Transformation paralysis

This article is about the condition. For the device of the same name, see mode lock{{#switch:{{#sub:mode lock|-1}}

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Transformation paralysis (also known as mode lock) is a condition where a Transformer finds themselves locked into their alternate mode.

Fiction

Generation 1 cartoon continuity

The Transformers cartoon

In 1985, when the Autobots participated in a race for charity, Megatron took the opportunity to test his latest creation, the Transfixatron, a weapon which locked a Transformer in whatever mode they were currently occupying. When Starscream dissed the device and Megatron's leadership, he was locked into fighter mode and had to beg his leader for mercy. With a successful demonstration under their belts, the Decepticons used the Transfixatron on the majority of the Autobots while they were stuck in vehicle form and captured them. While Megatron attempted to destroy the Autobots via an overly-elaborate trash compactor, Ratchet and Wheeljack create a device that would reverse the effect... a grenade. With the Autobots back to normal, they forced the Decepticons into retreat by firing the Transfixatron at Devastator, though instead of locking the Constructicons in that form, it for some reason forced them to separate. The Autobot Run

In the year 2006, while examining the quadrant lock in microscope mode, Perceptor was fired upon by the Quintessons. The Autobot scientist was injured and found himself suffering from transformation paralysis, locked within his microscope mode. You'd think things were bad enough, but then Perceptor's consciousness was placed into an alien drone. The Face of the Nijika

Beast Wars cartoon

One of the many evil inventions developed by Tarantulas during the Beast Wars was the Transformation Lock Lens. This floating contraption fired beams that locked victims into their beast modes, requiring use of a CR chamber to recover from the effect. The lens was a key element of the successful Predacon attack on a Maximal signal array, as it prevented Rhinox from activating the array before Megatron was able to destroy it. The Probe

Beast Machines cartoon

Megatron used a transformation virus which, amongst other effects, mode-locked a Transformer to conquer Cybertron. Forbidden Fruit

BomBom comic continuity

Beast Wars II comic

Having little experience with transforming to begin with, Star Upper lost the ability completely due to the trauma he experienced when he felt it necessary to run from an important boxing match. Stuck in beast mode, he reached Gaia and fought alongside the Lio Convoy Unit against the Predacons. When victory or defeat came down to him and Gigastorm, he found it within himself to overcome his affliction and change into battle mode to deal the decisive blow. Make a Surprise Attack on the Super Weapon Base!

Beast Wars Neo comic

Crow Convoy got caught in a massive explosion and as a result ended up stuck halfway between his battle mode and beast mode. The 5 Rookies

2005 IDW continuity

While on Earth to investigate Bludgeon's dealings, Soundwave was paralyzed by an experimental weapon fired by Iguanus when he attempted to stop Bludgeon's cultists from carrying out their mad plan to resurrect Thunderwing. The weapon overrode his primary transformation cog and forced him to assume his alternate mode of his tape deck, which, as Bludgeon pointed out, was of a considerable inconvenience to Soundwave. A year later, Soundwave was dug up by the US government organization Skywatch during their excavation of Bludgeon's Mount St. Helens base. Over two decades later in the year 2007, Soundwave was then purchased by a teenager from a pawn shop in Portland, Oregon. Spotlight: Soundwave

Beast Wars: Uprising

On a dystopian post-war Cybertron, energon was at such a premium that the decrepit Autobots and Decepticons were no longer capable of independent movement; even the Transformers who were still mobile rarely transformed into their alternate modes out of concern for their onboard fuel supplies. Broken Windshields

While most of these "Builders of Cybertron", remained in their robot mode, some Transformers found themselves permanently trapped in their vehicular configurations instead. The Builders reused them as transports. Derailment These were of particular interest to the Maximals and Predacons of the Resistance, who captured and lobotomized these living ships and turned them into nonsentient cargo haulers and warships. Safe Spaces

The Battle of the Yuss Straits saw extensive action between fleets of mode-locked Transformers with aquatic alternate modes. Derailment

Rescue Bots cartoon

A meteorite that crashed on Wayward Island carried within it a virus whose first stage locked Cybertronians in their alternate modes. Bumblebee to the Rescue