Summary
- Transformation in Cybertronians is complex, not every Transformer can do it, depending on the presence of a Transformation Cog.
- Different Transformers can transform into various altmodes like trucks, cars, planes, and animals.
- Damage to a Transformer’s Transformation Cog can result in the loss of its ability to transform permanently.
Transformers are known for their ability to transform, but the process of transforming is quite complicated and not something that every Cybertronian can do. Throughout the course of Transformers media, the chance to see characters like Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and others transform from their robot forms to their altmodes is always something to look forward to. Michael Bay’s Transformers movies showed the detailed process of a Cybertronian transforming between robot and alternate modes, while other movies or TV shows take more simplistic approaches to the inherent abilities of the Autobots and Decepticons.
The transforming abilities of Cybertronians have been greatly explored throughout the years as a result. It is well-established that not every Transformer is equal when it comes to its altmodes and what they change into. There are opportunities for Transformers to change into trucks, cars, planes, motorcycles, and even animals, as evident with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts‘ Maximals and other Beast Wars adaptations. Meanwhile, Transformers One takes a look at the Transformers’ history and how they transform. This also means an exploration of why not every Transform has the ability to transform from robot to alternate modes.
All 7 Transformer Types Found In The Movie Franchise
The Transformers movie franchise mostly revolves around Autobots and Decepticons, but there are seven Transformer types featured in the films.
Cybertronians Can Only Transform With A Functioning Transformation Cog
The Movies Do Not Always Utilize This Explanation
The key to Cybertronians’ ability to transform is the aptly named Transformation Cog. The spherical devices are not always part of a Cybertronian’s most basic form depending on the continuity, but it is typically the key to their ability to switch between robot and alternate forms. The Transformation Cog, or T-Cog for short, is a biomechanical organ that works with all parts of a Transformer’s body to coordinate the necessary changes to go from robot form to an altmode. This means that any Cybertronian that does not have a T-Cog is incapable of transforming and only has its robot form.
Transforming is not an ability unique to Cybertronians, as other species in the franchise also possess similar powers.
The practicality of a T-Cog is not utilized in the live-action Transformers movies, as the films never specify how Transformers can transform and do not include any Cybertronians who cannot change forms. This is different in Transformers One, as the animated movie does include the importance of Transformation Cogs to a Transformer’s ability. This is evident in the Transformers One trailer when Alpha Trion is shown giving the orbs to Orion Pax/Optimus Prime, Megatron, Elita, and Bumblebee. It is only after this that they are given the ability to transform and must learn how to control changing forms.
Transformers Can Lose Their Ability To Transform
They Could Get Stuck In Their Robot Mode
In the continuities where a T-Cog is present in a Cybertronian, this also creates the possibility that Transformers can lose their transforming abilities. Damage to the Transformation Cog in battle could result in a Transformer no longer having the ability to switch back to its altmode. There are also various weapons in the Transformers mythology that have the ability to prevent a Transformer’s transformation abilities from functioning. In some cases, the loss of transforming abilities can be permanent. Otherwise, Transformers can regain the ability to transform through medical procedures or other methods.
Transformers One
- Director
- Josh Cooley
- Release Date
- September 13, 2024
- Writers
- Andrew Barrer , Steve Desmond , Gabriel Ferrari
