#its scorponok and thunderwing

[they-hermes]

i humbly apologise to the decepticon security, as it may be not them the problem, but in fact the decepticon science department. fuckers just go crazy with their personal projects after working every 2 hundred years and leave their lab shit just laying there. on purpose

the transformers fandom really needs to talk more about brainstorm as a double agent in order to access decepticon technology for his little science project, because could you imagine? try lifting your hand and name off as many decepticon scientists from the top of your head that aren't just shockwave. who's fucking lab did that man invade? who did have to talk to in order to get his resources? did he have to enlist? did he personally work alongside shockwave? the implications are astounding

[sternerstufftoys]

As in electron

So I guess before Bludgeon and Thunderwing and Galvatron and Scorponok and Overlord and Ratbat and Soundwave and Straxus and Shockwave there was this guy in charge of the Decepticons called Megatron? And it turns out there's been a couple of toys of him? Who knew?

Oh, I'm such a wag. But to be honest, I don't really have a huge amount to say about Megatron as a character. He was pretty much before my time, y'see. I was born in 1984, and by the time I was old enough to understand Transformers the era of Megatron was long, long gone. I've already spoken about how Rodimus was 'my' Prime, and even though Optimus Prime had been thoroughly returned in Powermaster form in 1988, and Megatron did make appearances in the Marvel comic throughout it's run even after death (a sort of clone, a body swap, an actual resurrection all clown-carred together into a fantastically convoluted mess) I always tended to see the original Optimus/Megatron years as a sort of prehistory, the Before-Times when the older kids were into Transformers and I was more into wearing nappies. It's in our nature as children to want to take ownership of the things we like, and a previous generation's toys can have something of an off-putting nature to them. Child me would have killed for a Galvatron toy, but turned his nose up at a Megatron.

So, roughly 4 million years later I'm an adult collector putting in a preorder for MMC Tyrannotron, confident that this will be The One Megatron that I can keep forever. See, the other problem with Optimus Prime and Megatron is that these days they receive so many new toys that I'm worried about being tempted to keep upgrading to a newer model. But this one was a keeper, a high-end third-party toy from Mastermind Creations, based on his latest iteration in the IDW comics. Yes, I thought to myself, this is a keeper. And then it was announced that the IDW universe would be ending. Hnnng.

Still a great Megatron. A great look. And while it's both unofficial and twice the price of the recent Flame Toys model kit, it does at least transform. Sort of. The problem is of course that during the entire run where Megatron took this shape, he never once actually transformed, not once. So it was pretty much down to MMC to decide what form that big hunky dadbod should turn into. And they came up with... a thing. Sort of a thing. It's not entirely clear.

It's got treads rather than wheels, an elongated nosecone which doubles as an absurdly oversized fusion cannon (hard to have a go at Tarn's double cannon any more when yours is the size of an entire other person) and tiny little wings near the back. Is it a tank? A jet? It's impossible to properly categorise it, because it looks like it was made up as they went along. Like, they put a bunch of transforming joints in, folded it up a few times, and took what they ended up with and slapped a few vehicle mode bits on. Yeah, as a transforming transformer, this is not a highlight. But even so, it does have a hell of a lot of presence, able to trundle down a motorway taking up all three lanes at once before kerblamming a path through anything that happened to be in its way. Lorries, cars, Little Chefs, that sort of thing.

I feel considerably more attachment for the IDW version of G1 Megs than anything coming from the cartoon. This was a character with an incredibly well-defined arc, far more so than Optimus Prime's, even if that arc was largely retrofitted in after the fact. The social-revolutionary-poet-turned-murderous-warlord became a far more identifiable character than the designated bad guy that filled TV screens back in 1984, and aspects of this characterisation quickly became absorbed into the mainstream, in Prime and now Cyberverse. Megatron's time in the pages of More Than Meets the Eye / Lost Light shone a spotlight on the dualistic nature of his character, and put him onto a path of... well not exactly redemption, though many people are quick to label it as such. More a journey of rediscovery, of being able to find the person you once were before things went wrong, and bring that person back. And even by the end, Megatron's 4 million years of warmongering still outweigh his 800 years of good deeds. But at least Megatron ended his time in the comic as the person he wanted to be. That's powerful stuff. Most other Megatrons go out screaming incoherently and blowing up, so it's a definite step forward.

Or, if you want to take a step back, MMC put in another surprise, because with a few swapped-out pieces you can go from his final form to the very first one he was seen in, way back in Megatron Origin. Lest we forget, this was so early in IDW's tenure with the Transformers franchise that it had originally been pitched to Dreamwave, which today looks a bit like a first draft of many of the things IDW went on to do.

The alt mode makes a lot more sense now, since the front-facing fusion cannon has been replaced with a massive mining drill, and the wings swapped out for safety-striped panels. The drill can still be fastened to his arm in robot mode, but if you want to give him a more warmongering look you can swap out the drill bit itself for another, rounder fusion cannon barrel. Again, this one is ridiculously oversized, but I actually prefer it to the modern-look cannon. Unfortunately the yellow safety stripes are still there, which does look a bit out of place if you're looking to fit the Origin cannon on the MTMTE body. You also get a new head, mixing the miner and gladiator looks from the comic, and a new chest piece. It's not a perfect reproduction, but it's nice to have bonus options to represent the beginning and end of Megatron's life.

Still though, I can't help but feel that the effort would have been better spent making the MTMTE alt mode more attractive than dual-purposing the whole thing for a different look. It's a figure first, and a transformer second, which is a real shame. You also get, rather predictably, a lightsaber based on the 1986 movie and a purple energy flail-mace-whatever-thingy because Prime and Megatron will never escape that once scene where they briefly pull melee weapons out of their sleeves. You do a party trick one time and your mates will never forget it. Anyway, the mace is crap, having a real metal chain which makes it impossible to do action poses, and I've found the lightsaber far more useful given to other characters in need of a power-up. Blitzwing likes it a lot, for example.

I mean really, I bought this bastard so that I'd never need to buy another Megatron again, and so far it's worked out. But as time goes on and the original IDW 'verse fades into history he becomes more and more of a relic of past times. Alas, etc.

[xdeusxmachinax]

Hey, so how man muse do you have on this blog, do you have list for us to look at. (Sorry if I'm ask a question that been already asked before.)

*cracks knuckles*

Here you go, friend.

The Heralds of Unicron are Inhabitants of Unicron who have consumed Anglomois and have been transformed by it, remade to better serve Unicron. As such, they are more dangerous than civilians. Canon characters are indicated with an *. ‘Open to Multishipping’ means that although a character is in an established relationship, alternate universes mean they are still available for your muse to fall in love with. Assume everyone is available, only a handful aren’t.

Airaid: A young low-ranking seeker with an almost preternatural ability to foresee attacks. He can often foretell the time; place; and source of enemy assaults; up to eight weeks in advance. Airaid uses this talent to ensure his team takes measures to prevent the enemy from attacking; sometimes before they choose to do so. Airaid sees this precognition as a sign he is ‘blessed’; and loves lording this fact over his fellow Spawns. Transforms into a Saab Jas 39 Gripen. Approach with Caution.

Alternis: When not donning the ceremonial robes and mask of the Confessor; this priest of Unicron spends most of his time counseling others. Alternis seeks to offer comfort and peace to his comrades; and is always willing to listen. He takes great pride iin his collection of Olfactory Therapy paraphernalia.  Formerly a Decepticon slave named Turntable. Adopted Father to the Blader femme Glory. Transformation cog was removed by the D.J.D. Safe to Approach.

Anarchy: The result of breeding between Oblivion and Sideways; Anarchy is a young virus femme just learning the ropes when it comes to wreaking havoc. She’s less a warrior and more of a mischief make. Anarchy spends most of her time training, and can usually be found beside Overkill, who she sees as a best friend. She’s got a long way to go before she can call herself a herald. Currently, she’s training at the Autobot Academy on Cybertron. Transforms into an F1 Electric Formula Car.  Safe to approach.

*Angela: De Facto leader of the Sparkbots, this lion-hearted minibot loves her job. Whether its scouting Anglomois or misleading servants of Primus, Angela will not give up until her task is complete. Confident, strategic and energetic, she’s having more trouble settling into a peaceful life than the other Sparkbots. When she isn’t using her Kissplayer powers to help fellow heralds, she usually spends her time in an autocare shop. Safe to approach.

*Antagony: Although conceived as a gift for Shokaract, Antagony has built a life for herself outside of the conqueror’s shadow. This High Priestess of Unicron has devoted herself to the art and science of causing pain. She takes cold pleasure in torturing enemies and allies alike, and few of her lovers survive the experience. While her sadism makes her a skilled warrior, her true talent lies in time travel. No bot is more suited to enduring the physical and psychological tolls caused by defying time and space. While she and Shokaract are not mates, they have been seen together, and more than once Shokaract has emerged from the encounter with new scars.

Apocryph: The shattered glass version of an alternate Oblivion; Apocryph is everything the Hand of Sorrow isn’t. Open minded;  passionate; and slicker than an oil spill; Apocryph’s sole concern is his own well-being. He has no trouble using and discarding friends; lovers; and even family for personal gain. Incredibly vain and prone to eroticism. Approach with caution.

Assassin: The weakest member of the Annihilation Armed Forces; Assassin has a tendency of shying away from social situations and prefers the company of her team mates, Hazard and Nuke. She is generally good-natured; if not awkward; but make no mistake; She trained under Drancon; and is one of the most lethal ladies on Unicron. Do not be fooled by her small size. Transforms into a Lauge Jensen motorcycle.

Beatdown: Also known as ‘D.J B.D’ Beatdown is one of the largest inhabitants of Unicron; and a devastating instrument of destruction when on the battlefield. While known for his size and strength; Beatdown’s true pride and joy is his music. He can record sounds such as crushing metal; a flickering spark; and the sound of a laser blast cutting a bot in half; and edit these noises to form a hit song. He manages the unicronian Radio station ‘The Scream.’ Transforms into a German ‘Ratt’ tank.

Bloodshed: The oldest inhabitant of Unicron; Bloodshed served alongside the fallen during the war between Chaos and Order. During the peace; he has retired to a life of hermitage; locking himself in his private chambers. Very little is known about this illusive spawn. Approach with Caution.

*Bludgeon (Armada) Once a low ranking genericon, this tank mech discovered a new lease on life when given his skeletal pretender shell. A Master of Metallikato who values combat and mayhem above all other pleasures. He’s rumored to have some semblance of honor, but he denies this claim. Rescued from certain death with his Amica Enura Dirge and Thunderwing. Approach with caution.

Coeus: A Prosecutor sub-species of Quintesson; Coeus serves as the primary medic on Unicron. As one of the oldest spawns; he is a font of knowledge and advice; alternating between friendly and fatherly to flirtatious and playful. Fearless, loyal and reliable, nothing comes between Coeus and his patients. Some say he’s fought the god of Death hand to hand.He enjoys teaching a sexual education class on the weekends. Does not Transform. Safe to approach

*Dark Scorponok: Once an undead terrorcon enslaved to his hunger; Scorponok is not the mech used to be. As his broken mind was being pieced back together; he had time to reflect on the past, and much like his master before him, decided to make a change for a better future. A natural born leader; Scorponok has dedicated himself to protecting weaker spawn. He has found a like-minded ally in Oblivion. As a terrorcon, Scorponok possesses the ability to sense energon deposits, although he has little use for this talent. Safe to approach.

Deathblow: One of the few law enforcement officers on Unicron; Deathblow is powerful; brutal and relentless. He’s willing to tear apart a thousand criminals if it would mean protecting a single ‘innocent’ and with a butcher knife nearly as large as his body; he’s more than capable of doing so. An iron will and almost complete lack of fear make him one of the most dangerous mechs on Unicron. Conjunx Endura to Bluemoon; adoptive father to Reaper, Sire to Warrant. Transforms into an anti-riot vehicle. Approach with Caution.

*Dirge (Armada) Pessimistic and stubborn, Dirge spends most of his time moping in the darkest corners of Unicron. He prefers odd jobs to ending world, and avoids acting as Herald when he can. Dirge is certain that he and his comrades are dead and living in some form of purgatory. In spite of his sour demeanor; Dirge is not without compassion. Rescued with Thunderwing and Bludgeon. Approach with Caution.

*Drancon: One of Unicron’s failed attempts to create a better life form than his brother. This reptile-insectoid mutant’s cloaking ability only makes him better at his occupation, and he has but one job. Killing. He is Unicron’s executioner, a master assassin. Once he has his eyes on a target, the only resolution is death. However, Drancon is not heartless. He considers himself a warrior of balance, and values life. For every throat slit, a tree should be planted. For every kneecap broken, a stray animal fed. In this way, sins and sainthood are counter-balanced. He is the most peaceful and balanced among the three siblings. Changes into a lizard-dragonfly hybrid.  Approach with caution

*Elephorca: The firstborn among the outcasts, and the cruelest. He is a beast who would slaughter every life form on Unicron to get the recognition he feels he deserves. He considers himself Unicron’s son, torn between a murderous hatred toward his creator and a desperate yearning for his approval. He feels he should be Unicron’s chosen herald, and not banished to the bowels of the chaos-bringers planet form. His only real redeeming factor is an affection toward his siblings; Ratorata and Drancon. He sees them as being in the same boat as he is. His hobbies include heavy drinking and swimming. Changes into a woolly mammoth-killer whale fuzor. Do not approach.

Farcry: Farcry is a rare sort of person on Unicron. He’s someone who doesn’t want people to die. This minibot has a huge heart, and an even larger responsibility. When the time comes to harvest planets allied to Unicron, Farcry must travel ahead of his master and warn them of his coming. Once he’s passed on this message, the real work begins. Farcry has a special talent; in his alt mode he can alter his mass to carry thousands of life forms. It isn’t easy keeping an entire population calm enough to choose who lives and who dies, but with a religious devotion toward both Primus and Unicron, as well as a strong, gentle soul, Farcry is up to the task of guiding others through the apocalypse. Fond of singing. Transforms into a cybertronian escape pod.   Safe to approach.

* Galvatron II: In his own time, Galvatron is triumphant. Earth has been conquered, Rodimus Prime is dead, and Cybertron is no more. Galvatron traded his freedom for Cybertron. For the most part, he was content. But his time- his reality- is no more. Betrayed by the Unicron he once served, Galvatron is more than willing to take his revenge on this new Chaos-bringer.  He’s found somewhat kindred spirits in Elephorca and Shockaract. Do not approach.

Hazard: Hazard was born for one purpose and one purpose only. Wreaking havoc. Built from the remains of one of Unicron’s most brutal heralds, Hazard is seen as a weapon of last resort. Incredibly strong and completely without fear, she is a walking biological weapon, pockets in her body carry live cultures of Cosmic rust, seeds of Cybercrosis, Cybonic plague viruses, and a million other nightmarish ills. If she ever needs to use one of the diseases at her disposal, a tank on her back allows her to isolate and filter a germ or virus into a gas or liquid. Hazard remains undefeated, but should she ever face an enemy stronger than herself, she can detonate her spark, unleashing enough pestilence to wipe out a galaxy.. Leader of the Annihilation Armed Forces. Transforms into a tanker truck. Approach with extreme caution.

*High Wire (Aurex 604.24 Gamma) Long ago, High Wire was a guardian, Combining with his team mates Sureshock and Grindor to form Perceptor; he stood bravely against anyone that would threaten the weak…until he came to his senses! Great power has been known to corrupt, and few powers are greater than the ability to transport people through time. High Wire pledged his allegiance to Unicron, and his first offering was the sparks of his former team-mates. When his universe began to collapse around him, High Wire stowed away inside Megabolt’s cockpit during the Exodus. As such, he is one of the very few Minicons to survive multiverse travel. Power-hungry and manipulative, he’s quickly making a name for himself among the spawn. Approach with extreme caution.

*Hook: A ghennexian criminal reformatted into a time traveling herald. After being killed by Galvatron, Unicron gathered his remains and resurrected him. Strong, silent, and completely devoted to his team mates Line and Sinker. Slowly, he’s rediscovering the joys of free will.  Approach with caution.

Iapax: (available for multiship) Timid in spite of his massive size, Iapax is a non-combatant who prefers to hide and provide energon for the real warriors. He’s sweet-natured and nurturing, if not slow-minded. Iapax adores the movie ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Transforms into a Wind Turbine. Conjunx Endura to Mangle.

Ion: A clone of Animated Perceptor, determined to prove himself superior to the original. An expert mathmatician and one of the foremost scientists on Unicron. Transforms into a microscope. Safe to approach.

Kortex: Son of Kranix the Linthonian. A survival specialist and genius. Although he knows how to pick his fights, bitterness and an air of superiority tend to get him in trouble. Transforms into a go-cart like machine. Approach with caution.

*Line: A ghennexian criminal reformatted into a time traveling herald. After being killed by Galvatron, Unicron gathered his remains and resurrected him. A surprisingly gentle soul who is cautiously interested in the worlds around him. Courageous and eager to please his Teammates, Hook and Sinker. Line is haunted by a past he can’t remember. Safe to Approach.

*Long Haul (Viron 704.31 Epsilon) Gods, multiverses, Chosen Ones, fallen primes; honestly, it’s all too much for Long Haul. He could care less about the intricate religions surrounding Unicron Culture, and he doesn’t much distinguish between one Unicron and another. He just wants to build and be left alone. Maybe if he keeps his helm down and does as he’s told, he won’t have to worry about being reduced to a drone. Truth be told, he’s just happy he never has to become Devestator again. Safe to approach.

Lowlife: (available for multiship.) Anvil has always been dumb muscle for one evil power or another, before Unicron, it was the senate.. Killed alongside his brother by Optimus Prime during an assignment, He woke up on a mortician’s slab, having been painstakingly put back together by Syphon and resurrected with Angolomois. Syphon intended on having a personal bodyguard and servant, and renamed his catch ‘Lowlife’. With his brother dead and the Senate not registering on his com-signal, Lowlife wasn’t opposed to his new lot in life; it wasn’t that much different from his old job, and the fuel was a lot better. Years of loyal protection were rewarded, and in time, Lowlife went from bodyguard to Conjunx Endura. Lowlife is a patient and dedicated housekeeper, but remorseless when it comes to his position as a member of Unicron’s Onslaught Force. Conjunx Endura to Syphon, and adopted sire to a female antibody named Sylph. Currently caring for Syphon’s child, Macabre. Monoformer. Approach with caution.  

Mangle: (available for multiship) Once a mere scrap sorter for the Decepticon army of the Taran Universe, Mangle always dreamed of something more. That something more was an ambitious step up from ‘taking dead bots apart’ to ‘taking live bots’ apart, and studying medicine was the quickest way to get what he wanted. His sadistic experiments could hardly be called medicine, but Unicron saw enough potential in his bloodthirst to recruit him. His official title is ‘Medic’ but many suspect the real reason Unicron keeps Mangle around is to learn from him. Just how far can a Cybertronian body be pushed before the mind breaks? Mated to Iapax. Do not approach.

*Megabolt (Viron 704.31 Epsilon) It has been said that the two most destructive forces in the universe are a Unicronian and a Politician. Megabolt is both. he uses his charisma to lure non-cybertronians into seeing him as a savior. He takes great pleasure in their expressions of horror when he wipes them out. An unrepentant speciesist, he has little interest in integrating with Darkhaven’s melting pot culture. Transforms into a transport ship.

Mina: A female linthonian originally intended for breeding, Mina’s intelligence and charm quickly lead to her becoming a social mediator. Her warm tone and mastery of multiple languages can stop even rampaging spawn, and her warmth is equally matched by her courage. Often found with her best friend Bluemoon. Currently raising a youngling she’s debating naming after her grandsire, Arbulus. Safe to approach.

Noose: A construction mech and skilled executioner. Member of the Controlled Chaos task force. Brutal and professional. Soft-spoken. Sire to Spector.

Nuke: Once a slave in a Decepticon comfort station, Nuke’s hatred toward primus festered more with each indignity inflicted on his body and soul. When his health failed him, he was discarded by his masters; left to rot on a barren asteroid. Hazard happened upon him, and brought him back to Unicron. The Chaos bringer repaired his broken body, replacing his rotted spark with a nuclear reactor. Reborn as a spawn, Nuke was more than willing to join the suicidal Annihiliation Armed Forces. Time has a way of healing old wounds, and recently Nuke has managed to put his past behind him, serving as a surrogate big brother to new spawn and fellow outcasts. Carrier to Airraid. Transforms into an Avro Vulcan. Organics do not approach.

Oblivion: (available for multiship) Unicon’s Hand of Sorrow; Second in command to the chaos-bringer. His cold, judgmental personality masks an inner kindness. Fiercely protective of those under him, and bystanders he deems innocent. Unquestioningly loyal to the lord of Chaos.  Looks a lot like the Megatron of the Animated universe. Sire to Anarchy, and lifemate to an Autobot intelligence officer named Cyberwave. Wields a scythe that can open portals to the void. A skilled warrior and telekenetic. Transforms into a luxury hovercraft. Approach with Caution

Overkill: An allspark infused Sharkicon; He is six times the size of a normal member of his species, with a sleeker, more reptilian alt mode. He is the muscle of Oblivion’s team; as well as a geological scout.  Not the sharpest tool in the shed, but wisdom and intelligence are two separate things. Transforms into a modified Sharkticon.  Approach with caution.

.

*Ramjet:(Cybertron) Victimized by elder gods and discarded by his own Unicron after failing in a resurrection ploy, Ramjet was retrieved from the dead space between dimensions. With his own sense of honor and a quiet dignity, he seems intrigued by the concept of spawn and cybertronian living in balance. His sanity is slowly recovering, and after eons of loneliness he relishes meeting new people. His greatest weakness is Minicons; he’d collect them all if he could.   Sire to a triplechanger named Trinity with a second youngling on the way. Transforms into a jet. Safe to approach.

*Reptilion: Freedom is a daily struggle for this Unicronian General. Once a peerless scholar and spacebridge engineer, Reptilion spent eons enthralled to an alternate Unicron. Every breath, every meal, every choice or action dictated by his master, Reptilion was little more than a puppet. Now that his will has been returned to him, Reptilion finds daily life overwhelming. Unicron seems to consider him a worthy investment, and has commanded Drancon to help in Reptilion’s path to self-sufficiency.

*Ratorata: another failed attempt at creation, Ratorata is a femme who looks out for herself above all else. She knows a hideous face can be overcome, especially with the right curves….and after all, a hole is just a hole in the dark. She uses the fact that she is a rare female among unicronians to get what she wants, and what she wants most is wealth. Gold, silver, jewels, she covers her grotesque body in the finest jewelry. Love is fleeting, and a males loyalty fickle. But diamonds last forever. Her greed and manipulation hide a bitter loneliness and self loathing that she will not reveal…not even to her brothers. Changes into a lionfish/wasp beast. Approach with caution

Razorclaw:

Shokaract:

*Sideways(Armada) : Adopted from the Armada Universe. Sideways is a living computer Virus who feeds on spark energy, a veritable Incubus to Cybertronian kind. He’s a loner who tends to keep to himself. Sideways is a martial arts master with the ability to alter his form as he sees fit.  He can take on the appearance of any bot he has mated with. Oblivion trusts him in spite of his treacherous history, and the two danced around the idea of a political marriage for years. In the end, the two settled on being Amica Endura. Currently, he’s focused on repairing his relationship with his daughter; Anarchy. Transforms into a motorcycle.Do not approach

Spector: The son of a hymnist and herald, Spector was born to serve Unicron. The death of his carrier at the hands of the DJD shook his faith, and his loyalty to Unicron is questionable. Combative and bitter, Spector has painted himself to resemble a corpse, his coloring reflecting his outlook on life. Cold shades of gray. Transforms into a jet. Amiaca endura with Airraid.

*Star Dust: For a Chaos Spawn, Star Dust is oddly obsessed with order. A time and place for all things, she keeps the Sparkbots on schedule and ensures things in Darkhaven run smoothly. Although Strong-willed, honest, and dedicated, she has difficulty expressing emotions, and is always reluctant to use her Kiss Player power. Safe to approach.

Switchblade: a group of five Stentarians. His ability to transform into any possible tool makes him useful to the heralds of Unicron. In exchange for his service, he is free of his races sixteen million year old war, and can finally put his feet up and relax. Friendly and inquisitive. A bit of a flirt. Safe to approach.

Syphon:(available for multiship)  Long ago, Syphon was on the right path in life. Apprentice to one of the best morticians in Kalis, Syphon proved to be adept at repairing corpses, slicing away unpleasantness, repairing mortal wounds, restoring the dead to a state that would bring their loved ones peace. After receiving a head injury he began to enjoy the act of cutting much more than restoring. Addicted to the fumes released from corpses, Syphon began tracking down and murdering mechs, the city of Helex his stomping grounds. With his scalpel set his preferred weapon, he became known as the Helex Hollower. Unicron saw potential in the  serial killer and recruited him. Now, Syphon harvests organs to repair damaged unicronians, indulging in his addiction and serving to help save lives. When not in the grip of psychosis, he’s outgoing, playful, intelligent and coquettish. Adopted sire to the female Antibody Sylph, and carriet to a young seeker named Macabre. Conjunx Endura to Lowlife. Has a tendency to listen to violent music during battles. Transforms into an Audi. Approach with extreme caution.

*Tarantulas : (Beast Wars) (Available for multiship) plucked from his own timeline, Tarantulas now serves as a scientist and medical officer to Unicron’s heralds. With a brand new lair and all the cybertronian flesh he can eat, Tarantulas accepts his slavery only half begrudgingly. He’s made something of a life for himself with a day job as Darkhaven’s top food critic.He’s even settled down enough to start a family. At the end of the day, he has a young son at home waiting for him. He’s named his heir Hivemind Tripredius Mesothelae, and hopes to present him to the Tripredicus council when the time is right. Transforms into a female Tarantula.  Do not approach.

The Fallen: Once a demon of legendary evil, old age and peace have blunted his claws; and where his flames once blazed, now they smoulder.  Experienced and intelligent  Safe to Approach.

*Thrust: (armada) (available for Multiship) Years of disregard by Megatron means Thrust has no loyalty left for Cybertron. Then again, dying at the hands of an alternate Unicron hasn’t helped cement his devotion to this Unicron. Cynical, by-the-book and experienced, Thrust’s skills as a tactician have only sharpened with age, and he currently spends most of his free time as a teacher, passing his knowledge onto the next generation. . His minicon Inferno is never far away. Approach with caution.

Thundershot:  Sweep number 262; adopted after finding his way to Unicron through a wormhole. Thundershot is painfully upbeat in spite of being used as target practice. He often offers a shoulder to lean on, or a friendly smile. A rare bit of brightness among the darkness of chaos. Transforms into a spacecraft.  Safe to approach

.*Thunderwing: (Armada) A paragon, considered the ideal herald. Charming, witty, friendly toward his own kind, and a killing machine in battle. He is both Herald and High Priest. Sire to many young and a favorite among breeders. Was rescued alongside Dirge and Bludgeon. Safe to approach.

Tremor:

Tritone:

*Zangetsu: Zangetsu would be the most valuable mind on Unicron, if his crippling shyness didn’t prevent him from sharing his knowledge. An expert at areial attacks, Zangetsu would rather make himself useful on the battlefield than try to make friends. Quiet and capable, he’d be the most useful of the Sparkbots, if he could just bring himself to utilize his Kiss Player abilities. He’s found a kindred spirit in fellow ninja Bludgeon, and can usually be found hiding somewhere in the Pretender’s chambers. Approach with caution.

[comicgeekscomicgeek]

My idea for a Transformers Series

So I’ve been running this idea in my head off and on for a number of years, changing it up here and there based upon whatever toys I had at the time.  It’s gone by a number of different names, but these days, I like to call it Transformers: ‘Till All Are One, because the title fits, and stealing from the comics’ titles seems to be a thing these days.

Though there’d be a lot of guest stars, it would primary focus on two groups.  The Autobots (Orion Pax, Kup, Perceptor, Springer, Blaster, Arcee, Blurr, and Hot Rod) and the Destrons (Megatron, Cyclonus, Soundwave, Blitzwing, Scourge, Crasher, Skywarp, and Slipstream).

Millions of years ago, the planet Cybertron was a war-torn world, until one brave Autobot discovered the lost Matrix of Prima, the first Prime, and formed the Council of 13.  This ushered in an era of peace.  Cybertronians colonized many worlds throughout the universe, and their peacekeeping and exploration arm, the Autobots, were renowned throughout for their heroism.  This is a universe where, if you’re being invaded, plagued by natural disasters, or even need a diplomat, you call in the Cybertronians.  You’re happy when they show up.

The greatest of these were brothers-in-arms, Orion Pax and Megatron.

On a mission to protect an alien world from deadly invaders, Orion and Megatron lead their teams into battle, alongside other Autobots.  During this conflict, Megatron is blasted into a chasm, seemingly lost.  Orion and the others press on, but are stymied against the invaders.  Fortunately, Megatron did not die, and makes his reappearance saving the others.  The day is saved.  But something about Megatron seems different… he’s colder, harder, more brutal.  Orion writes it off as a temporary side effect of his near death experience.

Later, Pax and Megatron’s teams are acting as security for a peace conference for another pair of alien species.  But just because the peace agreement can be signed, Megatron kills both rulers, declaring that both were weak and unfit.  His team stands with him and battles Pax’s’s team, until they make their escape.

This would cover the first half of the series, with Pax’s pursuing Megatron’s, and both sides gaining new allies from other Autobot teams. One major conflict would see Pax alone, fighting Megatron’s specialized troops, the Combatrons and their combined form, before eventually being rescued by the Technobots. Other highlights would include Science Station Alpha (home to numerous scienecy Autobots like Jetfire and Wheeljack), the Wreckers (led by Ultra Magnus), and the Mayhems (led by Bludgeon).

Another mission would see Pax’s team, having lost Megatron’s trail, responding to another distress call from an Autobot team, the Dynobots.  On that planet, they would discover monstrous robotic creatures hunting them, and the remains of the Dynobots’ ship.  They would eventually discover those creatures ARE the Dynobots, now the Dinobots, reformatted to survive this hostile world and its hostile creatures.

Eventually, Pax and his side would capture Megatron and his followers, and bring Megatron to trial before the Council of Thirteen.  Led by Sentinel Prime, with the rest made up of Star Saber, Victory Leo, Metalhawk, Fortress, the Minicon Sparkplug, Dail Atlas, Shockwave, Scorponok, Ratbat, Thunderwing, and the paired generals, Obsidian and Strika.  Megatron would make an impassioned speech about the rightful peace of tyranny over the lesser species… and the Council would break over it, with Shockwave, Scorponok, Ratbat, Thunderwing, Obsidian, and Strika siding with him.  Full conflict would escalate, and Sentinel Prime would be killed.  Soon, it would seem as though the whole Cybertronian race has erupted in Civil War. 

Alpha Trion, however, would reveal what has happened to Megatron, by first telling the origin of their race.  In the beginning, the Light Gods warred with the Dark God Unicron, until only one remained.  The Light God Primus destroyed Unicron, scattering his essence to the cosmic winds.  His energy mostly depleted, Primus transformed himself into a world, Cybertron.  From that, he breathed life into 13 beings…

Prima, keeper of the Matrix, and the first Prime.

Liege Maximo, the Warrior

Megatronus, the Gladiator

Artemis, the Hunter

Vector, Master of Time

Micronus, the Explorer and first minicon

Onyx, the first beast

Nexus, the first combiner

Amalgus, the first multi-changer

Solus, the Maker

Loci, father of the Titans

Inquirius, the Seer

…and Apha Trion himself.

It was these 13 who began Cybertronian civilization.  Primus had charged them with creating a new race to guard the universe in his place, and to that end, Solus crafted Vector Sigma, to which they each contributed a portion of their sparks, so that Cybertronians descended from each of them would be born.

But even in destroying Unicron, some small part of his dark energies remained with Primus, and he passed these dark energies to Liege Maximo and Megatronus.  It corrupted them, turned them against the others.  They killed Solus and set the civilization of Cybertron to war.  One by one, the Thirteen died or left Cybertron, until only Alpha Trion remained.  Worse, the dark energies of Unicron had spread throughout the universe when he was destroyed, leaving little hidden pockets of corruption throughout it.  To most beings, they were harmless.  But to the 2/13th’s of the Cybertronian population descended from Liege Maximo and Megatronus…  they were instantly corrupting, bringing out the very worst in them.  And worse, acting like a virus, spreading one from host to any other receptive beings.  Beings like Megatron and his followers.  On that alien world, Megatron had plunged into a wellspring of this energy, and come out with his worst impulses and desires brought to the surface.

And now, Alpha Trion declares, the Cybertronian race will need a new leader.  He bestows the Matrix upon Orion Pax… transforming him into Optimus Prime.

From here, the conflict only escalates, taking teams of Autobots and Destrons to the far corners of the galaxy, awakening the lost Titans Omega Supreme and Trypticon, encountering the sinister Quintessons and rescuing the wildboy Cybertronian Wheelie, finding the lost Autobot Colony of Junkion, the hidden school of Cyberninjas and the warriors Drift and Nightbird…

Until the conflict finally reaches the planet that was directly below when Primus destroyed Unicron, the place that holds the bulk of his essence.  A massive battle wages, with Optimus Prime taking on Megatron personally. Losing, he desperately reaches out to his brother in arms, his friend.

For a moment, Megatron is himself again.  But it matters little.   Bringing so many Cybertronians who hold a part of him to this world has awakened Unicron.  He drains the dark energy from the Destrons, freeing them, and transforming the world to his familiar form.  The Cybertronians flee into space…

But Megatron and Prime are trapped within.  They battle to the core of Unicron, brothers in arms once more.  There, they realize that they could destroy Unicron, but it would cost them their lives.  Prime could open the Matrix, while Megatron holds off Unicron’s defenses…

Instead, Megatron rips the Matrix from Prime, and hurls him from Unicron. Megatron knows that, however corrupted he was by Unicron, the impulses were still his, the plans for tyranny still his, his weapons that slaughtered many.  There can be no forgiveness for him.  He begs the universe, begs Primus, to let him have enough good left in him for this.  He opens the Matrix…  And sacrifices himself to destroy the Dark God…

The universe is saved, but the reputation of the Cybertronians may have been irreparably damaged, the Matrix is seemingly gone, and Orion Pax has lost his brother…

@cryoverkiltmilk, @thefingerfuckingfemalefury, @alchemyprime, you’re my TF buddies on Tumblr.  What do you think?

[sternerstufftoys]

Shockin’ all over the world

Just four issues (US) into its run, Shockwave burst into the G1 Marvel comic and saw in the Budianski's era proper by blatting the entire cast until they were Are All Dead. In doing so he established two things. First, that this was a series to keep an eye on, and second, that the position of Decepticon leader was very much fluid. Command of the Decepticons would proceed to ping-pong back and forth between Megatron and Shockwave until they both ended up dead and Ratbat (see yesterday) got to assume control... until he was in turn offed by Scorponok just a few months after that.

Meanwhile in the cartoon, Shockwave just arsed around doing what he was told, like an absolute mug. What a waste. And if you'll indulge me with a tinfoil hat moment... is it possible that the cold, monotone robot voice was accidentally given to the similar-named Soundwave instead of the intended Shockwave? Hmmmmm?

Anyway, I like to imagine the readers of the comic feeling like they were in on some top-secret knowledge that their cartoon-only peers were ignorant of. That purple suckup with the massive rack was, in actuality, a master strategist with the cool logic of Spock and the ferocious determination of Khan, and thought nothing of trashing an entire town just to help teach Megatron - yes, that Megatron - who was boss. Of course, this was all in the time before I'd yet to master speech, let alone reading, so by the time I came to the comics Shockwave was long since out of the picture, and his reappearance late in the series' run meant very little to me. I was a child of the eras of Scorponok and Thunderwing. We'll get to them later.

You're kind of spoilt for choice with Shockwaves these days. While he doesn't have quite the ubiquity of, say, Starscream, Shockers does tend to show up remarkably regularly. In general they're pretty great toys as well - shout out to Combiner Wars Shockwave, a superb toy with the only drawback being small enough for other Decepticons to step on him. Modern times have given a pretty great traditional rendition in Siege, and the Bayverse, Prime and Energon iterations all give pleasing takes on the ol' Shockjock. So what am I, CHUG all the way through, doing with the Masterpiece version in my collection?

The short answer is I already had him on preorder when the Siege toy was announced, and couldn't bring myself to cancel it. But even so, I've always liked the idea of Shockwave being a big ol' bastard. That's probably the Marvel comic influence seeping through, with those stand-out moments like going crazy-go-nuts and chasing Buster across the desert, or the aforementioned fight with Megatron where they towered over the small American town that got so rudely in the way of their fight. As such, MP Shockin' Stevens stands as tall as a regular leader-class.

He's not especially complex for an MP, especially not these days with the over-the-top engineering seen in recent releases like MP-44. Mostly this is because there's no burden on Shockjaw to turn into a real-life vehicle or animal, and the original G1 toy wasn't all that different-looking in the first place. He's a beautifully-proportioned bot, and excellently poseable... except this is Shockwave, and a lot of over-the-top action poses end up being somewhat beneath his dignity. Luckily he looks just fine standing up straight, that light-piped eye gazing down with cold contempt on all he surveys.

Transform him and you get a handsome toy ray gun, though the tiny trigger is surprisingly fiddly for the hoofing great adult hands he's otherwise proportioned for. Yeah, it's a toy ray gun, which made it all the more funny seeing the comic try to keep a straight face and convince kids that, well actually, um, it's actually a flying space gun, actually. It just looks like a toy gun. To be honest, even 35 years on it's still fun holding it in your hand and blasting the neighbourhood cats with a deadly... soft purple glow. Well, at least it has lights. No sounds though, but that's okay. They'd be in Japanese anyway.

I feel like Shockwave's star is on the rise at the moment thanks to a prominent place in Cyberverse. He even managed to usurp Starscream's spot in the first wave of Cyberverse deluxe figures. It's good, but it'll never hold a candle to his finest appearance... that time he unexpectedly showed up on Megas XLR.

Green redeco when, Takara?