Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)

2012-02-07T12:54:28Z

Yan King:

{{nav-zone}}

The majority of the '''''[[Transformers: Zone (franchise)|Zone]]''''' fiction was told through a series of [[story page]]s published in [[TV Magazine]]. The series ran from February, 1990 to January, 1991. The story pages were illustrated by [[Ban Magami]], who also illustrated the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|Zone manga]], and written by [[Masumi Kaneda]].

They follow the adventures of the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Powered Master]]s as they fight off the attacks of [[Violen Jiger]] and the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]], who are seeking the [[Zodiac]] energy. This iteration of the story is notable for covering events occurring both before and after the [[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|single direct-to-video episode of ''Zone'']], including the introduction of [[Road Fire]], the third Powered Master, as well as [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], a new Decepticon headliner.

Due to some discrepancies between the animated cartoon and the larger story told in the story pages and manga (for instance, Predaking is shown to survive his clash with Dai Atlas in the manga and reappears in later story pages, whereas in the cartoon, he was rather graphically destroyed), the story pages are not, in the very strictest sense, part of the larger [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|animated continuity]]. Takara's [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|2007 Transformers timeline]], however, made it clear that their events did occur in animated continuity, at least in broad strokes.

==Issues==
===Part 1===
[[Image:TVMJuly1990Mashougun.jpg|thumb|300px|right|]]

:'''Published''': February, 1990

:'''"The Autobot Z-Project Begins!"'''

In order to protect their latest scientific achievement, [[Energon Z]], [[Star Saber (Victory)|Victory Saber]] initiates the "Zone Project". With the help of the [[Micromaster]] [[Race Car Patrol|Race Car Patrol Team]], [[Off Road Patrol|Off Road Patrol Team]], [[Battle Patrol|Battle Patrol Team]], [[Rescue Patrol Team]], [[Jet Patrol Team]] and [[Super Car Patrol Team]], planet [[Micro]] is upgraded, reinforced and transformed into the new planet called Zone.

:'''"This is the World of ''Transformers: Zone''!"'''

To counter the threat of the Autobot Zone, the [[Decepticon]]s have begun conquering multiple planets in order to create a [[Decepticon Zone]]. [[Moonradar (Zone)|Moonradar]] launches [[Galaxy Shuttle]] and [[Galaxy Rocket]] from the [[Rocket Base]] in order to patrol the galaxy. Each Micromaster patrol team is deployed to a planet which suits their unique special abilities. For instance, the Off Road Patrol Team is deployed to a rocky, mountainous planet. Meanwhile, rumors abound that the Autobot Zone may not be commanded by Victory Saber, but by a ''new'' Autobot [[Supreme Commander]]!

Elsewhere, the mysterious and enigmatic [[Violen Jiger]], the new Decepticon [[Emperor of Destruction|Emperor]], has gathered together his [[Nine Great Demon Generals]]: [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]], [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]], [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]], [[King Poseidon]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], [[Predaking]], [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]].

===Part 2===
[[Image:BruticusZone1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
:'''Published:''' March, 1990

:'''"Micro Warriors Into Action!"'''

The Decepticon Flame General Bruticus attacks planet [[Feminia]]. The Super Car Patrol Team, Rescue Patrol Team and Battle Patrol Team respond to the threat and engage Bruticus in battle. With the help of Galaxy Rocket and Moonradar, they defeat him.

The process of Patrol Team deployment is explained thoroughly. From [[Victory (planet)|Planet V]], Victory Saber is alerted to the emergency and issues a command to Galaxy Shuttle on Planet Zone. Galaxy Shuttle then selects a Micromaster Patrol Team best suited to the environment and they are launched from the Rocket Base via Galaxy Rocket.

:'''"Secrets of the 3 Micro Teams and Rocket Base!"'''

Each member of the Rescue Patrol Team, the Super Car Patrol Team and the Battle Patrol Team are introduced. Rocket Base is the heart of planet Zone and the Autobots' main command center. It can transform into a launchpad for Galaxy Shuttle and a battle station to fend off attacks.

===Part 3===

:'''Published''': April, 1990

:'''"Autobots Battle on the Water Planet!"'''

On the ocean-covered world of [[Wall]], Aquatic General King Poseidon and Saurian General Trypticon attack. Victory Saber charges into battle, but is quickly overwhelmed. [[Overload (G1)|Overload]], [[Erector (G1)|Erector]], [[Missile Bull]] and [[Skywave]], commanding the Off Road, Jet and Race Car Patrol Teams, arrive in time to save the drowning citizens of Wall, rescue Victory Saber and beat back the Decepticons.

:'''"The 3 Teams and 4 Commanders That Beat the Decepticons!"'''

The three commanders are introduced alongside each member of the Off Road Patrol Team, Jet Patrol Team and Race Car Patrol Team.

====''Zone'' comic====

Included in a special booklet in the April 1990 issue of TV Magazine, was the ''Transformers Zone'' [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|manga]], taking place between these two story pages. Three months later, a [[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|direct-to-video cartoon]] was released featuring a slightly different version of the manga's story.

===Part 4===

:'''Published:''' May, 1990

:'''"Debut of the New Autobot Supreme Commander!"'''

[[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] and his Deputy Commander, [[Sonic Bomber]], introduce themselves. They are both [[Powered Master]]s and are in charge of "advancing development and culture across the galaxy". ''Okay''. The Powered Masters have gathered from the far reaches of the galaxy to strike down the new Decepticon threat: Violen Jiger.

:'''"Dai Atlas Carried Out Operation Z!"'''

With Dai Atlas' help, the reformatting of Micro into Zone has been fully completed. With his mind able to rest at ease, Victory Saber gracefully passes on the mantle of Supreme Commander to Dai Atlas. Zone is now outfitted with numerous bases, including [[Sky Hyper]], commanded by [[Deadwheeler]], and [[Landshaker]], commanded by [[Gunrunner (Zone)|Gunrunner]]. There are also stations all across Zone, including the [[Gasoline Base]], commanded by [[Glasspit]], the [[Fire station|Fire Base]], commanded by [[Hot House]], the [[Construction station|Build Base]], commanded by [[Ironworks]], and the [[Airport Base]], commanded by [[Overair]].

===Part 5===

:'''Published:''' June, 1990

:'''"Protect the Galaxy, Dai Atlas and Zone Base!"'''

The Micromasters of Zone have had their morale increased dramatically by the inauguration of Dai Atlas as Supreme Commander. Under his leadership, they deploy to battle with a newer, greater resolve. The abilities of both Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber are expanded upon, as is the role of the Micromasters. The Micromasters exist as protectors of nature and beauty. They wish to live hand-in-hand with organic life.

:'''"Dai Atlas' Friendship is his Strategy!"'''

Evil Spirit General BlackZarak wages an assault on [[Earth]]. Landshaker and Sky Hyper rush into battle but are quickly defeated and at the Decepticons' mercy. Fearing for the lives of their friends, Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber take BlackZarak on; their concern for their friends driving them to victory. Dai Atlas' four different modes are then introduced in detail.

===Part 6===

:'''Published:''' July, 1990

:'''"Burst! Two Heroes' Powered Action!"'''

Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber take on Saurian General Trypticon and Super-God General Overlord. Confident, they intend to end the battle within eight seconds. Sonic Bomber defeats Trypticon with his "Meteor Drop" attack: head-butting the Decepticon with the pointy thing on his head. Dai Atlas defeats Overlord, the strongest of the Generals, with his "Galactic Dash": using the treads on his feet, Dai Atlas spins around Overlord until his foe is off-balance, then strikes him with a "Dash Punch".

:'''"The Two Heroes Combine! This is Sky Powered"'''

Thanks to the "unity of their spirit of friendship", Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber can combine to form the mighty [[Sky Powered]]. Able to move at speeds up to Mach 17, they know no fear in battle. Beast General Predaking, an expert in aerial battles, attempts to best Sky Powered but is defeated with ease.

A large advert for the ''Zone'' OVA is also shown.

===Part 7===

:'''Published:''' August, 1990

:'''"Out at Last! All About the OVA"'''

The events of the ''Zone'' OVA are covered extensively, introducing new characters [[Rabbicrater]], [[Cain]], [[Emusa]] and [[Akira Serikawa]]. The mysterious Violen Jiger is revealed in more detail, though his true form remains unknown.

:'''"Dai Atlas' Rival Metrotitan Emerges!"'''

[[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], created beneath the surface of [[Titan (moon)|Titan]] to be Dai Atlas' equal, has finally been unleashed. He has been schooled in the ways of evil by the Nine Great Demon Generals and, accompanied by the [[Metrosquad]], he intends to destroy the Lunar Zone Base commanded by Rabbicrater.

===Part 8===

:'''Published:''' September, 1990

:'''"Metrotitan Attacks Zone City!"'''

Cain, Akira, Emusa, Rabbicrater and Sonic Bomber are stationed on the Lunar Zone Base on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]] when Metrotitan attacks. An SOS is sent to Dai Atlas, who rushes to their aid. Metrotitan destroys Galaxy Shuttle, though Cain, Emusa and Akira escape inside Rabbicrater's vehicle mode. Meanwhile, the Metrosquad keep Sonic Bomber occupied. Finally, when all hope seems lost, Dai Atlas arrives to do battle with his Decepticon rival.

:'''"Face Off: Dai Atlas Vs. Metrotitan"'''

Dai Atlas' abilities and specifications are given even greater detail and his son, [[Speeder]], is introduced. Metrotitan's stats are revealed and although he falls six points short of Dai Atlas', the Metrosquad gives him the boost he needs to defeat the Autobot.

===Part 9===
[[Image:Roadfire1.jpg|right|350px|thumb|]]
:'''Published:''' October, 1990

:'''"New Hero Roadfire Emerges!"'''

Cain, Emusa, Akira and all of the Lunar Zone Base are being frozen solid thanks to Metrotitan's Freeze Beam Gun. The attack even freezes the mighty Sky Powered. Suddenly, from the direction of the [[Sun]], [[Road Fire]] the third Powered Master bursts onto the scene. With a single blow from his "Fire Kick", Road Fire instantly defeats Metrotitan and destroys the Freeze Beam Gun. Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber recover and gleefully welcome Road Fire into their ranks.

:'''"This is Roadfire's Transformation!"'''

Roadfire's personality, transformation and special abilities are detailed.

:'''"The Latest Micro-Transformer Info"'''

The members of the Autobot [[Construction Patrol|Build Patrol Team]] and the [[Air Patrol|Sky Patrol Team]] team are introduced. But the Decepticons are not without their own Micromasters, as the [[Race Track Patrol|Race Track Patrol Team]] are introduced.

===Part 10===
[[Image:ViolenJigerFullbody.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
:'''Published:''' November, 1990

:'''"The Mightiest Decepticon Emperor, Violen Jiger, Emerges!"'''

Violen Jiger has at last emerged from the shadows to attack the Earth. He intends to steal the [[Zodiac]] for his own evil ends. Violen Jiger is a strange creature, given life on the mysterious [[Tenth Planet]]. Dai Atlas combines his Magna Shot with Sonic Bomber's Vulcan Shot and Road Fire's Iron Barger to create the "Triple Powered Attack". This attack fails to defeat Violen Jiger, who steals the Zodiac, his own evil influences transforming it into a horrible perversion of its once beautiful self. Violen Jiger then takes Galaxy Rocket, containing Cain, Emusa, Akira and Moonradar, hostage and escapes into space. The Powered Masters decide to combine into [[Big Powered]] and give chase.

:'''"Triple Combination Big Powered in Pursuit!"'''

Big Powered is a Hell of a space cruiser, able to reach atmospheric speeds of 9999 powered knots (whatever ''those'' are) and space speeds fast enough to orbit the Earth 8.5 times in one second. As a matter of fact, Big Powered moves '''so''' fast, it can create a rainbow in outer space.

That's right. I said it.

Big Powered also sports command chairs for Speeder, [[Sonic]] and [[Drillbuster]]. With Big Powered in pursuit of Violen Jiger, the Micromasters take command of the Zone Base in their Commander's absence, ensuring its safety.

===Part 11===

:'''Published:''' December, 1990

:'''"Supreme Commander Dai Atlas’ Full Power Unveiled!"'''

With the final confrontation between the Autobots and the Decepticons looming on the horizon, Dai Atlas has upgraded himself to be even '''more''' powerful. His Magna Shot, Z Powered Cutter and Tank Mode have all been enhanced, as have his three Powered combinations: Sky Powered, [[Land Powered]] and Big Powered.

:'''"Explode! Final Blade! Double Powered Cutter!"'''

The Powered Masters chase Violen Jiger to the Tenth Planet. There, Violen Jiger splits into his three monstrous insect forms: '''Vion''', '''Lenja''' and '''Igern'''. Sonic Bomber takes on Igern in the air, Road Fire takes on Lenja on the surface and Dai Atlas battles Vion with his Powered Cutters in both arms. They succeed in defeating and destroying all three components of Violen Jiger and regain the Zodiac, yet the battle is still not won…

===Part 12===
[[Image:Zone12FinalPage.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
:'''Published:''' January, 1991

:'''"The Powered Masters’ Final Battle!"'''

Violen Jiger is not through yet! His body destroyed, he reveals his true form: that of a mighty phoenix-like monstrosity formed from numerous disembodied Decepticon [[Spark|spirits]]. The Powered Masters then focus their minds and energies with the Zodiac and transform into Big Powered. The Zodiac enhances their strength by thirty times, allowing them to perform the "Powered Rainbow Attack". Blasting straight through Violen Jiger while emitting a beautiful rainbow behind them, the Decepticon Emperor is vanquished forever. With the monster dead, the once dark and desolate Tenth Planet is reformed…

:'''"Let’s Build a Peaceful New World!"'''

Thanks to the Zodiac’s rainbow, the Tenth Planet has been turned into a lush, beautiful new world, not unlike Earth. Cain and Akira hold hands and run through the flowering meadow together, as they pick flowers with Emusa and put them in their hair (''yikes''). The Autobots then vow to turn the Tenth Planet into a peaceful utopia.

:'''"Battlestars Begins!"'''

No sooner has the Decepticon Emperor been destroyed, ''another'' has risen to take his place: [[Dark Nova]]. The Autobots realize that the only one capable to standing up to this new threat is the original, and very ''dead'', [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. The [[Battlestars]] [[Sky Garry (ROC)|Sky Garry]] and [[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]] are united with a secret mission in mind: Bring back Optimus Prime!

==Other story pages==

Two additional [[story page]]s were released via [[catalog]]s. Having not been released in [[TV Magazine]] with the rest of the ''Zone'' storyline, their canonicity was originally questionable. However, the events of the first catalogue story page were referenced in the [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)#After 2025|Kiss Players timeline]], so it would appear that they are. Or at least the ''first'' one is. But while it's in continuity with the ''cartoons'', it's not in continuity with the story pages and manga, since the ''Victory'' manga had a happy ending with Deathsaurus living, which this catalog contradicts. It's all terribly confusing, but it wouldn't be Japanese continuity if it wasn't.

===Catalogue story page 1===
[[Image:DarkEmperorDeathsaurusZone01.jpg|right|thumb|200px|]]
:'''"Zone Project Story"'''

[[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] has been revived as the "[[Emperor of Destruction|Dark Emperor]]". Leading several underlings (including [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]], [[King Poseidon]] and [[Liokaiser]]), he attacks the Micro Zone on planet [[Micro|Zone]] in an attempt to steal its [[Energon Z]]. The [[Micromaster]]s repel his attack and send the Decepticon forces into retreat.

This story page takes place between ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (franchise)|Victory]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Zone (franchise)|Zone]]''. Exactly what happened to Deathsaurus after this defeat or even ''how'' he and Liokaiser were revived from certain death is unknown. Certain specifics, such as Deathsaurus actually ''being'' resurrected and his wanting the Energon Z specifically from the Micro Zone, are only mentioned in the ''Kiss Players'' timeline. In the original story, he's just alive and attacking the Micro Zone for the Hell of it.

===Catalogue story page 2===

:'''"Zone Story: Birth of the Powered Masters!!"'''

The Nine Demon Generals unite for a full assault on Zone, intending to steal the [[Zodiac]]. Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber arrive and defeat all nine Generals, though they escape into space. Victory Saber then congratulates Dai Atlas, passing the role of Supreme Commander on to him.

Exactly how ''this'' catalogue story page can work into the timeline is uncertain, as it presents a completely alternate explanation for how Victory Saber named Dai Atlas as his successor. It seems far too contradictory to work with the rest of the ''Zone'' story pages.

==External links==
* [http://www.allspark.com/content/blogcategory/14/46/ Complete English-translated Zone story pages at TF Pulp]
* [http://tfarchive.com/comics/gallery.php?g2_itemId=14674 Zone catalogue story pages at TFArchive]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zone (story page)}}
[[Category:Story pages]]
[[Category:Zone media]]

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Flipchanger

2012-02-07T12:53:42Z

Yan King:

A '''flipchanger''' is a kind of [[Autotransform|autotransforming]] toy with a spring-loaded [[transformation]]. The toy's major moving parts are linked together by gears, levers, or other mechanisms, and held into place by a simple latch, which keeps the figure in its [[alternate mode]]. When the latch is released, the internal springs pull the mechanisms into their robot-mode positions. Usually the limbs or other parts must then be adjusted and posed manually for display. [[Tow-Line (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Tow-Line]] is a complete flipchanger of this type.

Some toys referred to as flipchangers use this mechanism, but do not transform completely. [[Override (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Override]], for instance, has a flipchanger-type transformation which must be completed manually, even before posing the limbs.

==Notes on usage==
Officially, the term "Flipchanger" has been applied to those [[Basic]]-sized vehicles in the ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' series which were recolored from the short-lived ''[[Machine Wars]]'' line. In fact, the group name was printed on the spoiler of Takara's [[Skid-Z (RID)|Indy Heat]] figure (though it was omitted from [[Hasbro]]'s [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]] version). The term did not seem to be in use by fans until around this time, with its first recorded use on [[alt.toys.transformers]] coming in July 2000.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/a6cd9c8848144269?dmode=source TOY REVIEW : MACHINE WARS : EVIL DECEPTICON - MEGAPLEX at Alt.toys.transformers]</ref>

Fan usage is broader, extending the set of Flipchangers to include the Machine Wars versions of these recolors, as well as the early [[Beast Wars (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' figures]] such as [[Armordillo]] whose transformations are exceedingly similar in concept. It is uncertain whether the fan use or the official use of the term was earlier.

Broadened as it is, however, this usage does not usually cover the [[Deployer (BM)|Deployers]], robotic animals which autotransform, when triggered, into weapons. This unaccountable bigotry may stem from their reversal of the usual flipchanger design; the Deployers' autotransform converts them to their weapon modes, which are less easily personified than their beast modes. This blatant discrimination is all the more amusing when considered against promotional materials for these figures, which extolled their ability to "flip-change" [http://groups.google.com/group/rec.toys.transformers.moderated/msg/1feebf2c18646dd8?dmode=source]. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] is no doubt picketing the offices of fandom at this very moment. She shall probably not overcome.

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==References==
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Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)

Flipchanger