Spark crystal: Difference between revisions
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[[ | {{disambig2|Spark crystal|other types of crystal|Crystal (disambiguation)}} | ||
Introduced with the [[Transmetal 2]] toyline in 1999, '''spark crystals''' are plastic bubbles in various colors, covering a vacuum-metal insignia of the allegiance of whatever [[Transformer]] possesses it ([[Maximal]] for [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] for [[Dinobot II]], etc.) They have been used on [[Toy|''Transformers'' toys]] in several [[ | [[File:FeralScream2 Cheetor's spark.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]] | ||
Introduced with the [[Transmetal 2]] toyline in 1999, '''spark crystals''' are plastic bubbles in various colors, covering a vacuum-metal insignia of the allegiance of whatever [[Transformer]] possesses it ([[Maximal]] for [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] for [[Dinobot II]], etc.) They have been used on [[Toy|''Transformers'' toys]] in several [[franchise]]s since. | |||
In the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon series]], in at least Dinobot II and Cheetor, the placement of the spark crystal on the toy represents the actual placement of the Transformer's [[spark]] in the body (Dinobot II's beast mode head/robot mode chest; Cheetor's left thigh). The Transmetal 2 [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] toy had ''two'' spark crystals (one Predacon, one Maximal), as her upgrade to Transmetal 2 removed her Predacon shell program in the process. | In the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon series]], in at least Dinobot II and Cheetor, the placement of the spark crystal on the toy represents the actual placement of the Transformer's [[spark]] in the body (Dinobot II's beast mode head/robot mode chest; Cheetor's left thigh). The Transmetal 2 [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] toy had ''two'' spark crystals (one Predacon, one Maximal), as her upgrade to Transmetal 2 removed her Predacon shell program in the process. | ||
In ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', the certainty of this is a bit fuzzier. The Maximals' sparks seem to be distributed throughout their bodies, only becoming the glowing orb when being extracted, so it ''could'' explain away some of the stranger places to put a spark crystal (like [[Geckobot]]'s, which basically serves as his eyes and brain). And while this could also explain the presence of spark crystals on the [[Vehicon general | In ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', the certainty of this is a bit fuzzier. The Maximals' sparks seem to be distributed throughout their bodies, only becoming the glowing orb when being extracted, so it ''could'' explain away some of the stranger places to put a spark crystal (like [[Geckobot]]'s, which basically serves as his eyes and brain). And while this could also explain the presence of spark crystals on the [[Vehicon general]]s, the placement of spark crystals on Vehicons meant to be mindless drones doesn't make much sense (particularly the "Battle for the Spark" during the latter half of the television series). | ||
In ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', spark crystals seem to serve no other purpose other than to identify Maximals from Predacons, much like the rubsigns of old. | In ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', spark crystals seem to serve no other purpose other than to identify Maximals from Predacons, much like the rubsigns of old. | ||
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With the rise of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' line, spark crystals disappeared, till the ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' line, where they became a tiny chromed insignia in the hole where you plugged in the [[Energon star]]. Presumably, it is supposed to be magnified by the translucent center of the Energon star. Many promotional photographs showed colored spark crystals on these figures, in red for [[Autobot]]s and purple for [[Decepticon]]s. | With the rise of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' line, spark crystals disappeared, till the ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' line, where they became a tiny chromed insignia in the hole where you plugged in the [[Energon star]]. Presumably, it is supposed to be magnified by the translucent center of the Energon star. Many promotional photographs showed colored spark crystals on these figures, in red for [[Autobot]]s and purple for [[Decepticon]]s. | ||
[[Redeco | [[Redeco]]s of toys featuring spark crystals often altered them, either by a [[tampograph]] of a faction symbol (many ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' toys), or by replacing the translucent plastic with opaque (such as ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Storm Jet (RID)|Storm Jet]]). | ||
{{ | {{locationstub}} | ||
[[Category:Beast Machines]] | [[Category:Beast Machines]] | ||
Revision as of 00:55, 11 August 2014
| This article is about Spark crystal. For other types of crystal, see Crystal (disambiguation). |
Introduced with the Transmetal 2 toyline in 1999, spark crystals are plastic bubbles in various colors, covering a vacuum-metal insignia of the allegiance of whatever Transformer possesses it (Maximal for Cheetor, Predacon for Dinobot II, etc.) They have been used on Transformers toys in several franchises since.
In the Beast Wars cartoon series, in at least Dinobot II and Cheetor, the placement of the spark crystal on the toy represents the actual placement of the Transformer's spark in the body (Dinobot II's beast mode head/robot mode chest; Cheetor's left thigh). The Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia toy had two spark crystals (one Predacon, one Maximal), as her upgrade to Transmetal 2 removed her Predacon shell program in the process.
In Beast Machines, the certainty of this is a bit fuzzier. The Maximals' sparks seem to be distributed throughout their bodies, only becoming the glowing orb when being extracted, so it could explain away some of the stranger places to put a spark crystal (like Geckobot's, which basically serves as his eyes and brain). And while this could also explain the presence of spark crystals on the Vehicon generals, the placement of spark crystals on Vehicons meant to be mindless drones doesn't make much sense (particularly the "Battle for the Spark" during the latter half of the television series).
In Beast Wars Neo, spark crystals seem to serve no other purpose other than to identify Maximals from Predacons, much like the rubsigns of old.
In the Robots in Disguise line, spark crystals were only added to the Predacon subgroup. In the show, it fired a sort of laser blast.
With the rise of the Armada line, spark crystals disappeared, till the Energon line, where they became a tiny chromed insignia in the hole where you plugged in the Energon star. Presumably, it is supposed to be magnified by the translucent center of the Energon star. Many promotional photographs showed colored spark crystals on these figures, in red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons.
Redecos of toys featuring spark crystals often altered them, either by a tampograph of a faction symbol (many Universe toys), or by replacing the translucent plastic with opaque (such as Robots in Disguise Storm Jet).
