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So What Are Transformers Made From, Exactly?
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Zobovor
May 23, 2012, 1:37:54 AM5/23/12
to
I'm thinking mainly of the characters from the G1 cartoon, but please
feel free to throw in examples from other media if they seem relevant.
So I was thining the other day and it seems like Transformers are
either completely indestructible or, conversely, made of tin foil
depending on the situation.
Blitzwing ran over several Autobots in "Triple Takeover," and it
seemed that just the sheer weight of Blitzwing in tank mode was enough
to completely flatten characters like Tracks and Skids and Prowl into
metal pancakes. Kup running over Kickback in The Transformers: the
Movie was enough to squash him like a bug. Trypticon stomping on
Swerve, however, in "Five Faces of Darkness" part 5 just made him sink
into the ground.
The Stunticons could crash through trees in vehicle mode ("The Key to
Vector Sigma"), and yet Warpath was able to put his fist through Dead
End's roof with no trouble ("Masquerade").
Optimus Prime ramming into Motormaster (also "Masquerade") was
sufficient to total Motormaster in truck mode, but Optimus Prime
ramming into several Decepticon troops (The Transformers: the Movie)
merely made them fly through the air, apparently no worse for wear.
"The Face of the Nijika" made a bit deal out of the fact that the
Autobots were only damaged after coming to Samojin because all the
materials were incredibly dense. Blurr was hurt because he hit a tree
with the molecular structure of a rock. On the other hand, an entire
mountain collapsed on the Decepticons more than once ("More Than Meets
the Eye" part 2 and "Microbots") and they were fine both times.
I don't get it.
Zob
feel free to throw in examples from other media if they seem relevant.
So I was thining the other day and it seems like Transformers are
either completely indestructible or, conversely, made of tin foil
depending on the situation.
Blitzwing ran over several Autobots in "Triple Takeover," and it
seemed that just the sheer weight of Blitzwing in tank mode was enough
to completely flatten characters like Tracks and Skids and Prowl into
metal pancakes. Kup running over Kickback in The Transformers: the
Movie was enough to squash him like a bug. Trypticon stomping on
Swerve, however, in "Five Faces of Darkness" part 5 just made him sink
into the ground.
The Stunticons could crash through trees in vehicle mode ("The Key to
Vector Sigma"), and yet Warpath was able to put his fist through Dead
End's roof with no trouble ("Masquerade").
Optimus Prime ramming into Motormaster (also "Masquerade") was
sufficient to total Motormaster in truck mode, but Optimus Prime
ramming into several Decepticon troops (The Transformers: the Movie)
merely made them fly through the air, apparently no worse for wear.
"The Face of the Nijika" made a bit deal out of the fact that the
Autobots were only damaged after coming to Samojin because all the
materials were incredibly dense. Blurr was hurt because he hit a tree
with the molecular structure of a rock. On the other hand, an entire
mountain collapsed on the Decepticons more than once ("More Than Meets
the Eye" part 2 and "Microbots") and they were fine both times.
I don't get it.
Zob
Velvet Glove
May 23, 2012, 9:03:01 AM5/23/12
to
On May 23, 1:37 am, Zobovor <zm...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> So I was thining the other day and it seems like Transformers are
> either completely indestructible or, conversely, made of tin foil
> depending on the situation.
Perhaps the in-story answer is that it depends on where they're hit?
>
> So I was thining the other day and it seems like Transformers are
> either completely indestructible or, conversely, made of tin foil
> depending on the situation.
> Trypticon stomping on
> Swerve, however, in "Five Faces of Darkness" part 5 just made him sink
> into the ground.
> The Stunticons could crash through trees in vehicle mode ("The Key to
> Vector Sigma"), and yet Warpath was able to put his fist through Dead
> End's roof with no trouble ("Masquerade").
> Optimus Prime ramming into Motormaster (also "Masquerade") was
> sufficient to total Motormaster in truck mode, but Optimus Prime
> ramming into several Decepticon troops (The Transformers: the Movie)
> merely made them fly through the air, apparently no worse for wear.
his vehicle mode, so there went his crumplezone!
> "The Face of the Nijika" made a bit deal out of the fact that the
> Autobots were only damaged after coming to Samojin because all the
> materials were incredibly dense. Blurr was hurt because he hit a tree
> with the molecular structure of a rock. On the other hand, an entire
> mountain collapsed on the Decepticons more than once ("More Than Meets
> the Eye" part 2 and "Microbots") and they were fine both times.
hit the trees, and while battered, they were fully functional. Blurr
hit an actual rock, and that was his problem. Even then, it was just
one little, but vital, part that seemed to get bent out of shape, and
it only needed to soften up for Blurr to be able to transform again.
It might have been a significant injury, but it wasn't exactly major
damage.
That said, what *are* transformers made of in G1 canon? We know they
need Cybertonium and Energon. Were there any other references to
their anatomy or materials?
Velvet Glove (should probably rewatch Microbots, but I have a
suspicion that will raise more questions than it answers...)
Onslaught Six
May 23, 2012, 8:50:08 AM5/23/12
to
> I'm thinking mainly of the characters from the G1 cartoon, but please
> feel free to throw in examples from other media if they seem relevant.
In the Marvel comics, Furman said they were "silicon-based lifeforms,"
> feel free to throw in examples from other media if they seem relevant.
the way humans are "carbon-based." So they basically just 'happen' to
look like robots according to Furman.
> Blitzwing ran over several Autobots in "Triple Takeover," and it
> seemed that just the sheer weight of Blitzwing in tank mode was enough
> to completely flatten characters like Tracks and Skids and Prowl into
> metal pancakes. Kup running over Kickback in The Transformers: the
> Movie was enough to squash him like a bug. Trypticon stomping on
> Swerve, however, in "Five Faces of Darkness" part 5 just made him sink
> into the ground.
Episode? Kup was a new toy and Kickback was an old toy, so.
> Optimus Prime ramming into Motormaster (also "Masquerade") was
> sufficient to total Motormaster in truck mode, but Optimus Prime
> ramming into several Decepticon troops (The Transformers: the Movie)
> merely made them fly through the air, apparently no worse for wear.
Wheelie]
> I don't get it.
down some of the most extreme examples and compare writers--some
writers might write TFs as more powerful or resilient than other
writers.
Autobus Prime
May 23, 2012, 12:04:13 PM5/23/12
to
> So I was thining the other day and it seems like Transformers are
> either completely indestructible or, conversely, made of tin foil
> depending on the situation.
Z:
> either completely indestructible or, conversely, made of tin foil
> depending on the situation.
They're made from plotonium..
Cordially yours:
Autobus Prime
w/minicon Farebox
See the Blurry Robot Theater:
http://www.blurryrobot.com
Chad Rushing
May 24, 2012, 2:10:03 AM5/24/12
to
On May 23, 12:37 am, Zobovor <zm...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> I'm thinking mainly of the characters from the G1 cartoon, but please
> feel free to throw in examples from other media if they seem relevant.
There are also scenes in early G1 where human bullets bounce off
>
> I'm thinking mainly of the characters from the G1 cartoon, but please
> feel free to throw in examples from other media if they seem relevant.
Decepticons like they are nothing. Then, in G1 Season 3 ("Only
Human"), even lasers from human weapons just reflect off of the
Autobots. That's why human weaponry being so effective against TFs in
the 2007 movie annoyed me greatly. G1 established fairly early on
that human weapon technology was practically worthless compared to
Transformer armor, so the battle would be the 'bots versus the 'cons
with the humans as spectators or advisors.
- Chad
Ultra Magnotron
May 24, 2012, 2:15:49 AM5/24/12
to
On 05/22/2012 10:37 PM, Zobovor wrote:
Short answer: Magic.
Long answer: Read up on Computational Damage Mechanics. There are many
applications to Metal Forming Simulations which could, under the correct
circumstances, yield similar results with the same metals used
consistently in each simulation.
You have to consider all the factors. What is the temperature? How much
pressure is being applied, and by what materials? Are TFs simple hollow
husks or are there any inner reinforcements involved in there
"biology?" In circumstances where energy blasts are involved you have
to consider what type of energy we're dealing with. If it's simple
electricity you can still cause massive amounts of damage with high
voltage blasts.
Of course, what would be really fascinating is whether or not nanotech
comes into play here. If they're composed entirely of nanites that swarm
together to create a seemingly solid, and very tough, appearance then
would a shifting in their mass no create weaknesses in certain areas?
Could it also not strengthen others?
I could probably go on for quite some time here...
--
The Transformers (G1) Subtitles:
http://www.box.com/s/931509f9d6b565d675d8
Ultra Magnotron's Transformers Blog:
http://www.elden.co/transformers
--- Posted via news://freenews.netfront.net/ - Complaints to ne...@netfront.net ---
Short answer: Magic.
Long answer: Read up on Computational Damage Mechanics. There are many
applications to Metal Forming Simulations which could, under the correct
circumstances, yield similar results with the same metals used
consistently in each simulation.
You have to consider all the factors. What is the temperature? How much
pressure is being applied, and by what materials? Are TFs simple hollow
husks or are there any inner reinforcements involved in there
"biology?" In circumstances where energy blasts are involved you have
to consider what type of energy we're dealing with. If it's simple
electricity you can still cause massive amounts of damage with high
voltage blasts.
Of course, what would be really fascinating is whether or not nanotech
comes into play here. If they're composed entirely of nanites that swarm
together to create a seemingly solid, and very tough, appearance then
would a shifting in their mass no create weaknesses in certain areas?
Could it also not strengthen others?
I could probably go on for quite some time here...
--
The Transformers (G1) Subtitles:
http://www.box.com/s/931509f9d6b565d675d8
Ultra Magnotron's Transformers Blog:
http://www.elden.co/transformers
--- Posted via news://freenews.netfront.net/ - Complaints to ne...@netfront.net ---
Ultra Magnotron
May 24, 2012, 2:18:39 AM5/24/12
to
So... Zob didn't write my long ranting. That should be obvious enough
without my saying so, but I don't need any misunderstandings caused by
my inability to check the post before posting.
without my saying so, but I don't need any misunderstandings caused by
my inability to check the post before posting.
Gustavo Wombat
May 24, 2012, 3:08:55 AM5/24/12
to
I like the human weapons having some effect -- it gives the Transformers a reason to hide, and it makes humanity something other than just spectators.
SteveD
May 26, 2012, 4:36:55 AM5/26/12
to
On Tue, 22 May 2012 22:37:54 -0700 (PDT), Zobovor <zm...@aol.com> wrote:
>The Stunticons could crash through trees in vehicle mode ("The Key to
>Vector Sigma"), and yet Warpath was able to put his fist through Dead
>End's roof with no trouble ("Masquerade").
The cartoon Stunticons canonically have skin-tight forcefields they can
>The Stunticons could crash through trees in vehicle mode ("The Key to
>Vector Sigma"), and yet Warpath was able to put his fist through Dead
>End's roof with no trouble ("Masquerade").
switch on specifically for the purpose of crashing into things. If Dead
End wasn't expecting a fist through the roof, he might not have had his
field on.
-SteveD
Gustavo Wombat
May 26, 2012, 5:19:14 AM5/26/12
to
On Tuesday, May 22, 2012 10:37:54 PM UTC-7, Zobovor wrote:
> The Stunticons could crash through trees in vehicle mode ("The Key to
> Vector Sigma"), and yet Warpath was able to put his fist through Dead
> End's roof with no trouble ("Masquerade").
Just think of what Warpath could do to trees.
> The Stunticons could crash through trees in vehicle mode ("The Key to
> Vector Sigma"), and yet Warpath was able to put his fist through Dead
> End's roof with no trouble ("Masquerade").
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