Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One
Saturday, April 8th, 2017 2:01PM CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Top ListsPosted by: william-james88 Views: 69,469
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Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.
Top 10 Best G1 Characters
Oh yeah, we are going there, sparing no one, just like the writers of the original Transformers movie. If anyone cares about the criteria used (probably no one for this list), the way it was decided was by the G1 centric characters that had a greater impact on me and made me either keep coming back to the brand. This isn't a badass meter, but instead, it is a list about the characters from this era that inspire you or haunt you as you go about your day. The G1 title doesn't necessarily refer to the show (although it is usually a big factor) but instead to the era and the prominent characters stemming from it. We will keep specific modern day interpretations (like IDW) for another time though. Let me know which G1 characters you like best once you have finished reading the list. Now let's get to it!
10. Grimlock
The leader of the Dinobots needs a mention on such a list. While not the sharpest tool in the shed, in the show at least, what he adds to the fiction is huge. Firstly, he brings a more beastial warrior aspect to the War in showing how sometimes brute force is what is needed to win with him and the Dinobots essentially being weapons created by the Autobots. He then evolved from being the leader of a team that can take down Devastator into being an actual equal to the other autobots, going on their adventures (and creating Computron). I also love how he still has a nice air of childish wonder, like the War is part of his life but he can still be innocent and full of wonder within it, like when he just wants to hear more of Kup's stories. And of course, in the comics he became Leader of the Autobots.
9. Starscream
Always a fun character but for crying out loud if you want to be Leader of the Decepticons do something instead of saying you will do it. It gets infuriating sometimes to wonder why Megatron keeps this guy around but then you see what he adds, both in wit and firepower, and you can see how Megatron weighs in the pros and cons. Starscream can definitely make the difference in the War, without him we wouldn't have Bruticus. His brotherly rivalry with Megatron is also very entertaining (hence the thumbnail) and he just has great presence! Also, he has an incredible design that is, to me, even more iconic than his superior. But that will probably be for another list.
8. Ironhide
Older transformers add so much to the Transformers mythos. They give the notion that different generations of robots exist and fight together. This adds a lot of diversity to the team, in both the show and the comics, by having contrasting opinions on certain situations depending on a soldier's experience. Ironhide, to me, is akin to DC's Wildcat from the JSA. He keeps what he saw to himself while offering as much wisdom as he deems necessary for a situation. He also always seems to have just the right weapon or tool handy, which makes for an amazing array of accessories for his masterpiece toy. I like to think it's all due to his experience that he has so many tricks up his sleeves. This is the kind of guy I want by my side if ever I would end up on the battlefield, no doubt about it.
7. Shockwave
Shockwave is just stone cold evil and his intelligence is one of the two greatest assets the Decepticons have (the other will be mentioned later) in the cartoon and in the comics. Megatron may be the leader, but it is Shockwave who ended up being the local leader of the Decepticon cause on Cybertron. While I understand that Shockwave did not do that much in the show, his appearance, demeaner and voice did stay with most of us and his G1 comics appearance really showcased the sadistic and cold bast*rd that the show only hinted to.
6. Kup
As I said above with Ironhide, these kinds of characters add a lot to the show and a lot of what I said about Ironhide applies to Kup as well. While we lost Ironhide in the show, Kup came in to take over that role but in a very different way. Kup is more of a R Lee Ermey type, who takes pride in commanding his troops and making a play. He also has awesome war stories that I always want to hear more of (me Grimlock love Kup stories).
5. Megatron and 4. Optimus
Both are very important and iconic characters, and are both as awesome as Chuck Norris riding an armoured Pegasus through the gates of hell to confront Satan (with some Blind Guardian playing in the background). However, they are also quite one note since they are more like archetypes for good and evil. Optimus has a few more nuances due to his paternal side and that gives him the edge over Megatron as far as being a great character. I still love both of these guys though and their rivalry is as iconic as can be (that will be another list, stay tuned for that).
3. Rodimus Prime
Now I am not saying that Rodimus is a better leader than Optimus was or that he was more badass, but I am far more impressed with how he kept his team morality high and how the writers actually succeeded in making him a decent leader on the show. He had an uphill battle to gain the trust of both his troop and the fans and I am impressed that the character always seems to keep his cool. Also his voice and tall stances quickly make you forget he was fishing with Daniel just a few moments ago. I can see how so many have him as their favourite.
2. Soundwave
You know who the baddest mofo in the room is when there is an earthquake and he is the only one keeping his calm (this is an analogy, not a reference to a specific scene). This is what this guy is but as a villain. His efficiency and loyalty is the other greatest asset the Decepticons have (well aside from a giant robot made up of six smaller robots). Megatron may be the leader, but it is this guy I want to mess with the least. Plus he has all his awesome friends who are just as loyal to him as his is to the cause. Decepticons Forever!
1. Galvatron
You would all be surprised as to how easy this was to pick. Megatron is my favourite for his design and legacy, but Galvatron is just INSANE! I love how the writers pulled off an incredible feat of having him be both new and old at the same time. You can tell he was Megatron once (in the fiction where that is the case), but this is a Megatron that was thrown into the Lazarus pit to be reborn unhinged. While Megatron was evil simply because that seems to be what his circuits dictated, Galvatron revels in his own evil and the chaos that he can create. I just feel this character ups the stakes so much and brings the TF world something no one else can. The Webworld episode is a true testament to that.
Honourable mentions: everyone ... except for Broadside.
Top 10 Best G1 Characters
Oh yeah, we are going there, sparing no one, just like the writers of the original Transformers movie. If anyone cares about the criteria used (probably no one for this list), the way it was decided was by the G1 centric characters that had a greater impact on me and made me either keep coming back to the brand. This isn't a badass meter, but instead, it is a list about the characters from this era that inspire you or haunt you as you go about your day. The G1 title doesn't necessarily refer to the show (although it is usually a big factor) but instead to the era and the prominent characters stemming from it. We will keep specific modern day interpretations (like IDW) for another time though. Let me know which G1 characters you like best once you have finished reading the list. Now let's get to it!
10. Grimlock
The leader of the Dinobots needs a mention on such a list. While not the sharpest tool in the shed, in the show at least, what he adds to the fiction is huge. Firstly, he brings a more beastial warrior aspect to the War in showing how sometimes brute force is what is needed to win with him and the Dinobots essentially being weapons created by the Autobots. He then evolved from being the leader of a team that can take down Devastator into being an actual equal to the other autobots, going on their adventures (and creating Computron). I also love how he still has a nice air of childish wonder, like the War is part of his life but he can still be innocent and full of wonder within it, like when he just wants to hear more of Kup's stories. And of course, in the comics he became Leader of the Autobots.
9. Starscream
Always a fun character but for crying out loud if you want to be Leader of the Decepticons do something instead of saying you will do it. It gets infuriating sometimes to wonder why Megatron keeps this guy around but then you see what he adds, both in wit and firepower, and you can see how Megatron weighs in the pros and cons. Starscream can definitely make the difference in the War, without him we wouldn't have Bruticus. His brotherly rivalry with Megatron is also very entertaining (hence the thumbnail) and he just has great presence! Also, he has an incredible design that is, to me, even more iconic than his superior. But that will probably be for another list.
8. Ironhide
Older transformers add so much to the Transformers mythos. They give the notion that different generations of robots exist and fight together. This adds a lot of diversity to the team, in both the show and the comics, by having contrasting opinions on certain situations depending on a soldier's experience. Ironhide, to me, is akin to DC's Wildcat from the JSA. He keeps what he saw to himself while offering as much wisdom as he deems necessary for a situation. He also always seems to have just the right weapon or tool handy, which makes for an amazing array of accessories for his masterpiece toy. I like to think it's all due to his experience that he has so many tricks up his sleeves. This is the kind of guy I want by my side if ever I would end up on the battlefield, no doubt about it.
7. Shockwave
Shockwave is just stone cold evil and his intelligence is one of the two greatest assets the Decepticons have (the other will be mentioned later) in the cartoon and in the comics. Megatron may be the leader, but it is Shockwave who ended up being the local leader of the Decepticon cause on Cybertron. While I understand that Shockwave did not do that much in the show, his appearance, demeaner and voice did stay with most of us and his G1 comics appearance really showcased the sadistic and cold bast*rd that the show only hinted to.
6. Kup
As I said above with Ironhide, these kinds of characters add a lot to the show and a lot of what I said about Ironhide applies to Kup as well. While we lost Ironhide in the show, Kup came in to take over that role but in a very different way. Kup is more of a R Lee Ermey type, who takes pride in commanding his troops and making a play. He also has awesome war stories that I always want to hear more of (me Grimlock love Kup stories).
5. Megatron and 4. Optimus
Both are very important and iconic characters, and are both as awesome as Chuck Norris riding an armoured Pegasus through the gates of hell to confront Satan (with some Blind Guardian playing in the background). However, they are also quite one note since they are more like archetypes for good and evil. Optimus has a few more nuances due to his paternal side and that gives him the edge over Megatron as far as being a great character. I still love both of these guys though and their rivalry is as iconic as can be (that will be another list, stay tuned for that).
3. Rodimus Prime
Now I am not saying that Rodimus is a better leader than Optimus was or that he was more badass, but I am far more impressed with how he kept his team morality high and how the writers actually succeeded in making him a decent leader on the show. He had an uphill battle to gain the trust of both his troop and the fans and I am impressed that the character always seems to keep his cool. Also his voice and tall stances quickly make you forget he was fishing with Daniel just a few moments ago. I can see how so many have him as their favourite.
2. Soundwave
You know who the baddest mofo in the room is when there is an earthquake and he is the only one keeping his calm (this is an analogy, not a reference to a specific scene). This is what this guy is but as a villain. His efficiency and loyalty is the other greatest asset the Decepticons have (well aside from a giant robot made up of six smaller robots). Megatron may be the leader, but it is this guy I want to mess with the least. Plus he has all his awesome friends who are just as loyal to him as his is to the cause. Decepticons Forever!
1. Galvatron
You would all be surprised as to how easy this was to pick. Megatron is my favourite for his design and legacy, but Galvatron is just INSANE! I love how the writers pulled off an incredible feat of having him be both new and old at the same time. You can tell he was Megatron once (in the fiction where that is the case), but this is a Megatron that was thrown into the Lazarus pit to be reborn unhinged. While Megatron was evil simply because that seems to be what his circuits dictated, Galvatron revels in his own evil and the chaos that he can create. I just feel this character ups the stakes so much and brings the TF world something no one else can. The Webworld episode is a true testament to that.
Honourable mentions: everyone ... except for Broadside.
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Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872822)
Posted by Va'al on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:13pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:13pm CDT
huehuehuehuehue the thumbnail huehuehuehue
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872824)
Posted by Deadput on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:19pm CDT
Posted by Deadput on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:19pm CDT
I would still add Beachcomber in that list somewhere but that's just me.
I also like Perceptor in the show but I wouldn't say he was my fave either.
I also like Perceptor in the show but I wouldn't say he was my fave either.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872825)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:21pm CDT
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:21pm CDT
Heh, I loathe Galvatron in the tv show. I thought he was great in the movie voiced by Nimoy but found him incredibly annoying when voiced by Welker (sorry) and not helped by the poor writing of many of the episodes (Grimlock too was hurt bad when he became nothing more than Danny's giant dino toy for most of it). I far preferred the version(s) of him in the Marvel comics where he seemed like a genuine threat and didn't even need troops or even his lackeys Cyclonus and Scourge after Target: 2006. I like that you mention Shockwave's comic self though. He too was truly impressive in the comics and we all remember that iconic 'The Transformers Are All Dead' cover.
(Have to admit I always found Soundwave kinda boring, both in the tv show and the toy itself. Cool voice but he never seemed to have much of a personality in the cartoon and is someone else I preferred in comics, at least in the UK stuff)
Most of my faves would be from Marvel. Can't think of an order but they'd include at least some of Galvatron, Shockwave and Grimlock as mentioned, and Bludgeon, Carnivac, Thunderwing, Blaster (from his earlier US stories), Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Megatron, Straxus, Springer, Rodimus Prime and I'm including Death's Head cos even if he's still Marvel these days he still counts.
(Have to admit I always found Soundwave kinda boring, both in the tv show and the toy itself. Cool voice but he never seemed to have much of a personality in the cartoon and is someone else I preferred in comics, at least in the UK stuff)
Most of my faves would be from Marvel. Can't think of an order but they'd include at least some of Galvatron, Shockwave and Grimlock as mentioned, and Bludgeon, Carnivac, Thunderwing, Blaster (from his earlier US stories), Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Megatron, Straxus, Springer, Rodimus Prime and I'm including Death's Head cos even if he's still Marvel these days he still counts.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872828)
Posted by Kurona on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:29pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:29pm CDT
Yeah, what saves Optimus from joining the likes of Star Saber in standard-boring-I-am-ultimate-good central is that he's not just the Autobot Leader, he's the Autobot Leader who's your friend. Your dad. Sure usually he's fighting Megatron and the Decepticons and that of course always takes priority, but when the war's cooled down for a bit he's just as comfortable playing basketball with Spike and the Dinobots. It's that little bit of 80s goofiness that I really miss and wish would be in modern interpretations of the character; Aligned Prime could benefit a lot from this.
Man, I can just tell Rodimus is going to be such an unpopular choice - ESPECIALLY when you place him right above Optimus, oh man are you asking for trouble - but I fully agree. In the cartoon he was easily the best character and the only one that could really truly be said to have character development aside from those moral-of-the-day episodes. It's just a shame that he was finally able to accept and balance both his sense of self and responsibility of leadership right before the episode he gives the Matrix back to Optimus. ... and also a shame he got that horrific episode-ending line in Fight or Flee. What that episode did for Magnus just tore down Rodimus, sheesh.
MTMTE made me fall in love with Rodimus but G1 was a pretty damn good start.
Honourable mention: Laserbeak. In the scene where the Decepticons got drunk - the BEST scene - Megatron orders the Decepticons to attack. Laserbeak flies over and then slowly spins and falls to the ground. He tried. Oh my god does he try.
Man, I can just tell Rodimus is going to be such an unpopular choice - ESPECIALLY when you place him right above Optimus, oh man are you asking for trouble - but I fully agree. In the cartoon he was easily the best character and the only one that could really truly be said to have character development aside from those moral-of-the-day episodes. It's just a shame that he was finally able to accept and balance both his sense of self and responsibility of leadership right before the episode he gives the Matrix back to Optimus. ... and also a shame he got that horrific episode-ending line in Fight or Flee. What that episode did for Magnus just tore down Rodimus, sheesh.
MTMTE made me fall in love with Rodimus but G1 was a pretty damn good start.
Honourable mention: Laserbeak. In the scene where the Decepticons got drunk - the BEST scene - Megatron orders the Decepticons to attack. Laserbeak flies over and then slowly spins and falls to the ground. He tried. Oh my god does he try.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872830)
Posted by Kurona on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:34pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:34pm CDT
(Also, shouldn't this be in cartoons and comics instead of general?)
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872831)
Posted by Black Bumblebee on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:34pm CDT
Posted by Black Bumblebee on April 8th, 2017 @ 2:34pm CDT
Hmmm... guess the list got changed based on the previous comments (or was a draft). I still stand by my previous comment, though: Optimus in G1 was far more than just the "one note good guy."
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872844)
Posted by Va'al on April 8th, 2017 @ 3:02pm CDT
It should! But as I'm doing things single-handedly today, as well as posting news and working, I got sidetracked.
Posted by Va'al on April 8th, 2017 @ 3:02pm CDT
Kurona wrote:(Also, shouldn't this be in cartoons and comics instead of general?)
It should! But as I'm doing things single-handedly today, as well as posting news and working, I got sidetracked.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872847)
Posted by Moody magpie on April 8th, 2017 @ 3:28pm CDT
Posted by Moody magpie on April 8th, 2017 @ 3:28pm CDT
Seriously where's Jazz? 
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872852)
Posted by Deadput on April 8th, 2017 @ 3:46pm CDT
What did Jazz do again outside of the three episode pilot and the episode where the Autobots go evil?
I seriously don't remember Jazz doing anything meaningful.
Posted by Deadput on April 8th, 2017 @ 3:46pm CDT
Moody magpie wrote:Seriously where's Jazz?
What did Jazz do again outside of the three episode pilot and the episode where the Autobots go evil?
I seriously don't remember Jazz doing anything meaningful.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872854)
Posted by Kurona on April 8th, 2017 @ 3:55pm CDT
Orson Wells ate him.
Posted by Kurona on April 8th, 2017 @ 3:55pm CDT
Deadput wrote:Moody magpie wrote:Seriously where's Jazz?
What did Jazz do again outside of the three episode pilot and the episode where the Autobots go evil?
I seriously don't remember Jazz doing anything meaningful.
Orson Wells ate him.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872857)
Posted by Ultra Mad on April 8th, 2017 @ 4:05pm CDT
Posted by Ultra Mad on April 8th, 2017 @ 4:05pm CDT
It's all a matter of opinion. I agree with many choices on this list except one: Rodimus. God do I hate this character. This is probably because I never accepted him replacing Optimus. The grudge of a 7 years old is eternal (I still remember raging at Optimus's death at the movie theater as I watched Transformers the movie lol).
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872874)
Posted by Burn on April 8th, 2017 @ 5:11pm CDT
This is Will's list. We welcome everyone to post their own lists as well. Because ...
See this I can relate to, because it's exactly how I feel.
Posted by Burn on April 8th, 2017 @ 5:11pm CDT
Moody magpie wrote:Seriously where's Jazz?
This is Will's list. We welcome everyone to post their own lists as well. Because ...
Ultra Mad wrote:It's all a matter of opinion.
Ultra Mad wrote:I agree with many choices on this list except one: Rodimus. God do I hate this character. This is probably because I never accepted him replacing Optimus. The grudge of a 7 years old is eternal (I still remember raging at Optimus's death at the movie theater as I watched Transformers the movie lol).
See this I can relate to, because it's exactly how I feel.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872902)
Posted by Sarahthecutevixen on April 8th, 2017 @ 7:15pm CDT
Posted by Sarahthecutevixen on April 8th, 2017 @ 7:15pm CDT
I agree with rodimus over optimus, saw the movie first when i was 5, so I saw rodimus first
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872930)
Posted by Sodan-1 on April 8th, 2017 @ 9:15pm CDT
Yeah, a little bit of click-baiting there me thinks. "What?! WHEELIE?! I'm going to give this article a piece of my mind."
I'd just like to say thank you for including Rodimus and placing him so highly. By the time I was old enough to enjoy Transformers he had already taken over the mantle of leadership (so maybe I'm a bit biased), but to this day I get fed up with people hating on him because
"HE GOT OPTIMUS KILLED!" His spark was in the right place, but his impulsive youthfulness got the better of him. I dare to say there isn't a person alive that hasn't done similar.
Optimus had eons of leadership experience behind him and he still made mistakes. Besides, it turned out alright in the end. And arguably, just like Jesus Christ, would Optimus have the same following if he hadn't pulled off the resurrection trick?
Posted by Sodan-1 on April 8th, 2017 @ 9:15pm CDT
Va'al wrote:huehuehuehuehue the thumbnail huehuehuehue
Yeah, a little bit of click-baiting there me thinks. "What?! WHEELIE?! I'm going to give this article a piece of my mind."I'd just like to say thank you for including Rodimus and placing him so highly. By the time I was old enough to enjoy Transformers he had already taken over the mantle of leadership (so maybe I'm a bit biased), but to this day I get fed up with people hating on him because
"HE GOT OPTIMUS KILLED!" His spark was in the right place, but his impulsive youthfulness got the better of him. I dare to say there isn't a person alive that hasn't done similar.Optimus had eons of leadership experience behind him and he still made mistakes. Besides, it turned out alright in the end. And arguably, just like Jesus Christ, would Optimus have the same following if he hadn't pulled off the resurrection trick?
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872941)
Posted by william-james88 on April 8th, 2017 @ 9:46pm CDT
Haha, that was the idea of Va'al our news admin. I am not a big fan of click bait but then again that did get you to come here so I can't be all mad
Thanks for sharing your thoughts all!
That panel will be making another appearance in an upcoming list, so stay tuned
While I thought it was fine, Seibertron saw it more as a draft that needed some refinement, he was right
Posted by william-james88 on April 8th, 2017 @ 9:46pm CDT
Sodan-1 wrote:Va'al wrote:huehuehuehuehue the thumbnail huehuehuehue
Haha, that was the idea of Va'al our news admin. I am not a big fan of click bait but then again that did get you to come here so I can't be all mad
Thanks for sharing your thoughts all!
Burn wrote:And let's not forget this panel that may or may not have inspired a similar scene from the first live action movie.
That panel will be making another appearance in an upcoming list, so stay tuned
Black Bumblebee wrote:Hmmm... guess the list got changed based on the previous comments (or was a draft).
While I thought it was fine, Seibertron saw it more as a draft that needed some refinement, he was right
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872950)
Posted by 1984forever on April 8th, 2017 @ 10:07pm CDT
Posted by 1984forever on April 8th, 2017 @ 10:07pm CDT
Hmmm. Surprisingly, I have nothing negative to say about this list.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872952)
Posted by Sodan-1 on April 8th, 2017 @ 10:16pm CDT
I posted my comment before reading everyone else's, but perfect case in point.
Have to say I'm very glad Ironhide and Kup made the list. If Optimus was a father figure then these guys were the grandfathers.
I also liked being presented with a new spin on Grimlock. I had always seen him as a big dumbass. The child-like innocence actually makes more sense.
Posted by Sodan-1 on April 8th, 2017 @ 10:16pm CDT
Ultra Mad wrote:I agree with many choices on this list except one: Rodimus. God do I hate this character. This is probably because I never accepted him replacing Optimus. The grudge of a 7 years old is eternal (I still remember raging at Optimus's death at the movie theater as I watched Transformers the movie lol).
I posted my comment before reading everyone else's, but perfect case in point.Have to say I'm very glad Ironhide and Kup made the list. If Optimus was a father figure then these guys were the grandfathers.
I also liked being presented with a new spin on Grimlock. I had always seen him as a big dumbass. The child-like innocence actually makes more sense.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872956)
Posted by william-james88 on April 8th, 2017 @ 10:29pm CDT
Thanks man! And yeah I saw it that way because unlike all the other bots in G1, the Dinobots had just been made and thus were more like kids that had not matured yet, brought into a world or war.
Also, having Kup and Ironhide was a real must for me. Like with you, those guys really resonated with me. You really felt better having them by your side.
Posted by william-james88 on April 8th, 2017 @ 10:29pm CDT
Sodan-1 wrote:
I also liked being presented with a new spin on Grimlock. I had always seen him as a big dumbass. The child-like innocence actually makes more sense.
Thanks man! And yeah I saw it that way because unlike all the other bots in G1, the Dinobots had just been made and thus were more like kids that had not matured yet, brought into a world or war.
Also, having Kup and Ironhide was a real must for me. Like with you, those guys really resonated with me. You really felt better having them by your side.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872971)
Posted by Decepticon Stryker on April 8th, 2017 @ 11:51pm CDT
Keep in mind that Star is a dad. Of a human. Adopted human but still,you don't see Optimus having a relationship like that. Mention Kiss Players and I'll send Death's Head after you.
Posted by Decepticon Stryker on April 8th, 2017 @ 11:51pm CDT
Kurona wrote:Yeah, what saves Optimus from joining the likes of Star Saber in standard-boring-I-am-ultimate-good central is that he's not just the Autobot Leader, he's the Autobot Leader who's your friend. Your dad. Sure usually he's fighting Megatron and the Decepticons and that of course always takes priority, but when the war's cooled down for a bit he's just as comfortable playing basketball with Spike and the Dinobots. It's that little bit of 80s goofiness that I really miss and wish would be in modern interpretations of the character; Aligned Prime could benefit a lot from this.
Man, I can just tell Rodimus is going to be such an unpopular choice - ESPECIALLY when you place him right above Optimus, oh man are you asking for trouble - but I fully agree. In the cartoon he was easily the best character and the only one that could really truly be said to have character development aside from those moral-of-the-day episodes. It's just a shame that he was finally able to accept and balance both his sense of self and responsibility of leadership right before the episode he gives the Matrix back to Optimus. ... and also a shame he got that horrific episode-ending line in Fight or Flee. What that episode did for Magnus just tore down Rodimus, sheesh.
MTMTE made me fall in love with Rodimus but G1 was a pretty damn good start.
Honourable mention: Laserbeak. In the scene where the Decepticons got drunk - the BEST scene - Megatron orders the Decepticons to attack. Laserbeak flies over and then slowly spins and falls to the ground. He tried. Oh my god does he try.
Keep in mind that Star is a dad. Of a human. Adopted human but still,you don't see Optimus having a relationship like that. Mention Kiss Players and I'll send Death's Head after you.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872980)
Posted by fenrir72 on April 9th, 2017 @ 1:29am CDT
And according to Flint Dille, he was a character meant to fail, a space filler for Rodimus. Sad.
Given his capabilities,he is one awesome leader, especially with his fight to the death with Sixshot.
Webworld?
Loved how Galvatron was portrayed in that episode. Very funny when he built a lethal weapon from those therapy legos.
I'd have included Jazz and Mirage and Cliffjumper too.
Starscream should have been number uno! If not for his spiteful act of firing into the Ark which caused Optimus to have fallen into Teletram -1's CR beam, the history of the 3rd Cybertron War might have been waaaaaaaaaay different.
Posted by fenrir72 on April 9th, 2017 @ 1:29am CDT
Burn wrote:Deadput wrote:I'm not so sure about this list
It's like all the lists, Will's personal perspective, which is where the rest of us join in.But I think we can all agree that Skids or Hauler ain't appearing on these lists anytime soon if we are going by the cartoon.
Thankfully we're not going solely by the cartoon.
Because Skids actually had a special place for me as a kid. I found a beat up Skids at the local rubbish dump. He was missing a wheel and his weapons and incredibly loose. He was the first Transformer that I attempted to restore. When you're a pre-teen and have no internet to help you, chances are, you're gonna fail, and I did.
Hence why I snapped up the Takara re-issue.
Character wise ... I also felt for him in the comics when he was shunted to limbo so that Galvatron could arrive from the future. And the subsequent story where he eventually returned from limbo gave character to this little piece of plastic I had rescued.
And let's not forget this panel that may or may not have inspired a similar scene from the first live action movie.
So yeah, Skids may not have been the best of characters, but he meant something to me.
Not having much time to come up with a Top 5 of my own (I'm supposed to be working) for me, the top would be Ultra Magnus.
He's the warrior that finds himself thrust into a position of leadership he didn't feel he was ready for. He suffered self-doubt, both in the cartoon/movie and the comics. But he never gave up. At a time in my life where I struggled to find a place I belonged, here was this character that had his own doubts but fought through them.
And according to Flint Dille, he was a character meant to fail, a space filler for Rodimus. Sad.
Given his capabilities,he is one awesome leader, especially with his fight to the death with Sixshot.
Webworld?
Loved how Galvatron was portrayed in that episode. Very funny when he built a lethal weapon from those therapy legos. I'd have included Jazz and Mirage and Cliffjumper too.
Starscream should have been number uno! If not for his spiteful act of firing into the Ark which caused Optimus to have fallen into Teletram -1's CR beam, the history of the 3rd Cybertron War might have been waaaaaaaaaay different.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872982)
Posted by Burn on April 9th, 2017 @ 2:36am CDT
I don't hate him for that. I hate him because they expect us to believe he's a better leader than Magnus.
Magnus also had the better toy.
Who has the better modern figure?
Magnus.
Face it. Magnus is just better, Rodimus just sucks.
Posted by Burn on April 9th, 2017 @ 2:36am CDT
Sodan-1 wrote:I get fed up with people hating on him because
I don't hate him for that. I hate him because they expect us to believe he's a better leader than Magnus.
Magnus also had the better toy.
Who has the better modern figure?
Magnus.
Face it. Magnus is just better, Rodimus just sucks.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1872983)
Posted by frogbat on April 9th, 2017 @ 2:42am CDT
Posted by frogbat on April 9th, 2017 @ 2:42am CDT
Agree with lots on this list tho I feel kup and ironhide a bit too samey in a way. My personal list would've included ultra Magnus and mirage... reluctant warriors. Gears the grump... and grapple who perhaps I'm biased because I loved the toy so much but I liked his treatment as an architect so blinded by his need to create something beautiful that he ends up getting hoodwinked...
It's a pity that not enough cons had the same amount of characterisation that the autobots had... few others that aren't on the list come to mind as being memorable. Maybe octane or swindle because of their double crossing nature.. all the others were a variety of cannon fodder or weasels scurrying about.
It's a pity that not enough cons had the same amount of characterisation that the autobots had... few others that aren't on the list come to mind as being memorable. Maybe octane or swindle because of their double crossing nature.. all the others were a variety of cannon fodder or weasels scurrying about.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1873014)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 9th, 2017 @ 8:31am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 9th, 2017 @ 8:31am CDT
So if this is a G1 list, that means the comics as well, right? If so, I agree with the list with a couple of exceptions: I would take out Ironhide and Kup, and replace them with the comic versions of Fortress Maximus and Scorponok. They were done rather well in the books. Especially Spike's reluctant relationship with Max.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1873020)
Posted by Kurona on April 9th, 2017 @ 9:43am CDT
Posted by Kurona on April 9th, 2017 @ 9:43am CDT
Yeah, a lot of the Decepticons in the cartoon were given the shaft of basically being a thug. Thundercracker and Skywarp, the Cassettes, Reflector, the Coneheads, the Triple Changers, most of the Combiner teams...
Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Shockwave and some of the Combaticons were the only ones really saved from that fate before the Movie and Season 3. And even then that only really gave us Galvatron being awesome and Blitzwing's sudden betrayal.
And then fast forward to The Rebirth where half the new 'cons didn't even get lines Guess we can chalk up Zarak though, he was decent.
Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Shockwave and some of the Combaticons were the only ones really saved from that fate before the Movie and Season 3. And even then that only really gave us Galvatron being awesome and Blitzwing's sudden betrayal.
And then fast forward to The Rebirth where half the new 'cons didn't even get lines
Guess we can chalk up Zarak though, he was decent.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1873021)
Posted by Kurona on April 9th, 2017 @ 9:45am CDT
It's all subjective but personally I'd separate the comics from the cartoon. They were very different mediums with very different tones and writing, it's just not fair to compare the two. The cartoon may be more iconic, but from what I've heard the Marvel characters would take up all 10 spots here.
Posted by Kurona on April 9th, 2017 @ 9:45am CDT
Rodimus Prime wrote:So if this is a G1 list, that means the comics as well, right? If so, I agree with the list with a couple of exceptions: I would take out Ironhide and Kup, and replace them with the comic versions of Fortress Maximus and Scorponok. They were done rather well in the books. Especially Spike's reluctant relationship with Max.
It's all subjective but personally I'd separate the comics from the cartoon. They were very different mediums with very different tones and writing, it's just not fair to compare the two. The cartoon may be more iconic, but from what I've heard the Marvel characters would take up all 10 spots here.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1873022)
Posted by PrymeStriker on April 9th, 2017 @ 9:47am CDT
Posted by PrymeStriker on April 9th, 2017 @ 9:47am CDT
Huh? Generation One had characters?! 
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1873024)
Posted by Kurona on April 9th, 2017 @ 10:02am CDT
This is why we need a like button
Posted by Kurona on April 9th, 2017 @ 10:02am CDT
PrymeStriker wrote:Huh? Generation One had characters?!
This is why we need a like button
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1873327)
Posted by Amelie on April 10th, 2017 @ 7:07am CDT
Posted by Amelie on April 10th, 2017 @ 7:07am CDT
Figured I'd put my own here
10 - Blitzwing
A relatively minor villain, but still managed more character development than 90% of the rest of the G1 cast, though that might not be saying very much. His eventual realization that Galvatron was insane (or just a d!ck) finally drove him to turn traitor and help save the Transformers race from the machinations of the Quintessons.
9 - Wheeljack
Everyone's favorite plot-device. The Decepticons often end up with the Autobots over a barrel, but Wheeljack will always conveniently invents something to turn the situation around. Plus he also was instrumental in creating the Dinobots.
8 - Starscream
Outside of Megatron, he was really one of the only Decepticons in season one that had much of a personality, save for a few lines from other members - most of them were reduced to 'grunt' status. He was usually a good fore-shadowing tool for the writers, because he'd frequently point out the flaws in Megatron's plans before they blew up in his face. Plus he added a large amount of comic relief to the show.
7 - Optimus Prime
The uncle\dad\Mary-Sue figure with a shoot-first-ask-questions-later attitude. Optimus is iconic and exemplifies the word "hero" and goes on to prove it by laying his life down to save his friends. He wasn't without flaws and even put Cybertron first when forced to choose between it and Earth (Ultimate Doom). He'd be higher on the list, but simply - hes a bit too perfect and it sometimes makes him bland.
6 - Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion, (or Merlin as he could be called). With so much of the G1 lore wrapped up around the guy, I always find him an easy addition to this kind of list. To many Autobots he is leader, father-figure and sage. His dotted appearances through the series show how Transformers age and give small insights into the non warlike side of the race.
5 - Bumblebee
Our little yellow ball of cheerfulness. Whilst most Autobts either filled a more paternal role or the one of older brother - Bumblebee was clearly the one penned at being your buddy. Small, not very strong but brave, I've always felt in the show he represented that civilian side of the Autobots - essentially the very thing they were fighting to protect.
4 - Megatron
Our original black y-fronted menace. His schemes were often bonkers and riddled with flaws, but it was clear he was the only guy around with enough respect or dominance to actually lead the Decepticons. Its not until the 1986 movie they really showed his utterly ruthless nature. He ranks higher than Optimus for me, because he is a more 'complex' character - at least, more flawed.
3 - Spike
The human element. Essentially representing the 9-year-old viewer, Spike tags along often enough to give the aspect of threat from the Decepticons that might have been lacking if it were just faceless humans running scared or just Autbots getting blasted at. Plus, on more than one occasion, it was Spike who gave Autobots the gusto to carry on when Optimus or Rodimus weren't available. His combination with Cerebros later on to become Fortress Maximus was a clever plot device and one that finally put him on a par with his Autobot friends.
2 - Rodimus Prime
Shacked by the guilt of causing the death of Optimus, who was clearly his idol, Rodimus was profoundly more interesting than his predecessor. He never felt ready for leadership, questioned his decisions and always felt he had something to prove, even going as far to feel like running from his responsibility. Yet despite all this, he still led the Autobots with conviction and I've always found him to be a much more rich character when compared to Optimus.
1 - Zarak
Thats right. My number 1 choice is a Nebulon. Firstly, he has already conquered his home planet and generally ruling it with a rod (tentacle) of iron (steel). Firstly, he abducts the Decepticons that were giving chase to the Autobots and forced them into a partnership that gave the Decepticons their Head\Target Masters, but he also built Scorponok and became its head. He succeeded in chasing off the Autobots from his world and finally, when he came into contact with Galvatron managed to not only prove to be enough of a threat that Galvatron didn't wrestle command of the Head\Targetmasters from him, but at the very end of Rebirth - it seems pretty clear that Galvatron has not only lost his mind again, but Zarak is very much in charge.
Zarak: "Who will rule the Galaxy?"
Galvatron: "ME!"
Zarak: "We shall see Galvatron, we shall see"
10 - Blitzwing
A relatively minor villain, but still managed more character development than 90% of the rest of the G1 cast, though that might not be saying very much. His eventual realization that Galvatron was insane (or just a d!ck) finally drove him to turn traitor and help save the Transformers race from the machinations of the Quintessons.
9 - Wheeljack
Everyone's favorite plot-device. The Decepticons often end up with the Autobots over a barrel, but Wheeljack will always conveniently invents something to turn the situation around. Plus he also was instrumental in creating the Dinobots.
8 - Starscream
Outside of Megatron, he was really one of the only Decepticons in season one that had much of a personality, save for a few lines from other members - most of them were reduced to 'grunt' status. He was usually a good fore-shadowing tool for the writers, because he'd frequently point out the flaws in Megatron's plans before they blew up in his face. Plus he added a large amount of comic relief to the show.
7 - Optimus Prime
The uncle\dad\Mary-Sue figure with a shoot-first-ask-questions-later attitude. Optimus is iconic and exemplifies the word "hero" and goes on to prove it by laying his life down to save his friends. He wasn't without flaws and even put Cybertron first when forced to choose between it and Earth (Ultimate Doom). He'd be higher on the list, but simply - hes a bit too perfect and it sometimes makes him bland.
6 - Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion, (or Merlin as he could be called). With so much of the G1 lore wrapped up around the guy, I always find him an easy addition to this kind of list. To many Autobots he is leader, father-figure and sage. His dotted appearances through the series show how Transformers age and give small insights into the non warlike side of the race.
5 - Bumblebee
Our little yellow ball of cheerfulness. Whilst most Autobts either filled a more paternal role or the one of older brother - Bumblebee was clearly the one penned at being your buddy. Small, not very strong but brave, I've always felt in the show he represented that civilian side of the Autobots - essentially the very thing they were fighting to protect.
4 - Megatron
Our original black y-fronted menace. His schemes were often bonkers and riddled with flaws, but it was clear he was the only guy around with enough respect or dominance to actually lead the Decepticons. Its not until the 1986 movie they really showed his utterly ruthless nature. He ranks higher than Optimus for me, because he is a more 'complex' character - at least, more flawed.
3 - Spike
The human element. Essentially representing the 9-year-old viewer, Spike tags along often enough to give the aspect of threat from the Decepticons that might have been lacking if it were just faceless humans running scared or just Autbots getting blasted at. Plus, on more than one occasion, it was Spike who gave Autobots the gusto to carry on when Optimus or Rodimus weren't available. His combination with Cerebros later on to become Fortress Maximus was a clever plot device and one that finally put him on a par with his Autobot friends.
2 - Rodimus Prime
Shacked by the guilt of causing the death of Optimus, who was clearly his idol, Rodimus was profoundly more interesting than his predecessor. He never felt ready for leadership, questioned his decisions and always felt he had something to prove, even going as far to feel like running from his responsibility. Yet despite all this, he still led the Autobots with conviction and I've always found him to be a much more rich character when compared to Optimus.
1 - Zarak
Thats right. My number 1 choice is a Nebulon. Firstly, he has already conquered his home planet and generally ruling it with a rod (tentacle) of iron (steel). Firstly, he abducts the Decepticons that were giving chase to the Autobots and forced them into a partnership that gave the Decepticons their Head\Target Masters, but he also built Scorponok and became its head. He succeeded in chasing off the Autobots from his world and finally, when he came into contact with Galvatron managed to not only prove to be enough of a threat that Galvatron didn't wrestle command of the Head\Targetmasters from him, but at the very end of Rebirth - it seems pretty clear that Galvatron has not only lost his mind again, but Zarak is very much in charge.
Zarak: "Who will rule the Galaxy?"
Galvatron: "ME!"
Zarak: "We shall see Galvatron, we shall see"
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874373)
Posted by Sunstar on April 13th, 2017 @ 8:58pm CDT
Posted by Sunstar on April 13th, 2017 @ 8:58pm CDT
In regards to Starscream:
I reason that he did put on a bit of a show to try to make himself look less of a threat than he actually was. He's an excellent stratagist, and that was likely why megatron kept him on. But because he was a good strategist, he likely down-played his intelligence and skills a little because megatron likely would have killed him.
Megatron had been entirely corrupted by power which was blinding him as well. Starscream frequently pointed out errors in his plans, reported readings to which Megatron usually ignored. And more often than not, Starscream was correct.
People seem to forget what Starscream's job is.
- To ensure the leader is fit to lead
- to step in when necessary
- to bring problems and issues to the leader attention.
For example. If megatron starts behaving in a manner that is detrimental to the Decepticon cause - Starscream can declare himself in command until the situation is resolved.
Starscream should know most, if not all of Megatron's plans so when Megatron is unable to issue commands (for whatever reason) Starscream can say - Decepticons I am leading, hear me. For the most part, Starscream's declaration of leadership was to indicate he's deemed megatron unable and is taking over in that position.
Yes we know he wants command, and yes he has actually taken action to take command, however those situatons are different from a "Megatron has fallen and I now lead." And yes from time to time Starscream realised he made a colossal error and questioned the respect his peers would ever give him.
Megatron probably keeps him on because:
He needs someone with the gumption to try.
He needs his own well being tested and questioned. It keeps Megatron fit and healthy.
He Needs a good strategist.
Finally it's a kids cartoon, and you need a whipping boy. Starscream was exactly that. Starscream was like a child who wanted to please his father and constantly got belittled and beaten for it, hence he grew to hate him with a passion.
I reason that he did put on a bit of a show to try to make himself look less of a threat than he actually was. He's an excellent stratagist, and that was likely why megatron kept him on. But because he was a good strategist, he likely down-played his intelligence and skills a little because megatron likely would have killed him.
Megatron had been entirely corrupted by power which was blinding him as well. Starscream frequently pointed out errors in his plans, reported readings to which Megatron usually ignored. And more often than not, Starscream was correct.
People seem to forget what Starscream's job is.
- To ensure the leader is fit to lead
- to step in when necessary
- to bring problems and issues to the leader attention.
For example. If megatron starts behaving in a manner that is detrimental to the Decepticon cause - Starscream can declare himself in command until the situation is resolved.
Starscream should know most, if not all of Megatron's plans so when Megatron is unable to issue commands (for whatever reason) Starscream can say - Decepticons I am leading, hear me. For the most part, Starscream's declaration of leadership was to indicate he's deemed megatron unable and is taking over in that position.
Yes we know he wants command, and yes he has actually taken action to take command, however those situatons are different from a "Megatron has fallen and I now lead." And yes from time to time Starscream realised he made a colossal error and questioned the respect his peers would ever give him.
Megatron probably keeps him on because:
He needs someone with the gumption to try.
He needs his own well being tested and questioned. It keeps Megatron fit and healthy.
He Needs a good strategist.
Finally it's a kids cartoon, and you need a whipping boy. Starscream was exactly that. Starscream was like a child who wanted to please his father and constantly got belittled and beaten for it, hence he grew to hate him with a passion.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874403)
Posted by Sodan-1 on April 14th, 2017 @ 5:51am CDT
I love Ultra Magnus. I've always felt something of a kinship with him more than any of the other leadership figures. He is a better soldier and military commander, but I'd argue he lacked the personality and social skills* to be the figurehead of the Autobot cause.
(*Again, a certain kinship. )
Posted by Sodan-1 on April 14th, 2017 @ 5:51am CDT
Burn wrote:Sodan-1 wrote:I get fed up with people hating on him because
I don't hate him for that. I hate him because they expect us to believe he's a better leader than Magnus.
Magnus also had the better toy.
Who has the better modern figure?
Magnus.
Face it. Magnus is just better, Rodimus just sucks.
I love Ultra Magnus. I've always felt something of a kinship with him more than any of the other leadership figures. He is a better soldier and military commander, but I'd argue he lacked the personality and social skills* to be the figurehead of the Autobot cause.
(*Again, a certain kinship.
)
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874552)
Posted by Zeedust on April 14th, 2017 @ 9:25pm CDT
Posted by Zeedust on April 14th, 2017 @ 9:25pm CDT
I'm gonna be honest, a number of these guys are overshadowed by their later incarnations from my perspective, and I'm not so sure it's solely due to me coming into the fandom during the Beast era. Starscream, in particular, is one with notably stronger showings post-G1; even as far back as his guest appearance on Beast Wars you can see a more cunning and proactive version of the character than the G1 cartoon showed, something which Cybertron took and ran with, and which continues to this day. (Megatron isn't even AROUND in RiD, and Starscream is STILL hellbent on taking him down! Guess bad habits are hard to break.
What if I mention Tommy Kennedy?
No, this is why we need a favorite button.
)Decepticon Stryker wrote:Keep in mind that Star is a dad. Of a human. Adopted human but still,you don't see Optimus having a relationship like that. Mention Kiss Players and I'll send Death's Head after you.
What if I mention Tommy Kennedy?
Kurona wrote:PrymeStriker wrote:Huh? Generation One had characters?!
No, this is why we need a favorite button.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874621)
Posted by President-prime on April 15th, 2017 @ 8:53am CDT
Posted by President-prime on April 15th, 2017 @ 8:53am CDT
This list is clearly, and most definitely biased. It seems that the character most identified by people on their list depends on when they started watching or grew up loving. Most old people like me wouldn't pick roddhimus or hot rod being on the list. Almost every episode about roddimus was of him lamenting that he''s not a worthy leader, just like the newer comics about Optimus going on about how he was. It a good leader and blah blah. To me, the mentioned of G1 cannot automatically present itself without thinking of of Megatron and Optimus. They ARE the transformers. To place anyone before them is a crime
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874640)
Posted by Sodan-1 on April 15th, 2017 @ 11:50am CDT
I hope you realise that your explanation of why william-james88's list and everyone else's opinions is "biased" is exactly the same reason you place Megatron and Optimus in such high regard.
The only way we could get a completely non-biased list is to pass it on to a group of people who hate Transformers. (I've been told they actually exist. )
Posted by Sodan-1 on April 15th, 2017 @ 11:50am CDT
President-prime wrote:This list is clearly, and most definitely biased. It seems that the character most identified by people on their list depends on when they started watching or grew up loving. Most old people like me wouldn't pick roddhimus or hot rod being on the list. Almost every episode about roddimus was of him lamenting that he''s not a worthy leader, just like the newer comics about Optimus going on about how he was. It a good leader and blah blah. To me, the mentioned of G1 cannot automatically present itself without thinking of of Megatron and Optimus. They ARE the transformers. To place anyone before them is a crime
william-james88 wrote:These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list,....
I hope you realise that your explanation of why william-james88's list and everyone else's opinions is "biased" is exactly the same reason you place Megatron and Optimus in such high regard.
The only way we could get a completely non-biased list is to pass it on to a group of people who hate Transformers. (I've been told they actually exist.
)
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874709)
Posted by william-james88 on April 15th, 2017 @ 10:53pm CDT
But isnt there only 2 years difference between being an 8 year old fan when Optimus is leader and being an 8 year old fan when Hot Rod becomes the leader? I dont see how being so much older makes much of a difference, there is only 2 years apart between their leadership.
In any case, if you (or anyone else) cares, I started watching the G1 cartoon in 2014 when I was 25.
Even then, they would be biased in wanting to piss of tf fans and might just say Wheelie was the best character
Posted by william-james88 on April 15th, 2017 @ 10:53pm CDT
President-prime wrote:This list is clearly, and most definitely biased. It seems that the character most identified by people on their list depends on when they started watching or grew up loving. Most old people like me wouldn't pick roddhimus or hot rod being on the list.
But isnt there only 2 years difference between being an 8 year old fan when Optimus is leader and being an 8 year old fan when Hot Rod becomes the leader? I dont see how being so much older makes much of a difference, there is only 2 years apart between their leadership.
In any case, if you (or anyone else) cares, I started watching the G1 cartoon in 2014 when I was 25.
Sodan-1 wrote:The only way we could get a completely non-biased list is to pass it on to a group of people who hate Transformers. (I've been told they actually exist.
Even then, they would be biased in wanting to piss of tf fans and might just say Wheelie was the best character
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874729)
Posted by President-prime on April 16th, 2017 @ 3:36am CDT
Posted by President-prime on April 16th, 2017 @ 3:36am CDT
That's precisely my point. This list is too biased. Everyone has their favorite character. There's no standard for identifying the top 10 "best" G1 characters. You don't identify with certain characters because you haven't been through with them or see how important they are to people at some point in people's life. You identify with characters who are closer to you in some respect. I'm seeing skids, jazz, lazerbeak. Come on, agree or not, no one in this list is as important as Megatron and Optimus (my opinion). This list "is bad comedy."
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874730)
Posted by President-prime on April 16th, 2017 @ 3:47am CDT
Posted by President-prime on April 16th, 2017 @ 3:47am CDT
@william-James. I really don't agree with you. Like dog years, 2 years in cartoon years is a long time. In 2 seasons, "allegiance," could change. For two years, I ran straight home from school to catch my favorite transformers appear on tv. For two years, Optimus and Megatron have taught me much about life, about good and evil. I have learned from them, only to be taken away by a "hot roddin young punk," who can't understand that "that's Prime's Fight." How can one find that roddimus or hot rod ranked above the legendary leader of "Great War!" How can this, how can that?! Biased. And I mean it in the best way possible. There are no 10 best G1 characters!
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874731)
Posted by Burn on April 16th, 2017 @ 4:30am CDT
Posted by Burn on April 16th, 2017 @ 4:30am CDT
All of Billy-Jim's lists are biased.
That's not a secret. That's a fact.
He (and others who guest contribute) put together these lists based on THEIR opinions. We then throw open the forums to discuss those opinions and to share their own Top X.
That's not a secret. That's a fact.
He (and others who guest contribute) put together these lists based on THEIR opinions. We then throw open the forums to discuss those opinions and to share their own Top X.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874740)
Posted by Kurona on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:20am CDT
Posted by Kurona on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:20am CDT
Though if we are talking from a non-biased objective standpoint; Rodimus would be the best character in the show purely because he's the only one that had any actual development. Optimus, Starscream, Zarak and Galvatron would also all be up there.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874741)
Posted by Burn on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:24am CDT
Posted by Burn on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:24am CDT
If you want to limit yourself solely to the cartoon, go right ahead.
But there's so much more, heck, factoring in comics, Longtooth was much more interesting than Rodimus Prime.
But there's so much more, heck, factoring in comics, Longtooth was much more interesting than Rodimus Prime.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874742)
Posted by Kurona on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:26am CDT
Oh heck yeah, I still haven't read 'em yet (beyond the original 4-parter), but every character that got a smidgen of a spotlight in Marvel sounds far more interesting than anyone on the cartoon. Hence why it's probably not fair to compare them
Posted by Kurona on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:26am CDT
Burn wrote:If you want to limit yourself solely to the cartoon, go right ahead.
But there's so much more, heck, factoring in comics, Longtooth was much more interesting than Rodimus Prime.
Oh heck yeah, I still haven't read 'em yet (beyond the original 4-parter), but every character that got a smidgen of a spotlight in Marvel sounds far more interesting than anyone on the cartoon. Hence why it's probably not fair to compare them
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874743)
Posted by Burn on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:28am CDT
Posted by Burn on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:28am CDT
Except I'm not comparing them. I based my comments across all mediums, something that's been lacking from this thread (Will even encourages people to NOT limit their opinions to the cartoon)
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874745)
Posted by Kurona on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:31am CDT
True, but again, I just find it unfair to lump them in together - like I said earlier, Marvel would just take up every single slot on the list. It's almost like being asked to make a top 10 list of the best moments from Citizen Kane and the Thomas the Tank Engine movie. Not quite that extreme of course, but there's such a large disparity that I'd prefer to keep them separate.
Posted by Kurona on April 16th, 2017 @ 6:31am CDT
Burn wrote:Except I'm not comparing them. I based my comments across all mediums, something that's been lacking from this thread (Will even encourages people to NOT limit their opinions to the cartoon)
True, but again, I just find it unfair to lump them in together - like I said earlier, Marvel would just take up every single slot on the list. It's almost like being asked to make a top 10 list of the best moments from Citizen Kane and the Thomas the Tank Engine movie. Not quite that extreme of course, but there's such a large disparity that I'd prefer to keep them separate.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1874919)
Posted by Amelie on April 17th, 2017 @ 4:54am CDT
This is why I sometimes try to splice in my own top 10, which is exactly what I thought the whole point of the top 10\5 lists were for. Not some definitive list.
Development is exactly why I put Blitzwing in mine. Guy barely does anything in season 2, but shows a whole heap of depth in one episode in season 3. The comics, obviously, would seriously change the list, if I started putting Marvel, Dreamwave or IDW in.
I guess picking the G1 cartoon is a safe bet on targeting the broadest 'audience' of familiarity.
I love reading these lists, because other peoples opnions are cool and in fandom, you're never truly going to get 100% pure objective journalism.
Posted by Amelie on April 17th, 2017 @ 4:54am CDT
Burn wrote:He (and others who guest contribute) put together these lists based on THEIR opinions. We then throw open the forums to discuss those opinions and to share their own Top X.
This is why I sometimes try to splice in my own top 10, which is exactly what I thought the whole point of the top 10\5 lists were for. Not some definitive list.
Kurona wrote:Though if we are talking from a non-biased objective standpoint; Rodimus would be the best character in the show purely because he's the only one that had any actual development. Optimus, Starscream, Zarak and Galvatron would also all be up there.
Development is exactly why I put Blitzwing in mine. Guy barely does anything in season 2, but shows a whole heap of depth in one episode in season 3. The comics, obviously, would seriously change the list, if I started putting Marvel, Dreamwave or IDW in.
I guess picking the G1 cartoon is a safe bet on targeting the broadest 'audience' of familiarity.
I love reading these lists, because other peoples opnions are cool and in fandom, you're never truly going to get 100% pure objective journalism.
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1889926)
Posted by bodrock on June 16th, 2017 @ 4:29pm CDT
Posted by bodrock on June 16th, 2017 @ 4:29pm CDT
How did i miss this list?!? LOVE IT.
I especially dig the Top 5!
I especially dig the Top 5!
Re: Top 10 Best Transformers Characters From Generation One (1894011)
Posted by Evil Eye on July 3rd, 2017 @ 12:36pm CDT
Posted by Evil Eye on July 3rd, 2017 @ 12:36pm CDT
Neat list! Starscream is definitely my absolute favourite- even if he's not exactly a deep and nuanced character, he was just so goddamn funny. RIP Chris Latta you magnificent man.
Others I'd nominate would be...
>Soundwave. He's just plain cool, and he has the best gimmick.
>Scrapper, at least in Heavy Metal War. He gets some pretty neat lines, and he delivers them perfectly. He actually sounds pretty menacing, all things considered- and he and Hook get some of the best lines ever.
>Jazz. He's voiced by Scatman Crothers for crying out loud, AKA the Number One Super Guy himself. He just oozes coolness, helped by the fact he transforms into one of the most iconic racing cars ever made, and he was, IMO, the best "down with the humans" Transformer ever made. Like, who wouldn't want a Martini Porsche with the voice of Scatman Crothers as their friend?
>Arcee. She's like a cool big sister, and she's also completely adorable. Like, sure she's a stereotypical 80s obligatory action girl, but that's not an inherently bad thing, and she's one of the best of that archetype. She's not a deep, complex character, but she doesn't need to be- she's just a kickass but cute soldier girl who feels like one of the cast. No stupid "tragic" backstory, no over-emphasised character flaws, no Mary Sue features, no edginess or whatever, she's just a really likeable female character.
>Bumblebee. It's a shame the fandom have had quite enough of Bumblebee, because the G1 character was one of my favourites. He's not a 2kool4skool edgelord or an annoying squeaker, he's a trusty, dependable scout who knows how to think his way out of any problem. Plus, he's a VW Beetle!
Others I'd nominate would be...
>Soundwave. He's just plain cool, and he has the best gimmick.
>Scrapper, at least in Heavy Metal War. He gets some pretty neat lines, and he delivers them perfectly. He actually sounds pretty menacing, all things considered- and he and Hook get some of the best lines ever.
"It's bad news, Scrapper. They've brought out the heavy artillery!"
"Then it's time we do the same! Only heavier!"
>Jazz. He's voiced by Scatman Crothers for crying out loud, AKA the Number One Super Guy himself. He just oozes coolness, helped by the fact he transforms into one of the most iconic racing cars ever made, and he was, IMO, the best "down with the humans" Transformer ever made. Like, who wouldn't want a Martini Porsche with the voice of Scatman Crothers as their friend?
>Arcee. She's like a cool big sister, and she's also completely adorable. Like, sure she's a stereotypical 80s obligatory action girl, but that's not an inherently bad thing, and she's one of the best of that archetype. She's not a deep, complex character, but she doesn't need to be- she's just a kickass but cute soldier girl who feels like one of the cast. No stupid "tragic" backstory, no over-emphasised character flaws, no Mary Sue features, no edginess or whatever, she's just a really likeable female character.
>Bumblebee. It's a shame the fandom have had quite enough of Bumblebee, because the G1 character was one of my favourites. He's not a 2kool4skool edgelord or an annoying squeaker, he's a trusty, dependable scout who knows how to think his way out of any problem. Plus, he's a VW Beetle!
