MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Bumblebee to the Rescue!

2024-04-24T14:55:16Z

Steve-o: /* External links */ update broken link

{{disambig3|Bumblebee to the Rescue}}
{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=Search for Treasure Under the Sea
|next=Decepticon Patrol
|title="Bumblebee to the Rescue!"
|image=Bumblebeetdr-cover.jpg
|caption=Hello, DAD. I'm in JAIL!
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1984
|written by=[[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|art by=[[Steve Ditko]] and [[John Tartaglione]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-010-6 ISBN 9780517556412
}}

'''Optimus Prime and the Autobots go to Autobot prison!'''

==Synopsis==
Meet the [[Autobot]]s! They're nice. Meet the [[Decepticon]]s! They're not nice! [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] is super-smart and can split into three pieces! But [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] would love to wreck the [[Earth]] and smash the Autobots.

At Decepticon headquarters, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] has a brilliant plan—trap the Autobots and put them in a [[special Autobot prison]]! Then the Decepticons can rule the Earth forever!

[[Image:Bumblebeetdr-photofinish.jpg|left|100px|thumb|That's a big-ass Polaroid.]]
Meanwhile, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] are racing to see who is the fastest, with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] serving as judge. The result is a photo finish, which incites the two Autobots to argue... until they're interrupted by the Decepticons! [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] attack with knock-out [[Sleep Net]]s, knocking the Autobots and Sparkplug out. "ZZZZZZZ!", snores Sparkplug.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] are walking in a canyon when [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] attacks with an earthquake. Gears attempts to warn Prime of the danger, but his words are horribly scrambled. Prime uses his [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] to blast the falling boulders and sends [[Roller (G1)|Roller]] for help, but it is no use. [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] ambushes Roller and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] knocks out Gears by ''yanking a bunch of wires out of his neck''. Prime has no choice but to surrender to Megatron, lest the Autobots be executed.

[[Image:Bumblebeetdr-fakeautobot.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Say hi to MOM, from JAIL!!]]
At the Decepticons' prison, it is revealed that [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] has been captured as well, leaving [[Bumblebee (G1) |Bumblebee]] the only Autobot still free. The Decepticons dismiss him as harmless, but Bumblebee has a plan. Sparkplug and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] build a giant cardboard cutout of an Autobot warrior and prop it up outside Decepticon headquarters. In the ensuing confusion, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flips out and runs away, and Megatron leads a horde of [[generic]] Decepticons to face their new foe, leaving the prison unguarded. Sparkplug and Spike flee, their ruse a success. "A fake Autobot!" Megatron realizes soon after.

Bumblebee unlocks the Autobots' prison door, freeing them. Optimus Prime leads the troops to teach the Decepticons a lesson! Trailbreaker traps Soundwave and company with a force field, Bluestreak and Sideswipe shoot down the jets, and Prime wraps an iron bar around Megatron. Bumblebee is feted as the hero that he truly is. Hip Hip HOORAY, indeed.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (2)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (3)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Blue Streak]] (4)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (5)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (6)
* "[[Giant fake Autobot]]" (16)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (12)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (14)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
* Various generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"We must trap the Autobots and throw them into my special Autobot prison! With the Autobots behind bars, we can rule earth forever!" {{sic}}
:—'''Megatron''' reveals his greatest scheme yet

==Notes==
[[Image:Bumblebeetotherescue-sparkplug.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I LIKE it here! I'm gonna STAY here!]]
[[Image:Bumblebeetdr-trailbreaker.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yeah! Throw away the key!]]
* Various activities are interspersed through the story, including The Transformers' Name and Face Match!, connect-the-dots, mazes, and unscramble-the-messages.
* That is seriously the scariest Sparkplug ''ever''.
* Gears is apparently powered by a pair of heavy-duty, three-pronged power cords. Like, the kind you can buy at Home Depot.
* The art isn't nearly as nutty as that of "[[Decepticon Patrol]]". Nearly everyone is based on their animation models except Bumblebee (who is consistently drawn without a left arm, just some tires sticking out of his shoulder), Gears and Rumble, who are entirely based on their toys, Megatron, who uses the early "black helmet" model, and Trailbreaker, who is a HIDEOUS HOMUNCULUS with huge goggles making up most of his head. He is based on the toy's [[package art]], with the artist misconstruing his headpiece as part of his face.
* Bluestreak is largely drawn as Prowl throughout the story, at one point having his police lightbars. His name is spelled as "Blue Streak" in one of the activity games.
* The "solutions" to the Name and Face Match! in the back have a few problems. Starscream is pointing to two faces, one of which is also being pointed to by Thundercracker. Considering the similarities of the faces, that does make sense. But Bluestreak and Rumble are both pointing to the same face, with nothing pointing to Bluestreak's true face.
* Seriously, Trailbreaker's model in this story is ''horrifying''.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/bbrescue/ "Bumblebee to the Rescue" at Steve-o's Transformers Site.]

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Estrela

2024-02-19T10:05:11Z

Steve-o: /* External links */ added link to estrela's actual website

[[Image:Estrela logo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Making children happy, and parents broke!]]

'''Estrela''' is a company that held the license to manufacture and market [[The Transformers (toyline)|''The Transformers'' toys]] in [[Brazil]] in the 1980s. They also distributed most ''Transformers'' toylines in the country up until ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'', being later replaced by [[Hasbro]]'s own Brazilian subsidiary.

Estrela's 1985 ''Transformers'' line is mainly made up of a small handful of molds from the Hasbro line (primarily [[Mini Vehicle]]s and [[Jumpstarter]]s), supplemented with larger toys licensed from other companies. The line was ''further'' bulked up by giving most toys two different decos. Notably, this line made repeated use of the "[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|Bumper]]" mold that was extremely rare in the US, and not released as a Transformer at all in Japan.

But what most know Estrela for is their second batch of Transformers toys, generally known as "[[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] vs. [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]]." The six "Robocar" molds were trotted out again, each one getting two new color schemes, but this time they were split into proper good-vs-evil factions. These releases are particularly rare, and even loose samples are expensive, especially the (generally more gorgeous) Malignus.

The fiction of the toyline is... fuzzy. The cardback [[bio]]s for the Robocars are direct Portuguese translations of their base molds' Hasbro bios (with the obvious exception of Bumper-mold [[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]]), thus this wiki places those toys as those already-established characters. However, the Salt-Men have unique bios, placing them as all-new characters. Every other toy lacks a bio. While this is not so big a deal when it comes to the Bat-Robo and Eletrix (who have no ''Transformers'' analogues whatsoever), things get hinky when it comes to the Optimus and Malignus, who use the same names as their Robocar forebears; for simplicity (or as close as this can generally get), this wiki treats all of the Optimus and Malignus as new characters. Odder still, none of the pre-Optimus/Malignus toys or packaging featured any [[insignia|faction symbol]]s, so their allegiance is mostly conjecture, but between the re-use of "Autobot" character bios on "Autobot" molds and they all use the "Autobot" style packaging, plus the lack of any indication in what bios exist that any of the toys are villains, the general fandom assumption (and wiki default placement) is "Autobot".

{{TOCclear}}

==Toys==
===''Transformers''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini Vehicle|Robocars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|[[Windcharger (G1)#Estrela|Camaro]] (Windcharger)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Estrela|Carrera]] (Cliffjumper)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Estrela|Jipe]] (Brawn)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Gears (G1)#Estrela|Pick-Up]] (Gears)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]]}}
{{bp-multi|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Estrela|Volks]] (Bumblebee)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Salt-Man'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|[[Salt-Man X]]}}
{{bp-multi|[[Salt-Man Z]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Bat-Robô]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|[[Pick-Up (Bat-Robô)|Pick-Up]]}}
{{bp-multi|[[Turbo (G1)|Turbo]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Eletrix]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|[[Esporte]]}}
{{bp-multi|[[Jipe (Eletrix)|Jipe]]}}
{{bp-multi|[[Porsche (Eletrix)|Porsche]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy Esporte.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Eletrix [[Esporte]]]][[File:Camaro-Purple.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Malignus [[Camaro]]]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-op|[[Carrera (G1)|Carrera]]}}
{{bp-op|[[Sedan (Optimus)|Sedan]]}}
{{bp-op|[[Volks (G1)|Volks]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-mal|[[Camaro#Toys|Camaro]]}}
{{bp-mal|[[Jipe (Malignus)#Toys|Jipe]]}}
{{bp-mal|[[Pick-Up (Malignus)#Toys|Pick-Up]]}}
|}

==Notes==
[[File:InvasionGalacticaCamaro.jpg|right|thumb|Robots in disguise in disguise.]]
* Estrela's Sedan, Camaro, and Pick-Up were also sold in [[Argentina]] in 1985 under unusual circumstances. The toys and their bubbles were manually cut off the Transformers branded cards and then attached to new cards featuring the logo "Invasion Galactica" and art of a flying saucer. The original design of the Transformers cards was still plainly visible beneath the bubble, with the distinct red background elements now depicted as part of a newly-drawn fireball. Collectors from South America have long maintained that these packaging swaps were done by legitimate retailers and toy stores in Argentina, who were attempting to find a way to move their Transformers merchandise during a time when protectionist laws forbade selling products that had been manufactured in foreign countries.
* In other odd news, reportedly toy company [[Antex]] got the license to release Transformers in Argentina from Estrela, ''not'' from Hasbro directly. Whether or not Estrela actually had the legal right to do so is... questionable. But regardless, they didn't seem to suffer for it.

== See also ==
* [[Antex]]
* [[Multibrink]]
* [[:Category:South American-original characters|Category:South American-original characters]]

==External links==
* [https://www.estrela.com.br/ Estrela (official site)]
* [http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Brazilian/Transformers.html Brazilian Transformers] at the Super Toy Archive

[[Category:Companies]]

Super Activity Book

2023-12-27T13:46:02Z

Steve-o: the book lists Paul Richer under a "design" credit, not art

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers'']]
|prev=
|next=
|title="Super Activity Book"
|image=Superactivityfc.jpg
|caption=Blast you Starscream, you made me color outside the lines!
|written by=[[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|design by=[[Paul Richer]]
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1986
|pagecount=64
|ISBN=
}}

'''Picture pages, picture pages, time to get your picture pages, time to get your crayons and your pencils.'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s host a variety of games and puzzles to introduce [[you]] to their battles. One of the secret communiques from the Autobots reveals that their new headquarters is in a valley.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (1)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (2)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (3)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (4)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (5)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (6)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (10)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (12)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (14)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (15)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (22)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos ]](23)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (24)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (25)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (26)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (27)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (28)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (29)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (30)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (31)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (32)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (33)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (34)
|c2=
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (7)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (8)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (11)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]](13)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (16)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (17)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (18)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (19)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (20)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (21)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"The Autobots will defend Earth from evil."
:—'''Mirage'''

"Keep on truckin'."
:—'''Ironhide''' wishes the Autobots had awoken in the 1970s

"Never trust a Decepticon."
:—A top secret communique from '''Cosmos'''

==Notes==
*The featured characters list only includes characters who hosted games or were given active roles in them. The following characters were simply namedropped: [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] is mentioned as [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] with no indication that he is an independent being.
*The characters [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Chop Shop (G1)|Chopshop]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailblazer]] occur only as answers to puzzles.
*Dirge is described as being red and blue, perhaps out of confusion with Thundercracker. Tracks is described as purple. Skids is described as a [[Skids (G1)#Notes|mini van]]. Frenzy is described as [[FIRRIB|blue]]. The strange hats for each [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] first seen in [[Decepticon Patrol]] reappear here. Each Seeker also has a distinct jet mode.
*Sparkplug's garage is mentioned as a location, but [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] himself does not appear.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/super-activity/super-activity-all.html "Super Activity Book"] at Steve-o Stonebreaker's site.

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Catalog

2023-07-25T13:49:53Z

Steve-o: /* Generation 1 */ the two versions of the 1985 catalog did NOT have the same layout

[[File:Catalog-1987-autobots.jpg|upright=2.8|thumb|The Autobot side of the 1987 catalog. Collect all the [[prototype]]s!]]
'''Catalogs''' are one of many ways that Hasbro and TakaraTomy have traditionally promoted the [[Transformers brand]]. Starting with the original 28 [[Toy|Transformer toys]] available in 1984, catalogs typically show some or all of the currently available merchandise. Like [[Pack-in material|pack-in flyers]], their purpose is to entice children to buy even more toys than the ones they've already got.
==Generation 1==
Through the life of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1 toyline]], catalogs were standard in all boxed toys. G1 catalogs were printed on a single sheet of paper that folded down to small size. They showed the ''entire'' year's lineup of toys, Autobots on one side, Decepticons on the other. A checklist encouraged young consumers to collect the whole set. Each year used a unique stylized approach:

[[File:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Soundwave figured he'd just sit this one out.]]
*1984 featured the toy groups on variously-colored neutral backgrounds.
*1985 set many of the toys in a diorama of rugged Earthen terrain, while others were against a black background. This catalog featured a diorama of various toys battling around a lit sparkler. The catalog came in two sizes, a smaller 2-fold and a larger 3-fold version. They had identical content but slightly different layouts to fit their aspect ratios.
*1986 featured webs of lines connecting each subgroup's sections.
*1987 (pictured above) featured complex framing boxes around each subgroup and a pixelated background behind the faction logos. (Pixels? They must have done that on a COM-PU-TOR!)
*1988 featured white framing boxes, similar in shape to those from 1987. They were placed upon a dark gradiated background.
*1989 did away with the framing boxes and had the toy images upon a gold background. This was also the year when Hasbro stopped dividing the toys into "Autobots" and "Decepticons" for the two catalog sides, instead using the [[gimmick]]-themed [[subline imprint|sublines]] "[[Pretender]]s" and "[[Micromaster]]s" as the main division line.
*1990 continued the division by "theme" instead of faction, this time with Micromasters and [[Action Master]]s.

New catalogs typically did not appear in the earliest waves of a new year's offerings, presumably because the toys themselves were still being finalized. Many toy groups shown in the G1 catalogs are prototypes—the [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbot]]s, the 1987 [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], and the 1990 [[Micromaster]]s are particularly obvious examples. Early editions of the 1988 catalog had to substitute a "COMING SOON!" box art silhouette in place of some of the [[Pretender]]s.

==Generation 2==
==Beast Wars==
[[File:Catalog-bw-cover.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Beast Wars is in there. Squint!]]
''Beast Wars'' catalogs reflected the changing nature of retail. Rather than a catalog devoted exclusively to Transformers, Kenner used a cross-sell approach, compiling one booklet with many toylines. ''Beast Wars'' typically received 2 to 4 pages, showing a sampling of the current line rather than a whole year's offerings.
{{-}}
==Beast Wars II==
[[File:BWIICatalogCover01.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb]]

Titled "The next stage of battle advances to the Second War... ...Beast Wars, Transform!", this early ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' toy [http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/japanese/beastwars2story_1.php catalog] featured multiple pages of original art in which [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] introduce [[Lio Convoy]] and [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]], respectively.

Taking place in "the seventh month of Space Year 1999", we learn that while Primal and Megatron fight their Beast War on planet [[Earth|Energoa]], another Beast War has erupted on a [[Gaia|strange planet]], where a Maximal space patrol has had a run-in with platoon of Predacons who are in search of "The King of [[Angolmois Energy|Angolmois]]".

As a history lesson, we learn that Megatron and Galvatron had once been rivals on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], as Megatron disagreed with Galvatron's methods regarding space conquest. They engaged in battle and Megatron accidentally let his guard down, allowing Galvatron to gain the upper hand, declaring "Your era is over, Megatron!" Though he was loathe to admit it, Megatron conceded that Galvatron's concern for his own men was admirable and that he had all the regal bearing of an [[Emperor of Destruction]].

On the Maximal side of things, we learn that Optimus Primal has been watching Lio Convoy advance through the ranks of the Maximal Space Patrol and respects him as being strong, brave and an ideal leader (though a bit too straightforward, some times). Primal then names Lio Convoy as his successor and Lio Convoy swears not to let his predecessor down.
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[File:Catalog-armada1.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"C U next year"? Come on, Cyclonus, be more original!]]
Catalogs disappeared entirely during ''Beast Machines'' and ''Robots in Disguise'', replaced by cross-sell photos on the outside of the packaging. Though obviously cheaper to produce than a separate catalog, these were limited to showing only a few toys at a time.

''Armada'' revived the catalog tradition, combining a Transformers catalog with a pack-in [[Transformers: Armada (mini-comic)|mini-comic]] in booklet form. The booklet had two fronts, with the comic half printed upside-down relative to the catalog half (and vice-versa, of course). The catalog contained all of the current [[wave]]s of product and was periodically updated with a new mini-comic and toys as the line ran its course.

Other ''Transformers'' product lines were often advertised in these booklets as well, including ''Alternators'', the then-current [[Dreamwave Productions]] comics, ''[[Built to Rule!]]'', ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', the ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'', and the various VHS and DVD releases of the current cartoon.

''Energon'' continued the same comic-and-catalog pattern started by ''Armada''.
{{-}}

==Universe (2003)==
''Transformers Universe'' received a single pack-in catalog flyer advertising the first wave of toys on one side, with a comic-style battle scene on the other.

==Titanium Series==
The ''Titaniums'' line likewise received one single-fold catalog flyer advertising the first four toys in the line. The front cover featured the ''War Within''-style Optimus Prime toy.

==Cybertron==
[[File:Planetmap-catalog.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Creases sold separately.]]
The ''Cybertron'' franchise reinvented the catalog concept with four collectible [[planet map]]s.

Each map featured one of the storyline's fictional worlds on one side, with an image of the planet, a profile of one of its major residents, short mini-story images, and a write-up about the planet itself. The flip side contained all the product from the current waves, including most of the toys that were intended to be thematically related to the particular planet.
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
A 4-fold "sampler" catalog came with early movie toys. It included a cover and 3 folds' worth of movie toys, ranging from various "main line" toys to [[Optimash Prime]] and the Generation 1-based [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]. One fold advertised Activision's [[Transformers The Game]]; the remaining three folds advertised a slew of movie-based merchandise: school supplies, watches, T-shirts, backpacks, electronics, ringtones, hats, "bedding and home decor", coloring books, shoes, party supplies...

A 3-fold sampler catalog was included with some of the late-run toys. The cover and two folds are devoted to various late-run movie toys such as [[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]]; one fold covers the upcoming ''Animated'' line, and two feature the upcoming ''[[Iron Man]]'' movie tie-in toys.

==Animated==
Full catalogs once again gave way to multi-line [[cross-sell]] flyers for the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' franchise. The initial catalog, also packaged with concurrent ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toys, features a multi-fold sheet that unfolds to five panels, with a spread of ''Animated'' toys on most of one side, along with a smaller one-panel ad for the ''Animated'' Nintendo game. The toy spread includes various standard mainline toys, as well as representatives from the [[Battle Blasters]], [[Bumper Battlers]], [[Power Bots]], [[Shift Tech]], and [[Activators]] sublines. The opposite side gives one panel of space to ''Universe'', two panels for ''Animated'' merchandise such as apparel, activity books, sporting goods, dishware and home decor. Another panel advertises the online [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] and gives a promotional code for a 10% discount.

==Hunt for the Decepticons==
A fourteen-page catalog was packed into [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'']] toys promoting the [[Hunt for the Decepticons]] as well as early ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' figures. It advertised the Hunt for the Decepticons online game, and selected toys and merchandise from the Hunt for the Decepticons, [[Power Core Combiners]], Generations, [[Speed Stars]], and [[Stealth Force]]. It also advertised [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)|the Nintendo DS versions of the ''War for Cybertron'' video game]] and exclusive collector cards to be packaged inside toys starting in the fall of 2010. The Secret Code 9871 was given to unlock [[Ramjet (WFC)|Ramjet]] in the DS versions of ''War for Cybertron''.

==Japanese catalogs==
[[File:Catalog-armadajapan1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Disclaimer: Toys do not actually glow or cause motion blurs. If they do, RUN!!]]
[[File:Catalog-gobotsjapan.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|We must learn to master our powers. FOR THE GOOD!!]]
Across the Pacific, catalogs have remained more consistent in format, adhering to the single-sheet, fold-up flyer format throughout the [[Beast Era]] and the [[Unicron Trilogy]].

Japanese catalogs tend to be more oriented toward displaying each toy's action features than the American versions, with lots of swooshes and speed blurs to indicate ''action!!'' They very often also feature additional artwork, such as a battle diorama of the toys or artwork of major characters.

At least one ''Legends of the Microns'' catalog featured a cross-sell spot for the [[Kids' Transformers: Rescue Hero Go-Bots|''Rescue Hero Go-Bots'' toyline]]. This cross-sell is of particular note in the annals of Transformer catalog scholarship, owing in large part to the fact that it is ''beautiful''.
{{-}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/reminator/HTML/other/Misc.htm Transformers Miscellaneous]

[[Category:Toys]]

Voice Actor Drama

2022-08-28T14:57:36Z

Steve-o: fan VA name change: Carolus->Irby. her last name has changed since 2004, confirmed by her cousin Dave Connell

{{episode
|otherseries=[[Transformers: Universe (comic)|''Transformers: Universe'']]
|prev=Homecoming (Universe)
|next=Revelations Part 2
|otherseries2=Script reading
|prev2=OTFCC Live-Action Drama
|next2=Intimidation Game
|title="Voice Actor Drama"
|image=Otfcc2004scriptreading.jpg
|caption=And somewhere in the world, a Unicron exists.
|written by=[[Simon Furman]]
|directed by=
|original presentation=[[July 31]], [[2004]]
|continuity=[[Beast Era timeline (3H)|3H Beast Era continuity]]}}

'''Rhinox built a machine to create a pile of new characters!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] has built a device to deflect [[Unicron]]'s attempts to pull victims from other universes. The [[Autobot]]s deflect two such attempts, but are only partially successful: instead of being transported to Unicron, the victims end up on a frozen planetoid.

A bickering [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] are sent to help the victims, but Unicron sends [[Reptilion]], [[Sunstorm (Universe)|Sunstorm]], [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]], and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] after them as well.

As a side effect of Rhinox's device, a vortex opens in space and sucks in Autobot stellar freighter ''[[OTFCC (ship)|OTFCC]]'', piloted by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], an endlessly moaning [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], from the past. The ''OTFCC'' picks up the Maximals' distress signal in the nick of time: as Sunstorm attacks the [[Maximal]] ship, they're saved by being transported to the [[Autobot]] shuttle.

After shooting down Sunstorm, the Autobots and Maximals travel to the planetoid, where they both save the victims from the [[Decepticon]]s and Bumblebee and Cosmos from Reptilion's explanation of the current Transformer [[canon]]. Two groups of Autobots have been stranded there, each from a different parallel universe: [[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]], [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]], and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]], from [[Viron 903.0 Beta|a Viron timeline]]; and [[Optimus_Prime_(Universe)#OTFCC_Voice_Actor_Drama|Optimus Prime]], [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#OTFCC Voice Actor Drama|Ultra Magnus]], ''another'' [[Prowl (RID)#Spy Changer continuity|Prowl]], and [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]], hailing from [[Viron 1103.12 Gamma|a universe]] both unknown and undersized.

The various groups fight off the Decepticons, and the Autobot ship is sent back to its own time.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Autobot]]s/[[Maximal]]s|c1=
*[[Tracks (G1)#3H comics|Tracks]] (1)
*[[Cosmos (G1)#3H comics|Cosmos]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)#3H comics|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Rattrap (BW)#3H comics|Rattrap]] (4)
*[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)#3H comics|Silverbolt]] (5)
*[[Side Burn (RID)#Universe comic|Side Burn]] (10)
*[[Prowl (RID)#Universe comic|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)#Spy Changer continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Prowl (RID)#Spy Changer continuity|Prowl]] (14)
*[[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] (15)
*[[Ultra Magnus (RID)#OTFCC Voice Actor Drama|Ultra Magnus]] (16)
*[[Ironhide (RID)#OTFCC Voice Actor Drama|Ironhide]] (17)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]/[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Waspinator (BW)#3H comics|Waspinator]] (6)
*[[Sunstorm (Universe)#3H comics|Sunstorm]] (7)
*[[Reptilion#3H comics|Reptilion]] (8)
*[[Ruination (RID)#3H comics|Ruination]] (9)

|h3=[[Mini-Con]]s|c3=
*[[Perceptor (Armada)#3H comics|Perceptor]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"Anything could happen between here and Earth! [silence] ''Anything'' could happen between here and Earth! [music starts] ''Thank you'' Vince."
:—'''Bumblebee'''

[actors do "shaken spaceship" motions] 
"What's happeniiiiing?!" 
"It's bad actiiiiing!"
:—'''Tracks''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Onboard, three intrepid Maximal warriors!" 
"Ohhh, Waspinator wanna go home ''now''."
:—'''The narrator''' contradicted by '''Waspinator'''

"That's Sunstorm or at least ''a'' Sunstorm. Looks like Unicron's been recruiting again!" 
"Eh, yeah, that or [[Walmart]]'s released another bunch a' exclusives."
:—'''Silverbolt''' and '''Rattrap'''

"Another character! Thank god!"
:—'''Scott McNeil''' glad to see McConnohie has joined after five minutes of voicing the whole play himself

'''Reptilion:'''"I ask you, can it get any worse?" 
'''Bumblebee:'''"Hey, you! Decepticon! Step away from that crevasse!" 
'''Reptilion's actor:''' [looks down, confused, at stage]

"Why does he keep doing that, announcing his attacks?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' on RID Prowl

'''Bumblebee:''' "[[Bob Budiansky|Budiansky]] would've never done this to us."

==Notes==
===Production===
*'''The cast:'''
** [[Michelle Irby]]: [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]]
** [[Simon Furman]]: [[Narrator]]
** [[Dan Gilvezan]]: [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
** [[Michael McConnohie]]: [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]
** [[Scott McNeil]]: [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]
** [[Clive Ramroop|Clive "Outtsyder" Ramroop]]: [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (Spy Changer), [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]]
** [[Daniel Ross]]: [[Reptilion]], [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (non-Spy Changer)

*Music and sound effects were done by [[Vince DiCola]]. Some tracks were from a new CD he'd produced, which could be bought at the convention.
* This live-action script reading took place Saturday night at [[OTFCC 2004]].
*Characters mentioned but who do not appear include: [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Unicron]], and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]].
*Plans apparently existed for a ''Transformers: Universe'' #½ comic issue retelling the story of the script reading, with additional scenes at the beginning and end to make for a more complete narrative. An outline for the issue was written (and was included in some copies of the performance script), but 3H Productions lost the ''Transformers'' license before the comic was ever produced.

===Continuity notes===
* The ''OTFCC'' crew come from "the Generation 1 era" but which one isn't said. Though, the rift they travel through is said by Tracks to be a "temporal" rift, implying time travel rather than multiversal travel, which could peg this "Generation 1 era" as the one native to the ''Beast Wars''/''Beast Machines'' cartoon universe's timeline.
** The ''Transformers: Universe #½'' outline confirms that the ''OTFCC'' crew did time-travel from the Beast Era cartoons' past.
* Tracks is complaining that if you're not a -master or Pretender, you're like a "second class citizen". Bumblebee also jokes about the possibility of [[Action Master|Transformers that don't even transform]]!" This suggests that they hail from a late-G1 era but before Action Masters come about.
* Silverbolt has met Sunstorms before but doesn't recognise this one immediately. Which makes sense as there's a [[Sunstorm (G1)|at least one other Sunstorm]] involved in the Universe War!
* This is Reptilion's first mission in charge.
* Tracks refers to Unicron as "a Dark God we shouldn't even know about yet." Previous 3H-published stories (many written by Simon Furman, even) placed Unicron's arrival to Cybertron in [[2005]], a la ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. This would suggest that Tracks, Cosmos and Bumblebee hail from a point set before 2005, but also with most of the various "-master" and Pretender technologies already existing (as they did in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel Generation 1 comics]] in which those technologies were created in the late-1980s, rather than how the "[[The Rebirth]]" saw Headmasters and Targetmasters first created in the mid-2000s).
* Despite its tongue-in-cheek nature, the story is still part of the ''Universe'' storyline; in fact, chronologically, for years it was the last finished portion of the story, as 3H lost the Transformers license before the last issues of the ''Universe'' comic could be completed. The end of the Universe conflict would later be seen in the pages of "[[Revelations Part 2]]", a ''Cybertron''-themed comic in the Collectors' Club Magazine.

===Transformers references===
* As usual with such convention performances, the characters frequently break the fourth wall. For example, Reptilion plugs ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|The Ultimate Guide]]'' in dialogue, while Rattrap promises ''Transformers: Universe'' #½ is "coming soon".
* Bumblebee jokes that some day, there'll be "Transformers who [[Action Master|don't even transform!]]"
* In a sneaky nod to [[BotCon#BotCon history|the convention]]'s split from [[3H Productions]], Tracks announces he's from ship ''3H'' and then immediately corrects it to ''OTFCC''.
* Reptilion mocks the Generation 1 Autobots with how the current Transformers continuity is too complicated for them to understand now. "And don't get me started on the Japanese variations!"
* Side Burn and Prowl have their 2003 ''Universe'' toy colors. Landfill is based on the yellow redeco released under ''Robots in Disguise''.
* Prime, Magnus, the other Prowl, and Ironhide are based on their ''Universe'' [[Spy Changer]] incarnations.
* ''Robots in Disguise'' Prowl refers to Carolus's Prime as "he". "[[Ask Vector Prime]]" would later [[retcon]] that this Prime is definitely female.
* Sunstorm and Perceptor are referred to by other characters, but have no dialogue. Ironhide, Landfill, and Ultra Magnus appear only in the art for the story, and are not specifically mentioned anywhere in the script.
* Waspinator likes "[[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom]]", the 31st issue of the Marvel ''The Transformers'' comic. (So the others shot him)

===Real-world references===
*Tracks is a source of pop-culture references here. He quotes lyrics from David Bowie's "{{w|Space Oddity}}", HAL 9000 from ''{{w|2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey}}'', and {{w|James Bond}}.
*When missiles hit the ship, Dan and Michael shake around like the actors would in early episodes of ''[[Star Trek]]''.

===Errors===
*The story is grossly inconsistent about whether the ''OTFCC'' crew are on a voyage from Cybertron to Earth or from Earth to Cybertron.

==External link==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcuAIyu-9bU Voice Actor Drama on YouTube]
*[http://obscuretf.com/OTFCC2004VoiceActorDrama.pdf Script for Voice Actor Drama]

[[Category:3H media]]
[[Category:Script reading]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]

Mumu-Obscura

2021-04-14T16:19:33Z

Steve-o: reverting a very old change Hoop made to my caption joke since the video he linked doesn't seem to exist anymore anyway

[[File:Mumu-Obscura establishing shot.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Many things on Mumu-Obscura are fun to say.]]
'''Mumu-Obscura''' was a militarily contested and strategically significant world in the [[Eigerson-48 System]], until a group of warriors called the [[Reaper]]s exterminated its population and poisoned its resources.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
The Reapers' attack on Mumu-Obscura was described by their leader, the [[Deathbringer (IDW)|Deathbringer]], as an attempt to "cauterize one of the universe's many bleeding wounds". They claimed to be in some sense serving a greater good, trying to end all war, by razing planets which were likely to inspire many future battles and lost lives. Their work on Mumu-Obscura was very thorough. Not only was the entire biosphere incinerated, but the world's atmosphere was partially ejected into space, the planetary crust "contaminated" in some way, and all vestiges of the now-extinct Mumu-Obscuran civilization's infrastructure were destroyed.

[[File:Mumu-Obscura surface.jpg|left|thumb|Looks like as good a place as any to burn a million quid.]]
After the Reapers' attack, the [[Decepticon]] [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] arrived, searching for the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], who had been sent to bring Mumu-Obscura under Decepticon control. Sixshot found that the Reapers had captured the Terrorcons, seemingly to use them as bait to lure him to the planet in an attempt to recruit him into the Reapers. He declined this offer. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sixshot}}

===''The AllSpark Almanac''===
Mumu-Obscura used to be located near the [[Falcon Nexus]], but was destroyed for reasons unknown. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===''Knights of Unicron''===

Mumu-Obscura was the sixteenth venue for the [[Knights of Unicron]] on their 2014 "Till All Are One" tour.{{storylink|Knights of Unicron}}

[[Category:Animated planets]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) planets]]

Primeval Dawn

2016-04-17T09:52:27Z

Steve-o: wikify

'''''Primeval Dawn''''' is a comic-format story published by [[3H Productions]]. It is set on prehistoric Earth, shortly after the events of the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].

{{chapters|title=Primeval Dawn:
|content=*[[Primeval Dawn Part 1|Part 1]]
*[[Primeval Dawn II]]
*[[Primeval Dawn Part 2|Part 2]]
*[[Primeval Dawn Part 3|Part 3]]
}}

===Overview===
''Primeval Dawn'' was a backup story published as part of the [[Transformers: Universe (comic)|''Universe'' comics]], behind the main ''Wreckers'' story. A small portion of the story also appeared as a Flash-animated cartoon on the BotCon.com site, essentially retelling portions of Part 1 and Part 2.

Like ''The Wreckers'', it was never completed as originally intended by 3H; unlike ''The Wreckers'', it remains unfinished, with the fourth and final part of the story never completed.

The story is set in the aftermath of the Beast Wars on prehistoric Earth; [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] is still alive, having captured the power of the [[Vok]], and has built himself a small squadron of troops. The Vok themselves restore [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] to life, and create [[Primal Prime]] from various remnants of the Beast Wars. The two sides battle for control of the Matrix, which Tarantulas intends to present to his [[Unicron|dark master]].

Artist [[Dan Khanna]] posted a quick summary of the (largely unscripted) end to "Primeval Dawn" in the Allspark message board in 2007: unsurprisingly, Primal Prime would defeat Tarantulas and then take various characters (including [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]) to future Cybertron.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=40029&view=findpost&p=801367 Allspark forum post by Dan Khanna], December 3, 2007</ref> The only thing close to a wrapup in canon material was "[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]" in ''[[Ask Vector Prime]]'' claiming that he drove off Ravage and combined a dying Tigatron and Airazor back into one entity so he could play "the long con" on Primal Prime. {{storylink|Ask_Vector_Prime/Sideways_src#July_6.2C_2015|Ask Sideways, 6/6/2015}} Seriously, that's the best you'll get. "[[The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3|War Against the Destructons]]" would ''dream'' about getting an off-hand, unreliable mention on Facebook.

===Creative Team===
''Primeval Dawn''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s script was begun by [[Bob Forward]], and continued by [[Simon Furman]]; the story was illustrated by Dan Khanna and [[Makoto Ono]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars comics]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]

Transformers: Mosaic

2015-06-27T18:43:46Z

Steve-o: tidied tenses in introduction to make over, finished status clearer

[[File:TFMbannerSmall.jpg|thumb|upright=1.95|The closest your fanfic will get to official status.]]
'''''Transformers: Mosaic''''' is an unofficial anthology of one-page comic strip stories borrowed from a concept started by [[Kris Carter|Drivaar]] at [http://www.allspark.com/index.php?set_albumName=album13&option=com_gallery&Itemid=4&include=view_album.php the Allspark message board] and overseen by [[Josh van Reyk]] and [[Shaun Knowler]], who posted their first strip on [[IDW Publishing]]'s official Transformers forum on June 18, 2007. From then until the series' end in 2012, Mosaics were written and drawn by a large number of contributors (most of whom are [[Fandom|fans]], though a few pros have contributed), and expanded out to almost every Transformers forum online. In May 2012, van Reyk and Knowler announced the end of the project.<ref>http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/end-of-the-road-for-the-transformers-mosaic-project/24937/</ref>

==Appearances in IDW publications==

From October 2007 to December 2008, IDW printed Mosaic strips as a backup feature in its Transformers comics. The practice was eventually discontinued, however, due to unspecified [[copyright]] problems.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=110604#110604 Tipton explains why Mosaics haven't been printed in a while.]</ref> Published Mosaic strips included:

* '''Rain''', featuring [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (published in [[Devastation issue 2]])
* '''Reason''', featuring [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (published in [[Devastation issue 3]])
* '''Ghost in the Machine''', featuring [[Punch (G1)|Punch/Counterpunch]] (published in [[Devastation issue 4]])
* '''The Curse''', featuring [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (published in [[Devastation issue 5]])
* '''Feeling Yellow''', featuring [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (published in [[Devastation issue 6]])
* '''Rank''', featuring [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (published in [[Spotlight: Grimlock]])
* '''Break Away''', featuring [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (published in [[Spotlight: Cyclonus]])
* '''The Wait''', featuring [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], and '''The Passenger''', featuring [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (published in [[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark|Saga of the Allspark Issue 1]]).
* '''Dark Visionary''', featuring [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], (published in [[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark|Saga of the Allspark Issue 2]]).
* '''More Than You Can Chew''', featuring [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], (published in [[The Reign of Starscream issue 5|The Reign of Starscream #5]]).
* '''[[Dead Men's Boots]]''', featuring the [[Wrecker]]s. Made [[canon]] by publishing without disclaimers in the ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' trade.

==Simon Furman's participation==
In February 2008, [[Simon Furman]] produced a Mosaic titled "[[Hail and Farewell]]", which he stated to be [[canon]]—the first Mosaic to be so.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2008/02/15/mosaic-a-go-go/ Mosaic A-Go-Go]</ref> However, that canonicity was eventually overridden by IDW, as well as stating that, "The Mosaics are all a lot of fun, but they're all not continuity tales."<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=81157#81157 The "All Hail Megatron" 20 Questions Q&A Thread]</ref> The stories seen in print until Dead Men's Boots carried a disclaimer stating that they are "non-profit-making, independently produced stories by Transformers enthusiasts" and are "not affiliated with Hasbro or IDW Publishing".

==External links==
* [http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=2139 Partial archive of Mosaic strips and avatars at the IDW forum]
* [http://jeysie.deviantart.com/journal/Transformers-Mosaic-list-Autobots-Maximals-232621831 List of all Mosaics published, sorted by character]
* [http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/ Transformers: Mosaic] at deviantART
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20071007074624/http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=131370 Interview with Van Reyk and Knowler at Newsarama] (includes info on fan submissions) (archive copy)
* [http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2008/02/15/mosaic-a-go-go/ Hail and Farewell]

==References==
<references />

{{comicstub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mosaic}}
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]

Talk:Oreo Transformer

2014-07-01T11:39:33Z

Steve-o: nameless character page titles

I'm unclear on what makes this guy a Decepticon. He only appeared at KSI HQ in Chicago, right?--[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] ([[User talk:KilMichaelMcC|talk]]) 15:38, 30 June 2014 (EDT)
:I mean, I've no problem calling the army Galvatron raised Decepticons, even though I don't think he used the name for them, but I don't think this guy was part of it. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] ([[User talk:KilMichaelMcC|talk]]) 07:05, 1 July 2014 (EDT)
::Eh, I didn't want to call him something clunky like "Oreo truck KSI Transformer". [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 07:23, 1 July 2014 (EDT)
:::(1) Wasn't he an Oreo vending machine, not a truck? I swear he was standing between two vending machines. (2) "Oreo truck robot" or "Oreo vending machine robot" is more in line with [[Help:Nameless|TFWiki's nameless character style]]. --[[User:Steve-o|Steve-o]] ([[User talk:Steve-o|talk]]) 07:39, 1 July 2014 (EDT)

Talk:Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2014-07-01T11:33:59Z

Steve-o: archived pre-release discussion

== Archives ==

*[[Talk:Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/Archive 1|Archive 1]] - discussion from before the actual release of the film

== "Explicable discrepancies"? ==

Do we really need a section that's basically TFWiki users attempting to Marvel No-Prize the movie's slip-ups?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 01:35, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
: NOPE. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] ([[User talk:ItsWalky|talk]]) 01:38, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
::We've had this for the other movies, for common stuff like "Why did Astrotrain need to jettison weight?" Not defending the current content, but it isn't unprecedented. -- [[User:Repowers|Repowers]] ([[User talk:Repowers|talk]]) 08:19, 29 June 2014 (EDT)

==Cyclonus?==
So, did Cyclonus appeared in this movie? [[User:Xenotime|Xenotime]] ([[User talk:Xenotime|talk]]) 05:40, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
:No. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 08:54, 29 June 2014 (EDT)

== Foreign names ==

[http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/index.php?title=Donny_Finkleberg&diff=prev&oldid=736467]
[http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/index.php?title=Skyquake_(Prime)&diff=prev&oldid=814427]
[http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/index.php?title=Transcendent_Technomorph&diff=prev&oldid=810163]
I found these as evidence off-hand. There are other, more direct examples, but after trawling through eight thousand of Walky's contribs and two thousand of Sipher's, I could no longer be arsed to keep looking. Additionally, as I mentioned, those names are clutter. The film is called either ''Age of Extinction'' or ''Lost Age''--or a direct translation thereof--in all but a couple of languages. Ergo, we don't care about the French, Italian, Spanish, etc., titles, just the English one and those that are different from both it and from any other title. [[User:Pirateblue|Pirateblue]] ([[User talk:Pirateblue|talk]]) 16:35, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
:All episode articles show foreign names regardless of whether they're direct translations or not. Movie articles aren't any different. [[User:Mimi|Mimi]] ([[User talk:Mimi|talk]]) 17:13, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
::Yes, cartoon episodes do show all foreign names. However, ''episodes'' are not the same thing as ''movies''; episode pages note '''original airdate''' and discrepancies form the original. Movie pages do not, and should not, note this stuff; that belongs in '''Other editions'''. The bits that ''are'' notable, however, are the names that aren't "Age of Extinction" or "Lost Age": for example, the fact that in Mandarin, it's "Extinct Rebirth" or that it has no subtitle whatsoever in Argentina. Having no less than '''fourteen''' word-for-word translations of "Age of Extinction" in one big blob prevents the reader from seeing the interesting stuff. [[User:Pirateblue|Pirateblue]] ([[User talk:Pirateblue|talk]]) 18:14, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
:::"Lost Age" is the same title as "Age of Extinction"? --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 18:43, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
::::No, it is not; there are, however, fourteen other names in that list that are. [[User:Pirateblue|Pirateblue]] ([[User talk:Pirateblue|talk]]) 20:01, 29 June 2014 (EDT)

== Synopsis ==

Wait, was that originally copied and pasted from Wikipedia? --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 17:10, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
:Everything besides the Psittacosaurus scene that I added to the beginning is from wikipedia, I think. I changed parts of it, but other than that, it seems to matches Wikipedia's. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 17:17, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
::The copied parts kinda need to be rewritten in that case! --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 18:03, 29 June 2014 (EDT)

== "_______ Decepticon" generics ==
Wouldn't it better suit them to be called "_______ Vehicon"?--[[User:Carrion|Carrion]] ([[User talk:Carrion|talk]]) 21:48, 29 June 2014 (EDT)
:Well, Vehicon wouldn't really be correct either, since the only non-Kre-O AOE things to officially be named Vehicons are [[Vehicon (AOE)|these toy-only guys]], but I agree that 'Decepticon' isn't really appropriate either. Maybe '_____ robot'? [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] ([[User talk:Jalaguy|talk]]) 10:30, 30 June 2014 (EDT)

== Paleontology weeps ==

Why do we need this? The Dinobots clearly weren't made by the grenade blast, so there's no reason to presume they're anything but generically based on the fossils seen by the Creators -- their size, lack of organic carapace a la Alice, ''twin heads'', and very non-standard spikes-every-gotdang-where should make it clear they're intended to be closer to the Animated Dinobots than direct scanning.

Plus, isn't that how virtually every series has done the Dinobots anyway?[[User:KrytenKoro|KrytenKoro]] ([[User talk:KrytenKoro|talk]]) 09:48, 30 June 2014 (EDT)
:It's talking about a sequence at the beginning with real dinosaurs, although quite frankly, it's one of the most accurate depictions of dinosaurs I've seen in cinema. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 10:42, 30 June 2014 (EDT)

Talk:Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/Archive 1

2014-07-01T11:31:38Z

Steve-o: archiving the pre-release discussion, which is almost entirely speculative

NOTE: The following talk posts date from before the film's release, and therefore are mostly useless to post-release edits.

==Trailer==

New Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv6fVuvcHis --[[User:BatboyEXE|BatboyEXE]] 08:44 pm, 2 February 2014

Does [http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 this] belong here? Should I keep it for later?

Basically, allegations that Bumblebee's new (officially confirmed) alternate mode is directly based on some random guy's customized Camaro.--[[User:Nevermore|Nevermore]] 06:31, 14 June 2013 (EDT)

It's called Transformers: Age of Extinction. - [[User:SoundWave|SoundWave]] 11:03, 2 September 2013 (EDT)
:That's not going onto the article 'til an official press release actually announces it. As of right now, it isn't officially confirmed. [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] 11:10, 2 September 2013 (EDT)
Where is galvatron.--[[User:Primeisboss|Primeisboss]] 6:07, 18 June 2014

== Dinobots ==

Given that they've been officially confirmed, I would imagine they would be given a mention somewhere on this page. Not saying we should go so far as to add Grimlock to the featured characters, but I would have thought they'd have some sort of mention here or there.

== New Characters ==

I read online that Autobots "Crosshairs", and "Drift" will be joining the cast, along with Decepticon "Cyclonus". I also read that Dino/Mirage and Sideswipe will not be returning. Should we include this? {{unsigned|Deceptibot?}}
:Is it from an official source, or is it from a leak? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:01, 7 September 2013 (EDT)
:Well, it came from Wikipedia, I just wanted to know if we should consider it.
::Looking at the Wikipedia article and its sources, these seem to be the usual mix of rumors and leaked production names (which are often chosen for purposes of misdirection). Don't think we need to bother with them. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 22:37, 7 September 2013 (EDT)
:Well,it also came from a leaked callsheet.Bay tried making a fake callsheet for ROTF but it failed because all that was in that callsheet appeared in the movie.Bay wouldn't try to do that again so it's basically confirmed that the names for the Corvette C7 and the Bugatti are Drift and Crosshairs.Also in that callsheet it said something about a spaceship crashing and "Cyclonus".Should we include this?P.S.I'm new to the wiki{{unsigned|Bumblebee Prime}} 14:17, 22 September 2013 (EDT)
::That's a very interesting definition of 'basically confirmed' you're using. If it hasn't been ''offically'' confirmed, by Michael Bay and/or a ''reputable'' news source, it ain't going on the article. [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] 15:39, 22 September 2013 (EDT)
::That's the same reasoning cardsharps rely on. "Oh, he really was bluffing those first four hands when I won a little bit of money, so he must be bluffing now when I am all in." In other words, leaked callsheets are not "confirmation" of anything.--[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 17:37, 22 September 2013 (EDT)
I've also seen pictures of Ratchet and Leadfoot prop vehicles on the set of TF4, should we note this?--[[User:Deceptibot|Deceptibot]] 14:41, 6 October 2013 (EDT)

we should more characters to the list, even Wkipedia has a complete list: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers:_Age_of_Extinction - [[User:SoundWave|SoundWave]] 14:21, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
:No, these haven't been confirmeds, so we aren't adding them. This page seems like it needs to be locked soon. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 14:23, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
::I may have to start using Wikipedia for my Transformers info if Tfwiki refuses to keep up to date. - [[User:SoundWave|SoundWave]] 14:25, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
:::Well, we refuse to use rumors. Hell, half the time, information on Wikipedia on Transformers isn't even complete or factually right. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 14:28, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
:::This isn't TFWiki "refusing to keep up to date". This is TFWiki not reporting on hearsay and unconfirmed rumors (which is 90% of the "up-to-date" crap Wikipedia's got listed). We have [[Help:Official info|guidelines]] for official information regarding upcoming product and media. I suggest you familiarize yourself with them. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 14:56, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
:::How many different names did Blackout go through in the first film, again? How many ''DOTM'' character sheets use non-final names, again? --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 15:07, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
::::Tfwiki should create a news page like TFW2005, to put news, leaks and unconfirmed info on, that way we could still have it, but it wouldn't mess up the article. - [[User:SoundWave|SoundWave]] 15:11, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
:::::Dear god, NO. We aren't a new site. We are a wiki. We don't do that crap. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 15:14, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
:::::Or, here's an idea, you use TFW2005 to get all your breaking scoops regarding leaks, rather than ask for TFWiki to emulate TFW2005. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 15:28, 18 October 2013 (EDT)
::::::It was just a suggestion, I will definitely continue using TFW. But how come everytime I make a change, on any article, it's always Detour, Escargon or Jaylaguy that answers, do you guys own this wiki, or something?
:::::::No, we're just regular contributors. ItsWalky is the top guy around here. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 15:35, 18 October 2013 (EDT)

Over the course of the last three movies, a blatant pattern has emerged. "Information" leaks, people jump all over it, it does not happen. The mad scramble for the latest pitiable scraps just means a lot of work cleaning it up later when it doesn't happen, meaning a lot of work that is ultimately unnecessary. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 16:23, 18 October 2013 (EDT)

Guys,these names appeared in the Hasbro Toy List and it seems legit:Crosshairs,Drift,Slog,Slug and Galvatron.I might have missed a few other names but no sight of Cyclonus. --[[User:Bumblebee Prime]] 19:36, 12 November 2013 (EDT)
:A list we were never meant to see and may not be final names, judging by a lot of things on it. So NO. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] ([[User talk:M Sipher|talk]]) 22:36, 12 November 2013 (EST)

Shouldn't Grimlock be on the list? - [[User:Silverboltmtmte|Silverboltmtmte]] ([[User talk:Silverboltmtmte|talk]]) 15:48, 14 December 2013 (EST)
*No, until the character had officialy been confirmed to be in the film by Bay, Paramount and Hasbro. so far the confirmation of Grimlock appearance have not been officialy from Hasbro, Paramount and Bay, just leaks.

== Main cast names officialy revealed ==
the empire magazine officialy confirmed the names of the main characters

Mark Walhberg is Cade Yeager
Nicola Peltz is Tessa Yeager
Jack Reynor is Shane

its no longer unofficial info, now that its been officialy confirmed. dont you think we should edit the cast and chaacters section {{unsigned|Eagc7}}
:Yes, I think that's official enough! --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 19:34, 28 November 2013 (EST)

== Lockdown confirmed? ==
according to UK Toy Fair 2014, the Lambo is officialy lockdown, http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys-products-30/first-look-at-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-track-set-aventador-character-name-revealed-179111/ {{unsigned|Eagc7}}
:Do we use toyline stuff as references? I mean, it's not unheard of for a character's name in the toyline to be different to their name in the movie. --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 15:24, 21 January 2014 (EST)
::Of course it's not unheard. But it doesn't happen very often. Scalpel, Mirage and Wheeljack were only character who had different names in films. The name change doesn't happen to ALL characters. But now that I think about, keeping names out from here actually keeps majority of the spoilers unrevealed. --[[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 12:21, 3 February 2014 (EET)
:::I don't think people should expect to not be spoiled when they look at a wiki article for a movie. --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 18:49, 3 February 2014 (EST)

== Lots of names confirmed by Toy Fair... ==

So Toy Fair is on, and Hasbro is showing off lots of stuff.
Shouldn't the now-confirmed names be added to the cast list? Like Lockdown, Slug, Scorn, Strafe, Crosshairs, Drift, etc.? --[[User:Diamondmatter|Diamondmatter]] ([[User talk:Diamondmatter|talk]]) 09:00, 16 February 2014 (EST)
:But just because we know the toy names doesn't mean we know the film names. For DOTM Mirage and Wheeljack toys were actually called Dino and Que in the film proper. Until we know for certain which names will be carried across into the film those don't belong here but in the AoE merchandise section. [[User:Mister Jazzz|Mister Jazz]] ([[User talk:Mister Jazzz|talk]]) 11:05, 16 February 2014 (EST)
::IMHO we should at least add the characters who are in the trailer. If their names are different in the movie, we can change them here when we get confirmation. Their articles will end up at the [[Mirage (Movie)|toy]] [[Wheeljack (Movie)|name]] anyway. --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 14:37, 16 February 2014 (EST)
:::You mean like crosshairs and lockdown and stuff, right? [[User:CheeseMan|CheeseMan]] ([[User talk:CheeseMan|talk]]) 18:34, 16 February 2014 (EST)
::::Yes, Lockdown, Crosshairs, Strafe and Galvatron are all in the trailer and we have confirmed toys for 'em. --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 19:11, 16 February 2014 (EST)
::But the name changes only happened once and their names were changed to match past characters. I could possibly see this being the case for some of the Dinobots, or maybe Galvatron, but definitely not characters like Lockdown, Drift or Crosshairs. --[[User:Diamondmatter|Diamondmatter]] ([[User talk:Diamondmatter|talk]]) 18:36, 16 February 2014 (EST)
:::About Lockdown, there already is an article [[Lockdown (ROTF)]]. Other characters had also articles combined with non-canon versions from previous sets. Except for Mudflap (whose both versions were from separate factions). --[[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 22:29, 17 February 2014 (EET)
:::By the way, even though it's not fully confirmed if Slug appears in film, he is indeed confirmed in toyline. So I created a disambiguation article about him. And I moved [[Slug]] into [[Slug (FOC)]] and edited the redirection of the original article to the disambiguation article. Even though article [[Slug (AOE)]] is not created yet, it will come. But I hope I didn't do this all too rashly. --[[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 19:59, 18 February 2014 (EET)
::::I think there's usually only a disambiguation page when there are '''three''' characters with the same name... --[[User:Flicky1991|flicky]][[User talk:Flicky1991|1991]] 14:04, 18 February 2014 (EST)
:::::There's a Construct-Bots Slug too. Unless we're counting the AOE Construct-Bots as the movieverse characters. --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 15:03, 18 February 2014 (EST)
::::::We absolutely should count the AOE-branded Construct-Bots as the movieverse characters. I know the ambiguities of the previous Construct-Bots led to the characters getting their own pages, but when their packaging carries the AOE logo on it I think it's safe to put those toys on the movie's characters' pages. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] ([[User talk:KilMichaelMcC|talk]]) 17:45, 18 February 2014 (EST)
:::::::Good point. Another option (especially now IDW Slag is called Slug) is to just combine the two disambiguation pages and put all the Slugs on [[Slag (disambiguation)]]. --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 18:15, 18 February 2014 (EST)

:::::::: By the way I saw a picture from TunaKaan showing the unofficial fate of the autobots is this true saying that Sideswipe and Dino would get slain and Ratchet and Topspin are aprehended"?

:::::::::We shouldn't care about it, since it's only a fan-made picture. Kre-O toys have hinted appearances of Ratchet (with his first movie colors) and Sideswipe (with G1 colors and new face), but without any official information about the characters or Kre-O toys truly having any connection to plot, we can't add their names here. --[[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 18:03, 19 February 2014 (EST)
:::::::::Forget Sideswipe, the Kre-O figure name is written wrong in the package, because by looking at it more carefully we can see that it's actually Leadfoot. --[[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 19:11, 3 April 2014 (EST)
::::::::: Check that out: http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/kreon-autobots-543/sideswipe-lockdown-air-raid-7778/ --[[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 03:06, 4 April 2014 (EDT)

==Ratchet==
He appeared in the trailer, confirming his return
Looks like ratchet might die. [[Primeisboss|Primeboss]] 6:10 ,18 June 2014

== Adding character(s?) ==

So the new teaser trailer was shown, starring Ratchet. He should be added to the character list, there's no reason whatsoever not to.
Also, maybe Stinger? He appeared, but that might not be his final name, considering how uncreative it is. But it looks like he's created by humans, so that could be on purpose. --[[User:Diamondmatter|Diamondmatter]] ([[User talk:Diamondmatter|talk]]) 01:20, 5 March 2014 (EST)

:But Stinger's name appeared on toy packages. But who knows, some names can be different in films (just like Scalpel, Mirage and Wheeljack were renamed Doctor, Dino and Que) But of course we can't assume that about all robots of this film. --[[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 9:23, 5 March 2014 (EST)
::There's a poster visible in the trailer with Stinger's name on it. --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 02:31, 5 March 2014 (EST)

== Li Bingbing's character ==

I've seen news stories on a bunch of sites which report her name as Sue Yueming (or Su Yueming) but no links to an official source. TFormers says it's from Jack Reynor's official Facebook, but as far as I can tell, he doesn't have an official facebook! Is there an official site that's reporting this name or, well, where's it come from? --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 00:58, 25 March 2014 (EDT)

== Minor changes==

"The first Age of Extinction "big game spot" is screened during the 48th Superbowl." The end of that sentence should be "Super Bowl XLVIII". --[[User:Cr85747|Cr85747]] ([[User talk:Cr85747|talk]]) 01:04, 16 April 2014 (EST)
:Fixed, thanks for pointing that out! --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 01:53, 16 April 2014 (EDT)

== Lockdown ==

[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/04/11/transformers-age-of-extinction-sets-up-a-new-trilogy-michael-bay-says/ This] says Lockdown isn't an Autobot or a Decepticon. Shouldn't we take him out of that section? --[[User:Youreallycan|Youreallycan]] ([[User talk:Youreallycan|talk]]) 10:25, 17 April 2014 (EDT)
:Hellooooooooooooooooo? --[[User:Youreallycan|Youreallycan]] ([[User talk:Youreallycan|talk]]) 14:36, 8 May 2014 (EDT)
::Sorry, yes, seems reasonable! --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 15:52, 8 May 2014

To get a better idea about lockdown check out the trailer named "villain".[[User:Primeisboss|Primeisboss]] 6:06, 19 June 2014

== Posters ==

Can I add the Lockdown poster?--[[User:Ratchet0202|Ratchet0202]] ([[User talk:Ratchet0202|talk]]) 04:25, 9 May 2014 (EDT)
:Yeah, we oughta have a poster section on there! --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 04:55, 9 May 2014 (EDT)
I added the Lockdown poster, could some change the name to Lockdown in the saving part?[[User:Ratchet0202|Ratchet0202]] ([[User talk:Ratchet0202|talk]]) 09:09, 11 May 2014 (EDT)
:Upload new images as ''new'' files. Don't overwrite existing ones. [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] ([[User talk:Jalaguy|talk]]) 09:11, 11 May 2014 (EDT)

== Savoy ==
Not the biggest deal in this article, but do you think we could add it now? http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/05/12/transformers-age-of-extinction-reveal/7973767/ [[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 10:35, 12 May 2014 (EDT)

== References ==

I'm not sure whether or not it's too early to be collecting trivia, but the human-created Transformers of this movie strike me as seem to be very much an echo of [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]]. Anyone have any idea if this could be a deliberate reference? [[User:Nemesis Primal|Nemesis Primal]] ([[User talk:Nemesis Primal|talk]]) 19:47, 7 June 2014 (EDT)

==Last names of Joshua and Darcy==
I can't edit the article, so could someone else add this?: http://collider.com/stanley-tucci-sophia-myles-transformers-age-of-extinction/ [[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 14:28, 17 June 2014 (EDT)
:What I'm trying to say is that this link confirms full names of characters played by Stanley Tucci and Sophia Myles as Joshua Gross and Darcy Tyril. But the page is protected so I can't add them this TFWiki article myself. [[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 14:11, 18 June 2014 (EDT)
::My apologies! It's updated now (This page is locked again?!) --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 16:40, 18 June 2014 (EDT)
:::Sorry about that, but people kept on messing with the character lists. It should unlock a couple of days after the AOE premiere (or earlier, if you so choose.) --[[User:Inkblot|Inkblot]] ([[User talk:Inkblot|talk]]) 18:12, 18 June 2014 (EDT)
::::Something isn't right. That link says that Joshua's last name is Gross, but the video that's able to be seen, for example in here: http://tformers.com/stanley-tucci-talks-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-his-character-joshua-joyce-and-spoilers/23814/news.html, say that it's Joyce. [[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 05:32, 19 June 2014 (EDT)
:::::<nowiki>:X</nowiki> Oh well, the movie's out in a week, at which point we'll know one way or the other. Maybe we should remove the last name until then (or until we get reliable confirmation)? --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 06:10, 19 June 2014 (EDT)
::::::Do what you want, but no one must create an article of him before that. [[User:CAJH|CAJH]] ([[User talk:CAJH|talk]]) 07:37, 19 June 2014 (EDT)

==Additions for Foreign Names==
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (????:???? "Transformers: Annihilation Century")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biànxíng Jingang 4: Juéjì Chóngsheng''''' (Taiwan: ????4:????, China: ????4:???? "Transformers 4: Extinct Rebirth") --[[User:OptimusComboy|OptimusComboy]] ([[User talk:OptimusComboy|talk]]) 19:16, 25 June 2014 (EDT)
:Thanks, I'll add these. [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] ([[User talk:Jalaguy|talk]]) 19:49, 25 June 2014 (EDT)
::This ought to be unlocked soonish anyway! --[[User:Abates|abates]] ([[User talk:Abates|talk]]) 19:59, 25 June 2014 (EDT)

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2014-07-01T11:21:46Z

Steve-o: /* Notes */ wikify, mention Scorn as "Spike"

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers-_Age_of_ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|right|300px|"Brace yourselves. Winter is coming."]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

The film is set four years after the climactic battle of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''. The humans have turned against the Autobots, and the CIA has set up a taskforce operated by [[Harold Attinger]] with the intent of tracking down the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] sends his forces into hiding around the country, unaware that the taskforce has extra-terrestrial help.

==Synopsis==



65 million years ago, on the planet Earth, a Psittacosaurus is out hunting for food. Finding a fish, the small dinosaur starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, with mysterious aliens laying down bombs all over the surface. Detonating them, they turn most of the Earth's surface and much of its organic life into a metallic element. Barely escaping, the Psittacosaurus walks through the fields of metallic dinosaur corpses. This is the end of the reign of the dinosaurs.

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Crosshairs (Movie)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (John DiMaggio)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Oreo truck Decepticon]]
*"[[Two-headed Shockwave]]"

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tyril]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff Greg]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Other|c4=
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*Psittacosaurus
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begins to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are not visible for this moment.

==[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]==
==Transformers references==



* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race was first offered as a possibility in the third season of the original Transformers cartoon.
* The ringtone on Joshua's assistant's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers theme.
* Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for basically forever.
*The Seed functions similarly to the Key to Vector Sigma, transforming organic matter into techno-matter.

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==

==Adaptations==

==Soundtrack==

==Score==

==Home video releases==

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|First teaser poster
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg
</gallery></center>

==Reception==
The movie has been received with varied ratings. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rating of 18%, though 64% of the fans liked it. However, IMDb gave it 6.6. Entirely, as the only professional reviews, the movie received up and down ratings, leaving more reviews to come.

==Production staff==
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
*February 13, 2012 — Paramount announces [[Michael Bay]] has signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film.<ref name="tf4update">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/02/14/transformers-4-update/ Transformers 4 Update] on Michael Bay's site.</ref>
*June 6, 2012 — During [[Transformers: The Ride – 3D]] coverage, LA Times reports Michael Bay as saying the film will have a whole new human cast and redesigned robots.<ref>[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ Transformers taking new shape] on LA Times</ref>
*June 21, 2012 — In another LA Times interview, Bay reveals that the film will not be a reboot as previously stated.<ref>[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ 'Transformers 4': Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space] on LA Times</ref>
*September 21, 2012 — Bay confirms that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] will be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] once again.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html Huffington Post interview].</ref>
*October 18, 2012 — The logo is revealed at a Paramount presentation.<ref>[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=95936 Paramount Previews Jack Reacher, Pain & Gain, Jack Ryan, Transformers 4, World War Z & More! ] on Comingsoon.net</ref>
*November 8, 2012 — After a number of rumors suggest it, Bay casts actor [[Mark Wahlberg]] in the film.<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michel-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4] on Michael Bay's site.</ref>
*December 15, 2012 — Wahlberg confirms that filming of ''Transformers 4'' will commence in May 2013. <ref>[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2012/12/transformers-4-shoot-begins-in-may.html Transformers 4 Shoot Begins in May]</ref>
*January 8, 2013 — Bay casts Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] in ''Transformers 4''. <ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role]</ref>
*March 20, 2013 — The Michigan Film Office announces the film series will return to [[Detroit]],<ref>[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive]</ref> and reveals plot details which are later debunked by Paramount Pictures.<ref>[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial 'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate]</ref>
*March 26, 2013 — [[Nicola Peltz]] is confirmed as a cast member via Bay's website.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4]</ref>
*April 15, 2013 — Actor [[Stanley Tucci]] joins the cast.<ref>[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4]</ref>
*May 1, 2013 — [[Kelsey Grammer]] joins the cast as the lead villain named "Harold Attinger".<ref>[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel]</ref>
*May 6, 2013 — The Wrap confirms that [[Sophia Myles]] will play a scientist.<ref>[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)]</ref>
*May 18, 2013 — The name of Mark Wahlberg's character is revealed to be Flynn Vincent (This was later either changed or misinformation).
*May 20, 2013 — Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] joins the cast.<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4']</ref>
*May 28, 2013 — Actor-Comedian [[T. J. Miller]] joins the cast as a mechanic who is the best friend of Wahlberg's character.<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers4']</ref> Filming begins at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]]<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park]</ref> and the alternate modes of two new Autobots are revealed on Michael Bay's website: a C7 Corvette Stingray<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-cars-c7-corvette-stingray/ Transformers 4: C7 Corvette Stingray]</ref> and a Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformer-4-cars/ Transformers 4: Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse]</ref>
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|right|240px|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
*May 29, 2013 — Optimus Prime's new alternate mode is officially revealed by Michael Bay as a custom-built semi-truck.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/29/optimus-prime/ Optimus Prime]</ref>
*May 30, 2013 — Bumblebee's new alternate mode is revealed on Michael Bay's website as a highly modified 1967 Camaro SS.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/30/transformers-4-bumblebee/ Bumblebee]</ref>
*May 31, 2013 — Hound is revealed as a new character for Transformers 4, transforming into a Medium Tactical Vehicle.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/31/hound/ Hound]</ref>
*June 7, 2013 — Another new vehicle for the film is revealed as a Lamborghini Aventador.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/06/07/lamborghini-aventador/ Lamborghini Aventador]</ref>
*June 12, 2013 — The Sonic RS Rally Car is revealed for the film.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/06/12/sonic-rs/ Sonic RS Rally Car]</ref>
*June 25, 2013 — The Pagani Huayra is revealed to appear in the film.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/06/25/pagani-huayra/ Pagani Huayra]</ref>
*June 28, 2013 — A Freightliner Argosy cab-over truck is revealed for the film.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/06/28/freightliner/ Freightliner]</ref>
*July 2, 2013 — A second alternate mode is revealed for Bumblebee in the form of a 2014 Concept Camaro.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/07/02/bumblebee-2014-concept-camaro/ Bumblebee 2014 Concept Camaro]</ref><ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/07/02/bumblebee-2014-concept-camaro-2/ Bumblebee 2014 Concept Camaro]</ref>
*July 14, 2013 — Chinese actor-musician [[Han Geng]] is announced as being part of the cast.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/07/14/han-geng/ Han Geng]</ref>
*July 25, 2013 — After being spotted in Texas in June, actor [[Titus Welliver]] officially joins the cast.<ref>[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ ‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver]</ref>
*July 27, 2013 — The S.S. Columbia and the S.S. Ste. Clair have been spotted to be featured in the film.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4]</ref>
*July 30, 2013 — Wahlberg's children have been cast.<ref>[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4]</ref>
*August 12, 2013 — [[Victoria Summer]] joins the cast.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/victoria-summer-in-transformers-4-178207/ Victoria Summer in Transformers 4]</ref>
[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|right|220px|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]
*August 25, 2013 — The ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' ends, with winners [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]] joining the cast.<ref>[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm 'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors]</ref>
*September 3, 2013 — Lorenzo di Bonaventura confirms the presence of Dinobots in the film.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/03/dinobots-confirmed-for-transformers-4 Dinobots Confirmed for Transformers 4]</ref>
*September 3, 2013 — The film's title, ''Transformers: Age of Extinction'', is officially announced and the first teaser poster is revealed.<ref>[http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/transformers-4-title-reveal-age-extinction-hints-dinobots-225716345.html 'Transformers 4' Title Reveal: 'Age of Extinction' Hints at Dinobots]</ref>
*October 17, 2013 — Director Michael Bay is assaulted on the set during filming in Hong Kong by two locals demanding money. Bay receives minor injuries, but plays the incident off on his blog. <ref>[http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=834789 MSN.com article]</ref> <ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 CBC News article]</ref> <ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ Post on Michael Bay's Blog]</ref>
*October 22, 2013 — Four additional locals approach a member of the crew and demand money; one of the four is later arrested by police. <ref>[http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=835795 Second extortion attempt reported on 'Transformers 4' set]</ref>
*October 28, 2013 — Director Michael Bay plays down the extortion attempts in an interview with the South China Morning Post. He notes that the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong. <ref>[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again", ''South China Morning Post'', 28 October 2013.]</ref>
[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
*November 25, 2013 — ''Age of Extinction'' features in ''Empire'' magazine, showing Optimus Prime's new look on the cover. Inside are on-set photos of Michael Bay and the film's human cast in action.<ref name="empire">[http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=39488 New Transformers: Age Of Extinction Images]</ref>
*December 10, 2013 — M1905 publishes a series of interview with cast and crew in which a plethora of information, mainly regarding the film's human characters, is revealed.<ref>[http://t4.m1905.com/Report/position/id/80 Interviews on m1950.com]</ref>
*December 17, 2013 — Producer [[Allegra Clegg]] visits Durfee Elementary-Middle School as the result of a competition, and answers questions and shows three minutes of footage from the film.<ref>[http://blog.thedetroithub.com/2013/12/17/transformers-4-producer-rewards-dps-eighth-graders-for-attendance/ Transformers 4 producer rewards DPS eighth graders for attendance] on Detroit Unspun]</ref>
*January 7, 2014 — Following an on-stage snafu at a Samsung presentation, Michael Bay announces on his site that a special presentation including Transformers 4 footage would be touring to promote Samsung's new line of curved TV screens. <ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2014/01/06/ces/ CES] on Michael Bay's blog</ref>
*January 16, 2014 — The new Lucasfilm facility in Singapore opens, with some ILM work on ''Age of Extinction'' to be done there.<ref>[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies] on The Straits Times</ref>
*January 17, 2014 — [[Steve Jablonsky]] confirms in an interview with JoBlo that he'll be providing the score for ''Age of Extinction''.<ref>[http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/exclusive-interview-composter-steve-jablonsky-talks-transformers-4-lone-survivor-and-michael-bay Exclusive Interview (Part Two): Composer Steve Jablonsky talks Transformers 4, Lone Survivor, and Michael Bay]</ref>
*January 20, 2014 — Late script changes result in Bay and his crew returning to Chongqing for a week reshooting a scene.<ref>[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml 'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots]</ref>
[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.9|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]
*February 2, 2014 — The [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F33PCUTWPk ''Age of Extinction'' "big game spot"] is screened during Super Bowl XLVIII.
*February 18, 2014 — In an interview with Nerdist, Titus Welliver said the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie".<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments]</ref>
*February 28, 2014 — Following a storm of online discussion regarding his previous statement, Titus Welliver issues a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie and he meant to say it would expand the audience. Relax, it's totally fine to take your kids to see it.<ref name="nerdist" />
*March 3, 2014 — The first of a series of character posters is revealed.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2014/03/03/new-transformers-4-poster-featuring-mark-wahlberg/ New Transformers 4 Poster Featuring Mark Wahlberg]</ref>
*March 4, 2014 — The first [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubGpDoyJvmI teaser trailer] is released.
*March 12, 2014 — An IMAX poster for the movie is released.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/2014/03/12/transformers-4-imax-poster/ Transformers 4 IMAX Poster]</ref> MTV UK reports it features "Nightship".<ref>[http://www.mtv.co.uk/transformers/news/mtv-uk-exclusive-new-transformers-age-of-extinction-poster MTV UK Exclusive! New Transformers: Age of Extinction Poster]</ref>
*March 13, 2014 — CinemaCon announce that Nicola Peltz and Jack Reynor will receive the Rising Stars of 2014 Award for Transformers 4.<ref>[http://cinemacon.com/press/press-release/2014-press-release/nicola-peltz-and-jack-reynor-to-receive-cinemacon-rising-stars-award.html Nicola Peltz and Jack Reynor to Receive "CinemaCon® Rising Stars of 2014 Award]</ref>
*March 24, 2014 — On the first day of CinemaCon, [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] shows off 15 minutes of footage from the film.<ref>[http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Transformers-Age-Extinction-CinemaCon-Footage-Brings-Dinosaurs-Explosions-More-42240.html Transformers: Age Of Extinction CinemaCon Footage Brings Dinosaurs, Explosions And More] on Cinema Blend</ref> Mark Wahlberg promises the movie will be the biggest of the year.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mark-wahlberg-guarantees-a-hit-with-transformers-age-of-extinction/ Mark Wahlberg "guarantees" a hit with "Transformers: Age of Extinction"] at CBS News</ref>
*May 8, 2014 — The robot voice cast is revealed on michaelbay.com.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’]</ref>
*May 15, 2014 — The [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKD5SNYUpUk second trailer] is released on YouTube and iTunes.


{{--}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')<ref>[http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/N0056111 『トランスフォーマー』第4弾の邦題は『トランスフォーマーロストエイジ』に決定！最新ビジュアルも公開]</ref>
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformers: Age of Extermination''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya'')
*''Argentina:'' '''''Transformers 4'''''
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: Annihilation Century")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng 4: Juéjì Chóngshēng''''' (Taiwan: 變型金剛4：絕跡重生, China: 变形金刚4：绝迹重生 "Transformers 4: Extinct Rebirth")

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

{{stub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Autobots' Advantage

2013-09-22T15:55:24Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{picsneeded}}

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Honey Bear Books|''Transformers: Generation 2 Coloring and Activity Book'']]
|prev=
|next=Decepticon Danger
|image=AutobotsAdvantage-cover.jpg
|caption=Shouldn't this have been the cover to [[Search and Rescue Mission]]?
|title="Autobots' Advantage"
|publisher=[[Honey Bear Books]]
|coverdate=[[1993]]
|written by=[[Lara Bergen]]
|art by=[[Tony Tallarico Sr.|Tony]] and [[Tony Tallarico Jr.|Tony Tallarico]]
|pagecount=32pp
|ISBN=561443425
}}
''''''

==Quotes==
TBA

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (2)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (3)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (4)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (9)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)

|c2=
* Decepticon jets (1)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (5)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (6)
* [[Terradive (G2)|Terradive]] (7)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (8)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (11)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (14)
}}

==Notes==
* This book contains no storyline, just a series of line art drawings of various characters gearing up for or engaging in battle. Bumblebee and Optimus Prime make cameos, being declared "Rulers of the Universe!" Yeah.
* There are a multitude of unnamed Decepticon jets identical to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Starscream himself is probably the one who quotes his Tech Spec motto.
* Inferno is lacking the wings on his ears so he looks more like [[Grapple]], but Grapple didn't have a G2 toy.

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/advantage.html Autobots' Advantage] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

Dinobots vs. Constructicons

2013-09-22T15:55:07Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{picsneeded}}

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Honey Bear Books|''Transformers: Generation 2 Coloring and Activity Book'']]
|prev=Decepticon Danger
|next=Search and Rescue Mission
|image=DinobotsConstructicons-cover.jpg
|caption=Don't expect to see me much in this issue!
|title="Dinobots vs. Constructicons"
|publisher=[[Honey Bear Books]]
|coverdate=1993
|written by=[[Lara Bergen]]
|art by=[[Tony Tallarico Sr.|Tony]] and [[Tony Tallarico Jr.|Tony Tallarico]]
|pagecount=32pp
|ISBN= 1561443441
}}
'''Insert line here.'''

==Synopsis==
TBA

==Quotes==
TBA

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (1)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (4)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (5)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (6)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (8)
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (9)
* [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] (10)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (11)
* [[Skram (G2)|Skram]] (16)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (18)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (19)

|c2=
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (2)
* [[Terradive (G2)|Terradive]] (7)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (12)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (13)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (14)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (15)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (17)

}}

==Notes==
* The book features lots of package art-based line art with no particular storyline. It is notable for its utter lack of Dinobots fighting Constructicons, as well as a page that labels Grimlock and Inferno as "Dinobots on patrol". From a distant galaxy... come the proportionally-distorted Autobots!

==Footnotes==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/dino-vs-const.html Dinobots vs. Constructicons] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

{{bookstub}}

[[Category:Coloring books]]

Peril from the Stars

2013-09-22T15:54:48Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers Adventure Game Books]]''
|next=Island of Fear
|prev=Dinobot War
|image=Corgi-2-Peril_from_the_Stars.jpg
|caption=Why fight when I can look at the camera and stand sharp!
|title="Peril from the Stars"
|publisher=[[Corgi Books]]
|published=Great Britain
|imprint=Young Corgi Adventure/Adventure Game Books
|date=[[1985]]
|writers=[[Dave Morris]]
|illustrator=[[Bob Harvey]] (interior pencils and cover painting)
|pagecount=71
|ISBN=ISBN 0-552-523151 ISBN 9780552523158
}}

'''You help Jazz save an observatory—and possibly the world!'''

==Synopsis==
Visiting your [[Jack Richards|Uncle Jack]] and [[Sue Richards|Aunt Sue]] at the secluded [[Los Palmos observatory]], [[you]] find that you have arrived in the middle of some very unusual activity. Unbeknownst to you, the evil [[Decepticon]] [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and the nefarious [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] have hjacked the observatory to track a supply pod containing weapons that was launched from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] when it passed close to [[Earth]]'s orbit and are planning to bring it down to Earth. To this end, they have placed [[null-ray|null-fields]] around the site's perimeter that will disable any vehicle that approaches.

As you and your uncle stop off at [[Olaf]]'s petrol station on your way back to the observatory you see a bright red light in the sky and soon afterwards, you encounter the Autobot Jazz. With his assistance you approach the observatory only to discover that it is too late—Starscream has already found the stray weapons pod and has set it to home in on a beacon at the observatory. Triumphantly, the Decepticon transforms into jet mode and flies into the air.

===Endings===
{{note|As a [[multipath adventure]], there are a number of ways in which this story can end for you:}}
*You persuade Jazz (stuck in car mode) to try to outrun Bombshell (in aerial insect mode). He can't, and Bombshell destroys you with an explosive shell.
*You take the homing beacon and put it in your pocket. When Jazz is searching for something you keep quiet, the weapons pod homes in on you and everyone at the observatory is blown to bits when it lands.
*You take the homing beacon and put it in your pocket. When Jazz is searching for something you give it to him and he destroys it. The weapons pod sails harmlessly overhead to crash into the Pacific ocean.
*You take the homing beacon and throw it at Starscream where it lodges in his jet. The weapons pod smashes through his wing but he manages to get away.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]
|c2=
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
|c3=
*[[You]]
*[[Jack Richards]]
*[[Sue Richards]]
*[[Olaf]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

{{note|The order in which the characters appear depends on the path you take through the book.}}

==Notes==
*All Transformers' names are printed in [[To sell toys|CAPITAL LETTERS]].
*Your path through the book can change other plot points too: if you arrive early at the observatory with your uncle you find that your aunt is being controlled by one of Bombshell's [[cerebro-shell]]s, but if you go it alone with Jazz and arrive later, your uncle and aunt are being held captive by the Decepticons and both call out your name when they see you.
*Bombshell can also have his wing casing (his leg in robot mode) injured by Jazz in two different ways.
*Bombshell doesn't shrink when he transforms.
*If you choose the ending where you throw the homing beacon at Starscream, there is no mention of the weapons pod after it smashes through his wing though presumably it must have come down nearby; likewise if the pod crashes into the Pacific no mention is made of an attempt to retrieve or secure it. In both cases you, your aunt and your uncle stay up all night listening to Jazz's stories and no-one seems particularly concerned about the location of the deadly arsenal that was the point of Starscream's plan in the first place.

===Errors===
*Starscream appears to be missing a hand on page 31.
**And an arm on page 49.
*Despite them being described as such, Bombshell's wing casings are never drawn open when he is flying.
*If you throw the homing beacon at Starscream on page 44, you are described as being "too insignificant to matter" and so he fails to notice you. However on page 39, when you throw a cerebro-shell at Bombshell, Starscream sees you immediately and warns the Insecticon.

===Advertisements===
*Inside the front cover is an advert for the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|UK comic]], using a [[:Image:Jetfire-Dutch.jpg|piece of artwork]] that depicts [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s unused [[character model]] fighting [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].
*At the end of the story are adverts for other Young Corgi books "[[Dinobot War]]" and "T.R.Bear: Enter T.R." by Terrance Dicks.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/#corgi-adv Peril from the Stars] at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.

[[Category:Generation 1 multipath adventures]]

The Transformers Adventure Game Books

2013-09-22T15:54:17Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{nav-G1|logo=TheTransformers_Logo.jpg}}

'''''The Transformers Adventure Game Books''''' is a [[multipath adventure]] series published by [[Corgi Books]] under the imprint '''Young Corgi Adventure''' between 1985 and 1987.

==Titles==
# [[Dinobot War]]
# [[Peril from the Stars]]
# [[Island of Fear]]
# [[Highway Clash]]
# [[Swamp of the Scorpion]]
# [[Desert of Danger]]

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/#corgi-adv Young Corgi Adventure] at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.
*[http://www.gamebooks.org/show_series.php?id=336 Young Corgi Adventure] at gamebooks.org
*[http://www.gamebooks.org/trans_uk.htm Young Corgi Adventure] at gamebooks.org

{{DEFAULTSORT:Adventure Game Books}}
[[Category:Generation 1 multipath adventures| Adventure Game Books]]

Attack of the Decepticons

2013-09-22T15:53:57Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=[[Kid Stuff|Kid Stuff storybook]]
|prev=Slaves of the Insecticons
|title=Attack of the Decepticons
|image=Attack of the Decepticons LP Cover.PNG
|caption=Looks more like attack ''on'' the Decepticons.
|publisher=[[Kid Stuff]]
|date=1985
|writer=[[John Braden]]
}}

==Synopsis==
Over the Arabian peninsula, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] leads a squadron of [[Decepticon Planes]] in a sortie to destroy an oil storage depot. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] monitor the events from the [[Decepticon submersible storage vat]] off the coast of [[Madagascar]]. They are pleased that the [[Autobot]]s are distracted by the attack and are seemingly unaware of the true plan.

Over the last month, five supertankers have been raided and sunk by the [[Decepticon]]s; and now the sixth, the ''Orion'' is in their sights. The crew of the doomed ship radio for help, but their transmissions are blocked by Soundwave. As the oil is violently removed, the great ship lists and finally breaks in two; taking its crew to their doom. Megatron commands his vessel to return to [[Refinery Sector 19]], hidden in the North Atlantic trench.

Back at Autobot headquarters, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] monitor the Decepticon leadership. The loss of the six tankers has not gone unnoticed. Prowl suggests tainting the oil in a tanker with corrosive acid that would ravage the Decepticons should they try to use it. Optimus Prime is intrigued by the idea, but unsure of how the acidified oil could be safely stored.

Soon, the Decepticons learn of the launch of a new supertanker. The ''Colossus'' will be the largest such vessel ever, her holds capable of containing five million barrels of crude. The newly discovered fracture proof alloy used in her construction renders her unsinkable. Megatron plans to attack her on her maiden voyage from the Gulf of Oman.

As the ship sets sail, the crew complain that the oil has a strange smell but their job must be done. The Decepticons quickly and silently attach to the vessel, sucking out many gallons of oil. Optimus Prime and Prowl dispatch the first of two waves of Autobots from Base Epsilon.

After draining half of the 'Colossus' contents, the Decepticon ship begins to malfunction. A sudden Autobot assault worsens their situation. Hovering over the ocean, the Autobots levitate the ship free of the Decepticon's clutches. The Decepticon's force field fails as the second wave of Autobots arrives. Megatron and Soundwave escape as the submersible storage vat is destroyed by the Autobot's thermal missiles.

The victorious Autobots fly the tanker to [[New York City]]. The radar operators at JFK airport and a lone fisherman at Staten Island watch the arrival. Optimus Prime tells Prowl to ensure that the witnesses' memories of the events are erased.

In the Mexican desert, an oil exploration crew draws their bit out of the ground. Half of the bit has been sheared off by the lasers of the underground [[Decepticon Fortress Gamma]]....

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (7)
* Various unnamed Autobots (9)

|c2=
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (1)
* Other Decepticon Planes (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (4)

|c3=
* Radio operator (5)
* Crew of Colossus (8)
* Radar operator (10)
* Fisherman (11)
}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
* While the Kid Stuff story books generally only have lines for Megatron, Soundwave, Optimus Prime and Prowl; this adventure begins with a report from Thundercracker.
* This adventure was available on vinyl record or cassette tape, neither came with a storybook.
* Optimus Prime studies morality by examining the works of Sophocles, Thomas Jefferson and Gandhi.
* Both the war in general and Optimus Prime in particular are said to be older than life on Earth.

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/ More information on Attack of the Decepticons] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Episodes]]

Transformers: Universe (comic)

2013-09-22T15:52:27Z

Steve-o: spelling

{{disambig2|the comic series from the 2003 ''Universe'' franchise|the ''Generation 1'' comic miniseries|The Transformers Universe}}

{{Nav-Universe}}
The '''''Transformers Universe''''' comic series was produced under the auspices of the then-[[Transformers Collectors' Club|Official Transformers Collectors' Club]]. It was released at each year's [[BotCon]] convention.

It encompassed three storylines:
* ''The Wreckers'', rebranded ''Universe Featuring the Wreckers'' after issue #1
* ''Primeval Dawn'', a back-up story behind ''Wreckers''
* ''Universe'', a separate book built around the ''Universe'' [[franchise]].

[[Image:Universe1a.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The universe... is a very large place.]]
After an erratic publication schedule, the series came to an end when the license for both the club and convention was taken away from [[3H Productions]]. All three storylines were left hanging and unfinished... though a few years later, [[Fun Publications]] would wrap up both "Wreckers" and "Universe", the former directly, the other in a flashback in another story.

==''Transformers Universe: Featuring The Wreckers''==

{{chapters|title=''The Wreckers'' issues:|content=
*[[Departure|#1]]
*[[Betrayal|#2]]
*[[Disclosure|#3]]
*[[The Wreckers: Finale Part 1|#4/Finale Part 1]]
*[[Wreckers: Finale Part II|Finale Part II]]
}}

===Overview===
The first ''Universe'' book overlays its story onto that of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', bringing in several new teams based on then-current toylines as well as various convention exclusive characters. In addition to the titular [[Wrecker]]s (an ad hoc team of all-new members), the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]] and [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]] are featured.

These varied teams are summoned by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] to carry out a series of mysterious missions off-world. En route they encounter Optimus Primal and Nightscream, in the midst of their struggle with Megatron. The story primarily follows the Wreckers as they leave Cybertron and travel first to the 9th planet of the [[Archa system]], where a mysterious artifact awaits, as does betrayal from within their ranks. Recovering, the group moves on to another world where they take on a Quintesson passenger.

The other teams, meanwhile, have walked into traps, as their Oracle-given missions turn out to be false messages sent by the Quintessons. Eventually the Dinobots and Wreckers return to Cybertron, to join the population there in defending it against an all-out Quintesson invasion.

Originally titled ''The Wreckers'' when the first issue debuted at BotCon 2001, the series was later rebranded to fit with the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' franchise.

The demise of 3H left the story unfinished until 2007. The first four pages of issue #4, the only ones that had been completed, were colored and printed in [[Fun Publications]]' [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine]] as "[[The Wreckers: Finale Part 1]]", while a new creative team completed the story in text form with "[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]" on the club web site.

The series was rather heavily criticized by fans, in large part for starting off with an unmanageably huge cast, then solving that problem by brutally killing much of that cast off. The series also seemed to contain implicit criticism of the then-recent ''Beast Machines'' story, working hard to "undo" some of its events and concepts, as well as overt "fanwanking".

The series also suffered heavy interference from Hasbro, who reportedly required multiple changes to fit their ever-shifting toy plans.<ref>[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/tidbits/otfcc2004.txt Steve-o Stonebreaker's OTFCC 2004 notes]</ref>

===Creative Team===
The original series was scripted by [[Glen Hallit]] and [[Rob Gerbracht]], with art by [[Dan Khanna]] and [[Guido Guidi]]. The concluding text story was written by [[Greg Sepelak]] and [[Trent Troop]].

==''Primeval Dawn''==
{{chapters|title=Primeval Dawn:|content=
*[[Primeval Dawn Part 1|Part 1]]
*[[Primeval Dawn II|Flash cartoon]]
*[[Primeval Dawn Part 2|Part 2]]
*[[Primeval Dawn Part 3|Part 3]]
}}

===Overview===
{{main|Primeval Dawn}}

''Primeval Dawn'' was a backup story published in parts behind the main ''Wreckers'' story. Like ''Wreckers'', Primeval Dawn was never completed as intended, with only the first three of four parts released.

===Creative Team===
Primeval Dawn's script was begun by Bob Forward, and continued by Simon Furman; the story was illustrated by Dan Khanna and [[Makoto Ono]].

==''Transformers Universe''==

{{chapters|title=''Transformers: Universe'' issues:|content=
*[[Abduction|#1]]
*[[OTFCC Live-Action Drama|03 Script Reading]]
*[[Escape (Universe)|#2]]
*[[Homecoming (issue)|#3]]
*[[Voice Actor Drama|04 Script Reading]]
}}

===Overview===
As if 3H didn't have enough to do, this short-lived series introduced a ''third'' storyline alongside "Primeval Dawn" and "Wreckers". ''Universe'' existed largely [[To sell toys|at the behest of Hasbro]], who reportedly pressured 3H to drop the two previous storylines completely in favor of stories based on the then-current [[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|''Universe'' toyline]].

''Transformers: Universe'' tells the story of the struggle against Unicron, who is renewing himself by feeding on the Sparks of consumed Transformers. The story is set shortly after the conclusion of ''Beast Machines'' (and, presumably, after the conclusion of the ''Wreckers'' storyline.) On a united and peaceful Cybertron, a group of Autobots and Maximals is abducted by mysterious energy beams. They soon find themselves trapped in a sinister arena deep within Unicron, forced by powerful overseers to fight one another to the death. On Cybertron, Alpha Trion conspires with Primus to counter Unicron's plans by bringing back to life a series of Cybertronian heroes, starting with Optimus Primal.

The story's cast relied largely on the first few waves of Transformers Universe toyline product, as well as convention exclusives and characters from the Beast Machines toyline.

The live-action script readings at [[OTFCC 2003]] and [[OTFCC 2004]], though tongue-in-cheek, are part of the story's continuity.

Like its two sister storylines, ''Universe'' was released in erratic fits and starts, only to be left unfinished when 3H lost the ''Transformers'' license. Though the story remains unfinished, a brief glimpse of its conclusion later appeared in the Fan Club comic issue "[[Revelations Part 2]]".

===Creative Team===
Stories were conceived by Glen Hallit, Dan Khanna and Simon Furman, with scripting by Furman. Pencils were largely by Dan Khanna, with additional work by several others.

==See also==
[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (comic)]]

==External Links==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Universe (comic)}}
[[Category:Comic series]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)| ]]
[[Category:3H issues]]

Transformers: Universe (comic)

2013-09-22T15:51:56Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{disambig2|the comic series from the 2003 ''Universe'' franchise|the ''Generation 1'' comic miniseries|The Transformers Universe}}

{{Nav-Universe}}
The '''''Transformers Universe''''' comic series was produced under the auspices of the then-[[Transformers Collectors' Club|Official Transformers Collectors' Club]]. It was released at each year's [[BotCon]] convention.

It encompassed three storylines:
* ''The Wreckers'', rebranded ''Universe Featuring the Wreckers'' after issue #1
* ''Primeval Dawn'', a back-up story behind ''Wreckers''
* ''Universe'', a separate book built around the ''Universe'' [[franchise]].

[[Image:Universe1a.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The universe... is a very large place.]]
After an erratic publication schedule, the series came to an end when the license for both the club and convention was taken away from [[3H Productions]]. All three storylines were left hanging and unfinished... though a few years later, [[Fun Publications]] would wrap up both "Wreckers" and "Universe", the former directly, the other in a flashback in another story.

==''Transformers Universe: Featuring The Wreckers''==

{{chapters|title=''The Wreckers'' issues:|content=
*[[Departure|#1]]
*[[Betrayal|#2]]
*[[Disclosure|#3]]
*[[The Wreckers: Finale Part 1|#4/Finale Part 1]]
*[[Wreckers: Finale Part II|Finale Part II]]
}}

===Overview===
The first ''Universe'' book overlays its story onto that of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', bringing in several new teams based on then-current toylines as well as various convention exclusive characters. In addition to the titular [[Wrecker]]s (an ad hoc team of all-new members), the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]] and [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]] are featured.

These varied teams are summoned by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] to carry out a series of mysterious missions off-world. En route they encounter Optimus Primal and Nightscream, in the midst of their struggle with Megatron. The story primarily follows the Wreckers as they leave Cybertron and travel first to the 9th planet of the [[Archa system]], where a mysterious artifact awaits, as does betrayal from within their ranks. Recovering, the group moves on to another world where they take on a Quintesson passenger.

The other teams, meanwhile, have walked into traps, as their Oracle-given missions turn out to be false messages sent by the Quintessons. Eventually the Dinobots and Wreckers return to Cybertron, to join the population there in defending it against an all-out Quintesson invasion.

Originally titled ''The Wreckers'' when the first issue debuted at BotCon 2001, the series was later rebranded to fit with the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' franchise.

The demise of 3H left the story unfinished until 2007. The first four pages of issue #4, the only ones that had been completed, were colored and printed in [[Fun Publications]]' [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine]] as "[[The Wreckers: Finale Part 1]]", while a new creative team completed the story in text form with "[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]" on the club web site.

The series was rather heavily criticized by fans, in large part for starting off with an unmanageably huge cast, then solving that problem by brutally killing much of that cast off. The series also seemed to contain implicit criticism of the then-recent ''Beast Machines'' story, working hard to "undo" some of its events and concepts, as well as overt "fanwanking".

The series also suffered heavy interference from Hasbro, who reportedly required multiple changes to fit their ever-shifting toy plans.<ref>[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/tidbits/otfcc2004.txt Steve-O Stonebreaker's OTFCC 2004 notes]</ref>

===Creative Team===
The original series was scripted by [[Glen Hallit]] and [[Rob Gerbracht]], with art by [[Dan Khanna]] and [[Guido Guidi]]. The concluding text story was written by [[Greg Sepelak]] and [[Trent Troop]].

==''Primeval Dawn''==
{{chapters|title=Primeval Dawn:|content=
*[[Primeval Dawn Part 1|Part 1]]
*[[Primeval Dawn II|Flash cartoon]]
*[[Primeval Dawn Part 2|Part 2]]
*[[Primeval Dawn Part 3|Part 3]]
}}

===Overview===
{{main|Primeval Dawn}}

''Primeval Dawn'' was a backup story published in parts behind the main ''Wreckers'' story. Like ''Wreckers'', Primeval Dawn was never completed as intended, with only the first three of four parts released.

===Creative Team===
Primeval Dawn's script was begun by Bob Forward, and continued by Simon Furman; the story was illustrated by Dan Khanna and [[Makoto Ono]].

==''Transformers Universe''==

{{chapters|title=''Transformers: Universe'' issues:|content=
*[[Abduction|#1]]
*[[OTFCC Live-Action Drama|03 Script Reading]]
*[[Escape (Universe)|#2]]
*[[Homecoming (issue)|#3]]
*[[Voice Actor Drama|04 Script Reading]]
}}

===Overview===
As if 3H didn't have enough to do, this short-lived series introduced a ''third'' storyline alongside "Primeval Dawn" and "Wreckers". ''Universe'' existed largely [[To sell toys|at the behest of Hasbro]], who reportedly pressured 3H to drop the two previous storylines completely in favor of stories based on the then-current [[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|''Universe'' toyline]].

''Transformers: Universe'' tells the story of the struggle against Unicron, who is renewing himself by feeding on the Sparks of consumed Transformers. The story is set shortly after the conclusion of ''Beast Machines'' (and, presumably, after the conclusion of the ''Wreckers'' storyline.) On a united and peaceful Cybertron, a group of Autobots and Maximals is abducted by mysterious energy beams. They soon find themselves trapped in a sinister arena deep within Unicron, forced by powerful overseers to fight one another to the death. On Cybertron, Alpha Trion conspires with Primus to counter Unicron's plans by bringing back to life a series of Cybertronian heroes, starting with Optimus Primal.

The story's cast relied largely on the first few waves of Transformers Universe toyline product, as well as convention exclusives and characters from the Beast Machines toyline.

The live-action script readings at [[OTFCC 2003]] and [[OTFCC 2004]], though tongue-in-cheek, are part of the story's continuity.

Like its two sister storylines, ''Universe'' was released in erratic fits and starts, only to be left unfinished when 3H lost the ''Transformers'' license. Though the story remains unfinished, a brief glimpse of its conclusion later appeared in the Fan Club comic issue "[[Revelations Part 2]]".

===Creative Team===
Stories were conceived by Glen Hallit, Dan Khanna and Simon Furman, with scripting by Furman. Pencils were largely by Dan Khanna, with additional work by several others.

==See also==
[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (comic)]]

==External Links==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Universe (comic)}}
[[Category:Comic series]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)| ]]
[[Category:3H issues]]

The Transformers (Marvel comic)

2013-09-22T15:44:06Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{disambig2|the [[Marvel Comics]] series|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}
{{nav-G1|logo=MarvelTheTransformers Logo1.png}}

{{bigquote|Four million years ago, they came from '''Cybertron''', a world composed entirely of machinery... a world torn by an age-old war between the heroic '''Autobots''' and the evil '''Decepticons'''. These incredibly powerful living robots, capable of converting themselves into land and air vehicles, weapons and other mechanical forms, continue their conflict here on '''Earth'''. They are...'''THE TRANSFORMERS'''|Marvel US introductory blurb}}

[[Image:MarvelUS-01.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The heroic Autobots fight to crush Earth's highways. Dr."Bones" McCoy is very happy.]]
'''''The Transformers''''', the monthly comic book published in the U.S. by [[Marvel Comics]], was the very first original fiction to feature the famous robots in disguise, as well as the longest-running. It started life as a four-issue, bimonthly limited series in 1984, but proved so popular that it continued publication as an ongoing monthly until spring of 1991. The series ultimately reached 80 issues and spun off several miniseries.

The series established the [[Marvel Comics continuity]], which would form the basis for several successor stories over the years, including the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Generation 2'' series]] published by Marvel themselves only two years later, and the [[The Transformers: Regeneration One|''Regeneration One'' series]] which would reunite the creative team from the latter days of this series.

Nearly all of the U.S. stories were later published by Marvel UK, along with new stories that fit between the gaps of the U.S. tales. See [[#Marvel UK|Marvel UK]] below.

==Marvel U.S.==
{{chapters|title=''The Transformers'' US issues:|content=
*[[The Transformers (issue)|#1]]
*[[Power Play!|#2]]
*[[Prisoner of War!|#3]]
*[[The Last Stand|#4]]
*[[The New Order|#5]]
*[[The Worse of Two Evils!|#6]]
*[[Warrior School!|#7]]
*[[Repeat Performance!|#8]]
*[[DIS-Integrated Circuits!|#9]]
*[[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|#10]]
*[[Brainstorm!|#11]]
*[[Prime Time!|#12]]
*[[Shooting Star!|#13]]
*[[Rock and Roll-Out!|#14]]
*[[I, Robot-Master!|#15]]
*[[Plight of the Bumblebee!|#16]]
*[[The Smelting Pool!|#17]]
*[[The Bridge to Nowhere!|#18]]
*[[Command Performances!|#19]]
*[[Showdown!|#20]]
*[[Aerialbots over America!|#21]]
*[[Heavy Traffic!|#22]]
*[[Decepticon Graffiti!|#23]]
*[[Afterdeath!|#24]]
*[[Gone but Not Forgotten!|#25]]
*[[Funeral for a Friend!|#26]]
*[[King of the Hill!|#27]]
*[[Mechanical Difficulties!|#28]]
*[[Crater Critters|#29]]
*[[The Cure!|#30]]
*[[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom|#31]]
*[[Used Autobots|#32]]
*[[Man of Iron (issue)|#33]]
*[[Man of Iron (issue)|#34]]
*[[Child's Play (issue)|#35]]
*[[Spacehikers!|#36]]
*[[Toy Soldiers!|#37]]
*[[Trial by Fire!|#38]]
*[[The Desert Island of Space!|#39]]
*[[Pretender to the Throne!|#40]]
*[[Totaled!|#41]]
*[[People Power!|#42]]
*[[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|#43]]
*[[The Cosmic Carnival|#44]]
*[[Monstercon from Mars!|#45]]
*[[Ca$h and Car-nage!|#46]]
*[[Club Con!|#47]]
*[[The Flames of Boltax!|#48]]
*[[Cold War!|#49]]
*[[Dark Star|#50]]
*[[The Man in the Machine!|#51]]
*[[Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?|#52]]
*[[Recipe for Disaster!|#53]]
*[[King Con!|#54]]
*[[The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!|#55]]
*[[Back from the Dead|#56]]
*[[The Resurrection Gambit!|#57]]
*[[All the Familiar Faces!|#58]]
*[[Skin Deep|#59]]
*[[Yesterday's Heroes!|#60]]
*[[The Primal Scream|#61]]
*[[Bird of Prey!|#62]]
*[[Kings of the Wild Frontier.|#63]]
*[[Deadly Obsession|#64]]
*[[Dark Creation|#65]]
*[[All Fall Down|#66]]
*[[Rhythms of Darkness!|#67]]
*[[The Human Factor!|#68]]
*[[Eye of the Storm|#69]]
*[[The Pri¢e of Life!|#70]]
*[[Surrender!|#71]]
*[[...All This and Civil War 2|#72]]
*[[Out of Time!|#73]]
*[[The Void! (US)|#74]]
*[[On the Edge of Extinction!|#75]]
*[[Still Life!|#76]]
*[[Exodus!|#77]]
*[[A Savage Circle|#78]]
*[[The Last Autobot?|#79]]
*[[End of the Road! (US)|#80]]
}}

===Related mini-series===
*''[[G.I. Joe and the Transformers]]''
*''[[The Transformers: Headmasters]]''
*''[[The Transformers Universe]]''
*''[[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Transformers: The Movie]]'' (Though published by Marvel in the US and UK, is only related in the UK canon)

===Successor series===
{{note|None of these are in-continuity with one another, and the latter two also disregard the Marvel UK continuity, though RG1 takes copious ''characters and concepts'' from both the UK and G2 material}}
*''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One]]'' ([[IDW Publishing]])
*''[[Transformers: Classics]]'' ([[Transformers Collectors' Club]])

===Overview===
[[Image:Autobotline.gif|left|250px|thumb|After watching traffic reports for an hour, they finally decided to just stay home.]]
The story begins with a brief history of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and its [[Great War (G1)|civil war]], which eventually causes the planet to become lost in space. Battling aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], the original 28 characters crash-land on [[Earth]] four million years ago and awaken in the (then-) present day of 1984. The quest for [[Transformer fuel|fuel]] becomes their initial goal, driving the first several issues.

As the first fiction in the entire [[Generation 1 (franchise)|franchise]], the initial issues of ''Transformers'' were breaking completely new ground. Early issues contain a variety of plot points and conventions, some of which would go on to shape the very mythos... and others that would fall by the wayside, forgotten and hilariously quaint. The concept of the life-giving [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] is a good example of the former group; "[[Atechnogenesis|naturally occurring gears, levers and pulleys]]" comes to mind for the latter.

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|150px|thumb|With a single wave of Starscream's hand, Hound, Bluestreak, Mirage, Hoist, Brawn, and Gears cease to occupy valuable page space!]]
The book soon built its own elaborate and wide-reaching universe, including hundreds of characters—[[Transformer]]s, [[human]]s, [[alien]]s—on Earth, Cybertron, and beyond. Late in the series, a long-running plot brought in the sinister menace of [[Unicron]], giving him a backstory and build-up that for many fans surpassed his original appearance in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' for storytelling and gravitas. This backstory would eventually go on to eclipse the origin given in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]].

Because it was a book intended [[to sell toys]], ''Transformers'' featured an ever-rotating cast. New Transformers were often hastily brought in to meet the demands of [[Hasbro]], and older "product" was often swept aside or killed off ''en masse'' in [[Dark Star|epic, climactic battles]].

After some troubled times and steadily declining readership, the series was finally canceled at issue #80. A combination of factors was likely responsible: the Transformers toyline had become yesterday's fad, the core readership had grown older and moved on, and Hasbro seems to have pulled the plug.

Several subsequent series would build upon the series; see [[Marvel Comics continuity]] for more information.

===Creative team===
[[Image:MarvelUS-75.jpg|left|150px|thumb|He's authorized to devour anyone not in the current product line.]]
The book featured two primary writers: [[Bob Budiansky]] edited the original 4-part limited series and wrote the book from issue #5 to issue #55. After that, [[Simon Furman]], already heavily experienced from his work on the UK book, took up the reins until the book was cancelled at issue #80. Other writers balked at having to keep track of this massive, unfamiliar cast, which is the reason the original miniseries has three writers and is an admitted mess. <ref>[http://rustingcarcass.yuku.com/topic/954/t/Bob-Budiansky.html Interview at Rusting Carcass]</ref>

''Transformers'' is a bit notorious for wild swings in writing quality, as serious plots alternated with such strange concepts as [[The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!|Micromaster wrestling]] and [[Ca$h and Car-nage!|ridiculous bounty hunters]]. Some of this may be attributed to Bob Budiansky's eventual burn-out; after years of having to wrap his stories around to meet the latest toy-appearance demands from Hasbro, his later writing on the book showed a decline in quality. Among Transfans, he is sometimes remembered unfavourably because of this period, perhaps unfairly so considering his fundamental role in shaping the Transformers universe and most of its characters, as well as some of the book's [[Warrior School!|most gripping early stories]]. Still, even such oddball stories as "[[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom]]" and "[[Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?]]" have both their merits and their fans.

Budiansky himself proposed that Simon Furman take over as the U.S. series writer.<ref name="steveo otfcc2004">[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/tidbits/otfcc2004.txt Steve-o's OTFCC 2004 notes]</ref> With the changeover, the stories took on a more serious tone, relying on character conflict more than outlandish plot devices. Many fans regard Furman's run on the original book as one of the high points of all Transformers fiction.

The comic was written in "Marvel Style", where the writer gives the artist a plot outline instead of a full script. The artist then lays out the pages himself; afterward the writer comes back in and scripts the dialog based on the artist's work. This approach gives the artist a larger role in telling the story than simply drawing what the writer tells them to.<ref name="steveo otfcc2004" />

A number of artists worked on ''Transformers'', but the most frequent pencilers included [[Frank Springer]], [[Don Perlin]], [[José Delbo]], [[Geoff Senior]], and [[Andrew Wildman]]. Also of particular note is colorist [[Nelson Yomtov|Nelson "Nel" Yomtov]], who colored every single issue of the book, as well as all of the related mini-series.

===Publication and format===
As ''The Transformers'' title began life as a limited series, it was subject to the conventions Marvel had established for limited series at the time of its publication. "Standard" Marvel comics released concurrently in 1984 cost 60 cents and were printed on newsprint; in contrast, ''The Transformers'' sold for 75 cents and was printed on a whiter, higher-quality stock (for the time) known as "[[Mando paper]]".

Evidently considered a "deluxe format" book by Marvel, ''Transformers'' continued to be printed on Mando paper even after it became an ongoing series. <ref>''Marvel Age'' #23, November 1984</ref> It also remained at 75 cents—at least until [[King of the Hill!|issue 28]], when the price of the book rose to 1 dollar. With the exception of the double-sized [[Dark Star|issue 50]] and [[On the Edge of Extinction!|issue 75]], which were both priced at $1.50, ''The Transformers'' would remain at 1 dollar for the remainder of its original run.

===Cover dates===
There is some confusion over when issues first appeared, due to changing practices regarding the cover dates. When the comic began in 1984, Marvel issues were normally cover dated four months ahead of their going on sale. This was partially a hangover from the days of fierce newsstand competition when each company tried to make its comics look newer than its rivals and partially a mechanism to compensate for slower distribution on newsstands and overseas sales.

As a result of this, although [[The Transformers (issue)|issue #1]] is cover dated September, it went on sale in May. This is supported by the first Usenet post about Transformers which was posted by Ted Nolan to net.comics on May 22 1984.<ref>Ted Nolan, "[http://groups.google.com/group/net.comics/msg/1cdaf7df610e0376?dmode=source&hl=en Year's worst?] in net.comics, 22-May-84 02:07:22 EDT</ref>

In 1989, Marvel decided to rationalize things by moving to a system where the cover date was only two months in advance. In order to achieve this, issues released in August 1989 have the cover date "Mid November", those in September 1989 have "December" and those in October "Mid December". The relevant ''Transformers'' issues were [[Skin Deep|#59]], [[Yesterday's Heroes!|#60]] and [[The Primal Scream|#61]].

==Marvel UK==
'''Marvel UK''' produced a G1 comic which ran for 332 issues, reprinting the American stories and adding in many new stories built around them.

{{chapters|title=''The Transformers'' UK issues:|content=
*[[The Transformers (issue)|#1]]
*[[The Transformers (issue)|#2]]
*[[Power Play!|#3]]
*[[Power Play!|#4]]
*[[Prisoner of War!|#5]]
*[[Prisoner of War!|#6]]
*[[The Last Stand|#7]]
*[[The Last Stand|#8]]
*[[Man of Iron (issue)|#9]]
*[[Man of Iron (issue)|#10]]
*[[Man of Iron (issue)|#11]]
*[[Man of Iron (issue)|#12]]
*[[The Enemy Within!|#13]]
*[[The Enemy Within!|#14]]
*[[The Enemy Within!|#15]]
*[[The Enemy Within!|#16]]
*[[The Enemy Within!|#17]]
*[[Raiders of the Last Ark|#18]]
*[[Raiders of the Last Ark|#19]]
*[[Raiders of the Last Ark|#20]]
*[[Raiders of the Last Ark|#21]]
*[[The New Order|#22]]
*[[The New Order|#23]]
*[[The Worse of Two Evils!|#24]]
*[[The Worse of Two Evils!|#25]]
*[[Warrior School!|#26]]
*[[Repeat Performance!|#27]]
*[[Repeat Performance!|#28]]
*[[Decepticon Dam-Busters!|#29]]
*[[Decepticon Dam-Busters!|#30]]
*[[The Wrath of Guardian!|#31]]
*[[The Wrath of Grimlock!|#32]]
*[[DIS-Integrated Circuits!|#33]]
*[[DIS-Integrated Circuits!|#34]]
*[[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|#35]]
*[[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|#36]]
*[[Brainstorm!|#37]]
*[[Brainstorm!|#38]]
*[[Prime Time!|#39]]
*[[Prime Time!|#40]]
*[[Christmas Breaker!|#41]]
*[[Crisis of Command!|#42]]
*[[Crisis of Command!|#43]]
*[[Crisis of Command!|#44]]
*[[The Icarus Theory|#45]]
*[[The Icarus Theory|#46]]
*[[Dinobot Hunt!|#47]]
*[[Dinobot Hunt!|#48]]
*[[Dinobot Hunt!|#49]]
*[[Dinobot Hunt!|#50]]
*[[Shooting Star!|#51]]
*[[Shooting Star!|#52]]
*[[Rock and Roll-Out!|#53]]
*[[Rock and Roll-Out!|#54]]
*[[I, Robot-Master!|#55]]
*[[I, Robot-Master!|#56]]
*[[Plight of the Bumblebee!|#57]]
*[[Plight of the Bumblebee!|#58]]
*[[Robot Buster!|#59]]
*[[Robot Buster!|#60]]
*[[Devastation Derby!|#61]]
*[[Devastation Derby!|#62]]
*[[Second Generation!|#63]]
*[[Second Generation!|#64]]
*[[Second Generation!|#65]]
*[[The Smelting Pool!|#66]]
*[[The Smelting Pool!|#67]]
*[[The Bridge to Nowhere!|#68]]
*[[The Bridge to Nowhere!|#69]]
*[[Command Performances!|#70]]
*[[Command Performances!|#71]]
*[[Showdown!|#72]]
*[[Showdown!|#73]]
*[[In the National Interest|#74]]
*[[In the National Interest|#75]]
*[[In the National Interest|#76]]
*[[In the National Interest|#77]]
*[[Target: 2006|#78]]
*[[Target: 2006|#79]]
*[[Target: 2006|#80]]
*[[Target: 2006|#81]]
*[[Target: 2006|#82]]
*[[Target: 2006|#83]]
*[[Target: 2006|#84]]
*[[Target: 2006|#85]]
*[[Target: 2006|#86]]
*[[Target: 2006|#87]]
*[[Target: 2006|#88]]
*[[Aerialbots over America!|#89]]
*[[Aerialbots over America!|#90]]
*[[Heavy Traffic!|#91]]
*[[Heavy Traffic!|#92]]
*[[The Gift|#93]]
*[[Decepticon Graffiti!|#94]]
*[[Decepticon Graffiti!|#95]]
*[[Prey!|#96]]
*[[Prey!|#97]]
*[[...The Harder They Die!|#98]]
*[[Under Fire!|#99]]
*[[Distant Thunder!|#100]]
*[[Fallen Angel|#101]]
*[[Fallen Angel|#102]]
*[[Resurrection!|#103]]
*[[Resurrection!|#104]]
*[[Afterdeath!|#105]]
*[[Afterdeath!|#106]]
*[[Gone but Not Forgotten!|#107]]
*[[Gone but Not Forgotten!|#108]]
*[[Funeral for a Friend!|#109]]
*[[Funeral for a Friend!|#110]]
*[[King of the Hill!|#111]]
*[[King of the Hill!|#112]]
*[[Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive!|#113]]
*[[Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive!|#114]]
*[[Burning Sky!|#115]]
*[[Burning Sky!|#116]]
*[[Hunters|#117]]
*[[Hunters|#118]]
*[[Fire on High!|#119]]
*[[Fire on High!|#120]]
*[[Mechanical Difficulties!|#121]]
*[[Mechanical Difficulties!|#122]]
*[[Crater Critters|#123]]
*[[Crater Critters|#124]]
*[[Ancient Relics!|#125]]
*[[The Cure!|#126]]
*[[The Cure!|#127]]
*[[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom|#128]]
*[[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom|#129]]
*[[Worlds Apart!|#130]]
*[[Worlds Apart!|#131]]
*[[Kup's Story!|#132]]
*[[Headhunt|#133]]
*[[Headhunt|#134]]
*[[Grudge Match!|#135]]
*[[Grudge Match!|#136]]
*[[Ladies' Night (issue)|#137]]
*[[Ladies' Night (issue)|#138]]
*[[Used Autobots|#139]]
*[[Used Autobots|#140]]
*[[Child's Play (issue)|#141]]
*[[Child's Play (issue)|#142]]
*[[Spacehikers!|#143]]
*[[Spacehikers!|#144]]
*[[Stargazing|#145]]
*[[The Legacy of Unicron!|#146]]
*[[The Legacy of Unicron!|#147]]
*[[The Legacy of Unicron!|#148]]
*[[The Legacy of Unicron!|#149]]
*[[The Legacy of Unicron!|#150]]
*[[The Legacy of Unicron!|#151]]
*[[Enemy Action!|#152]]
*[[Enemy Action!|#153]]
*[[Toy Soldiers!|#154]]
*[[Toy Soldiers!|#155]]
*[[Trial by Fire!|#156]]
*[[Trial by Fire!|#157]]
*[[The Desert Island of Space!|#158]]
*[[The Desert Island of Space!|#159]]
*[[Salvage!|#160]]
*[[Salvage!|#161]]
*[[Pretender to the Throne!|#162]]
*[[Pretender to the Throne!|#163]]
*[[City of Fear!|#164]]
*[[City of Fear!|#165]]
*[[Legion of the Lost!|#166]]
*[[Legion of the Lost!|#167]]
*[[Meltdown!|#168]]
*[[Meltdown!|#169]]
*[[Deadly Games!|#170]]
*[[Deadly Games!|#171]]
*[[Wrecking Havoc|#172]]
*[[Wrecking Havoc|#173]]
*[[Totaled!|#174]]
*[[Totaled!|#175]]
*[[People Power!|#176]]
*[[People Power!|#177]]
*[[The Cosmic Carnival|#178]]
*[[The Cosmic Carnival|#179]]
*[[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|#180]]
*[[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|#181]]
*[[Space Pirates!|#182]]
*[[Space Pirates!|#183]]
*[[Space Pirates!|#184]]
*[[Space Pirates!|#185]]
*[[Space Pirates!|#186]]
*[[Space Pirates!|#187]]
*[[Firebug!|#188]]
*[[Dry Run!|#189]]
*[[Monstercon from Mars!|#190]]
*[[Monstercon from Mars!|#191]]
*[[Ca$h and Car-nage!|#192]]
*[[Ca$h and Car-nage!|#193]]
*[[Club Con!|#194]]
*[[Club Con!|#195]]
*[[The Flames of Boltax!|#196]]
*[[The Flames of Boltax!|#197]]
*[[Cold Comfort and Joy!|#198]]
*[[Time Wars|#199]]
*[[Time Wars|#200]]
*[[Time Wars|#201]]
*[[Time Wars|#202]]
*[[Time Wars|#203]]
*[[Time Wars|#204]]
*[[Time Wars|#205]]
*[[Cold War!|#206]]
*[[Cold War!|#207]]
*[[Dark Star|#208]]
*[[Dark Star|#209]]
*[[Dark Star|#210]]
*[[The Man in the Machine!|#211]]
*[[The Man in the Machine!|#212]]
*[[Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?|#213]]
*[[Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?|#214]]
*[[Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?|#215]]
*[[Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?|#216]]
*[[Recipe for Disaster!|#217]]
*[[Recipe for Disaster!|#218]]
*[[Recipe for Disaster!|#219]]
*[[Recipe for Disaster!|#220]]
*[[Survivors!|#221]]
*[[Survivors!|#222]]
*[[Aspects of Evil!|#223]]
*[[Aspects of Evil!|#224]]
*[[Aspects of Evil!|#225]]
*[[Aspects of Evil!|#226]]
*[[Aspects of Evil!|#227]]
*[[(Double) Deal of the Century!|#228]]
*[[The Hunting Party (Marvel)|#229]]
*[[The Big Shutdown!|#230]]
*[[The Big Shutdown!|#231]]
*[[King Con!|#232]]
*[[King Con!|#233]]
*[[King Con!|#234]]
*[[King Con!|#235]]
*[[The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!|#236]]
*[[The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!|#237]]
*[[The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!|#238]]
*[[The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!|#239]]
*[[Back from the Dead|#240]]
*[[Back from the Dead|#241]]
*[[Back from the Dead|#242]]
*[[The Resurrection Gambit!|#243]]
*[[The Resurrection Gambit!|#244]]
*[[The Resurrection Gambit!|#245]]
*[[All the Familiar Faces!|#246]]
*[[All the Familiar Faces!|#247]]
*[[All the Familiar Faces!|#248]]
*[[Skin Deep|#249]]
*[[Skin Deep|#250]]
*[[Skin Deep|#251]]
*[[Yesterday's Heroes!|#252]]
*[[Yesterday's Heroes!|#253]]
*[[Yesterday's Heroes!|#254]]
*[[...Perchance to Dream|#255]]
*[[...Perchance to Dream|#256]]
*[[...Perchance to Dream|#257]]
*[[...Perchance to Dream|#258]]
*[[The Primal Scream|#259]]
*[[The Primal Scream|#260]]
*[[The Primal Scream|#261]]
*[[Bird of Prey!|#262]]
*[[Bird of Prey!|#263]]
*[[Bird of Prey!|#264]]
*[[Once upon a Time...|#265]]
*[[Life in the Slow Lane|#266]]
*[[Snow Fun!|#267]]
*[[Flashback!|#268]]
*[[Mystery!|#269]]
*[[The Bad Guy's Ball!|#270]]
*[[The Living Nightlights!|#271]]
*[[Cry Wolf!|#272]]
*[[Wolf in the Fold!|#273]]
*[[Where Wolf?|#274]]
*[[Secrets (G1)|#275]]
*[[Bugged!|#276]]
*[[Internal Affairs!|#277]]
*[[The House that Wheeljack Built!|#278]]
*[[Divide and Conquer!|#279]]
*[[The 4,000,000 Year Itch!|#280]]
*[[Makin' Tracks!|#281]]
*[[Kings of the Wild Frontier.|#282]]
*[[Kings of the Wild Frontier.|#283]]
*[[Kings of the Wild Frontier.|#284]]
*[[Kings of the Wild Frontier.|#285]]
*[[Deadly Obsession|#286]]
*[[Deadly Obsession|#287]]
*[[Deadly Obsession|#288]]
*[[Deadly Obsession|#289]]
*[[Dark Creation|#290]]
*[[Dark Creation|#291]]
*[[Dark Creation|#292]]
*[[Dark Creation|#293]]
*[[All Fall Down|#294]]
*[[All Fall Down|#295]]
*[[All Fall Down|#296]]
*[[All Fall Down|#297]]
*[[Rhythms of Darkness!|#298]]
*[[Rhythms of Darkness!|#299]]
*[[Rhythms of Darkness!|#300]]
*[[Rhythms of Darkness!|#301]]
*[[The Human Factor!|#302]]
*[[The Human Factor!|#303]]
*[[The Human Factor!|#304]]
*[[The Human Factor!|#305]]
*[[Eye of the Storm|#306]]
*[[Eye of the Storm|#307]]
*[[Eye of the Storm|#308]]
*[[The Pri¢e of Life!|#309]]
*[[The Pri¢e of Life!|#310]]
*[[Surrender!|#311]]
*[[Surrender!|#312]]
*[[...All This and Civil War 2|#313]]
*[[...All This and Civil War 2|#314]]
*[[Out of Time!|#315]]
*[[Out of Time!|#316]]
*[[The Void! (US)|#317]]
*[[The Void! (US)|#318]]
*[[On the Edge of Extinction!|#319]]
*[[On the Edge of Extinction!|#320]]
*[[On the Edge of Extinction!|#321]]
*[[On the Edge of Extinction!|#322]]
*[[Still Life!|#323]]
*[[Still Life!|#324]]
*[[Exodus!|#325]]
*[[Exodus!|#326]]
*[[A Savage Circle|#327]]
*[[A Savage Circle|#328]]
*[[The Last Autobot?|#329]]
*[[The Last Autobot?|#330]]
*[[End of the Road! (US)|#331]]
*[[End of the Road! (US)|#332]]
}}

{{chapters|title=Second stories for issues with two non-reprint ''Transformers'' stories:|content=

*[[Robo-Capers issue 74|#74]]
*...
*[[Cybertron: The Middle Years!|#83]]
*...
*[[Robo-Capers issue 87|#87]]
*[[Robo-Capers issue 88|#88]]
*...
*[[Robo-Capers issue 91|#91]]
*...
*[[Robo-Capers issue 97|#97]]
*...
*[[Robo-Capers issue 114|#114]]
*...
*[[Ring of Hate!|#130]]
*[[Ring of Hate!|#131]]
*[[Ring of Hate!|#132]]
*[[Ring of Hate!|#133]]
*[[Broken Glass!|#134]]
*[[Broken Glass!|#135]]
*[[Broken Glass!|#136]]
*[[Broken Glass!|#137]]
*[[Love and Steel!|#138]]
*[[Love and Steel!|#139]]
*[[Love and Steel!|#140]]
*[[Love and Steel!|#141]]
*[[Brothers in Armor!!|#142]]
*[[Brothers in Armor!!|#143]]
*[[Brothers in Armor!!|#144]]
*[[Brothers in Armor!!|#145]]
*...
*[[The Wind of Change!|#183]]
*...
*[[The Fall and Rise of the Decepticon Empire.|#213]]
*[[The Fall and Rise of the Decepticon Empire.|#214]]
*[[Race with the Devil|#215]]
*[[Race with the Devil|#216]]
*[[Race with the Devil|#217]]
*[[Race with the Devil|#218]]
*[[Survivors!|#219]]
*[[Survivors!|#220]]
*...
*[[A Small War!|#232]]
*[[A Small War!|#233]]
*[[Prime's Rib!|#234]]
*[[Deathbringer (issue)|#235]]
*[[Deathbringer (issue)|#236]]
*[[Way of the Warrior|#237]]
*[[Survival Run|#238]]
*[[A Savage Place!|#239]]
*[[Out to Lunch!|#240]]
*[[Rage!|#241]]
*[[Assault on the Ark!|#242]]
*[[Mind Games|#243]]
*[[Two Megatrons!|#244]]
*[[Underworld!|#245]]
*[[Demons!|#246]]
*[[Dawn of Darkness|#247]]
*[[Fallen Star!|#248]]
*[[Whose Lifeforce Is It Anyway?|#249]]
*[[The Greatest Gift of All!|#250]]
*[[The Void! (UK)|#251]]
*[[Edge of Impact|#252]]
*[[Shadow of Evil|#253]]
*[[White Fire|#254]]
*...
*[[...Perchance to Dream|#259]]
*[[...Perchance to Dream|#260]]
*[[Starting Over!|#261]]
*[[Two Steps Back!|#262]]
*[[Break-Away!|#263]]
*[[Desert Island Risks!|#264]]
*[[Blood on the Tracks|#265]]
*[[Blood on the Tracks|#266]]
*[[Blood on the Tracks|#267]]
*[[Blood on the Tracks|#268]]
*[[Power Struggle|#269]]
*[[Power Struggle|#270]]
*[[Power Struggle|#271]]
*[[Power Struggle|#272]]
*[[Ashes, Ashes...|#273]]
*[[Ashes, Ashes...|#274]]
*[[Ashes, Ashes...|#275]]
*[[Ashes, Ashes...|#276]]
*[[...All Fall Down!|#278]]
*[[...All Fall Down!|#279]]
*[[...All Fall Down!|#280]]
*[[...All Fall Down!|#281]]
*[[Shut Up!|#282]]
*[[Manoeuvres!|#283]]
*[[Assassins|#284]]
*[[External Forces!|#285]]
*[[The Lesser Evil!|#286]]
*[[Inside Story!|#287]]
*[[Front Line! (issue)|#288]]
*[[End of the Road! (UK)|#289]]
*...
*[[Dreadwind's Xmas!|#302]]
}}

{{bigquote|Dear [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]], To put it bluntly, the Marvel UK ''Transformers'' comic is 100% better than the American version we get over here. Your comics have beautiful covers, high quality artwork and very intelligent plots. Here in the States, Transformers comics are monthly instead of weekly and have bad artwork and stupid plots. Thank you for showing us the Autobots and Decepticons of the 21st Century. You guys in Britain are, as always, one step ahead when it comes to [[time travel]] (from Wells' Time Machine to [[Doctor|Doctor Who]] — you always come through)! Bob Newell, Warren, MI.|Dread Tidings, issue #188}}

===Overview===
[[Image:MarvelUK-244.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This is the best Cracker Jack prize ever!]]
Though not without contradiction, the Marvel UK book managed to weave a number of highly complex stories "behind the scenes" of the Marvel U.S. tales. Topics included expanded stories and battles in the early days of the war (before [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] arrival), more intrigue among the [[Decepticon]] commanders on Earth, the [[Autobot]] resistance on Cybertron, and the time-travelling exploits of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who arrives directly from the future world of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

The UK book's weekly schedule and shorter format meant splitting stories into parts, often right in the middle of the action. Like the U.S. book, Marvel UK featured a regular column of letters from readers; however, these were supposedly answered by various Transformers, including Grimlock, [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and others. ''See [[Letters page (Marvel UK)]]''.

===Creative team===
[[Image:Megatron-timewars-comparison.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Change of artists? Eh, who'll notice?]]
Most UK-specific stories were written by [[Simon Furman]], who was later assigned to write for the U.S. comic as well. Curiously, it was from this point that the divergences between the UK and U.S. stories became more pronounced.

Regular artists included [[Will Simpson]], [[Robin Smith]], [[Dan Reed]], [[Jeff Anderson]], [[Lee Sullivan]], [[Geoff Senior]], and [[Andrew Wildman]]. The large stable of artists resulted in some extreme contrasts of style throughout the book, such as Reed's highly organic art being followed by the clean, mechanical precision of Sullivan or Senior. Sometimes these changes occurred within the context of a single story.

===Complexity and contradiction in continuity===
[[Image:Goldbugorigins.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In no continuity was his face damaged. Maybe Bumblebee was just really ugly by Transformer standards.]]
Making the new stories align with the U.S. book occasionally involved some bending over backwards in storytelling terms. [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], for example, winds up with partial amnesia at the end of [[Resurrection!|one story]], explaining why he doesn't remember the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] when he encounters them again in a [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|later U.S. story]]. U.S. reprints were sometimes physically edited as well; for example, a UK story has [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] being transported to [[Limbo]] after the events of U.S. #23, necessitating the removal of his occasional background appearances thereafter.

Another major change was the exclusion of the ''[[G.I. Joe and the Transformers]]'' crossover, which featured [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee's]] destruction and subsequent restoration as Goldbug. UK continuity accounted for the reformatting by showing Bumblebee destroyed by [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] and rebuilt by [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] during "[[Hunters]]". Also, the UK comic continued to feature Megatron and Shockwave after their apparent deaths in the U.S. comic. While Megatron's appearance was eventually [[Two Megatrons!|reconciled]] (sort of, if you squint) with the U.S. continuity, Shockwave's was not.

The "[[...Perchance to Dream]]" story in UK #255-260 began the [[Earthforce]] storyline and heralded a nigh-irreconcilable division between U.S. and UK stories. This was in part a deliberate decision to not try to maintain continuity due to past problems,<ref name="furint1">[http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php TransFans.co.uk - Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past']. '''Question''' Why do you feel continuity suffered more instead of less, between Marvel UK and US when you took over the US book? "The problem was, we were badly out of synch with the US material reprints by the time I was also writing the US comic. I was trying my hardest to craft semi-crossover stories (like the [[Deathbringer (issue)|Deathbringer two-parter]] with [[Dark Creation|US #65]]) and then the UK comic would run a batch of old UK reprint material and completely throw it out. I realised I was making matters worse (and more confusing) and not better, and pretty much stopped trying to directly tie the two together. </ref><ref name="furint2">[http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php]; "...because (if I’m brutally honest) I didn't try too hard to make it work in the first place. By that point, I was just trying to tell a bunch of fun UK stories that didn’t necessarily impact on the larger (US) storyline. How was I to know 15 or so years later people would be trying to reconcile it all?"</ref>

===Publication and format===
The Marvel UK book was published fortnightly from #1 to #26, weekly from #27 to #308, and fortnightly again from #309 to its conclusion in #332. These issues used a larger, magazine-sized format, compared to the traditional size for modern U.S. comic books. They contained 24 pages, numbered inclusive of advertising (unlike the U.S. comic). The color and paper quality was better than that of the U.S. comic, resulting in much whiter whites and, in UK-exclusive stories, no ugly dot artifacts in the colored regions.

Typically, 11 pages would be devoted to a U.S. or UK Transformers story, while the remaining pages were divided between a [[Back-up strips|back-up strip]], a letters page, small humorous comic strips (most notably ''[[Robo-Capers]]'' and ''[[Combat Colin]]''), and advertisements. Between issues #213 and #289 the format was changed to accommodate three five-page strips: the US reprint (published in colour), a new UK story (published in black and white) and a back-up strip. Issue #289 was the last to contain new UK Transformers stories.

In issue #290 there was another format change, with the comic returning to full colour throughout and reprints of classic UK stories taking the place of new black and white material. The three-strip structure was then dropped for good with issue #309; issue #310 then returned to the traditional format of an 11-page US reprint and a back-up strip, albeit published fortnightly once more.

UK children's comics typically have a weekly or fortnightly publication schedule, and monthly publication is the preserve of more substantial magazines aimed at older readers. The decision to publish fortnightly necessitated the division of the U.S. storylines between two or more UK comics, otherwise the UK comic would run out of material. The back-up strip then bulked out the issue to an acceptable size. When the comic began to be published weekly, this required still more Transformers material, which led to longer runs of original UK stories.

The Marvel UK series ran for about a year longer than its American counterpart and altogether had about twice as many stories.

===Cover dates===
Similarly to the U.S. comic, there is also some confusion over when issues of the UK comic were published. The date on a British weekly during ''Transformers'''s run was normally the ''off''-sale date when it would be replaced by the next issue. For example [[Manoeuvres!|issue #283]] has a cover date of 18th August 1990 but was released on the 11th August 1990. During at least most of the run, the norm was for weekly comics to come out on a Saturday.

Occasionally, an issue was seen arriving on the Friday before it was "due", with such sightings usually during the Christmas/New Year period when distribution can be unsettled and overcompensated for, but it is hard to verify individual sightings.

===Marvel UK Annuals===
'''Marvel UK Annuals''' were published every year, in summer to autumn in time for the Christmas market, for the life of the comic. Each annual was made up of a combination of a comic strip, text stories and editorial content. Some annuals also contained crossover stories with the main weekly comic in an attempt to boost sales. Due to falling sales, later annuals mainly contained reprinted stories from the comic. (Reprinted stories are not listed below.) These reprints are still of interest, as they present formerly black-and-white works in full colour.

{{chapters|title=[[Transformers Annual 1986|Marvel UK Annual 1986]]|content=
*[[Plague of the Insecticons!]]
*[[Missing in Action]]
*[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]
*[[Hunted!]]
}}

{{chapters|title=[[Transformers Annual 1987|Marvel UK Annual 1987]]|content=
*[[In the Beginning...]]
*[[The Return of the Transformers]]
*[[To a Power Unknown!]]
*[[State Games]]
*[[Victory!]]
*[[The Mission]]
}}

{{chapters|title=[[Transformers Annual 1988|Marvel UK Annual 1988]]|content=
*[[What's in a Name?]]
*[[Doomsday for Nebulos]]
*[[Vicious Circle!]]
*[[Stylor's Story]]
*[[Ark Duty]]
*[[The Final Conflict]]
}}

{{chapters|title=[[Transformers Annual 1989|Marvel UK Annual 1989]]|content=
*[[The Saga of the Transformers — So Far!]]
*[[Altered Image!]]
*[[Prime Bomb!]]
*[[All in the Minds!]]
*[[Peace]]
}}

{{chapters|title=[[Transformers Annual 1990|Marvel UK Annual 1990]]|content=
*[[The Quest!]]
*[[Destiny of the Dinobots!]]
*[[Trigger-Happy!]]
*[[Dreadwing Down!]]
*[[The Chain Gang!]]
}}

{{chapters|title=[[Transformers Annual 1991|Marvel UK Annual 1991]]|content=
*[[The Magnificent Six!]]
}}

{{chapters|title=[[Transformers Annual 1992|Marvel UK Annual 1992]]|content=
*[[Another Time & Place]]
}}

==Notes==
[[Image:TransformersGoesMonthly.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Gor strewth kippers chips milk float!]]
* The inside cover infobox in Marvel UK #330 revealed that there were plans for the UK ''Transformers'' comic to continue after #332, albeit with a format change. The book was intended to have become a monthly with issue #333, and would have featured ten pages of recolored Transformers reprints, ten pages of ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'', and a new five-page story per issue. However, by the publication of issue #332, Marvel UK evidently dropped this plan—although the news did not reach ''[[Combat Colin]]'' in time.
* According to the third issue of ''All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z'''s entries on [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]], the events of the Marvel UK Generation 1 comics take place on Marvel [[Earth-120185]]. The universe is named after the publication date of the first Marvel UK-exclusive story, "[[Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron]]".
* According to the [http://www.marvunapp.com/master/earthteaz.htm Marvel Universe Appendix], the events of the Marvel US comics take place on Marvel [[Earth-91274]].

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

==External links==
* [http://www.oneshallstand.com/articles/overview.html Guide to TF UK by Crespo99]
* [http://groups.google.com/group/net.comics/browse_thread/thread/4eeba9a9b0fe0817/1cdaf7df610e0376 May, 1984 net.comics review]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (Marvel Comics), The}}
[[Category:Continuities]]
[[Category:Generation 1 comic series]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues| ]]
[[Category:Marvel US issues| ]]

The Lost Treasure of Cybertron

2013-09-22T15:43:08Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{picsneeded}}
{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=The Invasion of the Decepticon Camp
|next=Hot Rod's Escape
|image=Lost-treasure-fc.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Lost Treasure of Cybertron"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1986
|written by=[[Sonia Black Woods]]
|illustrated by=[[Frank Springer]] and [[Phil Lord]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN= ISBN 0-87135-103-X ISBN 9780871351036
}}
'''Kup reveals that there are some energon cubes somewhere on Earth. Immediately the hunt is on!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] and the [[Autobot]]s are out for a drive. Stopping for a rest in the forest, they are spotted by [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who finds them highly suspicious. He transforms and enters Daniel's cassette recorder just as [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] begins telling a story about a hidden supply of [[energon cube]]s. The cubes were the most precious cargo when the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] crashed into [[Mount St. Hilary]], but nobody knows what happened to them since then. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] proposes a hunt for the missing cubes, and everyone cheers.

Laserbeak eagerly takes off, but he's spotted and soon has a convoy of Autobots chasing him. Hot Rod drops off Daniel with his parents so he won't end up in the middle of the battle.

Hot Rod returns to the [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], where [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] is reporting to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]; Magnus calls a conference to plan for the hunt.

Laserbeak reports back to [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] aboard his ship, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. Galvatron commands the Decepticons to [[roll out]]; they head for the crash site of the Ark.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are also headed for the Ark. They arrive and don't see any Decepticons—but the Decepticons are already digging on the other side of the mountain! [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] detects the Autobots, both sides claim the cubes, and a battle ensues. [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] both split open the earth with their powers, and the lost treasure is revealed!

[[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] try to play keepaway with the box of cubes, but Galvatron wrestles Grimlock for it. As they struggle, the box rips open and thousands of (tiny) energon cubes spill out. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] scarfs them all down and proclaims himself the most powerful Decepticon, saying that he will lead the force now. Galvatron immediately attacks him, while the Autobots just kind of shuffle off, figuring there's nothing left to fight for. As they leave, Hot Rod asks Kup for another one of his stories!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (1)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (2)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (3)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (7)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (9)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (10)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (11)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (12)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (15)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (16)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (17)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (27)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (28)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (30)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (31)
|c2=
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (8)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (18)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (19)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (20)
*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (21)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (22)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (23)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (24)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (25)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (26)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (29)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (33)
|c3=
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] (6)
* [[Carly]]/[[Jessie]]? (13)
* [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] (14)
}}

==Notes==
[[Image:LostTreasureofCybertron-BusterDanielwhoknows.jpg|right|thumb|200px|]]
* This is one of many secondary stories that came out around the time of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and incorporate many of its characters, but in ways that are incongruous with the events of the movie itself.
* Several Marvel Comics-based elements show up here, such as [[Mount St. Hilary|Mt. St. Hillary]], the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] being explicitly named as such, and [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] filling in for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] as Daniel's father. The art seems to suggest a Carly-[[Jesse (G1)|Jessie]] switcharoo as well.
* When the Autobots transform on page 4, Kup appears to be transforming from a Volkswagen.
* Ship-mode Cyclonus is drawn as Scourge. Inside, his robot-mode passengers include... Scourge.
* Galvatron gives his troops the somewhat Autobot-centric command to "[[roll out]]".
* Somehow, they do this even though they're in a ship in space.
* The energon cubes are drawn as unusually tiny little things.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/lost-treasure.html "The Lost Treasure of Cybertron"] at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lost Treasure of Cybertron}}
[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

The Deadly Fuel Shortage

2013-09-22T15:37:48Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=Decepticon Patrol
|next=Summertime Coloring Book
|image=DeadlyFuelShortage-fc.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Deadly Fuel Shortage"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1984
|written by=
|art by=[[Steve Ditko]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-012-2 ISBN 9780871350121
}}
'''The Decepticons kidnap humans and attack Hoover Dam!'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s came from the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which is surrounded by lots of swirly stuff.

[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] crouch behind a rock and observe the Autobots. Suddenly, they are seized by the Decepticons! [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observes and investigates by driving straight at the Decepticons. The Autobots attack to free the humans. [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] shoots his [[glass gas]], crystallizing two of the enemies. In the midst of the battle, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] notices that the Decepticons are using up too much fuel, so [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] orders a retreat. He plans to plunder the resources of [[Earth]]! The [[human]]s overhear this nefarious scheme.

The battle has left [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] as smoldering wrecks. Out of gratitude for the rescue, Sparkplug volunteers his help. Soon, they're both completely repaired! The grateful Autobots offer the humans a lift home, but Buster remembers what he heard, and relates the Decepticons' plan to the Autobots.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] sends out [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] as scouts. The next morning, Hound locates the Decepticons blowing big holes in [[Hoover Dam]]. He returns to the Autobots to report. Soon a convoy of Autobots rolls out to stop the Decepticons.

The Autobots arrive and counter attack. Optimus Prime sends [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] out to "take control of the dam". Sunstreaker is hit, so Cliffjumper takes Buster and Sparkplug out to repair him. When the repairs are done, Sunstreaker rejoins the battle. The Decepticons are driven off, and the dam is saved!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (4)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (5)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (7)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (11)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (12)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (14)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (15)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (17)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (18)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (19)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] or [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (23)

|c2=
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] or [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (6)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (7)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] or [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (8)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (9)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (10)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] or [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
* [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] or [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (20)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (21)
* [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] or [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (22)
|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (1)
* [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (2)
}}

==Notes==
* How the heck did Sparkplug fix Prowl and Wheeljack's smashed bodywork out in a field with hardly any tools?
* As the Autobots roll out for Hoover Dam, there appears to be two Brawns, and then two Optimus Primes.
* Sunstreaker is randomly identified as Spin-Out on one page, an early working name for the character. He's correctly named immediately before and after.
* Cliffjumper's car mode is drawn with an extra set of bumpers and wheel wells set outside the main frame, as if someone had tacked Bumblebee's fenders onto him.
* A rocket-powered cassette can be seen retreating alongside the flying Decepticons.
* Said flying Decepticons include robot-mode Ravage.

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/shortage.html The Deadly Fuel Shortage] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Deadly Fuel Shortage}}
[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

The Autobot Smasher!

2013-09-22T15:37:23Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=Bumblebee's Dangerous Mission
|next=The Big Book of Coloring Fun
|image=Theautobotsmasher-cover.jpg
|caption=Here comes the Ax, here comes the Smasher...
|title="The Autobot Smasher!"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|date=1985
|writer= [[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|artist=[[Steve Ditko]]
|pagecount=32pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-039-4 ISBN 9780871350398
}}

'''The Decepticons plot to smash the Autobots by luring them into an Autobot Smasher, which will smash them!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Theautobotsmasher-reststop.jpg|left|200px|thumb|You have got to be kidding me.]]
Meet the [[Autobot]]s! They're nice. Meet the [[Decepticon]]s! They're not nice!

[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] has a great idea to get rid of the Autobots—lure them into a junkyard auto-smashing machine. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] thinks it's brilliant, and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] agree to help. In fact, Ravage has a plan...

Meanwhile, [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] is hauling a trailer full of potatoes to market. Selling the starchy tubers will provide a much needed shot of income for the Autobots, meaning they can purchase more vital gasoline and oil. Spotting him, the Decepticons set their trap. Soundwave blocks the road and sets up a false detour... one that leads right to the car crusher. Since the crusher is so obvious, the Decepticons decorate it with some throw pillows and signs reading "[[Autobot Rest Stop|AUTOBOT REST STOP]]". Gears, feeling particularly weary after lugging potatoes all that distance, stops to rest his tires, when the Decepticons spring their trap.

Kerblammo. Gears is pancaked, but before the Decepticons can lure another Autobot to their junkyard of death, the whole Autobot team bursts in, ready to fight. And fight they do. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] kicks up dust to annoy Ravage, Thundercracker tries to "hit [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] from behind", and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s earthquake power backfires hilariously, sending him and Soundwave plummeting to certain doom within the depths of [[Earth]].

After some handy repair work by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], Gears is good as new and Earth remains safe. Presumably, the potatoes are ruined.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (2)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (4)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (5)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (7)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (8)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)

|c4=
*[[Elephant]] (3)
}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Theautobotsmasher-gears.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Holy crap, dude.]]
* Did we mention that Ravage can talk in this one? He's downright chatty, in fact.
* Gears totally picks up a freaking elephant.
* The plot is cribbed whole-cloth from just about every Wile E. Coyote bit ever.
* If you want to competely destroy the priceless collectible that is '''The Autobot Smasher!''', the back cover features a cut-out standee of Sideswipe.
* POTATOES?!
* Apparently being crushed flat doesn't do any lasting damage to Gears.
* This is the greatest coloring book story ever made.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/smasher.html "The Autobot Smasher!"] at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Autobot Smasher}}

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Summertime Coloring Book

2013-09-22T15:36:40Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=Search for Treasure Under the Sea
|next=A Message From Outer Space
|image=Summertimefc.jpg
|caption=Ain't no cure for the summertime blues.
|title="Summertime Coloring Book"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1985
|story=[[Suzanne Lord]]
|art by=[[Carlos Garzón]]
|pagecount=48
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-033-5 ISBN 9780871350336
}}
'''The Decepticons are stealing gasoline from all over the world! Can the Autobots dismantle their device and stop them?'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Autobot]]s are nice, and come from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. They miss it. But the evil [[Decepticon]]s are from there as well. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] thinks his Decepticons should rule [[Earth]].

In the middle of enjoying Earth, the Autobots notice that the world's gasoline supplies are disappearing. Turns out the Decepticons are using a "[[molecular transfer device]]" to steal the gasoline by remote. Without gasoline, human industries will collapse!

Optimus uses [[Roller (G1)|Roller]] to see into "the Megatron stronghold". The Autobots transform and [[roll out]] to invade the Decepticons' fortress and destroy the device.

[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] spots the approaching Autobots and alerts the Decepticons, who attack. [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] drags Skywarp down to [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer's]] fist-waving range, and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] drives off the sneak-attacking [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] locates the stronghold, and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] bashes a hole in the wall. As [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] works on the wounded Windcharger, Ironhide reasons that he uses the most fuel and donates some of his gasoline to keep the others running at full power, as they're running low. Jazz promises to return with more gas than he can hold.

The Autobots enter the stronghold and locate a "top secret" room, but it's alarmed. Decepticons appear to defend the device! [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] slips past Megatron to enter the device's room thanks to a distraction by [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]. But he is too small to smash the device! Instead he turns the device on the Decepticons, draining them of power. The battle is won! Bumblebee is a hero!

The Autobots work on returning the fuel to where it belongs (and getting some to the drunkenly staggering Ironhide), while the Decepticons sneak off. Megatron probably hasn't learned anything from this ignominious defeat.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* Various Cybertronians (2)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (7)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (8)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (9)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (11)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (12)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (14)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (15)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (16)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (19)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (20)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (21)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (22)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (24)

|c2=
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (4)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (5)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (10)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (17)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (18)

|c3=
* Various humans (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"Decepticons, we should rule Earth."
:—'''Megatron''' makes a sort of lukewarm suggestion to his troops.

==Notes==
* A couple of the bizarre character models from "[[Decepticon Patrol]]" make a brief return on the first page. Even though one of them is supposed to be Bumblebee, elsewhere in the story he has a more toy-based model, with a strange hybrid head and face design featuring a huge blocky shape and a face that makes him look not unlike [[Path Finder]].
* Cybertron features 1950s-style "futuristic" jets, buildings that look like giant Star Trek computers, and a host of robots with tubular arms and clamp hands in the style of [[Cy-Kill (GoBots)|Cy-Kill]].
* Optimus Prime is shown fighting the evil Decepticons alongside... Soundwave.
* A transforming cassette-bot seems to have Soundwave's shoulder cannon.
* There is no way Huffer's shoulders can actually work like that. On the next page, he's drawn with much more sensible proportions and his wheels have vanished - a switch from toy inspired art to [[character model]].
* Prowl, minus his door wings, is depicted entering the Decepticon stronghold, despite not being listed in the caption. Bluestreak is also seen within the base.
* Two pages' captions are reversed: Jazz is shown dazzling the Decepticons with a [[sound and light show|light show]], while the text describes Rumble making an earthquake as seen on the previous page.
* Unlike other [[Marvel Books]] coloring books, this one has no mazes or activities.
* On the page where Ironhide is punching an entryway, he's identified as Huffer.
* Megatron is consistently drawn with the early head design used in the first issues of the Marvel comic, but on the last page of the book he has the final head design as seen in the Sunbow cartoon.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/summertime/summertime-all.html "Summertime Coloring Book"] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Storms of Destruction

2013-09-22T15:36:13Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{picsneeded|Interiors}}
{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Kid Stuff|Kid Stuff storybooks]]
|prev=When Continents Collide
|next=Jaws of Terror
|seriesissue2=Listen 'n' Look
|title="Storms of Destruction"
|image=Storms of Destruction Cover.PNG
|caption=Yeah, like THAT'S gonna work.
|publisher=[[Kid Stuff]]
|date=1985
|pagecount=24pp
|written by=[[John Braden]]
|art by=[[Pablo Marcos]] and [[Judith Marcos]]
|continuity=Shyeah. As if.
}}
'''Megatron plans to pump sea water beneath the jungle, forcing an ocean of oil to the surface. Will the Autobots get off their tushes and stop him?'''

==Synopsis==
Prime and Prowl arrive at the island of [[Sumatra]] and find hundreds of square miles of jungle burned away, leaving only a white residue in its wake. The Decepticons are back at work!

In the underground "Decepticon development center", Megatron gloats over a modified [[Turbine mole machine|tunnel-boring machine]] he's stolen from the humans. Soon he will use the machine and his new knowledge to execute his master plan!

The two later make their way through the jungles of Brazil's [[Mato Grosso]], to the site of the [[Crystal satellite|satellite launch complex]] destroyed because of the Autobots. {{storylink|Satellite of Doom}} Megatron plans to squeeze enough [[oil]] from under the jungle to destroy the Autobots!

A native fires a poison dart at Soundwave. It does nothing.

A few days later, Megatron and Soundwave travel under the sea in their mole boring machine. Megatron plans to pump salt water under the oil, forcing it to the surface. The drill tunnel collapses, destroying the city of [[Machu Picchu]] while making part of the [[Andes Mountains]] collapse into a lake. Megatron is annoyed, but before he can do much besides call Soundwave a tape-filled idiot, the Autobots attack.

In the command center, Prowl listens for signs that the mole machine is active and concludes that it's shut down.

Megatron and Soundwave start drilling again, and flood the jungle with oil. Aboard a [[Decepticon defoliator craft]], Megatron orders the jungle knocked down and more oil transporters brought in to suck up the oil.

The Decepticons' oil tunnel draws off a dominant warm current from the coast of [[South America]]; the cold current that comes to replace it wreaks global havoc on weather patterns. Bumblebee locates the Decepticons and reports in. Skyfire locates the Decepticons. The Autobots attack and win. Megatron and Soundwave escape aboard the mole machine. Earth returns to normal.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (2)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (5)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (5)
* two other unidentifiable Autobots (5)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (6)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (4)

|c3=
* a monkey
* a random native
* a random native drowning in oil

}}
==Quotes==
"We are fully prepared now to go forward with the master plan!" 
"''We''? What have you learned, you cassette-stuffed wimp! You know only what I tell you!" 
:—...And what '''Soundwave''' gets told by '''Megatron''' - repeatedly - is that he's full of cassettes.

"All-powerful one... oh master... your vision of the destruction of those Autobot junk heaps brings tears to my eyes." 
"Bah! You are nothing but a sentimental bag of bolts, Soundwave!" 
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Megatron'''

"That's only the ante, Prowl. The game has just begun. I'm
waiting for Megatron's bet. Then I'll cover it and force his hand." 
:—But until then, '''Optimus Prime''' is just gonna sit there and let the world end.

"I'll check my radio, master, but... uh oh! My cable connection was
loose, master! It was my headset that garbled that message!" 
"You mechanical nitwit! Is your tape wound too tight or what?"
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Megatron''' should really invest in Bluetooth.

"Attack, noble Autobots! Reduce the infernal Decepticons and the corrupt Megatron to twisted heaps of hot metal!"
:—With that attitude, '''Optimus Prime''' really should've won the war already.

==Notes==
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* The story opens by describing Prime and Prowl as being "in their robotic mode", as if they were combined or something. The same error repeats for Soundwave and Megatron.

===Continuity errors===
* In "[[Satellite of Doom]]", Skyfire died. He's alive here.
* In "Satellite of Doom", it was the Decepticons themselves who destroyed the launch complex. Yet according to this story, the Autobots did it.
* What happened to the first Autobot attack?? Did they just give up and go home?
* Prime seems pretty smug, considering he's just sitting there letting Megatron carry out his world-devastating scheme.
* What was the point of Skyfire finding the Decepticons, when Bumblebee already did so on the previous page??

===Trivia===
* The art is the usual mix of copied [[Package art|package art]] and toy-based drawings.
* Prowl wears a headset as he studies the computer "printout". Hahahaha.
* "Earth returns to normal" is, literally, a longer description of how the planet is restored than the book itself gives.
* Hound can fly...in jeep mode

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/kidstuff/storms.html Storms of Destruction] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Episodes]]

Sticker Adventures

2013-09-22T15:35:16Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

[[Image:Returntocybertron-ohsnap.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
{{bigquote|Punch out the stickers in the back of this book. Put them into the pages of the story. Then color in the rest of the story. Make the story of the Autobots' battle with the Decepticons come to life!|Introduction|[[Revenge of the Decepticons]]}}

[[Marvel Books]] published a handful of Transformers "sticker" books under the imprint '''Sticker Adventures''' between 1984 and 1986. They were essentially traditional coloring books with the addition of brightly colored stickers designed to replace certain portions of the art, effectively coloring it in for the reader. Sometimes the stickers represented objects like the [[Earth]] or a character's [[weapon]] or [[alternate mode]], but most often they were random things like torsos, heads, and occasionally hunks of arm or leg.

==Titles==
*[[Revenge of the Decepticons]]
*[[Return to Cybertron]]
*[[Battle on the Junk Planet]]
*[[Galvatron Attacks]]

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/#sticker Sticker Adventures] at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]
[[Category:Sticker books]]

Search for Treasure Under the Sea

2013-09-22T15:34:54Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|next=Bumblebee to the Rescue!
|image=SearchTreasureSea-cover.jpg
|caption=Arrr! Methinks I've found Davey Jones' Treasure Chest!
|title="Search for Treasure Under the Sea"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1984
|written by=[[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|art by=[[Carlos Garzón]] and [[Joe Giella]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-009-2 ISBN 9780871350091
}}
'''The Decepticons plan to recover enough shipwrecked gold to buy the world's factories.'''

==Synopsis==
After the usual meet-and-greet with the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s (during which it is learnt that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is "twice as mean when disguised as a gun"), the Decepticons' base, which has nice shrubs outside the windows, is shown. Megatron declares that sunken ships from the [[Alaskan Gold Rush]] have made the coast a treasure trove, while pointing at [[Montana]] on a map. The [[gold]] will allow them to buy the factories they need to create an Autobot-crushing army!

[[Image:undersea-11.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Hey, Rumble! I can see my lost $1 coin from down there!]]

The spying [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] overhears the plan. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] sees him outside the window, but Megatron decides to let him go so they can trap the Autobots.

Bumblebee reports the Decepticons' dastardly scheme. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] announces that he's created a cargo-freighter-sized ocean going ship to follow the Decepticons. The Autobots sail to [[Alaska]]. Suddenly, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] leaps from a drifting iceberg to attack [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]! But Ravage leaps right through them—he's fallen for Hound's trick light! Outnumbered, Ravage retreats.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] sends Bumblebee underwater to find the Decepticons. Bumblebee finds all sorts of things under the water... including a cassette player and cassette, which sure would make a nice gift for Spike! But to the surprise of nobody but Bumblebee, they're really Soundwave and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]! They take him prisoner and deliver him to Megatron.

Megatron gloats over all the treasure they've found, and says they can load it in a truck which conveniently appears out of nowhere just then. But it turns out the truck is Optimus Prime! The Autobots attack. Megatron calls in the jets for reinforcement; the Autobots transform. The jets attack [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], but the rockets just bounce right off. [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] gives [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] the [[glass gas]] treatment. Rumble tries to bury the Autobots with an earthquake, but it ends up swallowing the Decepticons instead. The Autobots are victorious!

==Quotes==
"The Decepticons are going to try to rule earth!" {{sic}} 
"We must stop them!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' gives a thorough and detailed report to Optimus Prime

"Yahoo! Those rocket blasts are bouncing off like rain!" 
"Right! Nothing can hurt me!"
:—'''Spike''' and Sparkplug learn what we already know: '''Brawn''' is indestructible!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (2)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (3)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (4)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (5)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (6)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (12)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (14)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (7)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (8)
}}

==Notes==
* Various activities are interspersed through the story, such as connect-the-dots, unscramble-the-message pages, and Megatron's Undersea Decepticon Maze.
* This book takes a special delight in showing characters in mid-transformation.
* Bumblebee, Soundwave and Rumble are clearly toy-based, while Megatron is the early black-helmet version. Wheeljack and Hound appear to be based on their [[package art]].
* Megatron totally smashes the hell out of some little model Autobot he's got.
* While in car mode, Bumblebee's face can still be seen when he's viewed from behind.
* It's not clear what exactly the Decepticons are doing wrong in this story until the Autobots decide to show up to bother them. Megatron's nefarious plan is to...go look for lost pirate treasure so he can legally purchase property. That's INSANE but it's not really EVIL.

===Errors===
*Joe Giella is credited as "Joe Giello".
*Bumblebee refers to Spike as "Buster" on page 28.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/undersea.html "Search for Treasure Under the Sea" at Steve-o's Transformers Site.]

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Satellite of Doom

2013-09-22T15:34:36Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{picsneeded|Book - interiors}}
{{disambig2|the Kid Stuff storybook|the ''Transformers: Classified'' novel|Transformers Classified: Satellite of Doom}}

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Kid Stuff|Kid Stuff storybook]]
|prev=The Great Car Rally
|next=When Continents Collide
|seriesissue2=Listen 'n' Look
|prev2=
|next2=
|title=Satellite of Doom
|image=Satelliteofdoom-cover.jpg
|caption=It's a low orbital satellite. Very low orbital.
|publisher=[[Kid Stuff]]
|written by=[[John Braden]]
|art by=[[Pablo Marcos]] and [[Judith Marcos]]
|coverdate=1985
|pagecount=32pp
|ISBN=ISBN 5-55136-038-5 ISBN 978-5551360384
|continuity=Ha! You're kidding, right?
}}

'''The Decepticons blow up some coal, which somehow creates a huge diamond, which will somehow melt the Rocky Mountains, which will somehow create a lot of oil. Oh, and kill a lot of humans, too.'''

==Synopsis==
The Decepticons have excavated a huge cavern beneath [[Africa]]'s [[Kalahari Desert]]. The Decepticons have tricked thousands of humans into digging the chamber for them, luring them with promises of wealth and then enslaving them. Soundwave is eager to leave; the sand is fouling his cassette drives and everyone else's transmissions. Bulldozers are used to pack the entire chamber solid with coal and [[lectonite]] explosives.

Above, Skyfire has tracked one of the coal transports to the desert, and finds a dying human on the surface. He reports his findings to Prowl and Optimus at the Autobot command center. Prowl has a sensor drone read the human's "residual brain wave pattern" and learns of the slaves and the coal deposit.

The Decepticon command ship blasts off from the desert, and Megatron detonates the explosives. Amid the biggest explosion the world has ever seen, the coal and the thousands of trapped slaves are compressed into the biggest diamond ever created.

The Decepticons transport the diamond to a satellite-launching base deep in the jungles of [[Mato Grosso]], [[Brazil]]. After laser-cutting the diamond, they prepare to launch. Megatron gloats about his plan: the [[crystal satellite]] will create a lens to focus the sun's energy and melt the [[Rocky Mountains]], turning it to a sea of oil. Unbeknownst to him, Bumblebee has been spying on them.

Prime sends Skyfire to attack the satellite as it launches, but the rocket survives and continues skyward. Megatron blows up the launch platform and escapes. The satellite arrives in position and awaits only the sun's rays to energize it. Prime and Prowl watch in horror as the first rays begin to strike the satellite, realizing that millions of lives are in danger.

The satellite's beam ignites forests instantly and begins melting rocks. Rivers and lakes of molten rock form, rapidly expanding.

Ratchet rigs Skyfire with emergency boosters to allow him to reach the satellite; Skyfire launches, knowing he's got no way to return safely to Earth, and launches his attack.

Megatron and Soundwave gloat and hoo-hah as Skyfire's attack does no damage, and the Autobot burns up on re-entry. Prime, meanwhile, has Ratchet rig together a square mile of polished metal. A squad of Autobots uses electromagnetic force to fly the panel into space below the satellite. The giant mirror reflects the satellite's beam, instantly detonating it with enough force to raise Earth's tides ten feet.

The Autobots track Megatron's signal back to his hidden base and attack, blowing the base open with [[Thermo-excavator missile|thermo-excavator missiles]]. Megatron and Soundwave escape aboard a [[turbine mole machine]], and Earth is safe... for now!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (5)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (6)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (7)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (8)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (2)
|c3=
* Human slaves (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Everything will be completed on time, mighty Megatron! The entire cavern will be filled within a cocoon of lectonite explosives, just as you ordered!" 
"Your worthless mecha-life depends on that, Soundwave."
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Megatron'''. "Mecha-life". Because, you see, he's a machine; therefore, he has a ''mecha''-life.

"And did you see how the Autobot superjet burned on re-entry into the atmosphere! That was nice too!"
:—The writer sure has a firm grasp on '''Soundwave''''s stoic personality.

"Busted gears and cracked drive shafts!"
:—'''Megatron''', please! There are children in the audience!

"Optimus Prime, you ''metallic nemesis!"''
:—'''Megatron''' sure has a knack for zingy one-liners.

==Notes==
[[Image:KidStuff Satellite Continents VHS.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[When Continents Collide|Double your pleasure...?]]]]
As part of the "[[See & Read]]" series, this story came in two different formats, both times as the first story in a set alongside "[[When Continents Collide]]".

Both stories were told in picture-book form, coming with an audio cassette with the story narrations and acting on it. This version also came packaged with the yellow version of [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]... who didn't appear in the stories.

An "animated" VHS version was also available, using chroma-key to animate the static pictures cheesily, with the storybook text superimposed on the bottom of the screen.
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* The art is a weird mix of copied [[package art]], [[Character model|animation models]], original toy-based drawings, and Builder Bob-like humans.
**While package-based art almost always draws from individual character art, the poses and composition of Optimus and Sunstreaker as they carry the sheet of metal into space are clearly based on the 1984 mural.

===Continuity errors===
* The crystal satellite doesn't appear large enough to collect a significant amount of sunlight, certainly not enough to start melting rocks.
* Skyfire attacks the satellite with [[Null-ray|null-rays]], not normally a part of his arsenal.
* Given that the crystal satellite causes the Rocky Mountains to melt and turn into a sea of oil ''and'' lava, one would think that Megatron's plan to obtain that same oil should've been given some extra thought.
* Skyfire only has enough fuel to make the trip into space, but not back, and he's the Autobots' Air Guardian. Yet the second-to-final image shows the rest of the Autobots holding up the makeshift mirror in space, with the final page confirming the Autobots returned from their mission safely. Of course, they use electromagnetism to get skywards, but if they all could, why couldn't the Air Guardian?

===Trivia===
* No credits are given for the voice cast.
* Holy crap, the Decepticons totally just killed thousands of humans in the first five pages of a childrens' storybook. Who wrote this, [[Pat Lee]]?
* Holy crap, the Decepticons totally just melted the [[Rocky Mountains]] into a puddle! Who wrote this, [[Shane McCarthy]]?
* Holy crap, they totally just killed off Skyfire! Who wrote this, [[Simon Furman]]??
*[[Stan Bush]] performed a certain well-known jingle for Coors Light beer. While not as relevant to Transformers lore as many of Bush's other songs, in this story Megatron does, quite literally, tap the Rockies.
* This is one of several "episodes" to have been given the [[MSTF]] treatment at the official Transformers conventions... specifically, at [[OTFCC 2003]].

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/kidstuff/satellite.html Satellite of Doom] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2MvUSke7mY&feature=PlayList&p=DE0E647EF31DC9BF&index=0&playnext=1 See and Read video] at Youtube.

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Revenge of the Decepticons

2013-09-22T15:34:10Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{disambig3.5|the sticker book|the VHS cassette|The Original Transformers|Revenge of the Decepticons|other stories by the title}}
{{comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Sticker Adventures|''The Transformers Sticker Adventures'']]
|next=Return to Cybertron
|image=Revengeofthedecepticons-cover.jpg
|caption=Ravage, Laserbeak, you guys be sure to stay in your stock poses, alright?
|title="Revenge of the Decepticons"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|date=1985
|pagecount=16 story pages, 4 pages of stickers
|ISBN=ISBN 9780871350244 ISBN 0-87135-024-6
|written by=[[Suzanne Weyn]]
|art by=[[Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski|Charles Nicholas]]}}
'''The Decepticons steal all of the Autobots' fuel. DOOM.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Revengeofthedecepticons-drinkup.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"Roll out the barrel..."]]
The [[Autobot]]s are fending off a [[Decepticon]] attack. [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] drive away [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon jets]]. While the Decepticons lick their wounds, the Autobots continue repairs on their [[Ark (G1)|damaged spaceship]], hoping to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

Optimus Prime and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] depart in search of necessary equipment to repair the ship, at which point [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] steals ''all'' of the Autobots' fuel supply! [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] gloats—with Prime away on a voyage and the rest of the Autobots running on empty, victory is in their clutches. The Autobots attempt to send [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] to search for more gas, but it's too late; the Decepticons strike the weakened Autobots, and carnage ensues.

In the nick of time, Optimus Prime and Sparkplug return with barrels of gasoline. The Autobots drink up rather quickly and send the Decepticons packing. The day is won!
{{--}}

==Quotes==
===Featured characters===
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (4)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (5)
* Unidentified Autobot (6)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (7)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (9)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (10)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (11)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (12)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (14)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (15)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (1)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (2)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] or [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (3)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (16)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)

|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (13)
}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Revengeofthedecepticons-primetruck.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Hahahahahah, awesome.]]
* The cover advertises the title as "The Revenge of the Decepticons", while the title page reads "Revenge of the Decepticons".
* On the first page, Huffer gives Cliffjumper's dialogue, and Hound responds... as Optimus Prime!
* Megatron's appearance here is based on his early animation model, with the black helmet and bazooka-like cannon. Everyone else is more-or-less on-model.
* Sunstreaker is red. Brawn is yellow. So... [[FIRRIB|SIRBIY]]?
* What happened to the special parts Prime was going to look for?
* At one point, Prime is depicted mid-transformation, as a semi cab with a robot head poking out the top.
* Ravage steals ALL OF THE AUTOBOTS' FUEL SUPPLY. AND NOBODY NOTICES. Holy crap!

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/sticker/revenge/revenge.html "Revenge of the Decepticons"] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]
[[Category:Sticker books]]

Return to Cybertron (sticker book)

2013-09-22T15:33:50Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{disambig2|the sticker book|the Kid Rhino VHS tape|The Original Transformers}}
{{comicstory|
|prev=Revenge of the Decepticons
|seriesissue=[[Sticker Adventures|''The Transformers Sticker Adventures'']]
|next=Battle on the Junk Planet
|image=Returncybertroncover.jpg
|caption=[[wikipedia:Spaceballs|Spaceballs]] The Coloring Book!
|title="Return to Cybertron"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|date=1984
|pagecount=16 story pages, 4 pages of stickers
|ISBN=ISBN 9780871350251 ISBN 0-87135-025-4
|written by=[[Suzanne Weyn]]
|art by=[[Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski|Charles Nicholas]]}}

'''Optimus Prime returns to find Cybertron under Decepticon control.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] are working on a "mysterious spaceship". Despite their advanced astroengineering know-how, they still need assistance from [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]], who is building a device to track the spaceship's journey. The ship is a single-seater, preprogrammed to take its passenger directly back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Sparkplug gripes that [[Earth]] is a perfectly fine planet and he doesn't see any reason to leave, which leads Prime to regale him with yet another retelling of how the [[Autobot]]s came to Earth in the first place.

[[Image:Returntocybertron-ohsnap.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Then it hit me that Sunstreaker was really just a leg, with the round part just the way you would expect.]]
Since the Autobots have been gone so long, it is imperative that they re-establish contact, even if it's just to ensure that Cybertron still exists. The discussion is disrupted by a [[Decepticon]] assault. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon jets]] blast through the Autobots' encampment, and a direct shot takes Optimus Prime out of commission.

Prime awakens to find his comrades slaughtered. Knowing there is nothing he can do alone, he takes the one-man ship back to Cybertron in hopes of finding reinforcements. Unfortunately, the planet is fully under Decepticon control! Prime meets an [[Ancient Autobot survivor]] who tells Prime of the Decepticons' conquest of their homeworld. Prime relates that the Autobots of Earth have fallen as well, just as the pair are ambushed by Decepticon police! The Decepticons blast Prime...who awakens in the Autobot repair bay, surrounded by his teammates. Prowl and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] tell him that IT WAS ALL A DREAM. This only steels Optimus Prime's resolve to defeat the Decepticons once and for all.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (2)
* Unidentified Autobots in flashback (5-10)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (12)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (16)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (17)
* [[Ancient Autobot survivor]] (18)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (20)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (21)

|c2=
* [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon jet]] (4)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (14)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (15)
* [[Decepticon Police officer]] (19)
|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==

"Why are you all fired up to get back to that electronic planet of yours? I think Earth's a darned nice place to live myself."
:—'''Sparkplug'''

"Look up here, you Earth-bound rattle-traps! Look at us! Beautiful, mechanical birds of the sky. You will never defeat us!"
:—'''Thundercracker'''

"...so, you see, only a few of us Autobots survived the Decepticon massacre. Optimus Prime, you must return to Earth and rally a force to reclaim Cybertron. You are our only hope."
:—'''ancient Autobot survivor'''

==Notes==
[[Image:Returntocybertron-soundwave.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Sadly, not the first time this has happened.]]
* Prowl is described as Optimus Prime's "helper".
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] have non-speaking roles. Sunstreaker's appearance consists of "being a corpse".
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] refers to himself (and his fellow jets) as "beautiful mechanical birds of the sky". Ohhhh-kaaay...
* In the flashback to ancient Cybertron, we see a guy who looks like [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] with a red helmet and a [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] colorscheme that is entirely original—blue with purple tailfins and trim.
* Megatron is conspicuously absent.
* On the last page, Optimus Prime is shown with his arms around his fellow Autobots, Bumblebee and... Soundwave?
* Autobot Soundwave has googly eyes.
* This book was used in the movie ''[[Wikipedia:Spaceballs|Spaceballs]]'' with a large Spaceballs sticker [[:Image:Spaceballs.jpg|over the cover]].

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/sticker/return/return.html Return to Cybertron at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.]

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]
[[Category:Sticker books]]

List of Generation 1 books

2013-09-22T15:33:29Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{nav-G1}}
[[Transformers brand|Transformers]] ain't just for watchin'! Over the years many a-publisher has come out with ''readable products'' based on the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] franchise.

==English language books==
===[[Ballantine Books]]===
{{main|Find Your Fate Junior}}

===Beehive Books===
*''[[Transformers Pop-Up Book]]''

===Corgi Books===
{{main|The Transformers Adventure Game Books}}
[[Battle Beneath the Ice]]

===[[ibooks]]===
*''[[The Transformers Trilogy]]''
**''[[Transformers: Hardwired]]''
**''[[Transformers: Annihilation]]''
**''[[Transformers: Fusion]]''
*''[[Transformers Legends (book)|Transformers Legends]]''

===Kid Stuff Audiobooks===
{{main|Kid Stuff}}

===Ladybird Books===
{{main|Ladybird Books}}

===MacDonald Purnell===
{{main|Macdonald Purnell activity books}}

===Marvel Books===
{{main|Marvel Books}}

===St. Michael Books/Purnell===
* [[Deadly Paradise]]
* [[Sticker Book]]

==Japanese books==
==International books==
{{stub}}

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/ Steve-o Stonebraker's TF book scans]

[[Category:Generation 1 books| ]]

Kid Stuff

2013-09-22T15:32:41Z

Steve-o: steve-o's site has moved

{{nav-G1|logo=TheTransformers_Logo.jpg}}
[[Image:GreatCarRallyRecord.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Raise your hand if you know what one of these is.]]
'''Kid Stuff''' was a publisher of children's read-along audio storybooks in the 1980s. They published innumerable titles based on franchises such as [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]], the Care Bears, Garfield, [[My Little Pony]], and many others. The storybooks typically came with an audio cassette or 45rpm record. They also released VHS versions of some of their titles.

==Transformers books==
Kid Stuff published a number of ''Transformers'' titles. There were two sets of books; one consisted of adapted [[Big Looker Storybook|Big Looker]] stories previously published by [[Marvel Books]], while the other group contained original stories. Many of the original stories are not credited, but similar plot elements and dialog styles make it seem likely that they were all written by [[John Braden]].

The original stories form their own little [[continuity]], with a common set of oddities. Among the defining aspects of the stories:

*Only [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] speak in most adventures. But there are [[Attack of the Decepticons#Notes|exceptions]].
*Soundwave is a simpering toady.
*The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] fly around in their beast forms.
*The Autobots fly around in their robot ''and'' vehicle forms.
*Every Transformer jet is a "Superjet". Not only the Seekers and Skyfire, but a mysterious team of [[Autobot Superjets]] unique to this continuity.
*Megatron is obsessed with mole-boring machines.
*Megatron is obsessed with calling Soundwave a "tape-filled idiot" and variants thereof.
*Megatron is obsessed with acquiring oil, to the exclusion of all other fuels. [[Energon]] is never mentioned.
*Events tend to occur in obscure geographic locations, all of which are specified by name, with a particular focus on the Pacific Rim.
*Violence on a massive scale is disturbingly common. The Rocky Mountains are melted into a molten puddle, massive volcanic eruptions are triggered, entire jungles are leveled, the Andes Mountains collapse into the sea, world weather patterns are violently altered, coastal cities are flooded, and thousands of human slaves die in a huge explosion. Nobody seems very much bothered by any of this.

The artwork is heavily toy-based, and sometimes features direct copies of characters' [[package art]], even when it makes little or no spatial sense.

==Titles==
===Adapted Big Looker books===
*[[Battle for Cybertron]]
*[[The Great Car Rally]]

===Kid Stuff originals===
*[[Satellite of Doom]] (also on VHS)
*[[When Continents Collide]] (also on VHS)
*[[Storms of Destruction]]
*[[Jaws of Terror]] (also on VHS)
*[[Slaves of the Insecticons]] (also on VHS)
*[[Attack of the Decepticons]] (audio only - no storybook)

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/ Generation 1 books] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

{{stub}}

[[Category:Home entertainment]]

Jaws of Terror

2013-09-22T15:32:17Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{picsneeded|Interiors}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=[[Kid Stuff|Kid Stuff storybook]]
|prev=Storms of Destruction
|next=Slaves of the Insecticons
|seriesissue2=
|prev2=
|next2=
|title=Jaws of Terror
|image=Jaws of Terror Cover.PNG
|caption=
|publisher=[[Kid Stuff]]
|coverdate=1986
|pagecount=24pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87660-183-2 ISBN 978-0876-60183-9
|writer=[[John Braden]]
|art=[[Pablo Marcos]] and [[Judith Marcos]]
|penciler=
|inker=
|colorist=
|letterer=
|editor=
|continuity=
}}

'''The Decepticons plan to locate the Autobots' recovery base and steal all of their fuel!'''

==Synopsis==
An explosion prompts Soundwave to come rushing out from the underground Decepticon base, wondering if their dwindling oil supply has exploded. He finds that Megatron has destroyed Shockwave! Well...turns out he destroyed a ''model'' of Shockwave. But next time it'll be for real! That'll teach Shockwave to try and usurp Megatron! Soundwave humbly suggests using Shockwave's own logic and reasoning against him, and points out that Shockwave has been gaining power by delivering more oil to the Decepticon warriors.

A group of [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] is flying toward the Autobot base, having left their jungle-filled "[[recovery base]]" deep below the [[Antarctica|Antarctic]]. As Optimus and Prowl monitor, the Dinobots come under Decepticon attack. Slag grumpily notes that traveling in a large group was a bad idea, and he turns around to return to the recovery base alone—but Ramjet knocks him out of the sky. Prime sends Ratchet to repair Slag at the recovery base.

The Decepticons are tracking Slag, however, and take note of how he enters the recovery base—the location of the Autobots' oil supply! Megatron activates the [[thermo-borer]], intending to use the oil against them.

The thermo-borer breaks into the Autobot base, where Ratchet is repairing Slag. Alarms go off, prompting Megatron to pull back, but not before Ratchet fires a device at the thermo-borer. Ratchet returns to his repairs, annoyed that it's taking so long, as he needs that time to reactivate the remaining Dinobots, still trapped in tar pit cocoons.

Prowl reports that things are quiet and that Ratchet's [[Memory Scrambler Mine]] should have erased the Decepticons' records of how to find the recovery base. Unfortunately, the Decepticons have countered the device with a new Beta Blocking Shield and still have the locations of all Autobot bases. Ignoring Soundwave's suggestion that they stealthily siphon off the Autobots' oil supplies, Megatron instead orders an attack aboard a giant vehicle known as the [[Crusher]].

The Crusher begins slicing into the Antarctic ice shelf, cutting loose huge icebergs, which raise ocean levels and flood Earth's cities. Prime launches the [[Autobot superjet|Autobot superjets]] to counterattack. Ratchet and Slag flee as the Crusher begins to bore its way into the recovery base, noticing that the tar pits are beginning to boil and erupt.

Suddenly, hundreds of Dinobots burst from the tar pits, freed by the Crusher's vibrations. As Ratchet and Slag join the attack, the Crusher is ripped apart. Soundwave and Megatron escape in the escape pod.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (3)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (3)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (3)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (5)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (7)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (8)
* hundreds of Dinobots (9)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|A model of Shockwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (6)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (6)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"Stop running off at the tape, you mecho-wimp!"
:—'''Megatron''' gets in his daily dig at Soundwave

==Notes==
[[Image:EducationalVHS_.JPG|thumb|100px|Educational VHS]]
*An "animated" "educational" VHS version was also available, using chroma-key to animate the static pictures cheesily, with the storybook text superimposed on the bottom of the screen. There's also a vocabulary builder before the story, and a "memory game" (multiple choice quiz) after.

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* Starscream is mistransformed in robot mode with his nosecone in "conehead" mode and his feet still flipped up while his vertical tail fins are oddly positioned upside-down as if to serve as his feet.

===Continuity Notes===
* This book marks a significant shift in the art style. Where the previous three books relied mostly on package art with the occasional animation model and toy-detail, here the illustrations are almost entirely toy-based. Nowhere is this more obvious or awkward than Megatron's pelvis.

* The character's voices are a bit different too, though there's still a lack of cast information.
** Soundwave has had a vocorder effect laid over his voice, making him sound much more like his Sunbow cartoon counterpart.
** Megatron's voice has changed as well. Though not necessarily closer to [[Frank Welker]]'s portrayal in the cartoon, he at least sounds a lot less like another iconic '80s cartoon villain.

* The above changes carry over to the next book in the series as well.

===Trivia===
* Toy-based Ratchet is pretty awesome.
* HUNDREDS of Dinobots. That even blows away the 1985 mural.
* Slag can fly around in his Triceratops altmode.
* Slag also gets a speaking part! That's unusual for a Kid Stuff original story, since Optimus, Prowl, Megatron, and Soundwave usually do all the talking.

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/kidstuff/jaws.html Jaws of Terror] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Episodes]]

Forest Rescue Mission

2013-09-22T15:31:58Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=A Message From Outer Space
|next=Bumblebee's Dangerous Mission
|image=Forestrescue.jpg
|caption=Probably involves burning down the entire forest.
|title="Forest Rescue Mission"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|date=1985
|writer=[[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|artist=[[Brad Joyce]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-037-8 ISBN 9780317308921
}}

'''The Decepticons are going to build a factory in the pristine forest! Who can stop them and save the adorable forest animals?'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Forestrescuemission-megatron.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Dreamwave before Dreamwave was cool.]]
Meet the [[Autobot]]s! They're nice. Meet the [[Decepticon]]s! They're not nice!

This is the day of the Decepticons! Or at least, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] proclaims it to be so. He orders the Decepticons to smash up the pristine wilderness they happen to be wandering through in order to set up a factory to build a horde of Decepticon warriors!

Meanwhile, the Autobots are in the same forest, on vacation. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Butch Witwicky (G1)|Butch]] go fishing, while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] spends some time polishing [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. During some routine off-roading fun, Hound comes across the Decepticons blowing the crap out of everything. He reports back to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], disrupting the Autobot commander. Prime doesn't even look up from feeding an adorable [[bunny rabbit]], but lets it be known that the Decepticons must be stopped.

There's a big fight, but the Autobots eventually drive the Decepticons off. Rather than pursue them, the Autobots spend the rest of the day putting the forest back together. Aww.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (2)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (5)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (7)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (8)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (9)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] or [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (11)

|c3=
*[[Butch Witwicky (G1)|Butch Witwicky]] (13)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (14)

|c4=
*[[Bunny rabbit]] (15)
}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Forestrescuemission-bumblebee.jpg|left|100px|thumb|The hell?]]
[[Image:Forestrescuemission-combatdeck.jpg|right|150px|thumb|No, seriously, THE HELL?]]
* The model sheets are a weird mix, here. Bumblebee is his cartoon body with a creepy toy-esque head. The rest of the Autobots use their cartoon models. Megatron is almost entirely his cartoon model, except that his cannon still has a handle.

* Some of the model sheets from the really weird [[Decepticon Patrol]] coloring book show up here, specifically the weird hats for Skywarp and Thundercracker.

* In addition, some art and words were directly lifted from Decepticon Patrol as well.

* Prime feeds a REALLY cartoony bunny rabbit.

* Bumblebee helps clean up the forest with a giant rake.

* This book uses Hound as Butch's chief friend among the Autobots, much like how Hound and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] were paired up in ''[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]''.

* The [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] shows up... drawn as Prime's Cybertronian form from [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue of the Marvel comic]]...

* This book was available separately or bagged with a box of eight crayons.
{{--}}

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/forest/forest-all.html Forest Rescue Mission at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.]

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Bumblebee to the Rescue!

2013-09-22T15:31:35Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{disambig3|Bumblebee to the Rescue}}
{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=Search for Treasure Under the Sea
|next=Decepticon Patrol
|title="Bumblebee to the Rescue!"
|image=Bumblebeetdr-cover.jpg
|caption=Hello, DAD. I'm in JAIL!
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1984
|written by=[[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|art by=[[Steve Ditko]] and [[John Tartaglione]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-010-6 ISBN 9780517556412
}}

'''Optimus Prime and the Autobots go to Autobot prison!'''

==Synopsis==
Meet the [[Autobot]]s! They're nice. Meet the [[Decepticon]]s! They're not nice! [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] is super-smart and can split into three pieces! But [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] would love to wreck the [[Earth]] and smash the Autobots.

At Decepticon headquarters, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] has a brilliant plan—trap the Autobots and put them in a [[special Autobot prison]]! Then the Decepticons can rule the Earth forever!

[[Image:Bumblebeetdr-photofinish.jpg|left|100px|thumb|That's a big-ass Polaroid.]]
Meanwhile, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] are racing to see who is the fastest, with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] serving as judge. The result is a photo finish, which incites the two Autobots to argue... until they're interrupted by the Decepticons! [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] attack with knock-out [[Sleep Net]]s, knocking the Autobots and Sparkplug out. "ZZZZZZZ!", snores Sparkplug.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] are walking in a canyon when [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] attacks with an earthquake. Gears attempts to warn Prime of the danger, but his words are horribly scrambled. Prime uses his [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] to blast the falling boulders and sends [[Roller (G1)|Roller]] for help, but it is no use. [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] ambushes Roller and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] knocks out Gears by ''yanking a bunch of wires out of his neck''. Prime has no choice but to surrender to Megatron, lest the Autobots be executed.

[[Image:Bumblebeetdr-fakeautobot.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Say hi to MOM, from JAIL!!]]
At the Decepticons' prison, it is revealed that [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] has been captured as well, leaving [[Bumblebee (G1) |Bumblebee]] the only Autobot still free. The Decepticons dismiss him as harmless, but Bumblebee has a plan. Sparkplug and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] build a giant cardboard cutout of an Autobot warrior and prop it up outside Decepticon headquarters. In the ensuing confusion, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flips out and runs away, and Megatron leads a horde of [[generic]] Decepticons to face their new foe, leaving the prison unguarded. Sparkplug and Spike flee, their ruse a success. "A fake Autobot!" Megatron realizes soon after.

Bumblebee unlocks the Autobots' prison door, freeing them. Optimus Prime leads the troops to teach the Decepticons a lesson! Trailbreaker traps Soundwave and company with a force field, Bluestreak and Sideswipe shoot down the jets, and Prime wraps an iron bar around Megatron. Bumblebee is feted as the hero that he truly is. Hip Hip HOORAY, indeed.

==Quotes==
"We must trap the Autobots and throw them into my special Autobot prison! With the Autobots behind bars, we can rule earth forever!" {{sic}}
:—'''Megatron''' reveals his greatest scheme yet

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (2)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (3)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Blue Streak]] (4)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (5)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (6)
* "[[Giant fake Autobot]]" (16)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (12)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (14)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
* Various generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Bumblebeetotherescue-sparkplug.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I LIKE it here! I'm gonna STAY here!]]
[[Image:Bumblebeetdr-trailbreaker.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yeah! Throw away the key!]]
* Various activities are interspersed through the story, including The Transformers' Name and Face Match!, connect-the-dots, mazes, and unscramble-the-messages.
* That is seriously the scariest Sparkplug ''ever''.
* Gears is apparently powered by a pair of heavy-duty, three-pronged power cords. Like, the kind you can buy at Home Depot.
* The art isn't nearly as nutty as that of "[[Decepticon Patrol]]". Nearly everyone is based on their animation models except Bumblebee, Gears and Rumble, who are entirely based on their toys, Megatron, who uses the early "black helmet" model, and Trailbreaker, who is a HIDEOUS HOMUNCULUS with huge goggles making up most of his head. He is based on the toy's [[package art]], with the artist misconstruing his headpiece as part of his face.
* Bluestreak is largely drawn as Prowl throughout the story, at one point having his police lightbars. His name is mis-parsed as "Blue Streak" in one of the activity games.
* Seriously, Trailbreaker's model in this story is ''horrifying''.
* The "solutions" to the Name and Face Match! in the back have a few problems. Starscream is pointing to two faces, one of which is also being pointed to by Thundercracker. Considering the similarities of the faces, that does make sense. But Bluestreak and Rumble are both pointing to the same face, with nothing pointing to Bluestreak's true face.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/bumblebee.html "Bumblebee to the Rescue" at Steve-o's Transformers Site.]

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Battle on the Junk Planet

2013-09-22T15:30:25Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Sticker Adventures|''The Transformers Sticker Adventures'']]
|prev=Return to Cybertron
|next=Galvatron Attacks
|image=BattleontheJunkPlanet-fc.jpg
|caption=
|title="Battle on the Junk Planet"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|date=1986
|pagecount=16 story pages, 4 pages of stickers
|written by=[[Nancy Krulik]]
|art by=[[Brad Joyce]]
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-116-1 ISBN 9780871351166
}}
'''The Autobots crash land on the Planet of Junk and run into its hostile inhabitants.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] are working on mapping down the universe when their ship gets hit by a meteor rain. To repair the damage taken by the ship's engines, Perceptor advises making an emergency landing. They safely land on the nearest planet, which Perceptor deduces is the [[Junkion (planet)|Junk Planet]].

[[Image:Springer botjp.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
While the others start repairs, glad that they at least landed on a planet full of [[Reticulated Sprotchet|spare parts]], Blurr goes off to explore the surrounding area. Unbeknownst to him, he's being observed by three of the [[Junkion (species)|planet's natives]]. Their leader, [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]], becomes impressed with Blurr's speed and decides he wants the [[Autobot]]'s engine for himself. In an attempt to obtain it, the Junkions attack the Autobots.

Despite the Autobots' efforts to drive their attackers off, the Junkions appear to be winning when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hor Rod]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] arrive, searching for their friends. While Hot Rod immediately wants to join the fight, he is stopped by Kup, who seems to know a little about the Junkions. Armed with the [[universal greeting]] and an [[Energon Stick]] as gift, Kup then approaches Wreck-Gar, who returns the greeting.

Now friendly, the Junkions help repairing the Autobots' spaceship and wave their new allies goodbye when they leave.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (1)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (2)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (3)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (4)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (8)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (9)
|h2=[[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]|c2=
* [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (5)
* [[Scrapheap (G1)|Scrapheap]] (6)
* [[Junkyard (G1)|Junkyard]] (7)
}}

==Notes==
* On page 10, "Wreck-Gar becomes his motorcycle and his motorcycle transforms into Wreck-Gar!" Make of that whatever you will.
* The Universal Greeting is called the Universal Autobot Greeting.
* The story is a (rather loose) adaptation of the [[Junkion (planet)|Planet of Junk]] sequences from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Junkion speech references===
* "Faster than a speeding bullet" is a phrase commonly used to describe [[Superman]].
* "I'm worth it" was a tag from L'Oreal haircare products.
* "Hi, ho! Silver!" is a reference to the Lone Ranger's famous battlecry as he rode his horse Silver. "Kimosabe" was how Tonto referred to the Lone Ranger.
* "Go for the Gusto" came from advertisements for Schlitz beer.
* "Baby, you're the greatest" was a phrase commonly used to end Honeymooners episodes.

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/sticker/junk/junk.html "Battle on the Junk Planet"] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]
[[Category:Sticker books]]

Battle at Oil Valley

2013-09-22T15:29:58Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=Super-Size Coloring Activity Book
|next=The Invasion of the Decepticon Camp
|image=Oilvalleyfc.jpg
|caption=
|title="Battle at Oil Valley"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1986
|written by=[[Josepha Sherman]]
|illustrated by=[[Brad Joyce]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-101-3 9780871351012
}}
'''The Decepticons discover that Oil Valley contains oil, and plan to steal the Oil Valley oil of oil-rich Oil Valley!'''

==Synopsis==
At [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon Headquarters]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] is restless. He informs [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] that they need to find fuel.

Meanwhile, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] is out for a drive with [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]]. They observe a mass of [[oil]] drills at [[Oil Valley]]. But the Decepticons have found it too. As Hot Rod races off to warn the [[Autobot]]s, Galvatron spots him.

Hot Rod escapes and meets up with [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] outside of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. Grimlock goes to battle the Decepticons while Hot Rod goes for help. The Dinobots fight the Decepticons, who are still in hot pursuit of Hot Rod.

Hot Rod finds [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], who leads a squad to help out the Dinobots. The Autobots arrive just as the battle is turning against the outnumbered Dinobots. The oil field workers climb out of the valley to find out what's going on.

As the battle turns against the Decepticons, Galvatron sneaks off to the unguarded oil field to steal all the oil while everyone is distracted. Grimlock sees him and follows. Grimlock tears off an oil derrick rigging and gives Galvatron a thorough smackdown with it, prompting Galvatron to retreat aboard his ship, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]].

The oil workers cheer as the victorious Autobots return home.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (3)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (6)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (7)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (7)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (7)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (8)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (9)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (9)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (9)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (9)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (10)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (10)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (10)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (10)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]? (10)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (11)

|c2=
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (1)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (2)
* [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (5)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (5)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (5)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] or [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (5)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (12)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (13)

|c3=
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (4)
* random oil field workers (14)
}}

==Notes==
* This is one of many secondary stories that came out around the time of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and incorporate many of its characters, but in ways that are incongruous with the events of the movie itself. For example, several of the Movie's casualties are here alive and well; most notably, Starscream is hanging around with Galvatron.
* No character model oddities in this one, but some of the Autobots' car modes look kinda funny. Hot Rod's spoiler seems to be slipping down his back on one page, while another page features a car that looks like Bluestreak wearing Hot Rod's spoiler and Cliffjumper's fenders. Some of the characters do appear to be copied directly from their model, most notably Galvatron.
* Just like in the Movie, Hot Rod deploys his built-in telescopic visor to spot some distant Decepticons, but the narration calls it, "his special optic sensors".

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/oil-valley.html "Battle at Oil Valley"] at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Battle for Cybertron

2013-09-22T15:29:38Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Big Looker Storybook|''The Transformers'']]
|next=The Great Car Rally
|seriesissue2=[[Kid Stuff|Kid Stuff audiobooks]]
|next2=The Great Car Rally
|image=Battle_For_Cybertron_cover.jpg
|caption=Prime is either working on his crip walk or his car-surfing technique.
|title="Battle for Cybertron"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]], [[Kid Stuff]]
|coverdate=1984
|written by=[[Scott Siegel]]
|art by=[[Earl Norem]]
|pagecount=35 pp
|ISBN=ISBN 9780871350169 ISBN 0-87135-016-5
}}
'''Yet another retelling of how the Autobots came to Earth, but this time with awesome Earl Norem art.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Battle_For_Cybertron_battle.jpg|left|125px|thumb|This may be the most badass storybook art ever.]]
On the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], war raged between the peaceful [[Autobot]]s and the evil [[Decepticon]]s. The Decepticons want to conquer the universe, while the Autobots bravely resist them. The war raged for over a thousand years, shaking Cybertron out of its orbit. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] headed up a special mission to save Cybertron from its certain destruction. Other brave Autobot heroes agreed to join him.

The Autobots save Cybertron, but at a great cost—the evil Decepticons ambushed them, forcing Optimus Prime to crash the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot ship]] into the distant planet of [[Earth]]! Four million years later, a volcanic eruption awakens the Autobots' ship, which sets about repairing the crew... and the Decepticons! Awakening first, the Decepticons attack the Autobot ship, but the Ark, the Autobot ship's computer, is smart enough to put up a force field. Weakened by a lack of fuel, the Decepticons retreat, allowing [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] Witwicky to approach the mysterious craft.

[[Image:Battle_for_Cybertron_Autobots.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Okay, this one is pretty badass too...]]
[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] rolls out to meet them and brings the humans inside, where Sparkplug's mechanical know-how gets the Autobots up and rolling again. As the Witwickys ride home in [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], they discover that the Decepticons beat them there... and drained the city's energy! Once they were done refueling, they were certain to come back and finish off the Autobots. The Autobots, actually ''using their vehicle disguises for once'' hid out in vehicle mode and waited for the Decepticons to strike. Sure enough, the Decepticons assaulted the empty Autobot ship, finding themselves thoroughly thwarted by its defenses. Flanking around, the Decepticons strike in two waves. The first wave is easily dispatched by the disguised Autobots, but the second wave is much tougher. A null-ray blast from [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] disables Optimus Prime and starts a panic amongst the Autobot forces. Luckily, Sparkplug repairs Prime, and the reinvigorated Autobots drive the Decepticons away.

Laughter, smiles, credits.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* Unidentified Autobot warriors (1-3)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (in shadow) (8)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (9)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (in shadow) (10)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]? (in shadow) (11)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (in shadow) (12)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (13)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]? (in shadow) (14)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (in shadow) (15)
* Unidentified Autobot soldier (19)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (31)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (32)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (33)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]](34)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (35)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (36)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (37)

|c2=
* Unidentified Tetrajet [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s (4-6)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (20)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (21)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (22)
* Unidentified Seekers (23-24)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] or [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (25)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (28)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (29)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] or [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (30)

|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (26)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (27)

|c4=
* Some [[dinosaur]]s (16-18)
}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Battle_For_Cybertron_SCALE.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Hold me closer, tiny Volkswagen.]]
* For a book called ''Battle for Cybertron'' they sure do leave Cybertron before it's halfway over.
* The unidentified Autobot troops at the beginning resemble Bumblebee's Cybertronian mode, but can fly in space.
* Bumblebee is a [[Scale|downright scrawny Beetle]] - he barely comes up to Sparkplug's chest!
* In fact, with the exception of Optimus, ALL the Autobots are pretty scrawny- they're all roughly the same size as the humans in ROBOT MODE!
* The trademark Earl Norem "headlight eyeballs" only show up once, as Bumblebee meets the Witwickys.
* Bumblebee is a "code name."
* Sparkplug is a total badass in this one. It's him, not Spike, that decides to investigate the Autobot ship, and then he performs repairs on Optimus Prime in the MIDDLE OF COMBAT.
* Sparkplug is a goddamned genius, too. Not only does he help repair the entire Autobot force and save Optimus Prime, he teaches the Autobots about geothermal energy (they ARE sitting on top of a volcano, you know.)
* Spike and Sparkplug live in the city of [[Kimball]]. There are a half-dozen Kimballs in the United States, none of which are larger than a couple-thousand people, and certainly not large enough to have their own nuclear power facility.
* Soundwave reads the brain of the Autobot ship - and it laughs at him.
* Did we mention that "The Ark" is the name of the Autobot ship's ''computer''? And it's got a personality? It even says "phew" at one point.
* There are ''dozens'' of [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s in this one.
* The ship's collision into Earth sends the dinosaurs running about 61 million years after they became extinct.

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/big-looker/battle.html Battle for Cybertron] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Generation 1 storybooks]]

Toy

2013-09-22T15:28:30Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

[[Image:Early Sales Concept .jpg|right|350px|thumb|It's still like this for us.]]
In contrast to most science fiction franchises, '''toys''' are the core of the [[Transformers brand]], its original reason for being. Most ''Transformers'' fiction exists to showcase, spotlight, promote, and, in general, [[To sell toys|sell toys]]. Merchandise and other non-transforming "artifacts" also generally exist in support of the toy lines.

''Transformers'' toys are generally created and marketed as part of a particular "[[franchise]]" (i.e. ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'', ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', the retroactively-named [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] etc.), a whole merchandising family with associated characters and fiction. However, this article deals with the physical toys themselves, separate from their representation as fictional characters.

Since the brand debuted in 1984, innumerable Transformer toys have been designed, manufactured and marketed. An exact count is difficult due to the varied nature of the toys (for example, does a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] robot and its partner mini-figure count as one Transformer or two? What about minor [[retool]]s, [[variant]]s and [[giftset]]s?). But even conservative estimates by collectors tend to run into the low thousands.

==Design==
[[Image:Concept-ArmadaMegatron.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Where the hell do you KEEP that enormous cannon, Megatron?]]
Most Transformers are designed as a joint venture between [[Hasbro]] in America, and [[TakaraTomy]] (previously Takara) in Japan. Hasbro typically provides concepts and artistic direction, while Takara(Tomy) handles the engineering tasks of turning the designs into working physical objects. This division of labor is not cut-and-dried, however; the process involves a great deal of back-and-forth communication between the two companies, with staff members from both working in close conjunction and corresponding on a daily basis. The teams travel overseas several times a year to meet in person, alternating between Japan and Rhode Island. The relationship has grown closer and more intense over the years; the two companies now plan their futures together, compromising along the way to meet the differing requirements of their target markets; this includes not only toy designs, but associated storylines as well. <ref name="stoneb">[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/tidbits/botcon2005.txt Steve-o Stonebraker's Botcon 2005 notes]</ref>

[[Image:Classics cosmos concept.gif|right|200px|thumb|Design concepts for an unproduced Classics Cosmos. If Hasbro makes this, fans will have their babies.]]
The toy design process begins with a range of character types and possible alternate modes. In the days of ''Beast Wars'', for example, a range of about 100 animal forms was considered.<ref name="built1">[http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html A guy on the Internet]</ref>

Nearly all ''Transformers'' toys have a minimum of two forms, most commonly a humanoid "robot" form and an [[alternate mode]]. This means that even a fairly simple Transformer is much more complex than the typical action figure. Multiple alternate modes, [[articulation]], and complex transformations can multiply this many times over. TakaraTomy works out the transformation schemes; as of 2002, Takara still did this on paper. Hasbro would then overlay their detailing designs on the drawings. The entire process of taking a toy from concept to finished, mass-produced product takes approximately one year.<ref name="built2">[http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-bc02.html Some random web site]</ref>

Because of their worldwide marketing, Transformers must be designed to meet many widely-varying [[For safety reasons|safety laws]]. This often results in certain limitations, and even changes being made before toys are sold in the highly litigious [[United States of America]] compared to their Japanese releases.

''Related articles:''

* [[Alternate mode]]
** [[Licensed vehicle alternate modes]]
* [[Design change]]
* [[Design flaw]]s
* [[Fake out bits]]<ref name="Q&A">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=67971 Allspark.com's answers to the Hasbro Q&A session for March 2010]</ref>
* [[For safety reasons]]
* [[Hidden reveal]]<ref name="Q&A" />
* [[Instructions]]
* [[Kibble]]
* [[Lockout]]<ref name="Q&A" />
* [[Play pattern]]
* [[Playskool]]
* [[Scale]]
* [[Transformation (toys)]]
** [[Partformer]]
** [[Shellformer]]
* [[Tonka]]
* [[Unreleased toy]]

==Components==
[[Image:MovieLeader OptimusPrime toy.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Gone are the days when the instructions said, "Flip out rear of vehicle to form legs; pull out arms."]]
Transformer toys contain a "vocabulary" of working parts, joint types, and standardized design items that reappear across many figures. The vast majority are humanoid in their robot mode, and thus require a head, (at least) two arms, two legs and a torso.

The complexity of Transformers toys has grown over time, making several leaps forward during the course of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' and ''Beast Wars'', and then again during the [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]] line. G2 introduced complex posability and the notion of toys that could store or hold all of their accessories in both modes; ''Beast Wars'' made these concepts universal, and featured a number of toys with extremely complicated transformations and a maximum number of ball joints, providing a huge range of articulation. Other toy lines would revisit these levels of complexity, particularly ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]''.
{{-}}
''Related articles:''

* [[Articulation]] (see also: ''[[Brick (term)|Brick]]'')
* [[Ball joint]]<ref name="Q&A" />
* [[C joint]]
* [[Detent]]<ref name="Q&A" />
* [[Double pivot]]<ref name="Q&A" />
* [[Mushroom joint]]<ref name="Q&A" />
* [[Ratchet (mechanism)]]
* [[Slide joint]]
* [[Swivel joint]]
* [[Peg]]
** [[5mm post]]
{{-}}

==Production/Manufacturing==
[[Image:Hotshotprotosuperjaam.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prototype Hot Shot really likes JaAm!!]]
Though the toys are designed in America and Japan through a collaborative process between Takara and Hasbro, most are manufactured in places like China.

The production process is complex and expensive. Before mass production can begin, a hard-copy [[prototype]] must be created. Steel-cut [[mold]]s can then be made; this is by far the most costly part of the process. Once the molds are cut, one or more test shots are typically created, usually in random colors. If the molds are ready, mass production commences.

The expense of cutting molds is the main reason that retools and recolors are such a common phenomena in ''Transformers''. [[Redeco]]s allow Hasbro and TakaraTomy to capture a greater return on their considerable investment.

{{-}}
''Related articles:''

* [[For safety reasons]]
* [[Misassembly]]
* [[Mold]]
** [[Gang-molding]]
** [[Retool]]
** [[Variant]]
** [[Sprue]]
* [[Pre Rub]]
* [[Prototype]] (includes test shots)
* [[Quality control]]
* [[Unreleased toy]]

==Materials==
[[Image:BTTracks toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Tracks from the Alternators/Binaltech line. The Japanese version uses die-cast metal for added heft, while the American iteration is all-plastic for added being-able-to-stand-up.]]
The vast majority of the toys are made of plastic, held together with metal screws and pins, along with the occasional adhesive. The plastics used in Transformer construction have generally increased in flexibility and durability over the years, allowing toys to survive child-inflicted trauma that would have destroyed early Generation 1 toys.

Die-cast, used as an accessory material from 1984-1986, has been all but abandoned due to its excessive cost, shipping weight and design limitations, though it has reappeared in the fan-oriented ''[[Binaltech]]'' and [[Titanium Series]] sublines.

''Related articles:''

* [[Die-cast]]
* [[Plastic]]
* [[Rubber tires]]
{{-}}

==Common gimmicks==
[[Image:Armada airmilitaryteam toys.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The Air Military Team from Armada. The gimmicks: micro-size, ability to "powerlinx" with larger toys, triple-changing, being awesome.]]
[[Image:G1Rollbar toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not much articulation, but man, can he scoot across your kitchen floor.]]
As if Transformers weren't complicated enough, Hasbro has seen fit to revitalize and enhance the line constantly with numerous special features, commonly referred to in the fandom as ''gimmicks''. These may range from things as simple as a common decorative theme (such as vacuum metalizing on the [[Transmetal]] toys) to complex mechanisms that drive the entire design of a toy. Gimmicks have been a part of ''Transformers'' from Day 1 and continue to provide the line with diversity and interest today.

{{main|Gimmick}}

===Static gimmicks===
* [[Energon star]]
* [[Light-piping]]
* [[Rubsign]]
* [[Spark crystal]]

===Active gimmicks===
* [[Automorph Technology]]
* [[Autotransformation]]
* [[Combiner]]
* [[Cyber Planet Key]]
* [[Flipchanger]]
* [[Light-emitting diode]]
* [[Mini-Con]]
* [[Missile]]
* [[Pull-back motor]]
* [[Soundbox]]
* [[Sparking gimmick]]
* [[Water-squirting gimmick|Water-squirting]]

==Decoration==
[[Image:Sentmaxtoy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|OTFCC-exclusive Sentinel Maximus, a toy heavily slathered in paint operations.]]
Most Transformers are cast in a limited number of plastic colors. To help bring them to life, paint, tampographs, and stickers are commonly used to provide additional color.

Stickers were common during the days of Generation 1, but have mostly dropped out of use due to changing aesthetic tastes and the feasibility of more complex paint operations. Today, [[insignia|faction symbol]]s are typically applied via tampograph, with most other details brought out by paint operations.

''Related articles:''

* [[Paint operation]]
* [[Redeco]]
* [[Repaint]] (see also: ''[[Black repaint]]'')
* [[Sticker]]
* [[Tampograph]]
* [[Unpaintable plastic]]
* [[Vacuum metallizing]]

==Marketing==
[[Image:BW-MegaPromo.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In the market-driven rush to production, sometimes the wires get a little crossed. This package cross-sell presents other toys in the line... in color schemes that were never mass-produced. Oops!]]
As awesome as the toys themselves may be, they tend to sell better when they represent fictional characters. The marketing engine that promotes the toys is organized into [[franchise]]s, each encompassing a range of related toys with a storyline built around them. A full-blown, flagship franchise typically features an animated cartoon, and often a comic book series as well. These fictional portrayals may also be a source of considerable income for Hasbro/TakaraTomy, but ultimately they exist [[to sell toys]].

The toy packaging also commonly supports the marketing effort, with [[bio|bio]]s and [[package art]] of the characters, as well as cross-sell ads promoting other toys currently available. Inside the packaging, [[catalog]]s and [[pack-in material]] further market other toys.

''Related articles:''

* [[Bio]]
* [[Catalog]]
* [[Commercial]]
* [[Cross-sell]]
* [[Franchise]]
* [[Instructions]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Pack-in material|Pack-in flyer]]
* [[Robot Point|Robot point]]
* [[Show-accuracy]]
* [[Stock photography]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[To sell toys]]
* [[Trademark]]

==Distribution and retail==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Packaging! It's elegant, sleek, attractive, and lasts for about five seconds.]]
Once the toys are manufactured and packaged, they are shipped from their place of birth in Asia to America. As of 1998, their first destination is a Seattle distribution warehouse. From there, they proceed to the distribution centers for the various chain stores that sell the toys at retail; at that point, control of distribution is out of Hasbro's hands. On average, it takes six to eight weeks from the time the toys ship from Hasbro to their appearance on retail shelves. <ref name="built1">[http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html A guy on the Internet]</ref>

Toy retailers do their best to predict what toys will and won't sell, and order accordingly; however, it is an imperfect process, and slow sellers in one wave of toys can compel a retailer to order fewer toys from the following waves. Retailers are particularly reluctant to order large numbers from the tail-end of a toy line. <ref name="stoneb">[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/tidbits/botcon2005.txt Steve-o Stonebraker's Botcon 2005 notes]</ref>

Today, the largest distributors of Transformer toys in America are Wal*Mart, Target, and Toys "R" Us, though the toys can also be found at many other stores such as Meijer, Kmart, Kohl's, and Walgreens, as well as various regional grocery and drug store chains.

''Related articles:''
* [[Packaging]]
** especially [[Multilingual packaging]] (see also: ''[[JaAm]]'')
* [[Size class]]
* [[Wave]]
* [[Case]]
** [[Blindpacking]]
** [[Chase figure]]
** [[Shortpacking]]
* [[Rebranding]] and [[subline imprint]]s
* [[Exclusive]]
* [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]]
* [[Shelfwarmer]]

Common retailers of Transformer toys:
* [[e-HOBBY]]
* [[Hasbro Toy Shop]]
* [[JUSCO]]
* [[KB Toys]] (defunct)
* [[Kmart]]
* [[Sam's Club]]
* [[Target]]
* [[Toys"R"Us]]
* [[Walmart]]
* [[Market six]]

==Secondary market==
[[Image:FortMax_eBay_get_a_life.jpg|right|thumb|350px|SOLD to the fat guy living in his mother's basement!]]

In Transformers fandom, "secondary market" refers to the buying and selling of used toys. The original, stereotypical secondary market was the old-fashioned garage sale—you know, the one where your mom sold all your G1 toys for ten bucks while you were off in college.

The secondary market among fans began with internet auctions, primarily on [[alt.toys.transformers]] in the early 1990s. By the late '90s, ATT's primacy as a marketplace had been supplanted by eBay and various fan-run sites. Buyers and sellers also found a bonanza of opportunities at [[BotCon]], with thousands of toys changing hands over the course of a weekend.

Like any economic market, the secondary market has a life of its own. Older toys can be worth hundreds of dollars, depending on their condition, rarity, and popularity, or they may be worth [[Jumpstarter|next to nothing]]. Most toys from ''Beast Wars'' and later [[franchise]]s tend to be of comparatively lower value, as many adult fans were buying the toys when they were at retail, and have since kept them in pristine or even unopened condition.

''Related articles:''

* [[alt.toys.transformers]]
* [[eBay]]
* [[Fandom]]
* [[Mint in sealed box]]
* [[Toy scalping]]
* [[Toy swapping]]

==Toy aging==
[[Image:Pretendermonsters-toys-shellrot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Split open and melt.]]
Transformer toys are, to put it bluntly, not meant to last forever. They are marketed to a fleeting and transitory age group, with the notion that if they survive a few years, their work is done. Thus collectors who have retained Generation 1 toys for many years can find some unexpected surprises as their toys age, regardless of how carefully the toys have been stored. Among the most common problems are:

* plastic discoloration — see ''[[Photodegradation]]''
* cracking of [[rubber tires]] and the rubber tubing on [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]].
* deterioration of the [[Pretender Monster]]s' rubber Pretender shells
* chrome flaking, a problem common on the [[Transmetal]] toys — see ''[[Vacuum metallizing]]''.
* deterioration of sub-par [[plastic]]s that can cause a toy to physically disintegrate — see ''[[Gold Plastic Syndrome]]''.
{{-}}
==Toys and this site==
[[Image:ROTF RPMs Ratchet.jpg|thumb|right|250px|It's a toy, sure; but is it a ''toy'' toy? In the "toy" sense of the word?]]

Articles on {{SITENAME SHORT}} classify a Transformers product as either a "toy" or "merchandise". The definition of "toy" used here differs a bit from what would generally be considered a toy in other contexts. For our purposes, a Transformers toy is a scaled-down version of a character in a fictional universe. The body shape, [[alternate mode]], colors, deco, [[gimmick]]s, weapons, [[ability|abilities]], [[bio]], and [[Tech Spec]]s can all be generally considered the same for the toy and his fictional counterpart. In all of these categories, there are variances between the toy and the fictional character it represents (the most common being that the fictional character enjoys more [[articulation]] than his toy.) These and other differences decrease the [[Show-accuracy|show-accuracy/toy-accuracy]] of the character.

The {{SITENAME SHORT}} definition of "toy" excludes many products that are not intended to be a version of a character. For example, the [[Robot Powered Machines]] from the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen toyline]] are small cars with a representation of their robot mode molded into the bottom of the vehicle. It is not meant to be a toy version of a fictional character that also has his robot mode on the bottom of his vehicle. Such toys are listed as "merchandise" for the purposes of the wiki.

Non-transformable Transformer toys such as [[Power Bots]] are more of a gray area. With the exception of [[Action Master]]s, such toys are not intended to be a version of the character that cannot transform. It is up to the individual to decide if those toys are not actual versions of a fictional character or if they are a version but are show-inaccurate to the extent that they don't have an alternate mode.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Bumblebee Fictional Toy Power Struggle.jpg|thumb|right|100px]]
[[Anthony Duranti]] had a toy [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Power Struggle}}

{{-}}

===''Cybertron''===
[[Shortround]] was an avid toy collector. He was especially proud of his mint-condition [[Generation 2 Defensor and Menasor]].<ref>Shortround's [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] information.</ref>

==External links==
<references />

[[Category:Toys]]

Car Show Blow Up

2013-09-22T15:27:49Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|
|prev=Insecticon Attack!
|seriesissue=[[Big Looker Storybook|''The Transformers'']]
|next=The Story of Wheelie, the Wild Boy of Quintesson
|image=Carshowblowup frontcover.jpg
|caption="Too much ''fun'', ah guess.... THEY ALL BLEW UP!!!"
|title="Car Show Blow Up"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|date=1986
|written by=[[Dana Rosenfeld]]
|art by=[[Earl Norem]]
|pagecount=24pp
|ISBN= ISBN 0-87135-107-2 ISBN 9780871351074
}}
'''The Decepticons' greatest conquest yet will come if they can steal a human made robot car!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DecepticonsCarShow.jpg|left|180px|thumb|I think the Jetson house is over there.]]
It's late afternoon in [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] is complaining about the long day of work. [[Autobot]] leader [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] uncharacteristically laughs at that and implies that it's rare for Hoist to work at all. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] zoom in to interrupt all this witty banter. They've heard about a human car show that'll be featuring a voice-controlled robot car. The Autobots are impressed enough by this primitive tech that they want to check it out.

Nearby, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], his loyal lieutenant [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and the other [[Decepticon]]s are spying on [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] from the shadows. Galvatron envies the way the Autobots collect energy from it, but can't spare his warriors to build his own such city. On learning of the car show, Galvatron devises a brilliant plan to steal the robot car, "rip apart its circuitry, and use it to create an army of robots who will build [[Decepticon City]] for me."

Hot Rod sings "Wheeeee!" as he races towards town. "Come on, Kup! I'm beating you!" Hot Rod and Kup reach the car show and see the Decepticons arrive. They don't like the look of it, and Kup tells Hot Rod to "scoot", 'cause this is too dangerous for a young'un like him.

Meanwhile, the Decepticons decide that, rather than risking a serious beating at the hands of the sort of horrible and war-hardened humans that attend suburban car shows, they'll play with the fuse box to cause a blackout and then grab the robot car in the confusion.

The seasoned veteran Kup is able to sneak in successfully, but then speaks his thoughts to himself aloud and is caught by Starscream. The Decepticons hand Kup some really lame put-downs, then tie him up rather half-heartedly and leave him in the corner so he can be sure to foil their plans later.

Hot Rod arrives home to report on what's going down. He's driven so fast that he's out of breath. Back at the car show, Rumble summarizes the Cons' plans: "Just pull this thing here, and all the lights will blow. Poof! Surprise! All dark." The Autobots roll into the stadium in car mode, but the Decepticons are too excited about the fuse box they've found to notice.

Kup heroically sticks out his leg and trips Galvatron as he goes to push the switch. Galvatron falls down with a comical "OOF!" right in front of Magnus. Galvatron is a hostage! But so is Kup. Starscream threatens to start shooting people if the Autobots don't release his beloved leader right away. But suddenly, Hot Rod sneaks in and frees Kup! The Autobots leap to freedom. The Decepticons are so surprised they forget to fire, and minutes later are running away for their lives. The audience and the robot car are safe!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (1)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (2)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (3)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (6)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (7)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (8)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (14)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (15)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (16)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (17)

|c2=
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (11)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (12)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"We will steal the robot car, rip apart its circuitry and use it to create an army of robots who will build Decepticon City for me. That's what I need, robots so simple that they do not question my orders, but do as they're told — a race of slave robots!"
:—'''Galvatron''' unveils his master plan

"Really now. I may not be the youngest Autobot around, but I don't steal cars, like you rotten Decepticons are planning to do."
:—'''Kup''' skewers Starscream with his rapier wit.

==Notes==
* Like many 1986 storybooks, this story is not obviously part of any major continuity. Ultra Magnus and Galvatron are the leaders, while older characters such as [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] are still alive and following their orders.

* Even though Norem had painted his characters with Autobot and Decepticon symbols, black line symbols were superimposed over them in a very cheap manner. This appears to have been a process applied to artwork by other artists like [[John Speirs]] who didn't apply the faction symbols to his characters, and so was redundantly done to later books by Norem too.

* Warning: no actual car shows blow up over the course of this story. In fact, nothing does.

* Even for a little kid's book, the Decepticon plot is pretty nonsensical. 1) They already have way more advanced technology than a remote-controlled car. 2) If they "rip its circuits apart," they can't use it for much of anything, can they? 3) How would they build an "army" from the parts of one car? (It's okay, they were still probably thrown off by Ultra Magnus laughing a few pages back.)

===Errors===
[[Image:Carshowblowupkup.jpg|right|150px|thumb|See, this guy says I look better in black too.]]
*Starscream is painted like [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] on one page when he has captured Kup.
*Windcharger's head is colored red instead of gray.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/big-looker/carshow.html "Car Show Blow Up"] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

[[Category:Generation 1 storybooks]]

The Great Car Rally

2013-09-22T15:27:27Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|
|prev=Battle for Cybertron
|seriesissue=[[Big Looker Storybook|''The Transformers'']]
|next=Decepticon Hijack
|prev2=Battle for Cybertron
|seriesissue2=[[Kid Stuff|Kid Stuff storybook]]
|next2=Satellite of Doom
|image=GreatCarRallyMBLCover.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Great Car Rally"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]], [[Kid Stuff]]
|date=1984, 1985
|story by=[[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|art by=[[Earl Norem]]
|pagecount=36
|ISBN=ISBN 9780871350152 ISBN 0-87135-015-7
|continuity=Don't hold your breath.}}
'''The Autobots enter a race to win free gas and oil for a year. But the Decepticons have a little surprise for them!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] shows [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] a billboard advertising the "[[Big Car Rally]]", for which first prize is free gas and [[oil]] for one year. The [[Autobot]]s decide to inform their commander, but, unbeknownst to them, the evil [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] just happens to be hiding in the bushes next to that very billboard, listening to their entire conversation. While Mirage and Cliffjumper go off to tell Prime, Soundwave likewise informs [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] of the Autobots' plan.

The Autobots examine a map of the race and decide who will run each of the three stages of the rally. Mirage is assigned the winding coastal road portion, the mountainous section will be traversed by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], and Cliffjumper is assigned the final stretch. When the race begins, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] watch as Mirage takes an early lead. Spike is excited, but Sparkplug wisely cautions that the Autobots have a long way to go before the race is over. Almost as if Sparkplug has some sort of supernatural clairvoyance, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] appears and attacks Mirage. Mirage counterattacks and defeats the [[Seeker (body-type)|jet]], but in the course of the fighting, he has gone from first place to last.

[[Image:KidsCliff1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Megatron has the most awesome [[Ultra Pretender]] shell ever!]]

Mirage meets Hound at the start of the mountain stage, and warns his ally to watch out for Decepticons. Hound starts his part of the race with confidence, but up ahead, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] awaits his approach. Thinking Hound will be too busy watching for threats to keep his optics on the road, Rumble collapses a bridge so Hound will fall into the chasm. [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] shows up and puts the bridge back together after Rumble leaves, and the racers proceed to the end of the stage without interruption.

At the start of the final stage of the race, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] attacks, planning to ambush Cliffjumper before he even gets going. Hound foils the Decepticon's plan, sacrificing himself by jumping into the path of the missiles meant for Cliffjumper. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] arrives and begins reassembling Hound as Cliffjumper speeds away. The little red Autobot makes his way to the front of the pack, with only an ominous black car between him and the lead. When he pulls even, the black car's driver reveals himself to be none other than the Decepticon leader, Megatron!

[[Image:KidsPrime1.jpg|right|180px|thumb|And good times were had by all. ''Yay!'']]

Megatron opens fire on Cliffjumper as a concerned [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] watches from near the finish line. After Bumblebee explains the situation to his commander, Optimus Prime uproots a nearby utility pole, telling Bumblebee that the way to deal with bullies like Megatron is to use a bigger stick. Prime then proceeds to swing his impromptu bat at Megatron, sending the Decepticon and his car beyond the horizon. With Megatron out of the race, Cliffjumper cruises to an easy victory, and the Autobots celebrate their win. Spike declines to share a portion of the Autobots' prize, opting for [[human]] food instead.

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (1)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (2)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (3)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (11)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)

|c2=
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (4)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (5)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (9)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (10)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (12)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (7)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"You sure go all to pieces when a missile hits you, Hound."
:—Oh, that '''Ratchet''', what a comedian.

==Notes==
* Owing to its different author and its origin as a [[Big Looker Storybook]], this book differs in style and tone from subsequent [[Kid Stuff]] books. Among other things, it has more than the normal stable of four speaking characters.
* Sparkplug's son is called "Spike", but the illustrations look like his other son, [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]], or possibly his other other son, [[Butch Witwicky (G1)|Butch]]
* Rather than affording him invisibility, in this story Mirage's Electro-Disrupter seems to function like [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s electro-scrambler.
* Even if one assumes that the bridge he destroys is only one lane wide, and the trees he's standing next to are saplings, Rumble appears to be quite a bit bigger than his normal roughly-human-sized portrayal.
* Megatron is drawn in his [[:Image:Earlymegatron.jpg|pre-production design]] with the black helmet. The text even mentions Megatron pulling the trigger of his [[Fusion cannon|cannon]].
* Megatron is driving a '''car'''! Also, Cliffjumper has very human-looking ''eyes'' on his headlights in vehicle mode.
* Prime casually yanks a telephone pole out of the ground, probably cutting off telephone and electrical service to untold numbers of local residents in the process. What a jerk.

===Errors===
* At one point Cliffjumper is referred to as "Blow-Out".
* At the start of the third stage, the car next to Cliffjumper has its number '12' reversed.
* The labeling on Mirage's sides reads "Citane" rather than "Citane'''s'''".
* All appearances of Optimus show him with a mouth rather than his usual [[mouthplate]], leading to the ''really'' creepy open-mouthed grin on the last page.

===Covers (2)===
* [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[Big Looker Storybook]]
* [[Kid Stuff]] read along storybook

<gallery>
Image:GreatCarRallyMBLCover.jpg|
Image:GreatCarRallyKSCover.jpg|
</gallery>

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/kidstuff/rally.html The Great Car Rally] at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Great Car Rally}}
[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Generation 1 storybooks]]

When Continents Collide

2013-09-22T15:27:05Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{picsneeded|Book - covers and interiors}}

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Kid Stuff|Kid Stuff storybooks]]
|prev=Satellite of Doom
|next=Storms of Destruction
|seriesissue2=Listen 'n' Look
|title="When Continents Collide"
|image=WhenContinentsCollide-cover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Kid Stuff]]
|date=1985
|coverdate=
|written by=[[John Braden]]
|art by=[[Pablo Marcos]] and [[Judith Marcos]]
|pagecount=24pp (Kid Stuff), 32pp (Listen 'n' Look)
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87660-264-2 ISBN 978-0876-60264-5
|continuity=Shyeah. As if.
}}
'''A Decepticon plot to drain a vast oil reservoir causes the laws of geophysics to stop existing!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] pilot a gigantic, hovering fuel transport they have stolen from the [[human]]s over a link on the Alaska Pipeline. They have bribed a human worker with the promise of a new Jeep, but unknown to them, the Jeep is, in fact, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. Hound reports to the [[Autobot]]s, and [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] arrives and destroys the fuel transport, but the [[Decepticon]]s aboard manage to escape. Megatron attempts another sweeping scheme to acquire a massive supply of oil: using a giant aquatic drilling craft to drain the [[Prudhoe Bay oil reservoir]]. They drain the reservoir so quickly, though, that [[Siberia]] begins approaching North America and volcanoes start to erupt. The [[United States of America|United States]] and USSR place blame on each other and are on the verge of a nuclear exchange.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] devises a plan to pump liquefied [[razon gas]] into the reservoir, thereby forcing the stolen oil back where it was before and the Decepticon craft to the surface when the razon returns to gas form. The Autobots board the floating craft, but again the Decepticons have escaped. All they discover is a computer endlessly repeating, "A Decepticon universe is at hand...A Decepticon universe is at hand..."

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (6)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (7)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (2)
*Unnamed [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
"I have no more patience! I want it all... now! Faster! Faster! My warriors need every drop of that lovely black juice to bathe their gears and fuel their engines!"
:—'''Megatron''' is a filthy old man.

"And its liquid half-life is only a matter of hours. Then it becomes a gas again!" 
"Exactly, Prowl - a gas that should force that Decepticon oil guzzler to the surface of the ocean to face..." 
"'''''OUR MISSILLLLLLLES!!!'''''"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Optimus Prime''' are way too excited about this.

"You blundering tape-filled idiot!"
:—'''Megatron''' totally hurt Soundwave's feelings with that one.

==Notes==
[[Image:KidStuff Satellite Continents VHS.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Satellite of Doom|...double your fun?]]]]
As part of the "[[See & Read]]" series, this story came in two different formats, both times as the second story in a set alongside "[[Satellite of Doom]]".

Both stories were told in picture-book form, coming with an audio cassette with the story narrations and acting on it. This version also came packaged with the yellow version of [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]... who didn't appear in the stories.

An "animated" VHS version was also available, using chroma-key to animate the static pictures cheesily, with the storybook text superimposed on the bottom of the screen.

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* The two Decepticon thugs have [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] bodies, but are completely uncolored. They're solid white like the snow around them.

===Continuity errors===
* The cover depicts Prime and Megatron shooting it out at an oil pumping station, when in fact Optimus ''never leaves the base'' in the story. Wow.

===Trivia===
* This is one of several "episodes" to have been given the [[MSTF]] treatment at the official Transformers conventions... specifically, at [[OTFCC 2003]].
* The humans have a colossal, hovering supertanker transport...the right size for Transformers to pilot comfortably. ''Alllllllllllllll'' righty.
* This dude is willing to sell out the Earth...for a ''Jeep''? Geez, at least [[Shawn Berger]] wanted to be mayor. And how did Hound get in on this, anyway?

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/kidstuff/collide.html When Continents Collide] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Fandom

2013-09-22T15:25:26Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

[[Image:Transformers-cosplayers.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Typical fans. A Sunday.]]
{{bigquote|These fools worship Transformers!|[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]|"[[The God Gambit]]"}}

The community of Transformers fans is referred to as a '''fandom'''. While the term technically encompasses any group of kids coming together to talk about Transformers in a sandbox, it is commonly used to refer to the people from college-age and up who participate in the online fandom. The fandom has long played a role in the [[Transformers timeline|history of the franchise]]. Most notably, [[BotCon]] is their [[wikipedia:Mardi Gras|Mardi Gras]], an official convention geared almost totally to adult fans.

Individually, or as a group, Transformers fans can be referred to as '''Transfans'''. This may [[wikipedia:Transfan|raise eyebrows]] among the uninitiated, but it sure beats "Trannies."

==History==
===Before the internet===
The earliest form of interaction between ''Transformers'' fans that went beyond the usual schoolyard talks was the [[Letters page|Letters Pages]] in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Generation 1'' comics]] by [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]. In addition, the [[S.T.A.R.S.]] fan club can be viewed as the first form of an officially organized "fandom", although interaction between individual members was still limited at best.

Unofficial fanclubs were formed as early as 1986. One of them, the [http://webspace.webring.com/people/ip/pierrimus/ Transmasters] club, even got a shoutout in the letters pages in [[The Last Autobot?|issue 79]] of the Marvel US G1 comic (published in 1991), leading to a huge influx of new members, soon growing to 300 members globally. The original organizers of the club soon began to crumble under the weight, leaving matters to new members who would take over responsibilities. A [http://tmukhub.proboards.com/ British branch] of the club was also formed, which would go on to produce a prolific amount of stories, art and fanzines, and whose early members included the now-pro [[James Roberts]] and [[Nick Roche]]. The club was even officially recognized by [[Hasbro]] in 1991, legally giving them permission to use the ''Transformers'' likeness for non-profit purposes.

===The early days of online fandom===
As fans grew older, those few that did not outgrow their hobby (like most children do) eventually found a form of communicating with each other on the internet. Emerging from comic-centric bulletin boards such as the CCC (Comics Collectors' Club), a mailing list was created in April of 1993, coinciding with early rumors about the impending launch of the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' toyline]]. Later that year, still before the ''Generation 2'' toyline was launched, the mailing list was abandoned in favor of a text-only [[wikipedia:Usenet|Usenet]] newsgroup named [[alt.toys.transformers]] (a.t.t.), which was launched on [[September 11]], 1993. Many of the members of the mailing list and a.t.t. had previously also been members of the Transmasters fanclub, which was now rendered somewhat anachronistic by the internet.

Because Usenet is one of the oldest parts of the internet (dating from 1979), a.t.t. functioned as a central hub where all members of the then-small fandom interacted together. Indeed, it would not be unfair to say that for most of the 1990s, a.t.t. ''was'' the online fandom. ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' showrunners [[Bob Forward]] and [[Larry DiTillio]] later also used a.t.t. as a means of communicating with the fans, and even recruited one of them, [[Ben Yee]] (who had also started out with the Transmasters club), to work as a consultant for the show.

Another form of online fan interaction was the text-based MUSH (Multi-User Shared Hallucination), a shared online role-playing environment. Many MUSHers were also ATTers.

===Rise of the World Wide Web===
During the late 1990s, the first individual fan sites were launched on the World Wide Web. Most of them started out as personal collector showcase/information sites, and while many of them have either disappeared from the web since then or not been updated in a decade, some still exist to this very day, such as [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/ Steve-o Stonebraker's site] (launched in 1995, currently semi-abandoned), [http://www.eyrie.org/~dvandom/BW/index.shtml Dave Van Domelen's site] (launched in 1996), Ben Yee's [http://www.bwtf.com/ BWTF.com] (originally launched as beastwars.net in 1997, overhauled several times) and the Lukis Bros. [http://www.unicron.com/ Unicron.com] (launched in 1997, moved to its top level domain in 1998).

[http://www.tfarchive.com/ The Transformers Archive] was originally also launched as a private site in 1996 and eventually moved to its current domain in 1999. Its sister site, [http://www.transfans.co.uk/ Transfans.co.uk], was originally launched as Transfans.com in 1998. Both sites gained message boards in late 2000, but were mostly known for offering downloads of old cartoon episodes and scanned comic book pages for years, a practice Hasbro still silently tolerated at that time—until a cease and desist order in January of 2003. Since then, TFArchive has started to focus mostly on comic and toy reviews, while Transfans is mostly known for interviews these days. Both sites have comparably small, but stable communities.

Aside from the British fandom, Scandinavian fans were among the most active non-Americans in the online ''Transformers'' fandom during the late 1990s. In 1998, several Scandinavian ''Transformers'' fans decided to form their own fanclub, the Nordic TransFans Association, which eventually got its own website, [http://www.ntfa.net/ NTFA.net], in 2001. NTFA remains one of the largest European ''Transformers'' fan communities to this very day.

===Early message boards and tensions in the fandom===
Some of these early sites, particularly Ben Yee's, also featured message boards, which were used as an alternative to a.t.t. by some fans. While Ben Yee soon closed his board again due to frequent trolling and lack of moderation, another fan named Renaud Lefebvre launched his own site, [http://www.bigbot.com/ Bigbot.com], in 1998, which also featured downloads and a message board, Bottalk.

Even though Renaud was in contact with ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' showrunner [[Bob Skir]], thus briefly making Bottalk ''the'' primary Transformers discussion hub during that time, his tight-handed way of moderating his board eventually led to mass bannings, coupled with a mass exodus to a newly created board, named The Allspark, in November of 1999. Due to the backlash from his moderating style, Lefebvre has maintained an isolationist stance for Bottalk, ignoring the existence of other Transformers-related websites (with the occasional content copied and images hotlinked from the official Hasbro website). In return, Bottalk is ignored by the rest of the fandom, yet continues as a small but active board.

The Allspark eventually encountered internal friction itself—when the community, under a new owner, moved to the new domain [http://www.allspark.com/ Allspark.com] in 2001, several members gained illegitimate control of the Ezboard site and attempted to turn the old board into a ''second'' Allspark community (now also available under [http://www.allspark.net/ Allspark.net]). The .com site remains the much larger of the two Allsparks to this very day, whereas the other board has faded into obscurity.

This era also saw the launch of the first ''Transformers'' podcast, [http://www.tfradio.net Radio Free Cybertron], in September 1999, which was also one of the first podcasts ''ever'', existing at a time before the term existed.

===The Big Bang===
In the early 2000s, the World Wide Web exploded with new ''Transformers'' fan sites. This coincided with the onset of the "nostalgia boom," when numerous properties from the 1980s were relaunched in various forms—in the case of ''Transformers'', these were the ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' lines and the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comics. This caused a growth spurt for the fandom, with new arrivals eschewing the outdated Usenet and instead using web-based message boards.

[http://www.seibertron.com/ Seibertron.com] was launched in 2000, originally as an informational website, later expanded to include toy galleries and a message board. These days, the site views itself as one of the biggest ''Transformers'' fan communities.

Its biggest competitor is [http://www.tfw2005.com/ TFW2005.com], which was originally launched as a private fan site named [http://www.angelfire.com/bc2/transformers/ Transformer World 2005] in early 2000. It first moved to its current domain in May 2000, added a message board and soon started to offer downloads of Japanese ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Car Robots]]'' episodes. In July of 2001, TFW2005 merged with two other sites, [http://transformers.pitas.com/ Transformers News] and the Matrix Magazine, to form a new super-site, Transfandom.com. The honeymoon didn't last long, as frictions among the merged site's staff caused TFW2005 (including its boards) to return to its old domain in January of 2003, while Transfandom (now with its own board) continued alternatively under the domains Transfandom.net and Transfandom.com again, ultimately fading into obscurity and eventually disappearing from the internet altogether in the fall of 2007. Meanwhile, TFW2005 is said to have close ties with Hasbro (albeit only unofficially), and is also often the go-to site for representatives of other official parties, such as screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]].

Another site that would eventually become large was originally launched in 2001 as TFExchange.com. In May of 2002, a hostile takeover by a URL sniper caused the site to move to its current domain, [http://tformers.com/ TFormers.com]. These days, TFormers is part of the Entertainment News International network that includes [http://toynewsi.com/ Toy News International], [http://jediinsider.com/ Jedi Insider] and [http://enewsi.com/ Entertainment News International]. Similar to Bigbot, TFormers also prefers to pretend that other fan sites don't exist. The biggest rival for TFormers is TFW2005, which dates back to Hasbro employee [[Aaron Archer]] blaming TFormers for causing his superiors to order Aaron to cease posting at TFW2005's boards.

In addition to these considerably large sites, there are countless smaller sites, some of them being mostly collector showcase sites run by individuals, while others have their own message board communities. Fan communities not based in the United States have also emerged in considerable numbers, with sites often concentrating on a single country, or at least a clearly defined area (such as the aforementioned Scandinavian NTFA), many of them also operating in other languages than English.

The large boom of Transformers fan sites on the World Wide Web also had an effect on the established Usenet newsgroup alt.toys.transformers. Activity on the group dropped off, leading many of its members to venture beyond its confines and into the message board world. Given the large number of different boards, the preferences of the users, and the enmities that formed between sites, it was no longer really possible to "know everyone," as it was in a.t.t.'s heyday.

The situation remains the same today, only more so, as the [[live-action film series]] has turned a perennially strong franchise into a runaway powerhouse, attracting countless fans young and old, new and nostalgic, across the globe.

{{-}}

==Mindset==
[[Image:Improsonedinferno.jpg|thumb|250px|right|There are very few things all Transformers fans can agree on. Not even the ''trolls'' have ever tried to defend ''this'' one.]]
Describing the general mindset of Transformers fandom is difficult, if not outright impossible, due to its extremely diverse nature. It's often claimed that the fandom hates everything and generally [[Ruined FOREVER|rejects any notion of "change"]]<ref name="change">Which is ironic, considering the entire ''premise of the [[Transformers brand|brand]]'' is [[Transformation| "change"]].</ref>, but even that is not entirely true.

What ''is'' probably true, however, is that the fandom can't ''agree'' on anything...well, almost anything. Even [[Transformers (film)|''Transformers'' movie]] producer [[Don Murphy]], who repeatedly postulated that the fandom can't agree on anything, admitted that the vast majority of the fandom was supportive of [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Frank Welker]] being the best, if not the only, reasonable choices for the voice actors of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] in the movie, respectively.<ref name="cullenwelker">Ultimately, only Cullen was actually signed on by director [[Michael Bay]], while [[Hugo Weaving]] was cast as Megatron, much to the dismay of many fans. Welker later got to voice [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in the sequel, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', however.</ref> Other rare instances of the fandom largely agreeing on something were the overwhelmingly positive reactions to both ''[[Shattered Expectations (SG)|Shattered Expectations]]''<ref name="shattered">Much to the surprise of [[Trent Troop|its]] [[Greg Sepelak|creators]], who had penned the comic as an April Fools joke, not expecting anyone besides their closest friends actually to ''enjoy'' their wicked sense of humor.</ref> and ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'', and the general rejection of the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]], or at least its lackluster English dub by [[Voicebox Productions|Voicebox]].<ref name="kiss">And yes, there ''are'' quite a few people who defended ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]''.</ref> Furthermore, following the demise of [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]], fans almost unanimously despise [[Pat Lee]] as a human being, with those who initially oppose this notion usually changing their opinion as soon as they learn about his business practices.<ref name="funana">Opinions about his [[dull surprise|art style]], however, are still mixed.</ref>

[[Image:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Bring out the pitchforks... and get me some popcorn. This is going to be an entertaining afternoon.]]Other than that, there have been numerous instances of fans preferring one of the myriad incarnations of the ''Transformers'' mythos over another one (or all other ones), even going so far as accusing fans who disagree with them of not being "[[true fan]]s". In the early days of the ''Transformers'' online fandom, disagreements centered around the question of whether the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] or the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comic]] represented the "true" [[canon]], and whether the portrayal of characters in the cartoon (such as their [[FIRRIB|coloration]]) should be [[show-accuracy|given priority]] over their [[toy]]s. Then came the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'', which split the fandom into those who [[Trukk not munky|rejected the new series]] (without even having seen it yet) and those who were at least willing to give it a chance.

Subsequent series such as ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', the [[live-action film series]] and ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' were met with equally mixed (and vocal, from both sides of the spectrum) reactions, [[Pokeformers|each for]] [[Ruined FOREVER|its own reasons]]. Furthermore, there are even fans of the newer series who [[GEEWUN|reject]] [[Generation 1 (franchise)|the original series]] (or, in some cases, at least its vocal fans). And lastly, the debate over whether [[Hasbro]] or [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers#Takara vs. Hasbro|makes the better toys]] will probably rage on for the rest of eternity.

Aside from these radically polarized positions, however, there are also a large number of fans who have [[personal canon|personal preferences]] for one aspect of the ''Transformers'' brand over others—toys over cartoons, cartoons over comics, Japanese fiction over Western fiction, [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] over Dreamwave—while at least tolerating the rest (and its fans), if not actually enjoying it to some degree. Lastly, some fans who once belonged to a "hater" camp in a fandom debate have later become more tolerant towards the aspect of the brand against which they were once so outspoken, or have even entirely changed their opinion on the matter in retrospect.
{{-}}

==Quotes==

{{quote|The fan base is really vocal.|[[Andy Schmidt]]|[http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/comics/2009-09-14-transformers_N.htm 'Transformers' comic creator sees 'a richer, deeper portrait'] @ USAToday.com, September 15, 2009}}

{{quote|The fans are very vocal and we listened.|[[Michael Bay]]|[http://www.transformersclub.com/tfrof-intv09.cfm TFCC Toy Fair 2009 ''Revenge of the Fallen'' interview], February 17, 2009}}

{{quote|To their credit, [[Hasbro]] tried to warn us. They told us there was a huge and rabid fan base out there that cared ''deeply'' about all things TF.|[[Bob Forward]]|foreword to the ''[[Transformers: Matrix Quest]]'' trade paperback, 2002}}

{{quote|With ‘Transformers’ we had this really rabid following. To be frank, I wanted to have some way where we could at least hear what people think.|2=[[Don Murphy]]|3=[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/09/business/media/09fans.html Fans Get to Talk About ‘Transformers,’ and the Knives Are Unsheathed], ''The New York Times'', July 9, 2007}}

{{quote|Transformers fans aren't the folks who just casually pick up an issue, and then read it, shrug and move on to the next thing, indifference radiating from them as they do. No, these fans care about the property and the characters. I mean they ''really'' care.|[[Chris Ryall]]|foreword to [[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]] trade paperback, 2008}}

{{quote|Transformers [comic] fans are a microcosm of comics fans, for as much goodwill and excitement as there is, there is also this real, very off-putting air of arrogance and anger and hostility that is at the same time very baffling, because they will continue to buy something solely to ''hate'' it, which I think is something unique only to comic books.|Mike Costa|[http://moonbase2.libsyn.com/webpage/the-underbase-reviews-ongoing-31 Underbase podcast interview]}}

{{quote|You guys kept the brand alive in the wilderness years.|Costa again|[http://moonbase2.libsyn.com/webpage/the-underbase-reviews-ongoing-31 Underbase podcast interview]}}

{{quote|It is amazing how wonderful and loyal the fans have been to us "Transformer" actors...I know Peter Cullen and I have both talked about this at length. I am happy the fans felt it was important.|[[Frank Welker]]|[http://www.ugo.com/movies/frank-welker-interview Interview with UGO.com], September 14, 2009}}

{{quote|I’m happy that people care enough about this brand to voice their opinions – for better or worse.|[[Eric Siebenaler]]|[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/156231-tfw2005-interview-hasbro-designer-eric-siebenaler.html "TFW2005 Interview with Hasbro Designer Eric Siebenaler"], November 4, 2007}}

{{quote|It's true that it's always the winners that write history, but it's the losers that do the TRANSFORMERS [[Wikipedia]] entry.|[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Starscream's Stars #7]]}}

==References==
Many references to the fandom have been made in official Transformers fiction.

===Beast Wars===
The story editors of the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]], [[Bob Forward]] and [[Larry DiTillio]], interacted with the fandom via alt.toys.transformers, and worked numerous "shout-outs" into the series.

* In "[[Dark Designs]]", a loopy [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] declared that he was "Not wacko, Wonko! Wonko the Sane!" In addition to being the name of a character in ''[[Wikipedia:The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy]]'', "Wonko the Sane" was a screen name used by [[Ben Yee]].
* In "[[Before the Storm]]", the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] computer informed [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] of a "code A-T-T alert," and Megatron later initiated a "voice code A-T-T override," both references to alt.toys.transformers.
* Also in "Before the Storm", Megatron mused that "There is a storm coming. A storm of such power, such magnitude, it is beyond imagination!" This was a reference to the website of fan James Hooks, called "Beyond Imagination" (itself named after a tagline for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.)
* In [[Nemesis Part 2]], [[Optimus Primal|Optimus Primal's]] line "encoding transmission M Sipher" refers to the screen name of [[Greg Sepelak]].
* Also in "Nemesis Part 2," Megatron instructs [[Dinobot II]] to fire on "targeting grid 3H," referring to [[3H Productions|3H Enterprises]].
* Numerous locations throughout the series were references to the names (both screen and real) of fans:
**[[Grid Darcerin]]
**[[Grid Joona]]
**[[Grid Scylla]]
**[[Sector Tallories]]
**[[Subsector Hooks]]
**[[Tengu Sector]]

===Universe===
* The ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' Ultra Class [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] toy's [[Paint operation|painted deco]] features a reference to long-time Transformer fan [[User:Monzo|Monzo]]'s screen-name and birthday. Jealousy sold separately.
* [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]]'s [[bio]] personality and "Hyperion-3" blasters are also references to Monzo.
* The 2008 [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] toy's license plate and [[bio]] made the character's fan-propagated love of "[[JaAm]]" official.

===Generation 1 comic books===
* Artists [[Joe Ng]] and [[Alex Milne]] have both drawn shout-outs to TFW2005.com into their art.
* Alex Milne drew [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Ravage (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Ravage]] as corpses in his art to make Internet fanboy [[David Willis]] sad.

===Animated===
* [[Animated Personality Vangelus]]

==Adopted fan terminology==
Several terms initially used only by fans have been adopted by writers of official Transformers materials, thus becoming a part of the [[canon]].

*[[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]
*[[Darksyde|Darkside]]
*[[Combiner|Gestalt]]
*[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]
*[[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] (Technically, this one originated in a 1984 J.C. Penney catalog, but widespread usage within the fandom is what led to its official use.)
*[[Rainmaker|Rainmakers]] (The term was actually used by [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", but only as a colloquial description of their actions. As with "Seekers", repeated fan usage ultimately led to its adoption as an official group name.)
*[[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]]'s "[[Punch of Kill Everything]]"

==Fans gone official==
Many members of the online fandom have gone on to contribute to Transformers in an official capacity. One of the most prolific ones is probably [[Ben Yee|Benson "Ben" Yee]], who started out as an active fan (under the screenname "Wonko the Sane") and defended the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]] in its early phase at [[alt.toys.transformers]]. Ben was eventually hired to work as a consultant for the show. Later, he was made a member of the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]'s Advisory Board and has since written officially licensed ''Transformers'' comic book stories for both [[IDW Publishing]] and [[Fun Publications]].

Another name widely recognized among fan circles is [[Don Figueroa]], who gained early fandom fame for his fan comic ''Macromasters'', which featured original robot designs created by him. Don also created large transformable, scratch-built toys based on his characters. He was later hired by [[Dreamwave Productions]] as a comic book artist and developed the comic series ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' together with writer [[Simon Furman]], and also developed pre-Earth designs for every single character that appeared in the comic. Don continued to draw Transformers comics for Dreamwave, IDW Publishing and Fun Publications and even worked as a toy designer for Hasbro (including some designs for the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' line and major work on the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' line), but eventually departed from official Transformers work in late 2007... only to return a year later.

Aside from Don, other artists were also recruited by Dreamwave and IDW from within the fandom, among them [[Guido Guidi]], [[Joe Ng]], [[Alex Milne]] and [[Nick Roche]], although not all of them were active participants in the Transformers fandom prior to going official. Meanwhile, Dreamwave writer [[Adam Patyk]] had been an active participant in discussions at ATT during the 1990s.

Other international fans also started doing official work that made their names known outside their domestic fandoms, such as Japanese super-fan [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], who wrote and drew the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' manga as well as various other mangas, wrote the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' [[Story of Binaltech|backstory]] and worked as a toy designer for Takara on occasion.

Some of Hasbro's ''Transformers'' toy designers were also originally active members of the fandom, such as [[Andrew Frankel]] (aka "Swiper" or "Sideswipe"), [[Joe Kyde|Joseph Kyde]] or [[Alex Androski]].

Other fans who have done official work for Hasbro, Takara, comic book companies or other third party licensees include:

{{collist|2|
* [[Fumihiko Akiyama]]
* [[Adam Alexander]] (aka "Botch")
* [[Aaron Black]] (aka "Delta Star")
* [[Mark Bristow]] (aka "Bodycount")
* [[Josh Burcham]] (aka "DCJosh", aka "GodFireConvoy")
* [[Kris Carter]] (aka "Drivaaar")
* [[Stuart Denyer]]
* [[Jordan L. Derber]] (aka "Buster Darkwings")
* [[Doug Dlin]]
* [[Dave Edwards]] (aka "Zobovor")
* [[Tim Finn]]
* [[Bill Forster]]
* [[Rob Gerbracht]] (aka "Tengu")
* [[Andrew Hall]] (aka "Hydra")
* [[Jon Hartman]]
* [[Karl Hartman]]
* [[Chris Ho]] (aka "Vangelus")
* [[Dan Khanna]]
* [[Shaun Knowler]] (aka "White Rabbit" or "Beachcomber")
* [[Matt Kuphaldt]] (aka "Jackpot")
* [[Joana Lafuente]]
* [[Nick Leffler]]
* [[Chris McFeely]]
* [[Frank Milkovich]] (aka "Crobot91")
* [[Josh Nizzi]]
* [[Sam Palmer]] (aka "patient_zero37")
* [[Raksha]]
* [[Daniel Ross]] (aka "Mouth04")
* [[Greg Sepelak]] (aka "M Sipher")
* [[Liam Shalloo]]
* [[Pete Sinclair]]
* [[Jim Sorenson]]
* [[Chris Tang]] (aka "Ravestrike")
* [[Brandie Tarvin]]
* [[Frank Todaro]] (aka "Broadcast")
* [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
* [[Trent Troop]]
* [[Josh van Reyk]] (aka "Richter")
* [[Rosemary Ward]] (aka "Screamers")
* [[Graham Weaver]] (aka "Liquid Velcro!")
* [[David Willis]] (aka "Walky")
}}
and others....

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Fandom| ]]

Decepticon Hijack

2013-09-22T15:24:51Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|
|prev=The Great Car Rally
|seriesissue=[[Big Looker Storybook|''The Transformers'']]
|next=Insecticon Attack!
|image=DecepticonHijack_Cover.jpg
|caption="Hey, wha—?! Get back here! I'm hijacking you!"
|title="Decepticon Hijack"
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|date=1985
|written by=[[Regina Weyn]]
|art by=[[John Speirs]]
|pagecount=24pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0-87135-079-3 ISBN 9780871350794}}
'''The Decepticons will rule Earth if they manage to seize the ultimate fuel source... a tanker truck!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DecepticonHijack_BlitzwingTruck.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Blitzwing, our lord and savior.]]

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] stands "proud and triumphant" on an [[Oregon]] cliffside, admiring the rising [[Sun]]. He listens to the sound of birdsong, so very different from the laser fire of the previous night's battle. He notes by the Sun's position that it's nearly 8:00 am—time to get to work. Meanwhile in the camp below, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] are already hard at work trying to repair all the badly damaged Autobots from the last battle with the Decepticons. The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s are particularly beat up.

Suddenly, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon jets]] blaze by overhead. As [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] raises the alarm, the [[Autobot]]s fear their time has come, but Optimus Prime knows the [[Decepticon]]s are as damaged as they are, and wonders what's up. Up in orbit, [[Shooting Star]] spots the reason. His transmission to the Autobots tells them of the [[oil]] truck broken down some thirty five miles northeast, which the jets buzz the Autobots as a distraction.

Driver [[Abe Walters]] and [[Barry]] have repaired a flat tire, only to find that the truck's wiring has been short-circuited by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is ready to steal the truck's oil, by getting [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] to use [[cerebro-shell]]s on the humans and [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] to siphon off the gas. The Autobots spy them from a nearby hillside and, after tactical advice from [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] uses his gun to restore the truck's circuitry. The unaware truckers drive off, much to Megatron's fury.

The Decepticons give chase to the truck. Megatron manages to grab it from behind, bringing the rig to a halt, but the Decepticons have barely a moment to enjoy their victory, as [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] appears in the sky above! A large explosion later, Megatron and his men are reduced to a pile of metal rubble. The Autobots find the humans in the truck have fainted, and extract them before [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] blows the truck up with a couple of cluster bombs.

The Autobots return to their camp with the rescued humans, and send them back off to the city in [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. Swoop receives lots of praise for his heroic actions. Out in the desert, a Decepticon rescue team retrieves the remains of their comrades, and the burning oil truck sends billowing smoke into the sky.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (2)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (3)
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (9)
* [[Shooting Star]] (10)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (11)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (12)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (13)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (14)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (22)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (24)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (4)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (5)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]? (6)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (7)
* [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (8)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (17)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (18)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (19)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (20)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (21)
* [[Decepticon rescue squadron]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Abe Walters]] (15)
* [[Abe Walters#Barry|Barry]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
This Earth, he thought, is a strange planet with many interesting and amusing creatures.
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"That truck holds our advantage over Optimus Prime and his band of do-gooders. With the oil we can defeat the Autobots and rule Earth forever."
:—'''Megatron''' is possibly over-valuing the contents of the oil truck.

==Notes==
* Also specifically mentioned as being damaged are [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]].
* This is Shooting Star's one and only appearance. Given the early off-model versions of several other [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Season 2]] characters within, it is possible he originates in an early take on [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], though that is only speculation.
* At one point, Megatron refers to his troops as [[Destructicon (G1)|Destructicon]]s.
* Sunstreaker's ability to shoot "high-energy electron pulses" is straight from his tech specs. Likewise Swoop's air speed of 250 mph, and the explosive power of his air-to-air missile launchers.
* Megatron has an alarm frequency that "blares" when he's damaged, summoning a rescue squadron.
* Optimus Prime's hand can scan for energy output readings and diagnose humans.

===Errors===
* Pretty much every 1985 character featured in this story is at least somewhat off-model, some of them like Red Alert very much so. The '84 characters don't escape either, with Sunstreaker being rendered with a [[mouthplate]].
* Three Seekers are shown flying over the Autobot base. Though two are obviously Starscream and Thundercracker, the third, which presumably should be Skywarp, has an odd black and blue coloration.
* In the picture of Shooting Star in orbit, Starscream and Thundercracker are shown flying at apparently the same level as him.
* To destroy the Decepticons, Swoop drops an "air-to-air missile launcher". Normally a launcher would be used to, y'know, launch a missile rather than itself being dropped, and as the targets are on the on the ground, an "air-to-air" missile would seem to be counterproductive.
* Said "missile launcher" does the equivalent of "5000 pounds of TNT" in damage, flattening the Decepticons, yet not harming the tanker truck full of oil they're hanging on to.
* Starscream appears to be among the Decepticons hit by Swoop's payload, but moments later is fine.
* As Starscream streaks towards the Autobots and truck, Sunstreaker is colored red.
* Swoop has two long ears instead of a single crest when the Autobots give him a round of applause.

==External Links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/big-looker/hijack.html "Decepticon Hijack"] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

[[Category:Generation 1 storybooks]]

Slaves of the Insecticons

2013-09-22T15:24:29Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{picsneeded|Interiors}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=[[Kid Stuff|Kid Stuff storybook]]
|prev=Jaws of Terror
|next=Attack of the Decepticons
|seriesissue2=Listen 'n' Look
|prev2=
|next2=
|title=Slaves of the Insecticons
|image=slavesoftheinsecticons-cover.jpg
|caption=Sequel to ''Love Slaves of the Amazon''!
|publisher=[[Kid Stuff]]
|date=
|coverdate=1986
|writer=[[John Braden]]
|art=[[Pablo Marcos]] and [[Judith Marcos]]
|pagecount=24 pp
|continuity=
}}

'''The Insecticons have enslaved some humans and are mining oil on a Pacific island! Oh noes!!'''

==Synopsis==
As the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, a quartet of "Autobot superjets" under Skyfire's command departs from [[Guam]] for a routine patrol. Suddenly, Skywarp leads a sneak hit-and-run attack.

Monitoring these events, Prowl and Optimus Prime are puzzled by the Decepticons' strategy, a series of hit-and-runs around the Pacific rim. The next day, yet another attack occurs near [[Sumatra]]; the Decepticons flee over the [[Himalayas|Himalaya Mountains]].

The Decepticons are trying to keep prying Autobot eyes away from the island of [[Buru]], where they are running an oil mine to capture the island's plentiful and pure oil. The Insecticons, capable of withstanding the jungle humidity and filth, have enslaved the native human population with their special toxic fluids. Venom directs the work of the zombie-like slaves.

Meanwhile, at the Decepticon underground weapons development center, Megatron is ready to take his new [[oil driller and transporter]], cleverly disguised with some tree branches, to Buru. Venom's slaves aren't drilling fast enough for him, and Megatron has new ways to motivate them.

Optimus and Prowl haven't heard back from their scout, Bumblebee, for several days now. And they won't, either, because Bumblebee has been captured, joining the ranks of the... '''slaves of the Insecticons!!'''

Megatron and Soundwave arrive over Buru. Venom refuses Megatron's order to drill faster, saying it's impossible; this prompts Megatron to pitch a fit. Venom comes aboard and stares silently at his leader; Soundwave thinks he's worried that Megatron will take away his command. Before Megatron can throw another fit, Prowl and Optimus Prime arrive, flying to the island. Rather than attack them, Megatron figures they can be enslaved as well.

Prime and Prowl land; Prowl's "uncanny sixth sense" lets him suspect Decepticon presence even before they observe the camp's zombie-like workers. They realize that it's the work of the Insecticons, even as they come under attack.

Megatron laughs and activates his drill/transport. It flies into the jungle, and its laser borer blasts into the surface. Prime and Prowl are being overwhelmed, until the Dinobots arrive and crush the Insecticons underfoot. Prowl detects a heat source that can only be the turbine fans of an oil transporter; they go after it, figuring they can rescue Bumblebee later.

Megatron drills up more and more and more oil, until his transporter is overloaded. As the Autobots and Dinobots approach to attack, the transporter gives out and sinks into the mud. Soundwave and Megatron escape aboard a mole escape pod, vowing that the battle will continue!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Autobot superjet]]s (1)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (2)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (5)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (10)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (11)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (11)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (11)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (11)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (11)

|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (3)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (3)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (7)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (7)
*[[Venom (G1)|Venom]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (9)

|c3=
* native slaves (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"What's all that jungle stuff on top of it for, master?" 
"You tape-filled nitwit! That's camouflage!"
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Megatron'''

"You talk to him. You seem to have a way with insects."
:—'''Megatron''' can't seem to deal with the silently staring Venom

"This place smells of Decepticon evil to me, chief. I feel it in my rivets so strongly, I'd almost be willing to bet Megatron himself isn't too far off!"
:—'''Prowl''', Autobot master logician

==Notes==
[[Image:EducationalVHS_.JPG|thumb|100px|Educational VHS]]
* An "animated" "educational" VHS version was also available, using chroma-key to animate the static pictures cheesily, with the storybook text superimposed on the bottom of the screen. There's also a vocabulary builder before the story, and a "memory game" (multiple choice quiz) after.
** Every child who took the quiz did ''so well'' too!
* Blaster appears on the inside title page, but isn't mentioned in the story.
* Like the first three original [[Kid Stuff]] readalong books, this one only has speaking parts for Optimus Prime, Megatron, Prowl and Soundwave (presumably due to voice actor constraints.) Normally this is hidden pretty well, but here it stands out rather awkwardly, as Venom just stares silently at Megatron for no reason, while Soundwave speculates about what he must be thinking.
** This is all the stranger, since [[Slag (G1) | Slag]] just broke the 'only four speaking characters' convention in the previous book.
** Since Venom has no cartoon appearances to date, there was no standard for his voice to match, whereas every other speaking character in these books was also a regular in the Sunbow cartoon. No one could have complained that Venom "didn't sound right" had he spoken. Instead, we can complain about never getting to hear what he sounds like.
* The oil transporter, which looks like something Prince of Space would be piloting, flies around with its ungainly landing gear extended.
* The "Insecticon warriors" are a couple of tank-like vehicles.
* Bumblebee never actually appears in any of the illustrations.
* The "oil mine" appears to consist of a surface-based pumping operation. How this makes it a "mine" is unclear.
* The Insecticons consistently tower over humans here, never demonstrating an ability to shrink in their alt-modes.
* The slaves are controlled by "the poisonous fluid injected into them by Insecticon stingers". Though Bombshell is one of the three Insecticons shown present, his [[cerebro-shell | cerebro-shells]] are never mentioned, despite being a staple of every other Insecticon mind-control story.
* Thanks to the usual abrupt ending, the Buruvians and Bumblebee are all still mind controlled at the end of the story. While cerebro-shells are usually surgically removed or just shrugged off through willpower in other Insecticon tales, we can't just assume anyone got better here, because there's no mention of any antidote to their fluid. And since this is the last of the five Kid Stuff read-along books, for all we know, getting stung by Insecticons was the permanent death of Bumblebee and the humans' free will!
* Still, unlike the previous four books, this one has no globally apocalyptic events, what with all the violence being conventional Autobot/Decepticon firefights, so...yay.

==External links==
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/kidstuff/slaves.html Slaves of the Insecticons] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Episodes]]

Decepticon Patrol

2013-09-22T15:23:55Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=Bumblebee to the Rescue!
|next=The Deadly Fuel Shortage
|title="Decepticon Patrol"
|image=Decepticonpatrol-frontcover.jpg
|caption=Megatron totally doesn't care that his army is on fire.
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1984
|written by=[[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|art by=[[Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski|Charles Nicholas]] and [[Phil Lord]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN=ISBN 9780871350114 ISBN 0-87135-011-4
}}

'''The Decepticons search for a factory that they can use to build an army!'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s are introduced, as well as some of their special abilities. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] can see things that are very far away! [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] declares that this is the [[Decepticon Day|Day of the Decepticons]], and sends his troops to find a factory they can use to build an army.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] suspects something is up, because it's too peaceful, and sends Bumblebee and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] to scout. Meanwhile, the Decepticon planes fail to find any factories in the middle of the ocean, the top of a mountain range, or in low-orbital space. The gargantuan [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] doesn't find any Autobots in the jungle. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] sees an automobile factory and flips out, reporting to Megatron that an army of Autobots is being constructed. Mirage and Bumblebee overhear this and report back to Prime.

Optimus Prime gets a brilliant inspiration, and orders [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] to dig a huge hole. Bumblebee spots the Decepticons approaching. Prime has Mirage create a mirage<ref>A mirage is something that looks real, but isn't.</ref> of a factory over the hole. The Decepticons attack, but not even Megatron's "[[Fusion cannon|energy cannon]]" can damage the illusory factory. Ravage suspects a ruse, and tackles Mirage, ending the mirage.

[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] repairs Mirage, Bumblebee stops Laserbeak with an electrified net, Huffer overpowers [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and Mirage gets his revenge on Ravage via a ferocious attack of "electric balls". The battle ends when Prime throws Megatron and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]](?) into space, which should keep them out of trouble.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (2)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (3)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (4)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (5)
|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (6)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (7)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (8)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (9)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (10)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"I'll teach you to attack me from behind!" 
"Ouch! Those electric balls really hurt!"
:—'''Mirage''' and '''Ravage''' are so right.

"I'm putting you two into orbit. That should keep you out of trouble!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' casually pitches his enemies into the thermosphere.

==Notes==
* Various activities are interspersed through the story, such as connect-the-dots, Huffer's Word Maze and several unscramble-the-message pages ("Factory not hurt", Starscream reports to Megatron.)

* The art is completely off-the-wall. While [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] are drawn as in the early comic, the rest of the characters' robot modes are unique to this work, and decidedly strange, including a bug-eyed [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and an eyeliner-wearing [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. Odd artwork makes it look as if [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] has a moustache.<ref>http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~sstoneb/tf/books/coloring/patrol/patrol-12.jpg</ref>

* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] has a nice hat. He is ignored by the other Decepticons through the entire book.

* Thundercracker totally has [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'s head bobber.

* Ravage is drawn [[:Image:Decepticon_patrol_ravage.jpg|looming over an elephant]]. It's not clear from context if the [[elephant]] is tiny or Ravage is huge, but the evidence leans toward the latter.

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/patrol.html "Decepticon Patrol"] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Autobots Fight Back

2013-09-22T15:23:22Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{Comicstory|Autobots Fight Back
|seriesissue=[[Ladybird Books]]
|prev=Megatron's Fight for Power
|next=Laserbeak's Fury
|title=Autobots Fight Back
|image=Autobotsfightback.jpg
|caption=As opposed to all those times when they didn't bother
|publisher=Ladybird Books
|date=1985
|coverdate=
|written by=[[John Grant]]
|art by=[[Mike Collins]], [[Mark Farmer]]
|pagecount=48 pp
|ISBN= ISBN 9780721409429 ISBN 0-721-40942-3
|continuity=Ladybird Books continuity
}}

'''The Autobots use a car rally as a cover in order to foil a Decepticon construction project.'''

==Summary==
Dispatched to the [[Decepticon]] base on a spying mission, Bumblebee discovers that the villains’ construction of their space cruiser has been impeded by an inability to test their new ion-drive propulsion system due to the massive space requirements of the test rig required, a tube 5m in diameter and 1600m long. Detected by Soundwave, Bumblebee flees, but is pursued by Ravage through woods and hills. Ducking around a bend, Bumblebee is able to stun his pursuer with a blast of bright light from his headlights and makes good his escape, leaving Ravage to attempt in vain to pick up his trail. While searching, however, Ravage happens upon an abandoned railway and follows it to an equally abandoned tunnel, providing the Decepticons with the perfect venue to build their propulsion system test rig. Although the tunnel has partially collapsed, the remaining section is to the exact dimensions required.

Having reported to Optimus Prime on their enemies’ troubles, Bumblebee returns to the Decepticon base to learn more, only to discover it all but deserted. Trailbreaker and Hound use their tracking abilities to pinpoint the Decepticons’ position, and with help from Spike and Sparkplug, the area is identified as containing a large, abandoned quarry, in which Sparkplug suggests the Decepticons have set up shop. The [[Autobot|Autobots]] are unsure of how to proceed without being detected by the Decepticons, but when Spike goes grocery shopping with Ironhide, he learns of an impending car rally that will run right by the area where the Decepticons are set up. Optimus Prime arranges for Jazz and Spike to participate in the race in order to investigate.

On the day of the rally, Spike and Jazz split up during the race between checkpoints to avoid Jazz’s true nature being exposed to Decepticons monitoring the rally, and Spike finds and follows the railway to the quarry. However, the quarry is deserted aside from an abandoned train of stone hoppers. Meeting back up with Jazz at their objective, Spike has him contact Optimus Prime, and following the railway downhill, the pair reach the tunnel itself, where they discover the Decepticons and their equipment. Soundwave detects their presence, but just then, Prime and the other Autobots burst into the tunnel via an air shaft, and a firefight ensues that plunges the tunnel into darkness. Spike has Jazz drive him back to the quarry, where he instructs the Autobot to push the train of stone hoppers after releasing the brakes. Jazz sets the train in motion downhill towards the tunnel and alerts the Autobots so they can escape. The cars smash into the Decepticons and their machinery, collapsing the tunnel on the evil robots with a massive explosion.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (2)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (7)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (8)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (11)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (6)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (14)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (9)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (10)
|}}

==Notes==

===Errors===
*As in "[[Autobots' Lightning Strike]]", Ravage is again referred to as a "canine" when he’s feline in nature.

===Transformers references===
*The influence of "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More Than Meets The Eye]]" is again felt upon the Ladybird continuity, as the main plot of this book revolves around repairing the Decepticons' spacecraft, which crashed at the conclusion of the miniseries.
*Sparkplug’s map confirms that the Autobot and Decepticon bases are in [[Oregon]], as in most Generation 1 continuities. The map also singles out two fictional towns, [[Valgenia]] and [[Paprika Plain]].

===Trivia===
*This story was also released as a [[Talk and Read]] audiobook which included music and sound effects.
*Soundwave speaks in ALL CAPS.
*Jazz's car mode has a working transmission with at least four speeds.
*This book highlights one of the more unusual features of the Ladybird books, which is the remarkable ''lack'' of knowledge the Transformers have managed to acquire on Earth's nature, culture and technology. Back in "[[Autobots' Lightning Strike]]", the Transformers could not fathom the concept of lightning; in this volume, the Decepticons are baffled by a railway track, with Soundwave even going so far as to suggest that the rails (or as he calls them, "metal strips") are a crude energy conductor system. We'll see another major example of this in "[[Laserbeak's Fury]]".

==External links==
* [http://www.green-ranger.com/stuff/ladybird/03-fight/ Autobots Fight Back scans at green-ranger.com]
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/#ladybird Audio file] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Generation 1 storybooks]]

Autobots' Lightning Strike

2013-09-22T15:22:56Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{Comicstory|Autobot's Lightning Strike
|seriesissue=[[Ladybird Books]]
|prev=
|next=Megatron's Fight for Power
|title=Autobots' Lightning Strike
|image=Autobotslightningstrike.jpg
|caption=It's alive! IT'S ALIVE!
|publisher=Ladybird Books
|date=1985
|coverdate=
|written by=[[John Grant]]
|art by=[[Mike Collins]], [[Mark Farmer]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN= ISBN 9780721408958 ISBN 0-721-40895-8
|continuity=Ladybird Books continuity
}}

'''When the Autobots attempt to harness the power of a lightning storm, the Decepticons are in for a ''shocking'' experience!'''

==Summary==
When the [[Autobot|Autobots]] witness the incredible power of a lightning storm, Optimus Prime puts Huffer to work on finding a way to harness its energy, in hopes that they can use it in the rebuilding of their spaceship. After a week of work, with a little help and lots of complaining from Gears, Huffer succeeds in erecting a massive lightning rod in some nearby mountains, connected to an energy converter in a cavern beneath.

Unfortunately for the Autobots, Laserbeak has been observing the construction and reports back to Megatron, only for Soundwave to believe mistakenly that the Autobots have built a radio mast. The lack of a detectable signal from the tower only convinces Megatron that the Autobots have developed a highly advanced communications technology, but Starscream believes that it should be destroyed, and he conspires with Rumble to go against Megatron’s orders and do just that. Further observations by Laserbeak allow the Decepticons to learn of the existence of the cavern, and Starscream and Rumble sneak off to carry out their plan, with Megatron and the other Decepticons on their tails.

Meanwhile, with a thunderstorm having been forecast for that evening, the Autobots converge on the lightning rod to test the equipment. Keeping their distance for safety’s sake, the Autobots conduct the test from afar and fail to notice Starscream and Rumble make their way into the cavern. Upon discovering the inactive machinery, however, Starscream believes that it doesn’t work, and he pauses to mock Megatron–just long enough for Megatron himself to enter the scene with the other Decepticons. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning strikes the tower, and the machinery in the cavern surges to life, scattering the Decepticons and overloading their mechanisms. Skywarp is caught between modes, Ravage automatically ejects and attacks Megatron, and Starscream’s null ray projectors are mangled when he attempts to turn them on the converter. Battling through the arcs of electricity surrounding them, the badly damaged Decepticons manage to escape into the night sky as the amazed Autobots watch them go, unaware there had ever been a threat.

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (3)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (4)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (5)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (6)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (8)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (9)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (15)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (16)

|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (10)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (14)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (17)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (18)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
|}}

==Notes==
===Errors===
[[Image:Miscolored minibots.jpg|right|180px|thumb|BugWAH?]]
*In the illustrations for page 10 and 11, Huffer and Gears are colored incorrectly. Huffer’s orange parts are blue, while his purple parts are orange, while Gears is… purple and cream? Whuh?
*Ravage is described as a "mechanical hound", when he's actually a feline.

===Transformers references===
*The Ladybird series takes its cue from the end of the original TV pilot, "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More Than Meets The Eye]]", with the Autobots' continuing repairs on their crashed spacecraft. The pilot also inspires a few other aspects of the books – [[Spike's diary|Spike keeping a journal]] is lifted right out of the miniseries, as is the Decepticon battle cry of "Scramble!" Additionally, Starscream and Rumble conspiring against Megatron would seem to be inspired by their discussion on treachery from the first episode.

===Trivia===
*This story was also released as a [[Talk and Read]] audiobook which included music and sound effects.

==External links==
* [http://www.green-ranger.com/stuff/ladybird/01-lightning/ Autobots' Lightning Strike scans at green-ranger.com]
* [http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/#ladybird Audio file] at Steve-o's Transformers Site

[[Category:Audiobooks]]
[[Category:Generation 1 storybooks]]

Transformers books

2013-09-22T15:22:33Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

[[Transformer|Transformers]] ain't just for watchin'! Over the years, many a publisher has come out with ''readable products'' based on the franchise.

==Generation 1==
[[List of Generation 1 books]]

==Generation 2==
[[Honey Bear Books]]

==Unicron Trilogy==
===Armada===
[[Funtastic Publishing]]

==Movie==
===Transformers (2007)===
[[Movie (books)]]
===Revenge of the Fallen===
[[Revenge of the Fallen (books)]]
===Dark of the Moon===
[[Dark of the Moon (books)]]

==Animated==
[[Transformers Animated (books)]]

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/ Steve-o Stonebraker's TF book scans]

[[Category:Real-world books]]

BotCon 2002

2013-09-22T15:22:07Z

Steve-o: steve-o's website has moved

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 2002
|prev=BotCon 2001
|next=BotCon Europe 2002
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=Botcon2002-programcover.jpg
|caption=Oh, sure. R.E.V. gets top billing. Just like always.
|title=
|date=[[July 26]], [[2002]]
|city=Fort Wayne, IN
|venue=Grand Wayne Convention Center
}}

'''[[BotCon]] 2002''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2002, run by [[3H Productions|3H]]. It was held in [[Fort Wayne]], [[Indiana]], from [[July 26]] to [[July 28|28]].
{{TOCclear}}

==Venue==
BotCon 2002 was held at the [[Grand Wayne Convention Center]] in downtown Fort Wayne.

==Merchandise==
[[Image:ExpandedUniversetoy-Cyclonus.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Because they'll never make another Cyclonus toy.]]

===Convention-exclusive toys===
* '''[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]''', a [[redeco]] of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' Ultra-class [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]
* '''[[CatSCAN]]''', a redeco of ''Beast Machines'' Night Slash [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]]
* '''[[Glyph (G1)|Glyph]]''', a redeco of the ''Generation 1'' Mini Vehicle [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] keychain
* '''[[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]]''', a redeco of the ''Generation 1'' Mini Vehicle [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] keychain. FREE to pre-registrants.
* An '''[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]''' lollipop (White Grape) made by "Pop Art" (Heh.) courtesy of Rhino Home Video.

===Fiction===
* [[Betrayal|Enter the Wreckers, Part 2: "Betrayal"]] comic

===Other merchandise===
* [[Hard Hero]] [[Unicron]] statue
* T-shirts
:Two t-shirts were available, one depicting Optimus Prime and the other depicting Megatron. The Robots In Disguise version of said character was depicted on front, while on back was a row of images depicting all incarnations from G1 to Armada.
* Collector plate
:Each numbered plate (1 - 385) depicted [[Andrew Wildman]] artwork of Robots in Disguise Optimus vs. Robots in Disguise Megatron and contained a ring of 24k gold on the edge.
{{-}}

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===

* [[Aaron Archer]], Snr. Design Director
* [[Michelle Field]]
* [[Andrew Frankel]]
* [[Joe Mattiko]]

===Takara employees===
*?
*?

===Voice actors===
* [[Richard Epcar]]
* [[Dick Gautier]]
* [[Neil Kaplan]]
* [[Steve Kramer]]
* [[Michael McConnohie]]
* [[Peter Spellos]]
* [[Wankus|Wayne "Wankus" Lewis]]
* [[Tom Wyner]]

===Comics and animation===

* [[Derek Choo-Wing]]
* [[Richard Epcar]]
* [[Adam Fortier]]
* [[Simon Furman]]
* [[Bob Forward]]
* [[Steve Kramer]]
* [[Pat Lee]]
* [[Chris Sarracini]]
* [[Tom Wyner]]

==Events==
[[Image:Seafoodlouis.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Wait, this ''isn't'' the dinner exclusive?]]
[[Image:BotCon2002-Imadeadifference.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hey, Arby's, guess what convention's back in town!]]

===Friday===
*Pre-registrant semi-formal dinner, starring [[Seafood Louis]]. Highlights included:
* A screening of "[[First Encounter]]", the first episode of the upcoming ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon. The audience was highly enthusiastic about the episode, bursting into cheers when Optimus Prime first appeared (and spoke, revealing Garry Chalk's voice). Little did they realize what they were setting themselves up for...
**Unfortunately, this screening was also the precise moment that the cast of ''Robots in Disguise'', members of which made up nearly the entire voice actor guest list for this year, discovered that they wouldn't be coming back to voice the next series. Ouch.
* Dinner attendees received a bonus gift of one Deluxe size-class ''Armada'' toy and one Mini-Con 3-pack. This was ''supposed'' to be a great treat, as the ''Armada'' toyline was just beginning, and these would have been as-yet unreleased toys. However, the first ''Armada'' toys had unexpectedly hit stores a few weeks early, just before the convention, and thus many of the hardcore fans present at the dinner already owned them.

===Saturday===
[[Image:BotCon2002-Hasbrobooth.jpg|right|thumb|250px|We couldn't wait to have these sitting in a box in our attic.]]
*8:00 Botcon 2002 Begins! (in theory. In practice, probably closer to 8:30.)
*9:00 Video Room Opens: Robots in Disguise episode 1 begins
*10:00 Autographs: Epcar, Forward, Kramer, Wyner
*11:00 - 1:00 Autographs: Gautier, Kaplan, McConnohie, Spellos, Wankus
*12:00 Botcon Merchandise Area closes for inventory check
*12:00 Editor/Writer/Director Panel: Richard Epcar, Bob Forward, Simon Furman, Steve Kramer, and Tom Wyner
*12:00 Robots in Disguise episode 9 begins
*1:00 Botcon Merchandise Area reopens
*1:00 Autographs: Epcar, Forward, Kramer, Wyner
*2:00 Hasbro Presentation: The brand team offers unique insights into the development of our favorite toyline. Previews of upcoming toys covered later-run ''Armada'' redecos and Generation 1 reissues. A Hasbro rep comment offered the first faint teasing hint that a toy for [[Unicron]] might be under development. The original Generation 1 gun-mode Megatron toy was infamously shown in a hideously bright blue-and-orange color scheme, which ''still'' wasn't enough to get it past child safety laws.
*2:00 - 4:00 Autographs: Gautier, Kaplan, McConnohie, Spellos, Wankus
*3:00 Robots in Disguise episode 17 begins
*4:00 Voice Actor Panel: Dick Gautier, Neil Kaplan, Michael McConnohie, Peter Speollos, and Wankus
*4:00 - 6:00 Autographs: Epcar, Forward, Kramer, Wyner
*6:00 Botcon 2002 ends for the day

===Sunday===
[[Image:3hbotcon2002.jpg|right|250px|thumb|You would never see these three together again.]]
*9:00 Botcon 2002 Day Two Begins!
*9:00 Video Room Opens: Robots in Disguise episode 25 begins
*10:00 - 11:30 Autographs: Gautier Kaplan McConnohie, Spellos, Wankus
*10:00 - 11:30 Autographs: Epcar, Forward, Kramer, Wyner
*12:00 Preregistration toy merchandise becomes available to the public
*12:00 Dreamwave Comic Book Panel: Pat Lee, Chris Sarracini, James Raiz, and Simon Furman talk about the new comics
*12:00 Robots in Disguise episode 33 begins
*2:00 Charity Auction: An assortment of unique items will be auctioned off to benefit Make-a-Wish
*2:00 Autographs: Simon Furman and Titan Books
*3:00 Convention Organizers Panel: Glen Hallit and Jon and Karl Hartman will field questions about this and next year's shows
*3:00 Robots in disguise episode 39 begins
*6:00 Botcon 2002 ends
{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/archive/2002/index.html BotCon 2002 in the BotCon Archives]
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/tidbits/botcon2002.txt Steve-o's BotCon 2002 Report: Zobovor Edition]

[[Category:Conventions]]