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Reproduction

2024-08-23T02:19:50Z

Missingno7007: /* EarthSpark */

{{featured}}

[[File:MangaDinoforceBabies.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|HOW IS BABBY FORMED?]]

Though their bodies may be mechanical, [[Transformer]]s are, at heart, living beings, and like all creatures, Cybertronians also create new members of their species. But while organic life-forms procreate through a comparatively quick, self-contained, and straightforward procedure, Cybertronian '''reproduction''' is a complicated affair. The vast majority of Cybertronians reproduce asexually, but how exactly a new Transformer is created, given life, and introduced to the world is a complicated process—a process that often plays a key role in the origin of their species and culture, even if individual methods of reproduction often vary wildly across different [[continuity family|continuity families]].

{{quote|This is only <u>one</u> method of creating new Transformers. There are others.|[[Bob Budiansky]] knows not to leave himself tied down, in his pitch for the Matrix concept<ref name="BC10">[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc10/bc10bb.html griffin's 2010 BotCon report]</ref>}}

==Reproductive methods==
''See also: [[Protoform]], [[Hatchling]]''

===Mechanical construction===
: ''See also: [[Drone]], [[:Category:Man-made Transformers|Man-made Transformers]]
[[File:SOSDinobots buildingSludge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"I've been workin' on the Dinobot, all the live long day..."]]

In the very earliest days of the ''Transformers'' franchise, before the franchise established the more supernatural aspects of Cybertronian biology, early fictional portrayals treated the Transformers like conventional—albeit highly sophisticated—robots. With the right parts and technical knowledge, anyone could simply build a new Transformer like an ordinary machine. Once built, this new Transformer simply springs to life, a sentient and fully-functioning individual. In the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'' cartoon]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] and company created the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] this way, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s rebuilt a human city into [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], and the temporarily super-intelligent [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] created the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

As the ''Transformers'' franchise continued to evolve, this mundane treatment was largely forgotten in favor of more mystical means of procreation, but permutations and new twists on the idea have continued to surface. The [[Cyberfactory|Cyberfactories]] from the cartoon-based ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]'', for instance, are said to have mass-produced a new generation of Transformer life on the planet [[Earth]], and the process of "cold construction" from the [[2005 IDW continuity]] combines the concept of mechanically assembled bodies with the idea of [[spark]] infusion from an outside source. In still other stories, mechanically built Transformers are specifically flagged up as mindless "[[drone]]s." Lacking the presence of an animating [[spark]], these drones are "artifical" beings—mindless, mass-produced units who operate on a set of preprogrammed directives rather than a conscious mind.

In some ''Transformers'' universes, sufficiently connected [[human]] organizations have studied and reverse-engineered alien techno-biology to manufacture their own Transformers. In some stories, these man-made Transformers are mere drones, mindless human machines that approximate Cybertronian anatomy for their own destructive purposes, while in others the intersection of human and Cybertronian technology has given rise to fully-sentient, human-built Autobots such as the [[Autorooper]]s.
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===Spark infusion===
{{see also|Sacred treasure|Matrix of Leadership|Primal Program|Matrix Flame|Vector Sigma|AllSpark|AllSpark Mutation}}

[[File:VectorSigmaG1.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Vector Sigma holds "Disco Night" every Friday at 11 pm.]]

As the ''Transformers'' franchise evolved beyond these simple roots, later stories would firmly establish that Transformers were ''not'' simple automatons; rather, they were fully-sentient living beings. Thus, both the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] and cartoon would separately explain that the creation of a Transformer entailed infusing their physical form with a guiding, animating life-force. The ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon would eventually dub this life-force a "[[spark]]," and still later fiction revealed that sparks generally came from a supernatural artifact capable of imbuing new Transformers with life. In the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]], this artifact was the "Creation Matrix," and its [[Primal Program]], conceptual forerunner of the later [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Concurrently, the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] introduced the omniscient supercomputer [[Vector Sigma]], which turned Megatron's transforming but non-sentient robots into the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s.

After the release of both ''Beast Wars'' and its sequel ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', later stories set in the [[Generation 1 continuity family]] would essentially [[retcon]] that both the Matrix and Vector Sigma were creating new sparks whenever they brought Transformers to life. Soon, the [[Transformers (film)|2007 ''Transformers'' film]] introduced the [[AllSpark]]—coopting the name of the [[Transformer afterlife]] given in ''Beast Machines'', the metaphysical "realm" from which all Sparks were generated and returned to after death—as an artifact with similar life-giving properties, which carried over into that year's ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' cartoon. Much like Vector Sigma, both ''Animated'' and the live-action film depicted the artifact with life-giving powers, but even more pronounced: the AllSpark can infuse ''any'' machine with a spark and spontaneously bring it to life—though results can range from articulate, fully-sentient Transformers to the animalistic creatures collectively known as "[[AllSpark Mutation]]s."

In rarer circumstances, exotic substances like [[energon]] can have a similar effect on mundane objects; The various [[Transformers: BotBots (franchise)|BotBot]] tribes, for instance, are the products of [[energon radiation]] infusing everyday objects at a human shopping mall with Cybertronian robot forms. In a similar vein, [[Angolmois Energy]] displayed the ability to "evolve" normal, organic animals into [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s.

===Forging===
{{see also|Protoform|Pit (BW)|Transformer afterlife|Well of All Sparks|}}

[[File:PredaconsRisingWellofAllSparks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]

In some ''Transformers'' tales, the creation of new sparks is tied to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] itself—only a healthy, thriving planet can naturally create the sparks that will become the next generation of Cybertronians. Some stories, most notably [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave's ''Generation 1'' comics]] and the [[Aligned continuity family]] have described the [[Well of All Sparks]] as the physical mechanism from which new sparks are drawn up from the core of the planet. In other stories, a sacred artifact such as Vector Sigma or the AllSpark can serve as an intermediary, the physical mechanism by which new sparks are imbued into the [[living metal]] that will become their mortal form. This mass of living metal becomes a [[protoform]], a living entity that's roughly analogous to a human fetus. Over time, the liquid metal mass cools and develops into a fully-fledged Transformer, adopting a unique personality and [[alternate mode]]. Sometimes referred to as "protoforming" or "being protoformed," [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' comic book coined the term "forging" to describe the entire process, and in the years since the term has grown to become a loose synonym for "birth" in general.
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===Other means===
; Sexual reproduction

[[File:Sariprime.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1|[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] asks where organic beings come from... and realizes that there are some questions best left unanswered.]]

{{see also|Transformer romance}}

Although the vast majority of ''Transformers'' universes feature both male and [[female Transformer|female]] Transformers with an understanding of [[Transformer romance|love]], the vast majority of Transformers do not reproduce sexually, and indeed regard this kind of procreation as something entirely alien to their mechanical worldview. (Though admittedly, there isn't a lot of direct evidence for [[human]]s reproducing sexually in most ''Transformers'' media, which is, after all, aimed towards kids.) A handful of stories have nevertheless revealed that some Transformers organize themselves into humanlike family units that could imply organic methods of reproduction... although, again, as ''Transformers'' is mostly for kids, little has been revealed beyond infrequent mentions of parents and the occasional crude innuendo, the latter almost certainly added for comedy's sake rather than any kind of definitive canon.

Some versions of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s backstory, for instance, note that his parents died in the crash that marooned him on the planet [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]]. Similarly, the Japanese [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]] reveals that [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and his forces have been fighting for the sake of their civilian families living on top of the [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], which include Deathsaurus's wife [[Esmeral (G1)|Esmeral]] and many [[Baby Dinoforce|children]]. In ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] mentions parents, while in ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]'', [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] alludes to a bad relationship with his father.
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{{anchor|Budding}}
; Budding
{{See also|Swarm (G2)|l1=Swarm}}

[[File:G2issue5-PowerandtheGlory-BuddingSteps.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Budding doesn't look like much fun at ALL. It looks like ''Aliens versus Predator'' all over again.]]

The [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Transformers: Generation 2'' comic]] revealed that, after their creation by [[Primus]], early Transformers reproduced by "budding," a {{w|mitosis|mitosis}}-like form of asexual reproduction whereby Transformers could rapidly reproduce by generating a mass of energized liquid metal from within their body. This mass then splits itself off from the "parent" Transformer to become a new Cybertronian. Illustrations suggest that this is something of a communal event, with others surrounding the budding robot in a circle. Once the Transformers had hit a population level that Primus deemed desirable, the practice stopped and all memory of it was erased.

When the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] faction rediscovered and revived the process over the next 4 million years after the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s disappearance, Primus's lifeforce was spread thinner and thinner between them, and the successive generations of budded Transformers became increasingly less sentient and emotional. The lifeform called the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]] was created as a byproduct of the process. Transformers who have undergone the budding process retain some sort of primal link to their offspring; the Decepticon [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] doubles over in pain when his Cybertronian descendant [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]] is destroyed, and the [[Liege Maximo]] says he would know if his descendant, Megatron, were to die.
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; Cloning
{{See also|Cloning}}

[[File:Lotta starscreams.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Transformers possess [[CNA|genetic material]] of a sort, and this "genome" can be copied and manipulated by scientifically minded individuals to create [[cloning|clones]]. In some instances, these cloned Transformers are identical in every way to the donor Transformer; in other stories, cloned Transformers may take on different names, color schemes, develop new personalities, and even possess radically different [[alternate mode]]s—they are, essentially, a new individual with little connection to the original beyond the circumstances of their creation.

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===Familial relationships===
''See also: [[Relatives]], [[Twin]]s

[[File:PrimeDirective4 Cover SunstreakerSideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

Although the Transformers are generally understood to reproduce asexually, canonical sources have sometimes used genealogical terminology to describe certain relationships. Most commonly, some Transformers possess siblings, and more often than not these siblings are referred to as [[twin]]s— [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]], or [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. When ''Transformers'' fiction has deigned to give an explanation for this phenomenon, the most common explanation is that twins are the result of a "split protoform" or a "split spark"; akin to the random splitting of a human zygote.

The setting of the [[Beast Era]] featured a cast of characters far removed in time from the original [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, which the show's cast of [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s referred to as their "ancestors." [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] occasionally mentions his "great-aunt" [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and some sources have referred to [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s descendant. In the absence of sexual reproduction, the use and meaning of these genealogical references is difficult to explain. This term may also be used in an ideological sense or even a technological sense, much as the CD or MP3 player is, in a way, a "descendant" of the gramophone.
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==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Marvel Comics continuity====
=====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comic=====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Prima.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
Before Primus shut down, he gave the Transformers a "genetic matrix" that contained his essence and power, which could be used to create more Transformers without his direct involvement. {{storylink|The Primal Scream}} This "Creation Matrix" contained a "[[Primal Program]]" encoded within the Matrix's crystal,<ref>[http://ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Optimus_Prime_PM Powermaster Optimus Prime's Marvel comic profile]</ref> which could be used to give life to new Transformers. Over time, the Matrix passed from one leader to the next, until, by the modern day, it had come into the possession of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|The New Order}} ''Although Optimus Prime would eventually leave Earth, the [[Matrix Flame]] on Cybertron burned constantly as long as the Matrix still existed and could channel its life-giving energies. The Autobot resistance on Cybertron harnessed the Flame to create their new warrior, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]].''<ref>Ultra Magnus profile page in Marvel UK [[Target: 2006#Defeat!|#81]]</ref>

Once the Transformer war spilled over to modern Earth, [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] captured and decapitated the Autobot leader, using the Creation Matrix to build and animate the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} Shockwave then attempted to imbue life into the newly built [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], but was thwarted by [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], who had had the Matrix downloaded into his mind by Prime's still-living head. {{storylink|Prime Time!}} Once Prime had been rescued, he used the Matrix to bring Jetfire to life. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

=====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic=====
[[File:TNA.gif|thumb|left|200px|With the right early screening, even [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarming]] might some day be preventable.]]
Soon after Primus created [[Prima]] and the first generation of Cybertronians, he gave them the ability to "bud" off from one another as a way to rapidly increase their population, replicating their own genetic material in the process. However, this method of reproduction posed its own unique dangers, and was only ever intended to be a stopgap measure to quickly grow their numbers beyond the Transformers Primus himself had created from the fabric of Cybertron. If Transformers budded ''too'' much, the essence of their creator would grow thinner and thinner between them, resulting in a cold and emotionless race.

Once Cybertron's population grew to a desired number, Primus caused his creations to forget about the process entirely, leaving them to reproduce using the Matrix alone... but eventually a group of Decepticons would resurrect the process, quickly shedding their ignoble origins to become the coldly efficient [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] empire. This new faction relied exclusively on budding to procreate, but their overuse of the process led to the creation of the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]. {{storylink|The Power and the Glory}}
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====Cartoon continuities====
=====''The Transformers'' cartoon=====
[[File:Aerialbots group.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
Although some Transformers such as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} were simply built on Earth like conventional machines, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] first created the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s by rebuilding five normal road machines into transforming, remote-controlled robots; unlike the Dinobots, these remained entirely mindless automatons. To turn them into truly sapient Cybertronian lifeforms, Megatron took them to [[Vector Sigma]] on Cybertron, and ordered the ancient computer to bring his creations to life, granting them Cybertronian intellects and personalities. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} In turn, the Autobots constructed their own team, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], and brought them to life through a similar process. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

A temporarily superintelligent [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] created the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s using parts from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s severed head, and sacrificed his own enormous intellect to imbue the team with above-average intelligence—a process, that, notably, did not involve Vector Sigma. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

=====''Victory'' comic=====
A large population of civilian Decepticons lived atop the [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], including [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]'s wife [[Esmeral (G1)|Esmeral]], his son, and many other small dinosaur Transformers, collectively dubbed the "[[Baby Dinoforce]]." {{storylink|The Grand Victory War}}

=====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity=====
Although the Autobots and Quintessons made several Transformers without the aid of Vector Sigma (a form of [[Primus]]), those base Transformers were not considered fully alive robots, being considered by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] in [[1985]] as more akin to animals. He would change his mind after creating the [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbots]] in [[2011]], where he realized they were still legitimate [[Transformer]]s in their own right, just with less intelligence. Over time, the Monsterbots would grow fully-developed minds. {{Storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 3}} The intelligent [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]' creation was possible because [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] had absorbed Vector Sigma's knowledge when he became a genius. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 2}}

=====''Wings Universe''=====
Cybertronians in this universe are created on assembly lines at specialized production centers. These plants seem to create Cybertronians based on set blueprints that determine both their design and to some degree their personality, as both [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn's]] unique appearance/attitude and [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist's]] extra processor are explained as being the result of "glitches" in their production lines. Cybertronians seem to hold some loyalty to the center that created them, as Side Burn joined the Autobots after his own was destroyed by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 39|Side Burn's profile in Club magazine #39}} {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 36|Ironfist's profile in Club magazine #36}}

In the years following the revitalization of Cybertron, a Cybertronian alliance with Earth and Nebulos led to the proliferation of [[Cyberfactory|Cyberfactories]] across the planet to mass-produce a new generation of Earthborn Transformers. These factories operated using technology reverse engineered from Vector Sigma to bring the new Transformers online. {{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}}

Following the Rebirth, [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] utilized advanced cloning technology to birth a "second generation" of Cybertronians modelled after the mightiest of Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|A Flash Forward (story arc)|A Flash Forward}}

====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[File:Stasispod.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Both [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s begin as protoforms, nonsentient masses of liquid metal. Protoforms are fragile in their unprotected state, vulnerable to [[energon radiation]], {{storylink|The Spark}}, but given the right circumstances they can survive indefinitely when inside a [[stasis pod]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Where exactly these new protoforms and the sparks they carry ''come'' from is something of a mystery; some semi-canonical sources have inferred the existence of an autonomous "[[Matrix (facility)|Matrix facility]]" and a "[[Pit (BW)|Pit]]" where Maximal and Predacon protoforms are respectively manufactured, but details are scarce and sometimes contradictory. {{storylink|Beast Wars Universe}} {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

The protoforms aboard the Maximal starship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' were placed in stasis pods for their journey, but after the ship and its crew found themselves diverted to prehistoric [[Earth]], the newborn protoforms were ejected into orbit rather than risk damage in the crash. When a stasis pod landed on Earth, its inbuilt [[DNA scanner]] surveyed the terrain for nearby lifeforms, then generated a [[beast mode]] for the new protoform, based on the local wildlife, to bring the new Transformer online. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} {{storylink|The Spark}} Predacon [[shell program]]s are capable of altering the personality of a protoform before its activation, potentially turning them into an obedient Predacon soldier. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} {{storylink|Spider's Game}}
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====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
[[File:MTMTE-cloning.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Transformers generally begin life as a protoform, a skeletal mass of partially formed circuits that can be altered to suit specific needs. These are kept in stasis pods filled with nurturing nutrient gel until the body is infused with a spark, usually from the Matrix. If the Matrix is absent, life can be granted by attuning the protoform to an energy wavelength similar to the Matrix and then applying a concentrated burst of energon. This alternative is rarely used, as it is extremely resource-consumptive and requires restrictively high amounts of energon. Once a spark is infused into a protoform, it begins a reformatting process that designs its own robot and alternate modes for the new Cybertronian. Some believed that the Cybertronian race had yet to explore other potential avenues of creating Transformers, although what form this might take remains mysterious. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

Following the loss of the ''Ark'', [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] began experimenting with new methods of creating life, including cloning. {{storylink|Recipe for Hate}} The process sought to induce the natural splitting of a spark through technological means, manipulating a pair of protoforms to match based on a set of pre-programmed variables. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}} From this, he created several unique individuals based on both Autobots and Decepticons like including [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], an experimental, highly unstable clone of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} As resources grew scarce, Shockwave worked with the Autobots to create a new generation of Transformers by secretly tapping the power of Vector Sigma. Eventually, their efforts gave rise to the [[Micromaster]]s, a smaller and more fuel-efficient breed of Cybertronian. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing}}
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====2005 IDW continuity====
{{quote|No one has a right to know how a fellow Cybertronian was created. There's a thin line between categorization and segregation, and I never want to see it crossed again.|[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]|"[[Twenty Plus One]]". No one tell him about the table below.}}

[[File:Chromedome and Rodimus with a spark.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left|Baby ''boom''? Baby fuel-air bomb!]]
According to [[Scorponok (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Scorponok]], no mechanical lifeforms in the galaxy are capable of sexual reproduction. {{storylink|Kill All 'Cons}} Thus, Cybertronians are normally created through one of two methods: they are either "'''forged'''" or "'''constructed cold'''." Their names include an "of [place]" suffix to describe where they were born, e.g. "[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] of [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]]".

Forged Transformers are created when an energy pulse from Vector Sigma flashes across Cybertron and its moons, igniting [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]]s where new sparks emerged from the planet. After a great celebration, Cybertronians would gather "[[living metal|sentio metallico]]" from the planet's surface, "nurturing" the substance until it coalesced around a freshly-harvested spark. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} Beginning as a simple geometric shape, a newborn protoform follows the [[CNA|genetic instructions]] hard-coded within their spark to develop limbs, facial features, and components related to their future alternate mode. {{storylink|Silent Light}} If the protoform struggles to find a form, specialized medical professionals known as [[blacksmith]]s help the new Transformer along by sculpting the metal into its most natural shape. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}} Once a protoform cools into a solid mechanical form, the young Transformer develops by imprinting on its surroundings, learning how to walk, talk, interact with others, and even [[Transformation|transform]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} From "first flash" to the final product, the maturation process lasts no more than two weeks, {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} with the specific protoform-to-Transformer phase taking anywhere from two to five days. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}} {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}}

A small group of forged Transformers are known as "[[Point One Percenter]]s" (about 0.01% of the population) and may possess strength, durability, or endurance beyond that of the average Transformer. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} Some [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s carried hot spots within their bodies, using the Transformers birthed from these hot spots to colonize distant worlds during the reign of the [[Thirteen]]. {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} The [[Velocitron]]ian Titan [[Navitas]] once identified [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] as the "sparkling" of [[Caminus (planet)|her planet]]'s Titan, [[Caminus (Titan)|Caminus]]. {{storylink|Race Against the Light}}

[[File:YourFirstMistake-ColdConstruction.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Sex Ed. Volume 1, or: '''PANTS FULL OF SHAME'''."]]

Cold construction was instituted by [[Nova Prime]] after the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]]; fearing that the increasingly infrequent pulsewaves from Vector Sigma would halt entirely and leave him without enough Transformers to create his [[Expansion|grand galactic empire]], Nova entrusted the Matrix of Leadership to a science team headed by [[Solomus|Tyrest]] and charged them with tapping its legendary energies of creation. The scientists succeeded in doing so, and proved able to generate thousands of sparks a day and house them in artificially-built bodies in what historians would dub the "[[Silver Harvest]]." Sparks were produced at such a rapid rate that they had to be stockpiled until new bodies could be constructed. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} To do so, the sparks were "frozen" in [[photonic crystal]]s until they were "thawed" and placed in a body inside a specialized postnatal facility, leading to the term "constructed cold". {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}} Unbeknownst to the majority of Cybertronians, these photonic crystals were themselves manufactured by a unique Cybertronian, [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} The prefabricated forms that housed Matrix-derived sparks did not match the "genetic instructions" encoded within a newborn spark, and at least one constructed cold Transformer, [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], developed a habit of periodically changing bodies. [[Windblade (G1)|Some]] interpreted this as a sign that his spark was still subconsciously trying to find its "true form", {{storylink|Your First Mistake}} but [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|others]] held that it was merely a sign of his own vanity. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

[[File:TheLopsidedTriangle-MTOs.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]

Recognizing the potential for outcry against what they were doing, a cover story was put in place to explain the birth of these new Transformers: the public were told that they were created via '''spark-splicing''', using the energy of a Forged spark to ignite a new one. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} Eventually, one of the scientists had an attack of conscience and stole the Matrix, replacing it with a forgery; unaware of this, Tyrest and his team believed that they had bled the Matrix dry. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} The public were never told why the "spark-splicing" program was stopped; as such, by the time of [[Nominus Prime]]'s assassination, Senator [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] had made repeated lobbies to resurrect it. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} Resentment towards constructed cold robots led to religiously motivated prejudice in the name of [[Adaptus]] and even apartheid against the "knock-offs." By the time [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] was first arrested, the [[Senate]] had relaxed these laws and the discrimination was ''officially'' considered a thing of the past, cough cough. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Megatron himself occupied a unique position as the only "hybrid" 'bot. Originating as a wholly cold-constructed bot, the body's original spark was destroyed by a time-travelling [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]; a Point One Percenter spark which had been harvested on Luna 1 in the present day was placed in the empty shell by [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}}

[[File:KillAllCons ScorponokWithLilBaby.jpg|thumb|150px|"The next thing I knew, I was pregnant."]]

As the war dragged on, the Autobots discovered a long abandoned cache of frozen sparks from Nova Prime's era. Desperate to bolster their numbers, Autobot command began mass-producing legions of cold-constructed soldiers to fill out their ranks. These "[[M.T.O.|Made to Order]]" soldiers were named after the campaigns they were activated for, e.g. "[[Getaway]] of the [[Corcapsia Incursion]]". Early M.T.Os followed a ten-step education program before they could be declared fit for duty; as the war worsened, however, the number of steps dwindled to seven, then, finally, three simple directives uploaded directly into their minds as their sparks thawed so that new M.T.Os could be airdropped as soon as they came online. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}} The Decepticons had their own supplies of M.T.O. soldiers, including [[Ambulon]]. {{storylink|The Not Knowing}} Decepticon M.T.Os were constructed using raw material from melted-down Autobot prisoners, but where their sparks were sourced from is not known. {{storylink|Speak, Memory! (Part 2)}} The Decepticons experimented with cloning late in the war and created three sentient [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s from experiments on a naturally-occurring subterranean species. The process proved horribly inefficient, however, and the three thousand failures lived on as the ravenous [[Insecticon swarm|"Insecticon swarm"]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

The scientist [[Tarantulas (BW)#2005 IDW continuity|Mesothulas]] invented a third form of "reproduction" after discovering the ability to create an artificial spark by synthesizing Matrix energy. The only known being created through this method was "Ostaros", a robot who would later become [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]], indistinguishable from any other Cybertronian save for the circumstances of his creation. Whether or not Springer counts as a "true" Cybertronian, or merely an advanced <s>replicant</s> <s>synth</s> robot, is presumably up to the reader to decide. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}} {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}} After the war, Scorponok obtained the [[Epistemus|Magnificence]] and learned how to infuse organic lifeforms with extracted sparks. To revitalize the dying Decepticon movement, he planned to mass-produce these biological creatures; by reproducing sexually, the spark they carried would split again and again and again until their population reached a desired number, at which point their sparks would be harvested and placed back into cold constructed bodies. Only [[Firstborn|one organic]] was produced as a proof of concept before Scorponok lost possession of both the child and the Magnificence. {{storylink|Kill All 'Cons}}

{| cellpadding="5" class="tt1_featuredCharacters mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
|colspan="6"|Characters by origin
|-
! style="background:#004000;color:white" colspan="3"|Forged
! style="background:navy;color:white" colspan="3"|Constructed cold
|-
! style="background:#a1f088" align="center"|Pre-war
! style="background:#b7f78d" align="center"|"Warborn"
! style="background:#bcf27c" align="center"|Unknown
! style="background:#9abce2" align="center"|First wave
! style="background:#8ec1f6" align="center"|Second wave/M.T.O.
! style="background:#7dc7f1" align="center"|Unknown
|-
| style="background:#BCF7AA" valign="top"|
{|border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent;"
|-
| valign="top"|
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]
*[[Bulkhead (G1)|Bulkhead]]
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]
*[[Crosscut (G1)|Crosscut]]
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]]
*[[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
*[[Tarn (G1)|Damus/Glitch/Tarn]]
*[[Dominus Ambus]]
*[[Eucryphia]]
*[[Functionist Council|The Functionist Council]]
*[[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]
*[[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]]
*[[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]]
*[[Guiding Hand]]
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod/Rodimus]]
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]]
*[[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]
*[[Knights of Cybertron|The Knights of Cybertron]]
*[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]
*[[Maximal#2005 IDW continuity|Maximals]]
*[[Minimus Ambus]]
*[[Myskrion]]
*[[Nova Prime|Nova Major/Nova Prime]]
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]
| valign="top"|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax/Optimus Prime]]
*[[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
*[[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]
*[[Quark]]
*[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]]
*[[Roller (IDW)|Roller]]
*[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]
*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]
*[[Septimus Prime]]
*[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]]
*[[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]]
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]
*[[Tailpipe (G1)|Tailpipe]]
*[[Thinkbox]]
*[[Thirteen#IDW|The Thirteen Primes]]
*[[Titan (group)|Titans]]<ref group="idw">At least thirteen of the Titans carried hot spots within their bodies for colonization purposes; by extension all known Transformers native to the colony worlds are Forged.</ref>
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]
*[[Tusk]]
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]
|}
| style="background:#D0FCB3" valign="top"|

*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]]
*[[Fulcrum]]
| style="background:#CEF99D" valign="top"|
*[[Animus]]
*[[Black Shadow (G1)|Black Shadow]]
*[[Blockus]]
*[[Convoy (G1)|Convoy]]
*[[Datum]]
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]
*[[Heretech]]
*[[Misfire (G1)|Flyhigh/Misfire]]
*[[Ramp]]
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]
*[[Suture (G1)|Suture]]
*[[Sweep (IDW)|Sweep]]
| style="background:#B8D1ED" valign="top"|
*[[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]]
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]]
*[[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]
*[[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]<ref group="idw">Megatron is a hybrid Transformer, consisting of a forged spark in a cold constructed body.</ref>
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]
*[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]]
*[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]]
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Tumbler/Chromedome]]
| style="background:#b4d8fc" valign="top"|
*[[Ambulon]]
*[[Ammo]]
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]
*[[Dipstick]]
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Genitus/Brainstorm]]
*[[Getaway]]
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]]
*[[Scattergun]]
| style="background:#9ed7f8" valign="top"|
*[[Agonizer]]
*[[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]]
*[[Flame (Marvel)|Flame]]
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]]
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]]
|}

<references group="idw"/>
{{--}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
Little is known about how the "[[Builder of Cybertron|Builders of Cybertron]]"—the former Autobots and Decepticons who fought the Great War—reproduced, although they regarded Vector Sigma as their "font of life". {{storylink|Head Games}} By the end of their conflict Vector Sigma was counted among the casualties, threatening the dying Cybertronian race with slow extinction. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} During their heyday, science identified some particularly exceptional Builders as Point One Percenters, who had helped thwart Unicron's attack on Cybertron. {{storylink|The Inexorable March}}

Correctly realizing that the Cybertronian race was doomed without an alternate means of generating new sparks, [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] bargained with the hyper-evolved [[Human Confederacy]] in the hopes that they could grant his race a future. Using the [[Energon Matrix|energon matrix]] they provided, he helped to create the Maximals and Predacons as successors to the Autobots and Decepticons—but even though his contemporaries merely saw these newly created "proto-races" as slaves to continue their old grudges via vicious gladiatorial [[Games (competition)|Games]], Cerebros viewed this as an acceptable sacrifice to curtail further Cybertronian aggression. {{storylink|Head Games}}

Years into the [[Grand Uprising]], the artificially created [[Galva Convoy]] and his cloned energon matrix devised the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]], a mass-produced proto-race that could "reproduce" by infecting other Cybertronians and transforming them into more mindless Vehicons. Originally conceived as a weapon of war, the rise of the Vehicons soon snowballed into the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]] that effectively ended the Grand Uprising. {{storylink|Derailment}}

====''Of Masters and Mayhem''====
After the onset of the Great War, several Cybertronians were constructed cold. {{storylink|The Truth We Make}}

====''TransTech''====
As Maximals with "fully integrated organic parts," [[Kitte Shūshū]] and her husband [[Z Grill]] conceived their son [[Stampy (BW)|Stampy]] using them—the only explicit confirmation of sexual reproduction in the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref>This hasn't stopped fan fiction writers from speculating, though.</ref> {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/10}}

====''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''====
Following [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s defeat, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and his spouse [[Cover Girl]] used a combination of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], [[binary bonding]], and [[technoactive cube|technoactive core]] technology to conceive a half-Cybertronian, half-human child. {{storylink|The War Never Ends}}

====2019 IDW continuity====
[[File:WannabeePart2-BumblebeeForging.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
New Transformers are forged from Cybertron's living metal, a process that begins with the mass harvesting of raw materials by gigantic, mobile crawlers such as [[Leviathan (G1)|Leviathan]] {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Three}} and continues at the [[Forge Pyramid|Pyramid]] in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], where this metal is shaped into a new body to house a spark obtained from the Well of All Sparks. Finally, the newborn Transformer is introduced to the people of Cybertron in a great open-air celebration officiated by the reigning [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Four}} {{storylink|Wannabee, Part 2}} The Transformers of this universe emerge in a comparatively underdeveloped state; born without a concrete understanding of the world around them and lacking an [[alternate mode]], the task of educating these new Transformers falls to a volunteer "[[mentor]]" that essentially serves as a parent. Under their mentor's tutelage, new Cybertronians learn about life on Cybertron, apprentice themselves in a job that suits their interests and talents, and eventually [[scanning|scan]] an alternate mode for themselves. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Two}} {{storylink|Arcee/Greenlight: Run}}

With the passing of the [[Nominus Edict]] in the years that followed the [[War of the Threefold Spark]], the forging of new Transformer lives became a strictly controlled affair, only permitted every few kilocycles when the [[Senate]] deemed it appropriate. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Five}} Despite this, at least one freak accident resulted in the birth of [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] mere hours after [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s own forging. {{storylink|Wannabee, Part 2}}
{{-}}

===Unicron Trilogy===
[[File:Linkage7 Twirl-Baby.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
====''Armada'' cartoon====
Very little is known about how new Transformers come online in this continuity, with the exception of the [[Mini-Con]]s. These tiny Transformers were deliberately created by [[Unicron]] from his cells so as to accelerate the ferocity of the Transformer war on Cybertron; their collective birth had them all hatch from glowing green pods of energy inside Unicron's innermost workings. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}}

====Linkage====
[[Redline]] and [[Falcia]] combined energy from their [[Digital Entity Frame|spark frame]]s in order to create a new body for [[Twirl (Armada)|Twirl]] to inhabit after her [[Mini-Con storage panel]] was destroyed in battle. After returning to the living world, Twirl viewed the pair as her "father" and "mother," a claim that Falcia vehemently denied. {{storylink|Linkage Part 7}}

===Live-action film series===
[[File:Foundation1-hatchlings.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
Transformer mythology holds that their race was created by the [[AllSpark]], an ancient artifact of unknown origin. When the artifact found its way to Earth, the [[human]]s of [[Sector Seven]] experimented with the AllSpark's life-giving properties, and discovered that the AllSpark's energy could animate machinery and turn any electronic device into feral "[[AllSpark Mutation]]s." This power made it of interest to the Decepticons, who, after arriving on Earth, sought to recover the AllSpark and use its power to create a new generation of Decepticons from Earth's technology to conquer the organic world. {{storylink|Transformers (film)|Transformers}}

Somewhat confusingly, this continuity family also provides the most evidence for some kind of sexual reproduction: various characters such as [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}} and [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}} have alluded to mothers and fathers, ancillary tie-in media has claimed that [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] killed his and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s father, {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers Autobots}} Megatron himself supposedly possesses "chromosomes," {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}} and [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] humps [[Mikaela Banes]]' leg in a moment of passion. (Yeah...) {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

At any rate, those Transformers in this universe who are not simply brought to life by the AllSpark begin as "[[hatchling]]s," tiny unprogrammed protoforms who gestate in fluid sacs and require regular doses of [[energon]] to survive. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}} As they mature, hatchlings leave this pod and begin to consume minerals. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}} Eventually, they assume their adult dimensions, becoming a [[protoform]] capable of engaging in [[scanning]] for new alternate modes. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}} The [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]]s appeared to have reproduced during the three years since [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s departure from Earth, birthing the rambunctious "[[Mini Dinobot]]s," but details beyond this are scarce. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}
{{-}}

===''Animated''===
[[File:Ani42 protoformblank.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
New protoforms are created from Cybertron's abundant reserves of [[Living metal|protomatter]], mined from the planet's [[Sonic Canyons]]. Once harvested, this metal then placed inside a [[stasis pod]] and exposed to the light of the special Matrix Chamber within the dojo of the [[Cyber-Ninja Corps]]. After many stellar cycles, the protoforms are imbued with sparks and brought online. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} Young Autobots may attend [[Autobot boot camp]] to learn how to work as a team. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} Traditionally, protoforms were granted sparks through the [[AllSpark]], which had supposedly created the Transformer race ten billion years prior; when [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]'s Decepticons sought to seize the AllSpark for themselves during the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], the Autobots hid the artifact in deep space, far from Cybertron. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}} Although the Autobots no longer controlled the AllSpark, they could still bring new protoforms online by using [[Vector Sigma]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

When [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and his crew inadvertently stumbled upon the AllSpark in the present day and destroyed its physical form during a battle on [[Earth]], the "AllSpark fragments" that remained displayed the ability to animate machinery, {{storylink|The Elite Guard}} each fragment acting as an immortal, indestructible [[spark]]. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}} Two AllSpark fragments turned a pair of [[human]] machines into the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicon]]s; {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}} another fragment brought a heap of garbage to life as the eccentric [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]], {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}} and [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] used a cadre of stolen protoforms and subdivided his own AllSpark fragment to create a legion of dysfunctional [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]]. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}}

===''Shattered Glass''===
In this backwards universe, new Cybertronians receive "[[Spark#Embers|embers]]" from the [[Omega Terminus]] supercomputer. Legions of misshapen [[mutant (SG)|mutant]]s attend to this twisted machine by gathering the corpses of the dead from across Cybertron and bringing them to the mass graveyard that surrounds the computer's plinth. Over time, Omega Terminus processes, breaks down, and recycles these remains into fresh robotic bodies, then imbues them with embers to bring them to life. The influence of Omega Terminus ensures that newborn Transformers quickly forget their origins, and its existence is thus considered to be a myth to the people of Cybertron.

In addition to this, the Omega Terminus can also grant embers to non-sentient Cybertronian mechanoids. [[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]] was one such being; under the influence of the Omega Terminus, he rapidly evolved from a simplistic, AI-powered machine into a true Cybertronian, gaining a powerful robot mode and a sophisticated intellect to boot. {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}

===Aligned continuity family===
[[File:OneShallRise1-WellofAllSparks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]

All Cybertronians begin their existence in the [[Well of All Sparks]]. This channel to the living core of Cybertron, created after the death of [[Solus Prime]] and her return to Primus, {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}} is where new sparks are formed through the [[AllSpark]] that traditionally resides within the Well. In eras past, new protoforms would first have to reach the surface via a death-defying run through the [[Underworld]] and its assorted horrors to prove their courage and bravery, but this practice eventually faded—by the era just before the Great War, protoforms were simply harvested from the Well, taught to transform, and put to work under the [[Functionism|caste system]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} Other near-Cybertronian creatures, such as the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s, could replicate themselves, but each successive generation grew increasingly primitive. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

The earliest Transformers born from the Well were unaware that they could [[transformation|transform]] at all; when the [[Quintesson]]s took control of the planet during the [[Age of Wrath]], they claimed that they had given the Cybertronian race this ability. The influence that the Quintessons exerted over the primitive planet was considerable to the point where newborn Cybertronians during this era began emerging from the well without names, merely numbers. Finally, however, an underground resistance group captured [[Silverbolt (WFC)|Silverbolt]] as he emerged from the Well and examined him to prove that the [[transformation cog|T-cog]] was a natural part of Transformer biology.

[[File:Armada-protoforms.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]

In the [[Golden Age]] that followed the expulsion of the Quintessons from their world, Transformers colonized other planets by using [[conversion beam]]s to instantaneously [[cyberforming|cyberform]] promising planets into metallic, Cybertron-like worlds. A portion of Cybertron's own AllSpark energy was used to ignite the colony's core to create a miniature copy of the original Well on Cybertron. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

When the Autobot/Decepticon war erupted, however, the AllSpark briefly ceased to produce life in a seeming act of divine rebellion. However the AllSpark created one final wave of Transformers who unanimously joined the Autobots, a generation that included [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} During the war, the Decepticon [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] experimented with cloning, and even managed to create armies of [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]]s based off prehistoric creatures who had once roamed ancient Cybertron. {{storylink|Project Predacon}} The Decepticons were able to clone protoforms, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] used an abandoned science lab aboard the Decepticon vessel ''[[Harbinger]]'' to briefly create a team of [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]]s. {{storylink|Armada (episode)|Armada}} After the end of the war, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], who had since absorbed the energy of the AllSpark into his physical form for safekeeping, sacrificed his life to reignite the Well and give birth to a brand-new generation of Cybertronians. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising}} {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
The Decepticon [[Ragnarok]] was an [[Outlier (group)|Outlier]] who could clone himself at will by budding. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/25}}

Any part of [[The One|The Source]]—including both [[Primus]] and [[Unicron]], as well as the [[Chronarchitect]]—can be harnessed to create a new spark, and even Unicron's poisonous emanations like [[Dark Energon]] and [[Angolmois Energy]] can be used, under the correct circumstances, to grant life to Cybertronian bodies. [[Vector Prime]] held that it was not the ''origins'' of a spark that determined its future alignment, and pointed out that all sparks had the capacity for both good and evil. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 23/07/2015}}

===''Cyberverse''===
The [[AllSpark|Allspark]] was the source of Cybertronian life and the mechanism by which new sparks came into existence. {{storylink|Allspark (episode)|Allspark}} During the Great War, [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]] hoped to use Vector Sigma to reprogram the Allspark, then use it to create to a new generation of unstoppable Decepticon warriors. {{storylink|Megatron Is My Hero}} Although this plan was ultimately foiled in one universe, [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|the Megatron of an alternate timeline]] accomplished this goal after killing his universe's [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]], and used the Allspark of his universe to create an army of [[Decepticon supersoldier]]s. {{storylink|The Other One}}

===''EarthSpark''===
From the [[Emberstone]], an artifact of [[Quintus Prime]], new protoform are born on Earth, not Cybertronian, but [[Terran]], 15 years after the war, and since any new Transformers had been made, [[robby Malto|Robby]] and [[Mo Malto|Mo]] Malto placed their hands on the Emberstone, starting a new generation of Transformers, [[Twitch|with two]] [[Thrash (ES)|new protoforms]] {{storylink|Secret Legacy, Part 1}}

==Toys==
When two toy manufacturing companies love each other very much, [[Hasbro|one of them]] may start shooting Transformer design propositions to the [[TakaraTomy|other one]]. There, during several months of gestation, engineers will work on those designs, which will be developed into functional and manufacturable Transformers. Once the Transformer is ready to be produced, its design will be sent to marketing and ultimately to the chain manufacturer for the delivery. Voilà! A new Transformer is born!

{{-}}

==Notes==
* During the early years of the ''Transformers'' franchise, Hasbro had a strict "no-girls" policy regarding the potential existence of [[female Transformer]]s. Hence, Marvel writer [[Bob Budiansky]]'s invention of the Creation Matrix as a means of generating new life began as a way to explain how the Transformers could procreate.<ref>[http://www.bwtf.com/interviews/bb204/ Bob Budiansky Interview at BWTF.com]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Jiko zōshokunō''' (自己増殖能, "budding"), '''Forged''' (フォージド ''Fōjido''), '''Constructed cold''' (コンストラクテッド・コールド ''Konsutorakuteddo Kōrudo''), '''Spark ketsugō''' (スパーク結合, "spark-splicing")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]

Reproduction

2024-08-23T02:19:06Z

Missingno7007: added new section for EarthSparks lore,

{{featured}}

[[File:MangaDinoforceBabies.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|HOW IS BABBY FORMED?]]

Though their bodies may be mechanical, [[Transformer]]s are, at heart, living beings, and like all creatures, Cybertronians also create new members of their species. But while organic life-forms procreate through a comparatively quick, self-contained, and straightforward procedure, Cybertronian '''reproduction''' is a complicated affair. The vast majority of Cybertronians reproduce asexually, but how exactly a new Transformer is created, given life, and introduced to the world is a complicated process—a process that often plays a key role in the origin of their species and culture, even if individual methods of reproduction often vary wildly across different [[continuity family|continuity families]].

{{quote|This is only <u>one</u> method of creating new Transformers. There are others.|[[Bob Budiansky]] knows not to leave himself tied down, in his pitch for the Matrix concept<ref name="BC10">[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc10/bc10bb.html griffin's 2010 BotCon report]</ref>}}

==Reproductive methods==
''See also: [[Protoform]], [[Hatchling]]''

===Mechanical construction===
: ''See also: [[Drone]], [[:Category:Man-made Transformers|Man-made Transformers]]
[[File:SOSDinobots buildingSludge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"I've been workin' on the Dinobot, all the live long day..."]]

In the very earliest days of the ''Transformers'' franchise, before the franchise established the more supernatural aspects of Cybertronian biology, early fictional portrayals treated the Transformers like conventional—albeit highly sophisticated—robots. With the right parts and technical knowledge, anyone could simply build a new Transformer like an ordinary machine. Once built, this new Transformer simply springs to life, a sentient and fully-functioning individual. In the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'' cartoon]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] and company created the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] this way, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s rebuilt a human city into [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], and the temporarily super-intelligent [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] created the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

As the ''Transformers'' franchise continued to evolve, this mundane treatment was largely forgotten in favor of more mystical means of procreation, but permutations and new twists on the idea have continued to surface. The [[Cyberfactory|Cyberfactories]] from the cartoon-based ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]'', for instance, are said to have mass-produced a new generation of Transformer life on the planet [[Earth]], and the process of "cold construction" from the [[2005 IDW continuity]] combines the concept of mechanically assembled bodies with the idea of [[spark]] infusion from an outside source. In still other stories, mechanically built Transformers are specifically flagged up as mindless "[[drone]]s." Lacking the presence of an animating [[spark]], these drones are "artifical" beings—mindless, mass-produced units who operate on a set of preprogrammed directives rather than a conscious mind.

In some ''Transformers'' universes, sufficiently connected [[human]] organizations have studied and reverse-engineered alien techno-biology to manufacture their own Transformers. In some stories, these man-made Transformers are mere drones, mindless human machines that approximate Cybertronian anatomy for their own destructive purposes, while in others the intersection of human and Cybertronian technology has given rise to fully-sentient, human-built Autobots such as the [[Autorooper]]s.
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===Spark infusion===
{{see also|Sacred treasure|Matrix of Leadership|Primal Program|Matrix Flame|Vector Sigma|AllSpark|AllSpark Mutation}}

[[File:VectorSigmaG1.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Vector Sigma holds "Disco Night" every Friday at 11 pm.]]

As the ''Transformers'' franchise evolved beyond these simple roots, later stories would firmly establish that Transformers were ''not'' simple automatons; rather, they were fully-sentient living beings. Thus, both the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] and cartoon would separately explain that the creation of a Transformer entailed infusing their physical form with a guiding, animating life-force. The ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon would eventually dub this life-force a "[[spark]]," and still later fiction revealed that sparks generally came from a supernatural artifact capable of imbuing new Transformers with life. In the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]], this artifact was the "Creation Matrix," and its [[Primal Program]], conceptual forerunner of the later [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Concurrently, the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] introduced the omniscient supercomputer [[Vector Sigma]], which turned Megatron's transforming but non-sentient robots into the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s.

After the release of both ''Beast Wars'' and its sequel ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', later stories set in the [[Generation 1 continuity family]] would essentially [[retcon]] that both the Matrix and Vector Sigma were creating new sparks whenever they brought Transformers to life. Soon, the [[Transformers (film)|2007 ''Transformers'' film]] introduced the [[AllSpark]]—coopting the name of the [[Transformer afterlife]] given in ''Beast Machines'', the metaphysical "realm" from which all Sparks were generated and returned to after death—as an artifact with similar life-giving properties, which carried over into that year's ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' cartoon. Much like Vector Sigma, both ''Animated'' and the live-action film depicted the artifact with life-giving powers, but even more pronounced: the AllSpark can infuse ''any'' machine with a spark and spontaneously bring it to life—though results can range from articulate, fully-sentient Transformers to the animalistic creatures collectively known as "[[AllSpark Mutation]]s."

In rarer circumstances, exotic substances like [[energon]] can have a similar effect on mundane objects; The various [[Transformers: BotBots (franchise)|BotBot]] tribes, for instance, are the products of [[energon radiation]] infusing everyday objects at a human shopping mall with Cybertronian robot forms. In a similar vein, [[Angolmois Energy]] displayed the ability to "evolve" normal, organic animals into [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s.

===Forging===
{{see also|Protoform|Pit (BW)|Transformer afterlife|Well of All Sparks|}}

[[File:PredaconsRisingWellofAllSparks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]

In some ''Transformers'' tales, the creation of new sparks is tied to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] itself—only a healthy, thriving planet can naturally create the sparks that will become the next generation of Cybertronians. Some stories, most notably [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave's ''Generation 1'' comics]] and the [[Aligned continuity family]] have described the [[Well of All Sparks]] as the physical mechanism from which new sparks are drawn up from the core of the planet. In other stories, a sacred artifact such as Vector Sigma or the AllSpark can serve as an intermediary, the physical mechanism by which new sparks are imbued into the [[living metal]] that will become their mortal form. This mass of living metal becomes a [[protoform]], a living entity that's roughly analogous to a human fetus. Over time, the liquid metal mass cools and develops into a fully-fledged Transformer, adopting a unique personality and [[alternate mode]]. Sometimes referred to as "protoforming" or "being protoformed," [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' comic book coined the term "forging" to describe the entire process, and in the years since the term has grown to become a loose synonym for "birth" in general.
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===Other means===
; Sexual reproduction

[[File:Sariprime.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1|[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] asks where organic beings come from... and realizes that there are some questions best left unanswered.]]

{{see also|Transformer romance}}

Although the vast majority of ''Transformers'' universes feature both male and [[female Transformer|female]] Transformers with an understanding of [[Transformer romance|love]], the vast majority of Transformers do not reproduce sexually, and indeed regard this kind of procreation as something entirely alien to their mechanical worldview. (Though admittedly, there isn't a lot of direct evidence for [[human]]s reproducing sexually in most ''Transformers'' media, which is, after all, aimed towards kids.) A handful of stories have nevertheless revealed that some Transformers organize themselves into humanlike family units that could imply organic methods of reproduction... although, again, as ''Transformers'' is mostly for kids, little has been revealed beyond infrequent mentions of parents and the occasional crude innuendo, the latter almost certainly added for comedy's sake rather than any kind of definitive canon.

Some versions of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s backstory, for instance, note that his parents died in the crash that marooned him on the planet [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]]. Similarly, the Japanese [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]] reveals that [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and his forces have been fighting for the sake of their civilian families living on top of the [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], which include Deathsaurus's wife [[Esmeral (G1)|Esmeral]] and many [[Baby Dinoforce|children]]. In ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] mentions parents, while in ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]'', [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] alludes to a bad relationship with his father.
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{{anchor|Budding}}
; Budding
{{See also|Swarm (G2)|l1=Swarm}}

[[File:G2issue5-PowerandtheGlory-BuddingSteps.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Budding doesn't look like much fun at ALL. It looks like ''Aliens versus Predator'' all over again.]]

The [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Transformers: Generation 2'' comic]] revealed that, after their creation by [[Primus]], early Transformers reproduced by "budding," a {{w|mitosis|mitosis}}-like form of asexual reproduction whereby Transformers could rapidly reproduce by generating a mass of energized liquid metal from within their body. This mass then splits itself off from the "parent" Transformer to become a new Cybertronian. Illustrations suggest that this is something of a communal event, with others surrounding the budding robot in a circle. Once the Transformers had hit a population level that Primus deemed desirable, the practice stopped and all memory of it was erased.

When the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] faction rediscovered and revived the process over the next 4 million years after the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s disappearance, Primus's lifeforce was spread thinner and thinner between them, and the successive generations of budded Transformers became increasingly less sentient and emotional. The lifeform called the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]] was created as a byproduct of the process. Transformers who have undergone the budding process retain some sort of primal link to their offspring; the Decepticon [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] doubles over in pain when his Cybertronian descendant [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]] is destroyed, and the [[Liege Maximo]] says he would know if his descendant, Megatron, were to die.
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; Cloning
{{See also|Cloning}}

[[File:Lotta starscreams.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Transformers possess [[CNA|genetic material]] of a sort, and this "genome" can be copied and manipulated by scientifically minded individuals to create [[cloning|clones]]. In some instances, these cloned Transformers are identical in every way to the donor Transformer; in other stories, cloned Transformers may take on different names, color schemes, develop new personalities, and even possess radically different [[alternate mode]]s—they are, essentially, a new individual with little connection to the original beyond the circumstances of their creation.

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===Familial relationships===
''See also: [[Relatives]], [[Twin]]s

[[File:PrimeDirective4 Cover SunstreakerSideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

Although the Transformers are generally understood to reproduce asexually, canonical sources have sometimes used genealogical terminology to describe certain relationships. Most commonly, some Transformers possess siblings, and more often than not these siblings are referred to as [[twin]]s— [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]], or [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. When ''Transformers'' fiction has deigned to give an explanation for this phenomenon, the most common explanation is that twins are the result of a "split protoform" or a "split spark"; akin to the random splitting of a human zygote.

The setting of the [[Beast Era]] featured a cast of characters far removed in time from the original [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, which the show's cast of [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s referred to as their "ancestors." [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] occasionally mentions his "great-aunt" [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and some sources have referred to [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s descendant. In the absence of sexual reproduction, the use and meaning of these genealogical references is difficult to explain. This term may also be used in an ideological sense or even a technological sense, much as the CD or MP3 player is, in a way, a "descendant" of the gramophone.
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==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Marvel Comics continuity====
=====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comic=====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Prima.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
Before Primus shut down, he gave the Transformers a "genetic matrix" that contained his essence and power, which could be used to create more Transformers without his direct involvement. {{storylink|The Primal Scream}} This "Creation Matrix" contained a "[[Primal Program]]" encoded within the Matrix's crystal,<ref>[http://ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Optimus_Prime_PM Powermaster Optimus Prime's Marvel comic profile]</ref> which could be used to give life to new Transformers. Over time, the Matrix passed from one leader to the next, until, by the modern day, it had come into the possession of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|The New Order}} ''Although Optimus Prime would eventually leave Earth, the [[Matrix Flame]] on Cybertron burned constantly as long as the Matrix still existed and could channel its life-giving energies. The Autobot resistance on Cybertron harnessed the Flame to create their new warrior, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]].''<ref>Ultra Magnus profile page in Marvel UK [[Target: 2006#Defeat!|#81]]</ref>

Once the Transformer war spilled over to modern Earth, [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] captured and decapitated the Autobot leader, using the Creation Matrix to build and animate the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} Shockwave then attempted to imbue life into the newly built [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], but was thwarted by [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], who had had the Matrix downloaded into his mind by Prime's still-living head. {{storylink|Prime Time!}} Once Prime had been rescued, he used the Matrix to bring Jetfire to life. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

=====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic=====
[[File:TNA.gif|thumb|left|200px|With the right early screening, even [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarming]] might some day be preventable.]]
Soon after Primus created [[Prima]] and the first generation of Cybertronians, he gave them the ability to "bud" off from one another as a way to rapidly increase their population, replicating their own genetic material in the process. However, this method of reproduction posed its own unique dangers, and was only ever intended to be a stopgap measure to quickly grow their numbers beyond the Transformers Primus himself had created from the fabric of Cybertron. If Transformers budded ''too'' much, the essence of their creator would grow thinner and thinner between them, resulting in a cold and emotionless race.

Once Cybertron's population grew to a desired number, Primus caused his creations to forget about the process entirely, leaving them to reproduce using the Matrix alone... but eventually a group of Decepticons would resurrect the process, quickly shedding their ignoble origins to become the coldly efficient [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] empire. This new faction relied exclusively on budding to procreate, but their overuse of the process led to the creation of the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]. {{storylink|The Power and the Glory}}
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====Cartoon continuities====
=====''The Transformers'' cartoon=====
[[File:Aerialbots group.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
Although some Transformers such as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} were simply built on Earth like conventional machines, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] first created the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s by rebuilding five normal road machines into transforming, remote-controlled robots; unlike the Dinobots, these remained entirely mindless automatons. To turn them into truly sapient Cybertronian lifeforms, Megatron took them to [[Vector Sigma]] on Cybertron, and ordered the ancient computer to bring his creations to life, granting them Cybertronian intellects and personalities. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} In turn, the Autobots constructed their own team, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], and brought them to life through a similar process. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

A temporarily superintelligent [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] created the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s using parts from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s severed head, and sacrificed his own enormous intellect to imbue the team with above-average intelligence—a process, that, notably, did not involve Vector Sigma. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

=====''Victory'' comic=====
A large population of civilian Decepticons lived atop the [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], including [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]'s wife [[Esmeral (G1)|Esmeral]], his son, and many other small dinosaur Transformers, collectively dubbed the "[[Baby Dinoforce]]." {{storylink|The Grand Victory War}}

=====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity=====
Although the Autobots and Quintessons made several Transformers without the aid of Vector Sigma (a form of [[Primus]]), those base Transformers were not considered fully alive robots, being considered by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] in [[1985]] as more akin to animals. He would change his mind after creating the [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbots]] in [[2011]], where he realized they were still legitimate [[Transformer]]s in their own right, just with less intelligence. Over time, the Monsterbots would grow fully-developed minds. {{Storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 3}} The intelligent [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]' creation was possible because [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] had absorbed Vector Sigma's knowledge when he became a genius. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 2}}

=====''Wings Universe''=====
Cybertronians in this universe are created on assembly lines at specialized production centers. These plants seem to create Cybertronians based on set blueprints that determine both their design and to some degree their personality, as both [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn's]] unique appearance/attitude and [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist's]] extra processor are explained as being the result of "glitches" in their production lines. Cybertronians seem to hold some loyalty to the center that created them, as Side Burn joined the Autobots after his own was destroyed by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 39|Side Burn's profile in Club magazine #39}} {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 36|Ironfist's profile in Club magazine #36}}

In the years following the revitalization of Cybertron, a Cybertronian alliance with Earth and Nebulos led to the proliferation of [[Cyberfactory|Cyberfactories]] across the planet to mass-produce a new generation of Earthborn Transformers. These factories operated using technology reverse engineered from Vector Sigma to bring the new Transformers online. {{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}}

Following the Rebirth, [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] utilized advanced cloning technology to birth a "second generation" of Cybertronians modelled after the mightiest of Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|A Flash Forward (story arc)|A Flash Forward}}

====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[File:Stasispod.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Both [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s begin as protoforms, nonsentient masses of liquid metal. Protoforms are fragile in their unprotected state, vulnerable to [[energon radiation]], {{storylink|The Spark}}, but given the right circumstances they can survive indefinitely when inside a [[stasis pod]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Where exactly these new protoforms and the sparks they carry ''come'' from is something of a mystery; some semi-canonical sources have inferred the existence of an autonomous "[[Matrix (facility)|Matrix facility]]" and a "[[Pit (BW)|Pit]]" where Maximal and Predacon protoforms are respectively manufactured, but details are scarce and sometimes contradictory. {{storylink|Beast Wars Universe}} {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

The protoforms aboard the Maximal starship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' were placed in stasis pods for their journey, but after the ship and its crew found themselves diverted to prehistoric [[Earth]], the newborn protoforms were ejected into orbit rather than risk damage in the crash. When a stasis pod landed on Earth, its inbuilt [[DNA scanner]] surveyed the terrain for nearby lifeforms, then generated a [[beast mode]] for the new protoform, based on the local wildlife, to bring the new Transformer online. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} {{storylink|The Spark}} Predacon [[shell program]]s are capable of altering the personality of a protoform before its activation, potentially turning them into an obedient Predacon soldier. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} {{storylink|Spider's Game}}
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====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
[[File:MTMTE-cloning.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Transformers generally begin life as a protoform, a skeletal mass of partially formed circuits that can be altered to suit specific needs. These are kept in stasis pods filled with nurturing nutrient gel until the body is infused with a spark, usually from the Matrix. If the Matrix is absent, life can be granted by attuning the protoform to an energy wavelength similar to the Matrix and then applying a concentrated burst of energon. This alternative is rarely used, as it is extremely resource-consumptive and requires restrictively high amounts of energon. Once a spark is infused into a protoform, it begins a reformatting process that designs its own robot and alternate modes for the new Cybertronian. Some believed that the Cybertronian race had yet to explore other potential avenues of creating Transformers, although what form this might take remains mysterious. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

Following the loss of the ''Ark'', [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] began experimenting with new methods of creating life, including cloning. {{storylink|Recipe for Hate}} The process sought to induce the natural splitting of a spark through technological means, manipulating a pair of protoforms to match based on a set of pre-programmed variables. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}} From this, he created several unique individuals based on both Autobots and Decepticons like including [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], an experimental, highly unstable clone of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} As resources grew scarce, Shockwave worked with the Autobots to create a new generation of Transformers by secretly tapping the power of Vector Sigma. Eventually, their efforts gave rise to the [[Micromaster]]s, a smaller and more fuel-efficient breed of Cybertronian. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing}}
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====2005 IDW continuity====
{{quote|No one has a right to know how a fellow Cybertronian was created. There's a thin line between categorization and segregation, and I never want to see it crossed again.|[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]|"[[Twenty Plus One]]". No one tell him about the table below.}}

[[File:Chromedome and Rodimus with a spark.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left|Baby ''boom''? Baby fuel-air bomb!]]
According to [[Scorponok (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Scorponok]], no mechanical lifeforms in the galaxy are capable of sexual reproduction. {{storylink|Kill All 'Cons}} Thus, Cybertronians are normally created through one of two methods: they are either "'''forged'''" or "'''constructed cold'''." Their names include an "of [place]" suffix to describe where they were born, e.g. "[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] of [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]]".

Forged Transformers are created when an energy pulse from Vector Sigma flashes across Cybertron and its moons, igniting [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]]s where new sparks emerged from the planet. After a great celebration, Cybertronians would gather "[[living metal|sentio metallico]]" from the planet's surface, "nurturing" the substance until it coalesced around a freshly-harvested spark. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} Beginning as a simple geometric shape, a newborn protoform follows the [[CNA|genetic instructions]] hard-coded within their spark to develop limbs, facial features, and components related to their future alternate mode. {{storylink|Silent Light}} If the protoform struggles to find a form, specialized medical professionals known as [[blacksmith]]s help the new Transformer along by sculpting the metal into its most natural shape. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}} Once a protoform cools into a solid mechanical form, the young Transformer develops by imprinting on its surroundings, learning how to walk, talk, interact with others, and even [[Transformation|transform]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} From "first flash" to the final product, the maturation process lasts no more than two weeks, {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} with the specific protoform-to-Transformer phase taking anywhere from two to five days. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}} {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}}

A small group of forged Transformers are known as "[[Point One Percenter]]s" (about 0.01% of the population) and may possess strength, durability, or endurance beyond that of the average Transformer. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} Some [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s carried hot spots within their bodies, using the Transformers birthed from these hot spots to colonize distant worlds during the reign of the [[Thirteen]]. {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} The [[Velocitron]]ian Titan [[Navitas]] once identified [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] as the "sparkling" of [[Caminus (planet)|her planet]]'s Titan, [[Caminus (Titan)|Caminus]]. {{storylink|Race Against the Light}}

[[File:YourFirstMistake-ColdConstruction.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Sex Ed. Volume 1, or: '''PANTS FULL OF SHAME'''."]]

Cold construction was instituted by [[Nova Prime]] after the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]]; fearing that the increasingly infrequent pulsewaves from Vector Sigma would halt entirely and leave him without enough Transformers to create his [[Expansion|grand galactic empire]], Nova entrusted the Matrix of Leadership to a science team headed by [[Solomus|Tyrest]] and charged them with tapping its legendary energies of creation. The scientists succeeded in doing so, and proved able to generate thousands of sparks a day and house them in artificially-built bodies in what historians would dub the "[[Silver Harvest]]." Sparks were produced at such a rapid rate that they had to be stockpiled until new bodies could be constructed. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} To do so, the sparks were "frozen" in [[photonic crystal]]s until they were "thawed" and placed in a body inside a specialized postnatal facility, leading to the term "constructed cold". {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}} Unbeknownst to the majority of Cybertronians, these photonic crystals were themselves manufactured by a unique Cybertronian, [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} The prefabricated forms that housed Matrix-derived sparks did not match the "genetic instructions" encoded within a newborn spark, and at least one constructed cold Transformer, [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], developed a habit of periodically changing bodies. [[Windblade (G1)|Some]] interpreted this as a sign that his spark was still subconsciously trying to find its "true form", {{storylink|Your First Mistake}} but [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|others]] held that it was merely a sign of his own vanity. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

[[File:TheLopsidedTriangle-MTOs.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]

Recognizing the potential for outcry against what they were doing, a cover story was put in place to explain the birth of these new Transformers: the public were told that they were created via '''spark-splicing''', using the energy of a Forged spark to ignite a new one. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} Eventually, one of the scientists had an attack of conscience and stole the Matrix, replacing it with a forgery; unaware of this, Tyrest and his team believed that they had bled the Matrix dry. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} The public were never told why the "spark-splicing" program was stopped; as such, by the time of [[Nominus Prime]]'s assassination, Senator [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] had made repeated lobbies to resurrect it. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} Resentment towards constructed cold robots led to religiously motivated prejudice in the name of [[Adaptus]] and even apartheid against the "knock-offs." By the time [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] was first arrested, the [[Senate]] had relaxed these laws and the discrimination was ''officially'' considered a thing of the past, cough cough. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Megatron himself occupied a unique position as the only "hybrid" 'bot. Originating as a wholly cold-constructed bot, the body's original spark was destroyed by a time-travelling [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]; a Point One Percenter spark which had been harvested on Luna 1 in the present day was placed in the empty shell by [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}}

[[File:KillAllCons ScorponokWithLilBaby.jpg|thumb|150px|"The next thing I knew, I was pregnant."]]

As the war dragged on, the Autobots discovered a long abandoned cache of frozen sparks from Nova Prime's era. Desperate to bolster their numbers, Autobot command began mass-producing legions of cold-constructed soldiers to fill out their ranks. These "[[M.T.O.|Made to Order]]" soldiers were named after the campaigns they were activated for, e.g. "[[Getaway]] of the [[Corcapsia Incursion]]". Early M.T.Os followed a ten-step education program before they could be declared fit for duty; as the war worsened, however, the number of steps dwindled to seven, then, finally, three simple directives uploaded directly into their minds as their sparks thawed so that new M.T.Os could be airdropped as soon as they came online. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}} The Decepticons had their own supplies of M.T.O. soldiers, including [[Ambulon]]. {{storylink|The Not Knowing}} Decepticon M.T.Os were constructed using raw material from melted-down Autobot prisoners, but where their sparks were sourced from is not known. {{storylink|Speak, Memory! (Part 2)}} The Decepticons experimented with cloning late in the war and created three sentient [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s from experiments on a naturally-occurring subterranean species. The process proved horribly inefficient, however, and the three thousand failures lived on as the ravenous [[Insecticon swarm|"Insecticon swarm"]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

The scientist [[Tarantulas (BW)#2005 IDW continuity|Mesothulas]] invented a third form of "reproduction" after discovering the ability to create an artificial spark by synthesizing Matrix energy. The only known being created through this method was "Ostaros", a robot who would later become [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]], indistinguishable from any other Cybertronian save for the circumstances of his creation. Whether or not Springer counts as a "true" Cybertronian, or merely an advanced <s>replicant</s> <s>synth</s> robot, is presumably up to the reader to decide. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}} {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}} After the war, Scorponok obtained the [[Epistemus|Magnificence]] and learned how to infuse organic lifeforms with extracted sparks. To revitalize the dying Decepticon movement, he planned to mass-produce these biological creatures; by reproducing sexually, the spark they carried would split again and again and again until their population reached a desired number, at which point their sparks would be harvested and placed back into cold constructed bodies. Only [[Firstborn|one organic]] was produced as a proof of concept before Scorponok lost possession of both the child and the Magnificence. {{storylink|Kill All 'Cons}}

{| cellpadding="5" class="tt1_featuredCharacters mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
|colspan="6"|Characters by origin
|-
! style="background:#004000;color:white" colspan="3"|Forged
! style="background:navy;color:white" colspan="3"|Constructed cold
|-
! style="background:#a1f088" align="center"|Pre-war
! style="background:#b7f78d" align="center"|"Warborn"
! style="background:#bcf27c" align="center"|Unknown
! style="background:#9abce2" align="center"|First wave
! style="background:#8ec1f6" align="center"|Second wave/M.T.O.
! style="background:#7dc7f1" align="center"|Unknown
|-
| style="background:#BCF7AA" valign="top"|
{|border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent;"
|-
| valign="top"|
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]
*[[Bulkhead (G1)|Bulkhead]]
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]
*[[Crosscut (G1)|Crosscut]]
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]]
*[[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
*[[Tarn (G1)|Damus/Glitch/Tarn]]
*[[Dominus Ambus]]
*[[Eucryphia]]
*[[Functionist Council|The Functionist Council]]
*[[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]
*[[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]]
*[[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]]
*[[Guiding Hand]]
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod/Rodimus]]
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]]
*[[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]
*[[Knights of Cybertron|The Knights of Cybertron]]
*[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]
*[[Maximal#2005 IDW continuity|Maximals]]
*[[Minimus Ambus]]
*[[Myskrion]]
*[[Nova Prime|Nova Major/Nova Prime]]
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]
| valign="top"|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax/Optimus Prime]]
*[[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
*[[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]
*[[Quark]]
*[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]]
*[[Roller (IDW)|Roller]]
*[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]
*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]
*[[Septimus Prime]]
*[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]]
*[[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]]
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]
*[[Tailpipe (G1)|Tailpipe]]
*[[Thinkbox]]
*[[Thirteen#IDW|The Thirteen Primes]]
*[[Titan (group)|Titans]]<ref group="idw">At least thirteen of the Titans carried hot spots within their bodies for colonization purposes; by extension all known Transformers native to the colony worlds are Forged.</ref>
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]
*[[Tusk]]
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]
|}
| style="background:#D0FCB3" valign="top"|

*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]]
*[[Fulcrum]]
| style="background:#CEF99D" valign="top"|
*[[Animus]]
*[[Black Shadow (G1)|Black Shadow]]
*[[Blockus]]
*[[Convoy (G1)|Convoy]]
*[[Datum]]
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]
*[[Heretech]]
*[[Misfire (G1)|Flyhigh/Misfire]]
*[[Ramp]]
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]
*[[Suture (G1)|Suture]]
*[[Sweep (IDW)|Sweep]]
| style="background:#B8D1ED" valign="top"|
*[[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]]
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]]
*[[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]
*[[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]<ref group="idw">Megatron is a hybrid Transformer, consisting of a forged spark in a cold constructed body.</ref>
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]
*[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]]
*[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]]
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Tumbler/Chromedome]]
| style="background:#b4d8fc" valign="top"|
*[[Ambulon]]
*[[Ammo]]
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]
*[[Dipstick]]
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Genitus/Brainstorm]]
*[[Getaway]]
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]]
*[[Scattergun]]
| style="background:#9ed7f8" valign="top"|
*[[Agonizer]]
*[[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]]
*[[Flame (Marvel)|Flame]]
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]]
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]]
|}

<references group="idw"/>
{{--}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
Little is known about how the "[[Builder of Cybertron|Builders of Cybertron]]"—the former Autobots and Decepticons who fought the Great War—reproduced, although they regarded Vector Sigma as their "font of life". {{storylink|Head Games}} By the end of their conflict Vector Sigma was counted among the casualties, threatening the dying Cybertronian race with slow extinction. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} During their heyday, science identified some particularly exceptional Builders as Point One Percenters, who had helped thwart Unicron's attack on Cybertron. {{storylink|The Inexorable March}}

Correctly realizing that the Cybertronian race was doomed without an alternate means of generating new sparks, [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] bargained with the hyper-evolved [[Human Confederacy]] in the hopes that they could grant his race a future. Using the [[Energon Matrix|energon matrix]] they provided, he helped to create the Maximals and Predacons as successors to the Autobots and Decepticons—but even though his contemporaries merely saw these newly created "proto-races" as slaves to continue their old grudges via vicious gladiatorial [[Games (competition)|Games]], Cerebros viewed this as an acceptable sacrifice to curtail further Cybertronian aggression. {{storylink|Head Games}}

Years into the [[Grand Uprising]], the artificially created [[Galva Convoy]] and his cloned energon matrix devised the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]], a mass-produced proto-race that could "reproduce" by infecting other Cybertronians and transforming them into more mindless Vehicons. Originally conceived as a weapon of war, the rise of the Vehicons soon snowballed into the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]] that effectively ended the Grand Uprising. {{storylink|Derailment}}

====''Of Masters and Mayhem''====
After the onset of the Great War, several Cybertronians were constructed cold. {{storylink|The Truth We Make}}

====''TransTech''====
As Maximals with "fully integrated organic parts," [[Kitte Shūshū]] and her husband [[Z Grill]] conceived their son [[Stampy (BW)|Stampy]] using them—the only explicit confirmation of sexual reproduction in the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref>This hasn't stopped fan fiction writers from speculating, though.</ref> {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/10}}

====''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''====
Following [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s defeat, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and his spouse [[Cover Girl]] used a combination of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], [[binary bonding]], and [[technoactive cube|technoactive core]] technology to conceive a half-Cybertronian, half-human child. {{storylink|The War Never Ends}}

====2019 IDW continuity====
[[File:WannabeePart2-BumblebeeForging.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
New Transformers are forged from Cybertron's living metal, a process that begins with the mass harvesting of raw materials by gigantic, mobile crawlers such as [[Leviathan (G1)|Leviathan]] {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Three}} and continues at the [[Forge Pyramid|Pyramid]] in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], where this metal is shaped into a new body to house a spark obtained from the Well of All Sparks. Finally, the newborn Transformer is introduced to the people of Cybertron in a great open-air celebration officiated by the reigning [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Four}} {{storylink|Wannabee, Part 2}} The Transformers of this universe emerge in a comparatively underdeveloped state; born without a concrete understanding of the world around them and lacking an [[alternate mode]], the task of educating these new Transformers falls to a volunteer "[[mentor]]" that essentially serves as a parent. Under their mentor's tutelage, new Cybertronians learn about life on Cybertron, apprentice themselves in a job that suits their interests and talents, and eventually [[scanning|scan]] an alternate mode for themselves. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Two}} {{storylink|Arcee/Greenlight: Run}}

With the passing of the [[Nominus Edict]] in the years that followed the [[War of the Threefold Spark]], the forging of new Transformer lives became a strictly controlled affair, only permitted every few kilocycles when the [[Senate]] deemed it appropriate. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Five}} Despite this, at least one freak accident resulted in the birth of [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] mere hours after [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s own forging. {{storylink|Wannabee, Part 2}}
{{-}}

===Unicron Trilogy===
[[File:Linkage7 Twirl-Baby.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
====''Armada'' cartoon====
Very little is known about how new Transformers come online in this continuity, with the exception of the [[Mini-Con]]s. These tiny Transformers were deliberately created by [[Unicron]] from his cells so as to accelerate the ferocity of the Transformer war on Cybertron; their collective birth had them all hatch from glowing green pods of energy inside Unicron's innermost workings. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}}

====Linkage====
[[Redline]] and [[Falcia]] combined energy from their [[Digital Entity Frame|spark frame]]s in order to create a new body for [[Twirl (Armada)|Twirl]] to inhabit after her [[Mini-Con storage panel]] was destroyed in battle. After returning to the living world, Twirl viewed the pair as her "father" and "mother," a claim that Falcia vehemently denied. {{storylink|Linkage Part 7}}

===Live-action film series===
[[File:Foundation1-hatchlings.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
Transformer mythology holds that their race was created by the [[AllSpark]], an ancient artifact of unknown origin. When the artifact found its way to Earth, the [[human]]s of [[Sector Seven]] experimented with the AllSpark's life-giving properties, and discovered that the AllSpark's energy could animate machinery and turn any electronic device into feral "[[AllSpark Mutation]]s." This power made it of interest to the Decepticons, who, after arriving on Earth, sought to recover the AllSpark and use its power to create a new generation of Decepticons from Earth's technology to conquer the organic world. {{storylink|Transformers (film)|Transformers}}

Somewhat confusingly, this continuity family also provides the most evidence for some kind of sexual reproduction: various characters such as [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}} and [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}} have alluded to mothers and fathers, ancillary tie-in media has claimed that [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] killed his and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s father, {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers Autobots}} Megatron himself supposedly possesses "chromosomes," {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}} and [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] humps [[Mikaela Banes]]' leg in a moment of passion. (Yeah...) {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

At any rate, those Transformers in this universe who are not simply brought to life by the AllSpark begin as "[[hatchling]]s," tiny unprogrammed protoforms who gestate in fluid sacs and require regular doses of [[energon]] to survive. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}} As they mature, hatchlings leave this pod and begin to consume minerals. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}} Eventually, they assume their adult dimensions, becoming a [[protoform]] capable of engaging in [[scanning]] for new alternate modes. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}} The [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]]s appeared to have reproduced during the three years since [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s departure from Earth, birthing the rambunctious "[[Mini Dinobot]]s," but details beyond this are scarce. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}
{{-}}

===''Animated''===
[[File:Ani42 protoformblank.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
New protoforms are created from Cybertron's abundant reserves of [[Living metal|protomatter]], mined from the planet's [[Sonic Canyons]]. Once harvested, this metal then placed inside a [[stasis pod]] and exposed to the light of the special Matrix Chamber within the dojo of the [[Cyber-Ninja Corps]]. After many stellar cycles, the protoforms are imbued with sparks and brought online. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} Young Autobots may attend [[Autobot boot camp]] to learn how to work as a team. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} Traditionally, protoforms were granted sparks through the [[AllSpark]], which had supposedly created the Transformer race ten billion years prior; when [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]'s Decepticons sought to seize the AllSpark for themselves during the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], the Autobots hid the artifact in deep space, far from Cybertron. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}} Although the Autobots no longer controlled the AllSpark, they could still bring new protoforms online by using [[Vector Sigma]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

When [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and his crew inadvertently stumbled upon the AllSpark in the present day and destroyed its physical form during a battle on [[Earth]], the "AllSpark fragments" that remained displayed the ability to animate machinery, {{storylink|The Elite Guard}} each fragment acting as an immortal, indestructible [[spark]]. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}} Two AllSpark fragments turned a pair of [[human]] machines into the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicon]]s; {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}} another fragment brought a heap of garbage to life as the eccentric [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]], {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}} and [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] used a cadre of stolen protoforms and subdivided his own AllSpark fragment to create a legion of dysfunctional [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]]. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}}

===''Shattered Glass''===
In this backwards universe, new Cybertronians receive "[[Spark#Embers|embers]]" from the [[Omega Terminus]] supercomputer. Legions of misshapen [[mutant (SG)|mutant]]s attend to this twisted machine by gathering the corpses of the dead from across Cybertron and bringing them to the mass graveyard that surrounds the computer's plinth. Over time, Omega Terminus processes, breaks down, and recycles these remains into fresh robotic bodies, then imbues them with embers to bring them to life. The influence of Omega Terminus ensures that newborn Transformers quickly forget their origins, and its existence is thus considered to be a myth to the people of Cybertron.

In addition to this, the Omega Terminus can also grant embers to non-sentient Cybertronian mechanoids. [[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]] was one such being; under the influence of the Omega Terminus, he rapidly evolved from a simplistic, AI-powered machine into a true Cybertronian, gaining a powerful robot mode and a sophisticated intellect to boot. {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}

===Aligned continuity family===
[[File:OneShallRise1-WellofAllSparks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]

All Cybertronians begin their existence in the [[Well of All Sparks]]. This channel to the living core of Cybertron, created after the death of [[Solus Prime]] and her return to Primus, {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}} is where new sparks are formed through the [[AllSpark]] that traditionally resides within the Well. In eras past, new protoforms would first have to reach the surface via a death-defying run through the [[Underworld]] and its assorted horrors to prove their courage and bravery, but this practice eventually faded—by the era just before the Great War, protoforms were simply harvested from the Well, taught to transform, and put to work under the [[Functionism|caste system]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} Other near-Cybertronian creatures, such as the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s, could replicate themselves, but each successive generation grew increasingly primitive. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

The earliest Transformers born from the Well were unaware that they could [[transformation|transform]] at all; when the [[Quintesson]]s took control of the planet during the [[Age of Wrath]], they claimed that they had given the Cybertronian race this ability. The influence that the Quintessons exerted over the primitive planet was considerable to the point where newborn Cybertronians during this era began emerging from the well without names, merely numbers. Finally, however, an underground resistance group captured [[Silverbolt (WFC)|Silverbolt]] as he emerged from the Well and examined him to prove that the [[transformation cog|T-cog]] was a natural part of Transformer biology.

[[File:Armada-protoforms.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]

In the [[Golden Age]] that followed the expulsion of the Quintessons from their world, Transformers colonized other planets by using [[conversion beam]]s to instantaneously [[cyberforming|cyberform]] promising planets into metallic, Cybertron-like worlds. A portion of Cybertron's own AllSpark energy was used to ignite the colony's core to create a miniature copy of the original Well on Cybertron. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

When the Autobot/Decepticon war erupted, however, the AllSpark briefly ceased to produce life in a seeming act of divine rebellion. However the AllSpark created one final wave of Transformers who unanimously joined the Autobots, a generation that included [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} During the war, the Decepticon [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] experimented with cloning, and even managed to create armies of [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]]s based off prehistoric creatures who had once roamed ancient Cybertron. {{storylink|Project Predacon}} The Decepticons were able to clone protoforms, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] used an abandoned science lab aboard the Decepticon vessel ''[[Harbinger]]'' to briefly create a team of [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]]s. {{storylink|Armada (episode)|Armada}} After the end of the war, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], who had since absorbed the energy of the AllSpark into his physical form for safekeeping, sacrificed his life to reignite the Well and give birth to a brand-new generation of Cybertronians. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising}} {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
The Decepticon [[Ragnarok]] was an [[Outlier (group)|Outlier]] who could clone himself at will by budding. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/25}}

Any part of [[The One|The Source]]—including both [[Primus]] and [[Unicron]], as well as the [[Chronarchitect]]—can be harnessed to create a new spark, and even Unicron's poisonous emanations like [[Dark Energon]] and [[Angolmois Energy]] can be used, under the correct circumstances, to grant life to Cybertronian bodies. [[Vector Prime]] held that it was not the ''origins'' of a spark that determined its future alignment, and pointed out that all sparks had the capacity for both good and evil. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 23/07/2015}}

===''Cyberverse''===
The [[AllSpark|Allspark]] was the source of Cybertronian life and the mechanism by which new sparks came into existence. {{storylink|Allspark (episode)|Allspark}} During the Great War, [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]] hoped to use Vector Sigma to reprogram the Allspark, then use it to create to a new generation of unstoppable Decepticon warriors. {{storylink|Megatron Is My Hero}} Although this plan was ultimately foiled in one universe, [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|the Megatron of an alternate timeline]] accomplished this goal after killing his universe's [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]], and used the Allspark of his universe to create an army of [[Decepticon supersoldier]]s. {{storylink|The Other One}}

===''EarthSpark''===
From the [[Emberstone]], an arifact of [[Quintus Prime]], new protoform are born on Earth, not Cybertronian, but [[Terran]], 15 years after the war, and since any new Transformers had been made, [[robby Malto|Robby]] and [[Mo Malto|Mo]] Malto placed their hands on the Emberstone, starting a new generation of Transformers, [[Twitch|with two]] [[Thrash (ES)|new protoforms]] {{storylink|Secret Legacy, Part 1}}

==Toys==
When two toy manufacturing companies love each other very much, [[Hasbro|one of them]] may start shooting Transformer design propositions to the [[TakaraTomy|other one]]. There, during several months of gestation, engineers will work on those designs, which will be developed into functional and manufacturable Transformers. Once the Transformer is ready to be produced, its design will be sent to marketing and ultimately to the chain manufacturer for the delivery. Voilà! A new Transformer is born!

{{-}}

==Notes==
* During the early years of the ''Transformers'' franchise, Hasbro had a strict "no-girls" policy regarding the potential existence of [[female Transformer]]s. Hence, Marvel writer [[Bob Budiansky]]'s invention of the Creation Matrix as a means of generating new life began as a way to explain how the Transformers could procreate.<ref>[http://www.bwtf.com/interviews/bb204/ Bob Budiansky Interview at BWTF.com]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Jiko zōshokunō''' (自己増殖能, "budding"), '''Forged''' (フォージド ''Fōjido''), '''Constructed cold''' (コンストラクテッド・コールド ''Konsutorakuteddo Kōrudo''), '''Spark ketsugō''' (スパーク結合, "spark-splicing")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]

User talk:Missingno7007

2024-08-23T01:16:14Z

Missingno7007:

what are you lookin at ''nerd''

Twitch

2024-08-23T01:12:09Z

Missingno7007: added small (funny) description to image of Twitch and Hashtag

{{factions|terran|autobot}}

:''Twitch is a [[Terran]] from the [[Transformers: EarthSpark (franchise)|EarthSpark]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Twitch-earthspark-stock.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|I think I'm a drone now, the whirring of my blades is the only sound.]]

'''Twitch Malto''' arose from the [[water]]s of [[Earth]] with an inquisitive mind, a keen memory, and a fierce competitive streak. Twitch is enthusiastic, exuberant, and eager to learn... but she's also determined to be the best, and unafraid to use her knowledge to get the upper hand in whatever she deems a competition. This take-charge attitude can sometimes land her in unpredictable situations; fortunately, she's fast on her feet, clever enough to formulate a plan on the fly, and armed with an array of high-tech Cybertronian gadgets while in her drone [[alternate mode]].

As a member of the Malto family, Twitch is close to her adoptive brother [[Robby Malto|Robby]]; unlike her Terran brother [[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]], however, she also possesses a close connection with [[Wheeljack (ES)|Wheeljack]], the inventor of her alternate mode, whom she views as a "second father" of sorts. With the arrival of more Terrans, Twitch has gradually taken on a leadership position amongst her siblings.

==Fiction==
===''EarthSpark'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Kathreen Khavari]] (English), [[Chiwa Saitō]] (Japanese)|[[Lupita Leal]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Thaís Dutra]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Karine Foviau]] (French), [[Nadine Wöbs]] (German), [[Irene Trotta]] (Italian)}}
{{ongoing}}
[[File:TwitchCreation SecretLegacyPart1.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Twitch and Thrash were brought online when Robby Malto and his sister [[Mo Malto|Mo]] made contact with the [[Emberstone]], and became emotionally bonded to them through their [[cyber-sleeve]]s. While the Terrans were initially afraid of the kids, they quickly warmed up to them. Unexpectedly manifesting a blaster when the group was attacked by an [[Arachnamech]], Twitch followed the Malto kids home to learn more about being a [[Transformer]]. {{storylink|Secret Legacy, Part 1}} While in the forest playing, Twitch encountered a Cybertronian drone sent by [[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]] which she inadvertently scanned as her alternate mode. She shot the drone down and she and Robby set about modifying it. They were able to use it to come to Thrash and Mo's rescue when the pair were menaced by an Arachnamech, only for the whole group to be surrounded by the critters until Optimus and [[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] came to their aid. Optimus's attempt to have the two Terrans protected by [[G.H.O.S.T.]] resulted in them being captured by [[Mandroid]], and resulting in Optimus, [[Dot Malto]] and [[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]] having to attack Mandroid's base and rescue them. Following the battle, Dot opted to take them under her protection, with Optimus assigning [[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] as their tutor. {{storylink|Secret Legacy, Part 2}}

The Terrans were uninterested in Bumblebee's tutelage, especially when Twitch found herself unable to transform. His attempts to participate in Malto Family Game Night resulted in Twitch raging at him, transforming and flying off, however she accidentally released the herd of cows, and while attempting to rescue [[Fluffy Ears]] from train tracks, became trapped in front of an oncoming train. With Bumblebee's help, she was able to transform and escape. {{storylink|Moo-ving In}} After Twitch and Thrash accidentally damaged the kitchen while fighting over a flag, Dot and Alex went over the house rules. Her interest piqued by the promise of rewards, Twitch threw herself into doing chores around the house so she could win the competition. This eventually resulted in Robby attempting to beat her in the number of stars earned, and they both managed to make a mess of the lawn. {{storylink|House Rules}}

[[File:TwitchHugsWheeljack Traditions.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
After Robby had a nightmare, Twitch sneaked out with him to look for foxes and ran into searching G.H.O.S.T. agents who assumed she was a Decepticon. The Terrans and their kid partners paid a visit to Dot's ranger station work, but G.H.O.S.T. activity resulted in them having to try to keep a low profile, which ended up with them falling into a trap intended for Decepticons. Optimus extracted them from the trap and hid them in his trailer in the G.H.O.S.T. base, only for them to venture out and become stuck in one of Megatron's training sims. They were able to complete the sim by working together, and Optimus later smuggled them out of the base. {{storylink|Classified}} Thrash and Twitch listened to Alex's story about the dreaded [[Wakwak]]. Interested in the idea of a family tradition, Twitch tried unsuccessfully to get Robby to help her establish one, and ended up running into [[Wheeljack (ES)|Wheeljack]] while looking for Alex. After learning that the drone she took her alternate mode from was one of his creations, Twitch considered him "Dad2" and helped him track down some Arachnamechs for study. She later introduced him to the rest of her family. {{storylink|Traditions}}

The two Terrans found themselves increasingly experiencing malfunctions while training with Bumblebee, which they put down to emotional overflow from Robby and Mo, who were about to start their first day of school. After Bumblebee took the Terrans to school as a scouting mission, their emotional link caused the kids to experience motor control malfunctions as well, resulting in Robby telling them to go home. Twitch, however, slipped into a zombie-like state and went to a spot in the forest where she began blasting the ground. The ground eventually gave way, plunging her, Thrash, Bumblebee and the kids into a cave where the two Terrans became so low on energy, they went into a form of [[stasis lock]]. Fortunately, as it turned out, the water in the cave was able to restore their energy completely. {{storylink|Friends and Family}} During another training session, Bumblebee turned teaching duties over to [[Arcee (ES)|Arcee]], who forced the Terrans and kids to do tasks until they rebelled. Arcee took the group into battle against [[Soundwave (ES)|Soundwave]] and they were successful in helping Bumblebee take down the three cassette-bots. {{storylink|Decoy (episode)|Decoy}}

[[File:TwitchDestroysMech AOEP2.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
During a G.H.O.S.T. ceremony, Twitch and Thrash were forced to stay home with Bumblebee to maintain the secrecy of their existence. As a result, the pair were unable to help the Maltos when [[Skywarp (ES)|Skywarp]] and [[Nova Storm (ES)|Nova Storm]] attacked G.H.O.S.T. Learning of the origins of the Terrans, Optimus decided it was time to investigate further and had the Terrans and kids lead him to the cave where Twitch and Thrash were originally born. Alex, Robby, Mo and the Terrans ventured inside and retrieved the Emberstone, however Skywarp and Nova Storm returned with Arachnamechs aiming to capture Optimus. Those small enough retreated underground, only to be followed by Mandroid's mechanical drones, and witnessed the birth of three new Terrans. {{storylink|Age of Evolution, Part 1}} After successfully escaping the cave, the family regrouped with Optimus and Bumblebee to come up with a plan to rescue Dot and Megatron, who had been captured by Mandroid. The new Terrans posed as bounty hunters, bringing in Optimus, Twitch and Thrash as prisoners. Unfortunately Mandroid immediately saw through the scheme and unleashed his giant mech. Twitch joined Megatron in the air, providing covering fire so the others could take out the mech's external cameras. That done, the group set their sights on taking out the mech's cannon, and with Megatron too damaged to do so, Twitch threw herself into the task, successfully taking out the cannon's targeting ability while the others took their turn providing covering fire. In the aftermath of the battle, the family was reunited with three new members. {{storylink|Age of Evolution, Part 2}}

[[File:TwitchAndHashtag HashtagOops.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Little big sister and big little sister.]]
With the arrival of the three new Terrans at the Malto farm, Twitch was eager and ready to be a mentor to her younger siblings. Though she found she had to fight with Hashtag's burgeoning interest in the internet for attention. When Twitch brought her sister into town to find her an alt-mode, Hashtag ended up scanning a G.H.O.S.T. surveillance van as an alt-mode and inadvertently abducted by three agents believing Hashtag was their car. Contacting Bumblebee for help, she and Bee were able to infiltrate G.H.O.S.T.'s mountainside base to rescue the trapped Hashtag. Discovering Hashtag's new alt-mode gave her vast Wi-fi powers, Twitch provided encouragement to Hashtag to use them to help them escape G.H.O.S.T.'s base while their forces were busy dealing with a Decepticon prisoner riot (inadvertently caused by Hashtag). Upon returning home, Hashtag covered for Twitch to prevent them from getting into any more trouble than they already were. {{storylink|Hashtag: Oops}}

Twitch found herself recruited by Hashtag in her attempts to make a movie out of Jawbreaker's attempts to find an alt-mode. She was later present at the family movie night, which was cobbled together footage of what Hashtag filmed. {{storylink|Outtakes}} When the reclusive Decepticon scientist, [[Tarantulas (ES)|Tarantulas]], abducted Dot and Alex, Twitch and the others raced to rescue them and arrived on scene shortly after Nightshade had saved them. {{storylink|Missed Connection}}

[[File:TwitchCries SecurityProtocols.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Twitch came to blows with Thrash when she found herself frustrated with his, and the rest of her siblings, showing more interest in helping Bumblebee beat his racing record than in their training practice. Things only escalated when they all found themselves inadvertently locked in the [[dugout]], thanks to measures installed by Nightshade and Hashtag, that made them unable to help Dot and Alex in their attempts to keep Bumblebee from getting arrested by G.H.O.S.T. Stuck in the base for ten hours, Twitch finally snapped and vented about the fears she had if one of her siblings were to die after all the close calls they've had, Thrash comforting her and apologizing for not realizing how much pressure he unknowingly put on her. When Dot and Alex finally returned they regretfully informed the kids that Bee had to go on the run to in order keep the rest of the Terrans safe from G.H.O.S.T.. Twitch finally broke down in tears. {{storylink|Security Protocols}}

On Mother's Day, Twitch misinterpreted advice form Robby on getting Dot a teddy bear as a gift and instead took a live bear cub from the woods to gift to Dot. Twitch, along with Robby, was taken by Dot to return the cub to its mother. They trio eventually, along with the rest of the family, found themselves battling the mother bear, who had been mutated by a strange substance left in the woods by G.H.O.S.T. {{storylink|Bear Necessities}}. When Twitch, along with the rest of her siblings, were taken to [[Spacebridge Memorial Park]], by Megatron they found their nighttime history lesson interrupted by the return of the long-dormant [[Shockwave (ES)|Shockwave]]. She, along with Hashtag and Jawbreaker, was forced into stasis lock by a shot from the Immobilizer from Shockwave intended for Megatron. Once Shockwave had been bested, Megatron was able to free her. {{storylink|Warzone}}

[[File:EmpoweredTwitch HomePart2.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

When taken on a midnight trip to [[Philadelphia]] by Robby and Mo to experience city-life, Twitch found her initial exuberance dissipate when she, along with Hashtag, encountered anti-Cybertronian sentiment in the city. She was comforted by Robby telling his sisters not to feel bad or to blame themselves for his own disappointment in his old home town. Upon being re-united with their other siblings, they were surprised to see Bumblebee returning in tow with them. Needing to rescue the lost Dinobot, [[Grimlock (ES)|Grimlock]], Bee recruited the Maltos for their first real mission. {{storylink|Home, Part 1}}

The mission quickly turned to a battle with the returning Mandroid, with Twitch finding her attempts at saying they'd forgive what he did to them rejected. The situation turned from bad to worse when Hashtag was placed under the control of one of Mandroid's new control badges, which made her his obedient drone. Unwilling to fight their sister and finding themselves outclassed by Hashtag's growing Wi-Fi powers, Twitch took command when the others suggested going to get help. Refusing to leave Hashtag behind, Twitch stood alone initially before being joined by her siblings. Finding themselves empowered by a strange energy from the same cave they were born in, Twitch and the others were able free Hashtag from Mandroid's control. Comforting her sister upon being freed, Twitch and the others raced back to Witwicky before their parents could wake up. {{storylink|Home, Part 2}}

The kids encountered Grimlock while collecting flowers in the woods and had to flee back to the farm. During the fight that ensued, Twitch successfully used her EMP to revert the Dinobot to robot mode. She was later reading comics with Robby, Mo and Jawbreaker when Grimlock volunteered to give Jawbreaker some training. {{storylink|A Stygi Situation}} When Robby's cyber-sleeve manifested a new shield ability, Optimus smuggled the entire Malto family into G.H.O.S.T. HQ to have [[Teletraan I (ES)|Teletraan I]] scan the devices. The kids were later training in the base's rec room when Mandroid took control of it, unleashing a holographic Megatron on them, and though Hashtag was able to shut it down, the fight resulted in Robby's cyber-sleeve becoming inactive and the emotional link between the kids was lost. {{storylink|Disarmed}}

While trying to reactivate the cyber-sleeves with the cave water that the Maltobots were using to energize, the kids stumbled on a cave system through which [[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]], Nova Storm and Skywarp were trying to escape. Things were complicated more when they encountered the energon-feeding [[Dweller (ES)|Dweller]], forcing them to try to enact a desperate plan to imprison it so it couldn't escape the caves. {{storylink|What Dwells Within}} Robby's cyber-sleeve began affecting his health, and Dot assured the other kids that they'd do all they could to help the boy get better. When the other human members of the Malto family lapsed into unconsciousness, the Maltobots took care of them until they recovered, having had an encounter with Quintus Prime that restored both Robby's health and the cyber-sleeves. {{storylink|Prime Time (episode)|Prime Time}}

When Bumblebee was tasked with infiltrating G.H.O.S.T. HQ, the kids resolved to help their mentor and so Twitch tailed Bee in drone form. She successfully tracked him to the entrance to the HQ and, with Robby, Nightshade and Thrash, entered the base. They bumped into Schloder and managed to persuade him to help them, leading them to find G.H.O.S.T. had taken possession of the space bridge. During the ensuing fight with [[Karen Croft|Agent Croft]]'s [[Ghoid]]s, the group used the space bridge to escape to the outside. {{storylink|Stowed Away, Stowaways}} Pursued by a Mandroid-controlled Shockwave, the group headed into Witwicky where they were joined by the rest of the Malto kids and managed to take down the Decepticon, shortly before being surrounded by G.H.O.S.T. agents. With a timely intervention by their parents, they were able to escape back to the farm and revive Shockwave, only for Croft to arrive with an army of Ghoids. A battle ensued, during which the Maltos, with the help of the Autobots, overcame the Ghoids, only to have to face Croft to disabling the Autobots and the arrival of Mandroid, grotesquely enhanced into a new robotic form. {{storylink|The Battle of Witwicky}}

The Malto family attempted to escape from Mandroid and his two [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] henchmen, however eventually the other family members were picked off and only Twitch and Nightshade were left. The pair again sneaked into G.H.O.S.T. HQ to free Bumblebee, Schloder and the captive Decepticons, though the latter were unenthusiastic about helping and simply left. The remaining quartet found Mandroid preparing to use the space bridge to wipe out all Cybertronian life on the planet and during the ensuing fight, the group escaped through the space bridge portal which, as Twitch realized, had the human members of the Malto family wired into it. {{storylink|The Last Hope, Part 1}} On their way to the huge Spire Mandroid had erected, the group encountered mind-controlled Autobots but were also reunited with Hashtag, Jawbreaker and Thrash. While the others fought their comrades and the Sharkticons, Twitch and Thrash confronted Mandroid himself. Twitch found herself facing Megatron until the Decepticons turned up to lend a hand, allowing her to join Thrash in battling Mandroid. The pair triumphed, only for him to activate his superweapon, wiping out all Transformer life bar Twitch, who had been partially shielded by Thrash's body. Fortunately Mo and Robby were able to use their cyber-sleeves to reverse the damage, reactivating the Transformers and reuniting the Malto family. {{storylink|The Last Hope, Part 2}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: EarthSpark - Expedition''===
{{voiceactor|[[Farah Rishi]] (English)|[[Lotte Horlings]] (Dutch), [[Isabelle Volpe]] (French), [[Rieke Werner]] (German), [[Giulia Maniglio]] (Italian), [[Maja Gadzińska]] (Polish), [[Marta Moreno]] (Spanish)}}
{{charfictionstub|{{storylink|Transformers: EarthSpark - Expedition}}}}

==Toys==
===''EarthSpark''===
[[File:ES-toy Twitch Deluxe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm a Tier 3 sub! ''(Hasbro Version Pictured)'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Terran Twitch''' (Deluxe, 2023)}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''ESD-04'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[October 28]], 2023
:*Accessories: Blaster arm, Mandroid pieces (head, backpack)

: Released as part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (toyline)|EarthSpark]]'' Deluxe Class toys, Twitch transforms from a highly-articulated robot into a Cybertronian spy-drone. Her hoverfans and back-wings are on ball-joints, giving them quite a range of motion.

[[File:TF-ES-JP-ESD-04-Deluxe-Twitch.jpg|thumb|upright=1|left|''(TakaraTomy Version Pictured)'']]

: She comes with a blaster that fits over either of her forearms to replicate the "arm turns into blaster" of her show model. This gun can be stored on the underside of her drone mode, plus there is undocumented storage for the piece on her robot-mode back, though it interferes with her hip articulation. The clear-plastic wings are safely removable from the socket joints, and while probably unintended, can fit in her hands as blade weapons like in the show, if one fits them in right above the ball joint.

: She also comes with two "[[Build a Figure]]" pieces for [[Mandroid#Toys|Mandroid]]: his head and backpack.

: Box images show Twitch partially transformed, with the robot eyes peeking out over the front of the drone.

: TakaraTomy later released Deluxe Twitch in the first wave of their ''EarthSpark'' line, but with several differences. She has a few extra paint applications, primarily extending the gunmetal color on her helmet crest, "ears", and kneecaps, but also adding a few extra "light lines" on her torso. Her wings have also been [[retool]]ed to be thicker, preventing them from fitting in Twitch's hands; attempting to do so may result in stress marks or breakage on both the wings and hands. She also lacks the Mandroid pieces. This time, her instructions show how to store the blaster on her back.

{{-}}{{anchor|OneStep}}
[[File:TF-Earthspark-OneStep-Twitch.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''(Hasbro Version Pictured)'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Terran Twitch''' (1-Step Flip Changer, 2023)}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''ESS-04'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[October 28]], 2023

: Part of the third wave of Hasbro "1-Step Flip Changers", this version of Twitch is a simple toy that converts from robot to drone and vice-versa in, well, one step. While the drone-to-robot conversion must be done manually, robot-to-drone can be triggered by pressing the button in her midsection, unlocking the spring-loaded autotransformation.

[[File:TF-ES-JP-ESS-04-Supatto-(Flip-Changer)-Twitch.jpg|left|thumb|upright=.66|''(TakaraTomy Version Pictured)'']]

: This figure was listed on Spanish toy website "fnac.pt", prior to any official announcement by Hasbro.

: One-Step Twitch was later released in the first wave of TakaraTomy's ''EarthSpark'' line, in the "Supatto Change" (スパっとチェンジ, "Quick Change") assortment. This release has slightly more paint than the Hasbro version, mainly on her lower boots and biceps, and the black paint of the Hasbro version has been replaced with gunmetal.

: This mold was also used to make [[Spitfire (ES)#Toys|1-Step Spitfire]].

{{-}}{{anchor|CyberCombiner}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Terran Twitch / Robby Malto''' (Cyber Combiner, 2024)}}</ul>

:Released as part of the "''Cyber Combiners'' assortment, Twitch can convert into either her drone mode or combine with the included Robby Malto (or the concurrently released Cyber Combiners) to form a [[Powerlinx]]-inspired "Super-Powered" combiner, as either the lower or the upper body.

:Her combination connectors are identical to those on ''EarthSpark'' Warrior Class figures with "Combine & Ride" gimmickry, allowing her to merge with them as well.

{{-}}{{anchor|Warrior}}
[[File:TF-Earthspark-Warrior-Twitch.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Terran Twitch''' (Warrior Class, 2024)}}</ul>

: Part of the fifth wave of ''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (toyline)|EarthSpark]]'' Warrior Class toys, Twitch again transforms into a drone. She features a "Combine and Ride" gimmick similar to [[Powerlinx]] that allows her to form an upper body to attach to a compatible vehicle mode or to allow another half-robot to attach to the top of her vehicle mode. Nominally this is to allow her to combine with her wavemate, [[Bumblebee (ES)#Warrior|Bumblebee]], as well as ''EarthSpark'' Cyber Combiner figures.

: Twitch's stock photography depicts her with black feet, and with a strong blue tinge to her silver paint. Also, she's mistransformed in package, the ducts on her arms should be folded in for robot mode.

: Like most of the Earthspark toyline's later releases, Twitch was found listed on a retailer website, this time Entertainment Earth<ref>https://www.entertainmentearth.com/product/transformers-earthspark-warrior-wave-5-case-of-6/hsf6230e?id=TO-901297023&utm_source=TO-901297023&utm_medium=affiliatess</ref>, prior to any official announcement by Hasbro.

: This mold was also used to make [[Spitfire (ES)#Warrior|Warrior Spitfire]].

{{-}}{{anchor|Tacticon}}
[[File:TF-Earthspark-Tacticon-Twitch.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Terran Twitch''' (Tacticon Assortment, 2023)}}</ul>

: Another addition to the Tacticon assortment, Twitch is a small figure that converts from a small drone into an [[Brick (term)|unposeable]] robot with just a single step controlled by your fingertip.

: Like most of the Earthspark toyline's later releases, Twitch was found listed on a retailer website, this time Entertainment Earth<ref>https://www.entertainmentearth.com/product/transformers-earthspark-tacticon-wave-4-case-of-8/hsf6228d?id=TO-901297023&utm_source=TO-901297023&utm_medium=affiliates</ref>, prior to any official announcement by Hasbro.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Twitch''' (ツウィッチ ''Tsuwitchi'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Fricska''' ("Flick")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Língyuè''' (凌跃, "Rise Jump")

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:ES Twitch concept art - ArtCup.jpg|Concept art
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:EarthSpark Autobots]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Terrans]]