Transformer romance: Difference between revisions

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The most common observation of Cybertronian romance is between a male and a [[female Transformer]]. Considering the general scarcity of female Transformers, and perhaps the absence of [[Reproduction|sexual reproduction]], this is a rather interesting if odd situation. Second to that are the number of noted relations between a Transformer and an organic, equally so almost solely between a (nominally) male and female. These become more frequent as the gender balance becomes less even, even if that is a direct result of Transformers allegedly being genderless. Third in line come "couples" that consist of a Transformer fawning over a not-living object, not rarely regarding it as of the opposite gender.   
The most common observation of Cybertronian romance is between a male and a [[female Transformer]]. Considering the general scarcity of female Transformers, and perhaps the absence of [[Reproduction|sexual reproduction]], this is a rather interesting if odd situation. Second to that are the number of noted relations between a Transformer and an organic, equally so almost solely between a (nominally) male and female. These become more frequent as the gender balance becomes less even, even if that is a direct result of Transformers allegedly being genderless. Third in line come "couples" that consist of a Transformer fawning over a not-living object, not rarely regarding it as of the opposite gender.   


Though not nonexistent, same gender interests are extremely rare. The Japanese version of ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' had [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] as a male, making ''his'' relation with [[Tigatron]] the only known instance of a homosexual Transformer couple.<ref name="Airazorboy">The reason the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' dub had Airazor male was because Takara hoped to increase toy-sales that way. Therefore, the relationship with [[Tigatron]] was initially played off somewhat differently to avoid complaints of homosexuality. Tigatron was presented as a samurai retainer with protective feelings towards his young ward; their closeness addressed in a "brotherly" sort of way. Despite that, there was still enough innuendo left-over for the gender-bending to become noticeable. The end of the matter came with the sequence in "[[Other Visits (Part 1)]]" when Airazor and Tigatron stare into each others' eyes while holding hands and slowly leaning in for a kiss. Since little could be done with that scene, the dub team had Airazor fully "come out" and begin to express his affection for Tigatron just before the two of them were abducted by the Vok. Japanese magazine editors, responding to letters from confused young fans, gently explained that "some people are just like that". </ref> At a distance follow ''Energon'' [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]], who had the (unrequited) hots for [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] and Generation 1 [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], who may have been gay in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave continuity]].<ref>[http://tinyurl.com/2ugos3 Matt Moylan reveals a little secret about Sunstreaker at tfw2005.com]</ref> Transformer/organic relations are not any richer in this regard. [[Paddles (character)|Paddles]] had a clear fondness of the humans [[Randall]] and [[Ed]], and [[Magnificus]] and [[Ga'mede]] ''might'' have something going between them, but that's about it. A note could be made on the fair chance that Tigatron's [[beast mode]] represents a female tiger and was scanned from his partner [[Snowstalker]], yet that is speculation at best.     
Though not nonexistent, same gender interests are extremely rare. The Japanese version of ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' had [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] as a male, making ''his'' relation with [[Tigatron]] the only known instance of a homosexual Transformer couple.<ref name="Airazorboy">The reason the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' dub had Airazor male was because Takara hoped to increase toy-sales that way. Therefore, the relationship with [[Tigatron]] was initially played off somewhat differently to avoid complaints of homosexuality. Tigatron was presented as a samurai retainer with protective feelings towards his young ward; their closeness addressed in a "brotherly" sort of way. Despite that, there was still enough innuendo left-over for the gender-bending to become noticeable. The end of the matter came with the sequence in "[[Other Visits (Part 1)]]" when Airazor and Tigatron stare into each others' eyes while holding hands and slowly leaning in for a kiss. Since little could be done with that scene, the dub team had Airazor fully "come out" and begin to express his affection for Tigatron just before the two of them were abducted by the Vok. Japanese magazine editors, responding to letters from confused young fans, gently explained that "some people are just like that". </ref> At a distance follow ''Energon'' [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]], who had the (unrequited) hots for [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] and Generation 1 [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], who may have been gay in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave continuity]].<ref>[http://tinyurl.com/2ugos3 Matt Moylan reveals a little secret about Sunstreaker at tfw2005.com]</ref> Transformer/organic relations are not any richer in this regard. [[Paddles (character)|Paddles]] had a clear fondness of the humans [[Randall]] and [[Ed]], and [[Magnificus]] and [[Ga'mede]] ''might'' have something going between them, but that's about it. A note could be made on the fair chance that Tigatron's [[beast mode]] represents a female tiger and was scanned from his partner [[Snowstalker]], yet that is speculation on a questionable case at best.     


The real world-explanation for the overall lack of anything specific between two of the same gender is that ''Transformers'' above all exists [[to sell toys]] to children and so has to play in on the wishes and expectations of the general audience. Even if attitude is improving, [[Wikipedia:Heteronormativity|heterosexuality is still the default assumption and favoured option]]. A few same-gender relations may have appeared in fiction over time, at least the most prominent one by accident,<ref name="Airazorboy" /> but for the moment, writers still prefer to haul up Arcee or insert a new female (Transformer) to fill the romance niche than play up that sort of interaction in same gender context.  
The real world-explanation for the overall lack of anything specific between two of the same gender is that ''Transformers'' above all exists [[to sell toys]] to children and so has to play in on the wishes and expectations of the general audience. Even if attitude is improving, [[Wikipedia:Heteronormativity|heterosexuality is still the default assumption and favoured option]]. A few same gender-relations may have appeared in fiction over time, at least the most prominent one by accident,<ref name="Airazorboy" /> but for the moment, writers still prefer to haul up Arcee or insert a new female (Transformer) to fill the romance niche than play up that sort of interaction in same gender context.  


==Sex==
==Sex==
The hints are few and far between, but ''Transformers'' is not devoid of the possibility Transformers might engage in sexual activities (for recreational purposes). ''Beast Wars'' first picked up the subject: in the episode "[[The Agenda (Part 1)]]", [[Rattrap]] offers to take [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] to what sounds like a Cybertronian version of a strip club, and later slyly makes a double entendre regarding Silverbolt's suspected kinky activities with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Meanwhile, the Japanese dub has Rattrap, thinking himself about to be stabbed by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], asks him to "be gentle, because I've heard the first time can hurt."
The hints are few and far between, but ''Transformers'' is not devoid of the possibility Transformers might engage in sexual activities (for recreational purposes). ''Beast Wars'' first picked up the subject: in the episode "[[The Agenda (Part 1)]]", [[Rattrap]] offers to take [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] to what sounds like a Cybertronian version of a strip club, and later slyly makes a double entendre regarding Silverbolt's suspected kinky activities with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Meanwhile, the Japanese dub has Rattrap, thinking himself about to be stabbed by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], asks him to "be gentle, because I've heard the first time can hurt."


In the Dreamwave issue "[[Infestation]]", [[:Image:Infestation crotchrot.jpg|one remark of Sunstreaker might suggest the existence of Transformer S.T.D.'s]].
In the Dreamwave issue "[[Infestation]]", [[:Image:Infestation crotchrot.jpg|one remark of Sunstreaker]] might suggest the existence of Transformer S.T.D.'s.


And that's about it as far as canon is concerned. If you wish to know any more on the matter of Transformer sex, go ask a random fangirl. Chances are well she has written or read a good number of [[Fan fiction|fan stories]] exploring the subject. Do note doing so will be at your own risk.
And that's about it as far as canon is concerned. If you wish to know any more on the matter of Transformer sex, go ask a random fangirl. Chances are well she has written or read a good number of [[Fan fiction|fan stories]] exploring the subject. Do note doing so will be at your own risk.


==Transformer - Transformer==
==Transformer - Transformer==
Most commonly, Transformers stick to their own kind when becoming romantically entangled.
Most commonly, Transformers stick to their own kind when becoming romantically entangled. This is logical,
 
Despite the low number of female Transformers, most relations seen thus far are between a female and a male. What this means for Transformer culture - Are relations something rare? Is there programming or something that only connects a male to a female and vice versa? And if so, why does it exist? - goes unexplained.     


*[[Strika (BM)|Strika]] - [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]<ref>When Obsidian refers to Strika as his consort in [[Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike]] he appears to have been using the less-common "associate" or "partner" definition. There are no displays of affection between them during [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|''Beast Machines'']], and [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|secondary information sources]] describe them only as "cohorts".</ref>
*[[Strika (BM)|Strika]] - [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]<ref>When Obsidian refers to Strika as his consort in [[Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike]] he appears to have been using the less-common "associate" or "partner" definition. There are no displays of affection between them during [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|''Beast Machines'']], and [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|secondary information sources]] describe them only as "cohorts".</ref>
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*[[Clipper]] - [[Holi]] {{storylink|Victory (cartoon)|Victory}}
*[[Clipper]] - [[Holi]] {{storylink|Victory (cartoon)|Victory}}
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] blushed and was a little lost on words when Clipper complimented him. Holi didn't like this. {{storylink|Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior}}
*[[Rescue Patrol Team|The rest of Holi's team]] is sad they don't have girlfriends. {{storylink|Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress}}


*[[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] found himself some [[Devcon's galpal|pleasant company]] on [[Spaceport CSSB-16]]. {{storylink|Disclosure}}  
*[[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] found himself some [[Devcon's galpal|pleasant company]] on [[Spaceport CSSB-16]]. {{storylink|Disclosure}}  
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*[[Jackpot]] is obsessed (but very unlucky) with fembots. Among his unsuccessful projects are [[Roulette]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}
*[[Jackpot]] is obsessed (but very unlucky) with fembots. Among his unsuccessful projects are [[Roulette]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}
*[[Magnum]] has a [[:Image:Magnumsgirlfriend.jpg|girlfriend]]. {{storylink|Wings of Honor}}


====Beast Era====
====Beast Era====
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===Cases===
===Cases===
====Generation 1====
====Generation 1====
<--Rejudge these cases-->
<--Rejudge some of these cases-->
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Charlene (cowgirl)|Charlene]] {{storylink|Showdown!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Charlene (cowgirl)|Charlene]] {{storylink|Showdown!}}


Revision as of 17:42, 31 January 2010

Some will vehemently hold up it does not exist. Others really don't care about the brand beyond it. Regardless of opinions, Transformers engaging in or pursuing interaction of a romantic nature is a well-established element in pretty much every continuity. For the most part, Transformers are observed searching for partners amongst their own kind, but attraction to either organic lifeforms or non-living objects is documented as well.

It is at times wondered why a species that does not reproduce sexually would participate in behavior that in other creatures exists as a means to promote sex and thereby new life. While a definitive answer to this has yet to be given, the question as to why Transformers become romantically involved with one another can be approached from a different angle. Transformers are a highly social species. This is shown through their ability to form a society, many examples of interaction and even the common practice of co-dependent body-types. If it is not frowned upon that such relations exist among them, then why should the romantic kind be regarded much differently, if at all? As much as there is no reason for them to engage in romance, there is equally no reason for them not to.

Though rather obscure, there is even a term for two Transformers in a relation: "sparkmates". A fan term mostly, it has surprisingly been used in two official sources, namely the end-of-game bio for Airazor, in reference to her and Tigatron, in the Nintendo 64 version of the Beast Wars Transmetals video game[1] and again in Venus.

Orientation

It will forever be a shame he wasn't in Cybertron.

The most common observation of Cybertronian romance is between a male and a female Transformer. Considering the general scarcity of female Transformers, and perhaps the absence of sexual reproduction, this is a rather interesting if odd situation. Second to that are the number of noted relations between a Transformer and an organic, equally so almost solely between a (nominally) male and female. These become more frequent as the gender balance becomes less even, even if that is a direct result of Transformers allegedly being genderless. Third in line come "couples" that consist of a Transformer fawning over a not-living object, not rarely regarding it as of the opposite gender.

Though not nonexistent, same gender interests are extremely rare. The Japanese version of Beast Wars had Airazor as a male, making his relation with Tigatron the only known instance of a homosexual Transformer couple.[2] At a distance follow Energon Mirage, who had the (unrequited) hots for Galvatron and Generation 1 Sunstreaker, who may have been gay in the Dreamwave continuity.[3] Transformer/organic relations are not any richer in this regard. Paddles had a clear fondness of the humans Randall and Ed, and Magnificus and Ga'mede might have something going between them, but that's about it. A note could be made on the fair chance that Tigatron's beast mode represents a female tiger and was scanned from his partner Snowstalker, yet that is speculation on a questionable case at best.

The real world-explanation for the overall lack of anything specific between two of the same gender is that Transformers above all exists to sell toys to children and so has to play in on the wishes and expectations of the general audience. Even if attitude is improving, heterosexuality is still the default assumption and favoured option. A few same gender-relations may have appeared in fiction over time, at least the most prominent one by accident,[2] but for the moment, writers still prefer to haul up Arcee or insert a new female (Transformer) to fill the romance niche than play up that sort of interaction in same gender context.

Sex

The hints are few and far between, but Transformers is not devoid of the possibility Transformers might engage in sexual activities (for recreational purposes). Beast Wars first picked up the subject: in the episode "The Agenda (Part 1)", Rattrap offers to take Silverbolt to what sounds like a Cybertronian version of a strip club, and later slyly makes a double entendre regarding Silverbolt's suspected kinky activities with Blackarachnia. Meanwhile, the Japanese dub has Rattrap, thinking himself about to be stabbed by Dinobot, asks him to "be gentle, because I've heard the first time can hurt."

In the Dreamwave issue "Infestation", one remark of Sunstreaker might suggest the existence of Transformer S.T.D.'s.

And that's about it as far as canon is concerned. If you wish to know any more on the matter of Transformer sex, go ask a random fangirl. Chances are well she has written or read a good number of fan stories exploring the subject. Do note doing so will be at your own risk.

Transformer - Transformer

Most commonly, Transformers stick to their own kind when becoming romantically entangled. This is logical,

Despite the low number of female Transformers, most relations seen thus far are between a female and a male. What this means for Transformer culture - Are relations something rare? Is there programming or something that only connects a male to a female and vice versa? And if so, why does it exist? - goes unexplained.

Cases

Generation 1

"I didn't know giant robots had testosterone."

Beast Era

File:ScyllaMolest1.jpg

Unicron Trilogy

Unknown continuity

Movie Continuity

  • Jetfire claims to have a mother and a father. Primus knows what that means, but we might as well try to be complete about this list. [citation needed]

Transformers Animated

Shattered Glass

Transformer - organic

“ We don't have to be the same outside to share the same feeling inside. ”

—Alana speaks words every Autobot Commander dreads, "Sea Change"

PGA PDA

Though reproduction does not seem to be a motivation for Transformers to become romantically involved,

Cases

Generation 1

<--Rejudge some of these cases-->

Beast Era

Unicron Trilogy

Movie continuity

Transformer - not-living object

“ And when we get back home, I want Bumblebee to meet my brother's convertible. We call her Juanita, and I think the two of them will get along just fine. ”

—Luisa, quite likely one of the very few humans who does not find this an awkward subject, "Fire on the Mountain"

Cases

Generation 1

Robots in Disguise

  • Side Burn has a thing for pretty red sportcars.

Unicron Trilogy

Movie continuity

Transformers Animated

References

  1. ↑ Beast Wars Transmetals end-of-game bios - transcription
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The reason the Japanese Beast Wars dub had Airazor male was because Takara hoped to increase toy-sales that way. Therefore, the relationship with Tigatron was initially played off somewhat differently to avoid complaints of homosexuality. Tigatron was presented as a samurai retainer with protective feelings towards his young ward; their closeness addressed in a "brotherly" sort of way. Despite that, there was still enough innuendo left-over for the gender-bending to become noticeable. The end of the matter came with the sequence in "Other Visits (Part 1)" when Airazor and Tigatron stare into each others' eyes while holding hands and slowly leaning in for a kiss. Since little could be done with that scene, the dub team had Airazor fully "come out" and begin to express his affection for Tigatron just before the two of them were abducted by the Vok. Japanese magazine editors, responding to letters from confused young fans, gently explained that "some people are just like that".
  3. ↑ Matt Moylan reveals a little secret about Sunstreaker at tfw2005.com
  4. ↑ When Obsidian refers to Strika as his consort in Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike he appears to have been using the less-common "associate" or "partner" definition. There are no displays of affection between them during Beast Machines, and secondary information sources describe them only as "cohorts".
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