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5[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/transformers.png]]
6[[caption-width-right:350:[[{{Tagline}} More than meets the eye.]]]]
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11
12-> ''"Autobots, transform and roll out!"''
13-->-- '''Optimus Prime'''
14
15[-If you're looking for the live-action movie series, see ''Film/TransformersFilmSeries''. For the original [[Franchise/TransformersGeneration1 Generation One]] animated film, see ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie''.\
16For more information, you might want to consult [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Main_Page the Transformers wiki,]] Website/TFWikiDotNet. Its informality is similar to that of TV Tropes.-]
17----
18
19The [[TransformingMecha Robots in Disguise]]. The Battle Chargers. The Triple Changers. The Combiners. The Targetmasters. The Headmasters. The Micromasters. The Power Masters. The Mass Shifters. The Weaponizers. The Friends and Foes of Humanity.
20
21''[[TitleThemeTune TRANSFORMERS! More Than Meets the Eye!]]''
22
23A [[LongRunners long-running]] franchise consisting of dozens of toy lines, many AnimatedSeries and ComicBooks, and a series of live-action movies. Reduced to its simplest terms, ''Transformers'' is the story of an eons-old battle between two factions of a race of sentient shape-shifting robots, usually called the Autobots and Decepticons, whose battles frequently take them to [[EarthIsTheCenterOfTheUniverse Earth]]. Traditionally the Autobots transform into civilian automobiles, while the Decepticons transform into military hardware, though this distinction has grown less obvious over time.
24
25Considering its origins ''as'' a toy line, the franchise is highly MerchandiseDriven, each incarnation serving to pimp a line of transforming toys. The original toy line sold in America came about when Creator/{{Hasbro}} imported several disparate Japanese toy lines, primarily Takara's "Diaclone" from 1980 and "Microchange" lines from the "Microman" toy franchise of 1974-84. The piecemeal origins of the individual toys are largely responsible for the enormous disparity in scale and style of the early toys, as it paired regular road vehicles, large military gear and household items together. When brought in as a single toy line, they were given the ''Transformers'' brand and established the "sapient robot" aspect of the story.
26
27After the original toy line, further incarnations were designed specifically for the mega-hit ''Transformers'' brand, creating a more internally-consistent style, though still with inappropriate [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scale sizes between toys]]. At any given point there might be three distinct toylines for the franchise depending on the companion media of the time, while the broader "[[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Generations_(toyline) Generations]]" and "[[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Masterpiece Masterpiece]]" lines reimagine classic characters with more modern, advanced and sometimes [[CrackIsCheaper pricier]] versions.
28
29The ''Transformers'' franchise has known the following incarnations in [[WesternAnimation television]], {{anime}}, {{film}}, and comics:
30
31[[AC:Note: Descriptions here are to be kept brief; for detailed information, see the individual series pages.]]
32
33[[foldercontrol]]
34
35!!Generation 1 continuity family
36
37The saga that started it all, [[Franchise/TransformersGeneration1 Generation 1]] specifically refers to the base story of the Autobots' and Decepticons' war and their leaders, Optimus Prime and Megatron, crashing on prehistoric Earth. Back on Cybertron, the war came to a very uneasy stalemate because of their missing faction leaders. It isn't until their return that the war begins again. Other than that, between the various series and comics there is little that is consistent.
38
39[[folder: Generation 1]]
40[[index]]
41* ''Franchise/TransformersGeneration1'' premiered in 1984. It involved Autobots and Decepticons crashing on prehistoric Earth and remaining in stasis until they were revived by an erupting volcano in 1984. To blend in with their surroundings, they took on the forms of common Earth vehicles and other machines. It consisted of:
42** [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers A cartoon]], running from 1984 to 1987.
43** ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie'' (1986). The film of the series, coming between the second and third seasons of the cartoon. The timeline [[TimeSkip jumped]] to [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture to futuristic 2005]] and Optimus Prime and most of the original Autobots were killed off, passing the torch to a new generation led by Rodimus Prime. The movie featured the voice talents of Judd Nelson, Creator/LeonardNimoy, Robert Stack (Of ''Series/TheUntouchables'', ''Film/{{Airplane}}'' and ''Series/UnsolvedMysteries'' fame) and [[Creator/MontyPython Eric Idle]], as well as the last screen performance of Creator/OrsonWelles (as the [[ApocalypseWow first on-screen appearance]] of Unicron, a Transformer the size of a planet).[[note]]The irony did not go unnoticed.[[/note]]
44** ''Scramble City'', an OAV originally released only in Japan, though a version was included on the 25th anniversary DVD of the animated movie in the United States (only the visual portion, though, as Toei refused to license the audio portion, and an English dub is out of the question because half the original cast is deceased). It focused on the mix and match aspect of the combiners, as well as introducing Metroplex, Trypticon and some of the movie characters, as the movie itself wouldn't reach Japanese shores until 1989 (thus causing several characters killed off in the movie to appear alive and well in the Japanese-exclusive G1 cartoons).
45** [[ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel A comic]] published by Marvel, running from 1984 to 1991
46** [[Literature/TransformersKidStuff Several storybooks]] published by Kid Stuff in 1985.
47** ''ComicBook/TransformersIn3D''
48** ''ComicBook/TransformersGenerationOne'', a {{revival}} published by Dreamwave between 2002 and 2004
49** ''ComicBook/TheBeastWithin'', a two-part comic included with Metrodome's 2004 DVD sets of ''The Transformers''
50** ''ComicBook/TransformersGIJoe'', a comic book miniseries crossing over Transformers with ''Franchise/GIJoe'', published by Dreamwave, but not in continuity with their ''Generation One'' comic.
51** ''ComicBook/GIJoeVsTheTransformers'', a quadrilogy of comic book miniseries crossing over Transformers with ''G.I. Joe'' published by Devil's Due Publishing.
52** A comic published by IDW, published from 2006 to IDW's loss of the license in 2022; from 2016 it was part of the ComicBook/HasbroComicUniverse. Notable stories include:
53*** ''[[ComicBook/TheTransformersMegaseries The Transformers -ation]]'', a group of mini-series that started the continuity.
54*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMaximumDinobots'': Creator/SimonFurman's last miniseries on his run.
55*** ''[[ComicBook/TheTransformersAllHailMegatron All Hail Megatron]]''
56*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersDrift'': Dealing with the origins and adventures of Drift.
57*** ''[[ComicBook/TheTransformersLastStandOfTheWreckers Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''
58*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersIDW'': The monthly series which lasted from 2009 to 2011.
59*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersAutocracy'': A mini-series retelling the days just prior to the start of the Great War.
60*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMonstrosity'': A follow-up mini-series to ''Autocracy''.
61*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersPrimacy'': Sequel to ''Monstrosity''.
62*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersRobotsInDisguise'': One of the main Ongoing series.
63*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersPunishment'': A one-shot that starts the seeds of upcoming Combiner Wars event.
64*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMoreThanMeetsTheEye''/''Lost Light'': The other significant Ongoing Series.
65*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersDarkCybertron'': The crossover event for ''More than Meets the Eye'' and ''Robots in Disguise''.
66*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersWindblade'': Mini-series following the aftermath of ''Dark Cybertron'' as ''Robots in Disguise'' heads back to Earth.
67*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersCombinerWars'': Another event for the ''Robots in Disguise'' book that will launch Windblade's sequel.
68*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersSinsOfTheWreckers'': Sequel to Last Stand of the Wreckers.
69*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersRequiemOfTheWreckers'': The last chapter in the ''Wreckers Saga''
70*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersTillAllAreOne'': Sequel series to Windblade.
71*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersTitansReturn'': Another series wide event for the Transformer ongoings.
72*** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersUnicron'': The end of the first IDW continuity.
73** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersRegenerationOne'': [=IDW's=] continuation of the Marvel continuity, beginning in 2012.
74** ''ComicBook/Revolution2016'': New event for the fall of 2016, establishing a SharedUniverse between [[ComicBook/HasbroComicUniverse the various Hasbro/IDW titles]] including ''[[ComicBook/GIJoeIDW G.I. Joe]]'', ''[[ComicBook/RomIDW ROM]]'', ''ComicBook/ActionMan'', ''WesternAnimation/{{MASK}}'', ''ComicBook/MicronautsIDW'' and ''ComicBook/JemAndTheHologramsIDW'' (though the last one won't being showing up in the crossover proper).
75** ''ComicBook/{{Revolutionaries}}'': Spinning out of Revolution, this crossover series teams Kup and Blackrock with Action Man and the G.I. Joe Mayday.
76** ''ComicBook/RomVsTransformersShiningArmor'': ''[[ComicBook/RomIDW Rom]]'' meets the Transformers after he raises an orphaned protoform into a new Space Knight.
77** ''ComicBook/GIJoe2016'': Skywarp is a member of the Joes. Yes, really.
78** ''ComicBook/TransformersVsVisionaries'': Science and magic clash when the mystical [[WesternAnimation/{{Visionaries}} Visionaries]] descend on Cybertron.
79** ''ComicBook/TransformersDeviations'': A comic book one-shot telling a WhatIf story where the events of ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie'' occurred without Optimus Prime dying.
80** ''VideoGame/TransformersDevastation'': A video game closely based on the original cartoon.
81** [[WebAnimation/TransformersPrimeWarsTrilogy Prime Wars Trilogy]]: A web series by Machinima to tie into the Combiner Wars toyline
82*** ''WebAnimation/TheTransformersCombinerWars'': adapting the [[ComicBook/TheTransformersCombinerWars comic series of the same name]]
83*** ''WebAnimation/TheTransformersTitansReturn''
84*** ''WebAnimation/TheTransformersPowerOfThePrimes''
85** ''VideoGame/TransformersEarthWars'': A mobile game detailing the Autobots and Decepticons battling for domination over Earth, which somehow became the resting place for a number of powerful relics.
86** ''ComicBook/Transformers2019'': The second IDW continuity.
87** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersWarForCybertronTrilogy''
88** ''ComicBook/TransformersLastBotStanding'': The final chapter of the Transformers story commemorating the end of IDW's hold on the Transformers license.
89** IDW Crossovers -- A series of self-contained crossovers that are not canon to the other comic series.
90*** ''Mars Attacks: The Transformers'' (2013)
91*** ''ComicBook/TransformersVsGIJoe'' (2014-2017)
92*** ''Angry Birds Transformers'' (2014–2015)
93*** ''ComicBook/StarTrekVsTransformers'' (2018–2019): Starfleet and Klingons make first contact with the Transformer race in the setting of ''WesternAnimation/StarTrekTheAnimatedSeries''; also part of the Franchise/StarTrekExpandedUniverse.
94*** ''ComicBook/TransformersGhostbusters'' (2019): Set in and canonical to [[ComicBook/GhostbustersIDWComics IDW's Ghostbusters comics]], a rookie Autobot scientist is recruited into [[Franchise/{{Ghostbusters}} the paranormal investigators from New York]] while pursuing Starscream's ghost.
95*** ''Transformers vs. The Terminator'' (2020): The Robots in Disguise take on other [[Franchise/{{Terminator}} Robots in Disguise]] in a miniseries jointly published by IDW and Creator/DarkHorseComics.
96*** ''ComicBook/MyLittlePonyTransformersFriendshipInDisguise'' (2020): Crossover with the ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' (aka [[Franchise/MyLittlePonyGeneration4 G4 of the franchise]].) Again, yes, really.
97*** ''ComicBook/TransformersBackToTheFuture'' (2020-2021)
98** The ComicBook/EnergonUniverse, a 2023-present continuity produced by [[Creator/RobertKirkman Skybound Entertainment]] and published by Creator/ImageComics featuring Transformers and Joes as well as original material.
99*** ''ComicBook/Transformers2023''
100** ''Manga/MazingerZVersusTransformers'': A one-shot crossover manga with ''Anime/MazingerZ''. The plot involves the Autobots and the Decepticons being sucked into a space-time warp, and ending up in the ''Mazinger Z'' universe.
101** ''ComicBook/Transformers84'': [=IDW's=] one-shot prequel to the Marvel continuity from 2019.
102*** ''Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies'': a miniseries serving as a sequel to the one-shot.
103** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersWarForCybertronTrilogy''
104* ''ComicBook/TransformersGeneration2'': The cartoon series ''Generation 2'' was simply selected ''G1'' episodes with some {{CGI}} added. The associated comic ran for 12 issues, while the manga lasted far longer.
105* ''Anime/TransformersHeadmasters'', an {{anime}} {{continuation}} that ignores the last season of ''[=G1=]'', the three-part "Rebirth" story.
106** ''Anime/BeastSaga'', the SpiritualSuccessor to the Battle Beasts in Headmasters
107* ''Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce'', another anime, continuing on from ''Headmasters''.
108* ''Anime/TransformersVictory'', a third anime, continuing from ''Masterforce''.
109* ''Anime/TransformersZone'', which was basically a series of illustrated text stories. Followed by ''Return of Convoy'' and ''Operation Combination''.
110* ''Kiss Players'' (2006-2007) was a short-lived incarnation of the franchise, depicting Transformers given power-ups when kissed by human girls. It consisted of a toyline, a weekly radio drama series, and a three-issue manga by Yuki Ohshima. It was universally reviled by both Western and Japanese fans for overly gratouitous fanservice that felt unfitting for the brand. It was followed up by a sequel series, ''Kiss Players Position'', which portrays the three main girls of the first story as an idol group and severely tones down the fanservice.
111* ''Webcomic/TransformersUniteWarriors''
112* ''Manga/TransformersGenerationsSelectsSpecialComic'': A 2019 comic serving as the OriginStory of Primus and the conclusion of the original Japanese G1 timeline.
113[[/index]]
114[[/folder]]
115----
116
117!!Gobots
118Another series based on a [[Toys/MachineRobo Japanese toyline]] about a war between two factions of a TransformingMecha race. However, instead of Autobots and Decepticons, this time its the Guardians and Renegades.
119
120Although, it was initially a separate [[DuelingWorks rival franchise]], Hasbro gained the rights to it[[note]]To a point- Bandai still owns the original toy molds & the character designs based on them, while Warner Brothers owns the rights to the cartoon itself[[/note]] after their buyout of Tonka during the 90s. As such, the ''Gobots'' stories were [[CanonWelding retconned]] into being a distant part of the ''Transformers'' multiverse.
121
122
123[[index]]
124* ''WesternAnimation/ChallengeOfTheGobots'' (1984) A SixtyFiveEpisodeCartoon created by Creator/HannaBarbera.
125* ''Toys/RockLords'' (1986) A SpinOff series that was accompanied by TheMovie ''Gobots: Battle of the Rock Lords'', also by Hanna-Barbera.
126* ''Blog/RenegadeRhetoric'' (2015) A CharacterBlog on Website/{{Facebook}} that was run by Cy-Kill himself, serving as an unofficial "second season" of the cartoon.
127* ''Literature/EchoesAndFragments'' (2016) A {{Crossover}} story with ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie''.
128* ''ComicBook/{{Gobots}}'' (2018) A five-issue comic miniseries by Creator/IDWPublishing.
129* In addition, a preschool-based series called ''WesternAnimation/TransformersGoBots'' was released in the early 2000s, although other than the name, it has nothing to do with the Tonka ''Gobots''.
130[[/index]]
131----
132
133!!Beast Era
134
135The Beast Era is a break from the usual presentation, featuring Transformers with animal altmodes instead of vehicles, and Maximals and Predacons replacing Autobots and Decepticons. It is in continuity with the Generation 1 family, but the toys and fiction are distinct enough to be considered on their own. It stands as probably being the era that is the most different from the original series.
136[[folder: Beast Era]]
137[[index]]
138* ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' (1996) was animated in CGI and produced by Creator/MainframeEntertainment, famous for the first CGI television show, ''WesternAnimation/ReBoot''. Treating the events of Generation One in BroadStrokes as historical legend, it featured a determined Maximal crew under the rookie captain Optimus Primal (who takes on the form of a gorilla) fighting a rogue band of Predacon criminals led by Megatron (who took on the name of the original Decepticon) on a prehistoric world. It also introduced several plot points that would go on to greatly influence future fiction, notably [[OurSoulsAreDifferent sparks]].
139** ''VideoGame/BeastWarsTransformers'' (1997) A video game tie-in by Hasbro Interactive that was released on [=PlayStation=] and PC.
140** ''VideoGame/BeastWarsTransmetals'' (2000) The second licensed game of ''Beast Wars'', consisting of a FightingGame for [=PlayStation=] and Nintendo 64.
141* ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'' (2000), the direct sequel series to ''Beast Wars'', was animated by the same company, and saw a return to Cybertron. This series aired on Creator/FoxKids, as opposed to ''Beast Wars'', which aired in syndication, though reruns began airing on FK shortly after ''Beast Machines'' started.
142* ''Anime/BeastWarsII'', a traditionally animated show set far into the future of ''Beast Machines'' but broadcast in Japan between the first and second series of ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' to fill the gap while the second series was being dubbed. It is powered by slapstick and notably geared towards a much younger audience than the original Beast Wars.
143* ''Anime/BeastWarsNeo'', which continued after ''Beast Wars II'' and was broadcast between the end of ''Beast Wars II'' and the start of the second series of ''Beast Wars''. The series was notable for having the leader of the team (Big Convoy, who became a woolly mammoth) actually resent being put into command by his superiors and undergoing DefrostingIceQueen as the series progressed. Also unusual was the genuine respect between Big Convoy and his archenemy Magmatron (traditionally, any respect between the faction leaders tended to be grudging). There are fandubbed episodes of this series and ''Beast Wars II'' at [[http://www.tfcog.net/ TFCog.net]]
144* ''End of G1 Universe'': Taking place even further into the distant future than Neo, this series follows a mysterious maximal named Dark Amber Lio Convoy as he finds his destiny in an aging Universe [[ApocalypseHow that's about to reach it's end]].
145* ''ComicBook/TransformersBeastWars2021'', a comic based on the original animated series that tells its own version of those events, with new characters also included. It takes place in its own continuity, separate from the rest of the Beast Era, but is inspired by it.
146[[/index]]
147[[/folder]]
148----
149
150!!Robots In Disguise
151
152''Anime/TransformersRobotsInDisguise'' started the trend of Hasbro creating a new line of Transformers toys and backstory, then rebooting the property with a new continuity about two or three years later; this has caused an explosion of independent continuities in the past decade. However, while ''[=RiD=]'' was originally intended to be a filler series -- as the Japanese did not import ''Beast Machines'' for several years -- it was very successful in western markets, though it was also intended as filler here because the successor line to ''Beast Machines'', dubbed ''[=TransTech=]'', was scrapped due to Hasbro's losses from the ''Star Wars: Episode 1'' line and ''Beast Machines'' being less successful.
153[[index]]
154* ''[[Anime/TransformersRobotsInDisguise Robots in Disguise]]'' (2001-02) rebooted the series continuity (only in the US, in Japan, it's part of the Generation One cartoon timeline), with the Autobots facing off against their perennial rivals, the Predacons (the Decepticons in this continuity are a group of Autobots subverted by the Predacons). The first Japanese Transformers series to have major Western distribution. ''[=RiD=]'' is also notable due to several episodes of the series being pulled from American airwaves after the September 11th attacks, as they featured footage of collapsing buildings. Also one of last new original animated series to air on Creator/FoxKids prior to its demise.
155[[/index]]
156----
157
158!!The Anime/UnicronTrilogy
159
160The '''Anime/UnicronTrilogy''' (2002-2006) was the next reboot and was intended as a full saga with an expansive toy line. It featured three anime series that were dubbed into English and aired on Creator/CartoonNetwork. Each sub-series to the trilogy had a 'gimmick' that was always in the limelight.
161[[index]]
162* ''Anime/TransformersArmada''
163* ''Anime/TransformersEnergon''
164* ''Anime/TransformersCybertron''
165[[/index]]
166''Armada'' restored much of the original mystique, as the world's smallest armada (Autobots: 3, Decepticons: 4) duke it out to dominate a race of smaller transforming robots, the Mini-Cons. The Mini-Cons can link up to their larger counterparts to give them power upgrades, having obvious merchandise potential. ''Transformers: Energon'' and ''Transformers: Cybertron'' are sequels to this series, the three are retroactively referred to as the ''Unicron Trilogy'', concerning the reboot of the Generation One Movie villain Unicron and a new take on his presence.
167
168The gimmicks for ''Armada'' toys were the Mini-Cons, micro-transformers who would activate lights, sounds and/or hidden weapons by plugging into the larger toys. ''Energon'' toys were "Powerlinxing" where every transformer of a certain size class could [[CombiningMecha combine with another]]. ''Cybertron'' toys had "Cyber Keys" which were similar in function to the Mini-Con gimmick. The general disinterest shown in these gimmicks by the fans has led to a reduced prominence in later toy lines, focusing more on what features they can do with the actual transformation instead.
169
170Of note is that ''Cybertron'' was not intended as a sequel to ''Energon''; the original Japanese ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' took place in its own universe. Hasbro designer Aaron Archer had intended it to continue the earlier shows, so this is a case of conflicting sources. Interestingly enough, material released in Japan seems to have retconned ''Galaxy Force'' into the same universe as ''Armada'' and ''Energon''.
171* ''Armada'' also had a [[VideoGame/Transformers2004 video game based off of it]], which surprisingly actually turned out to be pretty darn good, in a rare aversion of TheProblemWithLicensedGames.
172* Dreamwave also did a Unicron Trilogy comic. ''Armada'' focused on the plight of the Mini-Cons as born to serve the larger robots, then did an abrupt turn into the characters fending off Unicron. ''Energon'' had several ongoing plotlines, all of which were cut off when Dreamwave went bankrupt.
173----
174
175!!Film/TransformersFilmSeries
176
177A [[LiveActionAdaptation live-action film]] franchise, mostly directed by Creator/MichaelBay, and plenty of expanded universe comic books. Generally referred to by fans as "Bayformers".
178
179[[folder: Films]]
180[[index]]
181* ''Film/{{Transformers|2007}}'' (2007) introduces the new continuity, featuring an origin of the Transformers in a mystical artifact known as the [=AllSpark=], with the Autobots and Decepticons arriving on Earth and humanity having to learn which side are the good guys.
182* ''Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen'' (2009): The founder of the Decepticons begins hunting Sam for the key to wiping out Earth.
183* ''Film/TransformersDarkOfTheMoon'' (2011): The Autobots investigate the secrets of Optimus Prime's mentor Sentinel Prime.
184* ''Film/TransformersAgeOfExtinction'' (2014): Though ''Dark of the Moon'' was intended to be the GrandFinale of the movie series, Bay was successfully lured back into continuing the series. Years after ''Dark of the Moon'', the Autobots are on the run from a human conspiracy hunting them down.
185* ''Film/TransformersTheLastKnight'' (2017), the final film directed by Bay. It was intended to be the launchpad for a full-on SharedUniverse of films in the Bay continuity, but due to poor financial and critical reception, it ended up becoming the last of the original series of films. It follows ''Age of Extinction's'' plot of having the Autobots on the run, now with Optimus Prime having gone missing and a new, gigantic threat to Earth on the rise.
186* ''Film/{{Bumblebee}}'' (2018): Initially set to be within the main continuity, the poor reception of ''The Last Knight '' resulted in the film being retooled into a LighterAndSofter reboot with Travis Knight in the director’s chair. The story is now set in the 1980’s with Bumblebee, now sporting his G1 alternate mode, forming a friendship with teen girl Charlie Watson while hiding on Earth from the Decepticons. Though a reboot, it still carries over several aspects from the mythology of Bay’s movies, such as the presence of Sector 7 and Bumblebee’s muteness and eventually assuming a Camaro as his alt mode.
187* ''Film/TransformersRiseOfTheBeasts'' (2023) is a direct sequel to ''Bumblebee'' that also functions as a tribute to ''Beast Wars'', seeing two humans form an alliance with the Autobots and Maximals as they go up against the Terrorcons. Post-release, Creator/StevenCapleJr clarified that he considers the first three Bay films as canon to ''Rise of the Beasts'' and the last two as an AlternateContinuity.
188* ''Transformers: One'' (2024): An animated prequel set on Cybertron depicting the origins of the war and starring a younger Optimus Prime and Megatron.
189[[/index]]
190[[/folder]]
191
192In addition to the movies, many other projects based on the movie-incarnation have been made.
193[[folder:Expanded Film Universe]]
194[[index]]
195* ''VideoGame/TransformersTheGameConsole'': a 2007 video game adaptation of the first ''Transformers'' film. It is divided into two campaigns focusing on the Autobots and Decepticons.
196** ''VideoGame/TransformersTheGameDS'': The Nintendo DS version of the above game project. The Autobot campaign follows a rough adaptation of the film like the console game, while the Decepticon campaign tells an original story involving a power struggle within the Decepticon ranks.
197* ''VideoGame/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen'' (2009): A sequel to the 2007 console game and game adaptation of ''Revenge of the Fallen''.
198* ''VideoGame/TransformersDarkOfTheMoon'' (2011): Uniquely a prequel to the events of the then-upcoming film.
199* ''[[Ride/TransformersTheRide Transformers: The Ride - 3D]]'', a spin-off attraction that can be found at the Ride/UniversalStudios theme parks that once again is about a grand battle between the Autobots and Decepticons over the [=AllSpark=].
200* ''Arcade Series''
201** ''VideoGame/TransformersHumanAlliance'': A spin-off light gun arcade made by ''Creator/{{Sega}}'' that debuted in 2013 in which you play as human characters helping out the Autobots against the Decepticons.
202** ''VideoGame/TransformersShadowsRising'': Sequel to ''Human Alliance'' made in 2018.
203* ''[[Toys/TransformersStudioSeries Studio Series]]'': A toyline that began in 2018 that celebrates the decade's worth of movies with extremely movie-accurate figures of pretty much every major character, many of whom haven't had a new toy in a while. The toyline later expanded to other franchises such as the High Moon [[VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron produced]] [[VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron games]] and ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie''.
204[[/index]]
205
206IDW has done prequels, adaptations, and sequel comics for the movies. TitanMagazines also did a series based on the movie, with issues that initially fit around IDW's, much as Marvel UK did for Marvel US. As well as this, in the gap between the first and second film, Titan published a series set in [[ComicBook/TransformersTwilightsLastGleaming an alternative timeline where the Decepticons won the battle of Mission City]].
207[[/folder]]
208----
209
210!!Transformers Animated
211
212A new continuity and a dramatic new art style highlights this series. It is largely a throwback to the classic G1 while cementing a stronger canon and taking influence from newer series. This series ended up returning the franchise to its roots, being American produced with no dramatic changes to the core story and not trying to highlight any new toy gimmick (instead focusing on the transformation itself as the gimmick).
213[[index]]
214* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' had its pilot in late 2007 to ride the popularity of the movie, and was the first American-written series since ''Beast Machines''. This time the Autobot/Decepticon war ended years ago and Optimus Prime is only the commander of a small repair crew. Megatron hasn't been seen in years, but when they come across the [=AllSpark=], this small team has to deal with the feared Decepticon, which eventually strands them on Earth.
215[[/index]]
216----
217
218!!Fun Publications Transformers continuities
219
220Fun Publications has introduced multiple continuities of their own for the official fan club and conventions. These continuities are not very prominent compared to the others due to their relative inaccessibility, their stories mostly having only been released to convention attendees and fan club members.
221[[index]]
222* ''ComicBook/TransformersClassics'' is a splinter timeline to the original Transformers Marvel comic in which the events of Generation 2 and some other stories did not occur.
223* ''ComicBook/TransformersShatteredGlass'' takes place in a MirrorUniverse where the Autobots are evil and the Decepticons are good; Optimus is a megalomaniac, Starscream is a loyal officer, Ravage is the embodiment of WebOriginal/LOLCats, etc.
224** ''ComicBook/TransformersShatteredGlass2021'': A 2021 reboot by Creator/IDWPublishing.
225*** ''ComicBook/TransformersShatteredGlassII'': 2022 sequel miniseries to the above reboot
226* ''Franchise/TransformersTimelines'' is the label which many of Fun Publications' Transformers stories are put under.
227* ''ComicBook/TransformersTransTech'', a universe populated by highly advanced Cybertronians, apparently contains the only known version of Cybertron that never experienced a civil war.
228* ''ComicBook/TransformersWingsOfHonor'' is like ''Classics'' in that it creates a separate timeline out of an existing one. In this case, it does so via prequel and sequel stories to the original Generation 1 cartoon, and contains some differences.
229* ''ComicBook/BeastWarsUprising'': A BadFuture where the Autobots and Decepticons, now too decrepit to move, have made the Maximals and Predacons to fight and die in their stead. Until their creations turn against them, and start a revolution.
230[[/index]]
231----
232
233!!Transformers Battle Universe
234
235[[index]]
236* ''VideoGame/TransformersBattleUniverse'' is a FightingGame in which the Matrix of Leadership gathers 10 heroes from ''Franchise/TransformersGeneration1'', ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'', the Film/TransformersFilmSeries, and ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' in an UltimateShowdownOfUltimateDestiny for possession of the Matrix.
237[[/index]]
238----
239
240!!Aligned Universe
241
242The Franchise/TransformersAlignedUniverse was meant to establish a definitive multi-medium continuity for Transformers by [[AdaptationDistillation cherry-picking the best aspects of past iterations of the franchise]]. It launched in 2010 with the video game ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron'' and the corresponding ''Exodus'' book. The intention behind this set-up was to create a longer-lasting AlternateContinuity than the frequent [[ContinuityReboot reboots]] every few years in the 2000's.
243
244[[folder: Aligned Universe]]
245* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' is a cartoon, [[AllCGICartoon animated in CGI]], that premiered November 2010 on Hasbro's new Hub network. The Autobots are in hiding on Earth and combat the also-hidden Decepitcons, while also taking on the role of protectors for a group of three human children. The designs are strongly influenced by the complex Film/TransformersFilmSeries look while retaining the more stylized approach of ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated''. Creator/PeterCullen and Creator/FrankWelker return as Optimus Prime and Megatron, making it the first Transformers series in which the two have reprised their roles together. The third season was subtitled ''Beast Hunters'', and concluded in 2013 with a TV movie, "Predacons Rising".
246** ''VideoGame/TransformersUniverse'' was a video game largely based on this series. After being delayed time and time again, it was cancelled at the end of 2014 -- ''after'' finally going into Beta testing.
247** ''VideoGame/TransformersPrimeTheGame'' is a video game with an original story that takes place during the animated series about a meteor made of pure Dark Energon containing an ancient warrior of Unicron called Thunderwing that falls to Earth.
248** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRobotsInDisguise2015'' is a [[RecycledTitle confusingly]] [[OddlyNamedSequel2ElectricBoogaloo named]] {{sequel}} to ''Prime'' aired in 2015. The art style is a blend of the ''Prime'' and ''Rescue Bots'' styles. Set some years after "Predacons Rising", for the first time the story doesn't focus on an Optimus or even a Prime, but upon the now speaking Bumblebee, who heads back to Earth on a mission from the 'dead' Optimus, only to be unwittingly joined by a RagtagBunchOfMisfits who he must lead to neutralise a Decepticon threat on Earth. As the series goes on, it becomes clear something sinister is going on behind the scenes...
249** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRescueBots'' is a series taking BroadStrokes from the rest of the Aligned Continuity, while also being a LighterAndSofter series targeted towards preschool children. The series focuses on a rescue team of Autobots consisting of Heatwave, Boulder, Blades, and Chase, who work with a family of first-responders to aid people in trouble. Creator/PeterCullen returns as Optimus Prime, but as a guest character, while the show focuses mainly on its characters. Its focus is primarily on safety education.
250** A SequelSeries, ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRescueBotsAcademy'', premiered in 2019, featuring five recruits: Hot Shot, Whirl, Hoist, Medix and Wedge, who are trained by the original Rescue Bots to become heroes like them.
251* ''Anime/TransformersGo'' is an animated series [[DirectToVideo direct-to-dvd]] with the Samurai Team and Isami Tatewaki to find Laserdiscs and awaken more Transformers. Currently not acknowledged by Hasbro aside from a couple of the Predacons showing up every now and again.
252* ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron'' is a video game that dives into the basic history of the Autobot[=/=]Decepticon war and meant to be a stepping stone showing how that war finds its way to Earth. It takes major mythology points from various sources and re-presents them to the audience, setting up the greater franchise (such as why Starscream is TheStarscream and how come [[BondVillainStupidity Megatron doesn't just shoot him]]). It was built from the [[Creator/EpicGames Unreal engine]] and was released on PC, Platform/XBox360,[[strike:Platform/{{Wii}}]], Platform/{{DS}}, and [=PS3=] in July 2010.
253** ''Literature/TransformersExodus'' is partly a {{novelisation}} of ''War for Cybertron'' and partly a [[AllThereInTheManual manual]] further explaining the backstory. Although it contradicts both the game and itself on a number of occasions, which leads to the majority of {{Continuity Snarl}}s within this new franchise (Starscream was stated to be a dedicated scientist only for it to later state that he wasn't ever a scientist).
254** ''Literature/TransformersExiles'' is a sequel novelization to Exodus showing what happened after the Autobots and Decepticons departed Cybertron. Their journey leads them to Cybertron's sister worlds and a great many secrets of their ancestors.
255** ''VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron'' is the sequel to War for Cybertron, including a heapload of new characters, as well as a DarkerAndEdgier plot.
256[[/folder]]
257----
258
259!!Transformers Legends
260
261A Japanese-exclusive toyline consisting of figures from multiple eras of the franchise's history. The line was promoted by a webcomic that can be viewed on the official Takara Tomy website, with Bonus Edition chapters included as pack-in comics that come with the toys.
262
263[[index]]
264* ''Webcomic/TransformersLegends''
265[[/index]]
266----
267
268!!Kre-O
269
270After the Transformers franchise began releasing the Franchise/{{Lego}}-like Kre-O construction sets, these have also began to develop their own fiction, and just like the sets are based on several iterations of the franchise, the fiction also bases its stories on a mix-and-match of versions, with a humorous touch.
271
272[[index]]
273* The ''WebAnimation/TransformersKreO'' animated shorts use stop-motion without dialogue for one-minute gags. These were later replaced by the Think Like A Kreon shorts, which used a wider variety of Kre-O figures besides Transformers with "Dodgeball Match" in particular only featuring G.I. Joe characters.
274* The ''WebComic/TransformersKreO'' webcomic, being made in Japan, is drawn in Manga style and features wacky humor and cameos of several fiction-only Kreons based on characters from all corners of the franchise.
275[[/index]]
276----
277
278!!Transformers: Cyberverse
279In 2017, Hasbro announced a series titled: ''WesternAnimation/TransformersCyberverse'', which started in 2018. Hasbro also stated that each season is dubbed as a chapter, and focuses on the characters and lore of the Transformers Universe. It is yet another ContinuityReboot for the franchise.
280
281[[index]]
282* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersCyberverse''
283[[/index]]
284----
285
286!!Transformers: [=BotBots=]
287In late 2018, banking on the success of ''Toys/{{Shopkins}}'' and other blind bagged franchises, ''Toys/TransformersBotBots'' were released. Unlike other Transformers franchises, this line features a much more lighthearted and goofy take on the lore, with some odd alt modes, such as food and sports equipment.
288
289[[index]]
290* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersBotBots'', an animated series, was released for the line in 2022 on Creator/{{Netflix}}.
291[[/index]]
292----
293
294!!Transformers: [=EarthSpark=]
295In February 2021, Creator/{{Nickelodeon}} ordered a 26-episode animated series titled: ''WesternAnimation/TransformersEarthSpark''. In this action-comedy series, a new species of Transformers must find their place and purpose among Autobots, Decepticons, and the human family that adopts them. The first 10 episodes of the series released in November 11, 2022. The following 8 episodes released in March 3, 2023.
296
297The series is executive produced by Ant Ward (''WesternAnimation/RiseOfTheTeenageMutantNinjaTurtles''), and Nicole Dubuc (''WesternAnimation/TransformersRescueBots'') and developed and co-executive produced by Dale Malinowski (Also from ''ROTTMNT'').
298
299[[index]]
300* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersEarthSpark'' (2022-present)
301[[/index]]
302----
303
304Several times, Hasbro has attempted to put transforming toys related to other lines under the ''Transformers'' umbrella. It didn't work out so well for the ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'', but the Franchise/MarvelUniverse and ''Franchise/StarWars'' ones have been better received. Takara also has gotten in on this, with the Creator/{{Disney}} [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers_Disney_Label Label]] (yeah, we dunno what possesed Takara either).
305
306In October 2021, it was announced that the [=G1=] Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Starscream would be appearing as character skins for ''VideoGame/{{Smite}}''.
307
308In August 2021 there would be a crossover event in ''VideoGame/MobileLegendsBangBang'' with the Transformers franchise, the first wave of skins made for the event had Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee; a second wave would be announced in may 2022 and it seems their going to bring back the event indefinetly annually.
309
310A scene change gimmick from G1 is [[IdiosyncraticWipes a faction symbol wipe]], if switching to the Decepticons from the Autobots the symbol will flip from Autobot to Decepticon, but it can also flip from Autobot to Autobot (for another Autobot scene) or Decepticon to Decepticon. Some incarnations have used a similar eye-catch and it has been parodied in many instances in modern media.
311
312----
313
314!!The franchise is the {{Trope Namer|s}} for:
315
316* AutobotsRockOut
317* The Bumblebee, since renamed KidAppealCharacter.
318* HatePlague: It first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon, and reappeared in a more virulent form in ''Beast Machines''.
319* {{Introdump}}: The term originated in the ''Transformers'' wiki.
320* KibblesAndBits: Off the fandom term for irrelevant alternate mode parts stuck on the robot form.
321* Mode Lock, since renamed ShapeshifterModeLock.
322* MoreThanMeetsTheEye
323* DarthWiki/RuinedFOREVER: Named from a (/''the'') wiki for Transformers, mocking the way fans react as though [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks every change will]] [[UnpleasableFanbase destroy the franchise]]. [[invoked]]
324* TheStarscream: There will always be a treacherous underling plotting to backstab their boss and seize the power (but not the responsibility) for themselves.
325** DeckOfWildCards: A subtrope of the above, where ''[[ExaggeratedTrope everyone]]'' is a Starscream.
326----
327
328!!Other franchise-wide tropes:
329
330[[foldercontrol]]
331
332[[folder: #-A]]
333* NinetyPercentOfYourBrain: The book ''Project Brain Drain''.
334* ActionFigureFileCard: Many of the toys have had them.
335* AdaptationalWimp: Certain characters get hit with this through the many different iterations:
336** In the G1 cartoon, the Dinobots were nigh-unstoppable powerhouses, tearing through even Megatron with little effort, with the only foe that actually gave them trouble being Devastator. In the original comics, the five of them were [[CurbStompBattle curbstomped]] by Megatron early on.
337** The strength of the Combiner gestalts tends to fluctuate throughout the franchise. In the G1 cartoon, they were powerful enough that entire squadrons of normal-sized Transformers couldn't even scratch them. In the original comics, they were still quite strong, but some of the more powerful singulars, such as Megatron or Galvatron, could take them down. In ''Robots in Disguise'', they were treated much the same way as in the comics; Ruination in particular could be blown apart by the attacks of a single (albeit powerful) foe.
338** In both the original cartoon and official tech specs, Trypticon was depicted as a city-sized Transformer with immense strength. His first appearance in the Marvel comics showed him as being barely twice the size of a regular Transformer, and he was almost overwhelmed by the Dinobots.
339* AdvertisingOnlyContinuity: Sometimes it's relatively minor, like a [[Film/TransformersFilmSeries movie]] Jazz figure recolored as an homage to [[Franchise/TransformersGeneration1 G1]] Jazz being explained in his bio as having been revived by Ratchet, or ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'' quietly expanding the small band of surviving Maximals. Other times it's more complex, like how the early ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' toys' bios set up the series as a direct continuation of G1 on modern-day Earth, with Optimus Primal and Megatron being the same characters as G1 Optimus Prime and Megatron (which would later be contradicted by the TV series). In extreme cases, such as the current Kre-O sub-line, on-package bios and commericals may be the ''only'' fiction available.
340** Website/TFWikiDotNet likes to [[InvokedTrope invoke this]] when Hasbro applies the ''Transformers'' brand name to transforming toys made for a different franchise, such as ''Franchise/StarWars'', which makes for amusing pages where the writer [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Darth_Vader pretends to genuinely have no idea Darth Vader has been in anything else.]]
341* TheAgeless: Almost always applies to the Transformers.
342** Though occasionally averted by characters whose schtick is that they're old fogies. Not only do they have the personality to match, but for some reason they're the only Transformers to physically age.
343* AlienAmongUs: Alien robots, but aliens nonetheless, the series has many elements of this plot.
344* AlienInvasion: Technically, almost every series, but the 2007 movie and the IDW comics focus most on this trope.
345* AllDeathsFinal: While it varies how much the franchise adheres to this trope, ''Transformers'' is notable for being one of the few children's series to often have characters be KilledOffForReal. As long as you're not a huge name person like Optimus Prime, than chances are if you die you stay dead. The comics are able to go even further with this since they're meant for adult fans.
346* AllGravityIsTheSame: The planet Cybertron, DependingOnTheWriter, is either bigger or smaller than Earth. Yet the Autobots' human (and even alien) allies have no trouble with the gravity there.
347* AllPartOfTheShow: A retroactive example, and a quite interesting one at that; the franchise is somewhat infamous for its very fluctuating animation quality, with some series (''G1'', ''Armada'', and ''Energon'') having at least some errors in nearly every episode. Eventually, someone came up with an in-universe explanation for them, and Hasbro used the CharacterBlog ''Ask Vector Prime'' to explain that all animation errors are small, harmless and self-resolving anomalies in time and space that are more or less invisible to the characters. So, in the ''Transformers'' multiverse, OffModel animation is canon!
348* AllThereInTheManual: Many characters have all or most of their characterization provided in toy bios or profiles.
349* AlternateContinuity: Currently, 5 different "main" continuity lines. [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:Continuities.png When you go into the comics, on the other hand,]] talk about ContinuitySnarl.
350** This chart is also several years out of date.
351** [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:Japaneseflowchart.jpg Here]] is Japan's take with their continuities (yes, some shows are in different continuities in different countries). It's not any better.
352* AmbitiousButLazy: Several Transformers have a version of this as a FatalFlaw.
353** Most famously, Starscream is the TropeNamer for TheStarscream. He wants to be Decepticon leader, but in many series where he actually succeeds (e.g. the ''Creator/IDWPublishing'' comics), his leadership tends to be wanting due to apparently thinking that all he needs to do is become a leader and respect and awe will come in accordingly.
354** Hot Rod:
355*** Hot Rod wants to be acknowledged as a great hero, but is generally portrayed as a GloryHound due to thinking that's the quickest way of making a good name for himself. His incarnation in the ''ComicBook/TransformersMoreThanMeetsTheEye'' goes on wacky adventures and drags his crew along, until eventually they get so sick of his aimless galivanting that they join TheMutiny against him. In comparison, his incarnation in the ''Ladybug'' books has done the hard work of actually earning the respect of his fellow Autobots by being a reliable friend and comrade, and so by the time of the Nebulos books, he's the Autobot commander.
356*** This can also be seen with what happens whenever Hot Rod becomes Rodimus Prime: in ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', at the beginning of the third season, he's excited and cheerful, basically acting like he did as Hot Rod. By the end of the seasons, he's not shy about moaning and groaning about how hard it is to '''actually''' be [[TheChainsOfCommanding a leader]], and when Optimus Prime is seemingly brought back from the dead he's all too eager to turn command back over to Optimus, despite numerous warning signs that something is off. His counterparts in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel'' and ''ComicBook/TheTransformersRegenerationOne'' are much more dour and serious, due to having actually grown into the role of commander.
357** Many iterations of Grimlock want to become Autobot leader in place of Optimus Prime. The problem is this is usually due to their belief that [[AsskickingLeadsToLeadership their raw power means they deserve to be leader]], and so they can't be bothered with the other aspects of leadership like careful planning or concern for their subordinates. In ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel'', twice Grimlock is essentially handed his desired goal of becoming Autobot leader, and both times have ended in disaster [[note]]During the first stint he styled himself King Grimlock and spent more time hunting Autobot dissenters than fighting the Decepticons, and the second time he was so eager to prove himself he led the entire Autobot army into an ambush... that left only '''5''' survivors[[/note]]. Many versions of Grimlock do genuinely have the intelligence and skill to become good commanders, but the problem is most of them also think that leading a team like the Dinobots makes them qualified to lead the entire faction and they don't need to learn anything more.
358** The ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' version of Bumblebee wants to become a member of the Elite Guard, but he's also a slacker who isn't interested in doing the hard work of slowly climbing his way up the ranks (and he isn't TheAce like Optimus Prime, who was fast-tracked to joining the Guard until an incident that essentially killed his career). The bio of his "Elite Guard Bumblebee" toy outright notes that Bumblebee adopts that look thinking that if he looks the part, he might get accepted into the group.
359* AncientKeeper
360* AnimalMecha: They've been a thing since the start, and exist in about every continuity, with such alternate modes referred as 'beast mode'. They come as either robots that turn from a humanoid robot to an animal (the Dinobots, Insecticons, Predacons and everyone on ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' are robot-alien variations of this) or animal-like robots with alternate modes (such as Sky Lynx or the majority of Cassettes).
361** It should be noted that 'beast mode' refers to about any character with a mode that resembles another creature, as such some like the Terrorcons or the Monsterbots are put in the same category.
362* AnimeThemeSong: Several in the cartoon series, whether Japan releases it first or dubs it after the US releases. More notable with ''Anime/BeastWarsII'' and ''Anime/BeastWarsNeo''.
363* ArmiesAreEvil: If a character turns into a military vehicle, like a tank or a jet fighter, they're probably a Decepticon. Autobots with military vehicle modes exist, but they're nowhere near as common.
364* ArmsAndArmorThemeNaming: The Insecticons have bomb-related names: Bombshell, Shrapnel, and Kickback.
365* AssKickingPose
366* AstonishinglyAppropriateAppearance: Not surprising, since they can choose their alternate forms, but each invariably picks a vehicle that suits them very well.
367* AtrociousArthropods:
368** ''Franchise/TransformersGeneration1'': The Insecticons are Decepticons with insect alt modes. In addition to serving as {{Mooks}} for Megatron, they possess the ability to convert any sort of matter into Energon for the Decpeticons to use.
369** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'': The Predacons had reptiles, dinosaurs,insects, arachnids and crustaceans as their alt modes. The arthropod Predacons where Waspinator (wasp), Inferno (ant), Scorponok (scorpion), Quickstrike ([[MixAndMatchCritter part snake, part scorpion]]), Tarantulus (spider), Rampage (crab) and Blackarachnia (spider). Blackarachnia does pull a HeelFaceTurn but doesn't quite shake her Predacon ruthlessness.
370** ''Film/TransformersFilmSeries'': The Decepticons are given monstrous animal-like features to contrast with the more [[BeautyEqualsGoodness human-looking Autobots]]. Some of them have arthropod features such as Megatron, Demolishor, Scalpel and Frenzy. There is also Scorponok whose robot mode is a scorpion.
371** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'': Waspinator and Blackarachnia are sympathetic variations of this trope.
372*** Before she became Blackarachnia, Elita-1 was an Autobot cadet who, along with her friends Optimus and Sentinel, went to the planet Archa Seven looking for a Decepticon ship. The trio were attacked by {{Giant Spider}}s and Elita was presumed dead. In reality, she had used her ability to copy powers from other creatures allowed her to survive being injected with the spiders' venom but she was also transformed into a techno-organic Transformer with a spider alternate mode. Blackarachnia hates the Autobots, particularly Optimus and Sentinel, for abandoning her and has sided with the Decepticons. However, her main goal is to reverse her transformation into a techno-organic and she is depicted as a TragicVillain.
373*** Wasp was once an arrogant but promising Autobot cadet until he was framed for being a Decepticon spy by Longarm Prime (aka Shockwave). Wasp was imprisoned and driven mad by the experience, swearing revenge on Bumblebee for ruining his life. He broke out and ultimately fell in with Blackarachnia who convinced him to undergo a procedure that transformed him into a techno-organic Transformer with an insect alternate mode.
374** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'': In addition to the Insecticons, we also have Airachnid. A sadistic spider-like robot, Airachnid served as a mercenary during the Cybertron War, holding no allegiances to either side. Not only does hunt other species into extinction for sport, but she also murdered Arcee's first partner Tailgate.
375* AuthorCatchphrase: Furmanisms
376* AwesomeButImpractical: The Dinobots. Even bigger robots that can turn into robo-dinosaurs? Awesome! Only problem is Transformers are Transformers (mostly) because they blend into Earth machines and since humans don't drive around in giant robot t-rexs this makes it a bit trickier to work in the Dinobots. It is most likely why The Wreckers were made to be alternate heavy hitters.
377[[/folder]]
378
379[[folder: B-C]]
380* BellBottomLimbedBots: The majority are examples, often with [[KibblesAndBits Kibble]] attached to their lower arms, while upper arm Kibble usually turns into ShouldersOfDoom detached from the arm. In toys with this, it's [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] since it's literally impossible to have the upper arm bigger, if the shoulder pad and upper arm are supposed to be flush with the lower arm when transformed.
381* BewareTheNiceOnes: Rhinox in ''Beast Wars'' and Bulkhead of ''Animated'' are both fairly gentle, if large transformers, but are also the ones to avoid getting angry.
382* BeyondTheImpossible: The Alternity are overpowered enough to give VisualNovel/{{Demonbane}} a run for their money, with weapons that can shoot you before you were born, weapons that can warp reality, and weapons than can shoot you in the past, present, future and other dimensions ''at the same time''. Megatron's Tesseractal Swords are blades of infinite length. "Physical space is not an obstruction." They also have the ability to perceive reality on a higher-dimensional scale and can detect any changes in space-time immediately when they occur to reverse the damage caused by them.
383* BigBad: Mostly Megatrons, but the Marvel comics gave Shockwave and other Cybertronians chances to gloat. Overlord as seen in IDW's ''ComicBook/TheTransformersLastStandOfTheWreckers'' also qualifies.
384* BigDamnHeroes: Take your pick of series or characters. Inverted in the 2007 movie when Starscream shows up and beats up Ratchet and Ironhide, stopping their protection of Sam in what could be called a "Big Damn Villains" moment.
385* BigGood: Optimus Prime in any adaptation.
386** Prime is ''ever so slightly'' outranked by [[{{God}} Primus]].
387* BlackAndWhiteMorality: Autobots are good, Decepticons are evil (except in ''[[ComicBook/TransformersShatteredGlass Shattered Glass]]'', where it's the other way round).
388** Though in ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' some of the Autobots are selfish, corrupt, or incompetent, though not in the main cast. [[TheNeidermeyer Sentinel Prime]], we are looking at ''you''. Likewise, while "sympathetic" might be stretching the portrayal of the Decepticons as a whole, they are at least clearly motivated (most of them want to reconquer Cybertron, but some have other motivations).
389** Many Transformers continuities play with and partially subvert the idea, going right back to the Marvel comic series in the 1980s. It is always with individual characters though so the trope is played straight for the overall factions even if the individuals within the groups don't necessarily all adhere. Also, the trope is played painfully straight whenever Unicron is involved, usually with "Unicron = BAD Those who fight him = good"
390*** Well Unicron ''is'' basically the cybertronion equivalent of Satan so it's not entirely unreasonable.
391** The new book ''Exodus'' also establishes a whole lot of gray in the origins of the war and looks like a subversion, but later on plays this trope straight. Sort of.
392** In the IDW comics Continuity, it is suggested that the conflict ''became'' this way over time. The Decepticons were once a rebel force rising up against the corrupt Senate, while the Autobots, who ''also'' believed in change, believed the change was moving too quickly and in the wrong direction.
393* BodyguardingABadass: Optimus Prime (i.e. one of the most powerful of a race of giant, sapient HumongousMecha) sometimes has a human military escort.
394* BreakoutCharacter: Several characters went on to become highly popular characters with larger roles.
395** Swindle is one of the early examples, rising above his origins as a member of the Combaticons and into a prominent character in his own right, especially in ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' and IDW.
396** Bumblebee went from being a B level (but still fairly prominent) character to being one of ''the'' faces of the franchise thanks to the popularity of the 2007 movie, and he even gets to headline a series with ''RID 2015''.
397** Several names became highly popular thanks to an original take on the character; among these are [[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Slipstream, Bulkhead]], [[WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime Knock Out, Dreadwing]], and [[Film/{{Transformers|2007}} Barricade]].
398** Among the CanonForeigner's, [[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Lockdown]] became a major supporting character in IDW and even the BigBad of the fourth Michael Bay movie; [[WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime Knock Out]] was basically copy-pasted to IDW, etc.
399* CagedInsideAMonster: Many larger figures had storage for smaller figures, some of which were identified as jail cells or prisons due to RuleOfCool:
400** The original Fortress Maximus figure had a jail cell concealed in its left leg. Given Fortress Maximus was a [[GeniusLoci Cityformer]], that makes sense. This likely inspired his characterization in the IDW comics as warden of a prison.
401** ''Anime/TransformersArmada'' Megatron has storage for Mini-Cons. What makes it likely to be a prison is the fact that Megatron also has a capture claw for Minicons.
402** From the same line, Unicron is filled with Minicon storage gimmicks. The animation makes it clear that the Minicons are ''not'' in there by choice.
403* CainAndAbel: The franchise has [[HumongousMecha Planet-sized]], TransformingMecha (that turn ''into'' [[ThatsNoMoon planets]]) {{Physical God}}s Primus and Unicron. Unicron is the BigBad GodOfEvil OmnicidalManiac seeking to destroy ''everything'' that isn't him. Primus is the BigGood who is [[GunPorn completely]] [[MoreDakka loaded with]] {{BFG}}s and {{Wave Motion Gun}}s seeking to thwart his brother. However, his trump card isn't any of that weaponry - it's ''the Transformers themselves.'' Unfortunately, they'd rather spend their time fighting each other.
404* CanonDiscontinuity: Every series has a few insane ideas that got ignored, like [[BigBad Unicron]] being the discarded science project of an [[MadScientist alien monkey]]... At least until Fun Publications got rid of all multiversal singularities meaning that the idea is canon again and was used in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersUnicron'', though played way more tragically.
405* CanonImmigrant: The Transformer "Spark" concept introduced in ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' has continued and become a vital part of Transformers mythology.
406** As far as characters go, ''Animated'''s Lockdown, Lugnut, and Bulkhead have crossed over into the IDW, Aligned, and Movie continuities - in particular, Lockdown serves as the BigBad of the fourth film. IDW featured a large number of EnsembleDarkhorse Canon Immigrants from ''Beast Wars'', ''Robots in Disguise'', ''Prime'', and ''Animated''.
407* CareerNotTaken:
408** The Technobot Lightspeed is considered TheAce by quite a few Autobots, due to being intelligent, tough, skilled and (by Cybertronian standards) quite handsome. His abilities make him highly effective in his role as a data processor and courier, but secretly what he really wants is to be a space explorer. He accepts that his dream of being rebuilt with a starship mode is unlikely so long as the war is going on, and so channels his energies into his work.
409** The Monster Pretender Slog is a sophisticated, erudite individual who was initially recruited by the Decepticons to produce works of art depicting the rise of the Decepticon empire. However, when it was realised that his skills made him a more than capable warrior, he soon found himself on the battlefield making "masterpieces" out of his Autobot enemies. [[note]]These [[WarIsHell experiences]] caused him to [[BrokenPedestal no longer be quite as enthusiastic a supporter as he once was]], and he became disturbed by the sheer loss of life to the point he began holding [[DeadGuyOnDisplay underground art shows using the corpses of fallen combatants]], leading to an antiwar movement known as Slogism. [[/note]] He'd love to just stick to being an artist, but considering he's too good a warrior to waste and is also part of the [[CombiningMecha combiner]] Monstructor, there's not much chance of that.
410** Throughout Creator/IDWPublishing's ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' comic continuity, it's heavily suggested that Optimus Prime disliked having to become the leader of the Autobots. TheChainsOfCommanding weighed heavily on him, and in "The Death of Optimus Prime" he leapt at the chance to give up his name and title to revert to his original name of Orion Pax. Other material suggests that part of this is because he was quite happy simply being Orion Pax: Super Cop, where he felt like he was actually making a change in people's lives. It's not hard to understand why: in ''ComicBook/TransformersMoreThanMeetsTheEye'', the more Tailgate hears about Orion Pax from people who knew him, the more he thinks Orion was admirable [[note]]When Orion Pax appears in a flashback diving down upon a fleeing flier, Tailgate demands to know where Orion came from, only to be told that Orion had a habit of appearing unexpectedly [[TheCavalry just when he's most needed]][[/note]], and has his mind blown when he finally learns Orion became Optimus. As Autobot leader, Optimus pretty much had no choice but to spend much of his time ordering his troops to their deaths, because the sheer scale of the conflict led to AMillionIsAStatistic.
411* CentralTheme: How constructive and deconstructive it is to live by your principles. Every Autobot and Decepticon have personal mottos that they define themselves by, as well as the principles of the two factions - the Autobots stand for freedom and autonomy, while the Decepticons promote tyranny and deception - and both must live with the consequences of their ideologies, whether glorious or tragic.
412* CharacterOutlivesActor:
413** After Scatman Crothers fell ill shortly after [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie the Movie]], Jazz stopped speaking and eventually left the show completely. It wasn't ''too'' noticeable at the time, as the third season concentrated on the new characters, but it did stand out a little, considering that the movie had made a point of the fact that he was one of the few originals who had unquestionably ''survived''.
414** Roger C. Carmel's characters were simply recast.
415* TheChewToy: Four words: "Why universe hate Waspinator?!?"
416* CListFodder: Issue #50 of the original ''Transformers'' comic featured Starscream on a killing rampage that culled older characters by the dozens. Victims included C-list characters like Gears and Buzzsaw, as well as popular ones such as Omega Supreme and the Predacons.
417* CollectorOfForms: The Transformers typically scan to gain their altmodes. Mostly they can do this themselves but there is a device called the Sky Spy that collects data for Transformers to provide altmodes.
418* TheCollectorOfTheStrange: Autobot Pipes collects interesting human knick-knacks.
419** Also, in ''Cybertron'', Shortround collects...Transformers toys. The "grails" of his collection? Generation 2 Defensor and Menasor. [[spoiler: Two toys whose real-world counterparts were never produced (or at least never mass-produced) in full.]]
420* TheColoredCross: In the original toyline, [[ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel comic book]] and [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers cartoon]], the Red Cross symbol was used on ambulance-mode Transformers like Ratchet and Red Alert. Ratchet in particular had two such symbols on his shoulders in robot mode. However, since the 80s Hasbro has opted to use all sorts of workarounds instead due to this trope. For example, both the ''[[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Animated]]'' and [[Film/{{Transformers|2007}} Live Action Film]] incarnations of Ratchet instead have circles with zigzag lines invoking a heartbeat monitor screen. Even modern toys of the original G1 Ratchet (e.g. in the high-end ''Masterpiece'' line, 2016's ''Combiner Wars'' and 2022's ''Studio Series'') no longer use the cross: one attempt had the cross shifted to instead become an X while another added diamonds at the end of each cross arm, but now the consistent one is having the Autobot emblem at the center of the cross.
421* CombiningMecha:
422** The combiners, such as the Constructicons, Aerialbots, Stunticons, Destruction Team, etc. Some characters, like Sky Lynx, play with it a little - he's only one character, and can not only be either his "bird" or "lynx" form, but can also be both at once, working as a team, and can recombine them into a single form.
423** The Double Powermaster named Overlord is a more literal example, as he is formed from a tank and jet combining and is an actual HumongousMecha rather than a living character in his own right. He's controlled by the husband/wife team of Giga and Mega.
424** ''Energon'' introduced the idea of Powerlinx combination, where any Autobot (of Deluxe or Mega class in the toyline) could form either the top or bottom half of a combined super robot. Any two appropriate characters could connect together using a universal connector clip.
425** Lampshaded in the IDW comics, where Swerve points out the Decepticon's obsession with combination.
426--->"Put two of 'em in a room and within seconds one will be standing on the other's shoulders. ''Fact''.
427* ContinuitySnarl:
428** Non-fans or casual fans have NO idea how crazy it's gotten for the Aligned universe since the release of ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron'', its accompanying prequel novel "Transformers: Exodus", and ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime''. For the record, all three of those media allegedly take place within the same continuity. It was later resolved that they are a closely related continuity ''family'', meaning they each share a large number of events but are irreconcilable as a single timeline. Basically, it did not become the simple, universal subfranchise it was meant to, but came closer than anything before it. ''Rescue Bots'' and ''Robots in Disguise'' (the new one, not the old one) also introduce a few issues.
429** ''Anime/TransformersArmada'', ''Anime/TransformersEnergon'', and ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' are part of a larger metaseries called the Unicron Trilogy. However, Studio [=GONZO=] decided they didn't like the idea of making a sequel to another studio's cartoon, so they used the most basic points of the outline they were given to make a show that was largely written in-house. This meant that characters who knew each other were suddenly strangers and established concepts like combining (central to ''Energon'') were suddenly foreign ideas in ''Cybertron''. It was finally explained due to one very important plot point that ''was'' kept in - Alpha Quintesson's Energon sun collapsing into a black hole. Since that sun was made from Unicron's body, all the negative energy produced by the so-called Unicron Singularity was screwing up time and space due to his ability to jump from one universe to another. They went so far as to use it to write off ''any'' PlotHole in any continuity of the franchise or any media that ever crossed over with it.
430* CoolCar: Kind of a given, but the live action movie had to use real cars. Barricade in the 2007 movie is a Ford Mustang, Jazz is a Pontiac Solstice, Bumblebee is a 1976 Chevy Camaro ''who later becomes a 2008 Camaro'', ''Revenge of the Fallen'' is showcasing a one-of-a-kind Concept Corvette that will not actually reach consumers.
431* CopycatCover: ''Transmorphers'', whose title also copied the classic font and was released just after the 2007 movie.
432* CosmicRetcon: The franchise, of course, has one of its own: [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Unicron_Singularity the Unicron Singularity]], which ripped and tore at the fabric of time and space in a way that essentially opens up a planet-sized plot hole just to make room for itself to fill it.
433** The Unicron Singularity didn't exist as this at first, and it was transformed into one by the club comic writers to account for some (admittedly minor) inconsistencies between ''Anime/TransformersEnergon'' and ''Anime/TransformersCybertron''. Mind you, these are only minor in comparison to the humongous plot holes that already populated the rest of the entire ''Transformers'' multiverse, which did not have such a black hole, though later media claims that its effects branch out to other universes as well, ergo it is both the cause of and solution to many errors in continuity (and even [[OffModel animation]]).
434** There actually exists a Transformer, Vector Prime, who was tasked by [[{{God}} Primus]] to protect the stability of the timeline - in other words, the number of plot holes in Transformers is ''so bad, it is actually an in-universe threat'', and there needs to be someone to keep the holes and inconsistencies from destroying everything. He does his best to fix things (usually retconning them from outside the timeline to cover inconsistencies, but coming in person for tremendous holes like the Singularity) so presumably any inconsistency we see was simply recorded before he got around to it, and our media are [[RippleEffectProofMemory ripple effect proof]].
435** The concept of the [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Multiversal_singularity multiversal singularity]] (that is, characters of which only one exists in the entire multiverse, such as Primus, Unicron and The Fallen) was nullified by this - while at first it was gradual, with [[AllThereInTheManual Ask Vector Prime]] claiming certain appearances of Unicron (such as the one in [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers the original American cartoon continuity]]) were not part of the main singularity Unicron, the 2015 Fun Publications story "Another Light" had Nexus Prime solidify the walls between reality, limiting travel between dimensions and splintering all former singularities (such as Vector Prime and Nexus himself) into infinite selves across existence, as had been the case with many "regular" beings.
436* CyberCyclops: Shockwave's defining feature across continuities.
437[[/folder]]
438
439[[folder: D-F]]
440* DarkLordOnLifeSupport:
441** After being heavily damaged in the [[FiveEpisodePilot pilot movie]] of ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'', Megatron has to be attached to extremely large power cables just to remain in a catatonic state, leaving him very vulnerable especially with [[TheStarscream his subordinates threatening to unplug him]]. He eventually recovers.
442** This is a common way for saving the big battle with Megs for a big moment. The movie keeps him frozen until the climax, and ''[[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Animated]]'' keeps him a disembodied head until the first season finale.
443** Another example came from ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'', where Megatron ends up in a life support bubble of some kind after [[spoiler:having {{Atlantis}}, an ancient Cybertronian starship, explode with him aboard]]. He fully recovers several episodes later.
444* DarkReprise: A non-musical, cross-continuity version during Animated!Waspinator's last appearance. He speaks a line originally said by WesternAnimation/BeastWars!Waspinator, but in a much less humorous, darker intonation.
445* DeathIsCheap: Let's just say "destroyed" doesn't necessarily mean "dead" and leave it at that.
446* [[KlingonScientistsGetNoRespect Decepticon Scientists Get No Respect]]: You don't see many Decepticon scientists, outside of Shockwave. The number of named medics we've seen can be counted on one hand. That is, until we find out in ''Generation 1'' and the ''Aligned'' continuities that ''Starscream'' of all bots is a scientist [[note]]"Fire In The Sky" and ''War for Cybertron'' respectively[[/note]]. The comics then start introducing a number of medics, who actually get no respect because they "waste their time" patching up "weaklings" who had the audacity to get hit in a firefight. Then there are the MadScientist[=s=] like Rossum, [[WesternAnimation/TransformersRobotsInDisguise Vertibreak]], and [[NamesToRunAwayFrom Vivisector]].
447* DeckOfWildCards: In this series, both the Decepticons and their descendants, [[WesternAnimation/BeastWars the Predacons]], have established their regimes based around this philosophy. Only those who are strong and cunning deserve to rule, and being deposed of by a weak underling is a sign they were never meant to rule to begin with. Of course, the franchise has tended to depict this haphazardly, so it's not always consistent in this regard.
448** The original [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers animated series]] showed that, with the exception of [[UndyingLoyalty Soundwave and Shockwave]], nearly every Decepticon tried to backstab or remove Megatron aside from Starscream himself, as a consequence of their ambitions getting the better of themselves. Notably, Astrotrain and Blitzwing worked with Starscream to depose Megatron, then backstabbed the both of them so they could jointly rule. The Combaticons were also once a band of Starscreams before the series, having been melted down and left [[AndIMustScream as just personality components]] for trying to overthrow Megatron long ago, and falling right back onto old habits the moment the TropeNamer himself brings them out of storage for his own ends. By the third season, even Galvatron's most loyal subjects--Scourge and Cyclonus--were not above doing this, as a consequence of DrunkOnPower and committing his insane leader to therapy respectively.
449** Beast Megatron didn't have it much better. Aside from [[AxCrazy Inferno]] and [[ProfessionalButtKisser Scorponok]], every other Predacon starting with Dinobot and ending with Dinobot II tried to betray, kill, or otherwise defect from his ranks. Terrorsaur was very much like the TropeNamer, Waspinator [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere got tired of getting blown up and decided enough was enough]], [[TheVamp Blackarachnia]] and [[MadScientist Tarantulus]] were far more ambitious than they were skilled, [[TheBrute Rampage]] was forced into servitude, and [[DumbMuscle Quickstrike]] was an easily manipulated idiot who just wanted to shoot things. Tellingly, none of them succeeded, as Megatron was too good of a ManipulativeBastard and TheChessmaster to fall for it.
450** The ''Anime/UnicronTrilogy'' mostly averted this, as nearly all the Decepticons under Megatron[=/=]Galvatron's ranks respected him enough to fall in line, aside from Starscream himself and Thrust. Well, at least until ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'', when Galvatron became so AxCrazy and decided to remake the universe in his own image that his troops hightailed it out of there and betrayed him.
451** This was taken literarily in ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'', when Starscream cloned himself to create an army of Seekers he could use to depose Megatron. It almost worked until Megatron trounced his treacherous underling, at which point his clones {{Subverted}} this trope and joined Megatron instead. If anything, the Decepticon forces avert this trope entirely, since they are all loyal to Megatron's cause to a fault.
452** The Micromaster Air Strike Patrol are all out to replace their leader, Whisper. Fortunately for Whisper, Nightflight and Storm Cloud are unable to make an effective move against him (one [[DirtyCoward is a coward]], while the other is [[TooDumbToLive stupid]]), meaning he only has to worry about [[TheChessmaster Tailwind]].
453* DemotedToExtra: The franchise is somewhat the reverse of many other examples on this page, in that a number of characters appear ''only'' in the toyline. That said, there's plenty of straight examples...
454* DevelopingDoomedCharacters: An endemic problem with the franchise is that the first installment - the 2007 film, ''Armada,'' ''Infiltration'' - will sometimes focus excessively on the less-than-likable PunyHumans and ease into the robots. ''Infiltration'' is a case of this backfiring spectacularly, with the humans' development inspiring enough annoyance and boredom that the next arc, ''Stormbringer,'' was advertised as "Nothing but ROBOTS on CYBERTRON!"
455** OlderThanTheyThink: The old comics used to do this a lot, only without the PunyHumans.
456* DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu: When Unicron is a robot EldritchAbomination, they come across this trope in order to win.
457** In the ''Infestation 2'' arc, a meta-series where Lovecraftian creatures invade IDW comics properties, Optimus Prime ([[SteamPunk As a 19th-Century Steam Locomotive]]) ''actually'' punches out ''[[Franchise/CthulhuMythos the Cthulhu]]''.
458* DivineInfernalFamily: In a similar vein to UsefulNotes/{{Zoroastrianism}}, Cybertron's God Primus and GodOfEvil Unicron be warring brothers. Their "parent" is a mysterious being known as The One, hinted to be TheMaker or the true {{God}} of the setting. [[MultipleChoicePast Unless Unicron has an origin different from "ancient dark god"]].
459* DroppedABridgeOnHim: Nearly all of the cast from the first two seasons is killed off during the movie, as well as Optimus and Starscream [[DeathIsCheap albeit temporarily]].
460** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' was sometimes almost careless with how they killed certain characters; a few times they were intended to be dead but Hasbro insisted they bring them back.
461* DubInducedPlotlineChange:
462** With the Japanese dubs of the various cartoons, the dub of the original series cut out several characters, including Skyfire and Omega Supreme, due to rights issues with their toys (this was also the reason why they never got carried over to the toyline when it released in that region). Thusly several episodes got skipped over as a result and replaced with {{Recap Episode}}s. It wouldn't be until the 90s that two of them would get dubbed, and later on when the "Rebirth" three-part finale would be released.
463** In the 90s with the dub of ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'', as would eventually become franchise norm with subsequent dubs, the series would be retooled extensively to a far younger audience, changing characters completely (such as turing Airazor into [[ShesAManInJapan a male]] and [[WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime Arachnid]] into a {{Yandere}}), and contain mass amounts of FillingTheSilence and ThrowItIn to the point of self parody. A trademark of sound designer and dub director Yoshikazu Iwanami's other works.
464* DubNameChange: Many examples, but some of the more notable ones here:
465** Optimus Prime will usually be called "Something Convoy" in Japan (Optimus Primal is "Beast Convoy", for instance); [[CombiningMecha Jet Optimus's]] first appearance in the English dub of ''Armada'' infamously referred to him as "Jet Convoy". Averted in the Japanese dub of ''Animated'' in order to fit the live-action movie... but it also changed Bulkhead's name to Ironhide for the same reason.
466** Megatron/Galvatron's name is usually the same, but ''Beast Wars II'' reused the name "Galvatron" for an unrelated character, ''Car Robots'' (''Robots in Disguise'') originally called him Gigatron/Devil Gigatron, and ''Galaxy Force'' (''Cybertron'') called him Master Megatron/Master Galvatron.
467** In US media, the Autobots from planet Cybertron fight the Decepticons. In Japanese media (except the ''Animated'' dub) the Cybertrons from planet Cybertron (pronounced differently) fight the Destrons.
468** [[DubNameChange/{{Transformers}} Now with their own page]].
469* DubPronunciationChange: Most Italian dubs of the franchise have Energon pronounced as "Ener-gone" instead of "Ener-john" and the latter part of Ultra Magnus's name pronounced as "Man-yous" instead of "Mag-noose". The dub of ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' is the only time where both keep the English pronounciations.
470* DullSurprise: Pat Lee currently holds the dubious honor of providing its page image; his art is full of it.
471** ''Energon'' is notorious for the extremely rigid facial models on its Cybertronian characters, leaving them with almost zero emotive capabilities.
472* DumbMuscle: The Dinobots, especially Sludge.
473** Though that was because in the G1 cartoons, they were built on Earth, without Cybertron-built brains. The "GI Joe Vs. the Transformers" Dinobots were originally five ''totally Cybertronian'' Autobots who were time-warped to Earth's prehistoric age by Teletran 3, and given dinosaur bodies (with which they tore through Shockwave's Decepticons) as alternative forms. The following volume, had Grimlock talk in the familiar third-person speech we know him for, but he does learn to appreciate the Joes as valiant warriors... and "Good friends."
474** Devastator in the original, Tidal Wave in ''Armada''
475* DysfunctionJunction: Many of the Transformers, Autobot and Decepticon alike, are barely-functional piles of neuroses. The Stunticons (G1) in particular take the cake, as not only do most of them have severe mental issues, but they dislike each other so much (their commanding officer in particular) that their combined form of Menasor is often totally uncontrollable due to the mental schism.
476* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: [[Franchise/TransformersGeneration1 Generation 1]] stands out from much of the Transformers media that followed it in a number of ways:
477** "Mass-shifting," a phenomena where Transformers explicitly alter their size and mass during transformation, was far more prevalent than in later installments. Several characters transform into tiny alt-modes (Megatron into a handgun, Soundwave into a portable tape player, Reflector into a camera, etc.) despite standing the same height as their comrades who become cars and jets. Others get dramatically ''bigger'' when they transform, like Broadside being able to become an entire aircraft carrier or Silverbolt, Cyclonus, and Astrotrain all becoming spacecraft big enough for other transformers to ride inside them, despite again, being similar in size to a "regular" Transformer while in robot mode. This sort of thing still pops up, but it's never been anywhere near as commonplace as it was in G1.
478** The concept of the Transformers going incognito on Earth is completely abandoned almost immediately in both the G1 cartoon and comics, with both factions revealing themselves quite publicly early on and their existence becoming widely known soon after their emergence. Many, but not all, later incarnations put more emphasis on the {{Masquerade}} in which Transformers are secretly on Earth for some period of time, hiding in their alt-modes, before revealing themselves.
479** As far as toys go, the G1 toyline is an oddity both because it was made up primarily of toys recycled from other lines initially, and because many of the early toys were "parts-formers," requiring partial disassembly to transform. This has been almost entirely eliminated from the modern Transformers design philosophy, with the overwhelming majority of toys from subsequent lines only requiring accessories like guns to be removed prior to transformation, if even that.
480* EldritchAbomination: Unicron.
481** [[HyperspaceIsAScaryPlace and he's not the only one...]]
482* EmergencyServices: Many autobots, and even decepticons, use emergency service vehicles as their alt modes. The Protectobots in particular are an entire subgroup made of them.
483* EverybodyDiesEnding:
484** The [[Franchise/TransformersGeneration1 Original Movie]] was deliberately plotted to kill off as many characters/toys as possible, traumatizing kids who expected a continuation of the [[NeverSayDie TV show]].
485** ''Age of Extinction'' reveals that all of the characters who were in the previous trilogy that didn't return for this one were hunted down by Cemetary Wind. [[spoiler:Including the Autobots. Ratchet, the Wreckers, Arcee, Sideswipe... ]]
486* ExpositoryThemeSong: ''Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons!'' ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' has not only the regular lyrics, but also a monologue from Optimus Prime describing the show's basic premise.
487* {{Expy}}: The franchise is constantly rebooted, technically making Optimus, Megatron, Starscream, etc. expies of about eight or so identically-named characters. And then, there are other examples:
488** Hooligan from the G2 series is Skywarp in all but name and color. A dumb jetformer who is fairly powerful but only focused on pranks.
489** One notable Expy is Breacher from the "Hunt for the Decepticons" toyline. He's an Expy for Roller, the drone in Optimus Prime's trailer. They're both six-wheeled blue (well... usually, when it comes to the toys) all-terrain vehicles with a black gun on top, and they're both designed to fit in the back of a larger figure. Then, a reversal for the ''Thrilling 30'' subline of Generations: Optimus came with a new Roller whose vehicle mode was basically a blue six-wheeled APC, with a robot mode based directly on Breacher's.
490* EyeLightsOut: Whenever a Transformer [[strike:[[NeverSayDie dies]]]] "goes off-line".
491* FacelessMasses: Many nameless background Transformer (or robots in general) characters have various designs (some resemble Soundwave or Prowl).
492* FamousForBeingFirst: Several Transformers are known to love being [[BloodKnight the first into a fight]], though whether or not this is mentioned as one of their weaknesses tends to depend on if they can actually back up that desire.
493** The Autobot Axelerator Skram tries to be the first into battle and takes full advantage of his superb acceleration to zoom into Decepticon bases, inflict as much damage as he can, and then pull back so the other Autobots can follow up.
494** Windbreaker, also an Axelerator, likewise tries to be first to make contact with the enemy as part of his function as scout. However, due to his body basically being flooded with the Cybertronian equivalent of adrenaline almost 24/7, his circuits sometimes overclock and cause his systems to fail. This results in him becoming completely stalled out and unable to move at all, making him dead weight.
495** The Stunticon Drag Strip loves being first. Doesn't matter what it is, if he's first and can brag about it, he's happy. This normally translates to him being first in a race or a fight, but if it can be made a competition (no matter how inane) and he can brag about being "first" later, Drag Strip is in.
496* FantasticFirearms: In Creator/IDWPublishing's ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' comics, it's eventually revealed that most Cybertronian weapons are fueled by Energon, and bullets that don't have an Energon core are basically duds. The Autobot deep-cover spy Agent 113 uses that fact to conceal information in bullets, which he then [[ImprobableAimingSkills shoots into the "eyes" of fellow Autobots' insignia]] during battle. Energon also serves the same purpose as ''blood'' and ''[[EdibleAmmunition a foodstuff]]'' for Cybertronians, a fact that wierds out at least one human character (the Autobots, for their part, never gave it much thought).
497* FakeUltimateHero:
498** Sort of. Many of the Autobots' victories are because of their human allies.
499** This was lampshaded by ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' Megatron, who plots to exterminate the proto-human race and ensure the Decepticons will triumph over the Autobots. He would've succeeded if it weren't for his former right-hand man, Dinobot. That's right folks, a ''Predacon'' (therefore a descendent of the Decepticons) enabled the Autobots to win all those battles.
500* {{Fauxrrari}}: In the Generation 1 days, a great many Transformers had alt-modes that were recognizable but slightly modified real-world vehicles, such as Optimus Prime (a Freightliner WFT-8664T with a different grill) and Jazz (a Martini Racing Porsche 935/76 whose decals read "Martinii"). This practice became less common as the franchise moved towards more fantastical vehicle designs, and by the time realistic vehicles were brought back Hasbro had started actually licensing them from manufacturers like General Motors. However, the occasional lookalike still pops up when such a license can't be obtained, as was the case with the toy of Optimus Prime's look in ''Film/{{Bumblebee}}'', which isn't a perfect match for the Freightliner seen in the film.
501* FearInducedIdiocy:
502** [[InvokedTrope Invoked]] by Dirge, the morose Decepticon Seeker (especially based on the original G1 Dirge). His engines generate a low frequency hum that affects the part of the brain that controls fear, causing his enemies to at best feel a sense of unease or at worse go into a terrified panic. This makes them easy pickings for Dirge or his Conehead wingmates Thrust and Ramjet. On the other hand, when confronted by someone unaffected by his powers (e.g. strong-willed individuals like Optimus Prime, Megatron or Grimlock) Dirge unfortunately becomes victim to them himself, sending him fleeing.
503** One of the factors that makes Starscream genuinely dangerous despite being, well, TheStarscream is that the various incarnations of Starscream throughout the franchise generally ''[[AvertedTrope don't]]'' represent this trope. While Starscream is nearly always a DirtyCoward, he rarely lets his cowardice get the better of him (his more significant flaw is his ChronicBackstabbingDisorder). One notable occasion was in ''[[ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel Marvel's The Transformers]]'', where he was returned to life as a powerful Pretender as part of Megatron's plan to regain leadership of the Decepticons from Scorponok. Despite being powerful enough to fight both Optimus Prime and Scorponok as well as several other Autobots and Decepticons ''[[CameBackStrong simultaneously]]'', when Megatron's brainwashing wore off he immediately begged for his life and pledged allegiance to Scorponok.
504* FirefighterArsonist: The Decepticon [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Smolder_(PCC) Smolder]] transforms into a fire department brush truck and is partnered with the Mini-Con [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Chopster Chopster]] who can function as a [[FireBreathingWeapon flamethrower]]. Ratchet and Bumblebee [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mssl8agplk confront him]] after the latter burns an already burning building that firemen were working to put out.
505* FiveEpisodePilot:
506** The original series was a three-parter called "More Than Meets The Eye".
507** ''Animated'' started with a [[PilotMovie 170 minute movie]] that got broken into three parts for re-runs.
508** ''Prime'' got an actual 5 part miniseries call "Darkness Rising".
509* FixFic:
510** There's rewriting ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie'' and leaving out the Dinobots. How does that even work?
511** There's also ignoring the movie (and Seasons 3 and 4) completely.
512** Many fans are discontent with [[Anime/TransformersArmada the]] [[Anime/TransformersEnergon Unicron]] [[Anime/TransformersCybertron Trilogy]], and try to rewrite the entire series (yes, 52 episodes for each) to make it better fit with their sensibilities. This usually results in a fanverse that, but for the names of the characters, is absolutely nothing like the original shows. Keep an eye out for DarkerAndEdgier, elimination of perceived [[TheScrappy Scrappies]], and the Decepticons as AlwaysChaoticEvil.
513* {{Flanderization}}:
514** Grimlock, who, in the original cartoon, goes from a "Brawn over Brains" thug to a mentally-challenged child between season 2 and TheMovie.
515** Starscream's cowardice and underhandedness often eclipse any kind of military or leadership skills he has, to the point where some incarnations of the character is so weak or incompetent that it's unbelievable that Megatron would keep him as his second in command.
516** In the Aligned continuity (outside of the High Moon games), Optimus Prime has been criticized for not being a unique take on the character, usually just being TheStoic and there not being much to him besides being the BigGood who makes G1 quotes all the time. Peter Cullen is also being directed to use his "movie trailer narrator" voice all the time, denying the actor a chance to truly portray a full-rounded character. [[note]]Compare his performance in ''Prime'' and ''Rescue Bots'' to the live action films or the High Moon games. Peter is clearly being directed to deliver a much more powerful performance in those movies and games than he was for the Aligned cartoons.[[/note]] ''Prime'' even went so far as to treat him as the ComicallySerious.
517* FiveManBand: Combiner teams generally make up these, barring the occasional six member teams like the Constructicons and Trainbots.
518* TheFogOfAges: In most continuities, a Transformer's memories tend to be significantly less detailed than one would expect for a species of robotic life forms that live for millions of years. The ''IDW'' dubbed this phenomenon "Information Creep": a condition Cybertronians suffer where if they live long enough, newer information begins to overwrite the old until their memories of the distant past are completely forgotten.
519* ForeverWar: Any continuity focusing on Autobots vs Decepticons. The precise details differ, but expect it to have lasted a few ''million'' years - and for a good chunk of the cast to have [[TimeAbyss personally lived through most of that]]. In some continuities, the Great War is closer to a ''billion'' years old, having lasted since near the creation of the species with only a short-lived armistace before leading back into the familiar conflict.
520* FragileFlyer:
521** Swoop is the smallest and fastest of the Dinobots and the only one capable of flight in every version. While the Dinobots are heavily armored and mostly invulnerable in their dinosaur modes, Swoop is still very vulnerable to enemy fire when transformed into his ''Pteranodon'' form. His G1 bio explicitly mentions his wings as his AchillesHeel, since damage to them will ground him and his ''Pteranodon'' mode is ungainly on land.
522** The Seekers form the backbone of the Decepticon air forces and generally transform into fighter aircraft or spacecraft, but in most versions of the franchise when a firefight begins they'll most often transform into robot mode and join in the fight on land. ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron'' and ''VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron'' demonstrate why this is the case: when fighting fliers like Aerialbots or Seekers [[CombatPragmatist the fastest way to get rid of them is to damage their foot-mounted thrusters]], which invariably sends them screaming into the nearest surface and a flaming, explosive death.
523** The bios of many Transformers with helicopter alternate modes (e.g. Vortex of the Combaticons, Blades of the Protectobots, Whirl) will note that damage to their rotors will effectively ground them and heavily reduce their effectiveness, if not take them out of a fight completely.
524** ''Anime/TransformersVictory'': While Star Saber is known as a ShowyInvincibleHero, partway through the anime he is shown undergoing a reinforcement procedure due to discovering he has two very significant weak points: his shoulders (where the ammunition for his starcraft alternate mode is stored) and back of his legs (where his thrusters are located). Since he was preparing for the FinalBattle, his precautions were fully justified. In addition, while almost unbeatable in robot mode, he's shown to be much, much weaker in alternate mode where [[LogicalWeakness he can't use the sword skills he's so famous for]].
525** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'': Played very straight with the bios of the cast, where all the flying characters (Waspinator, Terrorsaur, Airrazor) have noticeably low endurance compared to their comrades (4, 4 and 5 respectively). As a point of comparison, Rattrap, the smallest and weakest character on the show, also has an endurance score of 5.
526** ''VideoGame/TransformersDevastation'': Based on the [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers G1 cartoon]], the Seekers appear as [=Mooks=] used by the Decepticons utilising the "Conehead" design made famous by Thrust, Dirge and Ramjet (who are conspicuously absent). The airborne Seeker variants (one variant primarily uses rockets and missiles while the other uses blasters) have significantly lower health than the melee combat variant that is introduced DualWielding scimitars when he attacks the Autobots. The reason for this is because the player is meant to shoot down the airborne Seekers using their ranged weaponry (and in fact the airborne Seekers are introduced during the tutorial for said weaponry) and so have less health to avoid becoming frustrating DemonicSpiders.
527** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'': Skyquake, an imposing Decepticon warrior, was killed with somewhat embarrassing ease by Bumblebee, who managed to climb atop him in his jet mode and ''rip out his internals''. The resulting damage caused him to crash-land and perish.
528* {{Frankenslation}}: The original toys were from ''two'' different Takara toylines that Hasbro had planned on importing into the US and selling. They created a whole new backstory to go with it. However, Takara loved the changes so much that they eventually dropped both original lines and imported the Transformers lore back into Japan.
529* GloriousDeath:
530** The various iterations of Bludgeon throughout the franchise generally share the same desire to die in battle at the hands of a WorthyOpponent. In the UK ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel'' comics, he was once defeated by the Autobots but taken alive on the advice of a former Decepticon as a form of CruelMercy. Similarly, in ''ComicBook/TransformersRegenerationOne'' Bludgeon is defeated by Rodimus Prime, and left badly wounded. He begs Rodimus to end him, but Rodimus refuses, well aware that Bludgeon seeks a "glorious" death, and instead has him healed and imprisoned. Worse, he is killed off-screen by [[OutsideContextProblem the Anti-Matrix]].
531** ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'': In the 3rd season episode "Call of the Primitives", the various animal-mode Transformers (including the Dinobots, Predacons and animal-type cassettes) are fleeing from the energy draining monster Tornedon. While initially trying to escape in order to regroup, the Predacons realise evasion is impossible and so decide they don't want to die being struck from behind while running away. They [[CombiningMecha combine into Predaking]] [[DefiantToTheEnd to challenge Tornedon]], and quickly drained of all energy.
532** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersTheMovie'': When Kup and Hot Rod are captured by the Quintessons, they're forced to watch Arblus, the LastOfHisKind from the destroyed planet Lithone, get dumped into a pit to be devoured by the Sharkticons. As they listen to his dying screams, a grim Kup tells Hot Rod that's not the way he'd want to go. This inspires the pair to fight the Sharkticons when it's their turn to be dumped into the pit, and they manage to hold out until [[BigDamnHeroes the Dinobots arrive]] and [[CurbStompBattle proceed to massacre the Sharkticons]].
533** Also from the UK ''Transformers'' comics, in the story...er... "[[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Kup's Story]]" Kup once suffered such a severe bout of HeroicBSOD that he was given a ship and simply allowed to drift through space waiting to die. In his state of fugue he encountered Hot Rod, and seeing the younger Autobot's determination to save his comrade Blurr reminded Kup that simply sitting and waiting for permanent deactivation to come for him just wasn't how he wanted to go. He'd either fall in battle or after the war was won, and those were the only scenarios that counted.
534** In the [[ComicBook/TransformersGenerationOne Dreamwave Productions]] continuity, the Decepticons explicitly consider death in battle to be preferable. In the ''Transfromers Legends'' anthology, potential Decepticon recruits Grabber and Sting engaged in a fight to the death during a recruitment drive, and when the outmatched Sting pulled a TakingYouWithMe by throwing himself into Grabber so they both fell to their deaths it was considered a worthy way to go.
535** In ''ComicBook/TheTransformersLastStandOfTheWreckers'', Pyro has his perfect death all planned out: he would heroically sacrifice his life in battle while his idol Optimus Prime watches, and his heroism would resonate with Optimus to the point he'd recognise Pyro as a kindred spirit. So strong is this desire that when he learns that one of the team would have to sacrifice their life force to unlock the door to their objective, he demands one of the others give up their lives instead. Human ally Verity Carlo, who has met Optimus Prime, is disgusted he would dare to claim to admire and want to emulate Optimus while demanding someone else die in his place. [[spoiler: Pyro eventually sacrifices himself pulling a YouShallNotPass, being literally pulled to pieces by a mob of Decepticons.]]
536** Part of the reason the Autobot Targetmaster Pointblank is so morose is because he dearly wants to spend his twilight years in peaceful retirement, but fully understands he's trapped in a ForeverWar and so more likely to find up flaming wreckage on a battlefield than just peacefully pass away.
537** The Decepticon Pretender Finback suffered wounds while fighting on a water planet, leaving him with a wasting disease that is only kept in check by his Pretender shell. He's described as no longer feeling death due to always risking permanent deactivation by leaving his shell, and so his desired final death is him surrounded by Autobot corpses.
538* GodOfDarkness: Hasbro introduced the concept of the Thirteen, the SuperPrototype PhysicalGod creations of the Transformer creator-god Primus. Megatronus (also known as The Fallen) is described as "a warrior of darkness" and guardian of entropy. In the Aligned universe (i.e. the universe comprised of ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron'', ''VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron'', ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' and ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRescueBots''), he's explicitly described as being created as a counterpoint to Prima, the first Prime and warrior of light. Because of this, the two don't get along, with Megatronus mockingly referring to Prima as, "old man". [[note]] They at least made peace after the death of Megatronus' lover Solus Prime and Megatronus' subsequent wish to go into exile, when Prima offered him a starship and hoped he'd be able to find a way to honour Solus' memory. [[/note]]
539** ''Creator/IDWPublishing's'' Transformers comics presented their version of the Thirteen as "merely" being powerful Cybertronians and instead introduced The Guiding Hand as their version of a Transformers pantheon. Mortilus, the grim and unsmiling one, was the Transformer god of death and darkness. According to myth, he sought to wage war on all life, forcing the other gods to destroy him and thus destroying death for the Transformers (in-universe, this is used by the religious-minded to explain why Transformers have such incredibly long lifespans).
540* GoodGuyBar: Maccadam's Old Oil House. Also the BadGuyBar - Autobots and Decepticons alike are allowed in as long as they don't cause trouble (which happens anyway, if an Autobot approaches the Decepticon side uninvited).
541* GoodColorsEvilColors:
542** Decepticons tend to have red optics, Autobots have blue. Exceptions exist, especially since the toys were not designed with this in mind. It was largely an invention of the original cartoon that later carried into other media.
543** The symbols themselves also qualify, seeming to indicate good/evil alignment; the Autobots' insignia is traditionally red and the Decepticons' traditionally purple; in the mirror universe called "Shattered Glass", populated by evil Autobots and heroic Decepticons, the Autobot insignia is purple and the Decepticon insignia is red.
544* GoodShapeshiftingEvilShapeshifting: The Autobot/Decepticon split began life as this trope. When Creator/{{Hasbro}} first began importing the original Japanese transforming toys, they arbitrarily decided that the robots that turned into civilian vehicles were the good guys and the ones that turned into military vehicles or weapons were the bad guys.
545* GreaterScopeParagon: Primus is the embodiment of all good in the ''Transformers'' multiverse as the Lord of Light and Order, and the creator of the Transformer homeworld Cybertron, opposite his brother Unicron, the embodiment of darkness. He rarely gets involved in the story at large because he was forced into an eon-long sleep after managing to defeat Unicron for the first time.
546* GreaterScopeVillain:
547** In many continuities, Unicron. He's the one controlling Galvatron in the original series and Sideways, Thrust, and (unwittingly) Alpha Q in the Unicron Trilogy. He also manipulates a different Galvatron in ''Beast Wars II''. [[spoiler: ''Prime'' reveals that Dark Energon is his lifeblood, explaining its corrupting influence. Megatron had infused himself with so much of the stuff that when Bumblebee kills him during the series finale, Unicron is able to simply take over his body and use him as a herald.]]
548** Megatronus Prime, AKA The Fallen, in the first two movies and 2015's "Robots in Disguise".
549* GrowingWithTheAudience: The franchise started as [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers a daily syndicated cartoon]] based on a line of toys, TheNineties brought the DarkerAndEdgier ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'', and the 2000s-2010s saw the Creator/MichaelBay live-action movies, ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' (a mix of goofy, mature and ContinuityPorn), and the mature TV cartoon ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime''.
550* GrumpyOldMan: [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers Ironhide]], [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie Kup]], [[Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen Jetfire]] and [[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Ratchet]] usually qualify.
551[[/folder]]
552
553[[folder: H-K]]
554* {{Hammerspace}}:
555** It's been an accepted HandWave that Transformers have this to explain Robots changing size from what would logically fit into their alternate form, most famously Megatron and Soundwave from G1. Also, exactly how big individual Transformers are varies radically based on the needs of the plot. [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scale Scale in Transformers is, not to put too fine a point on it, screwed.]]
556** ''Animated'' Swindle literally has his own ''transwarp dimension'' that he can store things in, inside his torso... [[ItMakesSenseInContext which Optimus Prime uses to become Swindle's first-born]].
557* HangingJudge: The Quintesson judge would actually often find the defendant innocent. Too bad that the Quintessons throw you to the Sharkticons either way.
558--> '''Ultra Magnus''': Where are they taking us?
559--> '''Kup''': [[SincerityMode First, they're gonna give us a fair trial]]. Then they're gonna kill us.
560--> "Five Faces of Darkness"
561* HistoricalAU: The ''Hearts of Steel'' miniseries places the contemporary characters into the American UsefulNotes/IndustrialRevolution.
562* HoldYourHippogriffs: Plenty of human proverbs and sayings RecycledInSpace:
563** "You can stuff it up your [[strike:ass]] exhaust pipe."
564** "Do you ever think you could be [[strike:destined]] programmed for something bigger?"
565** "[[strike:Mind]] Processor over matter."
566** "He eats [[strike:babies]] protoforms for breakfast!"
567** "Don't just stand there with your pistons in your servos!
568** "I've got one [[strike:foot]] servo in the [[strike:grave]] scrap heap."
569** "Aw, hexagonal nuts!"
570** "My olfactory sensors detect a rat named Megatron!"
571** From ''Cybertron'', Override's line "What are we, [[strike:chopped liver]] roast energon?"
572* HomeworldEvacuation: A staple of the series.
573** In Generation 1, the Autobot evacuate Cybertron as it has run out of Energon to support life.
574** In ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'', the Autobots and Decepticons fled Cybertron when it became unsuitable to support them.
575*** ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron'' shows how it happened, and ''VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron'' centers on said exodus.
576* HumansAreSpecial: Played with.
577** Humans are often instrumental in defeating the Decepticons, but they are rarely shown as being somehow "better" than any other species or important to the universe. The Transformers tend to be the special ones since they are the only ones who were directly created by the only known god in the Transformers franchise and typically have lifespans, technology, and powers beyond that of most other species.
578** Humans are also often shown to have some sort of inextricable link with Cybertronians. In particular, there's an oft made comparison that still hasn't been fully explained about why Transformers, for the most part, look like giant armored human beings. There's also the fact that only humans and Nebulans (who are explicitly decended from humans who colonized Nebulos) can form a link with a Transformer to become a Head-, Power-, or Targetmaster. Doing so with other Cybertronians is possible, but seemingly not any other humanoid alien species.
579** According to the movies, Optimus thinks humans are special because our civilization's history very closely mirrors Cybertron's, but without the world-encompassing, generations-spanning war of attrition that has depleted Cybertron of its resources. Basically, we're special because we're like them but never had a Megatron to lead to societal collapse.
580* HumongousHeadedHammer:
581** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'': Ultra Magnus wields a huge hammer that also serves as a StaffOfAuthority named the Magnus Hammer.
582** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'': Ultra Magnus once more wields an Energon hammer as his primary weapon. He later starts using the now de-powered Forge of Solus Prime as his weapon.
583* HumongousMecha:
584** Besides the Transformers themselves, there are Transtectors that more closely follow the formula; they're giant robots piloted by humans (or human-sized robots in some continuities) who can turn into the head or engine of the robot.
585** The Apex Armor is this even to a Transformer. In ''Prime'', it's a little taller than Optimus Prime or Megatron but worn/piloted by much smaller characters like Starscream or Arcee. Or ''Miko''.
586** Some characters, like Powermaster Optimus Prime had a trailer or mobile battle station that could turn into a large suit of armor that the main robot could then combine with.
587* IControlMyMinionsThrough: Despite his usual standby of AuthorityEqualsAsskicking, Megatron is not always or even usually the most powerful Decepticon in any given continuity. What makes him the leader is his ability to hit nearly every item on the Controlling Minions list for his various mooks. Some [[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking fear him]], some [[VisionaryVillain respect him]], some just [[BlindObedience follow him out of habit]], some because they know he knows [[BloodKnight where the good killing's at]], and a few are in it for the [[OnlyInItForTheMoney cash]], gear, or [[WorkingForABodyUpgrade upgrades]] he offers in return. Only [[TheStarscream Starscream]] ever consistently seems unsatisfied with this status quo.
588* IdiosyncraticWipes: Similar to ''Batman'' - a logo flies at the screen, then away from it. If changing from one faction's viewpoint to the others, it will spin and change sides.
589* IKnowKungFaux: Occurs fairly often throughout the various ''Transformers'' lines, most notably with Metallikato, Crystalocution, and Circuit-su.
590* InsistentTerminology: Despite being ''Transform''ers, the instructions never tell you how to "transform" them; instead they tell you how to "convert" them to robots, vehicles, beasts, etc. [[WritingAroundTrademarks This is because if they used the term "transform" so informally, the franchise name would be considered descriptive and would be impossible to defend legally as a trademark.]] This has not, however, stopped them from making Optimus's [[ChracterCatchphrase catchphrase]], "Transform, and roll out!"
591* InNameOnly: Quite literally. The toy makers often reused character names over the years for the purposes of maintaining the trademark on those names, even across very different looking bots with very different personalities. One example is Menasor in ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' who was named "Moledive" in Japan. More modern continuities try to be more consistent or at least go with the most popular incarnation of a particular character.
592* InterpretativeCharacter: Several names have been used throughout all the various continuities. While there are often consistencies between these incarnations of these names, there is usually enough leeway to take them in all sorts of directions. Website/TFWikiDotNet's article on the term "[[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Character character]]" is a good analysis on this phenomenon, and the Interpretative Character page here has more specific examples.
593* InterspeciesFriendship: Any time human characters get involved.
594* InterspeciesRomance: Humans have been romantic interests for Transformers characters at least since the G1 episode "The Girl Who Loved Powerglide". But besides that, various humanoid aliens and even a few non-humanoid ones have been shown to be in relationships with Transformers.
595* {{Introdump}}: Possibly the trope namer: the fan wiki has a whole page devoted to the concept. Most continuities have at least one near the beginning, with some being more graceful than others.
596* IrregularSeries: For its first few years, Creator/IDWPublishing's ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' series consisted of [[ComicBook/TheTransformersMegaseries multiple mini-series]] and [[ComicBook/TheTransformersAllHailMegatron a 12-issue event series]] before having [[ComicBook/TheTransformersIDW an ongoing one]].
597* JustAMachine:
598** The Cybertronians themselves avert this by being a) the main characters and b) able to point out their [[HeartDrive immortal soul]] on a blueprint. Any human who invokes this is going to be unsympathetic.
599** Whenever the villain has plenty of (seemingly) unintelligent drones at their disposal, however, the good guys ''will'' spend a lot of time blowing them up en masse.
600** This form of FantasticRacism is given focus in ''Age of Extinction''.
601-->'''Optimus Prime''': They're not your technology! ...They were my ''friends''... We're '''NOT''' your technology!
602* KidAppealCharacter: Bumblebee is the former trope namer. Usually one or two per series.
603[[/folder]]
604
605[[folder: L-P]]
606* LeaderFormsTheHead: Often the way combiners are formed, as the team leader (usually bigger than his or her subordinates) forms the main body while the rest of the team form the limbs. One notable exception is Devastator (the Constructicon team leader Scrapper forms his right leg).
607* LightningBruiser: Despite being heavily armed giants composed of huge durable metal, Transformers are all very swift and agile. Even ''planet'' sized bots are capable of moving in amazing speed.
608* LiveActionAdaptation: The 2007 movie.
609* LongLived: It varies by continuity, but Cybertronians tend to have ''extremely'' long lifespans. In some continuities, a bot can be several million years old and still be considered "young".
610* LongRunner: There have been Transformers toys in production somewhere in the world since 1984. Even when the line was cancelled in America in 1990, European and Japanese exclusives were continually made.
611* LoudOfWar: Soundwave (in numerous incarnations) uses this as a weapon, while Frenzy and Rumble (his cassette minions) used ultra- and infra-sound respectively (although the cartoon opted for earthquake-inducing earthpounders instead). Thundercracker's sonic boom could collapse structures and blow up enemy jets, and Dirge's engine vibrations were supposed to induce panic in his victims.
612* MartyrWithoutACause: Optimus Prime
613* {{Masquerade}}: In some continuities, the presence of giant robots on Earth is not public knowledge. True to its tagline ''"Robots in Disguise"'', the Cybertronians scan vehicles (or animals) to blend in with Earth society, changing from their futuristic mobile forms to be more in line with what humans use. The government keeps it under wraps while the Autobots agree to stay in their disguised modes around civilians with only a small number of exceptions. However, this is not consistently present and, ironically, the original series didn't even bother with it - by the end of the first season, mechanical alien shape-shifters were just a fact of life.
614* MeaningfulName:
615** About 90% of all names are meaningful. The few that aren't are still usually indicative of their faction, or are a bit more subtle. (Such as "Megatron" bringing to mind "megaton," [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything a unit bombs can be measured in.]])
616** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' provides a clear [[JustifiedTrope justification]] for this process with most Cybertronians. In addition to self-assigned names (like Blackarachnia or Dirt Boss) several characters received their current names from drill sergeants in boot camp (Ironhide for his ability to harden his skin, Bulkhead was named as such for being "all bulk and no brains," [[AllThereInTheManual Optimus was an optimistic idealist]] [[BrokenHero before being broken]]) or others (like the Constructicons or Wreck-Gar).
617* MechanicalAnimals:
618** Soundwave's mini cassette spybots can transform like the other Cybertronians. However, while their larger counterparts have humanoid robot modes, some of Soundwave's cassette bots such as Ravage, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw are animals in robot mode.
619** [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Turbofox Torbufoxes]] are Cybertronian fauna. Unlike, the other animal bots seen in the series, they lack advanced intelligence and a robot mode, being fauna that are sometimes hunted for sport.
620* MechanicalLifeforms: Most series emphasize that Cybertronians are living entities that just happen to be mechanical rather than being "just" robots.
621* TheMedic: The Autobots tend to have Ratchet, First Aid or Red Alert with the IDW comics revealing that the Dinobots used to have one of their own named Skar/Scarr [[spoiler: who was tragically killed by a rampaging Grimlock]]. The Decepticons have either the Constructicons or Knock Out.
622* MerchandiseDriven: ...but, as the entry on that page states, Transformers fans generally embrace the merchandising aspects. In addition, some shows such as ''Animated'' and ''Prime'' downplay the MerchandiseDriven aspects.
623** ToylessToylineCharacter: Most of the humans, and some of the early female transformers.
624* MistakenForTransformed: Since the toyline's tagline is "Robots in Disguise", this naturally comes up a few times over the course of the franchise.
625** In the episode "Auto Berserk" of the [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers G1 Sunbow cartoon]], the Autobot security directory Red Alert suffers damage to his logic circuits that turn him into a paranoid wreck (well, more than usual). During the Autobots' attempts to track him down before the damage becomes fatal, Ironhide sees Red Alert in his alternate mode ([[CoolCar a Lamborghini customised for use by fire departments]]) and grabs him, begging him to see reason and come back with him. A fire chief shortly comes up and demands Ironhide unhand his official vehicle. A sheepish Ironhide complies.
626** In ''[[ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel Marvel Comics' Transformers]]'' Megatron had a psychotic break following the death of Optimus Prime [[note]] [[StupidSacrifice the infamous occasion where Optimus ordered himself killed for allowing virtual people in a game to die in order to defeat Megatron]], [[HonorBeforeReason something he'd never have condoned in real life]] [[/note]], and began seeing any red trucks as actually being Optimus in disguise and started attacking them.
627** In one of the commercials for the Generation 2 toyline, a child walks up a truck, telling Optimus how awesome he is. A second truck behind him transforms into Optimus, telling the kid, "Er... over here."
628** In an episode of ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'', the Predacons notice a white tiger observing them and attack it, believing it to be the Maximal Tigatron in disguise. It wasn't, but that didn't stop them from killing the poor creature.
629* MonochromaticEyes: Considering they're robots, it was the default look for them. Later incarnations would avert this in some instances though.
630* MorphicResonance: All Transformers have parts of their bodies correspond to at least one alternate mode they convert into. As an example of this, Optimus Prime’s chest is the front of his truck mode. Some even have wings regardless if they transform into cars (in cases like the Autobot Prowl, where they are technically the doors of his car mode) or aircraft, essentially making them {{Winged Humanoid}}s.
631** Similarly, ''Generation 2'' gave Optimus Prime [[http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:CombatheroPrime_toy.jpg a new "Hero" body]] that still had his distinctive red truck cab chest, even though his chest actually became the ''underside'' of his new vehicle mode (which had a ''white'' cab of a completely different design).
632** Mind you, that's a major improvement over the [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers original series]], which applied the same concept going ''backwards'' in time. G1 Bumblebee had VW Beetle hood halves on his feet long before he turned into one (indeed, [[AnachronismStew long before there was any such thing as a Beetle, or Volkswagen, or automobiles, or Germany, or anything resembling present-day humans]]).
633*** It's not just Bumblebee. Soundwave still had his cassette tray and buttons, Megatron's chest was still the side of a Walther P-38, Optimus Prime still had a semi truck's grille and windows on his chest, and the Seekers still had F-15 cockpits and wings, just to name a few examples.
634** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'': Several of the transformers' faces resemble that of their beast modes. For example, Rattrap has buckteeth like a rat, Cheetor and Tigatron (big cats) both have catlike noses and whiskers and Dinobot has sharp teeth in and out of raptor mode.
635** This is something in several series (but not in just as many others). Rather than make two designs for every character, a pre-Earth one that will only be in part of the premiere as well as their standard form they'll have the rest of the series, the standard robot modes will be used in Cybertron scenes and they just won't transform (except in G1, where alien vehicles transform into robots and 'grow' their eventual Earthen vehicle parts on the way.) ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' seems to be the only series so far that gives everyone pre-Earth and Earth forms in vehicle and robot mode (they've all got toys, natch. At least, the main Autobots do) They actually get quite a bit of mileage out of the pre-Earth forms: characters still on Cybertron will be the Cybertronian forms repainted; apparently, there are only so many body-types a 'bot can start out with, and it's through scanning new ones on their own later that more unique forms are obtained.
636** And who can forget the episode "Only Human"; when [[ReplacementScrappy Rodimus]], [[NumberTwo Ultra Magnus]], [[LoveableRogue Springer]], and [[TheHeart Arcee]] are [[ForcedTransformation forced into human bodies]], not only does Arcee's hair resemble her robot form's helmet, but [[ContrivedCoincidence they almost immediately find a building with jumpsuits in their robot forms' color schemes for them to wear]].
637** ''Animated'' did a similar plot in the two-part "Human Error". This time, the resonance was justified by [[spoiler:the world where the Autobots were human being a simulation run by Soundwave, who was brainwashing their bodies to fight for him while their minds were preoccupied]].
638* {{Motifs}}:
639** As a recurring theme, Autobots focus on ground vehicle forms, while Decepticons focus on aircraft forms (as well as weapons), though both sides mix and match in each series.
640** In ''Beast Wars'', the Predacons have of more carnivorous or predatory creatures than Maximals, who are more herbivore-focused. Neither side is mutually exclusive.
641*** Megatron for example is a gun (G1), a cannon (The 1986 Movie), a T-Rex (Beast Wars), a dragon (Transmetals), a tank (Animated), and a jet (Prime and the 2007 movie) throughout the franchise.
642* TheMovie: Twice, 1986 and 2007.
643* TheMultiverse: The franchise has a whole pile of alternate universes which sometimes cross over, and which [[FlipFlopOfGod Hasbro and Takara disagree over]] which are actually separate and which simply occur to the side of other stories. The Transformers of the [[ComicBook/TransformersTranstech Axiom Nexus]] have grouped all continuities into a number of [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Universal_stream universal streams]], with each stream corresponding to a continuity group. Thus, for example, Primax is the G1/Beast Era family, Tyran is the live-action movies, Gargent is the [[WesternAnimation/ChallengeOfTheGobots GoBots]], [[FourthWall Quadwal]] is the [[RealLife real world]], etc. Some of these are [[MirrorUniverse negative-polarity universes]] in which Decepticons are good and Autobots are evil; these are assigned negative numbers. There are also [[OurSoulsAreDifferent sparks]] that resonate across the universe, giving rise to multiple similar but separate versions of Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, and various others.
644** The Franchise/TransformersAlignedUniverse, which includes ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'', ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRescueBots'', the ''[[VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron War for Cybertron]]'' video game series and the novels retelling the narrative of the games, were originally considered to be outside this multiverse, but were eventually retconned in, allowing [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Slipstream_(WFC) the "Alligned" version of Slipstream]] to turn up in [[Franchise/TransformersTimelines Axiom Nexus]].
645** To make things ''really'' nuts, at one point there were also characters known as multiversal singularities, of which only one existed in all reality. Some of these, such as Alpha Trion, existed in every universe simultaneously, while others, like Vector Prime and The Fallen, traveled between universes. This got less and less plausible as time went on and various universes wrote those characters differently, and eventually in the 2015 Club story most of them got together to [[CosmicRetcon de-singularitize themselves]], so now there's a [=TransTech=] Vector Prime and a Shattered Glass Unicron and so on.
646* MultiversalConqueror: Unicron is a PlanetEater who wants to eat ''everything''. One planet at a time, one timeline at a time, one universal stream of branching timelines at a time, in sequence. When he says he wants to be completely alone, ''he damn well isn't beating around the bush''. Even if he's destroyed in any one universe, he just gets shunted to another to start over again thanks to mucking about with different flows of time across the multiverse. Oh, sure, there are a ''few'' permanent methods of dealing with him, like trapping him in a physical form to slow him down, [[Anime/TransformersCybertron but if they go horribly wrong, well...]]
647** One Comic has another Multiversal constant state that he has so far consumed some 47% of the known Multiverse. Yeah. Not mucking about.
648* MythologyGag: '''PLENTY''' in the later series.
649* NameTron: Megatron, Cybertron, Galvatron, etc.
650* NeverSayDie: Depending on franchise. The characters in ''Generation 1'', for instance, freely used the words 'die', 'dead', and 'kill', but other series have used 'destroyed', 'sent to oblivion', '[[UnusualEuphemism offline]]', and so on.
651** Can't forget [[WesternAnimation/BeastWars "We're all gonna die..."]]
652* NinjaPirateZombieRobot: Just being a Transformer makes you a giant, alien, transforming, robot. Then there's the ones that are also things like ninja, dinosaurs, bounty hunters, and wolves.
653* NonLethalWarfare: Mostly.
654* NoOneShouldSurviveThat: Multiple times, characters will be torn to pieces, blown up, or simply be at ground zero of a massive blast only to either be rebuilt or come out unscathed. Sometimes, instead of getting destroyed, they get a new body with new powers.
655* NominalCompatibility:
656** ''Armada'''s Mini-Con gimmick was carried over into ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron'' and later briefly included in the ''Generations'' toyline. However, in most of the cases of later figures including Mini-Con ports, they were "dead" connectors that didn't unlock any new features - the primary purpose of Mini-Cons. In the case of ''Generations'', two of the three figures that had them were too small to support the added weight of the Mini-Cons that were released during that time period, due to them being larger than most of those from the time period.
657** During ''Energon'', Autobots and Decepticons made by recoloring Autobot toys had a Powerlinx feature where one would be made into legs and the other into the chest, arms, and head (called "Pants Mode" and "Shirt Mode" by fans, respectively). Several of them had proportions that made combining them look extremely awkward, like Hot Shot and Inferno who work fine together but not really with anyone else. Deluxe and Mega Class figures even used the same connector, but had such a difference in size that a Voyager Shirt/Deluxe Pants combination would have its arms reach the ground, while the other way around would look like a the smaller one was riding some kind of walker mech.
658** The series overall has used 5mm posts for weapons almost univerally since ''Armada'' but even before then was the most common weapon handle size, so that they could be swapped between characters. However, some like ''Classics'' Grimlock used smaller than normal pegs with a 5mm base so that other characters could use them, but the character they belonged to could only use the one included with them. Others, like ''Siege'' Shockwave, have an accessory only meant for specific spots on their body and so use a slightly different sized peg and hole while also adjusting the rest so they won't fit at all, which also means other accessories won't stay plugged in no matter where you put them.
659** Titan Masters and Prime Masters use the same basic body style and connector, meaing they can be used interchangeably. However, Titan Masters turn into heads while Prim Masters turn into "Spark Power Symbols"; very few ''Power of the Primes'' figures had interchangeable heads and Prime Masters don't look like heads at all. Swapping them just results in weird combinations, [[Administrivia/TropesAreTools though some people may enjoy it anyway]].
660* NotQuiteDead
661* ObfuscatingStupidity: In most of the comics, Grimlock acts like this. He still talks in the caveman dialect of his animated counterpart, but is one of the Autobots' most brilliant leaders, often coming off as a sort of brutally cunning Josef Stalin to Prime's FDR (or Prime's Churchill, if you're reading Marvel UK).
662* OmnicidalManiac: Unicron
663** Galvatron too. Megatron wanted power, Galvatron just wants to kill everything
664* OnlyOneName
665* PaletteSwap: Redecoes are very common. The most well-known examples are Frenzy/Rumble, the Seekers, Bumblebee/Cliffjumper, and Prowl/Bluestreak/Smokescreen.
666** In WesternAnimation/BeastWars, there's also Cheetor/Tigatron, and Tarantulus/Blackarachnia (notable for being the only one of these with one character of each gender), plus a few others exclusively in the toys.
667* {{Permafusion}}: Occasionally comes up in the franchise, usually in relation to the [[CombiningMecha the combiners]].
668** Invoked, discussed and downplayed in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel'' in regards to the Headmasters [[note]] where a Transformer forms a partnership with another being that transforms into the Transformer's head, the benefit generally being combined intelligence and experience in robot mode and a second pair of eyes and hands in alternate mode (e.g. with the tank Hardhead, while his partner Duros handles driving Hardhead can concentrate on firing on enemies)[[/note]]. It's mentioned that some duos that get along particularly well seem to effectively become a new gestalt being with the skills of both (e.g. Duros and Hardhead are both blunt, straight-talking professional soldiers and so are a very effective team), while pairings that don't gel well actually suffer from it (e.g. Highbrow and Gort have clashing personalities, leading to reduced effectiveness). Special mention goes to Lord Zarak when he becomes Scorponok's head: as time goes on he slowly begins to think of himself as "Scorponok" and not Lord Zarak. By the time he perishes during the battle against Unicron, he thinks of himself as Scorponok.
669** In both the ''Transformers'' continuities by Creator/IDWPublishing, combining is almost a DangerousForbiddenTechnique due to the possibility of this occurring.
670*** In ''[[ComicBook/TheTransformersMegaseries Spotlight: Optimus Prime]]'', Monstructor is introduced and described as the end result of an attempt by the mad scientist Jhiaxus to take the Transformer mantra "Till All Are One" literally and fuse six volunteers into a single being. In Monstructor's repeated appearances throughout the continuity until his destruction in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersUnicron'', it's repeatedly brought up that for all intents and purposes Monstructor '''is''' the "real" being and the Monstructor Six that comprise him have long since lost any individuality.
671*** When he first appears in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersAllHailMegatron'', Devastator is treated the way he normally does in the fiction: the Constructicons combine into him when some extra muscle is necessary. However, as time goes on (e.g. in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersRobotsInDisguise'' and beyond), it's brought up that they begin to feel an instinctive need to combine or at least be nearby each other. Even after Scrapper is killed and other characters join the team, the original team begin losing their individuality to the point that they begin referring to anyone replacing Scrapper ''as'' "Scrapper".
672*** In the first arc of ''Transformers: Galaxies'' that acts as the Constructicons' StartOfDarkness, it's shown that when they first encountered the Enigma of Combination and fused into Devastator, they found the raw power useful in their construction work. However, they began to feel addicted to the feeling of combining, and worse they began to feel a '''seventh''' personality joining them whenever they combined. When they join the main story, it's shown that they take any chance they can get to combine, and try to stay combined as Devastator as much as possible.
673* PhlebotinumMuncher: Energon can do everything, and also serves as fuel for Cybertronians.
674* PlanetEater: Yet again, Unicron.
675* PlanetOfHats: ''Cybertron'' revolves around five planets. Cybertron and Earth are both hatless, but on the Speed Planet, all anyone cares about is racing, on the Jungle Planet, everyone is obsessed with strength, and on the Giant Planet, the only thing anyone does is build stuff.
676* PlotHole: A literal example in the Unicron Singularity, a massive Black Hole that canonically damaged the continuity of the Unicron Trilogy animes and was used as a Sure Why Not by Hasbro to explain away any continuity errors due to Unicron formerly existing as a single being within every continuity, rather than separate but derivative characters like the various Optimus Primes and Megatrons. And since it explains the damage done to any ''Transformers'' continuity, that means it can be used to explain ''any plot hole ever'' due to crossovers, at least according to a common joke among fans.
677* PostAdventureAdventure: In one comic, Orion Pax, the police captain of the city of Rodion, appears out of nowhere and tackles a fleeing criminal to the surprise of the protagonists. He off-handedly implies that he'd just taken care of a completely different set of criminals, noticed the commotion, and decided to come help out.
678* PraetorianGuard: The Wreckers, for Emirate Xaaron.
679[[/folder]]
680
681[[folder: Q-S]]
682* QuirkyMinibossSquad: Before making an appearance in TheMovie, The Fallen created one of these in the ''War Within'' comic series. Decepticon mystics Bludgeon, Bugly, and Mindwipe made a very effective one, too.
683* {{Retcon}}:
684** G1 presented the Transformer origin as being created by a squid-robotic race called the Quintessons as slave labor. Most later incarnations, including G1 versions, have ignored that origin story in favor of the Primus-God version. Although it could be argued one does not preclude the other...
685** Hasbro had earlier stated that the Aligned universe isn't part of the larger Transformers {{multiverse}}. Between ''VideoGame/TransformersRiseOfTheDarkSpark'' (which involves the titular artifact going from the Aligned universe to the universe of [[Film/TransformersFilmSeries the movies]] [[spoiler: and [[Franchise/TransformersGenerationOne Generation One universe]]]]), the ''Ask [[Anime/TransformersCybertron Vector Prime]]'' column (which confirmed the events of ''Dark Spark'' revealed the existence of the Aligned universe to the larger Multiverse), ''[[AllThereInTheManual The Complete]] [[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated AllSpark Almanac]]'' (which also mentioned the Aligned universe), ''[[ComicBook/TheTransformersRegenerationOne Regeneration One]]'' (which has a subplot of Hot Rod seeing all his counterparts, including his Algined incarnation from the DS version of ''War for Cybertron''), and [[Franchise/TransformersTimelines Andromeda - Axiom Nex]][[ComicBook/TransformersTransTech us News Reporter]] (which officially confirmed the Aligned universe being part of the larger multiverse) this has since been changed.\
686This also put an end to the idea of the original Thirteen being "multiversal singularities" as the Aligned!Thirteen includes very different members including Alpha Trion and [[spoiler: Optimus Prime]], and Vector Prime outright stating that his Aligned counterpart is a distinctly separate entity. Later, in 2015, the entire concept of multiversal singularities was nullified by a CosmicRecton in the ''Franchise/TransformersTimelines'' storyline, "Another Light", where Nexus Prime solidify the walls of reality to such a degree that not only were the original 13 across the multiverse splintered, but even Primus and Unicron were separated into separate entities across the Multiverse.
687* RevelingInTheNewForm: On occasion, Transformers can [[CameBackStrong be revived in a new body]] or receive a MidSeasonUpgrade like reformatting into a new form. As part of the MerchandiseDriven nature of the franchise, they'll generally express their approval of their new bodies, partially to encourage kids to go out and buy their toys.
688** The original G1 Bumblebee was upgraded into the Throttlebot leader Goldbug in the toyline, [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers the cartoon]] and [[ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel the comic books]], though in differing ways. It was an EmergencyTransformation to save his life in all versions [[note]]In the cartoon he was badly damaged during an attempt to recover the dead body of Optimus Prime, while the Marvel comic presented two different versions depending on the country; In the American run [[LetsYouAndHimFight he was shot to pieces by]] [[ComicBook/GIJoeARealAmericanHeroMarvel G.I. Joe]], while in the UK, he's blown up by a time-traveling ComicBook/DeathsHead to [[LeaveNoWitnesses prevent anyone]] from knowing he was there.[[/note]], but he appreciated his more powerful new form and took the name Goldbug to reflect he was now more mature and confident than he was as Bumblebee. As an example of how dramatic the change was, Bumblebee's strength stat was 2 while as Goldbug it was increased to '''9'''.
689** [[WesternAnimation/BeastWars Beast Megatron]] was intrigued when his archnemesis Optimus Primal took in the [[OurSoulsAreDifferent Spark]] of Autobot leader Optimus Prime in a desperate attempt to save the latter's life and preserve history, resulting in him reformatting into a powerful new body named Optimal Optimus. He broke into the Ark and found the comatose body of the original Megatron and took in his Spark, hoping to gain a similarly powerful new form. His plan succeeded, granting him an awesomely powerful Transmetal 2 body and a new dragon alternate mode, which he was more than pleased with.
690** In the CrapsackWorld of ''Beast Wars: Uprising'' (where Beast Megatron successfully assassinated Optimus Prime, but in retaliation Black Arachnia murdered the original Megatron), the Predacon Gnashteeth eventually takes the name Megatron and develops the Beast Upgrade. This upgrade allowed the Maximals and Predacons to feed on Cybertron's wildlife and plant life to fuel themselves, rather than relying on processing Energon like the Builders of Cybertron they were warring with. Gnashteeth himself reserves the most powerful Upgrade for himself, reveling in his new physical power alongside his wealth (from selling the Beast Upgrade to anyone who wanted it) and political power (since he was now "legit").
691** Some of the cartoon cast from ''Beast Wars'' didn't undergo the Transmetal upgrade, including Rhinox, Waspinator and Terrorsaur (and Terrorsaur was KilledOffForReal to boot alongside Scorponok). However, they did get Transmetal 2 toys, and their bios generally mention how happy they are with their new bodies. Waspinator in particular gains an additional F-15-inspired vehicle mode (a reference to how he was possessed by Starscream in the episode "Possession"), and is described as greatly enjoying the enhanced speed and firepower.
692** Subverted with the Combaticons in the episode [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers "Starscream's Brigade"]]. Having been rebuilt on Earth by Starscream, they express disgust at their new bodies with Blast-Off going so far as to exclaim he hopes he doesn't run into anyone he knows, since he's so embarrassed. [[JustifiedTrope Their disgust]] is understandable: Starscream had stumbled upon the remains of the World War II battle of Guadalcanal and used the wreckage he found to construct their new bodies. Assuming that the episode took place in the year it aired, that means their bodies were built out of 40 year old scrap metal.
693** In both of the ''Transformers'' continuities by Creator/IDWPublishing, it's implied that becoming part of a [[CombiningMecha combiner]] has this effect. In the original continuity begun by the ''ComicBook/TransformersMegaSeries'', the Aerialbots (forming Superion), Constructicons (forming Devastator) and the [[SuperPrototype Monstructor Six (forming Monstructor)]] begin spending much of their time in their combined mode. When the Combaticons form Bruticus as part of a revenge scheme against Starscream, Vortex actively revels in the power of Bruticus. Meanwhile, in the [[ComicBook/Transformers2019 2019 continuity]], when they first combine the Constructicons are excited and thrilled by their new combined form thanks to the raw power it provides, allowing them to do the work of entire construction crews in a matter of minutes. The problem starts when they realised there's a ''seventh'' consciousness in there with them...
694* RhymesOnADime: Wheelie and Blaster (though not as often as Wheelie).
695* RobotBuddy: Reversal: the Transformers have ''human'' buddies.
696* RobotHair: Arcee, the goto {{Fembot}} (and her {{exp|y}}ies) generally has a helmet-like structure on her head which resembles a haircut.
697* RobotWar
698* RuleOfCool: The entire franchise is all about this.
699* RunningGag: Optimus Prime has a terrible habit of dying and coming back to the point where it's not even considered a spoiler to say he does and nobody ever expects it to stick. Dirge and a few of the Seekers overall seem to share this trait.
700** [[LampshadeHanging Lampshaded]] by Megatron in the season 1 finale of WesternAnimation/BeastWars. "Oh, you Optimuses do love sacrificing yourselves, don't you?"
701* SacredScripture: The Covenant of Primus, a combination of historical records and list of prophecies.
702* SacrificialPlanet: One ad for a Unicron model goes, "He devours entire worlds. His name is Unicron. And he's heading ... for Earth."
703* SapientTank: Any transformer with a tank based alt-mode.
704* SciFiWritersHaveNoSenseOfScale: Space travel varies depending on needs of the plot. Cybertron appears to sometimes be in the same solar system as Earth.
705** Since getting teleported here in [[Recap/TransformersG1TheUltimateDoom "The Ultimate Doom,"]] it probably ''is.''
706** Also, partly due to the TimeDissonance described below, the ''Transformers'' backstory typically has Optimus and Megatron chasing each other around the galaxy for literally ''millions of years'' before crash-landing on Earth.
707** They have also had issues in consistently getting the scale of characters and even planets right. A character that starts off as a car that people can comfortably sit in suddenly becoming a robot that a human is only at ankle-height to is commonplace, as is it suddenly losing twenty feet of height a scene/figure or two later. There's a reason why the Website/TFWikiDotNet's summation of scale in the Transformers series is the YourSizeMayVary trope's page quote.
708** Unicron turns from a planet the size of Cybertron to a robot barely the size of Rhode Island during the original movie. He is able to pinch Galvatron between his fingers and swallow him, even though Galvatron should even ''then'' be so small as to be a speck on him. The Dinobots then are ''each'' roughly the size of one of his glutes while they literally kick his butt, even though Galvatron and Grimlock are of similar height.
709* SealedCastInAMultipack: The show has this ''in spades''. Since [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers G1]], 'bots have been sealed and unsealed time and time again. And the introduction of stasis pods in ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' only served to make this even easier.
710* SeriesContinuityError: Cybertron is sometimes a tiny planet with buildings jutting out into space in G1 to resembling Coruscant in the Beast Era and everything in between.)
711* SeriousBusiness: Beloved childhood toys, TV, and comics/manga ARE SeriousBusiness. Even the newer materials.
712* ShadyScalper: While generally the popular characters like [[BigGood Optimus Prime]] or [[BigBad Megatron]] will have more than enough copies released to satisfy fan demand, more niche characters can easily become fodder for scalpers who will then resell the toys at a much higher markup. It should be pointed out that this gets even worse when toys are ''exclusives'' that are only available at certain retailers (e.g. stores like Target or Walmart in the US) that are intended from the start to have a limited run.
713** Ironically, [[FacelessGoons in-universe mass-production]] characters often become the target of this due to their scarcity in the franchise. The character Gnaw, for example, is basically the same as the countless swarms of Sharkticons. This means that many collectors will want quite a few Gnaws for army-building or diorama purposes... which also means some collectors will be willing to pay through the nose to get them. That certain characters are shortpacked (i.e. they only make a small part of a shipment of toys) adds to their desirability to scalpers due to their comparative rarity.
714** 2020's ''Earthrise'' suffered from a perfect storm of limited distribution and production (thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic) as well as having several generic characters clearly meant for army-building. The Quintesson Judge represented the first ever official G1 take on the characters, the [[EliteMook Allicons]] had never been done as toys before, and Fasttrack was easily represented [[Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce the Guardminders]], meaning all of them became highly sought out.
715** Some of the exclusive toys for ''WesternAnimation/TransformersWarForCybertronTrilogy'' resulted in a lot of ill-will from the fanbase, due to releasing Bumblebee and Soundwave in the Netflix ''Earthrise'' line. Both were considered the finest representation of their G1 selves in decades (e.g. Bumblebee transformed into an officially licensed Volkswagen Beetle while Soundwave into a tape player), but since they were exclusives they were extremely limited. In fact, on the secondary market ''Earthrise'' Bumblebee can go for almost as much as one of the high-end ''Masterpiece'' toys, costing anywhere between '''three and five times''' as much as it went for retail.
716** When Hasbro announced the development of [[Anime/TransformersVictory Victory Saber]] as a Haslab project, on several Transformers fansites many fans announced they planned to get multiple copies (the maximum allowed per customer being 5). While some intended to get multiple copies for display purposes (e.g. one copy in Star Saber and Victory Leo's robot modes, one copy in their starship modes and one copy in their [[CombiningMecha combined Victory Saber form]]), others freely stated their intent was to resell their extra copies later once they felt aftermarket demand made it worth it. However, this is '''not''' an example of scalping: Haslab projects (including Unicron, Jabba the Hutt's sailbarge, [[Series/TheMandalorian the Razor Crest]] and [[ComicBook/XMen the Sentinel]]) are a mix of a crowdfunding platform and preorder service, meant for projects Hasbro does not think will be financially viable using regular retail. As such, there will only be enough Victory Sabers made to fulfill orders (with a few extra for replacement parts and quality control), meaning that, unlike scalpers who buy a toy reducing how many are available on the market, the people buying multiple copies to sell ''increased'' how many would be available instead.
717* ShapeshifterLongevity:
718** Transformers are generally depicted as having a life span in the [[TimeAbyss millions]] if not ''billions'' of years, to the point that even a relative "youngster" like Bumblebee or Hot Rod still predate human civilization by several thousand years - though this isn't related to their ability to transform into vehicles and/or animals. However, in the Japanese G1 continuity, Convoy ([[DubNameChange AKA Optimus Prime]]) gains access to the Reconfiguration Matrix, a hidden power of the Matrix of Leadership he carries. This allows him to assume any of the many forms he's had over his lifetime and fully restore himself to boot; the latter fact dramatically demonstrated when he effectively rises from the dead after Megatron delivered a fatal blow to him in battle.
719** Convoy also uses the Reconfiguration Matrix to resurrect Ultra Magnus after his death in ''Anime/TransformersTheHeadmasters'', granting him a similar ability to switch forms as necessary. However, since Magnus doesn't carry the Matrix it takes a lot more out of him.
720* ShapeshiftingSound: The Transformers franchise famously has what the Website/{{TFWiki|DotNet}} refers to as "the Noise" on their article on Transformation. It's described as an 8 Hz pulse, repeated five times, with each pulse lasting a roughly equal amount of time, with variation in the absolute value of a declining (for alt mode to robot mode) or increasing (for robot mode to alt-mode) sine wave. Transformers manga consistently use the onomatopoeia "gi-go-ga-go-go" to represent the Noise, but its usage has varied throughout the history of the franchise.
721** In ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', the Noise was audible whenever anyone transformed. Notably, it was generally shown that the larger the robot, the deeper the pitch of the sound and the longer the duration of the pulses. The Noise of a smaller Transformer like Bumblebee would be higher with very short pulses, while a giant like Omega Supreme would have a Noise with a very deep sound and a longer pulse duration.
722** In ''Anime/TransformersTheHeadmasters'', the Noise was still present. However, as time went on, the Noise's use became intermittent, especially for the titular Headmasters. In the sequel ''Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce'', the Noise was only heard for "older" Transformers like the Pretenders or the Decepticon reinforcements like the Guardminers, while "newer" Transformers like the Headmaster Juniors and Godmasters had brand new sounds (falling under the '''Vroorp''' category mentioned in the trope description). By the time of ''Anime/TransformersVictory'' and ''Anime/TransformersZone'', the Noise was dropped completely.
723** For ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'', both factions used generic whirring sounds to represent transformation, though original Decepticon Ravage still used the Noise in his memorable sole appearance. Notably, when the Decepticon Air Commander Starscream appeared in the cartoon, he ''didn't'' make the Noise when he transformed, due to possessing the body of the Predacon warrior Waspinator. Like with the latter G1 anime (i.e. ''Masterforce'' to ''Zone''), this gave rise to the impression that the Noise was specific to the physiology of the older model Transformers i.e. the initial ones of the franchise.
724** ''Anime/BeastWarsII'' and ''Anime/BeastWarsNeo'' gave the Transformers on both sides new sounds, again falling under the '''Vroorp''' category.
725** ''Anime/TransformersRobotsInDisguise'' reintroduced the Noise, but only at the beginning of transformations instead of for the duration like in G1. However, the original Japanese version Car Robots didn't use the Noise at all, instead using sounds similar to those from ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo''.
726** In the 2007 ''Film/{{Transformers|2007}}'' film, the Noise was homaged with one inclusion of the alt-mode-to-robot sound played just before [[https://youtu.be/ATRmESixBBc?t=44 Blackout's first transformation at the army base]]. It is also audible during Bumblebee's off-screen transformation as he saves Mikaela and Sam while fleeing Sector Seven, and a modified version of the Noise is used during Ironhide's slow-motion transformation during the climax. The live action films otherwise used generic whirring sounds to represent transformation, though in ''Film/TransformersDarkOfTheMoon'' the Noise is heard when Bumblebee transforms from vehicle mode to robot at the end of the film.
727** In ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'', the Noise is used for '''''all''''' transformation sequences, including for things like deployment of battle masks or switching out their hands for their tools or weapons. In those cases, the Noise is played sped up or given a higher pitch. In addition, in the episode "Human Error, Part One", the Autobots actually acknowledge the Noise in-universe, to the point of trying to approximate it during a conversation.
728** While ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron'' gives all Transformers a variant of the Noise (complete with both "ascending" style for robot-to-alt and "descending" style for alt-to-robot), in ''VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron'' each character was given a unique Noise that was personalised for them. For example, Optimus Prime's version closely resembled the G1 Noise, while Jazz's version incorporated kick drums. For the titanic Metroplex, the Noise played repeatedly alongside whirring and industrial sounds as he slowly transformed out of his city mode, in order to properly sell the idea that he was so massive that he had many, many moving parts.
729** In both ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' and ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRobotsInDisguise2015'', a new version of the Noise is introduced. The individual pulses are more continuous and less discrete, resulting in a sound that has a vaguely "swishing-of-parts" effect. In addition, it's only used in the "ascending" style whether or not the Transformer is going from robot mode to alt mode or vice versa. ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRescueBots'' (which takes place in the same continuity) makes use of a version of the Noise that's closer to the original, but throws in metallic clanking sounds for the duration.
730* ShiplessFasterThanLightTravel: Zigzagged. A few Transformers do have the ability to travel between worlds without ships, mostly those that transform into spaceships or the like. However, it's also made clear this is very energy-consumptive and risky, which is why options like space bridges and warp gates are preferred. A few examples include:
731** Omega Supreme's alternate mode includes a gigantic rocket that has been utilised for transport in [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers the G1 cartoon]]. However, in both "The God Gambit" (where he transported a team of Autobots from Earth to Saturn's moon Titan) and "The Key To Vector Sigma" (where he brought Autobots to Cybertron, at the time possibly just outside the solar system) the strain left him weakened. In "The God Gambit" he wasn't fully fueled even before departing, and he was left so low on energy he wasn't able to transform. In "The Key To Vector Sigma" he was weakened enough that Shockwave inflicted heavy damage in an OffscreenMomentOfAwesome, resulting in him ''exploding'' when he managed to get the team back to Earth.
732** Cosmos in his flying saucer mode has been shown to travel around space fairly easily. In "Quest For Survival" he, Bumblebee and [[TagalongKid Spike]] stop by a different planet to pick up robotic insecticide (to battle the Insecticons), and in "The God Gambit" he's shot down while travelling nearby Saturn.
733** [[Anime/TransformersVictory Star Saber and Galaxy Shuttle]] transform into a starship and space shuttle respectively. Star Saber in particular actually leaves Earth in one episode to attend a meeting on Planet V in his role as commander of the Pan-Galactic Defense Force, and during a visit to the Micromaster homeworld of Micro while the accompanying Rescue Squad and [[TagalongKid Jan Minakaze]] need Galaxy Shuttle to transport them Star Saber simply flies there himself. Unlike Omega Supreme, there's no indication that this strains him at all, though [[JustifiedTrope as a Brainmaster he's explicitly much more powerful than the average Transformer]], even one as mighty as [[AlwaysABiggerFish Omega Supreme]].
734** When they are brought back to life in "The Return of Convoy", both [[BigGood Optimus Prime]] and [[BigBad Megatron]] (in their new forms as [[CameBackStrong Star Convoy and Super Megatron]] respectively) no longer need spaceships to travel between worlds and easily make interplanetary journeys using their alternate modes. Super Megatron being able to do so thanks to his starfighter mode makes a bit more sense than Star Convoy's futuristic truck mode, though.
735* SigilSpam: Nearly every incarnation of ''Transformers'' abuses the faction symbols to some degree.
736* SignatureStyle: Creator/SimonFurman has a series of phrases that make their way into virtually every comic he writes, referred to as [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Furmanism Furmanisms]]. The most famous is either "'''like some vast, predatory bird'''" or "It never ends!"
737* SimpleSolutionWontWork:
738** ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'': During the "[[Recap/TransformersG1TheRebirth Rebirth]]" trilogy, the Decepticons gain possession of the key to the Plasma Energy Chamber, whose energies could wipe out entire planets. The Nebulans suggest that the Autobots simply destroy the key before the Decepticons can use it. Optimus Prime is against this, as [[SpiritAdvisor Alpha Trion]] had informed him that the key needed to remain intact in order for a "miracle" to happen. The argument ultimately becomes moot, due to the key being used to activate the chamber not long after.
739** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'': In Season 2 "[[Recap/TransformersAnimatedS2E13ABridgeTooClosePartII A Bridge Too Close, Part II]]", when Starscream and his clone army arrives at Megatron's mine headquarters and attacks him for his Space Bridge, Optimus Prime wants to help fight against them. Bumblebee asks why don't they let Starscream and his clones take down Megatron, Optimus points out they can't afford to have ''any'' Decepticons go through the Space Bridge to get to Cybertron.
740** ''Franchise/TransformersAlignedUniverse'':
741*** ''VideoGame/TransformersRiseOfTheDarkSpark'': When Swindle and Shockwave, bearing the titular Dark Spark, arrive at the gates of the Decepticon capital of Kaon they discover a huge Autobot army laying siege in order to stop them. Blast-Off, Swindle's fellow Combaticon, suggests he simply take the Dark Spark from Swindle and deliver it by air. Shockwave dismisses the suggestion as being too risky: if Blast-Off were to be shot down or otherwise drop the Dark Spark, for all they know it might explode and take all of Kaon with it. Combaticon commander Onslaught agrees with Shockwave's assessment and orders him to retreat to a safe location with the Dark Spark, while the Combaticons begin clearing a path.
742*** ''VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron'': The Autobots have stolen an entire lake of Energon from the Decepticons and are transporting it aboard a gigantic transport vehicle. When Swindle manages to damage its drivetrain, it transforms into a flying mode and takes off. As he fights his way through, he wonders why the Autobots didn't just use the flight mode from the start, to which Onslaught replies that it probably takes so much Energon it'd eat up most of the fuel it was carrying. Unknown to the Combaticons, Ironhide had raised the same issue earlier, but Optimus decided it was worth the risk.
743* SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism: Mostly on the idealistic side, though the writers have clearly been making an effort to be realistic about it in later years.
744* SluggishSloths: Slo is a beastformer who is based on a three-toed sloth. He's also quite slow (although he can create the illusion of being faster with the help of the Slo-Bar Spear, which can slow time for sixty seconds) and spends most of his time sleeping.
745* TheSmurfettePrinciple:
746** You can count the female Transformers who appeared more than once in a series on both hands. [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/List_of_female_Transformers A list of all female Transformers can be found here]]. This isn't helped by long-time ''Transformers'' comic writer Simon Furman, who writes Transformers as having ''no'' gender and has publically stated that he hates the idea of female Transformers. This, combined with the fact that Jhiaxus' experiments in giving Transformers gender made Arcee both a female and AxCrazy brings up some UnfortunateImplications.
747** In later years, the idea that Cybertronians shouldn't have gender because they are robots has been more or less ignored, with a slew of new characters being introduced. That Transformers don't have gender has been swept under the rug as the females of Cybertron being ''wiped out'' by a "perfectionist" visionary Galvatron from another universe, and that the links to the Allspark on other planets still regularly produce female sparks. Windblade, who was more or less designed by fan vote, was chosen as female by an overwhelming majority. The club subscription bonus excusive Pyra Magna similarly was voted to by female, as were all six of her components. After that, new female characters, some with toys, have been made to help diversify the cast. They still make up a minority, but not by such a wide margin.
748* SpecialEffectBranding:
749** Taken to an extreme in most series, where everybody's weapons are theirs and theirs alone. This is a combination of the MerchandiseDriven idea of making sure everyone uses the weapon they come with and launches the appropriate missiles, and the fact that, as TransformingMecha, their weapons are more or less part of them.
750** Averted in one of the G1 animated episodes. The Decepticons have captured the Autobots with the exception of Wheeljack. Wheeljack manages to infiltrate their holding cell, discovers his buddies are tied up, depowered, soaking wet (bad thing for robots), and with their carbine-shaped weapons piled sloppily in the corner. He then proceeds to go GunsAkimbo--pointing AT THE AUTOBOTS. "My friend's weapons! Hmm. Okay, Sideswipe's flare gun should dry off your circuits, and Bluestreak's bolts should give you all an instant recharge!" It's amazing the first thing Optimus didn't do was FacePalm: "It's a wonder the Decepticons didn't just kill us outright, but vector sigma, am I the only one that knows that guns are supposed to be for killing?"[[note]]This makes a bit more sense from the toys' tech specs. Sideswipe's gun (actually his shoulder-mounted one) really is supposed to fire magnesium flares that would quickly dry things off at close range, and Bluestreak's main handheld weapon is an "electron rifle" that essentially shoots lightning; at a low setting it could conceivably be used for an emergency recharge rather than damage. However, the cartoon mostly showed all weapons just shooting a generic "laser blast", or at least they could switch between them; for example, Tracks was shown to fire his blinding "black beam" from the same gun that he fired standard damaging shots from[[/note]]
751** In some continuities, each faction has different colored beams from their energy weapons. The different factions also generally have different coloured eyes (blue for Autobots, red for Decepticons) although their optical sensors presumably all function the same way.
752** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' averts this. While all the characters ''do'' have their own signature weapons, the Maximals have a separate armory, supposedly for gunless characters like Dinobot.
753* SpiritualSuccessor: The Alternators line was an attempt at appealing to adult collectors by featuring licensed vehicles to scale with each other and with complex transformations that allotted actual interior space such as the seats, steering wheel and even an engine block. Characters were re-imagined in new vehicle forms; some of the characters known for a car-based mode received a different model, spiritual successor, rather than the modern version of their original model (e.g.: Sideswipe was reinterpreted as a Dodge Viper, rather than being a modern Lamborghini), while some characters known for non-vehicle alternate modes, such as Grimlock and Shockwave, were reinterpreted as vehicles. The Human Alliance line is angled towards the same principles, with the movies backing up the toys and adding to the interactivity with human figures. The Masterpiece line is a more literal update of the original toys, featuring complex transformations to convert a more detailed version of their original alt mode into a more detailed and more cartoon-accurate version of their on-screen robot appearance. The line received a "soft" reboot by revisiting the Optimus Prime/Convoy and Starscream figures, and ramping up the frequency of character releases, with the increased activity also including the introduction of several figures based on licensed versions of their original car modes.
754* SpyBot: Many Transformers serve this function in various ways.
755* {{Steampunk}}: The ''Hearts of Steel'' miniseries.
756* StuffBlowingUp:
757** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'', along with most of the ''Transformers'' cartoons, has a lot of explosions. At least one of the Transformers will be blown up in every episode.
758*** Not counting [[ChewToy Waspinator]], who gets blown to bits in nearly every episode regardless.
759** Rather hilariously, there is actually a Transformer called [[Anime/TransformersEnergon Land]][[Anime/TransformersCybertron mine]]. That's right. An alien robot with the name of an explosive.
760** [[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Lugnut]] has perfected the art of making things explode. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew0RO4mNm54 Behold! The P.O.K.E!]]
761* StumblingInTheNewForm: Sometimes comes up in regards to two scenarios: EmergencyTransformation (i.e. into a new body in order to save their lives or to upgrade) or becoming part of a [[CombiningMecha combiner]], especially if it's unexepected.
762** Examples of EmergencyTransformation include:
763*** ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'': In "Autobot Spike", [[TagalongKid Spike]] is injured during a battle. In an attempt to save him, the Autobots transfer his mind into a spare Autobot body Wheeljack had built for such an emergency (named Autobot X) while the human doctors operated to save Spike's life. When Spike awakens, he's disoriented due to his new form and staggers around, even accidentally activating weapons systems.
764*** In ''Story of Binaltech'', the Dinobots are infected with a mind virus that causes them to go berserk. They're put into stasis, and in an attempt to save them the Autobots decide to transfer their minds into new bodies after learning the virus explicitly attacks the minds of particular animal-mode Transformers. Grimlock is the first to undergo the process, and is initially very unhappy due to his new Ford Mustang body being much smaller and weaker than his T-Rex one. In addition, his fighting style involves transforming back-and-forth between robot and T-Rex mode to take advantage of the latter's thicker armour and [[BreathWeapon fire breath]]. It takes him a bit of time to get used to his new body, which is helped by the Autobots promising to return him to his original once they find a proper cure.
765*** In ''Creator/IDWPublishing'''s comics, the Dynobots, an elite counter-terrorist assault team, find themselves under attack by strange monsters during a mission under Cybertron's surface. Outmatched by the monsters' sheer power, team medic Skarr initiates an emergency reformatting system he'd been developing that allows the team to adopt alt-modes similar to the monsters, giving them the strength and durability to fight back and win. However, since their minds aren't prepared for the accompanying beastial nature, Grimlock winds up killing Skarr in the process.
766*** In ''Spotlight: Orion Pax'', Orion is given a new body for a mission. However, he spends much of the issue complaining that the body feels "off". In particular, he misses his signature faceplate, and when during a fight a blade stabs him right through his mouth he grumbles that it wouldn't have happened if his new body still had the faceplate.
767** Examples of combination include:
768*** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRobotsInDisguise2015'': Due to a series of events (including being bathed by nuclear radiation and the presence of a so-called Crash Combiner), the Bee Team unexpectedly discover they can now combine (with Bumblebee forming the torso, Strongarm and Sideswipe the arms, Grimlock the legs and Drift the sword). Unlike traditional combiners, the resulting "Ultra Bee Team Combiner Form" apparently has no mind of its own, and so is completely useless unless the components are all united in purpose.
769*** ''Creator/IDWPublishing'': In both continuities, some combiners initially struggle to function. In the original continuity, Menasor barely functions due to the haphazard nature of his creation (and the small fact that all the component Stunticons hate each other) while Bruticus immediately begins rampaging due to his component Combaticons not being united of purpose [[note]] Swindle is brain-dead, Onslaught busy trying to tap Swindle's mind for information, Vortex eager to test out Bruticus' strength and Brawl terrified of the nothingness in Swindle's mind. Only Blast-Off is actually trying to control Bruticus[[/note]]. In the [[ComicBook/Transformers2019 2019 continuity]], both Devastator and Computron have an initial phase of not being able to move properly due to the sudden increase in size and mass throwing off their component bots.
770*** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersCyberverse'': In "The Immobilizers", the Dinobots combine into Volcanicus for the first time. Unused to the new form, Volcanicus promptly catches his own foot on the ground, tripping himself up.
771** Downplayed examples also sometimes come up:
772*** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'': In "Call Of The Wild", it's revealed that while the Maximals (and presumably the Predacons) adopted beast modes, they'd been suppressing the accompanying beast mode instincts. When the Maximals are trapped in their beast modes, their minds begin to go dormant and the beast take over due to being so unfamiliar with the various senses and urges their beast bodies give them (e.g. Dinobot instinctively wants to hunt).
773*** During IDW's ''Dark Cybertron'' CrisisCrossover, Starscream (in a body based on his ''Armada'' counterpart) is attacked by MadScientist Jhiaxus. Jhiaxus uses [[PowerCopying one of his technologies to duplicate Starscream's body]], and his usage of the body lets Starscream realise his body actually had swords built-in. He simply never bothered to put the new body through its paces or ask what features it had.
774*** Deliberately invoked in the ''Spotlight: Megatron'' comic, where Megatron spends part of the comic getting used to his new stealth bomber body. Partially by beating up Starscream.
775* SuaveSabre: In the Transformers franchise, the name Star Saber comes up quite a bit. However, it's a NonIndicativeName.
776** Despite his name, [[Anime/TransformersVictory Star Saber]] wields a gigantic two-handed longsword. To give an idea of its size, its hilt is formed from the nosecone of his starfighter mode and in his smaller Saber robot mode it's large enough to function as a shoulder-mounted shield. That said, Star Saber actually is a WarHero as commander of the Pan-Galactic Peace Alliance Defense Force.
777** The Star Saber weapon from ''Anime/TransformersArmada'' is likewise a double-edged broadsword or longsword (to a smaller Transformer, it's basically a gigantic broadsword, to someone the size of Optimus Prime or Megatron, it's more like a longsword).
778** The Star Saber from ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' is likewise a two-handed longsword rather than an actual sabre.
779* SuperReflexes: Some characters have this power on their own, while others can acquire it through bonding with a partner (Headmasters, Powerlinx, etc.).
780* SuspiciouslySmallArmy: Does this in a big way. Even when fighting for the fate of the universe, or the very fabric of space and time, it's rare to see more than a few dozen fighters involved in any battle. Sometimes this is due to the limitations of the budget (such as the expense of animating CGI models in ''Beast Wars'', ''Beast Machines'', and ''Prime''), or to have a more intimate feel for the battle (The final battle in ''Animated'' features only the main cast fighting each other, the majority of whom are having their character arcs wrapped up). The movies tend to have much larger-scaled battles thanks to a larger production budget: the second movie featured a large amount of NEST troops aided by US and Jordanian military fighting at least twenty elite Decepticons alongside the Autobots; the third film features twelve Autobots and a small contingent of humans fighting around two hundred Decepticons; and the fourth film features just two Autobots fighting a fifty-strong horde of Decepticons before Optimus arrives with the Dinobots.
781** ''Dark Cybertron'' features another aversion in what is perhaps the most massive battle to be featured in ''Transformers'' fiction since the original movie: the surviving Autobots, Decepticons, and NAIL's facing off with an army of Ammonites (a hostile race of transforming robots). ''Seventy''. '''BILLION'''. Of them.
782[[/folder]]
783
784[[folder: T-Z]]
785* TacticalSuperweaponUnit: Since Transformers is primarily about war ("Autobots wage their battles to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons", after all), this sometimes comes up throughout the franchise. This is normally undercut by the fact nearly all named Transformers are unique characters (thus voiding the "these don't have much in the way of a personality" angle mentioned in the description for this trope), there are still some examples:
786** As a group, the [[CombiningMecha combiners]] are meant to be this, being gestalt beings created from several regular Transformers. Being MerchandiseDriven, sometimes this results in BadassDecay: the first ever combiner Devastator was initially portrayed in ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' as being TheJuggernaut, and even treated as a terrible threat in ''WesternAnimation/TransformersTheMovie'' (despite the fact that in season 2 of the cartoon several characters were introduced who could match him, including other combiners). By the time of the third season, he was once defeated by Perceptor, the Autobot chief scientist, with a single shot. [[note]] This is not a hard and fast rule: King Poseidon from ''Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce'' was easily trounced by any of the Godmasters, but he was a genuine threat to any '''non'''-Godmaster Autobots all the way up to the end of the series. [[/note]]
787** The Guardian Robots (aka [[DubNameChange GADEP]]) are mass-produced versions of the Autobot Guardian Omega Supreme. In some media (e.g. ''The Transformers'', ''Anime/TransformersEnergon''), Omega is treated as simply being a member of the Guardians, TheLastOfHisKind, or even their leader. In others like ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel'', Omega is built on Earth completely independent of the Guardians. In any universe where they appear, the Guardians are treated as the biggest military threat faced by the Decepticons at the beginning of the war (due to their sheer size and power), and it's their defeat that causes the Autobots to realise that they'll have to take up arms themselves.
788** ''Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce'' introduced the Godmasters, who were (prior to the introduction of the [[PhysicalGod Thirteen Original Primes]]) the most powerful Transformers in existence barring [[MechanicalAbomination Uni]][[GodOfEvil cron]]. Among other things, their command of Chokon Power [[note]] Jinchokon the power of individual life, Tenchokon the power of space, Chichokon the power of life on a life-bearing planet [[/note]] granted them the ability to use ElementalPowers ([[TheHero Ginrai]] had a fondness for fire and lightning, while [[TheDragon Overlord]] had a preference for wind) as well as the ability to regenerate from almost any injury near-instantly. The presence of even ''one'' of the Godmasters would've swung the GreatOffscreenWar between the main Autobot and Decepticon forces in space in their factions' favour, but luckily at the end of the series when the Godmasters and their comrades left Earth their power had been greatly reduced thanks to events of the finale. In fact, God Ginrai, the mightiest of the Godmasters, was killed off in [[Anime/TransformersVictory the sequel series]] with comparative ease by [[BigBad Deathsaurus]].
789* TakeThat: The comics feature a lot of jabs against the mostly-forgotten competitor to the original ''WesternAnimation/ChallengeOfTheGobots'', mostly involving Cy-Kill [[TheyKilledKennyAgain getting killed]].
790** SelfDeprecation: Of course, these days Go-Bots are themselves part of the Transformers franchise.
791* TankGoodness: A bunch of Decepticons, Warpath (who's an Autobot), including some versions of Megatron.
792* TelescopingRobot: Highly prevalent in ''[[Franchise/TransformersGeneration1 G1]]'', where the 30-foot tall Soundwave became a microcassette player, amongst plenty of other examples. Later installments avoid this for the most part, simply consenting to [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scale change size off camera]]. Not to be confused with the Cybertronians that turn ''into'' telescopes.)
793* TieredByName: Megatron and Galvatron are usually the same being from two different time periods, although [[AlternateContinuity in some continuities]], such as the IDW G1 continuity, they're two different people.
794* TimeDissonance: Transformers are practically immortal unless killed, so they see time differently than organic beings. This becomes jarring when a character like ''[[WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime Prime]]'' Smokescreen has been around for millions of years like the others but only matures in the time span of a ''few months'' covered by his tenure on the show.
795* TokenFlyer:
796** ''[[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers Generation 1]]'': A point is made that few Autobots are capable of flight compared to the Decepticons, something that evidently stuck on future series as seen below. Amongst them there's Jetfire, Powerglide, Cosmos, Omega Supreme, Sky Lynx, the Aerialbots and some of the Technobots.
797*** Swoop is the only member of the Dinobots that can fly since he is a Pteranodon while the others are land-based dinosaurs.
798*** The Protectobots have Blades who transforms into a rescue helicopter. The other four Protectobots transform into land-based vehicles.
799*** Divebomb transforms into a robotic eagle and is the only only one of the G1 Predacons with an aerial alt mode.
800** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'': Before Airazor and Silverbolt joined the team, Optimus Primal was the only Maximal who could fly. Ironically, his alt mode is a gorilla which is not a flying creature.
801** ''Anime/TransformersRobotsInDisguise'': Ultra Magnus is the only Autobot in the series who can fly. This is even commented on by Scourge in his first fight with the Decepticons.
802** ''Anime/TransformersArmada'': Jetfire is the only flight-capable Autobot in the series.
803** ''Film/TransformersFilmSeries'':
804*** ''Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen'': The ex-Decepticon Jetfire is the only Autobot with an aerial alt mode. In the film's climax, he sacrifices himself so that Optimus Prime can use his parts to defeat [[BigBad The Fallen]].
805*** ''Film/TransformersDarkOfTheMoon'': None of the Autobots have a flight-based alt mode but Optimus's truck can transform into a JetPack for him to use.
806*** ''Film/TransformersAgeOfExtinction'': Drift is the only Autobot with a flying alternate mode, although he only uses it twice in the film and it's never seen or mentioned again. Optimus does become capable of flight near the end of the film. Strafe is a straighter example as he turns into a pteranodon.
807** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'':
808*** The Autobots lacking flight abilities is justified in-universe as them being primarily made up of artisans and civilians. Jetfire and Jetstorm are the first Autobots in this setting to be granted the power of flight. They serve as the Token Flyers to the Elite Guard.
809*** Before them, however, the Autobots won the war by making hulking Omega Sentinel robots that turned into large flying ships, of which only one remains alive [[spoiler:and that's Omega Supreme, who serves as the ship of the main cast]].
810*** Initially, none of the main five Autobots can fly but Optimus Prime and Prowl both get upgrades that allow them to fly. [[spoiler:In the final episode, Prowl [[HeroicSacrifice dies saving Detroit]] leaving Optimus as the only Autobot main character who can fly]].
811** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRescueBots'': Blades is the only member of the team to have a flying vehicle mode, in the form of a helicopter - though he only gained it after they arrived on Earth (and he turns out to be [[IronicFear afraid of heights]]). While several new Autobots are introduced over the series, none of them can turn into flying vehicles, keeping Blades unique. In season 3, the team gain the ability to transform into dinobot forms, with Blades still being the only one whose new form (a pterodactyl) can fly.
812** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersRescueBotsAcademy'': Of the Rescue Bot trainees, Whirl is the only one lacking a ground-based vehicle mode. Like Blades, she becomes a helicopter.
813** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersWarForCybertronTrilogy'': Jetfire defects from the Decepticons and joins the Autobots as their singular aerial member. One Autobot in season 2 even expresses gratitude that at least one of them can fly. During ''Kingdom'', Airazor is the only Maximal capable of flight.
814* ToylineExclusiveCharacter: Incredibly common for every incarnation of the franchise. Every single toyline ever has characters whose only appearance in fiction is the little bio on the back of their packaging, and even some don't have those. This is often eventually subverted, as later writers love using obscure toyline-exclusive Transformers in media or by retconning them to be existing characters. Of course, the toys are rarely still on shelves meaning these subversions make the original toys much more expensive on the secondary market.
815* TimeStorm: What happens when you try to change history to too great a degree.
816* TransformationConventions:
817** Most of the Transformers turn into something that suits either their personality or their function. 'Old' Transformers often choose military and public service vehicles, while 'young' Transformers have a tendency to choose new, hip, fast, and badass cars. This happens even when they don't personally choose their alt mode. Hence, for example, the medic Ratchet becomes an ambulance, the dedicated soldier Ultra Magnus becomes a car carrier--fitting because he is a pillar of strength that the other Autobots rely on--, and Sentinel Prime becomes a Snow Plow because he's stubborn and a dipshit.
818** There are also ironic cases. For instance, Manta rays are gentle, easygoing creatures, but Depth Charge, who turns into one, is belligerent, violent, and [[HeWhoFightsMonsters obsessed with vengeance]]. Worth pointing out that Depth Charge's other alt mode is a much more suiting starfighter, so he fits the trope twice in two different ways.
819* TransformationDiscretionShot: Done in various ways over the years, depending on the medium.
820** In the original toy commercials, longer ones would have a quick montage of steps to transform a toy (e.g. unfold legs, swing head out). The shorter versions would simply SmashCut to the toys in their other modes.
821** In some episodes of ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', Transformers would occasionally transform off-screen, accompanied by the distinctive transformation sound. They would then re-emerge on-screen in their other mode. An example might be Megatron ordering the Decepticons to attack, followed by the sounds of transformation after which the Decepticons then run on-screen. This trick would be used in just about any animated iteration (e.g. ''Anime/TransformersTheHeadmasters'', ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars''), since it would greatly save on animating. Some animated series would rely on StockFootage (e.g. ''Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce'', ''Anime/TransformersCybertron''), making this unnecessary for the most part.
822** Sometimes, Transformers would be shown transforming in a flash of light or a motion blur, as if the movement was so fast it couldn't be followed by the naked eye. On at least one occasion, [[Anime/TransformersVictory Star Saber]] went from his starfighter mode into his Star Saber mode in an instant (normally there's an extended StockFootage sequence of him separating from his V-Star attachment, transforming into robot mode, transforming again into torso mode, and then docking with an also-transformed V-Star to form Star Saber). In ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'', Transformers sometimes changed form hidden by a motion blur.
823** In ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel'', sometimes Transformers would be shown transforming hidden by some sort of energy discharge. The artwork of the time wasn't exactly geared towards loving depictions of transformation in action, so nearly all transformation scenes were hidden behind movement lines or motion blurs.
824** In some of the live action films, like the above animated examples sometimes Transformers will transform off-screen before stepping on-screen in their robot modes. In [[Film/{{Transformers|2007}} the first film]], there was at least one sequence where Bumblebee is shown driving towards the screen, followed by the next shot depicting him doing a leap in robot mode.
825* TransformingMecha: The entire concept.
826* TranslationNod: Prior to the release of Michael Bay's live-action film, in Japan the Autobots were known as Cybertrons, the Decepticons known as Destrons, and Optimus Prime known as Convoy (with the name Convoy used in the same way as "Prime" was in the West with characters like Rodimus Convoy/ Rodimus Prime). After the live-action films, Takara Tomy began using the Western names even in Japan (e.g. in ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'', the names Autobots and Decepticons were used instead of Cybertrons and Destrons). However, even before this, there were examples of this occurring on both sides.
827** Some manga (e.g. the pack-in manga for some of the high-end ''Masterpiece'' toys) would have examples where a character's alternate names are mentioned. An example is when Convoy was making a report, and his in-universe nameplate during the broadcast included both his Japanese and English names.
828** In ''Transformers Galaxy Force'' (brought over to the west as ''Anime/TransformersCybertron''), Vector Prime is notable for being identified using "Prime" rather than "Convoy" like the other leader characters (e.g. Galaxy Convoy of Cybertron, Live Convoy of Earth, Flame Convoy of Animatros). This was an acknowledgement of how Convoy is the Japanese equivalent of the Prime rank for Autobot leaders.
829** As early as the G1 toyline, while Takara decided to use Cybertrons in place of Autobots there was still a nod to the name when the characters sold as the "Autobot cars" in the US (e.g. Jazz, Prowl, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe among others) were marketed as "the Autobot unit/squad/team" in Japan. This matched the ThemeNaming of other units where the hero teams ended with "-bot" (e.g. the Aerialbots were the Airbot unit) while the villains ended with "-tron" (e.g. the Stunticons became the Stuntrons).
830* TruceTrickery:
831** ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'': Attempted by the heroes in this case. In "Before The Storm", Megatron calls a ceasefire with the Maximals halting all acts of aggression between the two side, something Optimus Primal is suspicious of but can't refuse due to Maximal codes. Optimus sends an obvious scouting mission into Predacon territory with the intent of distracting Megatron enough he doesn't notice Rattrap also sneaking in. Unfortunately after graciously getting his automatic defenses to stand down from plastering the Maximals, Megatron proves too canny when he asks the heroes to leave and "take their rat with them."
832** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersCyberverse'': Discussed and invoked when Megatron and Optimus Prime agree to meet and discuss the threat of an AllSpark-empowered [[DangerousDeserter Starscream]]. Neither faction expects much, and some Autobots and Decepticons note that this isn't even the first time Optimus and Megatron have met to try to talk things out. The more cynical among them even note the only point of a truce is "to give ourselves time to rearm". Tragically, the meeting actually goes astonishingly well, with both Optimus and Megatron on the verge of an agreement, but [[UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom Slipstream]] arrives to try to warn them about Starscream's plans. Soundwave, thinking her a traitor alongside all the other Seekers who joined Starscream, attacks her and she's stabbed in the back by Bludgeon. Windblade in turn attacks Bludgeon to avenge Slipstream's senseless murder, but all the other Autobots and Decepticons see is an Autobot assaulting a Decepticon while peace talks are on-going, and so a battle erupts. Windblade is later shown to be painfully aware that her rashness left ''everyone'' worse off.
833* TruceZone: Maccadam's Old Oil House in some stories.
834* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: The later seasons of ''Generation 1'' and ''Energon'' are both obviously set in the near-future (G1 after TheMovie is explicitly set in 2006). ''Cybertron'', despite being explicitly set in the same continuity ten years after ''Energon'', appears to be contemporary.
835* UnitsNotToScale: [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scale There's a TFwiki page about it]]. In short, there are ''many'' size-scale inconsistencies with the various Transformers, both in the toyline and in the cartoons and comics. Due to some effort by the production team, the Live-Action Film series has fewer scale issues.
836* UnusualEuphemism: The word 'slag' seems to be a Transformer equivalent to the human word 'shit/crap'. ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' has fun with this, featuring such gems as "You'll have to pry it from my cold, offline servo!"
837* VanillaUnit: Several characters from the initial 1984 and 1985 toyline didn't have fancy titles like "Air Commander" (Starscream, Rank 9), "Special Operations Agent" (Jazz, Rank 8) or "Communications Officer" (Soundwave, Rank 8), instead having the function of "Warrior" with a rank of 5. Examples include...
838** The Lamborghini twins Sunstreaker and Sideswipe both had the rank of 5 and the function of "Warrior". Sideswipe had significantly higher stats for Courage and Endurance than Sunstreaker, but conversely Sunstreaker had much higher stats for Skill (reflecting how he's the more skilled of the two). Otherwise, they didn't have any particularly unique skills or powers (other than Sideswipe having a jetpack he could use for limited flight).
839** Of the 6 Decepticon jets (Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Thrust, Dirge, Ramjet), Thrust stands out as the most vanilla of the group. While all of them bar Starscream are ranked 5 with the function of "Warrior", Thrust is the only one without any notable or unique powers or abilities [[note]] Starscream is not just higher-ranking but also the fastest and armed with powerful weapons like the null-ray. Thundercracker can generate deafening and disorienting sonic booms. Skywarp can teleport. Dirge's engines emit a low frequency hum that triggers the fear reaction in his opponents. Ramjet's nosecone is reinforced to allow him to survive mid-air collisions[[/note]].
840* VehicleBasedCharacterization: Three varieties come up throughout the ''Transformers'' franchise.
841** Based on their function: Transformers might choose an alternate mode that helps with their function. For example:
842*** [[TheStarscream Starscream]] is often the leader of the Decepticon air forces and so nearly always transforms into a fighter aircraft. Some versions, such as the ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' version of Starscream, transform into fighter spacecraft instead.
843*** The various incarnations of Warpath often transform into some sort of tank, reflecting his function as Autobot heavy artillery.
844*** Several incarnations of Bumblebee (except for his movie counterpart) transform into fairly innocuous vehicles, helping his function as a spy. Examples of this include the Volkswagen Beetle mode he originally started out with, while in the ''Alternity'' toyline he updated into the ubiquitous Suzuki Swift (a car that's a familiar sight on many roads in Japan and other parts of Asia).
845** Based on their personalities: A Transformer might choose an alternate mode based on their own preferences. For example:
846*** Knockout from ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' is notable among the Decepticons for having a sports car alternate mode whereas the rest of Decepticon High Command all transform into aircraft. He explicitly explains he chose his alternate mode because he found it stylish.
847*** [[WesternAnimation/BeastWars Beast Megatron]] chose a Tyrannosaurus Rex as his alternate mode due to viewing it as the most powerful of the alternate modes available and thus most worthy of his choice.
848*** [[BigBad Galvatron]] of ''Anime/BeastWarsII'' chose a dragon and a drill tank to be his alternate modes due to his belief they were the most powerful of the alternate modes available to him.
849*** When the Dinobot Grimlock was given a car mode as part of the ''Alternity'' toyline, his alternate mode was a Ford Mustang. This reflected his "brute force" mentality, as the Mustang was viewed as a powerful muscle car compared to the other characters like Starscream with his sleek super car mode or the aforementioned Bumblebee and his unassuming Suzuki Swift form.
850** Based on their names: Some Transformers choose alternate modes that happen to line up nicely with their names. On occasion, Transformers actually change their names to suit their new modes better.
851*** The Autobot medic First Aid adopted an ambulance as his alternate mode, viewing it as an obvious choice considering his name and temperament (he would rather spend a battle tending to the wounded than actually engaging in combat).
852*** Several of the ''Beast Wars'' cast explicitly renamed themselves to match their new forms. Examples include Cheetor (who transformed into a cheetah) and Rattrap (a rat).
853** All of the above:
854*** Cosmos from the G1 series transforms into a classic "flying saucer" spaceship as part of his function as orbital spy. He's also noted to be a bit "spacey" at times (at least partially due to long periods of time being alone in orbit). Plus his name...
855*** Drillhorn of ''Anime/TransformersVictory'' transforms into a DrillTank. He has "drill" in his name and while officially his function is strategist he's also the Decepticon siege expert. Additionally, one of his noted weaknesses is that once he's set on a course of action it's very difficult to get him to change direction: the same problem one would have with a drill.
856* VerbalTic: ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' Megatron, "yeeeessss". And BAM! KAZOWIE! for Warpath. I am Wreck-Gar!
857* VideoGameAdaptation: Several games have been made for the series from the Famicom Convoy game of NintendoHard instant death to the latest PC and Platform/XBox360 game.
858* WalkingOssuary: Using certain sets under [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/F.O.S.S.I.L._Technology the F.O.S.S.I.L. Technology line]], which resemble the skeletons of prehistoric creatures, a [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Fossilizer_Combiner Fossilizer Combiner]] can be made that resembles a humanoid made out of the bones of multiple distinct beings.
859* WasntThatFun: Lampshaded in the original G1 cartoon episode "Fire on the Mountain", after Brawn and Windcharger are under attack by the Decepticons.
860-->'''Windcharger:''' Let's peel out of here, Brawn!\
861'''Brawn:''' And miss all the fun?!\
862'''Windcharger:''' Remind me to discuss your definition of 'fun' some time!
863* WelcomeTitles: The openings tend to use this, except in the series that animate the Transformers in {{CGI}}.
864* TheWorfEffect: Happens many times thanks to the need to sell toys such as Devastator in most of his appearances after the first couple in ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', although in ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie'', he was once again a nigh-unstoppable threat due to the script having been written fairly early on in Season 2. One notable example is Sentinel Maximus whose toy made him out to be a [[GeniusBruiser Genius]] LightningBruiser but in the comics, failed at everything he did (even in his first appearance!) despite having a fairly new toy at the time.
865* WorldOfBadass: Cybertron. Literally, as it is the god Primus in disguise.
866* WretchedHive: In several continuities like the Dreamwave and IDW comics, the named city ''[[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Kaon_(polity) Kaon]]'' on Cybertron is often referred to as a miserable place, where the local law enforcers are hopelessly corrupt and/or helpless - in several backstories Kaon is also the place where the underground gladiator rings are located, and thus forms the birthplace of the rebellious movement that would become the Decepticons. Megatron in particular typically makes his name here as a champion in the arena before he becomes the Decepticon commander. Amusingly, on Primus's body as per his Transformers Cybertron incarnation, Kaon is located under his heel when he transforms to robot mode.
867%%* WritingAroundTrademarks: The need to avoid infringing on trademarks -- and preserve Hasbro's own trademarks -- has led to no end of trouble.%%ZCE. How?
868* YourSizeMayVary: Alien robots that can transform into every conceivable mechanical/electrical item results in this, and happens often in comics and TV series (the live-action films at least tried to avert this with some limited success). Moreso if a Transformer has more than one alternate mode. [[https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scale There is an entire page on the Transformers Wiki about this.]]
869** [[JustifiedTrope This is mostly explained by having the Transformers having some sort of mass displacement technology.]]
870[[/folder]]

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