (EDT)

:FFN brought up an important issue! (FFN also totally forgot about this immediately after posting the original question and only just read this discussion.) And yeah, I totally forgot about the Go-Box. Since I'm not on the Allspark, I've never really seen the go box in use, other than Derrik Wyatt's blog. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 01:22, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
[[Image:Quintessa.jpg|thumb|250px]]
::'''This''' is about the most vindictively confusing thing you could spike someone with, IMO. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 11:47, 19 October 2009 (EDT)
:::USE IT. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:58, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

{{-}}

== GoBots on this wiki ==
{{main|Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/GoBots}}

== Audio file problems - they don't seem to work ==
I don't think we ever resolved this when Derik brought it up a long time ago, but whatever script we use for audio files doesn't work, at least it doesn't work the way it's supposed to. On Wikia wikis, when you click on a "listen to this audio file", your browser should activate java, buffer the ogg file and play it. However, on TFWiki, the browser merely tries to download the file, not play it. If you choose to open the file via your browser's download dialogue, the file downloads into your temp files and plays it off the nearest compatible media player, which is a *''remarkably''* roundabout way of doing things. Is there any way we can fix this? (I'm using Firefox 3 and Internet Explorer 6)--[[User:FFN|FFN]] 01:19, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:I'm assuming that Wikia must have some embedded audio file player installed or something, which is probably doable via an extension. I have to admit I don't see it as a high priority... having the browser call up a helper file is a normal way of handling such things, plus I like being able to download and save the file.
:Not only that, but we barely have any audio files to worry about... I think the Scene Transition page is the only article I've come across that has an appreciable number of audio files on it. Although now that I think about it, I wonder if creating WAVs of characters' main quotes where possible might be an interesting idea, to give samples of what characters sound like. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 03:09, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
::Downloading - well, there's the minor issue that the majority of our users will be unable to play .ogg files anyway, for even if codecs are easily had, it's a fairly obscure format. Hell, I never even heard of it until 2005. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 03:27, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:::WinAmp plays OGGs just fine out-of-the-box, among a number of other media players out there, so I don't see an issue. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 03:35, 18 October 2009 (EDT)
:In case we want to install an extension to handle this: [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:OggHandler] --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:50, 18 October 2009 (EDT)

== Editing Go Boxes? ==
I've utterly failed at finding a guide to editing a Go Box address, so I figured I'd just note that the Go Box for "Tankor (ROTF)" instead links to a blank "Revenge of the Fallen Tankor" page for some reason. {{unsigned|MCRG Again}}
:Fixed. Someone put the destination page down as "Revenge of the Fallen Tankor" in [[Template:Goicons]], thus causing the GoBox to send you to a non-existent page. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 02:51, 19 October 2009 (EDT)

== When was the last Database backup? ==

Just curious. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:10, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:That is exactly why we need that "Database last backed-up by: (insert-person-here) on: (insert-date-here)." thing someone suggested a long time ago. That way, we may avoid Bookworm Crash 2.0. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:15, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Of course, one of the major causes of The Bookworm Event was that corrupt or otherwise failed backups were being registered as successful. That backups are regularly checked is just as important as backups being made in the first place, and "(insert-person-here) on: (insert-date-here)" wouldn't prove that. - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 12:31, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::::At least we know if there ''is'' a backup to check at all. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:02, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::By us, manually? I dunno. We pay for automatic backups every week as part of our hosting. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 12:22, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Ah, that last one is slightly more reassuring.
:::I mean-- they're the same automatic backups Bookworm was theoretically making, but IIRC the current host was picked (in part) for having a good reputation for such things. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 14:32, 20 October 2009 (EDT)
::::McFly confirmed [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive41#Googlejuice_-_Bad_News_Everyone|a while back]] that the auto backups were working, so hopefully they still are. Good news for when we eventually upgrade the software! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:57, 20 October 2009 (EDT)

==Self-sufficiency==
It's come up that the hosting costs for this site exceed the revenue generated by this site. That's a bad situation, not sustainable in the long run. Because I don't want to see the site go away, addressing it should be a big concern. Is there anything we can do to generate extra revenue?
I see a few potential avenues:
:a: more advertising or better advertising.
:b: licensing out some of our content. This is tricky, since it's partially not owned by us. But what about something like an iPhone app that pulls in our This Day in Transformers History? That should be ok if we don't use the name Transformers - it'd be a kind of news service.
:c: some kind of virtual gifts or badges perhaps? I'm thinking like the gigantion award for contributions, but where users have the option of paying a dollar to send another editor a token of some sort. Cons are that it would require some sort of transaction engine and coding.
Any other ideas?--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 16:53, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:Another idea - best one yet, maybe. Add in amazon links to all products, and set up an affiliate account. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 17:47, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The hosting costs for this site SOMETIMES don't exceed the revenue generated. And the difference is usually by $5-10 if so. We're not in a crisis by any stretch. But I do have some ideas. I'm thinking of putting a minimum bid on the top ad. I've been told that having a minimum bid reduces the amount of bidders, but in my experience with Shortpacked!, the opposite is true. I lost a lot of money by removing the minimum bid for a few months, and stuff shot right back up to normal when I reinstated it. The only problem I see with that is that our top ad IS kind of unstandard-sized, so that means we're aiming it at a smaller pool of advertisers than most. But I'm gonna try this thing. The top ad's only bringing in $1.60/day at this very moment anyhow, and so that's not a huge investment to lose either way. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 17:59, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The unfortunate underside to this is that you have to cancel all of the spot's current bids to change the minimum bid. It'll take a day or two for ads to show up again as folks return to it. But I'll throw up an ad on there myself to bridge the time.--[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:03, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::And just like that we're in the black. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:05, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Segue-touring out of crassly commercial concerns into site-content concerns that ''overlap'' crassly commercial ones...
:::Our "year" pages are a mess. No one works on them, and they're just kinda... there and useless.
:::For months I've been toying with a suggestion that we re-format them (dumping what we have, which isn't much in most cases) and re-do them as a cross between the old "annual assortment" pack-in brochures and the old TSarchive wave listings. (Which I always found useful for gettign a picture of what came out when.)
:::For the old pages it'd basically be a wave listing, but for the current year, you'd have a functional "What's out/what's upcoming" list, which could be updated with dates a wave was first sites, when a product was available online... Including Amazon-icon links after character names is a ''plus'', because it give users the ability to see the gallery, read reviews, etc.
:::I just think it could be really ''useful'', I often feel swamped by the sheer volume of TF merchandise being offered, and I'd love to have a large central page that keeps track of it all. That such a page might serve as a revenue stream is pure gravy on top. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 18:16, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::::I'm willing to use my existing Amazon seller's account for this.--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 18:21, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::We could implement this idea without totally scrapping the year pages couldn't we? Split out the toy pages for more recent years so you don't have to browse way down the page to get to the Amazon links and such, while still keeping our other info. As for nothing being done with them, I've been looking for a new Wiki project to work on. I'll start tackling these, once we have a consensus on what to do with them.--[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 23:26, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::See, the difference between being in the red and in the black is like 50 cents a day. I don't think we need to try that hard. I don't think the Wiki needs to be a For-Profit business. What would we even do with the money? Advertise more? --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:24, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Depends on how much money we get. I mean, dovetailing with the BG wiki idea... --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 18:53, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
::The whole financial "crisis" came out of the notion that we might not be able to afford a GoBots Wiki. Thus bringing to light the sudden reality that we might not be able to exceed Super Jawsome levels and reach Mega Jawsome status because of cash strappitude. If maintaining the TF Wiki as-is isn't a financial bother, if the GB Wiki (should it ever happen) does turn out to create an issue, I'm still willing to donate and I'm sure a handful of chums around here are also up to the task. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 19:06, 21 October 2009 (EDT)
:::Yeah... I don't think that people are realizing that running another wiki on the same server, on a subdomain is ''literally'' free. I mean-- it will have to share bandwidth with TFWiki... but that's no different than if we documented the material within this site! They're just logistically separate. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 06:25, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
===Analytics for October 2008 - October 2009===
[[Image:Analytics october2009.png|thumb|250px|What are you squinting at this for? click on it to get the full-size version!]]
Discussing site promotion prompted me to take a look at our analytics again.
*Traffic dipped 20% in mid-September, finally shedding most of our movie bump... but stayed above where we were in May when the bump began. (Translation: We gained.) The economy's pinch on people's free time, plus the relative lull in TF news is probably a factor here.
*In the last 3 weeks, we've had a surge in search-engine traffic-- vast numbers of which ('''much''' moreso than normal) are leaving right after getting here, meaning we don't have the information they're looking for.
*This spike is almost certainly related to people searching for information about the ROTF DVD release. Not information on the film itself... because traffic on our film page has seen no corresponding spike.
I suggest we create a "ROTF DVD field guide" page, listing all the different versions, what features come with what, pictures of the box (if possible) where they're available, etc. (We're talking about ~2,500 people every day that come here looking for this, then immediately leave because we don't have it.) The traffic spike around the DVD promotion seems to be mirroring the one around the film (though to a much smaller degree) which means it's about halfway through. But-- these bumps have a "long tail," especially going into the holiday shopping season. We can expect a page like this to yield significant traffic dividends over the next 80-odd days.

So.... yeah. [[Revenge of the Fallen DVD field guide]]. Big blinking neon sign in the analytics. We should make this. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 08:10, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
:I heartily concur, my good man. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 08:19, 22 October 2009 (EDT)

::Well don't look at me! I have no idea how many versions exist! Here, whoever wants to block it in can use this image. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 08:51, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
:::You can put it back now, mostly, Derik. I put in the main details. It needs some pictures that I don't have, but it's ready enough to release, I think. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 15:05, 22 October 2009 (EDT)

==(Universe) identifier==
:''See also: [[Talk:Universe (2003 franchise)]]''

We are currently using (Universe) as identifier for both characters from the 2003 line and the 2008 line. This does not look like a fine situation to me. Proposing change to (Universe 2003) and (Universe 2008), or perhaps something shorter. I'm not sure if and how this should effect such identifiers as (Universe Micromaster). [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 02:54, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:I think "Name (Universe 2003/2008)" would be a nice idea. As for some characters who have two counterparts within a franchise... it surely need some discussion. --'''[[User:TX55|<span style= "color:#00FA9A">TX55</span>]]'''<small><SUP>''[[User talk:TX55|<span style= "color:#0000CD">TALK</span>]]''</SUP></small> 04:34, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:We already have a few with the year in the name, e.g. [[Treadshot (Universe 2008)]], which is disambiguated with [[Treadshot (Universe)]]. I don't know if that's strictly a good precedent... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:42, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::That's a terrible precedent. If both toys are trying to occupy the namespace "Treadshot (Universe)" '''both''' get disambig'd, and neither gets the no-year slot. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 17:13, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
::Well, what's the alternative? List the "series" and have (Universe Classic)/(Universe G1)/(Universe Cybertron)/etc? - [[User:Mammalian Verisimilitude|Mammalian Verisimilitude]] 06:05, 27 October 2009 (EDT)

:::Probably best (and simplest) to change any Universe tags to include the year. While not strictly needed if there is only one character of that name in any Universe line, it would save time if another character of that name appears in a Universe line later (Short aside to anyone who says the Universe line is over: Hasbro has stated that the concept is a good one, they may bring it back as Universe (2015) and store exclusives [such as Powerglide, Hardhead, and Skyfall] may be released under the universe banner even if no new Universe product is shipping). As for Universe Micromaster, this could probably stay as is but I'm not averse to changing it to something else. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 08:28, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
::::Our ''existing'' policy '''had''' been "The line is called Universe, therefore that is the disambig." That Hasbro was obnoxious enough to gift us with a second Universe line, with oodles of name-reuse... hh.
::::Let us be clear on what we are discussing-- a proposal to '''change''' the disambigs of both the 2003 and 2008 lines, such that we will, in the future, treat them as is there was '''always''' an invisible qualifying subtitle (at least as far as the disambig is concerned) much like how "Star Trek" slowly drifted into being called "Star Trek: The Original Series" even in official products simply for clarity/sanity-- picking up an after-the-fact subtitle 25 years late.
::::I would ''generally'' oppose that kind of thing... because it errs to far on the side of "disambigs should provide information" (which inevitably leads to obnoxious [[Project:Deckchair edit|Deckchair edit]]s-- it's simply ''not'' the purpose of disambigs.) But both the 2003 and 2008 lines are sweeping toylines with a hodgepodge of mostly-absent fiction and a cast of characters creeping into the triple digits with a lot of name overlap. For our '''sanity''', this might be a good move.
::::Phrasing this as an implicit subtitle of the franchise is important, IMO. Because it means we're '''not''' turning disambigs into information-delivery systems (e.g. "Prowl (Universe 2003)" even though he came out in 2004) but merely recognizing the need to more clearly seperate these two unrelated franchises.
::::So, um... tentatively in favor? Provided the actual move doesn't happen until November. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 17:11, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::Surely there's a set of '''ex'''plicit subtitles for the 08-09 line in the form of the classic/G1/etc series? - [[User:Mammalian Verisimilitude|Mammalian Verisimilitude]] 22:16, 27 October 2009 (EDT)
:::: So like how everything done before 1992 is retroactively "Generation 1"? Aheh. Seriously, though, I currently have no problem with (Universe 2003)/(Universe 2008) as opposed to a sloppier (Universe Cybertron) or (Universe Generation 1) or (Universe Classics). We've already done this for [[Ransack]] and [[Treadshot]], and given that catch-as-catch-can store exclusives (not to mention the discount-market repackages) came out in 2003-style ''Universe'' packaging well until ''2008'', it's not insane to think that we won't get a continued trickle of 2008 ''Universe'' toys for a while. That being said, the biggest difference between 2003 ''Universe'' and 2008 ''Universe'', to me, is that 2003 ''Universe'' has a specific attached fiction, with Unicron and the interdimensional battle and all that - it's right there on the package, whereas 2008 ''Universe'' is literally a catch-all line where it can be explicitly said "This is the same team of Aerialbots you remember from G1, just in new bodies" whereas with the 2003 line, you have a bunch of dudes whose origins are virtually unknown. When you look at it like that, it seems like "2003" vs "2008" is a reasonable breakdown, as if we get, say, another green construction vehicle named "Scavenger" in Universe 2008 packaging, it'll likely be marked "Generation 1 Series", meaning that we don't have to disambiguate between this theoretical new Scavenger and the Mini-Con wolf. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 09:26, 28 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::I agree with Hoop. Using (Universe Cybertron) and such would be terrible. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 19:28, 28 October 2009 (EDT)
::::::Yes, because that would be the opposite of a franchise-identifier, that would be a continuity-identifier. Thus my long-winded schpiel above about re-naming the ''franchise'' identifiers. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:59, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:::::::You'll find, Derik, that I was pretty much agreeing with you re: "Universe (2003)" and "Universe (2008)," especially given that it appears, based on a thing from the DVD press junket, that we may be adding "Universe (2010)" to the mix. I'm assuming we're considering each one a new "Universe" series every time... there's a stop in product? There's a packaging change? What's the delineator? Like I said above, the 2003 packaging stayed in use until very very recently... [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 08:32, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::::::::I've kind of gathered that the delineator was the change in logo/packaging. But if Hasbro is going to trot out a new version of Universe every few years, perhaps that should be reexamined. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:41, 2 November 2009 (EST)
Just noticed this: when talking about anything called "Universe", we put the year in front in the disambig (like "Universe (2008 toyline)"). But the current Universe characters are dismabig'd with the year at the end (like "Treadshot (Universe 2008)"). Should this be made the same or is the difference between them good enough to keep things this way? [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 05:46, 15 November 2009 (EST)
:Nobody says "2008 Universe or "toyline 2008". [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 06:50, 15 November 2009 (EST)
::And I see no reason to make disambigs longer than necessary, nor anybody agreeing with the point enough to move pages like [[Universe (cartoon)]], which nobody talked about at all. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 06:59, 15 November 2009 (EST)
:::I'm quite under the impression that the above conversation is about the year as invisible, retroactive name element to both and all possible future "Universe" franchises. Hence, even if there is only one "Universe" character/element, it will still get the franchise's year in its identifier as part of franchise's name. And no, nobody spoke about the cartoon, but is that such a different thing from character pages when only talking about its part in either of the Universe lines? [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 07:38, 15 November 2009 (EST)
::::I'm so not going to let this discussion die off like this. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 01:49, 4 December 2009 (EST)
:::::So, should we add years to any Universe tag or only if there are 2003 and 2008 figures? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 01:02, 6 December 2009 (EST)
::::::No, because it's ugly and unnecessary. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 01:28, 6 December 2009 (EST)

== GoBots faction symbols? ==

Ages ago, I remember reading a toy review (probably by Zobovor) that mentioned the [[Guardian_(GoBots)|Guardian_(GoBots)]]s and [[Renegade]]s had faction-symbols. Specifically, IIRC "tiny stickers with bad glue that liked to slide around and fall off."

I don't ''think'' they've appeared in TF Fiction... but how would I know? (Maybe an artist modeled one of Cy-Kill's cameos on a toy with stickers intact?) Can anyone tell me what they looked like? Are [http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l262/skywarp2/Gobots/challengeofgobots11.jpg these] them? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 02:07, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:Hrm, [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/81b1fc7cdafbb765?hl=en&dmode=source this] is the review I remember with "friendly" and "enemy" stickers of dubious relevance... I wonder where the slidy-stickers memory came from? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 02:16, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
::Not sure if this helps, but TFU's entry on Tonka GoBot [http://www.tfu.info/Gobots/Guardians/Rumble/rumble.htm Rumble] has a 'Guardian' sticker on it, and ToyArchive's review of the Gobot [http://www.toyarchive.com/Gobots/Blast.html Blast] has a Renegades sticker on it. Not sure if these are the slidy stickers you refer to, but they do resemble some kind of formalized faction logos to my inexperienced eye -- [[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 02:39, 31 October 2009 (EDT)
:::I remember them being triangular, so those are likely them! -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:44, 1 November 2009 (EST)
:::FYI,. the same symbols are on the Power Suit Combiners. So yes, they're definitely faction symbols-- however infrequently-used. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 01:53, 1 November 2009 (EST)

== Privacy policy ==

Since we currently have a link in the footer of every page of the Wiki which leads to a blank page, I thought I'd have a go at bashing out something resembling a [[User:Abates/Privacy policy|privacy policy]]. Thoughts? Please feel free to make changes to it.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, however I did watch all of ''Boston Legal''. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 01:29, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:Can we write it as if we were Captain Kirk? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 09:41, 2 November 2009 (EST)

Having a privacy policy is kind of a big deal. It's a legal document that 'we' the wiki have to follow. I'd recommend against having anything other than the most general text. There's little to gain for us (How many of our users, really, won't browse or edit due to privacy? Not a lot I'd wager.) but a lot to lose if we promise more than we can deliver. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 10:34, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:So it should be shorter and vaguer? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:59, 2 November 2009 (EST)

== 10000th page ==

Is there anything special planned for the ten thousandth "real" page? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 22:25, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:I could see a little template to commemorate it.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 22:47, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::I don't imagine anything CAN be specifically planned, like say making a specific character or something the 10,000th page. It'll probably wind up being something incredibly obscure and wiki-tastic, like the manufacturer of the Optimus Prime lollipop from that one BotCon. [[User:Hooper X|Hooper_X]] 22:52, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:::Yeah, our last milestone articles were a [[Ego|TFCC TransTech character]] and a [[Michael York|famous actor who got a whole one line of dialogue in a bit of TF fiction]]. If our 10000th article ''isn't'' obscure, I'll be surprised. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 23:07, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::::I have created [[:Image:Wiki10k.png|a proposal]] for what I wanna stick on the 10k article. It'll be smaller when we actually do it, though.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 00:26, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Our article count is currently inflated by about 75 due to the macron issue, so it'll be when the counter hits 10075 or so. :O --[[User:Abates|abates]] 23:55, 2 November 2009 (EST)

[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] asked on [[Image talk:Wiki10k.png|here]] about marking previous milestones. As accurate as I can work it out:

* 1000th: [[Shooting Star]] on 17 May 2006
* 2000th: [[Beast (planet)]] on 30 September 2006
* 3000th: [[Altered Image!]] on 3 February 2007
* 4000th: [[Noise Effect]] on 25 June 2007
* 5000th: [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]] on 2 November 2007
* 6000th: [[Larry Leahy]] on 24 March 2008
And then 7000 was sometime in September 2008, followed by:
* 8000th: [[Ego]] on January 25th, 2009
* 9000th: [[Michael York]] on June 28th, 2009
--[[User:Abates|abates]] 05:46, 3 November 2009 (EST)

:Is it weird that both the 1k and 5k milestones I mentioned are space-based objects of some kind? --[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 13:28, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Ideally, I think we could make a milestones page that links to all of these, and the milestone icons on each of them link back to it for easy navigation. Maybe put it at [[Transformers Wiki: Milestones]]. --[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 14:01, 3 November 2009 (EST)

::More importantly... what will be the ''last'' article on TFWiki? Mu-hu-hah-ha-hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha! [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 15:42, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:::"Axanite". --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 16:13, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::Mr. Willis, you do realize that by including that red-link there, you're just begging for an editor with too much time on their hands to prove you wrong, right? --[[User:G1MarvelBlaster|G1MarvelBlaster]] 16:20, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:::::I don't think you understand what [http://www.worlds-worst.com/worldsworst/fanfic/idea_detail.php?LinkID=147&CatID=2 Axanite] is. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 16:23, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Gah, here I am trying to pare down the wanted pages, and then you go and do something like make a fake link. DYW *Fixed* --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 16:25, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::::::At least the author put an exclamation mark at the end of the title to make it easier to disambiguate with the character. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:52, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Surely the 1st page is also a milestone, but I suppose it is just something boring like the main page or something. 10,000 is a lot of pages! - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 16:17, 3 November 2009 (EST)
::Not counting the main page, the first article was (unsurprisingly) [[The Transformers (cartoon)]] --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:52, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:Hey, I made the 2000th article! I feel so special! Not really, but still. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 12:37, 5 November 2009 (EST)

A couple thoughts: One, if the count is off by 75 due to the Bookworm crash, I would think that means the 9000th article was actually something else, as it happened after the crash. Two, we should make a milestone list, some little icons for each milestone, and co-opt the custom Factions icons option. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:00, 3 November 2009 (EST)
:I just tried a little investigation as to what it really was. Unfortunately, the new pages log was ''extremely'' uncooperative. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 16:07, 6 November 2009 (EST)

::FWIW, the 75th article after Michael York was [[Ryan Church]] on the 9th of July. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 23:45, 13 November 2009 (EST)

== Wanted pages? ==

Yesterday we had over 4150 wanted pages. Now we have ~4012. I've seen nothing in the deletions or page creations that would cause such a sudden shift in the numbers. Is there anything odd going on here or did we really knock out over 100 wanted pages in the span of a day?
I'll also take this moment to point out that we still have the duplicate "special character" pages cluttered up the orphaned pages since the bookworm crash. --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 12:04, 5 November 2009 (EST)
:Name variations were consolidated and links made more consistent. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 12:34, 5 November 2009 (EST)

:I discovered that sorting the list of wanted pages alphabetically makes it a ''lot'' easier to spot duplicates. :) McFly has said that he'll apply the fix for the macron pages when he and Scout get the time to upgrade the wiki software... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:34, 5 November 2009 (EST)
::Ah, so the upgrade is still in the pipe?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 14:39, 5 November 2009 (EST)
:::Well, I'm only assuming, admittedly, given it's a couple of months now since [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Archive41#Googlejuice_-_Bad_News_Everyone|he mentioned it]]. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 14:50, 5 November 2009 (EST)

== Skin problem in Chrome ==

Have any changes been made to the site skin in the last 24 hours? It's currently misbehaving for me in Chrome (no problems in Firefox and IE though). Everything in the left-hand column from the navigation menu down is being pushed down below the content area. It was working fine last night! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:06, 7 November 2009 (EST)
:After further investigation, it appears that Google recently released a new version on the beta channel, which is probably behind the problem. I'll have to see if I can find somewhere to report Chrome bugs. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 21:08, 7 November 2009 (EST)

== An Idea ==
Would it be possible to somehow code a searchbox thingy for this community portal? Because having to look through tons of archives to find something takes a while. I tried stealing the code from Wikipedia, but (oh the horror) it's HTML. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 06:59, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:Go to Special Pages>Search, uncheck "(Main)", check "Transformers Wiki talk", then run your search. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 12:29, 8 November 2009 (EST)
::Thanks. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:01, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:::No problem. Not that a Community Portal searchbox isn't an interesting idea, but with how slow our tech admins have been in responding lately, I figured I'd mention that workaround.
:::If you find yourself frequently searching other namespaces, you can change what you search in by default by [[Special:Preferences|going here]] and clicking "Search". --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 13:46, 8 November 2009 (EST)
::::As I said, I stole some code from Wikipedia, but apparently our wiki doesn't like HTML. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 13:48, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:I've added a Community Portal search box to the [[User:Derik/kired_tools|Kired Tools]] utilities. Bug reports welcome. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 18:13, 11 November 2009 (EST)
::<s>Well, here's a bug report for ya. I just spent five minutes reloading the site so it would work after I used your Kired Tools utilities. I may have screwed something up, so I'll keep trying.</s> --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:46, 12 November 2009 (EST)
:::Ignore that. It was caused by me screwing up. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:50, 12 November 2009 (EST)

== Unreleased toy sections ==

I've noticed that on some pages unreleased toys are integrated into the overall toy sections, while on others they are separate. Personally I find it more useful if they are separate, as it keeps confusion as to what's really out there to a minimum. Is there a standard position? If not, should there be a standard? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:46, 16 November 2009 (EST) (sorry if this is the wrong place to bring this up)
:Could you provide examples? From what I can tell, usually we integrate them and add a unreleased toy template (the one with Unicron). --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:05, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::On the [[Unicron/toys]] page there is a separate section for the unproduced toys. While on [[Arcee (G1)]] the unproduced Headmaster starts off her toys section (which also includes an unproduced Titanium series toy). These are the two pages that brought the question to my mind in the first place, but I'm sure there are more. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 18:22, 18 November 2009 (EST)
:::The unreleased toys should be listed under their intended release toyline, not segregated under "Unrelease toys." Unicron's page in that section is really old and needs to be updated to reflect this. It's funny, because it's his template. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 21:20, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::::I just updated it. Still need pics of the Japanese version of G1 Unicron. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 22:56, 18 November 2009 (EST)
::::That's what struck me as so strange, that his section of all the pages would be different. As I said before, I find the standard set up somewhat strange but consensus seems to be against me. Anyways, thanks for the clarification. I'll try to fix any more such problems that I come across. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 00:12, 19 November 2009 (EST)

==CSS not working?==
I'm not able to see the blue boxes around the disambig templates, and the featured characters template doesn't have lines around the columns. Neither Firefox or Internet Explorer display it correctly. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 19:10, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:I purged cache and refreshed, and am unable to reproduce the issue.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 19:14, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::That's what I did when it first came up. The issue persists. (My computer has been having file system problems lately, but I doubt that's the cause here.) [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 19:22, 17 November 2009 (EST)
:::I think Derik broke the CSS file on his server. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 20:19, 17 November 2009 (EST)
::::Wait, I did what?
::::...do you actually think that, or is that just the automatic first assumption? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 06:23, 21 November 2009 (EST)
:::::It was indeed an assumption, but it was based on looking at the tfwiki_tmp_global.css and seeing it ended with a couple of code fragments. Admittedly, since no one else has complained about anything being broken, I have to fall back on the assumption that it's a problem at Interrobang's end, so my apologies for the accusation. :) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:54, 21 November 2009 (EST)

== Question ==

Is there a feature in the software that allows you to find all pages created by a specific user? Just curious. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 15:17, 20 November 2009 (EST)
:Nope, I don't think there's even an extension to do that. I think the only way to do it at the moment would be to download a backup (if we had a way to do so) and run a script on it to check who did the first revision of each page. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:14, 20 November 2009 (EST)
::Even if we could do that, sadly any page created between June and March wouldn't would just say that Maintainence Script was the creator. --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 21:45, 21 November 2009 (EST)

:You could try simply scanning through the User Contributions pages of the user in question, as any pages they've created are marked a "New page:" prefix in the edit summary. Though as Bluestreak says, it'll only work so far back due to the crash. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:57, 22 November 2009 (EST)
::That ''would'' work, though it would be a very time-consuming process, depending on the user's number of edits. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 07:13, 23 November 2009 (EST)
:::And contribution != creation. The first page creator might not be the one who does the lion's share of the work on a given page. -[[User:Derik|Derik]]

:::True, but it's the only way I can think of to do it. Out of curiosity, was there any particular reason you wanted to know about new pages? (Maybe we can help?) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:08, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::::Just wondering. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 08:09, 25 November 2009 (EST)

== We're Number One! ==

Go to google.com and do a search for transformers wiki. For me, tfwiki.net is showing up first. Awesome! Can someone else confirm? (We're still lagging on Yahoo search.) --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 13:31, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:Has been happening occasionally for months. If it's doing it consistently now, that's awesome. As I've said many times, we've got momentum on our side.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 13:33, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::Hmm, I'm still consistently getting wikia as the number one hit. Might be different since I'm Canadian. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 18:03, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:::It's still Wikipedia then Wikia then us for me (Google seems to treat "wiki" and "wikipedia" as synonyms, which is a bit like treating "Windows" as a synonym for "operating system", but hey...) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:16, 24 November 2009 (EST)
::::Over on Google.ca, at least, we're now ahead of Wikipedia for Transformers Wiki. Still have Wikia to beat, though. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 19:23, 24 November 2009 (EST)
:::::First the tf-wikia, then tfwiki.net for me (then the dutch wikipedia, then the english wikipedia, then the dutch tf-wikia... there's a dutch tf-wiki???). [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 01:24, 25 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Always Wikia first down here. TF Wiki is fifth. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:09, 25 November 2009 (EST)

::::::Wikia provides multilanguage versions for all its wikis. Most of the non-English TF ones aren't very busy though. The largest seems to be the Hungarian version (hu.) with 661 articles. The Danish version was vandalized in 2008 and has been sitting that way ever since! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 02:20, 25 November 2009 (EST)

:::::::Was it the usual FUCK DETOUR guy I wonder? Has Detour been policing all the wikis? :) [[User:Drmick|Drmick]] 14:41, 26 November 2009 (EST)
::::::::Actually, it was Kremzeek, our ''other'' notorious vandal. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:13, 27 November 2009 (EST)

==Suggestion for a new project: The Quote Hunt==
I think it's clear that there are a number of pages that really need decent quotes. Some lack them and some have terrible ones ([[Divebomb (G1)|case in point]]). I'd like to put forward an idea to go over as many pages as possible and ensure that any quotes used are suitiable and if not that where possible a good one can be found. Obviously, one person could do this but I thought a consensus on which quotes worked might be better. Maybe a systematic approach. People take specific eras and work with them. Opinions? [[User:Eire]]

==Advice requested==
Hi people. I'm relatively new to the Transfandom and I didn't really know where to put this. This seemed as good a place as any. BTW I think this wiki probably surpasses anything else as the repository of TF knowledge. If only we could fit all this into Furmans ''Ultimate Guide''. A few questions:

1. What's the best and most widely used forum? I currently use IDW's but not sure if it's best
2. Is deviantart a good fanart display place? (my page is [http://www.minimus-minor.deviantart.com])

Thanks. [[User:Warpspeed Hellscream|Screamer]] 13:46, 27 November 2009 (EST)

:Those sorts of questions don't really suit this site, since this is a wiki dealing in the TF fiction, its history, the toys and so on, rather than a forum for us to have a chinwag about things that are unrelated to this wiki. Besides, the first question is also unanswerable - there is no "best" forum. The "big four" TF sites seem to be allspark.com, TFW2005.com, tformers.com and seibertron.com. I do not believe we can make a recommendation for you. As for your second question, I assume so. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 15:33, 27 November 2009 (EST)

==Wal-Mart Black Friday exclusives==
For those who haven't seen them, the Wal-Mart exclusives this year were straight repackages of the Target-exclusive Scouts from 2007 (Storm Surge, Clocker, Air Raid and Hardtop) in Universe packaging. This wouldn't really be a thing, except that they're all explicitly stated as being from Energon or Cybertron on the card back. So do we have to create four new articles or what? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 09:20, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:That seems pretty unusual as far as I know. Usually if they are going to re-release a figure they slip it into the current line, and we don't consider them to be actually part of that toyline, just a re-release in different packaging (example: "Cybertron collection" legends [[Leo Prime]]). I don't know what to do in the case of repackaging into a past toyline. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 09:36, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::They even have Sector 7 markings on some of the figures. Is there a Sector 7 in Cybertron now? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:33, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:::Taking a second look at it, it appears they were deliberately put into Cybertron. They are in the Universe "Cybertron Series" I believe. I think they are Cybertron characters. (I never did figure out what those Sector 7 insignias were supposed to mean, even in the movie universe. They don't appear to be part of the Sector 7 faction.) - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 10:42, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::::All that needs to be assumed for movieverse figures with Sector 7 insignia is that the vehicles scanned were issued by Sector 7.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 10:45, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:::::But how does that relate to these new Cybertron releases? [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:47, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::::::Probably the same as Cyber Planet Keys relate to the Movie Universe. That is to say, just pretend they aren't there. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 11:05, 28 November 2009 (EST)

== Proposal ==

So, in the wake of the Bookworm crash, we have had to reupload hundreds of images, perhaps more. A lot of those currently have no description save "Uploading image file". Couldn't we run a bot to at least append <nowiki>{{bookworm|5}}</nowiki> tags to them? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:30, 28 November 2009 (EST)
:It'd be handy if there was some way to sort them into different categories by type, so we could have a "screencaps needing descriptions", "toy images needing descriptions", etc categories. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 18:47, 28 November 2009 (EST)
::That would be very diificult. We'd need to have people running around listing all the toy images so we could then feed the list to Deceptitraan. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:07, 30 November 2009 (EST)
:::Sure, but if we simply stick the bookworm tag on them, all we're doing is shifting them from [[Special:Uncategorizedimages]] to [[:Category:Recovery-5]], which I can't see much advantage in. Sorting them into categories by type may be extra work now, but it should hopefully encourage more people to take a crack at putting descriptions to them later. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:11, 30 November 2009 (EST)
::::The advantage is that, Uncategorized images implies to me that only a category is lacking (since there are images that at least have descriptions, just no categories), while having it in Recovery-5 tells that the entire description is missing, and thus it's higher on the "needs attention" scale. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 17:50, 30 November 2009 (EST)
:::::That's one way to look at it. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:42, 1 December 2009 (EST)

== Reprolabels ==

...my God. ''Finally'' they advertise with us. I love the company, but it was downright ''mystifying'' that they hadn't hit up our Project Wonderful before now.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|<sup>Talk</sup>]] 03:05, 6 December 2009 (EST)
: I don't think they do a lot of advertising, period. I can't say I've ever seen a banner ad for them or anything like that. 99% of what I've heard from them has been either because I'm on their mailing list, from Delta himself posting on various fan forums with updates, or from the various fan forums frontpaging his updates. Word of mouth, essentially. (I also can't believe they don't offer gift certificates.) [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 05:20, 6 December 2009 (EST)

== Bot activity ==

''Deceptitran''-ish <small>(it's the new 'bot, but it's using Deceptitran's account)</small> is currently adding images which lost their descriptions to [[:Category:Image import error]]. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 13:50, 7 December 2009 (EST)
:That should help clean-up what's left of the aftermath of B-C. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 14:02, 7 December 2009 (EST)
::Bot has finished sweeping. It may have missed one or two here or there (I'm working from an outdated list,) but the '''vast majority''' of the import-error images should now be listed. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:44, 8 December 2009 (EST)

== Some thoughts on Infoboxes ==

I've been picking away at some ideas for [http://www.emopanda.com/tmp/infobox2_proposal_derik.pdf a redesigned infobox]. The idea isn't to ''change'' what we have so much as to standardize it, clean up the code, make it more immediately useful, etc. The biggest change in this proposal would be some top-level metadata-- "type of media," "language," "year produced."

I'd also like to suggest we add a "Format:" (?) field the data below. e.g. ( SD/HD for videos, color/b&w for comics, probably size for books. ) I was flipping through some of our UK stuff yesterday and it wasn't clear if it had ever been republished in color... because we don't have a standard scheme for addressing republishing (which I only touched on in the abstract in the PDF above.) When republishing data was included ''at all'' on pages... there was no consistent section title, language or treatment to it. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 15:14, 7 December 2009 (EST)
:My suggestion for a tweak is that I wonder if there's some way to create production order/reading order lists that can be called up automatically by the series, prev, and next links in the infoboxes. Most of them match up OK, but there's things like the Timelines stories where it's getting kind of snarled up.
:The continuity area also gets out of wack sometimes in terms of consistency. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:07, 7 December 2009 (EST)
::''Part'' of that can probably be attributed to the fact we lack an example page that give a clear guideline how to implement these things. -[[Special:Contributions/150.253.70.235|150.253.70.235]] 19:15, 7 December 2009 (EST)

== Transformers (2007) BD-live content? ==

So apparently ppls who picked up the '''2007''' Transformers film in blue-ray were able to access [http://tformers.com/transformers-/11768/news.html exclusive content] starting in June, including the (previously IMAX-exclusive?) [http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2009/06/transformers-bd-live-breakdown.html intro scene for Maggie and Fig's death.]

Do we / can we have this documented and screencapped? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 12:13, 8 December 2009 (EST)
:Four of those things--Metal in Motion, Stunts 101, Choose Your Weapon, and Voices--sound like they might be the same as the four featurettes that were available on the Circuit City website if you bought the Circuit City version of the DVD.
:If so, I actually have them on [http://www.youtube.com/JeysieC my YouTube account], as I uploaded them after Circuit City went bye-bye to ensure they were still archived somehow.
:...which, er, doesn't help with your specific request, but I thought I'd mention it anyway in case someone else found it useful. *ahem* --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 12:56, 8 December 2009 (EST)
::I agree the concent listed seems liek a lot of shovelware. (The walmart ROTF "transforming megatron case" videos are in there too) unfortunately these two deleted scenes are actually important. :( -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 13:04, 8 December 2009 (EST)

==Video game plot box?==
Not sure how to actually title that, but what I was thinking was there are quite a few TF games where you play the same story potentially as multiple characters (the console versions of ROTF, the Armada game, the BW games, etc.) so theoretically most of those games' plot could happen to any of the playable characters. In that case, on each character's page, you put a rough summary of the plot and above it, a box like "This character was one of several playable options in a video game - the events described below form a very specific [[micro-continuity]]" or words to that effect. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 16:30, 8 December 2009 (EST)

==Blocking Spam Accounts==
First, apologies if this is in the incorrect place, but I am trying this on Walky's advice. I'm running a different wiki at The Mega Man Network called [http://www.themmnetwork.com/wiki/|The Mega Man Universe], and we've been constantly plagued by tons and tons of spambots signing up and creating spam entries in the Wiki, trying to pawn medications and such. This has forced us to shut down registration, which has slowed production considerably. We have attempted to install anti-spammer software, but to no avail; Walky said that you all seemed to have something well in place, and so I've come for any help or advice on the subject that can be given. If this matter is bettered discussed in another avenue or by e-mail with one of you, please let me know where to go and I can proceed there. [[User:LBD_Nytetrayn|LBD "Nytetrayn"]] 20:43, 8 December 2009 (EST)

Galvatron (G1)

2008-03-15T21:14:15Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Galvatron}}

:''Galvatron is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Generation 1]] continuity family.''

[[Image:Galvatrong1.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Bwaaaaah! Kneepad of Dooooom!]]

'''Galvatron''' is a force of nature. Born from the machinations of [[Unicron]] himself, Galvatron is the conflation of madness and power, given form. He is blind to all but his lust for power, his whims and desires at the mercy of the moment. Not even his own subordinates are safe. Though he is not beyond the capacity for long-term goals, it is his unpredictability and his casual disregard for any and all life that strike such horror in friend and foe alike. Truly, the [[Decepticon leader]] is without any sense of empathy.

Galvatron was once [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], but was reborn from his death throes in a Faustian pact with Unicron. Despite retaining the memories, spark, and consciousness of Megatron, the near-death experience and massive physical upgrade led to a degree of alteration in personality, something further affected by his now-questionable sanity. Exactly how insane Galvatron is varies between different continuities, as does the reason for why he's insane, and how powerful he is. (Sometimes he's depicted as almost invincible.)
{{quote|Come out, Autobot! [[Dead End (G1)|We all must die sometime.]]|Galvatron hunting [[Hot Rod]]|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

==Fiction==
===American animated continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
:''Voice actors:'' [[Leonard Nimoy]], [[Frank Welker]] (US); [[Seizō Katō]] (Japan); [[Gert Wiedenhofen]], [[Manfred Erdmann]](Movie), [[Thomas Rauscher]](G2 Redub) (German)

[[Image:Tftm1986c.jpg|left|thumb|He's more machine now than ma—oh wait, he was a machine to begin with. Never mind.]]
In 2005, after being mortally wounded by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] during the [[Battle of Autobot City]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] was left to float aimlessly through space. He was summoned by [[Unicron]], who offered him a new body, a warship and new troops to command, so long as he destroyed the [[Autobot]] [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Megatron reluctantly accepted and was upgraded into '''Galvatron''', a more fearsome and powerful warrior.

Galvatron quickly retook command of the Decepticons after killing the traitorous [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in the middle of his coronation as the Decepticons' new leader. He then went to Earth and attacked [[Autobot City]] full-force. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] led him away from Earth, and Galvatron chased him to the [[Junkion (planet)|Planet of Junk]], where he defeated Magnus and took the Matrix, intending to use it against Unicron.

Galvatron could not open the Matrix, however, and as punishment for his treachery, Unicron swallowed him whole. Inside Unicron's belly, he met up with [[Hot Rod]]. Though he initially suggested an alliance with the young Autobot against the mutual threat of his master, the Chaos Bringer mentally tortured Galvatron for his attempted treachery and then forced him to attack Hot Rod. Hot Rod eventually managed to wrest the Matrix away from Galvatron and open it, leading to his transformation into Rodimus Prime. Flush with new power, Rodimus hurled Galvatron from inside Unicron and into deep space. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

[[Image:GalvatronTVMag1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He has a weird tendency to aim at his own troops.]]

But this would not the end of Galvatron.

The weakened Decepticons were subsequently routed by the Autobots and forced off of Cybertron, relocating to the burned-out world of [[Chaar]]. After eking out a living there in energy-deprived squalor for some time, they were visited by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], who'd finally decided to return the Decepticons to glory by seeking out the lost Galvatron. They found him sunk in a lava pit on the distant planet [[Thrull]] and managed to free him. However, the effects of the "plasma bath" irrevocably altered Galvatron's sanity chips, rendering him omnicidally insane. Upon regaining his freedom, he thrashed Cyclonus and Scourge and sundered Thrull. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}}

Galvatron led the Decepticons on many wacky adventures against the Autobots throughout 2006, though his insanity would usually lead to each mission ending in failure. (He loved shooting his own troops, for instance.) At one point, his derangement became so severe, the perpetually loyal Cyclonus was left little choice but to dupe Galvatron into taking therapy sessions (albeit by force) on [[Torkulon]], the therapy planet. After nearly murdering an attendant during a word-association session and somehow building a gun in an arts and crafts class, Galvatron was deemed incurable by conventional methods. The doctors attempted to use living extensions of the planet to give him a lobotomy (much to Cyclonus's disapproval), but Galvatron broke free and murdered the sentient organic core of Torkulon. After that, he razed the entire planet's civilization, leaving them so broken it would take centuries to rebuild. {{storylink|Webworld}}

However, despite his insanity, he teamed up with the resurrected Optimus Prime to stop the [[Hate Plague]]. Galvatron wound up becoming infected by the plague and attempted to kill an unconscious Optimus Prime with a axe. Optimus woke up in the nick of time and opened the Matrix directly in Galvatron's face. The wisdom of the Matrix not only cured the universe of the Hate Plague, it cured Galvatron's madness as well. Grateful, Galvatron sanely declared, "There will be no war today, Optimus. You have earned Galvatron's respect," and called a brief truce. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

In 2007, Galvatron called off the truce and led an assault on Autobot City, searching for the Key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. Although seemingly lucid during this period, he formulated what was perhaps his most genocidal and unbalanced scheme ever: Having converted Cybertron into a galactic dreadnought, Galvatron maneuvered it into Earth's orbit, planning to release the Plasma Energy Chamber's payload into Earth's sun, Sol. The resulting supernova would wipe both Earth and Cybertron off the face of the galaxy, presumably leaving Galvatron to gain mastery over everything left. Grudgingly teamed with the Transformer-[[Nebulan]] hybrid [[Scorponok (G1)|Lord Zarak]], Galvatron was eventually defeated and sent tumbling through space, ushering Cybertron into a new Golden Age. After regaining control, Galvatron vowed to collect energy from disparate corners of the galaxy and return to Cybertron: "We will attack other planets, we will suck them dry! We will build a planet a hundred times more powerful than Cybertron, and I will rule the galaxy!" Scorponok made it clear he questioned Galvatron's leadership, however. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

===Japanese animated continuity===

{{Note|The events of the American animated continuity occur in this timeline as above, except that the events following ''The Transformers: The Movie'' are pushed back to 2010 (creating a five-year gap between Galvatron's creation and his return), and the events of "The Rebirth" do not occur. The Japanese animated continuity subsequently adds several new adventures into the timeline, both during the Generation 1 cartoon and after it, as detailed below.}}

====''Kiss Players''====

After being hurled out of Unicron and into space by Rodimus Prime, Galvatron's flight path was disrupted by the [[Sparkbot]]s, a trio of Unicron's servants who were already working to resurrect their master. The Decepticon leader crash-landed on the planet [[Earth]], obliterating the city of [[Tokyo]]. This catastrophic loss of life destroyed [[human]]-[[Transformer]] relations and led to the formation of the [[Earth Defense Command]], a governmental organization which drove Transformers from the face of the planet. Appropriating Galvatron's remains, the EDC reverse-engineered a fleet of human-operated "[[Autrooper]]" Transformers to perform this task.

As 2006 settled in, Galvatron's impact was revealed to have had an even greater effect than anyone had expected: The blast caused by his impact had scattered his Unicron-empowered cells throughout the planet's atmosphere. When his cells came into contact with other objects and animals, they fused with them, creating an army of monstrous creatures referred to as "[[Legion]]". This disastrous event also created the means to defend the world against Legion, however: When Galvatron's cells came into contact with human beings, these humans gained the ability to fuse with other entities containing his cells. With their Autroopers being the perfect candidates for this "[[ParasiTech]]" fusion process, the EDC began recruiting and training these "[[Kiss Players]]" as combat squads to battle the Legion.

Seeking to uncover the ulterior motives of EDC Commander [[Hitoshizuku Amaō]], Kiss Players [[Marissa Faireborne]], [[Shaoshao Li]] and [[Atari Hitotonari]] discovered the remains of Galvatron beneath the EDC headquarters. Amaō's plan to use the Legions to resurrect her daughter, who had died in Galvatron's impact, was foiled when all the Legions and Autroopers fused with Galvatron's corpse, restoring his cells and reconstituting his body. Galvatron's body was shot back into space, where it went on to crash on Thrull. {{storylink|Kiss Players (fiction)|Kiss Players}}

====''The Transformers'' manga====

Galvatron had plenty of devious schemes up his sleeve throughout 2010, opening with the nutty idea of a spaceship that ate other spaceships, which Rodimus Prime promptly blew up. {{storylink|The Transformers issue 1}} Galvatron went back to his roots for his next scheme, creating a clone army of Megatrons that he dubbed the "[[Megatron Military]]". Galvatron disguised himself as one of the Megatrons and controlled them remotely, making them an effective fighting force that the Autobots had trouble dealing with, until his disguise was penetrated and his control over the robots broken. {{storylink|The Transformers issue 2}}

Other plans included an attack on Autobot City with [[Trypticon]] {{storylink|The Transformers issue 3}} and an attempt to steal the Prime Energy of the planet [[Feminia]] {{storylink|The Transformers issue 5}}. On one notable occasion, Galvatron challenged Rodimus Prime to a one-on-one duel in order to lure him into a trap set up in partnership with the Quintessons. In the middle of the fight, the Quintessons' newest creation, an Optimus Prime/Megatron hybrid robot known as [[Guiltor]], arrived to attack Rodimus, but Galvatron was shocked when Guiltor turned on him as well. Rodimus and Galvatron called a truce long enough for them to team up and destroy Guiltor, who, it was revealed, had been possessed by Starscream's ghost. {{storylink|The Transformers issue 4}}

====''Big War'' manga====

Later in 2010, Galvatron kidnapped [[Dalton]], a brilliant scientist from the planet [[Elan]], but Dalton refused to work with the Decepticons and lent his aid to the Autobots instead, upgrading the [[Technobot]]s so they could defeat the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. {{storylink|Big War issue 1}} {{storylink|Big War issue 2}}

After the resurrection of Optimus Prime and the curing of the Hate Plague, Galvatron hastily broke his vow that there would be no war, and he, Cyclonus and Scourge battled Prime, Hot Rod and [[Kup]] in space, only to be defeated. {{storylink|Big War issue 3}}

====''The Headmasters'' anime====

In 2011, a side effect of releasing the Matrix's energy to cure the Hate Plague was revealed when the mega-computer [[Vector Sigma]] began to destabilize. Seeking to exploit this imbalance, Galvatron attacked Cybertron, his forces now bolstered by the addition of new [[Headmaster]] warriors from the planet [[Master (Headmasters)|Master]]. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come Out Of The Sky}} The arrival of a team of Autobot Headmasters repelled the invasion, but it was then revealed that the Matrix was hidden somewhere on Earth, recharging, and the race began to acquire it and use it to gain control over Vector Sigma. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Hot Rod ultimately succeeded in obtaining the Matrix and becoming Rodimus Prime again, and he and Optimus Prime joined forces to defeat Galvatron. Though beaten in battle, Galvatron did at least take solace in the fact that Optimus Prime once again met his end {{storylink|A Dream is Born, Double Prime}}

After several further schemes involving an [[Madmachine|electro-magnetic weapon]] and a [[Metamorpho|metal-warping meteorite]], Galvatron set his sights on [[Cybertonuron]], a powerful new alloy being developed by Vector Sigma. The Decepticon Headmaster leader, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], advocated the destruction of the alloy to prevent the Autobots from obtaining it, but when Galvatron refused to consider the notion, Scorponok took matters into his own hands and had powerful bombs planted in Vector Sigma's chamber. {{storylink|Cybertron is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} Scorponok told Galvatron what he had done, and the enraged Decepticon leader ran into the chamber to try and stop the explosion, only to be caught in the blast. Cybertron was reduced to a burnt-out husk, and Galvatron was left missing in action. {{storylink|Cybertron is in Grave Danger, Part 1}}

[[Image:Galvacron.jpg|thumb|left|Galvatron's been getting into the energon goodies jar. Fatty!!!]]
Galvatron was thought dead for some time, and during his absence, Scorponok proclaimed himself new Decepticon leader, only for Galvatron to turn up alive and well during his coronation. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Galvatron retook command of the Decepticons and began a devious plot, taking the Decepticons on an series of interplanetary raids that saw them steal energy from numerous different worlds. Returning to Earth with a massive stockpile of [[energon]], Galvatron confided to his most trusted warrior, [[Sixshot]], that he intended to use the energon as part of a process that would transform Earth into a new, all-powerful, Unicron-like body for him, dubbed "[[Grand Galvatron]]". Additionally, he explained that this process would require only the best components from his most powerful warriors, making it quite clear that he intended to sacrifice Sixshot and the other Decepticons for this insane ambition. Aghast, Sixshot betrayed Galvatron to Scorponok as quickly as possible, leaving the Decepticon leader alone to battle the Autobot Headmasters in Alaska. Thankfully for the Autobots, their double-agent [[Punch]] had eavesdropped on Galvatron and Sixshot's conversation, during which Galvatron had revealed that his head was his weakest point. With this information to aid them, the Headmasters entered [[Head Formation]] and laid Galvatron low, collapsing an iceberg on top of him and entombing him in ice. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Galvatron would remain buried in the ice for over fifteen years, until he was resurrected by [[Dark Nova]] as the new and improved [[Megatron (G1)#Battlestars: Return of Convoy|Super Megatron]].

====''15 Go! Go!'' manga====
[[Image:TGGGalvatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Crazy AND toy-accurate.]]
At some point after 2025, when Optimus Prime had been restored to life once more as Star Convoy, the mobile computer [[Teletraan 15]] traveled forward in time from 2005 to this era as part of a mission gather data to rebuild [[Teletraan I]]'s damaged databanks. During her visit, as Star Convoy and Hot Rod prepared to battle Ultra Megatron, a [[transwarp]] wormhole suddenly opened above the combatants, and a massive blast shot emerged from it and struck Hot Rod. Badly damaged, Hot Rod could barely warn his commander as Galvatron, appearing from some unknown spot in space and time, descended through the portal. Tearing Teletraan 15's arm off, Galvatron gripped the limb in his [[teeth]] as he maniacally throttled Hot Rod. Teletraan 15 passed out and woke up some time later with the outcome of the battle unknown, though she remained haunted by images of the crazed Decepticon clutching her limp and helpless friend. {{storylink|15 Go! Go!}}

{{-}}

===Scramble City Toys===

{{note|This fifteen-minute, stop-motion, extended toy advert retells the story of the original ''[[Scramble City]]'' OVA with the addition of Galvatron. Created before the Japanese production staff were aware that Galvatron was a recreated Megatron, this OVA features the infamous gaffe that presents Galvatron and Megatron as separate characters. It ain't in continuity with jack, yo.}}

During a massive brawl between the Autobot and Decepticon [[combiner]]s, Megatron took the upper hand. To counter this, Optimus Prime ordered [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] to enter the fray. Metroplex rolled onto the scene and towered over his enemies, with City Commander Ultra Magnus in tow. Not to be outdone, Megatron ordered his ''own'' City Commander to enter battle. Beaming down from the sky on a ball of light, the silent and menacing Galvatron stormed the battle. Transforming into cannon mode, Galvatron fired a blast of energy at Ultra Magnus, who quickly transformed to robot mode and engaged his foe in hand-to-hand combat. As the fight seemed evenly matched, City Commander Galvatron's ''city'' finally arrived to tip the odds: [[Trypticon]]! {{storylink|Scramble City Toys}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===

{{noteukonly}}

''There were multiple Galvatrons from various alternate futures who often time-jumped to give the Autobots trouble. There are between 2 and 5 different Galvatrons; the exact number remaining inconclusive.''

====''Galvatron I''====

''After being scolded by [[Unicron]] in 2006, Galvatron was ordered to attack Earth and destroy the [[Matrix]] He ordered "Decepticons, to Earth!" but what he REALLY meant was Earth...1986!''

''Time-jumping from the year 2006 and freeing himself from Unicron's control, Galvatron intended to create a device that would be powerful enough to destroy Unicron in 2006. Galvatron brought Cyclonus and Scourge with himself, and as an effect of time-travel, replaced three Autobots ([[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]) in the timeline. Galvatron began construction of a massive laser cannon which he would then hide on Earth and unleash on an unsuspecting Unicron when the time was right.''

''The Autobots and Decepticons weren't having any of that and briefly formed an alliance to stop the three Decepticons of the future. The plan wasn't going very well until [[Hot Rod]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup]] came from the future to help. Present-day Ultra Magnus also arrived to help and heroically kept Galvatron occupied as the Autobots and Decepticons set-up a trap.''

''Galvatron mopped the floor with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and returned to his laser cannon. He then ran into what he thought was [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (but, in fact, was an unconscious [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] in disguise), and in a fit of anger, blew him up. After a second he realized that if he destroyed Starscream in the past, how could he have destroyed him in the future? Figuring that he was in an alternate past, and thus, no action taken then would affect his future, Galvatron and his troops returned to their proper time. The Autobots and Decepticons subsequently destroyed the laser cannon and called off the truce. {{storylink|Target 2006}}''

''Sometime later, Galvatron returned from the future (again following the destruction of [[Unicron]]). This time, he planned to stay in the past. In an initial confrontation with the Autobots and Decepticons of the present-era, Galvatron mopped the floor with both sides, establishing himself as a severe threat to all Transformers on Earth. {{storylink|Fallen Angel}} In the coming weeks, Galvatron constructed a massive magma tap as a means of gaining power for himself. He intended to siphon the energy of an erupting volcano to become as powerful as a god. His plans were interrupted by Ultra Magnus, [[Goldbug]], and several Autobots who had travelled back from Galvatron's own era to capture him. [[Rodimus Prime]] attempted to manipulate Galvatron's time-jump device to send them all back to the future, but when he and the other Autobots slingshoted back to 2008, Galvatron inexplicably remained behind. It ultimately fell on Ultra Magnus to stop Galvatron alone. In a desperate move, the Autobot flung them into the volcano, and the two of them became trapped under molten lava. {{storylink|Vicious Circle!}}''

''Galvatron eventually escaped and planned to take control of the Decepticons away from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. He opened his plan by menacingly approaching the Decepticon base, compeling Shockwave to attack and try to drive off the futuristic Decepticon. Instead, after easily wading through Shockwave's defenses, Galvatron cunningly announced that he had been coming in peace, but Shockwave's unprovoked assault had made an enemy out of him. He did this to sow discord among the Decepticon ranks, who now blamed Shockwave for gaining them a powerful new enemy. {{storylink|Enemy Action!}} This prompted Shockwave to concoct a plan to use [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] as a weapon against Galvatron. {{Storylink|Salvage!}}''

''Galvatron’s time-traveling (along with that of the other Autobots and Decepticons) eventually caused a rift in time and space that threatened both the present and the future, opening a timestorm at both ends of the timeline that consumed the planet [[Quintessa]] in 2008. {{Storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

''[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] unleashed his [[Straxus|brainwashed Megatron]] on Galvatron, in the hopes of eliminating one or both of his rivals. Unfortunately, Galvatron managed to appeal to the suppressed personality within Megatron, and the two joined forces. {{Storylink|Altered Image!}} Megatron and Galvatron forged an alliance and launched an assault against the combined forces of the present-day Autobot and Decepticons, the future Autobots and Decepticons, and the [[Wreckers]] and [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]. By this stage, Galvatron was consumed by madness and was able to overcome all resistance. Even severe injury and single combat with Powermaster Optimus Prime failed to stop him completely. His threat was only truly ended when the time rift itself lashed out at Galvatron ripping him apart.''

====''Galvatron II''====
''See [[Galvatron II]]''

====Other versions of Galvatron====

*''In an alternate future, a geriatric Rodimus Prime recounted tales of his exploits to a curious youth from his deathbed. He said that the Time Wars had changed the timeline so that Galvatron never went back in time, and had conquered Cybertron instead. He was last seen in a flashback to Unicron's third coming in the year 2010 (of that timeline).'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

*''In the [[Earthforce]] timeline, a Galvatron claiming to be a different Galvatron from the original one snuck into the Autobot crypt and implanted devices that would read the memories of various dead Autobots. He accidentally revived them from the dead, and Wheeljack was able to imprison him in a "sleep mode". Within this sleep mode, Galvatron was forced to forever relive his worst nightmare (being dismembered by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]) over and over and over again... {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}} It is unknown if this is meant to be [[Galvatron II]], the Aspects of Evil Galvatron, or a whole new version.''

===IDW Comics===
{{note|Uniquely, the IDWverse Galvatron is a completely, totally, honestly, (no kidding) entirely separate character from Megatron, and actually predates him.}}

{{ongoing}}
Galvatron was a crew member on the first ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', launched during Cybertron's [[Golden Age]]. However, he and the ship were lost to an anomaly found in the [[Benzuli Expanse]], and he then became the herald for what he referred to as the [[Dead Universe]]. Galvatron asserts that he himself is now dead, whatever that will turn out to mean. He has incredible self-repair capabilities, recovering almost immediately after [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] blew off part of his head. Returning to Cybertron soon after [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s [[Stormbringer (comics)|resurrection and defeat]], Galvatron succeeded in seizing the huge [[Pretender]]'s remains. While on that mission, he ''crushed [[Leadfoot]] with his bare hands!'' {{Storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}}

After [[Sixshot]]'s deployment to [[Earth]], [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]] sent Galvatron there as well to make sure nothing would forestall their second coming. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 3}} From a hidden vantage point, Galvatron observed the Decepticons' desperate fight against the powerful alien army known as the Reapers. As Nemesis Prime's plans required Earth to survive, at least for a while, Galvatron took steps to prevent the Reapers from taking over and laying waste to the planet. Approaching the Reapers' leader, Deathbringer, Galvatron unleashed the necrotic virus that was his to command, turning the Reaper into living decay, spreading death and disintegration to his fellow Reapers on contact. This turned the tide of battle considerably, and the Decepticons won the day. Galvatron then returned to the Dead Universe to await new orders. However, Nemesis Prime remarked to [[Jhiaxus]] that he suspects that Galvatron has his own plans... {{Storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic===
An alternate version of Galvatron appeared briefly as one of [[Unicron]]'s heralds, along with [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. He rather impassively stated that he had killed "many" Megatrons in other alternate realities. However, he was ultimately destroyed by this timeline's native [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] with the power of the [[Dark Saber]].

==Controversy over identity==
[[Image:MarvelUK-202.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Yeah, this'll ''really'' help with the whole insanity thing.]]
{{quote|Well, they were the same guy.|[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s thoughts on the subject|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]"}}
Some fans believe Galvatron is a psychologically distinct and discontinuous entity from Megatron, almost, or equally, as much as [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], who demonstrate no continuity of memory or personality with their former Decepticon selves. This remains a topic of heated debate in some circles, in spite of a fairly unambiguous canon.

===Generation 1 cartoon===

In the G1 animated continuity, Galvatron evidently still self-identifies as being the same person as Megatron, albeit with greater power and a new name. Although not making a point of revealing this former identity to his troops at large (perhaps to cast off the potential stigma of being a "defeated"/successfully deposed leader), Galvatron makes his sense of self clear when Starscream asks "Megatron? Is that you?" to which he replies, "Here's a hint," before obliterating him.<ref>Some fans claim the "Here's a hint" line is a point in favor of Galvatron ''not'' being Megatron, instead of the far more likely intended affirmation, since Megatron "would never kill Starscream." However most fans would probably agree that Starscream had simply never pissed off Megatron enough to actually kill him before.</ref> Later in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie (1986)|The Transformers: The Movie]]'' when Galvatron is poised to crush [[Hot Rod]]'s neck, he boasts: "First Prime, then Ultra Magnus, and now you. It's a pity you Autobots die so easily, or I might have a sense of satisfaction." Again, Galvatron is obviously speaking with no sense of discontinuity of identity or personality as he refers to past and current acts as both Megatron and Galvatron without qualification or distinction.

While some might contrast this statement, however, with his earlier line, "I, Galvatron, shall crush you, just as Megatron crushed Prime,", interpreting that such a statement implies a disconnect from his former life, this too can easily be explained by Galvatron's apparent reluctance to allow his troops know that he used to be Megatron. While Galvatron would have fully expected the knowledge imparted in the later statement to Hot Rod to die with the callow youth, the declaration to Ultra Magnus was made in public, with his troops (and, potentially, other Autobots in earshot) present.

During season three, however, Galvatron makes little or no further references to his past life as Megatron, though this could be a side effect of lying in a pool of lava for several months and his increasing insanity. Upon meeting the resurrected Optimus Prime in ''The Return of Optimus Prime'', Galvatron behaves as though simply picking up where he left off with his old nemesis from his Megatron days, as does Prime, saying that he knows Galvatron "all too well." This indicates that the Autobot leader is capable of recognising his former adversary despite the change in name and appearance. Furthermore, in ''Five Faces of Darkness'', Astrotrain states that Megatron and Galvatron are "the same guy," implying that during Galvatron's absence, the other Decepticons (or, at the very least, Astrotrain) figured out what was going on.

Despite all that, a memorial of Megatron can be seen prominently in the [[Decepticon Crypt]], implying that the Decepticons who built it considered Megatron to be dead. This could possibly be explained by presuming the Decepticons built the marker before Galvatron returned and seized command, though their window of opportunity to do so was rather slim. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

===Japanese fiction===

[[Image:EarlyGalvatronTVMagazine1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|I hope you enjoyed that jump-kick, Magnus, because it's a ''very'' long way down.]]

Early advertisements for the Galvatron toy presented the character as an altogether separate being from Megatron, and in some cases, even being Megatron's ''underling''. The second [[Scramble City]] OVA was a remake of the original animated version, albeit including the Galvatron toy for promotion. Galvatron appears to fight his nemesis, Ultra Magnus, as Megatron barks orders from the background. This is likely due to Takara wishing to advertise the toy as quickly as possible, without full knowledge of the character's history. To maintain Galvatron's mystique, he was given the function of "City Commander", with no indication that he was an upgraded Megatron. Continuing this trend of unintentional disassociation, very early promotional artwork featured in ''[[TV Magazine]]'' and ''[[Comics Bom Bom]]'' also presented Galvatron as a separate character.

However, this era was very short-lived. In all official Japanese fiction, including the [[manga]] and the Japanese-exclusive cartoons, Galvatron is locked in as an upgrade of Megatron. A [[retcon]] was created by writer [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] for [[E-Hobby]] in order to explain away the bizarreness of some of these early [[story page]]s, detailing that the Galvatron seen there was actually a dimension-traveling [[Galvatron II]].

===Marvel Comics===

In the US and UK Marvel comics, the various time-hopping Galvatrons all demonstrate an awareness of having previously been Megatron with no strong indicators of a break in psychological identification. Indeed, at one point, a Galvatron says outright, "Like Megatron? No—I AM Megatron!" The closest that these Galvatrons come to identity crisis are incidents in which a time-displaced Galvatron is confronted by Megatrons (or copies thereof) and does battle with his former self. Although in these instances Galvatron experiences trains of thought that suggest he sees Megatron as a separate being and/or the source of his madness that needs to be destroyed, it should be noted that these are not the musings of a calm, rational mind. In these instances, Galvatron is in the grips of a psychotic episode, which he generally snaps out of by realising that he and his opponent are indeed the same person.

A possible explanation for why (any version of) Galvatron retains psychological continuity with Megatron while his fellow Unicron-creations do not may be that [[Thundercracker]], et al. were apparently already dead or in total stasis lock at the time of their reformatting, and thus it is widely speculated that only their bodies were used to create Cyclonus and company. Whether this indicates that they retained their sparks and merely suffered total mind-wipes (either as the result of recent death or by Unicron's doing), or if Unicron actually infused their reformatted bodies with new life-forces is unknown. (On the other hand, none of the other Unicron-created Decepticons have faced their past selves or deeds the way Galvatron has.) Megatron, by comparison, was clearly alive and awake at the time of his reformatting and struck a bargain with Unicron for "a new body", a deal which implied that his mind would remain his own.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Galvatron''' (Decepticon, 1986/1987)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-62'''

[[Image:G1_Galvatron_toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Nobody minds '''his''' [[neon]] orange barrel.]]

: Galvatron transforms into a Cybertronic treaded field artillery unit with an alternate hand-held gun mode. Using a 9-volt battery, he has a light-up barrel in cannon or gun mode, light-up eyes in robot mode, and variable electronic warbly noises in any mode. Galvatron is notable as one of the most well-articulated toys in the ''Generation 1'' line, with ratcheting shoulders and hips, as well as swivel waist, elbows, mid-biceps, knees, and ankle joints. He was also armed with a small, black laser rifle.

{{-}}

* '''Galvatron''' (Decepticon, 2005)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-62-S'''

[[Image:G1_Reissue_Galvatron.jpg|thumb|left|150px|WHO CHANGED MY COLORS?! NGAAAAA!!!!]]

: The original Galvatron toy was much later [[redeco]]ed and re-released by [[Takara]] into a sort-of more show-like appearance, being primarily purple instead of gray. His face mold was also slightly [[retool]]ed, and he was given new sound effects, including speech clips (in Japanese, naturally). He also came with a Matrix on a chain to be worn around his neck, as in the movie. It also used two AA batteries, rather than the previous 9-volt.

: This toy was later released as the [[e-Hobby]]-exclusive [[Galvatron II]].

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
*'''Galvatron''' (3-inch Robot Masters, 2006)
: ''Titanium'' Galvatron is a 3-inch-tall, non-transforming, die-cast metal figurine. He is based heavily on his cartoon model and has articulation in his neck, waist, shoulders and wrists. His orange cannon is also removable from his arm.

{{-}}

===Universe===
*'''Galvatron''' (Deluxe, 2008)
[[Image:Galvatronuniversetoy.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A purple Galvatron in [[Classics (2006)|Marvel Comics continuity]]?! Whaaa?]]
:Galvatron transforms into a tank reminiscent of the [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/merkava.htm Israel Weapons Industries Merkava] main battle tank. The tank shows very little purple on its hull, presumably to keep it a reasonably realistic representation of a real-life tank. The tank likewise has a giant translucent orange laser cannon that can fire a translucent orange missile, also keeping in the spirit of realistic alt-modes. Upon transforming to robot mode, it looks much more like the violently insane Decepticon leader we all know and love, and shows larger areas of metallic purple.

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
*A Galvatron watch was released in the 1980s in Japan. It was subsequently rereleased in 1990s by Takara as merchandise for the [[Generation 2]] line in the USA. The watch featured Galvatron's torso with a clock in his chest. It included a mechanism whereby when a lever was pushed, the tiny Galvatron torso "transformed" into a full tiny Galvatron figure complete with legs, standing up on the watch band. The figure cannot be removed from the watch, but the arms do rotate.

[[Image:SHBMGalv1.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I can't transform? This is YOUR fault, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]!]]

*The exclusive toy for [[BotCon]] Japan 1997 was a non-transforming 8" vinyl figure of Galvatron styled after his [[Studio OX]]-modified animation model. The only [[Super Hybrid Model]] ever officially released, this Galvatron was initially available in two versions: "standard" purple and a translucent orange "lava bath" version limited to 100 pieces. In subsequent years, at least two more versions of this figure would be released for online sale: one that replaced the orange paint on the cannon barrel with an orange molded plastic piece, and another that replaced the entire purple body coloration with royal blue. The figures have articulation comparable with Metalforce statue of [[Optimus Prime]], with useful swivel joints at the neck and shoulders, less useful swivels sideways at the biceps and knees, and a rather useless "shrugging action" in the waist.

[[Image:SHBMGalv2.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Clearly crazy.]]

* Galvatron was part of the second "Act" of Takara's [[Super Collection Figure]]s, a soft-plastic PVC of his cartoon model in both full-color and all-clear plastics, one each per case of twelve. A metallic-painted version of this figure was one of the chase items in act 6. The SCF Galvatron was later released as part of the [[Heroes of Cybertron]] series, cast entirely in clear-red plastic then painted over (giving it a lightpipe-like glowing eye effect). He was only available in the third wave of the line.

* [[MyClone]] Galvatron: standard and lava "chase" versions.

* 3" [[Titanium]] Galvatron.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
*A Galvatron [[Action Master]] was planned at one point, but apparently went no further than a concept sketch. It is only vaguely similar to Galvatron's normal appearance and may possibly have been a "powered up" Galvatron of some sort.

[[Image:Megalvatron.jpg|right|thumb|150px|This toy IS a time paradox.]]
* A triple changer was proposed which would switch between a very awkward [[Galvatron]], Megatron, and a Walther P-38 handgun with added futuristic silencer and laser sight. It is notable that the strange "Reverse Megatron" design has a mild resemblance to the also unproduced Galvatron [[Action Master]], especially in the chest design.

*Galvatron's toy bio was apparently written with the intention of him being a new character who coexisted with Megatron; he has a rank of 9 and the function "City Commander," with no mention of him having once been Megatron. Given the omission of similar details from Rodimus Prime's bio, it is likely that this was done to avoid spoiling the surprise of Galvatron's origin in the movie.

*The Galvatron toy's gun mode's only fictional appearances were in the UK comics, which featured it as a shrunken, human-scaled weapon, and a form that he assumed merely so that he could easily be conveyed by other parties, but never wielded as a weapon. It was also referenced in Dreamwave's [[More Than Meets the Eye]] profile of Galvatron, which [[Cyclonus]] describes as a weapon "none are worthy to wield."

*Galvatron's toy bio states that his cannon is a "laser which emits chemically produced direct-current electricity." While this is a rather strange thing for a laser to do, it is a neat pun on his name. A ''galvanic cell'', named after Luigi Galvani, is a certain type of chemical voltage source. Though Galvatron's toy's batteries are not galvanic cells, they do produce DC electricity chemically, making his toy one of the more fiction-accurate in the Generation 1 line.

* In the Generaton 1 [[manga]], [[Makoto|Makoto's watch]] has a transforming Galvatron wristwatch that was first available in Japan during the 1980s. However, at the time of the story, Galvatron did not yet exist in-continuity. The circumstances behind this are best not thought about.

*When asked about Galvatron's design in an interview, [[Floro Dery]]'s reply was, "But about Galvatron, my inspiration for him are those 'stupid people'."<ref>[http://transformersph.blogspot.com/2007/06/interview-with-floro-dery.html TransFormers Philippines: Interview With Floro Dery]</ref> ...Ooookay.

*Just as Megatron's fusion cannon was sometimes shown in commercials to have a handle, Galvatron's cannon had a trigger on at least one occasion (during [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]). Galvatron apparently doesn't need to ''use'' the trigger, however.

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Galvatron/galvatron.htm Galvatron at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Galvatron Galvatron's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://www.tf.to2k.co.uk/fiction/whogalvatron.html ''Who Was Galvatron?'' at Transformers Omniverse]

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category: Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Kiss Players characters]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]
[[Category: Unicron-related characters]]
[[Category: Universe (2008)]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Universal greeting

2007-08-18T09:02:45Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Universal Greeting Dance */

[[Image:UniversalGreeting2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Eh, close-enough]]

The '''universal greeting''' in the [[Generation 1]] universe, introduced in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', is commonly transliterated as ''Bah-weep-Graaaaagnah wheep ni ni bong''.

It is used as a means to express good will toward alien beings when a language barrier is present. However, it does not always work that way. The [[Allicon]]s on [[Quintessa]] initially reacted well to the greeting, but when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Kup]] ran out of [[energon goodies]], they began chanting it as they attacked the Autobots. However, the [[Junkion|Junkions]] on [[Junkion (planet)|the Planet of Junk]] took it rather well even without treats and threw a party, indicating that the Universal Greeting can be roughly translated into "We come in peace", "Take me to your leader", and "Care to dance?", or whatever seems appropriate.

Strangely, humans never heard of it before.

''(Note: In the Japanese version, the Universal Greeting is pronounced "Berwip crawna-wi pinibon".)''

==Universal Greeting Dance==
In [[Robots in Disguise]] continuity, there also exists a universal greeting ''dance'', used to convince even the most implacable enemies of one's sincerity (presumably by convincing them that one is so willing to thoroughly humiliate oneself that they could not possibly harbor ill will).

==External Links==
[http://transfans.net/comics_guide_detail.php?id=114&page=6 Marvel UK #102's letters page, defining the Universal Greeting.]

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Renaming

2007-08-18T09:00:30Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Robots in Disguise */

''What's in a name? A [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] by any other name would cause as many explosions.''

For a Transformer, a name is not just a convenient handle for referring to someone--it's a way to describe yourself. As a result, Transformers sometimes take new names upon going through major changes.

==Generation 1==
Probably the most famous name changes are the new names taken by the faction leaders. Different versions of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] have had the previous names Orion Pax and Optronix, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] changed his name when he became [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Hot Rod]] (alternatively known as Rodimus Major or just Rodimus) became Rodimus Prime upon recieving the [[Matrix]]. In addition, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] has displayed a tendency to change his name to Goldbug.

Other Transformers have changed their names in specific universes; for instance, the most prominent version of [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] was once known as Ariel, and one version of [[Outback]] changed his name to Fallback.

==Beast Era==
Nearly every member of the [[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]] and [[Darkside]] crews appeared to take a new name upon first taking an animal [[alternate mode]]. Similarly, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] renamed himself after Generation 1 Megatron prior to the beginning of the series. (Although [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]] were active prior to the Beast Wars, it is not clear what names they used previously.)

Several of the [[Predacon]]s who fought [[Leo Prime]]'s [[Maximal]]s on [[Gaia]] took modified names upon being upgraded by [[Angolmois]] energy.

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] changed his name to Galvatron upon being upgraded, while the Autobot Bros. simply added the prefix "Super" to their names.

==Unicron Trilogy==
[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] has a tendency to change his name to Galvatron when he recieves a power boost. Others, such as [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], prefer to reserve name changes for when they are upgraded into entirely new bodies.

''In the Japanese version of the Unicron Trilogy, characters change names whenever they get a new body.''

==See also==
*[[Trademark]]
*[[Reformatting]]

[[Category:Transformer culture]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

User talk:LBD Nytetrayn

2007-08-05T11:04:54Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

Decided to reverse things with the old at the bottom, so it might be easier to check. Anyway, I'm sort of new; definitely not new to TransFormers fandom, been here since the beginning. As for the Wiki, been a longtime reader and occassional editor for minor bits, and decided to finally sign up, just in case. If I need help, I'll know where to go. :) - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]

heh heh thank you, so are you new, if so pleese feal free to ask me for help, i actualy manage a wiki, though it's not going to well, and i use a diferent name other than [[User:Galvason|Galvason]]
[[User:Galvason|Galvason]] 11:00, 5 August 2007 (UTC)

No doubt, given context and caps. Just saying, it's NEVER been used, good or bad, and that guy didn't seem the flattering sort. Also, good to meet you. :) - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]

I read you. i', [[User:Galvason|Galvason]] by the way and i would say it was more an insult than affectionate nickname

Hope you can see this, I'm not used to communicating by Wiki. Anyway, I have no idea who actually said it, and it's not a nick that's ever been used for me before (affectionately or otherwise), so I'd have to say no, I have no idea who that could be. - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]

bonjoir, i must ask if you actualy know the user who called you "snack pack" on megatron (RID) talk page<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Talk:Lucky Draw figure

2007-08-05T10:37:39Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

I dunno where we'd find the image, but I'd love to use that CRAZY BW2 lucky draw set with the pastel Scuba and the German-themed Leo Prime and all that shit. Those are awesome. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 15:02, 24 October 2006 (UTC)

Are there any pictures for the Door Prize Optimus from BotCon 2006? - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

User talk:LBD Nytetrayn

2007-08-05T10:13:16Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

bonjoir, i must ask if you actualy know the user who called you "snack pack" on megatron (RID) talk page

Hope you can see this, I'm not used to communicating by Wiki. Anyway, I have no idea who actually said it, and it's not a nick that's ever been used for me before (affectionately or otherwise), so I'd have to say no, I have no idea who that could be. - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]

I read you. i', [[User:Galvason|Galvason]] by the way and i would say it was more an insult than affectionate nickname

No doubt, given context and caps. Just saying, it's NEVER been used, good or bad, and that guy didn't seem the flattering sort. Also, good to meet you. :) - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

User talk:LBD Nytetrayn

2007-08-05T10:12:52Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

bonjoir, i must ask if you actualy know the user who called you "snack pack" on megatron (RID) talk page

Hope you can see this, I'm not used to communicating by Wiki. Anyway, I have no idea who actually said it, and it's not a nick that's ever been used for me before (affectionately or otherwise), so I'd have to say no, I have no idea who that could be. - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]

I read you. i', [[User:Galvason|Galvason]] by the way and i would say it was more an insult than affectionate nickname

No doubt, given context and caps. Just saying, it's NEVER been used, good or bad, and that guy didn't seem the flattering sort. - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Warworld

2007-08-05T10:00:26Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Marvel comics continuity */

:''The'' Warworld ''is a starship in the [[Marvel Comics]] portion of the [[Generation 2]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Warworld_Senior.jpg|thumb|250px|Your answer must be stated in the form of a massacre.]]
The <i>'''Warworld'''</i> is a vast, spherical [[Decepticon]] battle cruiser created by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. It is heavily armed and has a large bridge window covering most of its front side.
{{ - }}
==Fiction==
===Marvel comics continuity===

[[image:Warworld_Yaniger.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Man, I hope they impale that little ship on their giant [[Wikipedia:Bat'leth|bat'leth]].]]

Bludgeon's purpose for creating the ''Warworld'' was as a ship for stealing energy and other resources throughout space. It was originally his flagship and host to his army of Decepticon clones.

When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] battled and destroyed Bludgeon, he took command of the crew and ship. The ''Warworld'' was involved in many Autobot conflicts.

[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] stole the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and used its power to combine himself with the ''Warworld''. He reshaped its interior, battled [[Jhiaxus|Jhiaxus's]] troops, and tortured Megatron and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. But the Matrix's essence started to turn him from his evil ways. Starscream was so scared of becoming good that he did not put up any resistance when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron took the Matrix away from him.

<i>'''Note:''' The general look of the </i>Warworld<i> tended to change as the series progressed. In-fiction, this could be the result of its nature as a continuously-growing patchwork of stolen alien technology. In reality, it's what you get when three very different artists depict a massive glob of sprawling machinery.</i>

===Japanese Generation 2===
When the recently departed [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] became aware of a massive fleet of mobile warships [[Galvatron II]] was building, he used the [[Reconfiguration Matrix]] to resurrect himself in a new body.

<i>'''Note:''' This story seems to take cues from the non-canonical conclusion to Generation 2 written by [[Simon Furman]], [[Alignment]]. Which involved Galvatron II taking control of the Decepticons and building a fleet of Warworlds. </i>

[[Category:Generation 2]]
[[Category:Starships]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

User talk:LBD Nytetrayn

2007-08-05T08:43:43Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

Combiner

2007-08-05T08:18:26Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Toy lists */

[[Image:GestaltTrioTVMagazine.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The most devastating case of tea-bagging ever.]]

A '''combiner''' is a group of Transformers that assemble and combine their bodies into a single machine, or that composite machine itself. Most combiners form a larger Super Robot with its own unique personality (a character in its own right), but other varieties of combiner exist, forming vehicles, weapons, or other items. Combiners tend to be considerably larger and more powerful than the average Transformer, equivalent to strategic-grade weapons; in ''[[The War Within]]'', the combiners were neutral, with both sides courting their favor.

There are a number of combiner-related terms that can be easy to mix up, partially because some of them are used interchangeably. Additionally, most of them have no formal definition and thus may be used differently by different fans. Consequently, most of the discussion which follows should not be taken as the word of [[Primus]], but as a rough description of common usage.

==Terms for combiners==
[[Image:combiner_logo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Worst...logo...ever.]]

; Combiner : As above, a member of a group of Transformers who assemble into a composite form. Also refers to that composite form itself. This is the most general term for all combining Transformers. "Combiner" is the only term for combining Transformers that has been used by Hasbro in an official capacity (with the exception of the more limited "special teams"), having even appeared with a gear-shaped logo on ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' toy packaging.

; Gestalt : Fan-terminology for a certain class of combiners -- generally used only for "big robot" combiners with emergent personalities. The term is nebulously defined, such that some fans would consider a two-member combiner such as [[Squawkbox]] a gestalt, but other fans would not. This is probably the fandom's second most frequently-used term for combining Transformers. Its use in Transfandom is derived from the principle of [[wikipedia:gestalt psychology|gestalt psychology]], which is sometimes simplified to mean "greater/different than the sum of its parts," though a few fans consider this term pretentious and obtuse. The term remained firmly in realm of [[fanon]] for years, although it did appear in some ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' design sketches implying that Hasbro designers used the term occasionally, until in 2007 "gestalt" made its first official appearance, in the bio of the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] toy.

; Scramble City combiner : A specific type of [[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]] giant gestalt that follows the five-member design featured in the Japanese “[[Scramble City]]” [[OVA]]. The team leader is larger than the other members and forms the main body of the combiner, while the others are smaller and form the limbs. The limbs are interchangeable, although there is always a generally-accepted “normal” formation. Further, the limbs are interchangeable from one Scramble City combiner to another, making for a large number of bizarre combinations. Limbs are also able to attach to and augment Metroplex & Metrotitan (see “Trivia” below). Note that this term is purely descriptive rather than being a proper name.

; Special Team : A synonym for Scramble City combiner. When the Scramble City toys were marketed in Europe they were referred to as Special Teams, and the term even appeared in the [[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|UK comic book]] series. The term was used in some marketing materials in the US, such as packing lists for the toy [[case assortment]]s, but never appeared in US fiction until the [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|''Ultimate Guide'']] was published in 2004.

; Super Robot : A robot which is formed through the combination of two or more Transformers. Powered-up robot modes composed of only one Transformer who combines with some of their own accessories are often also referred to as Super Robots, such as [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] or the incarnations of Prime from ''Robots in Disguise'' and all three ''[[Unicron Trilogy]]'' series. It is probably safe to informally refer to any such mode as a Super Robot (thus including, say, G1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and ''Energon'' [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]). Note that this means Super Robots are not always combiners and do not have to have their own personality. Rather, Super Robot and combiner are two different categories of Transformer which ''sometimes'' overlap.

; Fusilateral quintrocombiner : Coined by [[Simon Furman]] in [[Swarm (comic issue)|issue 9]] of the [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Generation 2'' comic]] to refer to the [[Combaticon]]s. It presumably is meant to refer to all the Scramble City teams, as their combined forms consist of five robots. It may also apply to the Predacons, but it doesn't matter because nobody uses this term anyway.

; Amalgam model : Yet another obscure term for combiners first used by Simon Furman via [[Wheeljack]] in the [[Devastation Derby]] story in the UK comic books.

==Types of combiner==
As mentioned above, most combiners form a super robot. However, there are many other types of combining in the Transformers multiverse.

In the ''Energon'' franchise, most of the Autobot characters were able to combine with each other in pairs much like ''[[Victory (franchise)|Victory]]'''s [[Multiforce]]. These combined forms can probably be considered Super Robots. The combined form was simply controlled by whichever Autobot was "on top". Make whatever jokes you will.

''Generation 1'' contains many examples of combined [[altmodes]], including [[Reflector]], [[Dreadwing (G1)|Dreadwing]], [[Big Powered]], the [[Triple Combination Battlestar Attack|Battlestar]], the [[Targetmaster#Double Targetmasters|Double Targetmasters]], and the [[Micromaster Combiner]] Squads. The [[Unicron Trilogy]]'s [[Mini-Con]]s brought to the fiction combined weapon modes, like the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] & [[Dark Saber]] swords, [[Requiem Blaster]] cannon, and [[Skyboom Shield]].

==Not combiners==
Not all cases of multiple things attaching to each other are combiners. As mentioned above, many Super Robots -- which are formed through a conglomeration of parts -- are not combiners. ''Energon'' Landmine, for example.

A similar case can be found in Transformers who have two or more "components" which combine into a single entity. [[Sky Lynx (G1)|G1 Sky Lynx]] has lynx and dino-bird components, [[Omega Supreme (G1)|G1 Omega Supreme]] has tank, base, and rocket components, and [[Magmatron]] has three dinosaur components. However, all of these components are considered to be "part of" the overall Transformer, even through they can act independently. The [[Duocon]]s are another case of this sort. All of these examples are ''not'' combiners because there is only ''one'' Transformer involved in each of them, regardless of how many bodies that Transformer may simultaneously operate.

Sometimes a smaller Transformer will attach to and enhance a larger Transformer in some way. This is the case when Mini-Cons powerlink with bulks, as well as with [[binary-bonding|binary-bonded]] partners like [[Headmaster]]s, [[Powermaster]]s/[[Godmaster]]s, and [[Breastforce]] members. Although these examples do include more than one Transformer, they are not considered "combiners". The simplest justification for this is that, in these cases, the "combined" form is almost exactly the same in appearance as the noncombined form.

==Toy lists==
;Combiners with two members
*[[Decibel]]
*[[God Ginrai]]
*[[Legout]]
*[[Mega-Dinobot]]
*[[Omega Prime]]
*[[Slamdance]]
*[[Squawkbox]]
*[[Victory Saber]]
*[[Land Powered]]
*[[Sky Powered]]
*[[Jet Optimus]]
*[[(Omega) Optimus Supreme]]

;Combiners with three or more members (non-Scramble City type)
*[[Bruticus Maximus]]
*[[Constructicon Devastator]] ([[Classics]])
*[[Constructicon Devastator]] ([[Universe]] - [[Robots in Disguise|RID]] type)
*[[Constructicon Devastator]] ([[Universe]] - [[Micromaster]] type)
*[[Constructicon Maximus]]
*[[Defensor]] ([[Universe]])
*[[Devastator]] ([[Generation 1|G1]]/[[Generation 2|G2]])
*[[Dinoking]]
*[[Landcross]]
*[[Landfill]]
*[[Liokaiser]]
*[[Magnaboss]]
*[[Magnaboss (BWII)]]
*[[Monstructor]]
*[[Predaking]]
*[[Raiden]]
*[[Rail Racer (RID)]]
*[[Rail Racer (Universe)]]
*[[Road Caesar]]
*[[Sixbuilder]]
*[[Sixliner]]
*[[Sixtrain]]
*[[Sixturbo]]
*[[Sixwing]]
*[[Superion (Universe)]]
*[[Superion Maximus]]
*[[Tripredacus]]
*[[Tripledacus]]
*[[Transformers Collectors' Club|TFCC]] [[Timelines]] [[Energon]]-style gestalt (Name unannounced - includes [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]] & [[Breakaway]])

;Scramble City-type combiners
*[[Abominus]]
*[[Battle Gaia]]
*[[Bruticus]] ([[Generation 1|G1]]/[[Generation 2|G2]])
*[[Computron]]
*[[Defensor]] ([[Generation 1|G1]])
*[[God Neptune]]
*[[Guard City]]
*[[Menasor]] ([[Generation 1|G1]])
*[[Piranacon]] (with extra "limb" robot used as weapon)
*[[Ruination]]
*[[Superion]] ([[Generation 1|G1]]/[[Generation 2|G2]])

==Trivia==
Scramble-city type combiners were initially designed to be a sub-line of [[Diaclone]] called... what else... Scramble City. This goes along with their ability to interact with and attach to Metroplex & Metrotitan, the designs of which were also originally intended for the Diaclone line.

Combiners were a very popular idea during the Generation 1 toyline and as such there are loads of scrapped combiner designs that never got past the drawing board. Among them were:

*A Scramble City style dinosaur combiner. The body is a T-Rex, while the limbs are a Pteradactyl (right arm), Ankylosaurus (left leg), Dimetrodon (left arm), and Styracosaurus (right leg).<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p22</ref>

*A decidedly goofy organic insect combiner composed of a stag beetle (right leg), another beetle (left leg), grasshopper (left arm), fly (right arm), and a cockroach body.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p99</ref>

*A cybernetic beast combiner that did not form a robot, but rather a large cybernetic monster. It is formed from a cyber bat, mole, stag beetle, and a couple of fish things.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p99</ref>

*A fifteen (!) vehicle Micromaster combiner where the only attached parts not contained by the component robots were the large robot fists. This combiner consists of three uniformly colored teams (in a similar fashion to the vehicular Voltron of the same time period):
**Air team (blue)- two jets, two helicopters, a space shuttle.
**Construction team (green)- a hauler, a bulldozer, a steam shovel, a tank (don't ask), a missile carrier (don't ask).
**Street team (red)- two cars, a motorcycle, a formula racer, a jeep.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p108</ref>

*Another, simpler dinosaur combiner composed of a Pteradactyl, a not-really-a-Stegosaurus, and a T-Rex with a very large head. The three combine into a dinosaur thing similar to [[Magmatron]]'s combined dino mode. It shares many visual characteristics with Tomy's relatively simple robot designs.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p108</ref>

[[Image:ClassicVehicombiner.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Either the smallest steamboat ever, or the largest car in existence.]]
*A five vehicle combiner (evidently not Scramble City in nature) composed of a steam engine (right arm), steam boat (torso), car (right leg), truck (left leg), and plane (left arm).
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Combiners| ]]
[[Category:Fandom]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Silverbolt (G1)

2007-08-05T08:16:36Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Marvel Comics */

{{disambig3|Silverbolt}}

:''Silverbolt is an [[Autobot]] [[Aerialbot]] and a [[Maximal]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:G1_Silverbolt_cartoon.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Nice lips.]]

'''Silverbolt's''' character is defined by his extreme fear of heights and by his refusal to bow to it. He constantly struggles to project the image of a brave, determined soldier to hide his fear from others. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] named him leader of the Aerialbots in the hopes that worring about them would give him something else to focus on besides his own phobia. This has proven true and, not surprisingly, the mature, responsible Silverbolt makes an excellent commander.

He can combine with his fellow Aerialbots to form the torso of [[Superion (G1)|Superion]].

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Éclairo'''<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Radiant'''

==Fiction==
===Animated Continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Charles Adler]] (US), ? (Japan)

[[Image:G1Silverbolt_Key1.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"Goodbye cruel world!"]]
Silverbolt was constructed out of a low-flying cargo transport vessel, which was modified to resemble an Earthen jet. He was later given life by [[Vector Sigma]], along with the other Aerialbots, then returned to [[Earth]] with the Autobots via [[Omega Supreme]]. It was soon discovered that Silverbolt had a crippling weakness: an intense fear of heights, due to his low-altitude origins. Conversely, he was the only Aerialbot who wasn't a complete jerk. Because of this, Optimus made him commander of the Aerialbots, reasoning that it would give him something to worry about other than his acrophobia. He proved worthy of this role when he persuaded his mutinous team mates to help the Autobots protect humanity, by showing them how [[Sparkplug_Witwicky|Sparkplug]] was able to disregard his fatigue at will due to his concern for [[Omega_Supreme_(G1)|Omega Supreme's]] well-being, something robots cannot do.

As the combined forces of the Autobots and Aerialbots sent the Decepticons into retreat, Silverbolt bravely went after [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and destroyed the Key to Vector Sigma, despite his great fear of heights. As he fell, he was saved at the last moment by [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]], who was impressed by his courage. {{Storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

===Marvel Comics===

The Aerialbots were created when [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] filmed [[Devastator]]'s combining sequence. Using the Autobot Matrix of Leadership, Optimus Prime gave the Aerialbots life. The leader, Silverbolt's alternate mode is that of a human transport airplane. After given life and during testing, Prime ordered them to stop the Decepticon assault on the Hoover Dam.

The fight went well, but [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] used his super-sonic ability to bring out a Transformer's deepest fear, it warped Silverbolt's fear of heights (ironic for an Aerialbot) and forced him to land. The Aerialbots prevailed the fight, however, and as the Decepticons fled, Silverbolt combined them all to form [[Superion]], trying to stop the drill from absorbing all of the Hoover Dam's electricity.

Superion's reflex was to strike out and kill the human who held [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in his Gun Form, but Silverbolt stepped in and prevented him from doing so. He forced the Aerialbots to disassemble. The human fired Megatron's gun at the drill, winning the day for the Autobots.

Nonetheless, Silverbolt's mind was wiped along with his fellow Aerialbots shortly afterwards, due to Optimus Prime's dissatisfaction with the mission.

Later, when [[Skids]] was transporting the human [[Donny Finkleberg]] home, Silverbolt and the Aerialbots were sent to do battle with the [[Stunticon]]s. Both combiners fused, creating [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and Superion. [[Josie Beller]], known as Circut Breaker, fired upon Superion, however, crippling him heavily and leaving Menasor the victor.

Silverbolt would appear in other later battles with his teammates, usually getting blown out of the sky, if not to pieces.

During the Unicron War, Grimlock revived Silverbolt along with other fallen Autobots to help in the battle against the Dark God, and when the Decepticons tried to strand the Autobots on a ruined Cybertron, Silverbolt was one of the pilots for Grimlock's reserve ships.

Silverbolt and the Aerialbots also resurfaced in Generation 2, but as usual, save for [[Skydive]], they didn't really do anything noteworthy except fall for one of Hot Rod's tricks in a war game. His expression was priceless, however.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Silverbolt''' (Aerialbot, 1986/1991)
:''Japanese ID number'': '''C-50'''

[[Image:G1_Silverbolt_toy.jpg|right|thumb|155px|"Oh [[Primus|God]], I'm in the middle of a white cloud!" *faints*]]

:Silverbolt transforms into a Concorde jet liner and can serve a launcher/base for the other Aerialbots. A particular weakness of Silverbolt's design is the way both his legs are connected to his hips by a long pin going through several very small (and weak) plastic hinges that are put under stress as the immediate joint underneath this assembly is a swivel used during transformation. His Japanese release has a spring powered launcher mechanism that was removed from his Hasbro releases, leaving only a piece that flopped around uselessly on his chest. He was available both alone and in a gift set with his teammates.

: In Japan, the entire Aerialbot team was offered (as individual purchases) as mail-order items during ''[[Battlestars]]''. Silverbolt cost 2000 yen and three [[robot points]].

===Generation 2===
*'''Silverbolt''' (1994)

:For the [[Generation 2]] toy line, Silverbolt's toy was [[redeco]]ed in blue and red, and his wings were [[retool]]ed to hold a new pair of spring-loaded missile launchers (reused from the Generation 2 versions of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]).

===Beast Wars===
*'''Magnaboss''' (Maximal, 1997)
:Silverbolt was available in a box set with Ironhide and Prowl. It transforms from a bald eagle into a robot. The back edges of its wings can become blades for Silverbolt to hold. Each wing also contains a spring-loaded missile launcher. Silverbolt is able to combine with Ironhide and Prowl into [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]. The wing blades combine with the others' weapons to form a "megaton battle sword."

:This mold was slightly [[redeco]]ed into [[Skywarp (BWII)|Skywarp]].

{{-}}
==Trivia==
* G1/G2 Silverbolt, due to the size of his altmode, should be one of the biggest Transformers around. This means he's one of the most [[scale|out of scale]] Generation 1 characters, both as a toy and in all of his depictions in fiction.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Silverbolt/silverbolt.htm Silverbolt at TFU.info]
*[http://tfu.info/1997/Maximal/Silverbolt/silverbolt.htm BW Silverbolt at TFU.info].

[[Category: Aerialbots]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Maximals]]
[[category: Maximal leaders]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Micro-continuity

2007-08-05T07:19:39Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Beast Toylines vs. Shows */

[[Image:Decepticonhideout.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Wrecking balls really push his buttons.]]

Since the dawn of the ''Transformers'' brand a variety of unconnected media has conspired to create multiple [[Continuity|continuities]], even within individual franchises. The most famous such continuity-split is the divergence of the original [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|cartoon]] and [[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|comic]], which contributed sometimes similar, but ultimately irreconcilable versions of ''[[Generation 1]]''. While the most prominent continuities are well known, there exist many '''"micro-continuities"''': continuities about which only very limited information is available, yet which manage in that small space to be incompatible with the major continuities.

Although all officially-produced fiction is [[canon]] for some continuity or another, the significance of these "micro-continuities" is a matter of individual fans' tastes and [[personal canon]]s.

== Limited fictions ==

Continuities that exist in a very small number of works that may share an apparent single continuity, such as the [[Ladybird Books|Ladybird]] or [[Find Your Fate]] books. Some continuities may even appear in only a single isolated work, such as the ''[[Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals]]'' video game.

Although usually small and insignificant in the wider scheme of things, such tales can contain interesting or unique takes on certain characters or situations, for example providing actual stories in which [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] spent a prolonged period as opposing leaders, a status quo hinted at by much of the lead-in and post-movie product advertising but which was ultimately never realised in the major fictions.

== Implied continuities ==

While never truly represented by any narrative fiction, some micro-continuities arise as the result of discrepancies between the toylines and characters portrayles elsewhere. In ''Generation 1'' this was often limited to individual characters' appearances varrying drastically between toy and cartoon (and, by extension, most other media). Prominent examples of this are [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]].

Implied continuities can also include discrepancies in tech specs bios such as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] being described as merely "Decepticon City Commander" and possessing a lower rank than his unspecified superiors (not to mention his being the reformatted [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is not even alluded to, likely to avoid spoiling the movie). A more striking example of such differences implying whole continuities into existence occurs in ''[[Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines]]'' (see below.)

The ''[[Machine Wars]]'' toyline is another example of this as, fairly uniquely, it posseses no official fiction in any form save for the toy bios, in which story hints are limited mainly to the existance of [[Megaplex]] and a few peculiarities about [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. Given the lack of any other story material, whether the differences/character development with Thundercracker imply a whole new micro-continuity or are viewed as new developments within an existing continuity falls soley down to personal preference.

=== Beast Toylines vs. Shows ===

Unlike G1, the [[Beast Era]] has not featured major divergent continuities, leading (at least for most of its existance) to a fairly unified canon.

However, due to the high cost and time constraints of a fully-CG animated series both [[Mainframe]] Beast shows were limited in the number of characters that could be included. They are fairly unique amongst the Transformers franchises in not featuring an encyclopedic inclusion of nearly every availiable toy as a character. At any rate, the main ''[[Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines]]'' continuities feature only a limited proportion of the overall number of toys/characters created, and furthermore the tight storytelling and premises of the shows leave little room for their inclusion in an "off camera" capacity (although see below: "When is a micro-continuity not a micro-continuity?"). An additional problem in ''[[Beast Wars]]'' is that several characters such as [[Waspinator]] and [[Rhinox]] were featured as Transmetal toys while in the cartoon they did not recieve these upgrades, thus creating further discrepancy.

One can either presuppose that the toyline ''itself'' implies a micro-continuity in which the full number of toy characters coexisted, or one could attempt to reconcile these characters with an already existant micro-continuity: that of the pre-cartoon series techspecs and minicomic...

==== The "G1 Beast Wars" ====

Tech Specs for the first waves of ''Beast Wars'' indicated that the Beast Wars took place on modern-day, human-inhabited, industrialized Earth, and that [[Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] were just G1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in the latest in their long series of reformatted bodies. This storyline was shocased in one installment of "Limited Fiction," a comic which was included with the Bat Optimus and Alligator Megatron 2-pack.

Although later Tech Specs were changed to reflect the universe established by the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, these first-series materials create a micro-continuity that features a bat-mode Optimus Prime(al) leading troops that include the likes of both [[Rattrap]] and [[Armordillo]] against an alligator-mode Megatron and his minions such as [[Tarantulas]] and [[Iguanus]], stalking their secret genetic labs, and duking it out for the fate of modern, urban Earth. Whether one presumes that Optimus and Megatron subsequently "upgraded" to their gorilla and T-Rex modes (the comic certainly implies that Megatron plans to), or if one chooses to then include later waves of show, non-show, and even Transmetal characters is open to debate.

==== Crawling with Maximals ====

By the same token, the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines toyline]]'' contained many toy-only characters, both [[Maximal]], [[Vehicon]], and "[[Dinobots (BM)|other]]" who were again fairly incompatable with the tighly-plotted continuity of the cartoon that presents the dominant canon. A similar "implied continuity" can be posulated that would include these extra characters in an alternate version of events that supported a larger cast.

== When is a micro-continuity not a micro-continuity? ==

There are some continuities which have attempted to retroactively explain the presence (or rather absence) of the non-show characters in both Beast Wars and Beast Machines. [[3H Productions|3H]]'s ''[[Universe (comic)|Wreckers]]'' comics and associated projects attempted to fill out much of the ''Beast Machines'' gaps in an arguably workable fashion, while more recently [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] has tackled virtually every toy-only ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' character in ''[[Beast Wars]]'': ''[[The Gathering]]''. However, these two storylines contradict each other, and neither have (as yet) provided expansive storylines. Whether one deems these stories to be part of the larger show-based canon (despite contradictions), individual "complimentary" continuities, or indeed just largeish micro-continuities themselves is, like most things, up to the individual fan's taste and [[personal canon]].

{{stub}}
[[Category:Continuities]]
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Stories]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Micro-continuity

2007-08-05T07:14:18Z

LBD Nytetrayn: /* Limited fictions */

[[Image:Decepticonhideout.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Wrecking balls really push his buttons.]]

Since the dawn of the ''Transformers'' brand a variety of unconnected media has conspired to create multiple [[Continuity|continuities]], even within individual franchises. The most famous such continuity-split is the divergence of the original [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|cartoon]] and [[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|comic]], which contributed sometimes similar, but ultimately irreconcilable versions of ''[[Generation 1]]''. While the most prominent continuities are well known, there exist many '''"micro-continuities"''': continuities about which only very limited information is available, yet which manage in that small space to be incompatible with the major continuities.

Although all officially-produced fiction is [[canon]] for some continuity or another, the significance of these "micro-continuities" is a matter of individual fans' tastes and [[personal canon]]s.

== Limited fictions ==

Continuities that exist in a very small number of works that may share an apparent single continuity, such as the [[Ladybird Books|Ladybird]] or [[Find Your Fate]] books. Some continuities may even appear in only a single isolated work, such as the ''[[Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals]]'' video game.

Although usually small and insignificant in the wider scheme of things, such tales can contain interesting or unique takes on certain characters or situations, for example providing actual stories in which [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] spent a prolonged period as opposing leaders, a status quo hinted at by much of the lead-in and post-movie product advertising but which was ultimately never realised in the major fictions.

== Implied continuities ==

While never truly represented by any narrative fiction, some micro-continuities arise as the result of discrepancies between the toylines and characters portrayles elsewhere. In ''Generation 1'' this was often limited to individual characters' appearances varrying drastically between toy and cartoon (and, by extension, most other media). Prominent examples of this are [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]].

Implied continuities can also include discrepancies in tech specs bios such as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] being described as merely "Decepticon City Commander" and possessing a lower rank than his unspecified superiors (not to mention his being the reformatted [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is not even alluded to, likely to avoid spoiling the movie). A more striking example of such differences implying whole continuities into existence occurs in ''[[Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines]]'' (see below.)

The ''[[Machine Wars]]'' toyline is another example of this as, fairly uniquely, it posseses no official fiction in any form save for the toy bios, in which story hints are limited mainly to the existance of [[Megaplex]] and a few peculiarities about [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. Given the lack of any other story material, whether the differences/character development with Thundercracker imply a whole new micro-continuity or are viewed as new developments within an existing continuity falls soley down to personal preference.

=== Beast Toylines vs. Shows ===

Unlike G1, the [[Beast Era]] has not featured major divergent continuities, leading (at least for most of its existance) to a fairly unified canon.

However, due to the high cost and time constraints of a fully-CG animated series both [[Mainframe]] Beast shows were limited in the number of characters that could be included. They are fairly unique amongst the Transformers franchises in not featuring an encyclopedic inclusion of nearly every availiable toy as a character. At any rate the main ''[[Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines]]'' continuities feature only a limited proportion of the overall number of toys/characters created, and furthermore the tight storytelling and premises of the shows leave little room for their inclusion in an "off camera" capacity (although see below: "When is a micro-continuity not a micro-continuity?"). An additional problem in ''[[Beast Wars]]'' is that several characters such as [[Waspinator]] and [[Rhinox]] were featured as Transmetal toys while in the cartoon they did not recieve these upgrades, thus creating further discrepancy.

One can either presuppose that the toyline ''itself'' implies a micro-continuity in which the full number of toy characters coexisted, or one could attempt to reconcile these characters with an already existant micro-continuity: that of the pre-cartoon series techspecs and minicomic...

==== The "G1 Beast Wars" ====

Tech Specs for the first waves of ''Beast Wars'' indicated that the Beast Wars took place on modern-day, human-inhabited, industrialized Earth, and that [[Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] were just G1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in the latest in their long series of reformatted bodies. This storyline was shocased in one installment of "Limited Fiction," a comic which was included with the Bat Optimus and Alligator Megatron 2-pack.

Although later Tech Specs were changed to reflect the universe established by the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, these first-series materials create a micro-continuity that features a bat-mode Optimus Prime(al) leading troops that include the likes of both [[Rattrap]] and [[Armordillo]] against an alligator-mode Megatron and his minions such as [[Tarantulas]] and [[Iguanus]], stalking their secret genetic labs, and duking it out for the fate of modern, urban Earth. Whether one presumes that Optimus and Megatron subsequently "upgraded" to their gorilla and T-Rex modes (the comic certainly implies that Megatron plans to), or if one chooses to then include later waves of show, non-show, and even Transmetal characters is open to debate.

==== Crawling with Maximals ====

By the same token, the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines toyline]]'' contained many toy-only characters, both [[Maximal]], [[Vehicon]], and "[[Dinobots (BM)|other]]" who were again fairly incompatable with the tighly-plotted continuity of the cartoon that presents the dominant canon. A similar "implied continuity" can be posulated that would include these extra characters in an alternate version of events that supported a larger cast.

== When is a micro-continuity not a micro-continuity? ==

There are some continuities which have attempted to retroactively explain the presence (or rather absence) of the non-show characters in both Beast Wars and Beast Machines. [[3H Productions|3H]]'s ''[[Universe (comic)|Wreckers]]'' comics and associated projects attempted to fill out much of the ''Beast Machines'' gaps in an arguably workable fashion, while more recently [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] has tackled virtually every toy-only ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' character in ''[[Beast Wars]]'': ''[[The Gathering]]''. However, these two storylines contradict each other, and neither have (as yet) provided expansive storylines. Whether one deems these stories to be part of the larger show-based canon (despite contradictions), individual "complimentary" continuities, or indeed just largeish micro-continuities themselves is, like most things, up to the individual fan's taste and [[personal canon]].

{{stub}}
[[Category:Continuities]]
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Stories]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Talk:Megatron (RID)

2007-08-05T07:07:54Z

LBD Nytetrayn:

Just out of curiousity, why is this included under the category of "Gods?" Unless I missed it, the article doesn't really mention anything of the sort about him being any kind of deity. - [[User:LBD Nytetrayn|LBD Nytetrayn]]

IS their any REAL evidence for Dimensional/Time travel in RiD? I was under the impression that this was just a persistant but never substantieted net-legend. Both Megs page here and the Pred. page have references to travelling through time or dimensions. We have a sourse on that or does it need to be taken out?
:None I'm aware of. Although I kinda like the concept as a sort of "mysterious history," so I wrote something vague about it into Megatron's profile for the R2 RiD DVDs. How'd that go... uh... something like, "Whispered rumours say that Megatron and his Predacons may have come from another place... another time... but in the here and now, one thing is clear - all of Earth's energy will be his, and not even Optimus Prime will stand in his way!" - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 01:14, 25 October 2006 (UTC)

Currently, I suspect that the "interdimensional" thing came from the story blurb in the first Car Robots catalog, but I have yet to get appropriately-sized scans for translation of same. When I get both, I'll post them up here, just to have it clear either way. --[[User:Monzo|Monzo]] 15:00, 25 October 2006 (UTC)

Um, since when has Megatron Megabolt ever been known as an upgrade to RiD Megatron? I mean, there's little canon beyond his toy bio, but if it was intended as such, wouldn't it have been written as "Megabolt Megatron" (in much the same manner as "Powerlinx Hot Shot"), rather than the current? If anything, the odd way of parsing the name almost makes it sound like Megatron is as much as a title (akin to Prime) as it is a name. Just curious, is all.. --[[User:Terrocon Blot|Terrocon Blot]] 07:40, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
: Megatron Megabolt's bio is clearly written to be RiD Megatron, and the toy was even released in Robots in Disguise packaging. There's... very little doubt about this. His identity has even been confirmed by [[Andrew Frankel]], who pushed the toy into store exclusive status after Beast Machines ended, if you really have to have additional confirmation. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 07:53, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
:: Okay, thanks. I had not known about the Frankel part. I thought someone was just connecting dots that weren't there. Like if someone were to suddenly shout "Banzai-tron is REALLY just Bludgeon!" because they're both martial artists who hang out with CRABS. But yes, thanks for clearing up the confusion.
:::Considering he's a Predacon who recently became a Decepticon (like in RiD), is focused on wanting to take over/conquer Earth (like in RiD), and transforms into a head which is called an "Emissary mode," referring to "Emissary," the name for Fort Max's head component in the RiD cartoon, AND is in Robots in Disguise packaging, I don't really see how the heck there's any confusion here to begin with. BW Megatron didn't want to do ANY of that stuff. All of those are direct, obvious connections to RiD Megatron. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:04, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
:::I put that info in the article. You can count on me to stear clear of "connecting dots that aren't there." I hate that kind of specuation. --[[User:Crockalley|Crockalley]] 12:35, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

==Other Image==

Well, Siph wanted this deleted, but here it is for now.

--[[User:Monzo|Monzo]] 08:37, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

[[Image:RIDMegatron1.jpg|thumb]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>