Unicron Trilogy continuity family - Revision history

Saix at 22:46, 2 February 2026

2026-02-02T22:46:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:46, 2 February 2026
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	Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.		Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.

	Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as~~. Sadly, ''Cybertron'' also marked the last time a Japanese-produced ''Transformers'' cartoon received English localisation~~.		Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.

	[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.		[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.

Doomdorm64: /* Cartoons */

2025-12-30T15:16:57Z

Cartoons

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 30 December 2025
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	Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.		Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.

	Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.		Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as. Sadly, ''Cybertron'' also marked the last time a Japanese-produced ''Transformers'' cartoon received English localisation.

	[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.		[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.

	~~Sadly, ''Cybertron'' marked the last time a Japanese-produced ''Transformers'' cartoon received English localisation.~~

	===Panini ''Armada'' comic===		===Panini ''Armada'' comic===

Doomdorm64: /* Cartoons */

2025-12-30T15:16:32Z

Cartoons

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 30 December 2025
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	[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.		[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.

			Sadly, ''Cybertron'' marked the last time a Japanese-produced ''Transformers'' cartoon received English localisation.

	===Panini ''Armada'' comic===		===Panini ''Armada'' comic===

MahXyme: /* Cartoons */

2024-09-23T09:32:58Z

Cartoons

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:32, 23 September 2024
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	Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.		Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.

	[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge"\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.		[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.

	===Panini ''Armada'' comic===		===Panini ''Armada'' comic===

Teletraan-X: Teletraan-X Text Replacement Transformers (PS2) => Transformers (Armada PS2)

2023-12-29T06:39:24Z

Teletraan-X Text Replacement Transformers (PS2) => Transformers (Armada PS2)

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:39, 29 December 2023
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	* "[[The Balance of Power]]" (2004)		* "[[The Balance of Power]]" (2004)
	* ''[[Transformers (PS2)\|Transformers]]'' (2004)		* ''[[Transformers (Armada PS2)\|Transformers]]'' (2004)

	In this continuity, the Decepticons have conquered Cybertron entirely using a massive [[cloning\|clone]] army, leaving only [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus Prime]], [[Red Alert (Armada)\|Red Alert]], and [[Hot Shot (Armada)\|Hot Shot]] to travel to Earth to search for hidden Mini-Cons.		In this continuity, the Decepticons have conquered Cybertron entirely using a massive [[cloning\|clone]] army, leaving only [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus Prime]], [[Red Alert (Armada)\|Red Alert]], and [[Hot Shot (Armada)\|Hot Shot]] to travel to Earth to search for hidden Mini-Cons.

Saix: /* Toy bios */clean up, replaced: "Ask Vector Prime" → Ask Vector Prime

2023-04-25T02:07:29Z

Toy bios: clean up, replaced: "Ask Vector Prime" → Ask Vector Prime

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:07, 25 April 2023
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	Like basically all continuity families, the various Unicron Trilogy toys featured [[redeco]]es of pre-existing characters and many toyline-original characters that did not appear in either the cartoons or comics. The ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)\|Armada]]'' toyline featured a very high number of [[Mini-Con]]s redecoed from pre-existing molds, and a number of full-sized toys were recolored for the "Unicron Battles" [[subline imprint]]. In many cases, these represent either new characters or new forms for old characters, existing as they do in their own little [[micro-continuity\|micro-continuities]].		Like basically all continuity families, the various Unicron Trilogy toys featured [[redeco]]es of pre-existing characters and many toyline-original characters that did not appear in either the cartoons or comics. The ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)\|Armada]]'' toyline featured a very high number of [[Mini-Con]]s redecoed from pre-existing molds, and a number of full-sized toys were recolored for the "Unicron Battles" [[subline imprint]]. In many cases, these represent either new characters or new forms for old characters, existing as they do in their own little [[micro-continuity\|micro-continuities]].

	One notable micro-continuity concerns [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Gorilla\|2006 Deluxe-class toy]]; working off his original toy [[bio]], the ''[[Transformers: TransTech\|TransTech]]'' storyline and "[[Ask Vector Prime]]" Facebook feature established this character as "[[Optimus Prime (Armada)#Beast Prime\|Beast Prime]]", an alternate-reality version of Optimus Prime who killed his universe's [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]] after adopting a simian [[beast mode]].		One notable micro-continuity concerns [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Gorilla\|2006 Deluxe-class toy]]; working off his original toy [[bio]], the ''[[Transformers: TransTech\|TransTech]]'' storyline and [[Ask Vector Prime]] Facebook feature established this character as "[[Optimus Prime (Armada)#Beast Prime\|Beast Prime]]", an alternate-reality version of Optimus Prime who killed his universe's [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]] after adopting a simian [[beast mode]].
	{{--}}		{{--}}

Saix at 01:06, 28 January 2023

2023-01-28T01:06:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:06, 28 January 2023
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	Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.		Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.

	[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.		[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge"\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.

	===Panini ''Armada'' comic===		===Panini ''Armada'' comic===

Saix: clean up, typos fixed: end result → result

2021-09-18T22:02:49Z

clean up, typos fixed: end result → result

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:02, 18 September 2021
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	The eponymous "Unicron Trilogy", consisting of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)\|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)\|Energon]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)\|Cybertron]]'' franchises, forms the basis for the entire '''Unicron Trilogy continuity family'''. The fourth-largest [[continuity family]] encompasses three cartoons, two comics, and multiple storybooks and video games; it is named for the central role [[Unicron]] plays in the overall story, since all three series revolve around him in some way—even ''Cybertron'', where his destruction results in the creation of the series' primary threat, the [[Unicron Singularity\|universe-threatening black hole]].		The eponymous "Unicron Trilogy", consisting of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)\|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)\|Energon]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)\|Cybertron]]'' franchises, forms the basis for the entire '''Unicron Trilogy continuity family'''. The fourth-largest [[continuity family]] encompasses three cartoons, two comics, and multiple storybooks and video games; it is named for the central role [[Unicron]] plays in the overall story, since all three series revolve around him in some way—even ''Cybertron'', where his destruction results in the creation of the series' primary threat, the [[Unicron Singularity\|universe-threatening black hole]].

	As the first true Japanese-American coproduction to come out of the ''Transformers'' franchise, the three television shows that constitute the bulk of this continuity were originally produced in [[Japan]] and later exported and dubbed to other countries for international release. Along with ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)\|Robots in Disguise]]'', the cartoons are remembered for their Japanese ~~influences--each~~ installment features plenty of mecha-inspired [[Super Mode\|super mode]]s and supernatural power boosts. Although Western ''Armada'' fiction like [[Dreamwave Productions\|Dreamwave]]'s comics played the premise straighter and hewed closer to [[Marvel Comics\|Marvel's]] 1980s [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|''The Transformers'' comic]] in tone, many of the surface-level anime stylings remained. From a meta perspective, the Unicron Trilogy is also notable for introducing a third faction of diminutive, power-boosting [[Mini-Con]]s while reintroducing [[Primus]]—divine creator of the Transformer race—to the overarcing ''Transformers'' mythos.		As the first true Japanese-American coproduction to come out of the ''Transformers'' franchise, the three television shows that constitute the bulk of this continuity were originally produced in [[Japan]] and later exported and dubbed to other countries for international release. Along with ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)\|Robots in Disguise]]'', the cartoons are remembered for their Japanese influences—each installment features plenty of mecha-inspired [[Super Mode\|super mode]]s and supernatural power boosts. Although Western ''Armada'' fiction like [[Dreamwave Productions\|Dreamwave]]'s comics played the premise straighter and hewed closer to [[Marvel Comics\|Marvel's]] 1980s [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|''The Transformers'' comic]] in tone, many of the surface-level anime stylings remained. From a meta perspective, the Unicron Trilogy is also notable for introducing a third faction of diminutive, power-boosting [[Mini-Con]]s while reintroducing [[Primus]]—divine creator of the Transformer race—to the overarcing ''Transformers'' mythos.

	Within the fictional ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]], the [[Transcendent Technomorph\|TransTech]] classify every Unicron Trilogy continuity as a part of the "[[Aurex]]" [[universal stream\|universal cluster]].		Within the fictional ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]], the [[Transcendent Technomorph\|TransTech]] classify every Unicron Trilogy continuity as a part of the "[[Aurex]]" [[universal stream\|universal cluster]].
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	In [[2004]], the comic rebranded itself as ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' and followed the cartoon's example by skipping ten years into the future. Although Unicron's defeat led to a Decepticon surrender and a complete armistice, the Autobots now find themselves contending with Unicron's "[[Unicron's Four Horsemen\|Four Horsemen]]" who seek to revive their leader, while the mysterious [[Alpha Quintesson]] and his army of [[Terrorcon (Energon)\|Terrorcon]]s have their own designs for the remnants of the Decepticon army.		In [[2004]], the comic rebranded itself as ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' and followed the cartoon's example by skipping ten years into the future. Although Unicron's defeat led to a Decepticon surrender and a complete armistice, the Autobots now find themselves contending with Unicron's "[[Unicron's Four Horsemen\|Four Horsemen]]" who seek to revive their leader, while the mysterious [[Alpha Quintesson]] and his army of [[Terrorcon (Energon)\|Terrorcon]]s have their own designs for the remnants of the Decepticon army.

	Ultimately, however, a combination of poor management, numerous financial troubles, and some ''extremely'' dubious business practices resulted in the company declaring bankruptcy in early 2005, though Hasbro had already decided to not renew their partnership with Dreamwave the year before. <ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=14839 Lying in the Gutters reporting that Hasbro had revoked Dreamwave's ''Transformers'' license]</ref> As a result, the ''Energon'' comic abruptly ended midway through its run, although author [[Simon Furman]] has released several synopses of unpublished issues on his blog. <ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/energon-%e2%80%94-revisited/ "Energon Revisited"]</ref>		Ultimately, however, a combination of poor management, numerous financial troubles, and some ''extremely'' dubious business practices resulted in the company declaring bankruptcy in early 2005, though Hasbro had already decided to not renew their partnership with Dreamwave the year before.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=14839 Lying in the Gutters reporting that Hasbro had revoked Dreamwave's ''Transformers'' license]</ref> As a result, the ''Energon'' comic abruptly ended midway through its run, although author [[Simon Furman]] has released several synopses of unpublished issues on his blog.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/energon-%e2%80%94-revisited/ "Energon Revisited"]</ref>

	===Cartoons===		===Cartoons===
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	The ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)\|Transformers: Armada]]'' cartoon hit the airwaves in late 2002. Like Dreamwave's comic, the cartoon features the Autobots and Decepticons searching for Mini-Cons hidden across the planet [[Earth]] with the assistance of their human friends [[Rad White\|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez\|Carlos]], and [[Alexis Thi Dang\|Alexis]]—though the Mini-Cons of this continuity lacked the ability to speak and communicated solely through electronic bleeps and bloops. Unlike Dreamwave's comic, however, the cartoon offered a distinctly sinister origin for these tiny Transformers: toward the end of the show's run, the heroes learned that the Mini-Cons were children of [[Unicron]] himself, artificial life-forms synthesized to deliberately stoke conflict between the two factions and sustain the planet-eater with their hatred.		The ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)\|Transformers: Armada]]'' cartoon hit the airwaves in late 2002. Like Dreamwave's comic, the cartoon features the Autobots and Decepticons searching for Mini-Cons hidden across the planet [[Earth]] with the assistance of their human friends [[Rad White\|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez\|Carlos]], and [[Alexis Thi Dang\|Alexis]]—though the Mini-Cons of this continuity lacked the ability to speak and communicated solely through electronic bleeps and bloops. Unlike Dreamwave's comic, however, the cartoon offered a distinctly sinister origin for these tiny Transformers: toward the end of the show's run, the heroes learned that the Mini-Cons were children of [[Unicron]] himself, artificial life-forms synthesized to deliberately stoke conflict between the two factions and sustain the planet-eater with their hatred.

	Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the ~~end~~ result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.		Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.

	Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.		Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.

Cyberlink420: /* Dreamwave Armada continuity */

2021-07-27T14:55:18Z

Dreamwave Armada continuity

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 27 July 2021
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	* ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' (2004)		* ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' (2004)

	[[Dreamwave Productions]] acquired the ''Transformers'' license in 2002, and launched an ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)\|Armada]]'' tie-in comic alongside their "[[Dreamwave Generation One continuity\|Generation One]]" storyline. Like many other ''Transformers'' tales, ''Armada'' on a war-torn Cybertron as [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Autobot]]s battle [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]]'s [[Decepticon]]s—in ''this'' subset of realities, however, the war is fought not for [[energon]] or territory, but for control of the planet's [[Mini-Con]]s, a third faction of tiny, power-boosting Cybertronians. But when the Mini-Cons flee their planet aboard the starship ''[[Exodus (Armada)\|Exodus]]'', a freak accident strands half of the Mini-Cons on [[Earth]] and eventually brings them into contact with humanity. When the Autobots and Decepticons travel to Earth to continue their war, however, they make contact with three [[human]] children and discover that not all of the Mini-Cons ''want'' to ally themselves with the Autobots. Although the ''Armada'' comic is most notable for its frequent depiction of events from the Mini-Cons' point of view—unlike the anime, the comic depicted the Mini-Cons as normal Cybertronians with the ability to speak English—''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s final arc abruptly pushes the ideological conflict between these three races to the side in favor of a climactic battle against [[Unicron]] and his five "[[Herald of Unicron\|Heralds]]", a quintet of dimension-hopping [[Generation 1 continuity family\|"Generation 1"]] Transformers led by [[Galvatron (G1)\|Galvatron]]. Additionally, the ''[[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada\|More than Meets the Eye]]'' guidebook assigned personalities and profiles to basically every Armada character up to that point, even those who didn't appear in the comic.		[[Dreamwave Productions]] acquired the ''Transformers'' license in 2002, and launched an ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)\|Armada]]'' tie-in comic alongside their "[[Dreamwave Generation One continuity\|Generation One]]" storyline. Like many other ''Transformers'' tales, ''Armada'' begins on a war-torn Cybertron as [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Autobot]]s battle [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]]'s [[Decepticon]]s—in ''this'' subset of realities, however, the war is fought not for [[energon]] or territory, but for control of the planet's [[Mini-Con]]s, a third faction of tiny, power-boosting Cybertronians. But when the Mini-Cons flee their planet aboard the starship ''[[Exodus (Armada)\|Exodus]]'', a freak accident strands half of the Mini-Cons on [[Earth]] and eventually brings them into contact with humanity. When the Autobots and Decepticons travel to Earth to continue their war, however, they make contact with three [[human]] children and discover that not all of the Mini-Cons ''want'' to ally themselves with the Autobots. Although the ''Armada'' comic is most notable for its frequent depiction of events from the Mini-Cons' point of view—unlike the anime, the comic depicted the Mini-Cons as normal Cybertronians with the ability to speak English—''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s final arc abruptly pushes the ideological conflict between these three races to the side in favor of a climactic battle against [[Unicron]] and his five "[[Herald of Unicron\|Heralds]]", a quintet of dimension-hopping [[Generation 1 continuity family\|"Generation 1"]] Transformers led by [[Galvatron (G1)\|Galvatron]]. Additionally, the ''[[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada\|More than Meets the Eye]]'' guidebook assigned personalities and profiles to basically every Armada character up to that point, even those who didn't appear in the comic.

	In [[2004]], the comic rebranded itself as ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' and followed the cartoon's example by skipping ten years into the future. Although Unicron's defeat led to a Decepticon surrender and a complete armistice, the Autobots now find themselves contending with Unicron's "[[Unicron's Four Horsemen\|Four Horsemen]]" who seek to revive their leader, while the mysterious [[Alpha Quintesson]] and his army of [[Terrorcon (Energon)\|Terrorcon]]s have their own designs for the remnants of the Decepticon army.		In [[2004]], the comic rebranded itself as ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' and followed the cartoon's example by skipping ten years into the future. Although Unicron's defeat led to a Decepticon surrender and a complete armistice, the Autobots now find themselves contending with Unicron's "[[Unicron's Four Horsemen\|Four Horsemen]]" who seek to revive their leader, while the mysterious [[Alpha Quintesson]] and his army of [[Terrorcon (Energon)\|Terrorcon]]s have their own designs for the remnants of the Decepticon army.

Fanofcoolstuff27: /* Cartoons */

2021-07-27T13:51:22Z

Cartoons

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:51, 27 July 2021
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	Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.		Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.

	[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— "[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]" and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive "[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]" manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters.		[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.

	===Panini ''Armada'' comic===		===Panini ''Armada'' comic===

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:46, 2 February 2026
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	Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.		Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.

	Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as~~. Sadly, ''Cybertron'' also marked the last time a Japanese-produced ''Transformers'' cartoon received English localisation~~.		Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.

	[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.		[[Fun Publications]] produced a few stories set in this continuity— ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act\|Balancing Act]]'' and "[[Force of Habit]]" run alongside ''Cybertron'' and fill in some of the gaps in the cartoon's chronology, while "[[The Dark Heart of Sandokan]]" takes place after the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. The Japanese-exclusive ''[[Linkage (comic)\|Linkage]]'' manga likewise takes place during the events of the ''Armada'' cartoon, but follows a different cast of side characters, while another Japanese-exclusive pack-in manga called "[[Optimus Prime VS Mysterious Supreme Commander Scourge\|Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]", loosely ties in with the events of the ''Energon'' cartoon.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:02, 18 September 2021
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	The eponymous "Unicron Trilogy", consisting of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)\|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)\|Energon]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)\|Cybertron]]'' franchises, forms the basis for the entire '''Unicron Trilogy continuity family'''. The fourth-largest [[continuity family]] encompasses three cartoons, two comics, and multiple storybooks and video games; it is named for the central role [[Unicron]] plays in the overall story, since all three series revolve around him in some way—even ''Cybertron'', where his destruction results in the creation of the series' primary threat, the [[Unicron Singularity\|universe-threatening black hole]].		The eponymous "Unicron Trilogy", consisting of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)\|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)\|Energon]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)\|Cybertron]]'' franchises, forms the basis for the entire '''Unicron Trilogy continuity family'''. The fourth-largest [[continuity family]] encompasses three cartoons, two comics, and multiple storybooks and video games; it is named for the central role [[Unicron]] plays in the overall story, since all three series revolve around him in some way—even ''Cybertron'', where his destruction results in the creation of the series' primary threat, the [[Unicron Singularity\|universe-threatening black hole]].

	As the first true Japanese-American coproduction to come out of the ''Transformers'' franchise, the three television shows that constitute the bulk of this continuity were originally produced in [[Japan]] and later exported and dubbed to other countries for international release. Along with ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)\|Robots in Disguise]]'', the cartoons are remembered for their Japanese ~~influences--each~~ installment features plenty of mecha-inspired [[Super Mode\|super mode]]s and supernatural power boosts. Although Western ''Armada'' fiction like [[Dreamwave Productions\|Dreamwave]]'s comics played the premise straighter and hewed closer to [[Marvel Comics\|Marvel's]] 1980s [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|''The Transformers'' comic]] in tone, many of the surface-level anime stylings remained. From a meta perspective, the Unicron Trilogy is also notable for introducing a third faction of diminutive, power-boosting [[Mini-Con]]s while reintroducing [[Primus]]—divine creator of the Transformer race—to the overarcing ''Transformers'' mythos.		As the first true Japanese-American coproduction to come out of the ''Transformers'' franchise, the three television shows that constitute the bulk of this continuity were originally produced in [[Japan]] and later exported and dubbed to other countries for international release. Along with ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)\|Robots in Disguise]]'', the cartoons are remembered for their Japanese influences—each installment features plenty of mecha-inspired [[Super Mode\|super mode]]s and supernatural power boosts. Although Western ''Armada'' fiction like [[Dreamwave Productions\|Dreamwave]]'s comics played the premise straighter and hewed closer to [[Marvel Comics\|Marvel's]] 1980s [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|''The Transformers'' comic]] in tone, many of the surface-level anime stylings remained. From a meta perspective, the Unicron Trilogy is also notable for introducing a third faction of diminutive, power-boosting [[Mini-Con]]s while reintroducing [[Primus]]—divine creator of the Transformer race—to the overarcing ''Transformers'' mythos.

	Within the fictional ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]], the [[Transcendent Technomorph\|TransTech]] classify every Unicron Trilogy continuity as a part of the "[[Aurex]]" [[universal stream\|universal cluster]].		Within the fictional ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]], the [[Transcendent Technomorph\|TransTech]] classify every Unicron Trilogy continuity as a part of the "[[Aurex]]" [[universal stream\|universal cluster]].
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	In [[2004]], the comic rebranded itself as ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' and followed the cartoon's example by skipping ten years into the future. Although Unicron's defeat led to a Decepticon surrender and a complete armistice, the Autobots now find themselves contending with Unicron's "[[Unicron's Four Horsemen\|Four Horsemen]]" who seek to revive their leader, while the mysterious [[Alpha Quintesson]] and his army of [[Terrorcon (Energon)\|Terrorcon]]s have their own designs for the remnants of the Decepticon army.		In [[2004]], the comic rebranded itself as ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' and followed the cartoon's example by skipping ten years into the future. Although Unicron's defeat led to a Decepticon surrender and a complete armistice, the Autobots now find themselves contending with Unicron's "[[Unicron's Four Horsemen\|Four Horsemen]]" who seek to revive their leader, while the mysterious [[Alpha Quintesson]] and his army of [[Terrorcon (Energon)\|Terrorcon]]s have their own designs for the remnants of the Decepticon army.

	Ultimately, however, a combination of poor management, numerous financial troubles, and some ''extremely'' dubious business practices resulted in the company declaring bankruptcy in early 2005, though Hasbro had already decided to not renew their partnership with Dreamwave the year before. <ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=14839 Lying in the Gutters reporting that Hasbro had revoked Dreamwave's ''Transformers'' license]</ref> As a result, the ''Energon'' comic abruptly ended midway through its run, although author [[Simon Furman]] has released several synopses of unpublished issues on his blog. <ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/energon-%e2%80%94-revisited/ "Energon Revisited"]</ref>		Ultimately, however, a combination of poor management, numerous financial troubles, and some ''extremely'' dubious business practices resulted in the company declaring bankruptcy in early 2005, though Hasbro had already decided to not renew their partnership with Dreamwave the year before.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=14839 Lying in the Gutters reporting that Hasbro had revoked Dreamwave's ''Transformers'' license]</ref> As a result, the ''Energon'' comic abruptly ended midway through its run, although author [[Simon Furman]] has released several synopses of unpublished issues on his blog.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/energon-%e2%80%94-revisited/ "Energon Revisited"]</ref>

	===Cartoons===		===Cartoons===
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	The ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)\|Transformers: Armada]]'' cartoon hit the airwaves in late 2002. Like Dreamwave's comic, the cartoon features the Autobots and Decepticons searching for Mini-Cons hidden across the planet [[Earth]] with the assistance of their human friends [[Rad White\|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez\|Carlos]], and [[Alexis Thi Dang\|Alexis]]—though the Mini-Cons of this continuity lacked the ability to speak and communicated solely through electronic bleeps and bloops. Unlike Dreamwave's comic, however, the cartoon offered a distinctly sinister origin for these tiny Transformers: toward the end of the show's run, the heroes learned that the Mini-Cons were children of [[Unicron]] himself, artificial life-forms synthesized to deliberately stoke conflict between the two factions and sustain the planet-eater with their hatred.		The ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)\|Transformers: Armada]]'' cartoon hit the airwaves in late 2002. Like Dreamwave's comic, the cartoon features the Autobots and Decepticons searching for Mini-Cons hidden across the planet [[Earth]] with the assistance of their human friends [[Rad White\|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez\|Carlos]], and [[Alexis Thi Dang\|Alexis]]—though the Mini-Cons of this continuity lacked the ability to speak and communicated solely through electronic bleeps and bloops. Unlike Dreamwave's comic, however, the cartoon offered a distinctly sinister origin for these tiny Transformers: toward the end of the show's run, the heroes learned that the Mini-Cons were children of [[Unicron]] himself, artificial life-forms synthesized to deliberately stoke conflict between the two factions and sustain the planet-eater with their hatred.

	Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the ~~end~~ result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.		Due to a hurried production cycle—most notably, the English dub was rushed to markets a whole six months before the Japanese version premiered—the ''Armada'' cartoon hit more than a few technical snafus along the way, including a number of blatant animation or dubbing errors. Unfortunately, the sequel cartoon, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Transformers: Energon]]'', only doubled down on many of the same production flaws; its sluggish pace, repetitive plotlines, and overuse of primitive CGI animation means that the result is widely derided as one of the worst ''Transformers'' shows of all time.

	Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.		Fortunately, things picked up in 2005 with ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Transformers: Cybertron]]''. Following Unicron's second defeat in ''Energon'', his body collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity\|powerful black hole]] which threatens to consume Cybertron entirely. To save their world, the Autobots and Decepticons race to find the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s hidden on different planets, including [[Earth]] [[Gigantion]], [[Velocitron]], and the [[Jungle Planet (colony)\|Jungle Planet]]. Although ''Galaxy Force''—the show's Japanese counterpart—was initially presented as a continuity reboot in contrast to Hasbro's intent, later Japanese materials eventually [[retcon]]ned ''Galaxy Force'' back into being the continuation it was conceived as.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 27 July 2021
Line 21:		Line 21:
	* ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' (2004)		* ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' (2004)

	[[Dreamwave Productions]] acquired the ''Transformers'' license in 2002, and launched an ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)\|Armada]]'' tie-in comic alongside their "[[Dreamwave Generation One continuity\|Generation One]]" storyline. Like many other ''Transformers'' tales, ''Armada'' on a war-torn Cybertron as [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Autobot]]s battle [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]]'s [[Decepticon]]s—in ''this'' subset of realities, however, the war is fought not for [[energon]] or territory, but for control of the planet's [[Mini-Con]]s, a third faction of tiny, power-boosting Cybertronians. But when the Mini-Cons flee their planet aboard the starship ''[[Exodus (Armada)\|Exodus]]'', a freak accident strands half of the Mini-Cons on [[Earth]] and eventually brings them into contact with humanity. When the Autobots and Decepticons travel to Earth to continue their war, however, they make contact with three [[human]] children and discover that not all of the Mini-Cons ''want'' to ally themselves with the Autobots. Although the ''Armada'' comic is most notable for its frequent depiction of events from the Mini-Cons' point of view—unlike the anime, the comic depicted the Mini-Cons as normal Cybertronians with the ability to speak English—''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s final arc abruptly pushes the ideological conflict between these three races to the side in favor of a climactic battle against [[Unicron]] and his five "[[Herald of Unicron\|Heralds]]", a quintet of dimension-hopping [[Generation 1 continuity family\|"Generation 1"]] Transformers led by [[Galvatron (G1)\|Galvatron]]. Additionally, the ''[[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada\|More than Meets the Eye]]'' guidebook assigned personalities and profiles to basically every Armada character up to that point, even those who didn't appear in the comic.		[[Dreamwave Productions]] acquired the ''Transformers'' license in 2002, and launched an ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)\|Armada]]'' tie-in comic alongside their "[[Dreamwave Generation One continuity\|Generation One]]" storyline. Like many other ''Transformers'' tales, ''Armada'' begins on a war-torn Cybertron as [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Autobot]]s battle [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]]'s [[Decepticon]]s—in ''this'' subset of realities, however, the war is fought not for [[energon]] or territory, but for control of the planet's [[Mini-Con]]s, a third faction of tiny, power-boosting Cybertronians. But when the Mini-Cons flee their planet aboard the starship ''[[Exodus (Armada)\|Exodus]]'', a freak accident strands half of the Mini-Cons on [[Earth]] and eventually brings them into contact with humanity. When the Autobots and Decepticons travel to Earth to continue their war, however, they make contact with three [[human]] children and discover that not all of the Mini-Cons ''want'' to ally themselves with the Autobots. Although the ''Armada'' comic is most notable for its frequent depiction of events from the Mini-Cons' point of view—unlike the anime, the comic depicted the Mini-Cons as normal Cybertronians with the ability to speak English—''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s final arc abruptly pushes the ideological conflict between these three races to the side in favor of a climactic battle against [[Unicron]] and his five "[[Herald of Unicron\|Heralds]]", a quintet of dimension-hopping [[Generation 1 continuity family\|"Generation 1"]] Transformers led by [[Galvatron (G1)\|Galvatron]]. Additionally, the ''[[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada\|More than Meets the Eye]]'' guidebook assigned personalities and profiles to basically every Armada character up to that point, even those who didn't appear in the comic.

	In [[2004]], the comic rebranded itself as ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' and followed the cartoon's example by skipping ten years into the future. Although Unicron's defeat led to a Decepticon surrender and a complete armistice, the Autobots now find themselves contending with Unicron's "[[Unicron's Four Horsemen\|Four Horsemen]]" who seek to revive their leader, while the mysterious [[Alpha Quintesson]] and his army of [[Terrorcon (Energon)\|Terrorcon]]s have their own designs for the remnants of the Decepticon army.		In [[2004]], the comic rebranded itself as ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)\|Transformers: Energon]]'' and followed the cartoon's example by skipping ten years into the future. Although Unicron's defeat led to a Decepticon surrender and a complete armistice, the Autobots now find themselves contending with Unicron's "[[Unicron's Four Horsemen\|Four Horsemen]]" who seek to revive their leader, while the mysterious [[Alpha Quintesson]] and his army of [[Terrorcon (Energon)\|Terrorcon]]s have their own designs for the remnants of the Decepticon army.