The Energon Pub

[SJ21]

How do we know that the flashbacks took place on Cybertron? They could have been elsewhere on another colony world after the Great Exodus.

Good point. That thought never crossed my mind. I kind of assumed it from the backgrounds. It looked kind of Cybertron-y to me.

she assumes her normal Robot Mode at least twice on Earth. Once when we first see her on Earth, and then again when she's realized that Jack went inside her ship and she enters from its "back door" of sorts.

I only saw the episode once, and now that you say that I remember that she was on legs when she went back into the ship. So I guess the only difference between her bot and alt mods is that her bot legs form the spider body and her spider legs get longer and she walks on them.

Laserbeak, Ravage, and Ratbat were all Earth animals before coming to Earth

Well, it didn't make sense back in the '80s either. I know in the first episode of G1, Laserbeak had a Cybertronian alt mode. It looked pretty much like a bird with a rounder head and wings, but it was different. I don't think Ravage appeared in the cartoon until everyone was on Earth, and I know Ratbat didn't. I am basing this solely on the cartoon. I didn't read the comics.

[Lorekeeper]

Well, it didn't make sense back in the '80s either. I know in the first episode of G1, Laserbeak had a Cybertronian alt mode. It looked pretty much like a bird with a rounder head and wings, but it was different. I don't think Ravage appeared in the cartoon until everyone was on Earth, and I know Ratbat didn't. I am basing this solely on the cartoon. I didn't read the comics.

This has always been a sticking point for me, too, (along with the basic transformers' "humanoid" shape.) There are two distinct possibilities as I reason it: (1) Parallel "evolution," or (2) organic contact. In scenario (1), many forms of Cybertronian life developed, with more than one "species" developing human-like intelligence. The humanoid/vehicle Transformers were the dominant species, largely driving the other species out of competition. In scenario (2), the Transformers came in contact with organic Earth-like ecologies at several points in their history, influencing various Transformers' primary and alternate modes.

[I won't even get into (2b), organic origins of the Transformers: (2bi) ala Beast Machines or (2bii) ala Starriors.]

[Sabrblade]

This has always been a sticking point for me, too, (along with the basic transformers' "humanoid" shape.) There are two distinct possibilities as I reason it: (1) Parallel "evolution," or (2) organic contact. In scenario (1), many forms of Cybertronian life developed, with more than one "species" developing human-like intelligence. The humanoid/vehicle Transformers were the dominant species, largely driving the other species out of competition. In scenario (2), the Transformers came in contact with organic Earth-like ecologies at several points in their history, influencing various Transformers' primary and alternate modes.

[I won't even get into (2b), organic origins of the Transformers: (2bi) ala Beast Machines or (2bii) ala Starriors.]

In Marvel G1, while Ravage/Laserbeak/Buzzsaw/Ratbat all had animal forms on Cybertron, they all spoke and thought normally as any intellectuals would.

It was only in the cartoon where they acted like pure animals (though, Ravage spoke inside Soundwaves chest in G1 episode 3, and The Heamdasters anime had Ratba,t Ravage and Laserbeak speaking in full verbal dialogue).

Though, Ramhorn also spoke in the G1 cartoon, and I know Steeljaw could speak in The Headmasters.

[Red 50]

When is the next episode gonna be out?

[Twitchythe3rd]

When is the next episode gonna be out?

This Saturday I think.

[crashhcourse]

Episode guide says the 30th, so....?

[psj333]

Shadowman, earlier, you've said that Airachnid did not have a beast mode, despite her organic appearance. However, after I've seen her in Predatory I'm now almost certain that she may be most likely a helicopter, based on her design. You can clearly see Airachnid's spider legs form together into a rotor's middle knob on her back, and you can also see spiderweb-like window patterns on her shoulders that will form a cockpit. Obviously, she'll be some sort of stealth attack helicopter. It's just that in this continuity, Transformers apparently need to scan something before they can transform (I blamed Bay and his writers for this idiocy, as if TFs couldn't transform on Cybertron...), just as with Skyquake, Airachnid couldn't transform (also due to budgetary reasons) until she scans a helicopter.

Her 'Lolth mode' is just an intermediate mode, sort of like BM Jetstorm's 'nolegs' mode (the toy's, that is).

[Sabrblade]

Shadowman, earlier, you've said that Airachnid did not have a beast mode, despite her organic appearance. However, after I've seen her in Predatory I'm now almost certain that she may be most likely a helicopter, based on her design. You can clearly see Airachnid's spider legs form together into a rotor's middle knob on her back, and you can also see spiderweb-like window patterns on her shoulders that will form a cockpit. Obviously, she'll be some sort of stealth attack helicopter. It's just that in this continuity, Transformers apparently need to scan something before they can transform (I blamed Bay and his writers for this idiocy, as if TFs couldn't transform on Cybertron...), just as with Skyquake, Airachnid couldn't transform (also due to budgetary reasons) until she scans a helicopter.

Her 'Lolth mode' is just an intermediate mode, sort of like BM Jetstorm's 'nolegs' mode (the toy's, that is).

She's a Spider-humanoid, not a helicopter. She doesn't need to scan a different altmode. Why can't she just be left as that?

And BM Jetstorm officially does not have legs. The toys just gave him some for increased playability.

[Shadowman]

Shadowman, earlier, you've said that Airachnid did not have a beast mode, despite her organic appearance. However, after I've seen her in Predatory I'm now almost certain that she may be most likely a helicopter, based on her design.

A helicopter is not a beast mode, so my point still stands.

You can clearly see Airachnid's spider legs form together into a rotor's middle knob on her back, and you can also see spiderweb-like window patterns on her shoulders that will form a cockpit. Obviously, she'll be some sort of stealth attack helicopter.

You got all of that conjecture based on one tiny piece of her design? You think maybe with her obvious spider aesthetic it would mean she'd turn into a giant spider?

It's just that in this continuity, Transformers apparently need to scan something before they can transform (I blamed Bay and his writers for this idiocy, as if TFs couldn't transform on Cybertron...), just as with Skyquake, Airachnid couldn't transform (also due to budgetary reasons) until she scans a helicopter.

Uh, what? In the movies, out of three of Megatron's alt-modes, only one of them is Earth-based. He's shown transforming into Cybertronian vehicles in the first two movies. And that's not counting the atmospheric entry pod alt-modes the Autobots use in the first movie. Just because they don't show everyone's pre-Earth alt-mode, doesn't mean it doesn't exist in that continuity.

[psj333]

This is a a response to Saberblade and Shadowman. First of all, I already understood that a helicopter is not a animal but a vehicle. But according to many different source, everybody is speculating that Airachnid's alt-mode is most likely some type of aircraft, whether helicopter or not, since part of her name is Air and not Ar, since spiders don't fly. As for Saberblade, you said that Airachnid is a spider-humanoid. I strongly disagree with that. First of all, there are no Predacons in Transformers: Prime as of yet. Secondly, Airachnid is a Decepticon, which means that Airachnid is a robot. As referring to Airachnid's humanoid appearance, I somewhat agree with this, since that many Transformers did have different humanlike appearance. Lastly, it's impossible that Airachnid did not have an alt-mode, whether beast or vehicle, but in my knowledge, every robot in the Transformers universe must have their own alt-mode to transform into, which is why these robots got their Transformers trademark name from. Otherwise, they wouldn't be called Transformers now, would they? Therefore, I'm certain that Airachnid did indeed has an alt-mode, although we still don't know which one. If you still don't agree with me, then please feel free to comment below and tell me about what's right about it.

[Shadowman]

But according to many different source, everybody is speculating that Airachnid's alt-mode is most likely some type of aircraft

Who are these sources?

since spiders don't fly.

True fact: yes they do, by using their webbing to travel along air currents.

As for Saberblade, you said that Airachnid is a spider-humanoid. I strongly disagree with that. First of all, there are no Predacons in Transformers: Prime as of yet. Secondly, Airachnid is a Decepticon, which means that Airachnid is a robot.

What are you talking about? Plenty of Decepticons had animal or insect alt-modes. The Insecticons, for instance, Ravage, Laserbeak, Ratbat, the original Predacon team (Predaking's components, not the faction from Beast Wars), Blackarachnia from Animated, and many more.

As referring to Airachnid's humanoid appearance, I somewhat agree with this, since that many Transformers did have different humanlike appearance.

"Humanoid" means you have the same basic shape as a human, i.e. two arms, two legs, a torso and a head. Few transformers DON'T have a humanoid mode (And I think most of those are teamed up with Blaster or Soundwave)

Lastly, it's impossible that Airachnid did not have an alt-mode, whether beast or vehicle, but in my knowledge, every robot in the Transformers universe must have their own alt-mode to transform into, which is why these robots got their Transformers trademark name from.

Alpha Trion would like to have a word with you. While we're at it, so would the Action Masters.

Therefore, I'm certain that Airachnid did indeed has an alt-mode, although we still don't know which one.

A moment ago, you were complaining that Transformers "have' to scan Earth vehicles to Transform in this series. Now you're 'certain" the exact opposite is true.

If you still don't agree with me, then please feel free to comment below and tell me about what's right about it.

Well, most of your points are easily disproven by pre-existing characters and themes. So there's that.

[psj333]

Shadowman,let me clear up of some of the points that you've just made earlier. First of all, I just want to let you know that the sources that I've got about Airachnid's alt-mode are certainly not from Wikipedia, rather are from members of forums of various Transformers related sites, concerning the possible speculation of Airachnid's true alt-mode. And it seems to me that almost all had the same answer: a helicopter, which most likely suggests part of her name, "Air" may be most likely to describe her flight mode. Secondly, you mentioned that some Transformers took the forms of vehicles, animals, insects, and tools. Those forms that these robots took are actually disguises, which is the main reason why Transformers are always called "Robots In Disguise". Lastly, you've stated that I said that a Transformer must scan an Earth vehicle or a animal to Transform into his or her alt-mode. I believe that you somewhat missing this whole point here. I didn't really say that. What I was really saying, however, that every Transformer must have a robot mode and an alt-mode, whether it's Cybertronian or Earth, vehicle or beast. So far, I've never ever seen a Transformer that only has a robot mode without his or her alt-mode. If that's the case, then this robot wouldn't be called a Transformer now, would he?

[psj333]

Shadowman,let me clear up of some of the points that you've just made earlier. First of all, I just want to let you know that the sources that I've got about Airachnid's alt-mode are certainly not from Wikipedia, rather are from members of forums of various Transformers related sites, concerning the possible speculation of Airachnid's true alt-mode. And it seems to me that almost all had the same answer: a helicopter, which most likely suggests part of her name, "Air" may be most likely to describe her flight mode. Secondly, you mentioned that some Transformers took the forms of vehicles, animals, insects, and tools. Those forms that these robots took are actually disguises, which is the main reason why Transformers are always called "Robots In Disguise". Lastly, you've stated that I said that a Transformer must scan an Earth vehicle or a animal to Transform into his or her alt-mode. I believe that you somewhat missing this whole point here. I didn't really say that. What I was really saying, however, that every Transformer must have a robot mode and an alt-mode, whether it's Cybertronian or Earth, vehicle or beast. So far, I've never ever seen a Transformer that only has a robot mode without his or her alt-mode. If that's the case, then this robot wouldn't be called a Transformer now, would he?

[Shadowman]

Shadowman,let me clear up of some of the points that you've just made earlier. First of all, I just want to let you know that the sources that I've got about Airachnid's alt-mode are certainly not from Wikipedia, rather are from members of forums of various Transformers related sites, concerning the possible speculation of Airachnid's true alt-mode. And it seems to me that almost all had the same answer: a helicopter, which most likely suggests part of her name, "Air" may be most likely to describe her flight mode.

Fan speculation, nothing more.

Secondly, you mentioned that some Transformers took the forms of vehicles, animals, insects, and tools. Those forms that these robots took are actually disguises, which is the main reason why Transformers are always called "Robots In Disguise".

Er...yeah, I know. Remember that bit you said about Predacons? That's why I brought up non-Predacons with beast modes. It's like you're reading all my posts out of context.

Lastly, you've stated that I said that a Transformer must scan an Earth vehicle or a animal to Transform into his or her alt-mode. I believe that you somewhat missing this whole point here. I didn't really say that.

Really? if you didn't say that, why did you say that?

It's just that in this continuity, Transformers apparently need to scan something before they can transform (I blamed Bay and his writers for this idiocy, as if TFs couldn't transform on Cybertron...), just as with Skyquake, Airachnid couldn't transform (also due to budgetary reasons) until she scans a helicopter.:

So far, I've never ever seen a Transformer that only has a robot mode without his or her alt-mode. If that's the case, then this robot wouldn't be called a Transformer now, would he?

Alpha Trion was never shown with an Alt-Mode...

[Sabrblade]

FINALLY! I CAN RESPOND!!!!

But according to many different source, everybody is speculating that Airachnid's alt-mode is most likely some type of aircraft, whether helicopter or not, since part of her name is Air and not Ar, since spiders don't fly.

Speculation =/= truth.

As for Saberblade, you said that Airachnid is a spider-humanoid. I strongly disagree with that.

I meant as of right now! She is currently a humanoid spider. She came to Earth in that form and is still in the form. I did not say that she will stay in that form, but I see no reason for her to change it. Being the kind of person that she is, she has no reason to assume an Earthen disguise.

First of all, there are no Predacons in Transformers: Prime as of yet.

I never said she was a Predacon. Predacons are not the only Decepticons and turn into animals.

However, a production sheet for Airachnid placed a Beast Wars Predacon symbol next to her name. Make of that what you will.

Secondly, Airachnid is a Decepticon, which means that Airachnid is a robot.

I was referring to her altmode being a spider/humanoid hybrid.

Lastly, it's impossible that Airachnid did not have an alt-mode, whether beast or vehicle,

She HAS an altmode. She walks on her spider legs in her altmode, and then walks on normal bipedal legs in her Robot Mode. She just spent more time in her altmode than she did in her Robot Mode in the episode.

but in my knowledge, every robot in the Transformers universe must have their own alt-mode to transform into, which is why these robots got their Transformers trademark name from. Otherwise, they wouldn't be called Transformers now, would they?

What about Action Masters?

And, no, I am not saying that Airachnid is an Action Master (she is not). Airachnid has a Robot Mode and a humanoid/spider-mixed altmode.

Therefore, I'm certain that Airachnid did indeed has an alt-mode, although we still don't know which one. If you still don't agree with me, then please feel free to comment below and tell me about what's right about it.

I've said it again and again. The form that has her walking on her spider legs is her altmode, and the form in which she walks on two regular legs is her Robot Mode. She was briefly seen in her Robot Mode at least two times in the episode.

[Scourgescream]

Alpha Trion was never shown with an Alt-Mode...

To be fair, that doesn't mean he didn't have one

[Rodimus2006]

Alpha Trion has never had an Alt-Mode in any of the series he was thier mentor thier creator and advisor from the Key To Vector Sigma he merged with and OP uses the Key to cummincate with AT for advice.

AT was also the reason they beat the Quints in G1 and also he created OP and Elita-1 then later helped with the Aerieal Bots.

I hope we get to see AT & Elita-1 in Prime.

[psj333]

Shadowman, if you really think that her spider/humanoid alt-mode is her alt-mode, then let me ask you this: It is also possible that Airachnid may also have a vehicle mode as well. If that is the case, then the question for you is are there any Transformers that have a combination of both vehicle and beast alt-modes? If so, name them.

[Shadowman]

Shadowman, if you really think that her spider/humanoid alt-mode is her alt-mode, then let me ask you this: It is also possible that Airachnid may also have a vehicle mode as well.

Not necessarily. She may not have a vehicle mode, just a spider-mode. (Different from her spider-legs mode)

If that is the case, then the question for you is are there any Transformers that have a combination of both vehicle and beast alt-modes? If so, name them.

Anyone in Beast Wars who went Transmetal.

[Sabrblade]

Alpha Trion has never had an Alt-Mode in any of the series he was thier mentor thier creator and advisor from the Key To Vector Sigma he merged with and OP uses the Key to cummincate with AT for advice.

AT was also the reason they beat the Quints in G1 and also he created OP and Elita-1 then later helped with the Aerieal Bots.

I hope we get to see AT & Elita-1 in Prime.

Shattered Glass Alpha Trion definitely had an altmode. Why, he even had a full transformable toy! And, he's slaggin' evil and murderously crazy.

If that is the case, then the question for you is are there any Transformers that have a combination of both vehicle and beast alt-modes? If so, name them.

In addition to the Transmetals (what Shadowman said), there's also:

• G1 Sky-Lynx's "dino" mode contains many pieces of his space shuttle mode
• G1 Sixshot's secret seventh "Wingwolf" mode consists of features from his other six modes, most prominently his wolf head and jet wings
• Any of RiD Megatron/Galvatron's vehicular altmodes (each one contains elements of his dragon and bat beast modes)
• Energon Scorponok was really a large treaded truck with two giant shovels and a crane attached to it just to make it resemble a scorpion
• Cybertron Scrapmetal is a "spider-tank"
• Movie Scorponok is a scorpion made up of military vehicle parts (such as the engine of Blackout's helicopter altmode)

[psj333]

This reply is for both Saberblade and Shadowman. First of all Saberblade, I just wanted to thank you for providing some information by bringing up some few examples of those Transformers that contain both beast and vehicle modes at the same time. You know, I wish that you could provide more characters that do have these same abilities. You see, Shadowman, this is exactly what I was talking about. Because of this information that Saberblade just showed to me, it is likely that Airachnid may have a vehicle mode, just like the ones that Saberblade just showed to me earlier. However, as for Airachnid, this is just our speculation. At this point, we can't confirm anything, regarding on Airachnid just yet, until we see her again, mostly likely in the next week's episode called, "Sick Mind". In this episode, Arcee is in this episode. And Arachnid is currently Arcee's main rival. So I'm sure that if Arcee do appear in this episode, there is a very great chance that Airachnid may show up again, thus possibly giving a full detail of Airachnid herself. Airachnid did survived, and promised to fight Arcee in another day. But we'll see what happens.

[Sabrblade]

This reply is for both Saberblade and Shadowman. First of all Saberblade, I just wanted to thank you for providing some information by bringing up some few examples of those Transformers that contain both beast and vehicle modes at the same time. You know, I wish that you could provide more characters that do have these same abilities. You see, Shadowman, this is exactly what I was talking about. Because of this information that Saberblade just showed to me, it is likely that Airachnid may have a vehicle mode, just like the ones that Saberblade just showed to me earlier.

No. That post of mine was in no support for Airachnid getting a new altmode. I repeat. SHE DOESN'T NEED ONE! She alreayd has two modes. She doesn't need a vehicle mode!

At this point, we can't confirm anything, regarding on Airachnid just yet, until we see her again, mostly likely in the next week's episode called, "Sick Mind". In this episode, Arcee is in this episode. And Arachnid is currently Arcee's main rival. So I'm sure that if Arcee do appear in this episode, there is a very great chance that Airachnid may show up again, thus possibly giving a full detail of Airachnid herself. Airachnid did survived, and promised to fight Arcee in another day. But we'll see what happens.

NO!! Just becuase Arcee appears does not mean Airachnid will. Airachnid has nothing to do with this next episode! This episode deals with Optimus getting sick and Arcee/BB sneaking onto the Nemesis for a cure. Airachnid has nothing to do with any of that! We have NO idea when she will appear again.

[Shadowman]

However, as for Airachnid, this is just our speculation. At this point, we can't confirm anything, regarding on Airachnid just yet

That's what we've been trying to tell you!

until we see her again, mostly likely in the next week's episode called, "Sick Mind". In this episode, Arcee is in this episode. And Arachnid is currently Arcee's main rival. So I'm sure that if Arcee do appear in this episode, there is a very great chance that Airachnid may show up again, thus possibly giving a full detail of Airachnid herself. Airachnid did survived, and promised to fight Arcee in another day. But we'll see what happens.

There's no logic in that statement at all. Just because their rivals doesn't mean Airachnid has to appear in EVERY Arcee-centric episode.

EDIT: Sick Mind is currently available for Video On Demand. I HAVE VOD. Expect my horrible spoiler-tacular report shortly. (It helps that I can rewind and pause, now I can get my details more accurate)

[crashhcourse]

Sick Mind was enlightening, exciting, enticing, engrossing and ...well...everything I love about this series. Bee and Ratchet in the lead this episode was nice to see. The opening was beautiful and creepy, and the scenes with Megatron were thrilling. It answered so many calls I see on this board; more Ratchet? (yes), how come the Bots can't just find the Nemesis any time they want and if they could, wouldn't they act? (yes), will the kids always save the day? (no! hooray!)and what's up with Megatron? (holy crap! what IS up with him!?). I cannot wait for the next episode!

[Shadowman]

Well, I was hoping someone would post YESTERDAY when I actually watched the episode. At least I remembered to save this to a notepad file.

All right, Sick Mind, let's get down to it:

-Optimus has an incurable, deadly virus spread through Energon. It's called the Cybonic Plague (If I spelled that right) but I will call it Robo-AIDS.

-Aw, Knockout's 'cosmetic' damage is fixed. Phooey. I was hoping he'd have a big disfiguring scar he'd have to deal with. Oh well, minor issue at most.

-Now they know Megatron is alive. So there's that. Arcee wants to kill him, but Ratchet suggests a Vulcan Mind Meld, but with robots instead of Vulcans, and Frank Welker instead of Leonard Nimoy.

-"Are you out of your fraggin' mind?" I love you Arcee.

-What makes Soundwave so special that Starscream can't simply do to him what he did to Knockout?

-"One shall stand, one shall fall!" That's practically Optimus' catchphrase at this point.

-Megatron dreams of constantly killing Optimus. I am not surprised at all.

-Okay, Megatron is the main villain this episode? Happy now?

-"Do I still function?" Nearly Megatron's catchphrase.

-Bumblebee still can't talk in Megatron's head? Kind of a letdown.

-Bee cuts Megatron a deal; Megatron will give Bee the cure for Robo-AIDS, and Bee will help Megatron get out so he can kill Optimus himself. Ratchet manages to record the image of the cut formula, so...deal's off.

-I lied, no it isn't. Megatron is living inside Bumblebee's head now.

-Hell of an episode! Really, after Predatory and now this, the series is really starting to pick up. And that's coming from someone who already really liked this series.