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{{picsneeded|Japanese Targetmasters in "handgun" mode}}
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:''Targetmasters are one of several specialized Transformer warriors that were developed during the war on [[Nebulos]]. See also [[Headmaster]] and [[Powermaster]]''
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[[Image:Targetmasters.jpg|thumb|250px|'''Targetmasters:''' the small one on the right turns into a gun]]
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<td style="padding:0 1em 0 1em;text-align:right;"><div class="tti_messageboxdiv" style="width:100%;padding:.5em; background-color:#efefff; border:solid 1px #9f9fff;text-align:center;margin:auto;">[[Image:PicsNeeded.gif|left|80px|They're actually both looking for characterization.]]
<span style="font-size:125%;font-weight:900;">Let's see what you can see...</span><hr />
This article is in need of images.


'''Targetmaster''' is a term first used to describe any of the [[Autobot|Autobots]] or [[Decepticon]]s who were involved in the war on [[Nebulos]] and had their sidearms or other primary weapons binary-bonded to a Nebulan humanoid. Created shortly after their more drastic [[Headmaster]] cousins, the Targetmasters benefit from being able take two minds into battle without ever losing their heads. The term Targetmaster was later expanded to include any Transformer bonded to another being (be they Nebulan or fellow Cybertronian) that becomes their weapon.


A Targetmaster, unlike a normal Transformer, possess a living weapon, one that is capable of making its own tactical decisions and target priorities. The advantage is similar to that of having a dedicated gunner aboard an aircraft. As most Targetmasters follow the practice of carrying an extra "backup" weapon in addition to their Targetmaster partner, this allows them the luxury of having a gun that they command as well as one they can leave to its own devices: the ultimate "fire and forget" weapon.  
</div><small>'''Specifics:''' Japanese Targetmasters in "handgun" mode; new main pic.</small>
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:''Targetmasters are Transformers (and their partners) from the [[Generation 1|Generation 1]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''


The benefit to the [[Nebulos|Nebulans]] who participate in this bonding is fairly obvious: they gain the power to transform themselves into a gun, and if that was good enough for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], then who are they to argue with the results? Targetmaster partners tend to be more aggressive and warlike than their fellow Headmasters and [[Powermaster]]s, which tends to come with the territory when someone volunteers to be a walking cannon.  
[[Image:Desertislandofspace-targetmaster-rollcall.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Cambot!  Gypsy!  Tom Servo!  Croooooow!]]
The '''Targetmasters''' are a subset of Transformers [[Binary bonding|binary-bonded]] to smaller partners, who transform into their weapons. The partner is often an organic life form that has been bio-engineered to be partly mechanical, or wears a suit of armor that transforms around them to become the weapon.


Historically, in most continuities, the Targetmaster process came shortly after the Headmaster process was developed. At various points in their careers, such stalwart warriors as [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]], and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] have been counted amongst the [[Autobot]] Targetmasters, while notable Decepticons like [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] also accepted the process in order to reap the benefits of such added power.  
The Targetmasters benefit from being able to take two minds into battle.  A Targetmaster possesses a living weapon that is capable of making its own tactical decisions and target priorities. The advantage is similar to that of having a dedicated gunner aboard an aircraft.


The Targetmaster process is often seen to follow shortly after development of the [[Headmaster|Headmaster]] process.  The earliest known Targetmasters were among the [[Autobot|Autobots]] and [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] involved in the war on [[Nebulos|Nebulos]], and were paired with a bio-engineered Nebulan humanoid.  Later Targetmasters included virtually any Transformer specifically partnered with another being that becomes their weapon, not limited to Nebulans or organics.  The term has been applied to the [[Seacon|Seacon]] team<sup id="cite_ref-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-0" title="">[1]</a></sup> and several [[Action Master|Action Master]] pairings {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye}}. 


==Terminology==
Some Transformers, known as '''Double Targetmasters''', are bonded with two smaller partners  who can form individual weapons or combine with one another to form a 'double weapon', with the power of whichever weapon forms the 'barrel' boosted by the other.
In conversation, both the primary Transformer and their Nebulan partner are referred to by the title "Targetmaster". Unlike other factions of the Autobot/Decepticon war, like the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] or the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, Targetmasters are generally not considered to form their own unit: Targetmasters can regularly deploy alone or with other, non-bonded Transformers.  


The term "Targetmaster" is a description for the unique bonding shared between Transformer and Nebulan. If an Autobot or Decepticon loses their Nebulan partner (such as was the case with [[Hot Rod]], when his partner [[Firebolt (G1)|Firebolt]] died), then they cease to be referred to as a Targetmaster. Unlike their fellow bonded Transformers, it is possible for a Targetmaster to leave, abandon, or otherwise separate from his partner with no ill effects — a Headmaster who splits up his binary bond will have a hard time getting much done without his head, and a Powermaster does not last long without his engine, but a Targetmaster can always pick up a new gun.  However, there can be complications to this, as targetmasters, accustomed to their weapon taking care of itself, often find themselves unused to dealing with the unforgiving nature of a standard hand weapon.


Where this is opportunity for confusion, this article refers to the smaller transforming partner as a ''Targetmaster partner.''


==Defining characteristics==
==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">'''Note:''' ''Events from the [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|UK-only]] comic stories are in italics.''</div>
The first Targetmasters were a group of six Autobots under the command of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]].  Having traveled to the planet Nebulos in search of peace, this group surrendered their weapons to the natives to prove their peaceful intentions.  {{storylink|Ring of Hate!|Ring of Hate!}}


Not all Transformers that turn into guns are Targetmasters. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], and [[Browning]] change into powerful weapons, but they are not bonded to a specific partner or share any of the traits usually associated with the "Targetmaster" title. The smaller members of the [[Seacons]] however are Targetmasters, each member having the ability to become either a limb for, OR a gun for their combined form.
Some time later, Lord Zarak and his Decepticon Headmaster partner Scorponok had discredited the Autobots, turned public opinion against them, and driven them into retreat. A group of six Nebulan dissidents undertook a great risk to join the Autobots, allowing themselves to be bio-engineered into replacement weapons for the six unarmed Autobots.


===Japanese Targetmasters===
{{storylink|Worlds Apart!|Worlds Apart!}}
In Japanese continuities, Targetmaster partners hail from the planet [[Master (Hadmasters)|Master]], but unlike the [[Headmaster]]s they are partnered with a regular Transformer as opposed to a [[Transtector]]. This fusion came about in a blast which Binary-Bonded a group of refugees from Master to the arms of the new Autobot recruits, as well as the Decepticon marauders, who were terrorizing the refugees in the first place. Unlike in the US continuity and toys, when the Masters Transform into gun mode, they take the place of their larger partner's entire hand instead of being held by it.


It is unknown at this time why [[Ricochet (G1) (Autobot)|Ricochet]], [[Artfire (G1)|Artfire]], Hot Rod, and Kup have Targetmasters, as they were not present for the explosion. It is also unknown why the Japanese Targetmasters speak in a series of electronic beeps (like the [[Mini-Cons]]) instead of normally like their Headmaster brethren.
Their first trial by combat came at [[The Nursery|The Nursery]], a horticultural research facility that was under threat by Zarak's Decepticons.  The newly-minted Targetmasters engaged Scorponok and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] in a battle for the Nursery, but retreated as the facility was being destroyed by the battle, regardless of who was winning.


===Partnering===
[[Vorath|Vorath]] was soon able to duplicate the Autobots' experiment, creating a group of five Decepticon Targetmasters, though they weren't quite a match for the Autobot Headmasters.  All of the Targetmasters left Nebulos soon after, as the Autobots retreated to spare Nebulos further warfare, and the Decepticons pursued.   {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!|Brothers in Armor!!}} 
[[Image:Targetmaster-nomore.jpg|thumb|'''Targetmaster No More:''' Hot Rod is no longer a Targetmaster as he mourns Firebolt's death.]]
Targetmasters are [[Binary Bond|binary bonded]] to a specific Targetmaster partner or partners.  Unlike non-Targetmaster gun-Transformers, their systems interface, resulting in vastly increased accuracy while leaving the larger Transformer's attention free for other tasks.


In order to be considered a Targetmaster, a Transformer must have a specifically chosen  partner. Most examples are Nebulans, but this is not necessarily required. The partner wears a specially designed exoskeleton (not unlike the [[exo-suit]] worn by [[Daniel Witwicky|Daniel]] and [[Spike Witwicky]]) that allows him to change himself into a weapon. In Marvel comic continuity bio-mechanical surgery was also necessary, transforming the partner in a cyborg. Both of the partners also undergo a procedure known as "Binary Bonding". Although each of the pair is still an individual being (unlike the [[gestalt]]s formed when some Transformers combine), they will be able to share thoughts and sensations, not unlike a psychic connection. One of the many advantages to this is that a Targetmaster can send commands to his weapon without needing to actually touch it, or even be in the same room.
The Autobot Targetmasters subsequently went on a mission to rescue the human [[Buster Witwicky|Buster Witwicky]] from the Decepticons. They were repulsed from the Decepticons' [[Club Con|island base]] by a phalanx of hidden weapons. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!|The Desert Island of Space!}}


In vehicle mode, the Transformer usually has some kind of port or area where his partner can rest in weapon mode, functioning as a sort of self-guided turret and protecting their larger comrade while he focuses on other tasks. Since the partner is the one who controls their weapon mode, they are self-aiming and capable of tracking their own targets independant of any other weapon systems that the Transformer may have available.
{{storylink|Wrecking Havoc|Wrecking Havoc}}


===Double Targetmasters===
{{storylink|Dry Run!|Dry Run!}}


[[Image:Double targetmasters.jpg|thumb|Nebulan-on-Nebulan action!]]
{{storylink|Time Wars|Time Wars}}


It should be noted that in some rare cases Autobots or Decepticons have been known to bond themselves to multiple Targetmaster partners. Double Targetmaster<ref>The term comes from the story "[[Starting Over!]]" in the Marvel UK comic.</ref> Transformers are bonded with two smaller partners which, in addition to forming weapons the Transformer can wield, are capable of combining with one another and forming a 'double weapon,' with the power of whichever weapon forms the 'barrel' boosted by the other.


None of the Double Targetmaster toys were released in Japan, nor did they feature in the Japanese anime.
[[Image:Targetmaster-nomore.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Hot Rod is no longer a Targetmaster as he mourns Firebolt&#39;s death.]]
{{storylink|Headhunt|Headhunt}}


===Action Master partners===
 
Having given up the power of transformation, a number of action masters make up for the loss of their race's signature ability by having someone else transform for them.
Additional Targetmasters may or may not have been created as the war went on.  Quickmix and Needlenose were both seen using weapons resembling their Targetmaster partners, but their individual circumstances do not seem to easily allow for them to have been on Nebulos to acquire Targetmaster partners.  {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!|Yesterday's Heroes!}}
 
Recoil was among the weapons surrendered by the Autobots to the Decepticons as part of preparation for an alliance against [[Unicron|Unicron]].  {{storylink|Surrender!|Surrender!}}
 
Prowl noted the double-paired Targetmasters known as Double-Targetmasters among his list of complaints about how complicated things had gotten in his absence.  {{storylink|Starting Over!|Starting Over!}}
 
 
 
 
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
The Targetmaster process was developed eons ago on Cybertron, as a process to forge a warrior and his weapon into a cohesive fighting team.  The two are linked on a mental and physical level, allowing them to draw energy from each other and multitask with extreme efficiency.  Targetmaster weapons cannot be wielded by another being without their consent unless they are somehow incapacitated in their weapon configuration.  Severe injury or death of one partner can have a profound physical and emotional impact on the other.
 
The Targetmaster process was further expanded upon on the planet Nebulon.  This would allow organic humanoids, not just mechanoids, to function as weapons when adorned with removable armor.  The strength and endurance of these modified beings were greatly enhanced, though their appearance does not change.  {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye issue 8}}
 
 
===American cartoon continuity===
[[Image:Targetmasters.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Here&#39;s me, and here&#39;s my gun!]]
{{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1|The Rebirth, Part 1}}
 
{{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2|The Rebirth, Part 2}}
 
{{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
 
 
===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Headmasters''====
In Japanese continuities, Targetmaster partners hail from the planet [[Master (Headmasters)|Master]], but unlike the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] they are partnered with a regular Transformer as opposed to a [[Transtector|Transtector]]. This fusion came about in a blast which binary-bonded a group of refugees from Master to the arms of the new Autobot recruits, as well as the Decepticon marauders, who were terrorizing the refugees in the first place. Unlike in the US continuity and toys, when the Masters transform into gun mode, they take the place of their larger partner's entire hand instead of being held by it.
 
It is unknown at this time why [[Ricochet (G1 Autobot)|Ricochet]], [[Artfire (G1)|Artfire]], Hot Rod, and Kup have Targetmasters, as they were not present for the explosion. The Japanese Targetmasters speak in a series of electronic beeps (like the [[Mini-Cons|Mini-Cons]]) that only their bonded partner can understand, instead of speaking normally like their Headmaster brethren.
 
 
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&lt;span style="font-size:125%;font-weight:900;"&gt;You left a piece out!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;hr /&gt;
''This article is a [[:Category:Stub|stub]] and is missing information. You can help '''Transformers Wiki''' by &lt;span class="plainlinks"&gt;[http://tfwiki.net/w2/index.php?title=Targetmaster&amp;action=edit expanding it]&lt;/span&gt;.''
 
 
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;small&gt;'''What's needed:''' Fiction section is incomplete&lt;/small&gt;
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==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Crosshairs toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Crosshairs]]
* '''Autobot Targetmasters''' (1987)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] with [[Haywire|Haywire]]
* [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] with [[Pinpointer|Pinpointer]]
* [[Hot Rod|Hot Rod]] with [[Firebolt|Firebolt]]
* [[Kup|Kup]] with [[Recoil|Recoil]]
* [[Pointblank|Pointblank]] with [[Peacemaker|Peacemaker]]
* [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] with [[Spoilsport|Spoilsport]]
 
 
:The Autobot Targetmasters were sold boxed with their Targetmaster partners, and consisted of three all-new molds alongside slightly retooled versions of Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr from the previous year's assortment.  The three older molds featured enlarged fist holes, allowing them to hold their new weapons.  Both old and new molds transform into futuristic/Cybertronian ground vehicles. All six can mount their Targetmaster weapon on their roof or hood while in vehicle mode.
 
[[Image:G1 Misfire toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Misfire]]
* '''Decepticon Targetmasters''' (1987)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (Decepticon)|Nightstick]]
* [[Misfire|Misfire]] with [[Aimless|Aimless]]
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] with [[Fracas|Fracas]]
* [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] with [[Caliburst|Caliburst]]
* [[Triggerhappy|Triggerhappy]] with [[Blowpipe|Blowpipe]]
 
 
:Similar to their Autobot counterparts, the Decepticon Targetmasters feature three new jet molds alongside retooled versions of Cyclonus and Scourge with enlarged fist holes.  All five transform into futuristic/Cybertronian aircraft.  Their weapons can be mounted on top of them in jet form.  The three newer molds were also sold in 1988.
 
[[Image:Double targetmasters.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Nebulan-on-Nebulan action!]]
* '''Autobot Targetmasters''' (1988)
* [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] with [[Flintlock|Flintlock]] and [[Silencer|Silencer]]
* [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] with [[Boomer|Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (Nebulan)|Ricochet]]
* [[Scoop|Scoop]] with [[Holepunch|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]]
 
 
: Often referred to as the "small Targemasters" to distinguish them from the larger 1987 releases, these toys were sold carded.  Each toy includes two smaller Targetmaster partners, each of which can form a gun or combine together as a larger gun.  The two guns can also mount on the robot's vehicle form.  The three Autobots share a construction vehicle theme.  These toys were never released in Japan.
 
* '''Decepticon Targetmasters''' (1988)
* [[Needlenose|Needlenose]] with [[Sunbeam|Sunbeam]] and [[Zigzag|Zigzag]]
* [[Quake|Quake]] with [[Tiptop|Tiptop]] and [[Heater|Heater]]
* [[Spinister|Spinister]] with [[Hairsplitter|Hairsplitter]] and [[Singe|Singe]]
 
 
: The Decepticon "small Targetmasters" were sold carded with two Targetmaster partners each.  Like the 1988 Autobots, these partners can form independent or combined weapons, and mount on their partner Transformers' vehicle forms or be wielded by them in robot mode.  The three Transformers all turn into military vehicles.  These toys were never released in Japan.
 
* '''Seacons''' (1988)
* [[Nautilator (G1)|Nautilator]]
* [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]]
* [[Seawing (G1)|Seawing]]
* [[Skalor|Skalor]]
* [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]
 
 
: The Seacons are a [[Scramble City|Scramble City]]-style combiner team, with [[Snaptrap|a large leader toy]] who forms the torso of a larger robot, with four smaller toys plugging in to form the limbs.  The team was given an additional fifth small toy, however.  All five small toys have a "weapon" mode -- essentially their creature mode with a gun barrel attached -- allowing any of them to be used by the combined robot as a Targetmaster weapon.  Each small toy could also form a free-standing gun by attaching to a small stand included with the toy.
 
* '''Japanese Targetmasters'''
* [[Ricochet (G1 Autobot)|Ricochet]]
* [[Artfire (G1)|Artfire]]
 
 
: Artfire and Ricochet are redecos of the original toys for Inferno and Jazz, respectively.  They each come with the Targetmaster partner molds that were used as Fracas and Nightstick in the US.
 
* '''Action Masters''' (1990)
* [[Banzai-Tron|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp|Razor-Sharp]]
* [[Jackpot|Jackpot]] with [[Sights|Sights]]
* [[Krok|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider|Gatoraider]]
* [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button|Push-Button]]
* [[Rad (G1)|Rad]] with [[Lionizer|Lionizer]]
* [[Rollout|Rollout]] with [[Glitch|Glitch]]
* [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy|Top-Heavy]]
* [[Treadshot|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut|Catgut]]
 
 
: Several [[Action Master|Action Master]] figures include robotic partners who transform into weapons for the robot's use.  Though not labeled as such at the time, 2003's ''[[More Than Meets the Eye (G1)|More Than Meets the Eye]]'' profile books retroactively dubbed these characters Targetmasters.
 
===''Beast Wars''===
* [[Break|Break]]
* [[Stampy|Stampy]]
 
===''Beast Machines''===
* '''Deployers''' (2000)
* [[Dillo|Dillo]]
* [[Mol|Mol]]
* [[Rav|Rav]]
 
 
===''Universe'' series===
* [[Chro|Chro]]&lt;sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"&gt;&lt;a href="#cite_note-1" title=""&gt;[2]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;
 
===''Universe'' (2008)===
* '''Cyclonus''' (2008)
 
: A reimagining of the original [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] design, complete with his partner [[Nightstick|Nightstick]].


==References==
==References==
<references/>
&lt;ol class="references"&gt;&lt;li id="cite_note-0"&gt;&lt;a href="#cite_ref-0" title=""&gt;↑&lt;/a&gt; [[Hasbro|Hasbro]]'s 1988 toy [[Catalog|catalog]].
 
&lt;li id="cite_note-1"&gt;[#cite_ref-1" title=""&gt;↑&lt;/a&gt; Chro was called a Targetmaster in Cryotek's &lt;a href="http://botcon.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html BotCon online bio]. Chro is repurposed from Rav's blue deco.&lt;/ol&gt;


[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category:Articles in need of images]]
[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category:Stub]]
[[Category: Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category: Subgroups]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category: Targetmasters| ]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category: Technology]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>
[[Category:Subgroups]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Revision as of 07:50, 19 March 2009

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They're actually both looking for characterization.
They're actually both looking for characterization.

<span style="font-size:125%;font-weight:900;">Let's see what you can see...</span><hr /> This article is in need of images.


</div><small>Specifics: Japanese Targetmasters in "handgun" mode; new main pic.</small> </td></tr></table> </center>

Targetmasters are Transformers (and their partners) from the Generation 1 continuity family.
Cambot! Gypsy! Tom Servo! Croooooow!

The Targetmasters are a subset of Transformers binary-bonded to smaller partners, who transform into their weapons. The partner is often an organic life form that has been bio-engineered to be partly mechanical, or wears a suit of armor that transforms around them to become the weapon.

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

The Targetmaster process is often seen to follow shortly after development of the Headmaster process. The earliest known Targetmasters were among the Autobots and Decepticons involved in the war on Nebulos, and were paired with a bio-engineered Nebulan humanoid. Later Targetmasters included virtually any Transformer specifically partnered with another being that becomes their weapon, not limited to Nebulans or organics. The term has been applied to the Seacon team<sup id="cite_ref-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-0" title="">[1]</a></sup> and several Action Master pairings More Than Meets The Eye.

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


Fiction

Marvel Comics continuity

<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">Note: Events from the UK-only comic stories are in italics.</div> The first Targetmasters were a group of six Autobots under the command of Fortress Maximus. Having traveled to the planet Nebulos in search of peace, this group surrendered their weapons to the natives to prove their peaceful intentions. Ring of Hate!

Some time later, Lord Zarak and his Decepticon Headmaster partner Scorponok had discredited the Autobots, turned public opinion against them, and driven them into retreat. A group of six Nebulan dissidents undertook a great risk to join the Autobots, allowing themselves to be bio-engineered into replacement weapons for the six unarmed Autobots. 

Worlds Apart!

Their first trial by combat came at The Nursery, a horticultural research facility that was under threat by Zarak's Decepticons. The newly-minted Targetmasters engaged Scorponok and the Terrorcons in a battle for the Nursery, but retreated as the facility was being destroyed by the battle, regardless of who was winning.

Vorath was soon able to duplicate the Autobots' experiment, creating a group of five Decepticon Targetmasters, though they weren't quite a match for the Autobot Headmasters. All of the Targetmasters left Nebulos soon after, as the Autobots retreated to spare Nebulos further warfare, and the Decepticons pursued. Brothers in Armor!!

The Autobot Targetmasters subsequently went on a mission to rescue the human Buster Witwicky from the Decepticons. They were repulsed from the Decepticons' island base by a phalanx of hidden weapons. The Desert Island of Space! 

Wrecking Havoc

Dry Run!

Time Wars


Hot Rod is no longer a Targetmaster as he mourns Firebolt's death.

Headhunt


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

Recoil was among the weapons surrendered by the Autobots to the Decepticons as part of preparation for an alliance against Unicron. Surrender!

Prowl noted the double-paired Targetmasters known as Double-Targetmasters among his list of complaints about how complicated things had gotten in his absence. Starting Over!



Dreamwave comics continuity

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

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


American cartoon continuity

Here's me, and here's my gun!

The Rebirth, Part 1 

The Rebirth, Part 2

The Rebirth, Part 3


Japanese cartoon continuity

Headmasters

In Japanese continuities, Targetmaster partners hail from the planet Master, but unlike the Headmasters they are partnered with a regular Transformer as opposed to a Transtector. This fusion came about in a blast which binary-bonded a group of refugees from Master to the arms of the new Autobot recruits, as well as the Decepticon marauders, who were terrorizing the refugees in the first place. Unlike in the US continuity and toys, when the Masters transform into gun mode, they take the place of their larger partner's entire hand instead of being held by it.

It is unknown at this time why Ricochet, Artfire, Hot Rod, and Kup have Targetmasters, as they were not present for the explosion. The Japanese Targetmasters speak in a series of electronic beeps (like the Mini-Cons) that only their bonded partner can understand, instead of speaking normally like their Headmaster brethren.


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</div><small>What's needed: Fiction section is incomplete</small> </td></tr></table> </center>


Toys

Generation 1

File:G1Crosshairs toy.jpg
Crosshairs


The Autobot Targetmasters were sold boxed with their Targetmaster partners, and consisted of three all-new molds alongside slightly retooled versions of Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr from the previous year's assortment. The three older molds featured enlarged fist holes, allowing them to hold their new weapons. Both old and new molds transform into futuristic/Cybertronian ground vehicles. All six can mount their Targetmaster weapon on their roof or hood while in vehicle mode.
File:G1 Misfire toy.jpg
Misfire


Similar to their Autobot counterparts, the Decepticon Targetmasters feature three new jet molds alongside retooled versions of Cyclonus and Scourge with enlarged fist holes. All five transform into futuristic/Cybertronian aircraft. Their weapons can be mounted on top of them in jet form. The three newer molds were also sold in 1988.
File:Double targetmasters.jpg
Nebulan-on-Nebulan action!


Often referred to as the "small Targemasters" to distinguish them from the larger 1987 releases, these toys were sold carded. Each toy includes two smaller Targetmaster partners, each of which can form a gun or combine together as a larger gun. The two guns can also mount on the robot's vehicle form. The three Autobots share a construction vehicle theme. These toys were never released in Japan.


The Decepticon "small Targetmasters" were sold carded with two Targetmaster partners each. Like the 1988 Autobots, these partners can form independent or combined weapons, and mount on their partner Transformers' vehicle forms or be wielded by them in robot mode. The three Transformers all turn into military vehicles. These toys were never released in Japan.


The Seacons are a Scramble City-style combiner team, with a large leader toy who forms the torso of a larger robot, with four smaller toys plugging in to form the limbs. The team was given an additional fifth small toy, however. All five small toys have a "weapon" mode -- essentially their creature mode with a gun barrel attached -- allowing any of them to be used by the combined robot as a Targetmaster weapon. Each small toy could also form a free-standing gun by attaching to a small stand included with the toy.


Artfire and Ricochet are redecos of the original toys for Inferno and Jazz, respectively. They each come with the Targetmaster partner molds that were used as Fracas and Nightstick in the US.


Several Action Master figures include robotic partners who transform into weapons for the robot's use. Though not labeled as such at the time, 2003's More Than Meets the Eye profile books retroactively dubbed these characters Targetmasters.

Beast Wars

Beast Machines


Universe series

  • Chro<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-1" title="">[2]</a></sup>

Universe (2008)

  • Cyclonus (2008)
A reimagining of the original Cyclonus design, complete with his partner Nightstick.

References

<ol class="references"><li id="cite_note-0"><a href="#cite_ref-0" title="">↑</a> Hasbro's 1988 toy catalog. <li id="cite_note-1">[#cite_ref-1" title="">↑</a> Chro was called a Targetmaster in Cryotek's <a href="http://botcon.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html BotCon online bio]. Chro is repurposed from Rav's blue deco.</ol>

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