User:Locoman/Sandbox:Factions

Major cross-franchise factions

Autobot	It seems likely that in the real world, the Autobot symbol was derived from a stylized drawing of Prowl's toy's head. In the Marvel Comics continuity, it was known as the "Autobrand" (a name that carries over into the IDW continuity) and was seemingly based on the face of the Last Autobot. In the original animated series, it was a mark of the Quintesson slave brand.
Decepticon	It seems likely that in the real world, the Decepticon symbol was derived from a stylized drawing of Soundwave's toy's head. It has no given origin in the G1 cartoon, but it presumably has similar roots to the Autobot symbol. In the IDW continuity, the symbol was inspired by a pattern left in a pane of glass which Megatron smashed with a datapad in a fit of frustration, while in the process of starting the Decepticon movement. Chaos Theory #1 Note that the downward-facing point on the base of the central crest was unusual in the 1980s, where the original toy crest (see below) had ended in a blunt base, which the cartoon also generally used, though with a third point at the top. IDW have generally (though not universally) revived that version in the comics and reference books published by them, as seen on the RI-B cover of their Death of Optimus Prime one-shot.
Maximal	text
Predacon	Text

Generation 1 continuity family

Generation 1 cartoon continuity

The Transformers cartoon

Autobot

The model sheet of the Autobot symbol created for the G1 cartoon.

Decepticon

The model sheet of the Decepticon symbol created for the G1 cartoon interpreted the bevelled detail in the center of the crest at the top as a third spike, and it appeared in the show rendered in this manner almost universally.

Junkion

Though not used in the cartoon itself, Transformers: The Complete Ark would use this symbol to denote the Junkions.

Earth Defense Command

The symbol used by the Earth Defense Command.

Ancient Robot

This symbol appeared on the forehead of an Ancient Robot, who spoke to Rodimus Prime within the Matrix. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4. In the 2005 IDW continuity, the symbol was repurposed as an archaic rune that translated to "Prime." Informed

Cybertron Guard

The Decepticons under the control of Shockwave and charged with the security of Cybertron are known as the Cybertron Guard. Divide and Conquer

2005 IDW continuity

The Guiding Hand

Primus

The insignia of Primus, warrior-god of Cybertronian legend.

Solomus

The insignia of Solomus, god of law.

Mortilus

The insignia of Mortilus, god of death.

Epistimus

The insignia of Epistemus, god of wisdom.

Adaptus

The insignia of Adaptus, god of change and transformation.