#tf anomaly

[escapistsatellite]

Transformers Universe., Oliver Miles

Various transformers created for Transformers Universe.

I guess all it takes is a new color scheme and I struggle to recognize most of these guys.

[blade-liger-4ever]

Transformers: Universe fan cast

Macro: Troy Baker (first 48 seconds)

Doubletake: Martin Roach (I can't help but think of him - Jake Justice - when Doubletake starts talking)

Overclock: Jason Gray-Stanford (Sherlock Holmes)

Anomaly: Brian Dobson (Clocker)

Sparkscape: Mark Acheson (I think his rougher voice fits how I envision Sparkscape)

Ripraw: Paul Dobson (Juggernaut)

Monsoon: Richard Newman (Omega Red)

Catapult: Yvonne Strahovski (Aussie accent is a must!)

Swagger: Taylor Gray (Ezra)

Front-Line: Fred Tatasicore (I mean, just picture Hulk's voice)

Showdown: Bill Switzer (if you listen closely, they both have Southern-styled accents)

Outsider: Josh Keaton (only Shiro's voice)

Meltdown: Dee Bradley Baker (Dr. Connors)

Triage: Jim Cummings (Quarry)

[blade-liger-4ever]

Hi, Blade! Hope your weekend’s been going well :D

This was originally going to be a reblog of a post I saw with me tagging…but as always, I have thoughts, so an ask would have to do. That said, I saw this alternate design of TFU Swagger a while back, and I was wondering what you’d think of it. I think you should check it out first before reading the rest of my thoughts, though.

With that out of the way, on to my thoughts!

I personally HC that to be Younger!Swagger when he’s still under (your) Drift’s tutelage, especially with the more noticeable Samurai aesthetics (he looks a lot like RID 2015’s Drift, Jetstorm, and Slipstream tbh, especially the helm crests. I’ll also be focusing on RID 2015 Drift because he’s in the Aligned Continuity, and that I’ll mention your version of Drift here and there).

(Note: This whole time I legitimately thought Swagger’s still a Samurai–in–training, when in reality, he’s a full–fledged Samurai. Never realized I’ve been disrespecting my boy this whole time…my bad *facepalms*)

Tying his design a bit into your AU, since he was on his own basically living on the streets after his father died…I also envisioned him being rather skinny/malnourished as a result. It explains the stark contrast when you compare it to Present!Swagger, who appears healthier and is more buff in comparison due to (your) Drift’s strict training regimen (and the fact that she basically raised him as well). Though, I do appreciate the artists’ depiction of a more trimmed down version of Swagger. Nothing against his OG build, he could still stay as is, but I would’ve liked it if he looked like this in ‘bot mode, especially since he’s a Two–Wheeler.

Diving a bit into angst territory…I feel like Swagger would intentionally lose the Samurai aesthetics after (your) Drift’s departure. While part of it was indeed due to how he didn’t want the ‘cons to immediately identify him as (your) Drift’s student…a much more personal reason would be how it reminded him too much of her.

On one hand he wants to distance himself from her influence and memory, mostly out of pure spite and hurt. Though, on the other hand…he COULDN'T. How could he…after everything they went through together?

It was also during this time he began to tinker with technology. Given her background, (your) Drift had to be crafty, and as a result, she also taught Swagger a thing or two about technology (even if it's not as often).

So, it came off as no surprise that Swagger picked up a thing or two from this non–combat/physical lesson. As an effort to distance himself/minimize over–reliance on martial arts/his katanas, he’d turn to technology, and managed to create some high–tech gadgets and make some modifications to his pre–existing weapons that’d help him out in battle. (Ex. His cloaking device, his retractable katanas and how it could electrocute his opponents, etc.)

As a result? At first glance, not many (me included) could tell he’s a Samurai. A borderline arrogant and cocky swordsmech?  Sure. But a full–fledged Samurai? Even the revelation shocked the Arclight crew when they first found out, even more so when Swagger was comfortable enough to finally tell them who exactly his Master/Sensei is.

All in all, despite his boasting, one thing that Swagger often keeps quiet about is his Samurai background and the identity of his Sensei (even if his combat style and the way he uses his katanas are quite obvious to some Decepticons who pay close attention). It helps that he’s a Samurai who doesn’t act or present himself like a typical Samurai would, both appearance–wise and behavior/personality–wise.

In other words; Swagger is an unconventional Samurai. Sure, some more traditional Samurai/warrior (read: RID 2015 Drift, who gives Swagger a MAJOR case of déjà vu and is someone he actively avoids/is quite hostile to due to certain reasons) wouldn’t approve of Swagger’s methods…but hey, it’s not like his Master/Sensei is there to correct him Plus, it worked out well for him so far, so he’s going to keep doing it. Nobody’s the boss of him!

And honestly, I really like this contrast! It’s such a nice juxtaposition that you can’t help but wonder what was going on behind–the–scenes when Jagex was designing him and discussing what to do with his character. I mean, people are quick to point out and associate Prime Wheeljack with the “wandering Samurai” vibe due to his lone wolf persona (I’m aware of the “He should’ve been Drift” arguments/comments, but I digress). But I feel it’s a different case with Swagger, since you really can’t tell that he’s a Samurai at first glance, especially since his katanas are retractable and not visible like RID 2015 Drift and Prime Wheeljack.

That’s all from me, Blade! I took one good look at that fanart…and the thoughts and HCs just came flooding in, heh. Anyways, thanks a lot for reading my ask/ramblings, and I hope you have a great day, Blade! :D

(P. S. I don’t want to end this on a sad/depressing note…but given what we know of him, Swagger should’ve been classified as a Ronin instead of a Samurai. And apparently, Ronins are supposed to…well, snuff themselves after their Master is “gone”. This includes being abandoned by their master, btw. Just...wow.

But the thing is; Swagger’s bio and his weapons’ infos all describe him as a Samurai. So, what this tells me is that, despite his claims or thoughts of him hating his Master…he couldn’t bring himself to sever that Master-Student bond he forged with her. Swagger’s unsure if it was also (your) Drift’s intention to renounce him…but unless he directly hears it from her, his loyalty to her isn’t going anywhere. Is he in denial? Yes. Does he care? Nope.

There’s NO way this guys isn’t DEPRESSED after everything. That said, someone–yes, I’m looking at you, Arclight crew! Especially you, Showdown!–please give him some hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and a hug. Seriously, this guy needs it more than anything).

Hi Jazzi! It's been going pretty well, thank you. I hope yours is doing well, too!

Okay, I'll post the picture and give my thoughts on it since the original poster is deactivated now.

It's not that bad. Personally, I have a strong distaste for the art style of Animated, though I will admit that this kind of fits Swagger. He's scrawny enough that this, in regards to my AU, would fit him when he had been found by my Drift and taken under her (door)wing. And while I do like both the canon design and this one for their takes on his musculature, I do agree that something like the below would be better for him ultimately (thanks to @theangrycomet-art for creating such wonderful artwork.)

I think a design like Cliff's would work best for Swagger, as he's still small, but thickly built following his apprenticeship to my Drift.

Aww, thanks! I can see why - all the samurai themed ones (with the odd exception of Strongarm, but I don't want to go there) in RID 2015 had that head crest design, so it would make sense if Swagger picked up on that from my Drift. In fact, the art I used for my Drift kinda parallels that head crest, now that I consider it a little...

(Oh dang. I think I forgot that, too. So sorry, Swagger *hugs him* No worries, we both made that mistake!)

Yeah, Swagger is someone who had a rough time of it once his father was taken out of the picture. I do have to agree that he was shockingly malnourished when he and my Drift came across each other. Hard training and better food sources really helped him grow, though....maybe his growth would be permanently stunted? Come to think of it, while I feel he'll be taller than Arcee (and obviously beefier by comparison), Swagger might have lost any chance of growing taller from lack of food sources until he met Drift. She took care of him and all, but there's only so much you can do when undernourishment prevents further growth.

Definitely. Swagger would figure out after a short while that it would be a giveaway to not just who his sensei is/Swagger himself, but there were only so many times he could stand it whenever he looked at his reflection. The abandonment was still fresh, still sore, and it hurt Swagger too much to keep the samurai gear on.

But it was still her armor pieces he'd received. Still something he had of her, other than the skills she imparted to him. Swagger likely just packed it away and kept them close for the future. Or to look at when loneliness hit him like a meteor.

Ooo, that's a good point! Drift uses cunning as much as she does martial arts, so she probably taught him how to tinker with anything techy, as well as how to upgrade certain things. Was it as often as the martial arts training? No, in part because Swagger was at a stage in his life where he wanted to physically cause harm, not with guns and projectile weaponry. But it was there, and most likely often after a long day of training.

Yep: now on his own with nothing but himself, his gear, and his wits, Swagger took to improving the tools at his disposal to give himself a greater advantage in battle. Though even he has to admit that a part of it was because otherwise, he'd be too distracted by how he dedicated he was in following Drift's formula...

(Somewhere out there, Drift is proud of the only child she managed to raise.)

Absolutely! The skills are there, sure, but plenty of other Cybertronians know those forms, too. That, plus his arrogance and spite, means you don't give Swagger a second thought...until Anomaly saw a glimpse of the samurai armor pieces, and eventually the crew, after a begrudging, fiery confirmation of his samurai status, learned that ex-Decepticon Drift was his sensei.

"Boy kid, you disappeared into the mists well!"

Showdown after all's been said and done. There is no mistaking the pride in his voice.

Only eagle-eyed ones like Flamewar would take note of Swagger's particular moves, but otherwise? Virtually anyone, 'Bot or 'Con, would never stop to think that he was a full fledged samurai. He's got the skills, but so does Wheeljack, and Primus knows he's no samurai! And all of this is helped by the fact that Swagger, for all his cockiness, sharp tongue, and general attitude hides the fact that he was trained to become a samurai, and become one he did. Even Doubletake is impressed by the facade the young Two-Wheeler has put on.

Indeed! He's an unconventional samurai, but it works, so why change things up? Oh yes, RID 2015 Drift would grate on his nerves ("Why does he have to remind me so much of her?"), but he's not Swagger's sensei, and Swagger's not looking for a new one, thank you very much. If he meets THE Drift, his sensei? Then he might think about behaving as a proper samurai.

Till then, Swagger is his own mech, and no one will tell him how to live his life, including the code he follows.

Oh it's a beautiful contrast! I LOVE it! It really does make you wonder, especially since Jagex was obviously so loving of the source material, Transformers as a whole, and went above and beyond in their creation of all-new characters. I'm kinda familiar with the "Wheeljack should've been Drift" arguments, and while that's probably a topic for another day, I really disagree. Yes, we needed more of mad scientist Wheeljack, but his characterization in TFP was really good (and slept on, as I've said elsewhere.) So in light of that, Wheeljack's characterization was honestly good, if a little familiar to Western audiences (hey, he made the cut!) RID 2015 Drift and his students Jetstorm and Slipstream are the general idea of samurai in the West, which is fine, but Swagger really shook up that image we all have of the samurai. Man, I'd have paid good money to see someone write him intelligently as a honorable, code following samurai who didn't act the part and see how it went from there.

Thanks for dropping by, Jazzi! It was fun, and I'm pleased to share ideas about Swagger and his past in my AU with you and others! Feel free to drop by whenever you want to share more ramblings down the line. You're welcome, and I hope you have a great day, too! :D

(P.S. Same for Wheeljack, in my humble opinion. I mean the literal, non-kanji related translation is "drifter/wanderer", which fits both of them to a T. Yeah, that....the Japanese are hardcore, huh? 😅

So, if we translate the bushido code to Transformers, then Swagger not committing seppuku is a pretty big deal, especially since he could have been in a mental state where he would have done that. But, since Drift left him some provisions before suddenly disappearing without a trace, he could discern that she didn't actually disown/renounce her favor of him, and thus avoided seppuku that way. In short, there's enough evidence to support that, and unless and until he hears from Drift's mouth that she renounced her favor of him, he's not gonna do that.

Denial is stubborn, but so's Swagger. Nothing short of Smokescreen or Drift herself will really, truly, get through his thick helm on some matters such as this.

He's gotta be depressed. Good thing the Arclight crew takes care of their own, and that Showdown's Spark is as big as he is. Definitely get Swagger some hot cocoa, a blanket, and hugs. Boy needs it - Limelight, I think you can help with that, right?

Yay, she's on it!)

[blade-liger-4ever]

Hi, Blade! I hope your week’s being going pretty well.

Okay, so this is different than what I usually talk about, because it’ll be me info dumping/headcanon-ing/rambling about something that’s been in my mind. Its random, but I hope you hear me out!

A while ago, I revisited Transformers Universe (I never got the chance to play it, which is sad) and read a bit on the game’s plot as well as the character bios I managed to find. In typical me fashion, I just had to connect it to Smokescreen. With this bigger Autobot cast, I just think it’d be nice to see Smokey interacting and befriending a bunch of the Arclight Autobots as a result because, let’s be real, this mech needs more friends (and not bots who constantly disregard or alienate him).

Since Universe and Prime are connected (from what I’ve heard, the two go hand–in–hand), I can see this happening. Though, my only gripe with Universe was the fact that Smokescreen isn’t there…but then again, a bunch of S2 (Dreadwing and Shockwave) and major S1 characters (Airachnid, Soundwave, Starscream) aren’t there. There’s no confirmed reason on why that is, either they hadn’t been included, or Jagex don’t plan to include them since their “replacements” are there (ex. Starscream is replaced by Switchblade as Megatron’s SIC, Airachnid is replaced by Flamewar as Arcee’s rival, etc.).

But even so, I’d like to believe that they just hadn’t been included (the thought of Smokey being sidelined for the umpteenth time saddens me), especially since they planned to add a bunch of characters such as Barricade, Grimlock, Onslaught, Perceptor, etc. Plus, in an interview, one of the PICs said that they had this 15–year plan of the game…whether or not that’s true is debatable, but it shows they had big plans for Universe.

That aside, I also noticed some similarities with Universe and your AU. For example, I just realized that your Hound is actually Universe Hound (though you have a more in–depth focus on his character, can’t believe it took me a while to realize that!), and the fact that Chromia escaped Cybertron alongside Ironhide, Prowl, etc. I think the parallels are neat.

I’m getting a bit off track, but as I said before, I think Smokey would get along great with a bunch of the Arclight crew.

His background would make it easy for him to relate to some of the Arclight crew with less–than–fortunate backgrounds, but remained steadfast and did not “succumb to the darkness”. For example, Showdown was a gladiator in the pits of Kaon, meaning that he likely witnessed Megatron/Megatronus in action back in his gladiator days. But while most of his fellow gladiators joined the Decepticons, he became an Autobot.

Another bot that comes to mind is Cameo, who, in another bio, is described as “An Autobot underdog from the start”. While it’s unknown if her status extends to her pre–Autobot/pre–war life, I’d like to think that’s the case, especially since it’s said that she “has survived by her lightning reflexes since the second she crawled from the Well”. Plus, given both Smokescreen and Chromia’s own statuses as underdogs due to being Mithrilians, I feel like they’d all relate to each other’s past.

But all in all, Smokescreen’s personality is what shines the most, with him already being a pretty extroverted and friendly bot. I can see him befriending many ‘bots, especially those with similar personalities, skillsets, and are likely at the same age range as he is, such as: Anomaly, Macro, Outsider, Sparkscape, and Swagger.

But among all those ‘bots, one of them piqued my interest; Swagger (a bit out of topic, but we need more guys that turn into bikes). If you look closely, you’ll see that both Smokescreen and him share a lot of similarities. They both don the same paintjob (many people mistook Swagger as Smokescreen at first), have similar personalities (though, Swagger’s a bit more on the arrogant side), ticks off a certain blue Two–Wheeler, and have similar backstories in terms of being “abandoned” by their mentor figures (Swagger’s bio literally stated that his teacher/master left him, for reasons unknown).

All in all, I think Swagger would remind Smokey of his younger self. Some of his antics would probably give him second–hand embarrassment, but hey, Smokey’s been there done that. Besides, as someone was often looked down upon, Smokescreen understands that Swagger’s just trying his best to help out (even if his exterior may suggest otherwise).

(Swagger aside, come to think of it, the Arclight’s filled with ‘bots with colorful personalities. Makes you wonder how a certain deadpan snarker would react to suddenly having to share space with them, especially since a bunch of them are skilled. She’s got no reason to complain about supposed “inexperience” or “not following Team Prime’s way” if that were the case. Hopefully not. Plus, I read that she was intended to be the mentor for the Autobots’ training room…while that’d be interesting, she really needs to learn to be patient, for her sake as well as everyone else’s).

Anyways, that’s all from me! Aside from the fact that Smokey needs more friends/positive influences in his life, I just think that the Universe bots in general are a pretty interesting bunch, and it’s a shame that we never really see them in any other continuity/adaptation. Plus, it makes you wonder how everything would go down with the addition of all those bots and cons (especially since Prime felt empty at times).

I’ll end it here. As always, thank you for reading my ramblings, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this :)

Hi, Jazzi! It's been good, all things considered, thank you. How about you? Oh, before too much further, Happy Halloween!

Oh gosh, you found Transformers Universe! I won't lie, I love all those 'Bots it introduced. The sad thing is (besides also never getting to play it, or having it last longer than 1-3 years max) that, according to something I read once, the Arclight's crew/conception was to set up what had been a larger Autobot and Decepticon force on Earth pre-TFP. Which also means, within TFP's lore, they're....all dead in the present. Assuming my memory is correct (given though that the Aligned Continuity is held together by floss, we can just pretend that never happened *grins innocently*)

Hehehe, I'm glad you noticed! Yeah, I just love their design for Hound and will take any opportunity to use my favorite artwork of him

Honestly, I'm well acquainted with Flamewar within TF lore, and I've been trying for years to utilize her for a story, she's that compelling of a villainess. If you check my #Blade's TF tag, you can find my current plan for her - and yes, she's in the works for my OG TF continuity. Before I delve deeper, I just gotta highlight the Arclight crew's base High Grand. It reminds me so much of Transformers: Cybertron's base of operations that I simply CANNOT leave that on the shelf! (Oh, thank you! The parallels were primarily an accident, I think - well, aside from High Grand, but I appreciate it!)

Oh yeah, Smokescreen would vibe with a lot of the Arclight's crew members, and he certainly needs more adult friends (seriously, Chromia is the oldest of the gang with Smokey, Hound, and Red Alert being roughly the same age. On Team Prime, Wheeljack is the only one who'd count after Optimus.) Oooo, Showdown and he would be great friends! Smokescreen might even see some of Roller in him (I've always pictured him as this giant of a 'Bot, so he and Showdown would share that trait.) Given they've both got big Sparks and understand hardship, they'd get along great. Showdown would also love to have someone who is both interested in his past and who won't get squeamish about the circumstances surrounding his gladiatorial record, or even some firsthand accounts of Megatronus'/Megatron's time in the ring. And Smokescreen would be ecstatic to learn some of his moves, and realizing how much of a quick learner he is would definitely endear him to Showdown - who may also see some of the younger, less noble Kaonites he wanted to help but didn't care for the offers he'd give them.

Hmmm, I'd prefer something other than a bike for Cameo, but I think you're right: she'd get along with Chromia and Smokescreen. I kinda have this feeling that Cameo's more skittish than they're used to, but still manages to lock-in and deliver in a battle. Chromia would respect that, and her ultra strong Big Sister Instincts would make her teach her some additional moves while Smokescreen would compare notes with her of surviving on the streets when everyone was bigger than you (wait, I'm considering her for Jack now - apparently Arcee was made blue so Jack "wouldn't look like a wimp" with a pink bike, but the dude could do with a kick-butt girl who isn't afraid to own up to her femininity in her paint job....I may have just started a separate analysis post brainworm, moving on.)

I don't think I can say this enough, but Smokescreen's greatest power is his ability to get along with all kinds of people. He has a natural charisma that literally got me to focus on someone who wasn't Optimus for longer than five minutes back when I was super fixated on him. There's a reason he got singled out by the Matrix of Leadership.

Anomaly would be a good one for their shared gung-ho demeanor, as well as Smokescreen not stopping from befriending him just because he's a "walking fallout". Smokey's niceness and genuine desire to be his friend would do Anomaly a lot of good, while Smokescreen would eagerly learn from his scientific and soldierly mind.

Oooo, Macro is what Bee should have been, and that's a team-up I now want: the two stealth operatives (with bright paint schemes) sneaking behind enemy lines, beating up the bad guys, and balancing each other out - Smokescreen's guns and speed matched with Macro's blades and unpredictability. That'd be so much fun to write, never mind witness! Dang, now I gotta either do something for that or - wait, Troy Baker voicing Macro! He and Nolan North would play off each other well, haha!

Outsider would be a toughie. I can see them being an "odd friendship", insofar as while Outsider would be on his own at base a lot, the one he wouldn't mind having hang around him would be Smokescreen. Smokey's no stranger to dealing with the "strong, silent type" who rarely speak, and I think even if he did the talking while Outsider did the - not work, but introverted loner thing, Outsider would appreciate having someone talking over the darker thoughts in his head.

For some reason I'm seeing Sparkscape as a hippie/innocent doper. Like, Amphiaraus of Hercules 2014 innocent doper: the guy who is usually smoking something but fully combat capable and who won't mistreat you because of the mushrooms he's eating. Smokescreen might initially find it difficult to bond with him because of that, but when he reminds him of that one nice guy who'd hang around the docks/the corner of Roller and Aileron's bar, he'd get into Smokescreen's good graces. I can also see a persistent joke of "you want some?" over Cybertronian drugs that never fails to get them both laughing.

Oh gosh, Swagger!!! He's one of my favorites, and I've been trying so hard to figure out where I could put him! I'm also wondering if I could swing Drift as his lost mentor, but IDK yet on that front (yessssss, give us more male bike-formers!!) Oooo, that'd be fun: Smokescreen seeing a younger, more aggressive/hotheaded version of himself in the 'Bot, and trying to help him out. If anything, they might be the only ones to lock horns from the two groups (just because Swagger is the type of guy to be aggressive/violent when pushed on his past), but they'd never come to blows. After a while, I think they'd come to an understanding and Swagger would mature from his old habits - though still with a distinct swagger to his name. (Swagger can keep his colors, but I'd greatly appreciate it if he were as lithe in build as Arcee. Don't go doing double standards for the designs simply because he's a dude - also, if I did make his mentor Drift, that could bleed into the family reunion later on...)

(Lol, Arcee would freak until legitimate character growth sets in! Hmmm, making her a mentor would actually do her development a number of favors, especially if they called her out on the whole "experience/no-nonsense" thing she always spouted off but never practiced. Hooooo, now I need to see her and Swagger trading blows, because she would trigger that response from him, never mind bad memories of his abandonment....)

Thanks for this, it was a fun thought exercise! Oh yeah, not only does Smokescreen deserve more friends, but Prime needed more characters. That's technically Hasbro's fault for hamstringing them, but dang if it didn't negatively affect the show's hollowness in terms of world-building.

Take care, and I hope to see you around again soon! And once more (and this extends to last week's ask), let me know if I missed something!

[blade-liger-4ever]

Was there ever a moment where the Arclight crew questioned who broke the energon dispenser?

(I actually have created a Cybertronian version of coffee called energant - it's purified [I guess?] energon mixed with coolant.)

---

Doubletake: So. Who broke it? I'm not mad, I just wanna know.

Showdown: I did. I broke it -

Doubletake: No, no you didn't. Sparkscape?

Sparkscape: Don't look at me. Look at Cameo.

Cameo: What? I didn't break it.

Sparkscape: Huh. That's weird. How'd you even know it was broken?

Cameo: Because it's sitting right in front of us, and it's broken.

Sparkscape: Suspicious.

Cameo: No, it's not -

Swagger: If it matters - probably not - but, Outsider was the last one to use it.

Outsider: Liar! I don't even drink that scrap.

Swagger: Oh, really? Then what were you doing by the energant dispenser earlier?

Outsider: I use the aluminum stirrers to scrape off dead mesh. Everybody knows that, Swagger!

Showdown: Okay, okay. Let's not fight. I broke it. Let me fix it, Doubletake.

Doubletake: No. Who broke it?

Cameo: Doubletake...Anomaly's been awfully quiet -

Anomaly: RRRREALLY?!

Cameo: Uh, yeah, really.

*as they start arguing, Doubletake goes to the camera in the other room*

Doubletake: I broke it. It burned my servo, so I punched it. This should be sufficient payback for the three weeks of watering down Swagger that left me with a kid in my lap for hours that resulted in my neck getting cramps. *smiles and leaves*