User:Repowers/Sandbox2 - Revision history

BerylRoll at 15:24, 30 March 2026

2026-03-30T15:24:36Z

AzimuthAcolyte: Tigatron -> Tigatron (BW) update

2026-03-09T03:53:27Z

Tigatron -> Tigatron (BW) update

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:53, 9 March 2026
Line 21:		Line 21:
	*In [[Spacehikers!\|issue #36]] of the Marvel comics, when [[Wheeljack (G1)\|Wheeljack]] decides that he needs help in dealing with [[Grimlock (G1)\|Grimlock]]'s inept leadership, he doesn't turn to any of the ''dozens'' of Autobots aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)\|Ark]]'', which include two combiner teams and Omega Supreme. No, he has to call in his "old buddy"/new toy, [[Sky Lynx (G1)\|Sky Lynx]].		*In [[Spacehikers!\|issue #36]] of the Marvel comics, when [[Wheeljack (G1)\|Wheeljack]] decides that he needs help in dealing with [[Grimlock (G1)\|Grimlock]]'s inept leadership, he doesn't turn to any of the ''dozens'' of Autobots aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)\|Ark]]'', which include two combiner teams and Omega Supreme. No, he has to call in his "old buddy"/new toy, [[Sky Lynx (G1)\|Sky Lynx]].
	*In the prelude to the [[Underbase Saga]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)\|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)\|Megatron]] were the lead characters in a story set before the Transformers came to [[Earth]]. But rather than palling around with the likes of Jazz or Prowl, they are instead shown alongside the newest "gimmick" characters, the [[Triggercon]]s and the [[Triggerbot]]s.		*In the prelude to the [[Underbase Saga]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)\|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)\|Megatron]] were the lead characters in a story set before the Transformers came to [[Earth]]. But rather than palling around with the likes of Jazz or Prowl, they are instead shown alongside the newest "gimmick" characters, the [[Triggercon]]s and the [[Triggerbot]]s.
	*[[Mainframe Entertainment]] planned to use [[Wolfang (Maximal)\|Wolfang]] in ''Beast Wars'', but [[Tigatron]] appeared instead because he had an upcoming toy, and to save money as his cgi model was only a slight tweak of [[Cheetor (BW)\|Cheetor]]'s.		*[[Mainframe Entertainment]] planned to use [[Wolfang (Maximal)\|Wolfang]] in ''Beast Wars'', but [[Tigatron (BW)\|Tigatron]] appeared instead because he had an upcoming toy, and to save money as his cgi model was only a slight tweak of [[Cheetor (BW)\|Cheetor]]'s.

	===Limited casting===		===Limited casting===

Saix: /* Hi-then-die */clean up, replaced: Flattop (Autobot) → Flattop (Marvel)

2024-01-19T21:11:35Z

Hi-then-die: clean up, replaced: Flattop (Autobot) → Flattop (Marvel)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:11, 19 January 2024
Line 92:		Line 92:
	===Hi-then-die===		===Hi-then-die===
	Kids don't want to buy a toy of a character who's dead. So if the plot calls for someone to die, smart money bets on the character who has a toy as the survivor.		Kids don't want to buy a toy of a character who's dead. So if the plot calls for someone to die, smart money bets on the character who has a toy as the survivor.
	*This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (~~Autobot~~)\|Flattop]], and the 6th member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].		*This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (Marvel)\|Flattop]], and the 6th member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].
	*The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock (Energon)\|Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast]]'s hands, proving motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber (Energon)\|Wing Saber]].		*The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock (Energon)\|Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast]]'s hands, proving motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber (Energon)\|Wing Saber]].

NexusShard17 at 18:18, 13 July 2021

2021-07-13T18:18:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:18, 13 July 2021
Line 88:		Line 88:
	[[Image:BW_Scorponok_Terrorsaur_deaths.jpg\|thumb\|right\|150px\|[[Scorponok (BW)\|Scorponok]], [[Terrorsaur (BW)\|Terrorsaur]], we're condemning you to a fiery death 'cause [[Waspinator (BW)\|Waspinator]] has a bigger fan club.]]		[[Image:BW_Scorponok_Terrorsaur_deaths.jpg\|thumb\|right\|150px\|[[Scorponok (BW)\|Scorponok]], [[Terrorsaur (BW)\|Terrorsaur]], we're condemning you to a fiery death 'cause [[Waspinator (BW)\|Waspinator]] has a bigger fan club.]]

	*With its enormously expensive CGI animation, ''Beast Wars'' was particularly vulnerable to toy-based interference. The expense of creating and animating a CGI body model meant that the character roster had to remain fairly constant; the introduction of all-new characters usually required the removal of an equal number of pre-existing characters. And so, [[Scorponok (BW)\|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)\|Terrorsaur]] die just in time for the arrival of [[Quickstrike (BW)\|Quickstrike]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)\|Silverbolt]]. (Frustrated with the situation, the writers carefully planned out [[Dinobot (BW)\|Dinobot]]'s demise, anticipating that someone would have to be removed to make way for [[Rampage (BW)\|newer characters]].) [[Tigerhawk]] was introduced and then killed off within three episodes, due to corporate uncertainty about whether the toy would actually be produced.		*With its enormously expensive CGI animation, ''Beast Wars'' was particularly vulnerable to toy-based interference. The expense of creating and animating a CGI body model meant that the character roster had to remain fairly constant; the introduction of all-new characters usually required the removal of an equal number of pre-existing characters. And so, [[Scorponok (BW)\|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)\|Terrorsaur]] die just in time for the arrival of [[Quickstrike (BW)\|Quickstrike]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)\|Silverbolt]]. (Frustrated with the situation, the writers carefully planned out [[Dinobot (BW)\|Dinobot]]'s demise, anticipating that someone would have to be removed to make way for [[Rampage (BW)\|newer characters]].) [[Tigerhawk]] was introduced and then killed off within three episodes, due to corporate uncertainty about whether the toy would actually be produced.

	===Hi-then-die===		===Hi-then-die===

Elleby at 04:19, 29 April 2021

2021-04-29T04:19:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:19, 29 April 2021
Line 113:		Line 113:
	==Footnotes==		==Footnotes==
	<references/>		<references/>

	~~[[Category:Toys]]~~

NexusShard17 at 23:10, 24 November 2020

2020-11-24T23:10:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:10, 24 November 2020
Line 65:		Line 65:
	*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" three times; at the start of each subsequent series, he's turned back into Megatron but with a different body. This is due to Hasbro's wanting to keep the [[trademark]]s "Megatron" and "Galvatron" as well as to sell more toys.		*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" three times; at the start of each subsequent series, he's turned back into Megatron but with a different body. This is due to Hasbro's wanting to keep the [[trademark]]s "Megatron" and "Galvatron" as well as to sell more toys.
	*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)\|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)\|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of [[Jetfire (Armada)\|Jetfire]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus]] during the Unicron arc.		*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)\|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)\|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of [[Jetfire (Armada)\|Jetfire]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus]] during the Unicron arc.
	*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of BLAZING HEART OF JUSTICE into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.		*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)\|Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of BLAZING HEART OF JUSTICE into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.
	*In the course of the [[Transformers (2007)\|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)\|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Viola, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf!		*In the course of the [[Transformers (2007)\|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)\|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Viola, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf!

NexusShard17 at 17:06, 13 May 2020

2020-05-13T17:06:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 13 May 2020
Line 11:		Line 11:
	Hasbro makes a lot of toys at once, and they generally want all of them to appear in their fiction. This can force writers to bring in vast numbers of characters all at once, sometimes with awkward results. Examples include:		Hasbro makes a lot of toys at once, and they generally want all of them to appear in their fiction. This can force writers to bring in vast numbers of characters all at once, sometimes with awkward results. Examples include:
	*The first issue of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|Generation 1 comics]], [[The Transformers (issue)\|The Transformers]]", in which 28 different robots appear and introduced themselves, even though only a handful are important to the plot.		*The first issue of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|Generation 1 comics]], [[The Transformers (issue)\|The Transformers]]", in which 28 different robots appear and introduced themselves, even though only a handful are important to the plot.
	*The 1987 ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters\|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over 60 characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)\|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)\|Targetmasters]], all their [[Nebulos\|Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)\|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)\|Terrorcon]], and [[Monsterbot]]s.		*The 1987 ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters\|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over 60 characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)\|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)\|Targetmasters]], all their [[Nebulos\|Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)\|Technobots]], the [[Terrorcon (G1)\|Terrorcon]]s, and the [[Monsterbot (G1)\|Monsterbot]]s.
	*The cartoon episode "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced a deluge of 1987 characters, mostly the same ones seen in ''Headmasters''.		*The cartoon episode "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced a deluge of 1987 characters, mostly the same ones seen in ''Headmasters''.
	*In the first four episodes of ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)\|Robots in Disguise]]'', eighteen characters are introduced in quick succession.		*In the first four episodes of ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)\|Robots in Disguise]]'', eighteen characters are introduced in quick succession.

Saix: clean up, replaced: → (60), * → * (44), Targetmasters → Targetmasters, Targetmaster → Targetmaster

2016-03-16T02:40:02Z

clean up, replaced: → (60), * → * (44), Targetmasters → Targetmasters, Targetmaster → Targetmaster

Show changes

Abates: /* Post-Marvel comics */

2013-01-23T02:55:11Z

Post-Marvel comics

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:55, 23 January 2013
Line 107:		Line 107:
	There's a notable exception to the To Sell Toys effect: the [[Dreamwave Productions\|Dreamwave]] and [[IDW Publishing\|IDW]] comics. The two recent holders of the license to publish Transformers comic books sometimes produce comics using whichever toy line is current (e.g., Dreamwave's ''[[Armada (Dreamwave comic)\|Armada]]'' comic or IDW's [[Transformers (2007)\|2007 movie]] tie-ins), and sometimes publish comics using whatever characters they please (e.g., ''[[Transformers: The War Within\|The War Within]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Escalation\|Escalation]]''). The characters in their "discretionary" comics are often not currently available in toy form ([[Hardhead (G1)\|Hardhead]], a current character in IDW's G1 continuity, has not had a toy in 20 years), sometimes are drawn with bodies that have ''never'' been toys (most of the ''War Within'' characters), and sometimes are toys that were never available outside of specific countries ([[Lio Convoy]] in IDW's ''Beast Wars'').		There's a notable exception to the To Sell Toys effect: the [[Dreamwave Productions\|Dreamwave]] and [[IDW Publishing\|IDW]] comics. The two recent holders of the license to publish Transformers comic books sometimes produce comics using whichever toy line is current (e.g., Dreamwave's ''[[Armada (Dreamwave comic)\|Armada]]'' comic or IDW's [[Transformers (2007)\|2007 movie]] tie-ins), and sometimes publish comics using whatever characters they please (e.g., ''[[Transformers: The War Within\|The War Within]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Escalation\|Escalation]]''). The characters in their "discretionary" comics are often not currently available in toy form ([[Hardhead (G1)\|Hardhead]], a current character in IDW's G1 continuity, has not had a toy in 20 years), sometimes are drawn with bodies that have ''never'' been toys (most of the ''War Within'' characters), and sometimes are toys that were never available outside of specific countries ([[Lio Convoy]] in IDW's ''Beast Wars'').

	[[Chris Ryall]], IDW Editor-in-Chief and writer of the miniseries adapting the 2007 movie to comics [http://idwpublishing.com~~/phpBB2~~/viewtopic.php?p=69377#69377 has confirmed on IDW's forums] that Hasbro do not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").		[[Chris Ryall]], IDW Editor-in-Chief and writer of the miniseries adapting the 2007 movie to comics [http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=69377#69377 has confirmed on IDW's forums] that Hasbro do not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").

	Presumably, Hasbro do not now view the collector-based US comics market as a viable promotional exercise, and licences comic rights purely on the basis of how much money the licence itself will bring in.		Presumably, Hasbro do not now view the collector-based US comics market as a viable promotional exercise, and licences comic rights purely on the basis of how much money the licence itself will bring in.

Deceptitran: BOT: replacing (1) links to "Time Wars (issue)" with "Time Wars"

2011-11-06T06:16:05Z

BOT: replacing (1) links to "Time Wars (issue)" with "Time Wars"

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:16, 6 November 2011
Line 78:		Line 78:
	* In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', numerous main characters are killed or changed in the movie's first 30 minutes, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)\|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)\|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)\|Starscream]], and [[Ironhide (G1)\|Ironhide]]. They are replaced by a slew of new characters; in fact, the poster for the movie shows ''only'' new characters.		* In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', numerous main characters are killed or changed in the movie's first 30 minutes, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)\|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)\|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)\|Starscream]], and [[Ironhide (G1)\|Ironhide]]. They are replaced by a slew of new characters; in fact, the poster for the movie shows ''only'' new characters.

	* Numerous characters are killed in the Marvel UK comics saga "[[~~Time Wars (issue)\|~~Time Wars]]". The Grim Reaper seemed to spare either popular characters (Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)\|Shockwave]]) or newer characters ([[Carnivac (G1)\|Carnivac]], [[Catilla (G1)\|Catilla]], [[Springer (G1)\|Springer]] and [[Scorponok (G1)\|Scorponok]], for example.)		* Numerous characters are killed in the Marvel UK comics saga "[[Time Wars]]". The Grim Reaper seemed to spare either popular characters (Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)\|Shockwave]]) or newer characters ([[Carnivac (G1)\|Carnivac]], [[Catilla (G1)\|Catilla]], [[Springer (G1)\|Springer]] and [[Scorponok (G1)\|Scorponok]], for example.)

	[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg\|thumb\|right\|150px\|[[Marvel Comics\|Publisher]]'s clearing house.]]		[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg\|thumb\|right\|150px\|[[Marvel Comics\|Publisher]]'s clearing house.]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:10, 24 November 2020
Line 65:		Line 65:
	*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" three times; at the start of each subsequent series, he's turned back into Megatron but with a different body. This is due to Hasbro's wanting to keep the [[trademark]]s "Megatron" and "Galvatron" as well as to sell more toys.		*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" three times; at the start of each subsequent series, he's turned back into Megatron but with a different body. This is due to Hasbro's wanting to keep the [[trademark]]s "Megatron" and "Galvatron" as well as to sell more toys.
	*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)\|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)\|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of [[Jetfire (Armada)\|Jetfire]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus]] during the Unicron arc.		*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)\|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)\|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of [[Jetfire (Armada)\|Jetfire]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus]] during the Unicron arc.
	*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of BLAZING HEART OF JUSTICE into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.		*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)\|Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of BLAZING HEART OF JUSTICE into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.
	*In the course of the [[Transformers (2007)\|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)\|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Viola, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf!		*In the course of the [[Transformers (2007)\|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)\|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Viola, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf!

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:16, 6 November 2011
Line 78:		Line 78:
	* In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', numerous main characters are killed or changed in the movie's first 30 minutes, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)\|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)\|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)\|Starscream]], and [[Ironhide (G1)\|Ironhide]]. They are replaced by a slew of new characters; in fact, the poster for the movie shows ''only'' new characters.		* In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', numerous main characters are killed or changed in the movie's first 30 minutes, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)\|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)\|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)\|Starscream]], and [[Ironhide (G1)\|Ironhide]]. They are replaced by a slew of new characters; in fact, the poster for the movie shows ''only'' new characters.

	* Numerous characters are killed in the Marvel UK comics saga "[[~~Time Wars (issue)\|~~Time Wars]]". The Grim Reaper seemed to spare either popular characters (Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)\|Shockwave]]) or newer characters ([[Carnivac (G1)\|Carnivac]], [[Catilla (G1)\|Catilla]], [[Springer (G1)\|Springer]] and [[Scorponok (G1)\|Scorponok]], for example.)		* Numerous characters are killed in the Marvel UK comics saga "[[Time Wars]]". The Grim Reaper seemed to spare either popular characters (Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)\|Shockwave]]) or newer characters ([[Carnivac (G1)\|Carnivac]], [[Catilla (G1)\|Catilla]], [[Springer (G1)\|Springer]] and [[Scorponok (G1)\|Scorponok]], for example.)

	[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg\|thumb\|right\|150px\|[[Marvel Comics\|Publisher]]'s clearing house.]]		[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg\|thumb\|right\|150px\|[[Marvel Comics\|Publisher]]'s clearing house.]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:24, 30 March 2026
Line 13:		Line 13:
	*The 1987 ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters\|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over 60 characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)\|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)\|Targetmasters]], all their [[Nebulos\|Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)\|Technobots]], the [[Terrorcon (G1)\|Terrorcon]]s, and the [[Monsterbot (G1)\|Monsterbot]]s.		*The 1987 ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters\|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over 60 characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)\|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)\|Targetmasters]], all their [[Nebulos\|Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)\|Technobots]], the [[Terrorcon (G1)\|Terrorcon]]s, and the [[Monsterbot (G1)\|Monsterbot]]s.
	*The cartoon episode "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced a deluge of 1987 characters, mostly the same ones seen in ''Headmasters''.		*The cartoon episode "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced a deluge of 1987 characters, mostly the same ones seen in ''Headmasters''.
	*In the first four episodes of ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)\|Robots in Disguise]]'', eighteen characters are introduced in quick succession.		*In the first four episodes of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)\|Robots in Disguise]]'', eighteen characters are introduced in quick succession.

	===Random casting===		===Random casting===
Line 25:		Line 25:
	===Limited casting===		===Limited casting===
	On the opposite side of things, Hasbro doesn't want to pay to depict characters that aren't selling toys. This can force a story, particularly an animated cartoon, to have a smaller cast than it otherwise might.		On the opposite side of things, Hasbro doesn't want to pay to depict characters that aren't selling toys. This can force a story, particularly an animated cartoon, to have a smaller cast than it otherwise might.
	*The early episodes of [[Armada (cartoon)\|''Armada'']] featured only the toys available on the shelves. This resulted in two ridiculously small teams going to Earth for the all-important mission of gathering Mini-Cons, rather inexplicable in story terms. [[Armada (Dreamwave ~~comic~~)\|The comic book]] suffered exactly the same problem.		*The early episodes of [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)\|''Armada'']] featured only the toys available on the shelves. This resulted in two ridiculously small teams going to Earth for the all-important mission of gathering Mini-Cons, rather inexplicable in story terms. [[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)\|The comic book]] suffered exactly the same problem.

	==Plot==		==Plot==
Line 38:		Line 38:
	*The Headmaster gimmick got [[The Transformers: Headmasters\|an entire Limited Series comic book]] devoted to it.		*The Headmaster gimmick got [[The Transformers: Headmasters\|an entire Limited Series comic book]] devoted to it.
	*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" features [[Scorponok (G1)\|Scorponok]] proudly creating the [[Pretender]]s, gloating that they will hide the Decepticons' identities from the Autobots "until it is too late". Not only does the plan not actually work, it's also a plot point with absolutely zero lead-in or build-up -- at no point has Scorponok ever expressed concern about his troops being detected by the Autobots, and we've never even met the Pretender characters before. It was brought about solely because the new toys had to be jammed into the story.		*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" features [[Scorponok (G1)\|Scorponok]] proudly creating the [[Pretender]]s, gloating that they will hide the Decepticons' identities from the Autobots "until it is too late". Not only does the plan not actually work, it's also a plot point with absolutely zero lead-in or build-up -- at no point has Scorponok ever expressed concern about his troops being detected by the Autobots, and we've never even met the Pretender characters before. It was brought about solely because the new toys had to be jammed into the story.
	The [[Unicron Trilogy]], noted for its gimmicks in all three toylines, was particularly notorious in this regard:		The [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family\|Unicron Trilogy]], noted for its gimmicks in all three toylines, was particularly notorious in this regard:
	*The quest for power-enhancing [[Mini-Cons]] practically defined the plot of the ''[[Armada (cartoon)\|Armada]]'' cartoon, with both factions out to recruit or capture all the Mini-Cons.		*The quest for power-enhancing [[Mini-Cons]] practically defined the plot of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)\|Armada]]'' cartoon, with both factions out to recruit or capture all the Mini-Cons.
	*[[Powerlinx]]ing is shown again and again and again in ''[[Energon (cartoon)\|Energon]]'', despite having comparatively little relevance to most episode plotlines.		*[[Powerlinx]]ing is shown again and again and again in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)\|Energon]]'', despite having comparatively little relevance to most episode plotlines.
	*Cyber key powerups are likewise shown repeatedly in ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)\|Cybertron]].''		*Cyber key powerups are likewise shown repeatedly in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)\|Cybertron]].''
	*All three series were also marked by lengthy transformation sequences which highlighted the gimmicks in very toy-accurate animation (and also made production cheaper, thanks to [[stock footage\|recycled footage]]).		*All three series were also marked by lengthy transformation sequences which highlighted the gimmicks in very toy-accurate animation (and also made production cheaper, thanks to [[stock footage\|recycled footage]]).

Line 49:		Line 49:
	*In the US Marvel comics, the simultaneous introduction of the [[Aerialbot (G1)\|Aerialbots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)\|Stunticons]] and the introduction of the Pretenders both saw a lot of rigamarole involved in explaining why both the Autobots and the Decepticons had new members with identical numbers/gimmicks at the same time.		*In the US Marvel comics, the simultaneous introduction of the [[Aerialbot (G1)\|Aerialbots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)\|Stunticons]] and the introduction of the Pretenders both saw a lot of rigamarole involved in explaining why both the Autobots and the Decepticons had new members with identical numbers/gimmicks at the same time.
	*Season 3 of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)\|Generation 1 cartoon]] almost completely ignored the characters of the previous two seasons that were no longer on toy shelves. The 1985 Autobot cars, for example, are not seen at all. [[Bumblebee (G1)\|Bumblebee]] and the 1985 Mini-Vehicles, by contrast, showsup now and again, as their toys are still shipping. Even Starscream, who was ''dead'', managed to get a couple of Season 3 episodes all to himself; again, his toy sold through 1986.		*Season 3 of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)\|Generation 1 cartoon]] almost completely ignored the characters of the previous two seasons that were no longer on toy shelves. The 1985 Autobot cars, for example, are not seen at all. [[Bumblebee (G1)\|Bumblebee]] and the 1985 Mini-Vehicles, by contrast, showsup now and again, as their toys are still shipping. Even Starscream, who was ''dead'', managed to get a couple of Season 3 episodes all to himself; again, his toy sold through 1986.
	*The first thirteen issues of the ''[[Armada (Dreamwave ~~comic~~)\|Armada]]'' comic were focused around the Mini-Cons, with plots often revolving around their desire to be seen as equals and not be enslaved. Then without ''any'' prior set-up, the last five issues turn into a dimension-spanning battle against [[Unicron]] - who had just had a new and expensive toy.		*The first thirteen issues of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)\|Armada]]'' comic were focused around the Mini-Cons, with plots often revolving around their desire to be seen as equals and not be enslaved. Then without ''any'' prior set-up, the last five issues turn into a dimension-spanning battle against [[Unicron]] - who had just had a new and expensive toy.

	===Power levels===		===Power levels===
Line 63:		Line 63:
	There's rarely a compelling reason for a Transformer to get an a brand-new body in fiction; it's simply to promote a new toy. It has become a default way to keep a popular character on shelves, rather than having to kill them off and introduce a new character to keep moving toys. Sometimes fiction writes are able to work these alterations in elegantly... sometimes not.		There's rarely a compelling reason for a Transformer to get an a brand-new body in fiction; it's simply to promote a new toy. It has become a default way to keep a popular character on shelves, rather than having to kill them off and introduce a new character to keep moving toys. Sometimes fiction writes are able to work these alterations in elegantly... sometimes not.
	*Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'' introduced the new Transmetal toys in short order, requiring some strange sci-fi waffling to explain why members of both teams suddenly got special new bodies.		*Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'' introduced the new Transmetal toys in short order, requiring some strange sci-fi waffling to explain why members of both teams suddenly got special new bodies.
	*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" three times; at the start of each subsequent series, he's turned back into Megatron but with a different body. This is due to Hasbro's wanting to keep the [[trademark]]s "Megatron" and "Galvatron" as well as to sell more toys.		*The [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family\|Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)\|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" three times; at the start of each subsequent series, he's turned back into Megatron but with a different body. This is due to Hasbro's wanting to keep the [[trademark]]s "Megatron" and "Galvatron" as well as to sell more toys.
	*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)\|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)\|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of [[Jetfire (Armada)\|Jetfire]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus]] during the Unicron arc.		*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)\|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)\|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of [[Jetfire (Armada)\|Jetfire]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)\|Optimus]] during the Unicron arc.
	*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)\|Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of BLAZING HEART OF JUSTICE into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.		*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)\|Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of BLAZING HEART OF JUSTICE into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.
	*In the course of the [[Transformers (~~2007~~)\|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)\|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Viola, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf!		*In the course of the [[Transformers (film)\|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)\|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Viola, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf!

	==Death==		==Death==
Line 92:		Line 92:
	===Hi-then-die===		===Hi-then-die===
	Kids don't want to buy a toy of a character who's dead. So if the plot calls for someone to die, smart money bets on the character who has a toy as the survivor.		Kids don't want to buy a toy of a character who's dead. So if the plot calls for someone to die, smart money bets on the character who has a toy as the survivor.
	*This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (Marvel)\|Flattop]], and the 6th member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].		*This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)\|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor (G1)\|Impactor]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (Marvel)\|Flattop]], and the 6th member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].
	*The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock (Energon)\|Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast]]'s hands, proving motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber (Energon)\|Wing Saber]].		*The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock (Energon)\|Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast]]'s hands, proving motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber (Energon)\|Wing Saber]].

Line 99:		Line 99:
	*[[Optimus Prime (G1)\|Optimus Prime]] has been resurrected so many times that it's practically a defining character trait. His original revival in the cartoon didn't correspond to any actual toy release, but the Marvel comic brought him back specifically to advertise his Powermaster form. A second death-and-revival introduced his [[Action Master]] body. And a ''third'' death-and-revival brought him into his Combat Hero toy form.		*[[Optimus Prime (G1)\|Optimus Prime]] has been resurrected so many times that it's practically a defining character trait. His original revival in the cartoon didn't correspond to any actual toy release, but the Marvel comic brought him back specifically to advertise his Powermaster form. A second death-and-revival introduced his [[Action Master]] body. And a ''third'' death-and-revival brought him into his Combat Hero toy form.
	*Numerous "dead" characters were brought back into the Marvel comic series when their Classics and/or Action Master versions were released. Many were "deactivated" rather than outright dead; however, very few ''non'' Action Master characters showed up alongside them.		*Numerous "dead" characters were brought back into the Marvel comic series when their Classics and/or Action Master versions were released. Many were "deactivated" rather than outright dead; however, very few ''non'' Action Master characters showed up alongside them.
	*The series writers for ''Beast Wars'' considered [[Optimus Primal]] dead and gone at the end of Season 1. Hasbro, however, had a [[Transmetal]] Optimus Primal toy to promote, and so he was returned to life in Season 2.		*The series writers for ''Beast Wars'' considered [[Optimus Primal (BW)\|Optimus Primal]] dead and gone at the end of Season 1. Hasbro, however, had a [[Transmetal]] Optimus Primal toy to promote, and so he was returned to life in Season 2.
	*At the end of Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'', [[Inferno (BW)\|Inferno]] was pretty clearly shown being killed--being ''disintegrated''--but in the next season appeared to have just been bruised and cracked, because Hasbro was not ready to have a Mega-scaled toy removed from the series.		*At the end of Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'', [[Inferno (BW)\|Inferno]] was pretty clearly shown being killed--being ''disintegrated''--but in the next season appeared to have just been bruised and cracked, because Hasbro was not ready to have a Mega-scaled toy removed from the series.

Line 105:		Line 105:
	[[Image:Infiltration_1c.jpg\|thumb\|right\|200px\|"Hey, [[Runamuck (G1)\|Runamuck]], it's our first appearance on a comic book cover in twenty years!"<br>"Heh heh, now if only [[Battlecharger\|we]] could appear on toy store shelves..."]]		[[Image:Infiltration_1c.jpg\|thumb\|right\|200px\|"Hey, [[Runamuck (G1)\|Runamuck]], it's our first appearance on a comic book cover in twenty years!"<br>"Heh heh, now if only [[Battlecharger\|we]] could appear on toy store shelves..."]]

	There's a notable exception to the To Sell Toys effect: the [[Dreamwave Productions\|Dreamwave]] and [[IDW Publishing\|IDW]] comics. The two recent holders of the license to publish Transformers comic books sometimes produce comics using whichever toy line is current (e.g., Dreamwave's ''[[Armada (Dreamwave ~~comic~~)\|Armada]]'' comic or IDW's [[Transformers (~~2007~~)\|2007 movie]] tie-ins), and sometimes publish comics using whatever characters they please (e.g., ''[[Transformers: The War Within\|The War Within]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Escalation\|Escalation]]''). The characters in their "discretionary" comics are often not currently available in toy form ([[Hardhead (G1)\|Hardhead]], a current character in IDW's G1 continuity, has not had a toy in 20 years), sometimes are drawn with bodies that have ''never'' been toys (most of the ''War Within'' characters), and sometimes are toys that were never available outside of specific countries ([[Lio Convoy]] in IDW's ''Beast Wars'').		There's a notable exception to the To Sell Toys effect: the [[Dreamwave Productions\|Dreamwave]] and [[IDW Publishing\|IDW]] comics. The two recent holders of the license to publish Transformers comic books sometimes produce comics using whichever toy line is current (e.g., Dreamwave's ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)\|Armada]]'' comic or IDW's [[Transformers (film)\|2007 movie]] tie-ins), and sometimes publish comics using whatever characters they please (e.g., ''[[Transformers: The War Within\|The War Within]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Escalation\|Escalation]]''). The characters in their "discretionary" comics are often not currently available in toy form ([[Hardhead (G1)\|Hardhead]], a current character in IDW's G1 continuity, has not had a toy in 20 years), sometimes are drawn with bodies that have ''never'' been toys (most of the ''War Within'' characters), and sometimes are toys that were never available outside of specific countries ([[Lio Convoy (BW)\|Lio Convoy]] in IDW's ''Beast Wars'').

	[[Chris Ryall]], IDW Editor-in-Chief and writer of the miniseries adapting the 2007 movie to comics [http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=69377#69377 has confirmed on IDW's forums] that Hasbro do not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").		[[Chris Ryall]], IDW Editor-in-Chief and writer of the miniseries adapting the 2007 movie to comics [http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=69377#69377 has confirmed on IDW's forums] that Hasbro do not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").