Editing Targetmaster (technology)

{{disambig3|Targetmaster}}
[[File:Desertislandofspace-targetmaster-rollcall.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Cambot! GPC! Tom Servo! Croooooow!]]
The '''Targetmasters''' are a subset of Transformers [[Binary bonding|binary-bonded]] to smaller partners, who transform into their weapons. The partner is often an organic life form that has been bio-engineered to be partly mechanical, or wears a suit of armor that transforms around them to become the weapon.

The Targetmasters benefit from being able to take two minds into battle. A Targetmaster possesses a living weapon that is capable of making its own tactical decisions and target priorities. The advantage is similar to that of having a dedicated gunner aboard an aircraft or tank.

The Targetmaster process is often seen to follow shortly after development of the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] process. The earliest known Targetmasters were among the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s involved in the war on [[Nebulos]], and were paired with a bio-engineered [[Nebulan]] humanoid which wore a transforming exosuit. Later Targetmasters included virtually any Transformer specifically partnered with another being that becomes their weapon, not limited to Nebulans or organics. The term has been applied to the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]] team<ref>[[Hasbro]]'s 1988 toy [[catalog]]</ref> and several [[Action Master]] pairings.<ref>''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''</ref>

Some Transformers, known as '''Double-Targetmasters''', are bonded with two smaller partners who can form individual weapons or combine with one another to form a 'double weapon', with the power of whichever weapon forms the 'barrel' boosted by the other.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:BrothersinArmor-Targetmasters.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Mouseketeer Roll Call! Cubby! Bobby! Gregor! Jimmy! Darlene! Annette!]]

The first Targetmasters were a group of six Autobots under the command of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Having traveled to the planet Nebulos in search of peace, this group surrendered their weapons to the natives to prove their peaceful intentions. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}}

''Nebulon minds were duplicated and installed into transformable Nebulon-sized robots, creating the Targetmasters.'' {{storylink|The Final Conflict}}

{{note|This depiction of Targetmasters as robots with duplicated Nebulon minds and not actual Nebulons is unique to this story.}}

Some time later, [[Zarak (G1)|Lord Zarak]] and his Decepticon Headmaster partner [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] had discredited the Autobots, turned public opinion against them, and driven them into retreat. A group of six Nebulan dissidents undertook a great risk to join the Autobots, allowing themselves to be bio-engineered into replacement weapons for the six unarmed Autobots. Fugitives from the government, the Autobot Targetmasters adopted the code names [[Haywire (Targetmaster)|Haywire]], [[Peacemaker]], [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]], [[Recoil (G1)|Recoil]], [[Firebolt (G1)|Sparks]], and [[Spoilsport]].

The Autobot Targetmasters' first trial by combat came at the [[Nursery (Nebulos)|Nursery]], a horticultural research facility that was under threat by Zarak's Decepticons. The newly minted Targetmasters engaged Scorponok and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] in a battle for the Nursery, but retreated as the facility was being destroyed by the battle, regardless of who was winning.

[[Vorath]] was soon able to duplicate the Autobots' experiment, creating a group of five Decepticon Targetmasters: [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]], [[Caliburst (G1)|Caliburst]], [[Fracas]], [[Aimless]], and [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]], though they weren't quite a match for the Autobot Headmasters. All of the Targetmasters left Nebulos soon after, as the Autobots retreated to spare Nebulos further warfare, and the Decepticons pursued. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

[[File:Nightstickwreckinghavoc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]

''At some point before leaving Nebulos, the Decepticons captured [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]], and [[Pointblank]] and took them back to their [[Fortress of Despair]], apparently because they couldn't perfect the Targetmaster process. After a brief skirmish with the Autobot Headmasters, they retreated and let the Autobots follow them...directly into a trap! It was not creating Targetmasters that Scorponok was struggling with, but Headmasters. Although [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] was able to release the Autobot Targetmasters, and with their partners [[Peacemaker]], [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]], and [[Spoilsport]] they pretty much won the battle, Scorponok was able to escape with a captive [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] to study.'' {{storylink|Worlds Apart!}}

[[File:Nightstickcrushed.jpg|thumb|left|100px]]

After arriving on [[Earth]], the Autobot Targetmasters subsequently went on a mission to rescue the human [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] from the Decepticons. They were repulsed from the Decepticons' [[Club Con|island base]] by a phalanx of hidden weapons. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}}

''Having left Scorponok's forces, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] attempted to force their former leader [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to hand over his [[time-jump trigger device]], backed up by their Targetmaster partners. When the meeting was interrupted by the [[Wreckers]] and battle ensued, Springer attempted to relieve Cyclonus of [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] but was taken aback when the gun transformed and ran away from him.'' {{storylink|Wrecking Havoc}}

''Nightstick would not prove to be nearly so fortunate when Cyclonus and Scourge attempted to forge an alliance with the current [[Decepticon leader]] [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]]. When negotiations went badly, Shockwave sent a [[Straxus (G1)|clone]] of [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] to kill Cyclonus and crush his gun.'' {{storylink|Dry Run!}}

''[[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]], along with [[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]] and [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]], led an attack on an Autobot [[Ark shuttlecraft|shuttle]] to retrieve Scorponok's head from Highbrow, but once he had been reassembled they were spirited away to [[Limbo]] to make way for [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] from the future. Meanwhile, Scourge and [[Fracas]] were fighting alongside Galvatron and the Megatron clone against the Wreckers and [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhems]]. Ultimately the present-day Targetmasters reappeared when Soundwave returned his troops to their own time, but Cyclonus and Scourge vanished into the [[time rift]].'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

Additional Targetmasters may or may not have been created as the war went on. [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] and [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] were both seen using weapons resembling their Targetmaster partners, but their individual circumstances do not seem to easily allow for them to have been on Nebulos to acquire Targetmaster partners. {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}} 

Recoil was among the weapons surrendered by the Autobots to the Decepticons as part of preparation for an alliance against [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]. {{storylink|Surrender!}}
{{--}}

====Marvel UK future timelines====
[[File:Targetmaster-nomore.jpg|thumb|Hot Rod is no longer a Targetmaster as he mourns Firebolt's death.]]
In the year [[2007]], Autobot leader [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Hot Rod]] reminisced about the war; on Nebulos where he first teamed up with his Targetmaster partner [[Firebolt (G1)|Firebolt]] and later, on Earth, when Firebolt died under unspecified circumstances. {{storylink|Headhunt}}

====Earthforce====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] noted the double-paired Targetmasters known as Double-Targetmasters among his list of complaints about how complicated things had gotten in his absence. {{storylink|Starting Over!}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[File:Targetmasters.jpg|left|thumb|Here's me, and here's my gun!]]
The creation of Targetmasters and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], in this continuity, started with an initial idea of Brainstorm's that Autobots should use [[human]] partners while driving to help with steering and speed, this idea was confirmed when a race between [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] was won not by Blurr's speed, but by [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]]'s help in driving Hot Rod. [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], however, was very sceptical about this idea.

After a large scale Decepticon attack, several Autobots, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], and Daniel crash-landed on [[Nebulos]]; where the Autobots were taken captive by the inhabitants. After a Decepticon attack in which Daniel Witwicky was injured and put on life support, several Autobots were kidnapped by Decepticons.

The Nebulan warriors explained their situation with the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]] to the Autobots, and why they didn't trust them at first, and came to an agreement. Using Brainstorm's idea, they would use their and Daniel's minds with the Autobots' bodies to be powerful enough to defeat the Hive and save the others. Thus were born the Headmasters. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

Once the Headmasters got to know their partners, they set off to rescue the five captured captured Autobots. After some torture, Hot Rod, [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]], Blurr, [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]], and [[Pointblank]] were all saved by the Headmasters.

After witnessing the power of secondary operators, the Decepticons and other Autobots saw the logic in having some of their own.

The defeated Decepticons were captured by the hive and taken to their underground base of operations. [[Zarak (G1)|Lord Zarak]], the leader of the hive gave the Decepticons an opportunity to become powerful like the Autobot Headmasters at the literal cost of their heads. [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] agreed to let the Nebulans make Headmasters only out of the Decepticons there with beast modes, they however would only let the organic beings into their weapons. So [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], [[Apeface]], [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]], [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]], and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] were turned into Headmasters, [[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]], [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]], [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]], Scourge, and Cyclonus had their weapons modified so that hive members could fit into and transform into them.

[[File:Cyclonus tm.jpg|thumb|*ptew ptew*]]
[[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], meanwhile had found a city and told the news to the other Autobots, damaging himself in the process. The Nebulans fixed him and believed the city he talked about to be the hive's old base from before they moved underground. The Decepticons, now with their Nebulan partners, attacked the Autobots again. Brainstorm was mad that the Decepticons stole his idea, the Head and Targetmasters and the Decepticons overwhelmed the Autobots and stole the key to the plasma energy chamber from them before the hive convinced the Decepticons to go back to Zarak to await orders.

Brainstorm, to even the odds, showed his fellow Autobots scans of [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]], showing how the Decepticons modified their guns and used the Nebulan tech to modify the non-Headmaster Autobot's guns and have Nebulan partners inside them. Hot Rod, Kup, Blurr, Crosshairs, Pointblank, and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]'s guns were modified and became the Autobot Targetmasters.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] then showed up on Nebulos and was introduced to the Autobot's Headmaster and Targetmaster partners. He was also informed that the Decepticons also had access to the same technology and the key to the plasma energy chamber. The Autobots went to the Decepticons to fight but they and their Nebulan partners had nearly completed their project. The Decepticons engaged the Autobots in combat but were surprised to see that the Autobots now had Targetmaster partners too.

The Autobots, however, were much more surprised to see that Zarak had created something big using the same Headmaster technology both factions had: [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}} {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
[[File:Tf headmaster 29 pointblank target on.jpg|thumb|left|FIRE IN THE HOLE!]]
Targetmaster partners hailed from the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], but unlike the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], they were partnered with a regular Transformer as opposed to a [[Transtector]]. This fusion came about in a blast which bonded a group of refugees from Master to the a group of Autobot soldiers, as well as a group of Decepticon marauders, who were terrorizing the refugees in the first place. Targetmasters took the place of their larger partner's entire hand instead of being held by it.

The Targetmasters spoke in a series of electronic beeps that only their bonded partner could understand, instead of speaking normally like their Headmaster brethren.

{{stub|[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'']] from [[Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)|Ep 37]] onwards, [[Transformers Legends (comic)|''Legends'']] "Targetmaster Chapter" (issues [[Targetmaster Chapter Prologue|45]] through [[Targetmaster Chapter Finale: Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part Two|53]]) more probably.}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
{{stub|[[The Headmasters issue 7|''The Headmasters'' issue 7]], [[Transformers: The Headmasters (story page)|''Headmasters'' story pages]].}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{wingsnote}}
[[Tornado]] was a Targetmaster, usually wielded by his [[Squadron X]] leader [[Macabre]] and later [[Ferak]]. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Torando - Decepticon Saboteur, 2014/06/10}}

Following the [[Great Transformation]], [[Flareup (G1)|Flareup]] found herself stationed at [[New Polyhex]], where she became a star pupil while training under the ancient and enigmatic Target Masters before being recruited into the [[Cybertronian Knight]]s. {{storylink|Flareup (G1)#BotCon2014|BotCon 2014 Knight Flareup profile card}}

===3H comics===
[[Chro]] was a Targetmaster. {{Storylink|Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek BotCon bio}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
The Targetmaster process was developed eons ago on Cybertron, as a process to forge a warrior and his weapon into a cohesive fighting team. The two are linked on a mental and physical level, allowing them to draw energy from each other and multitask with extreme efficiency. Targetmaster weapons cannot be wielded by another being without their consent unless they are somehow incapacitated in their weapon configuration. Severe injury or death of one partner can have a profound physical and emotional impact on the other.

The Targetmaster process was further expanded upon on the planet Nebulon. This would allow organic humanoids, not just mechanoids, to function as weapons when adorned with removable armor. The strength and endurance of these modified beings were greatly enhanced, though their appearance does not change.  {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

[[Action Master]] partners that transformed into firearms were Targetmasters. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye}}

Those Targetmasters included:
{{collist|3|
*[[Catgut]]
*[[Gatoraider]]
*[[Glitch (G1)|Glitch]]
*[[Lionizer (G1)|Lionizer]]
*[[Push-Button]]
*[[Razor-Sharp]]
*[[Sights (G1)|Sights]]
*[[Top-Heavy]]
}}

===2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity===
[[Stampy (BW)|Stampy]] and [[Break]] were Targetmasters due to their handheld weapon modes. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}

===Fun Publications ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
[[File:Crosshairs SG.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb]]
In this reverse universe, the Targetmasters take a much more active role in battle: they can take all motor control over the limb of whoever is holding them. The small partners are [[Micromaster]]s with three modes: robot, vehicle, and weapon.

[[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] devised a plan to keep the Decepticons stranded on Cybertron while the Autobots fled to Earth. To execute this plan, he, [[Scoop (SG)|Scoop]], and [[Crosshairs (SG)|Crosshairs]] took Targetmaster partners. [[Nightstick (SG)|Nightstick]] was easily able to take down Megatron, but the Decepticon Micromasters were able to thwart the entire group of Targetmasters, allowing Megatron to free himself. {{storylink|Do Over}}

The Targetmasters in this universe included:
{{collist|2|
*[[Holepunch (SG)|Holepunch]]
*[[Krunix (SG)|Krunix]]
*[[Nightstick (SG)|Nightstick]]
*[[Pinpointer (SG)|Pinpointer]]
}}

===''TransTech''===
After a bad experience with "colonists" from the [[Aurex]] Cluster, Nebulos made their atmosphere poisonous to Cybertronian life. In order to safely go undercover on this world, [[Vector Prime]] was binary bonded with [[Safeguard (TransTech)|Safeguard]], a friendly native. In addition to processing Vector Prime's fuel, he could also become a handheld weapon, making him a Target/Powermaster. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/11/01}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Targetmaster technology was first created in the 21st century, by the Nebulans [[Teslor]] and [[Arcana]], as an enhancement to the already-existing Headmaster technology. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}} The process involved the subjects mingling their sparks, granting both a dramatic boost in power, such as being able to shoot down ships from orbit. {{storylink|Trigger Warnings}} The technology gave the Autobots a temporary advantage in the war for Nebulos, until [[Fracas]] and [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] defected to the Decepticons, taking the Targetmaster process with them.

When the war spread to the planet [[Master (planet)|Rebirth]], the [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]] scientist [[Nucleon (TR)|Nucleon]] adapted the process to work with Cyberdroid physiology. Along with the Powermaster and Headmaster technology, it was used to create the [[Triple-Threat Master]] technology as well. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

Towards the end of the war, the mad Decepticon [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] found out the Targetmasters' ability to draw power from their wielder's Sparks could be amplified, and took the ability to its conclusion: being able to draw the life out of a Cybertronian just being near them. Terrified by this discovery, the Autobots and Decepticons arranged for the Targetmasters, organic and Cybertronian alike, to be granted exile when the war ended. However, this was a ruse, and both sides arranged for the mass murder of all Targetmasters to prevent their powers being used ever again. The systematic eradication was later dubbed the "[[Targetmaster Extirpation]]". However, a few Targetmasters did survive, and went into hiding on a Cybertron now utterly hostile to their kind.

In the 24th century, one of the last Targetmasters, [[Twirl (G1)|Twirl]], was killed by [[Overrun]] when she considered outing herself. This sequence of events led to Overrun himself dying to prevent anyone else getting their hands on him. {{storylink|Trigger Warnings}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Targetmaster technology was first invented by the Decepticons during the war for Nebulos. These powerful binary-bonded weapons possessed the ability to draw extra power directly from the [[spark]]s of their wielders and dramatically increase their firepower. They would go on to become the most common form of Bonded Master, and the technology has found applications among all kinds of Transformers, including larger [[combiner]]s. {{storylink|The Enigma of Combination}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
*'''Targetmasters''' ([[1987]])
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''Autobot Targetmasters'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] with [[Haywire (Targetmaster)|Haywire]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] with [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] with [[Firebolt (G1)|Firebolt]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|<br>
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] with [[Recoil (G1)|Recoil]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pointblank]] with [[Peacemaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] with [[Spoilsport]]}}
|
|[[File:G1-toy Crosshairs.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Crosshairs]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The Autobot Targetmasters were sold boxed with their Targetmaster partners, and consisted of three all-new molds alongside slightly retooled versions of Hot Rod, Kup, and Blurr from the previous year's assortment. The three older molds featured enlarged fist holes, allowing them to hold their new weapons. Both old and new molds transform into futuristic/Cybertronian ground vehicles. All six can mount their Targetmaster weapon on their roof or hood while in vehicle mode.
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''Decepticon Targetmasters'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] with [[Aimless]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] with [[Fracas]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|<br>
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] with [[Caliburst (G1)|Caliburst]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]] with [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]]}}
|
|[[File:G1-toy Misfire.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Misfire]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
Similar to their Autobot counterparts, the Decepticon Targetmasters feature three new jet molds alongside retooled versions of Cyclonus and Scourge with enlarged fist holes. All five transform into futuristic/Cybertronian aircraft. Their weapons can be mounted on top of them in jet form. The three newer molds were also sold in 1988.
|}

{{anchor|JapaneseTargetmasters}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''Japanese-original Targetmasters'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Stepper ([[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]]) with [[Nebulon (Headmasters)|Nebulon]] (Nightstick)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Artfire]] with [[Nightstick (Headmasters)|Nightstick]]}}
|
|[[File:G1-toy Stepper.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|thumb|Stepper]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
Artfire and Ricochet are [[redeco]]s and [[retool]]ings of the original toys for [[Inferno (G1)#Toys|Inferno]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]], respectively. They each come with the Targetmaster partner molds that were used as Fracas and Nightstick in the US.
|}

*'''Targetmasters''' ([[1988]])
{{anchor|doubletargetmasters}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''Autobot Targetmasters'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] with [[Flintlock]] and [[Silencer (G1)|Silencer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] with [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (G1)|Ricochet]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] with [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Targetmaster)|Tracer]]}}
|
|[[File:G1-toy Landfill.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Landfill, now with Nebulan-on-Nebulan action!]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
Often referred to as the "small Targetmasters" to distinguish them from the larger 1987 releases, these toys were sold carded. Each toy includes two smaller Targetmaster partners, each of which can form a gun or combine as a larger gun. The two guns can also mount on the robot's vehicle form. The three Autobots share a construction vehicle theme. These toys were never released in Japan.
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''Decepticon Targetmasters'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] with [[Sunbeam (G1)|Sunbeam]] and [[Zigzag]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quake (G1)|Quake]] with [[Tiptop]] and [[Heater]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] with [[Hairsplitter]] and [[Singe]]}}
|
|[[File:G1-toy Quake.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Quake]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The Decepticon "small Targetmasters" were sold carded with two Targetmaster partners each. Like the 1988 Autobots, these partners can form independent or combined weapons, and mount on their partner Transformers' vehicle forms or be wielded by them in robot mode. The three Transformers all turn into military vehicles. These toys were never released in Japan.
|}

{{anchor|seacons}}	
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''Seacons'''</u>	
<ul class="iconlist">	
{{Bp-d1|[[Nautilator]]}}	
{{Bp-d1|[[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]]}}	
{{Bp-d1|[[Seawing (G1)|Seawing]]}}	
{{Bp-d1|[[Skalor]]}}	
{{Bp-d1|[[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]}}	
|	
|[[File:Nautilatorg1toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Nautilator]]	
|-	
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|	
The Seacons, marketed as "Targetmaster Seacons",<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__goRbwv7KY&list=PLo0_Is3Ewg7pHFLB7t5-pK-9Q2kwmJD9Q&index=60&ab_channel=walruslaw ''The Transformers'' Seacon commercial on YouTube.]</ref> are a [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and 2010)|Scramble City]]-style combiner team, with [[Snaptrap (G1)|a large leader toy]] who forms the torso of a larger robot, with four smaller toys plugging in to form the limbs. The team was given an additional fifth small toy, however. All five small toys have a "weapon" mode—essentially their creature mode with a gun barrel attached—allowing any of them to be used by the combined robot as a Targetmaster weapon. Each small toy could also form a free-standing gun by attaching to a small stand included with the toy.
|}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Challenge At Cybertron" three-pack ([[Galvatron (G1)/toys#ChallengeAtCybertron|Galvatron]], [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#ChallengeAtCybertron|Cyclonus]] w/ [[Nightstick (G1)#ChallengeAtCybertron|Nightstick]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#ChallengeAtCybertron|Rodimus]])}}
|
|[[File:UniverseCyclonusCorrected.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|Cyclonus]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
A re-imagining of their original designs, giving Nightstick unprecedented (for the time) articulation for a Targetmaster. In various of Hasbro's Asian markets, a three-pack named "Challenge at Cybertron" was also released that features redecos of ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Rodimus]] as well as ''Universe'' [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Galvatron]] and Cyclonus, with the latter again coming with a redecoed Nightstick.
|}

===''Gentei! Gentei!''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] with [[Rocketbot]]}}
|
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
[[Redeco]] of the ''Universe'' Cyclonus and Nightstick mold.
|}

===''United''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ricochet (Headmasters)#United 2|Stepper]] (w/ [[Nebulon (Headmasters)#United 2|Nebulon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Artfire#United 2|Artfire]] (w/ [[Nightstick (Headmasters)#United|Nightstick]] and [[Sparks#Toys|Sparks]])}}
|[[File:Unitedtoy-Artfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Artfire]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''Targetmaster Microns'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Fracas#United 2|Fracas]] (2010)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Haywire (Targetmaster)#United|Haywire]] (2010)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Recoil (G1)#United|Recoil]] (2011)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Spoilsport#United|Spoilsport]] (2011)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Caliburst (G1)#United|Caliburst]] (2011)}}
|
[[File:United-toy Recoil.jpg|Recoil|thumb|upright=1.66]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Mini-Con]] molds were released as "Targetmaster Microns" as [[campaign item]]s in the Japanese toyline ''[[Transformers United]]''.<ref>[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/event/micron_01.html ''Transformers United'' official site]</ref> Stepper and Artfire came with a redeco of ''Universe'' Nightstick as their respective partners, but Artfire also came with "Sparks", effectively another Nightstick but in the style of the other ''Power Core Combiners'' redecoes inspired by the ''United'' manga.
|}

===''Transformers'' (campaign item)===
{{main|Arms Micron}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''Arms Microns'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Aimless#Transformers (campaign item)|Aimless]] (2011)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Peacemaker#Transformers (campaign item)|Autobot Peaceman]] (2011)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blowpipe (G1)#Transformers (campaign item)|Blowpipe]] (2011)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Firebolt (G1)#Transformers (campaign item)|Autobot Firebolt Clear Yellow Ver.]] (2012)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Firebolt (G1)#Preorder|Autobot Firebolt]] (2012)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Vector Oracle#Transformers (campaign item)|Vector Oracle]] (2012)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pinpointer (G1)#Transformers (campaign item)|Autobot Pinpointer]] (2012)}}
|
[[File:Prime-toy Aimless.jpg|Aimless|thumb|upright=1.66]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The Takara redecoes of the ''Power Core Combiner'' Mini-Con molds continued in exactly the same vein, just dropping the ''United'' branding, rounding out the full set of the original Targetmaster partner characters. Though technically sold as [[Arms Micron]]s, the relevant releases are listed here for convenience.
|}

===''Transformers'' (2010)===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|"Battle in Space"<br>(G1 [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Rodimus]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Nightstick]])}}
{{Bp-a1|Masterpiece [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Rodimus Prime]] (with [[Firebolt (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Offshoot]])}}
|
|[[File:Masterpiecetoy-Offshoot.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Offshoot]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The North American release of Masterpiece [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Rodimus Prime]] came with a "Limited Edition" Targetmaster partner named [[Firebolt (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Offshoot]]. Additionally, a two-pack named "Battle in Space" was released that features redecos of ''Universe'' Rodimus and Cyclonus very similar to the Asian-exclusive "Challenge at Cybertron" three-pack, with Cyclonus once again including a redecoed version of Nightstick.
|}

===''Masterpiece''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Artfire#Masterpiece|Artfire]] (w/ [[Nightstick (Headmasters)#Masterpiece|Nightstick]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#MP-40|Targetmaster Hot Rodimus]] (w/ [[Firebolt (G1)#Masterpiece|Firebolt]])}}
|[[File:Masterpiece MP-37 Artfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|thumb|Artfire]]
</ul>
|}
Following the creation of a new-mold Nightstick to accompany Artfire, the "Offshoot" mold released exclusively with Hasbro's release of Rodimus Prime was redecoed to accompany a version of the later ''Masterpiece'' Hot Rod toy.

===''Generations''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Scoop (G1)#Generations|Autobot Scoop]] (w/ [[Holepunch (G1)#Generations|Holepunch]] & [[Tracer (Targetmaster)#Generations|Caliburst]])}}
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|[[File:Scoop-deluxe-generations.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Scoop]]
</ul>
|}

===''Combiner Wars''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Spinister (G1)#Combiner Wars|TFSS Spinister]] (w/ [[Hairsplitter#Combiner Wars|Shrute]] & [[Singe#Combiner Wars|Singe]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Needlenose (G1)#Generations|TFSS Needlenose]] (w/ [[Sunbeam (G1)#Combiner Wars|Sunbeam]] & [[Zigzag#Combiner Wars|Zputty]])}}
</ul>
|}
Redecos of ''Generations'' Scoop's Targetmaster partners. Shrute and Zputty are redecos of Holepunch while Singe and Sunbeam are redecos of Caliburst.
{{--}}

===''Adventure''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadblock (RID)|Roadblock]] (w/ [[Targetmaster (RID)|Targetmaster]])}}
</ul>
|}
A redeco of ''Generations'' Scoop that comes with a redeco of Caliburst (but not Holepunch), literally named "Targetmaster".
{{--}}

===''Legends''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Legends|Targetmaster Hot Rodimus]] (w/ [[Firebolt (G1)#Legends|Firebolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Legends|Targetmaster Cher]] (w/ [[Recoil (G1)#Legends|Recoil]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Triggerhappy (G1)#Legends|Targetmaster Triggerhappy]] (w/ [[Blowpipe (G1)#Legends|Blowpipe]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Doublecross#Legends|Targetmaster Doublecross]] (w/ [[Haywire (Targetmaster)#Legends|Haywire]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Misfire (G1)#Legends|Targetmaster Misfire]] (w/ [[Aimless#Legends|Aimless]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugslinger (G1)#Legends|Targetmaster Slugslinger]] (w/ [[Caliburst (G1)#Legends|Caliburst]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windblade (G1)#LG62|Targetmaster Windblade]] (w/ [[Pinpointer (G1)#Legends|Pointech]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Topspin (G1)#Legends|Targetmaster Topspin]] (w/ [[Peacemaker#Legends|Peaceman]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Twin Twist (G1)#Legends|Targetmaster Twin Twist]] (w/ [[Spoilsport#Legends|Spoil]])}}
|[[File:TF-LG-45-Targetmaster-Rodimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hot Rodimus]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
</ul>
Nine figures came with newly molded Targetmaster accessories exclusive for the toyline, updating all of the first wave of Targetmaster characters except Fracas and Nightstick.
|}
{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
[[File:WFCS-Battle-Master-Blowpipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Blowpipe]]
{{main|Battle Master}}
:The small Battle Master 'bots introduced within the ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' toyline are a clear progression of the Targetmaster gimmick; consisting of either modernisations of classic Targetmasters or original figures converting into melee weapons or shields. Unfortunately, only two base molds were used to create the majority of Targetmaster updates ([[Firebolt (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Firedrive]] and [[Blowpipe (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Blowpipe]]/[[Aimless#War for Cybertron: Siege|Aimless]], based specifically on their above ''Legends'' figures), making most of the gun-themed Battle Masters rather homogenous-looking.
{{--}}

===''Legacy''===
''Legacy'' Targetmasters more faithfully replicate their original Generation 1 designs than the previous Battle Masters, but also the Generation 1 toys' lack of articulation, owed to sharing the Deluxe price point with their larger partners.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Pointblank#Legacy|Autobot Pointblank]] (w/ [[Peacemaker#Legacy|Peacemaker]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Needlenose (G1)#Legacy|Needlenose]] (w/ [[Sunbeam (G1)#Legacy|Sunbeam]] & [[Zigzag#Legacy|Zigzag]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Windsweeper #Legacy|Windsweeper]] (w/ [[Ozone]] & [[Cleansweep]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quake (G1)#Legacy|Quake]] (w/ [[Tiptop#Legacy|Tiptop]] & [[Heater#Legacy|Heater]])}}
|[[File:TF-Legacy-Deluxe-Blanker.jpeg|upright=1.66|thumb|Pointblank]]
</ul>
|}
{{--}}
===''Age of the Primes''===
[[Transformers: Age_of_the_Primes | Age of the Primes]] [[Spinister_(G1)#Age_of_the_Primes|Spinister]] comes with his Targetmasters, [[Hairsplitter#Age_of_the_Primes|Hairsplitter]] and [[Singe#Age_of_the_Primes|Singe]], which are both repainted from Legacy Needlenose's targetmasters. (See above)
:<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-wrmas|'''Spinister vs. Topspin''' (Multi-pack, ([[2025]])}}</ul>

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Targetmaster''' (ターゲットマスター ''Tāgettomasutā'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Célmester''' ("Targetmaster")
*''Russian:'' '''Vlastooruzhets''' (Властооружец, "Powergunner")

==References==
{{reflist}}

==See also==
*[[Arms Micron]]
*[[Battle Master]]

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising subgroups]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising technology]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Generation 1 technology]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:The Headmasters subgroups]]
[[Category:The Headmasters technology]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass subgroups]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass technology]]
[[Category:Targetmasters| ]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game technology]]
[[Category:Wings Universe subgroups]]
[[Category:Wings Universe technology]]