Wow... I was NOT expecting this level of engagement AT ALL haha. Really appreciate you all coming in, and I'm glad to see plenty new faces. I see your comments, and I'm touched... I'm happy to see many share similar experiences as I have, as well as ones that are different. I also wanna thank you for the feedback and input on a couple missed opportunities. I understand my explanation of ASD could've been more detailed, and I'm not sure how I completely mislabeled Torca when there's a plain-as-day Maximal insignia in the photo lol. Don't really have a ton of neurodivergents in my irl circles, and I suppose I subconsciously broke it down for the neurotypicals in my life who've been with me for so long, explaining the simplicity of the intro. The ideas with my videos, as much as I love making them, were always kinda meant to just be shot in the void as I move on to the next in the midst of my busy life. Lo and behold, it seems I may have underestimated the power we share... For we are _more than meets the eye._ (cue the theme song) okay look i needed to, some of you asked for it, don't execute me like I'm Sentinel-
@TitanGoji Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with your condition. I know this can be a sensitive subject to talk about and how people assume it's a handicap not a divergent transformative experience. You touched upon a few thoughts about the franchise as I did, especially how the toys are more stimulating and engineered puzzles. I've kept up with the series since G1, having been born in 1983. I can even still remember my first Transformers toy experience, if you can believe it.
I didn't know that Daniel during Headmasters ended up getting his injuries undone. My understanding was when he became RC's Headmaster he couldn't remove the robot suit because the robot suit was keeping him alive and he permanently became part of RC. It always kind of felt fitting because of how close RC and Daniel became in the original American cartoon I figured in the Japanese version of the cartoon they remain that way and grow even closer where they were now two parts of a whole. Did you see the original Japanese Transformers please don't ask me to remember the name of it there was an original Japanese cartoon that came out a couple of years before the American Transformers the version I'm talking about most of the Transformers were animals and the leader of the Decepticons rode a robot dinosaur that looks similar to Grimlock;). Basically he rode what looked like Godzilla into battle like a horse in several episodes. I can't remember if that version of Megatron turned into a gun or not I've seen a few pieces of the cartoon but never broke down and watched the whole thing by the dates on it it come out a couple of years before the American cartoon. For perspective I'm 46 years old I was around during Generation 1 in its heyday;)
@@peterparker6584 In the Japanese cartoon, Daniel never became a headmaster. The three-parter that ended the American cartoon didn't air in Japan. The Japan-only seasons pick up from the end of season 3.
"What defines a Transformer is not the cog in his chest, but the Spark that resides in their core. A Spark that gives you the will to make your world better."
In a whole movie that’s specifically about how the cog will change your spark and your life, even hammering in that point is the merging of the matrix of leadership with an all powerful cog
@@tadihotado3518 Orion Pax was found worthy of the matrix BECAUSE of who he showed himself to be without a cog (or even a lesser cog.) To believe that the cog is the end (pursuit of power) and not a means is to think like Megatron. Instead, the cogs and ultimately the Matrix are means by which transformers can use their will to serve others rather than themselves, to the benefit and freedom of all sentient beings. This has to be the will of Primus leading the Matrix to be given to the one to whom it could be entrusted.
I think TitanGoji is onto something here with this series. I've been a Transformers fan for years... ever since my grandma bought me an old second Wheeljack figure. It was that or Ironhide. The rest is history.
Autistic here and I love this stupid giant robot series so much. It’s like my favorite franchise of all time. Optimus Prime has, no joke, shaped my morals and has inspired me to always see the good in everyone and believe that anyone can be redeemed. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings, and with that freedom we have the right to choose who we want to be. Also you are completely right about the Transformation sound being an audio stim because I do it like all the goddamn time
As a person with ADHD I can confirm it isn't just linked with autism it is linked with all forms of neurodigergency God this franchise has me on a freaking leash 😭
I finally got into it after being pester (not literally) by it just showing up in corners of things I was into. So I decided to check it out. I'm not formally diagnosed but I likely have ADHD with how people describe me.
Yeah, I have ADHD, and I've been obsessed with Transformers when I was a kid. My ADHD definitely has me hyperfocus on things sometimes, taking an insane interest in a single thing for some time. I still remember seeing the 1986 animated movie in theaters when I was a young child, and crying when Optimus Prime died. T_T
@@minilopgamer1950 I admittedly have not interacted much with the Thomas fandom. But the fanart I have seen is *staggering.* People make _entire feature-length fan movies_ on here! The level of effort is awe-inspiring.
OK so here's a story. As a kid I was into tractors, and heavy machinery, which lead to me liking the constructicons which lead to my parents buying me the first and second G1 seasons on DVD. While I was watching through them, when Warpath first showed up he became my instant favorite just because of how I thought the way he talked was funny and I liked his design. I grew up and forgot about it. Over the years though I developed a major interest in tanks, and for a long time my favorite tank has been the M551 Sheridan. I just love it's design and concept, and find it very appealing despite it's (incredible multitude) of faults as an actual combat vehicle. Well this year I started thinking about transformers again, and as a kid I never really memorized Warpath's name and had very fuzzy memories of him in the show (I was very VERY young when I was watching those DVDs) and so I asked a friend to help me find out, and when I found him again I was astonished. He transforms into a tank, that I'm very very sure is a Sheridan. This one transformer saying things like Blam! and KAPOW! in all of his sentences might be the entire reason I'm into tanks and pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering Tech. It felt like learning lore about myself, lol. Edit: Yes I'm diagnosed autistic.
As an OG fan of the G1 series, being q kid in the 80s, I didn't realise that Ironhide was a Nissan Datsun Vanette cherry, that was the same as our family van, as an adult I miss the old family van, wish still had it, especially now I know it didnt just look like one of my fav transformers, it was the vehicle Ironhide was modelled off, so I can relate to your experience, I had warpath, too, but only the toy, only the luckiest get the real version of the big ones Always wanted a Prime 🛻 truck, guess ill have to keep dreamin Till All Are One
I was into trains as a kid... Probably because I don't have a railroad nearby so every visit to my gran's felt special. But yeah, always loved mechanical stuff, it's got a unique kind of beauty. Thought of getting into engineering school even but alas I was pretty trash at math (not by my fault though, the teachers kept changing so frequently that you couldn't get used to a proper work schedule). So I went into the next best thing since I was good at pretty much all the natural sciences, that being medicine.
Fellow autistic here, I've been, for lack of a better description, skydiving down the transformers rabbit hole for the past two weeks or so and knowing me I ain't getting out. This vid has me feeling both seen and kinda personally attacked so like. Kudos. Have a new subscriber.
I'm not autistic (I've been tested several times), but the single mom who raised me is, and I only had her to model most of my behavior off of. So I share a lot of autism-type behaviors, and most of my friends are diagnosed on the spectrum. I have an *immense* collection of Transformers. I'd estimate I've owned 90% of every mainline mold (not counting recolors) from G1 on. And I love playing with them. The tactile sensations. The ratchet joints! For me as a kid, people were volatile, unpredictable things. Toys were dependable. And Transformers were like, the best kind of challenge. Something I was good at, and couldn't screw up. The opposite of chores and school tasks. Before fidget spinners were a thing, that's what they were for me. Even still, if I'm watching a movie, or even talking to a friend for a long time, there's a Transformer in my hands, keeping them busy. The complexity of third-party figures has been a godsend, and it's been so great seeing the companies figure out how to make them more durable, so they stand up to a lot of play. As a kid I adored being able to bring along Seaspray and Swerve and other little ones around in my pocket, playing with them in restaurants and such. Now there's NewAge and Magic Square making ones just as little, but lightyears ahead in complexity. Not to mention that so many modern Hasbro figures are like, "Hey, here's the one you loved when you were little, but now it can *actually do the pose that was on the box art!!"* It's so cool that my favorite toy grew up alongside me.
Almost out of nowhere, but have you encountered Tobot? It's a Korean line, and a lot of the figures are well-articulated, with satisfying transformations, and actually feel _sturdy._ I have a hunch they might appeal to you.
@@Brickerbrack I have a _few_ of them. Tobot, and Hello Carbot, and I've been trying to get my hands on a Metal Cardbot Heavy Iron or Gigantrex. But sweet jesus they are EXPENSIVE. The shipping's usually almost as much as the toy itself! I did put up the money for Tobot Athlon Metron though, and woooooooo, he is satisfying. Heavy as a cinder block! ^__^
@@AlexReynard Tobot's one of the few cartoons right now that I think are worth showing to kids. Seriously, that kind of stuff in your childhood makes you a fan of mecha for life. Alas, plastic crack is expensive, always will be. If anything transforming figures are cheaper than the absolute mess that is Gunpla right now, prices are absolutely wack even for a model kit.
As someone with autism and not only like kaiju media but also transformers and mecha model kits, i really appreciate this video. Alot more than i thought. You basically got autism spot on mostly in your explanations. Neither of my parents are autistic but my dad got me into the franchise (and godzilla) so i got him to thanks for that.
Here’s a quote my parents always told me as a kid: “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism”. No one with autism is the same.
When you spend your whole life feeling like an alien robot compared to others, you get really attached to the story about alien robots. Then add puzzle, vehicles, history, war, and cool character dynamics and voilà. Anyway, if you read all this I want a reply with your three favourite transformers from each side. For me, I have: (Autobot) -Optimus Prime -Jetfire -Hoist (Decepticon) -Soundwave -Starscream -Reflector
(autobots) Jazz (I loved his TFA version) Wheeljack (honestly my second favorite design) Optimus Prime (Decepticons) Star Scream (favorite design and favorite character) Soundwave Blitzwing
Besides the command trios (bc I love the command trio from both sides), here they are: Autobots - Elita-One - Hot Rod / Rodimus Prime - Pharma + Bluestreak bc I also have began to really like him a lot, as of late. Decepticons - Deadlock - Barricade - Flatline My reasonings? They’re just so fun to put in *✨situations✨* and they all have interesting character facets to each of them that it just really draws me in! My definitive favorite two are Starscream and Roddy, with Roddy just slightly coming out on top. I love these funky robots so much. ❤
As someone also on the spectrum, you helped me reaffirm my love for the brand and the high quantity of figures in my collection. Transformers are kind of my second family, so it’s no wonder why some of us affiliated with the brand quite often. Also, did you guys know that Transmutate from Beast Wars Uprising, a convention comic, was written to have an implied version of autism? It makes me think we need some more autistic Transformers( I do now headcannon Soundwave as autistic thanks to IDW 2006)
I remember reading that about Transmutate. It’s pretty interesting. And I too am on the spectrum. Quite a lot of people responding to this video identifying as on the spectrum and collectors.
I choose to fix the lack by doing it myself! On top of OCs, I hc a bunch of canon characters as being on the neurodivergency spectrum. I like to imagine that all three of the elite trine are neurodivergent, and Skywarp is the only one officially diagnosed because he didn’t mask it as well, and it all kind of fell flat when compared to child prodigy Starscream who was definitely the youngest and revealed that something most certainly isn’t quite right here. For them my hcs are: TC and Star both have autism, remaining undiagnosed and Star only having peer review, while Skywarp has ADHD, as well as having serious dyslexia. Some of my other HCed characters are: - Perceptor (Autism) - Brainstorm (ADHD?) - Wheeljack (ADHD) - Soundwave (Autism) - Prowl (Autism) - Red Alert (Autism; on top of having Paranoid Schizophrenia: the ‘tism is def not the cause, they just happen to coexist in him.) - Hot Rod / Rodimus Prime (AuDHD) - Chase [RBs] (Autism) - Boulder [RBs] (ADHD) .*slaps the top of the transformers*. Look how much neurodivergence can fit in these bad boys!
yes! someone else who understands the 3 pillars of transformer toys! ive been saying this for years!!! theres so many things in this video i agree with and it hits practicaly all the boxes for why i love this franchise so much. thank you for the amazing video.
I have asperger and got into the hobby since I was 4 years old and my earliest memory is getting my first transformers toy classic voyager optimus prime
@@neonafterglow4451 I own my classics optimus to this day when it broke I bought junker and replaced those parts. To this day my favourite Transformers character is Optimus Prime but I also like Armada Megatron/Galvatron and Armada and Cybertron Starscream
I have Asperger’s syndrome and I own more than 150 variations of Optimus Prime and I even built my own custom semi bust of him out of Lego that stands 3 feet 7 inches tall and 3 feet wide with light up eyes and more than 7,000 pieces. It’s a fun hobby for me. I’ve always had fun with the designs and complexity of the different figures but I’m not crazy about when Hasbro over simplifies figures from the Transformers toy line.
I also liked that red, white, and blue are traditional American hero "good guy" colors, like Optimus. So for a character like Starscream to be wearing them just emphasizes how he's a two-faced betrayer, always hiding what he is under the surface.
I've never felt so understood until this video. I've loved Transformers since G1/G2 and it's such a core part of myself, but now that I'm learning about neurodevergence, so many things click into place. Thank you for sharing this.
Even as a current 21 year old, I love going back to many different versions of Transformers media, be they from the movies, shows, or sometimes even comic readings.
I laughed so hard at the train comment. I have been a fan of this series since childhood. I'm 43 years old and I've been actively collecting for probably the last 20 to 23 years. I have probably close to a thousand figures at this point and I didn't realize until the last few years just how uncommon that level of dedication was. I think for me it was so many things that appealed to me. For one I've always been obsessed with robots. For some reason they're inhumanity just resonated with me on a base level. Not in that they were inhumane, but they were definitely not part of the species. Characters like data had a similar appeal to me in Star Trek. But, with transformers it was always just the multiple aspects like you had mentioned. Even to this day I look at the engineering of the figures and how they can do what they do and it's just amazing to me. I always made it a challenge to figure out the transformations without the instructions. Looking at the instructions to me was a personal failure. Visually I had my favorites of course. The decepticons always looked cooler than the Autobots. But Prime was always number one in my book. His abject heroism and his selfless being was just always an appeal especially as I got older. He has taken on the role of the dutiful father/protective figure. That in part is why I thoroughly dislike the Michael Bay version of the character. There's also an appeal to archetypes that I feel as though attracts me to the characters as well. I'm not saying I don't like complex characters but sometimes we can get a little lost in the weeds with character portrayals and I don't always care for that. I may be in the minority but I did actually like the IDW aspect of Megatron at least attempting to reform. But ultimately, Megatron is a bad guy. I think it appeals to a bit of black and white thinking that is a Hallmark of ASD.
This is a topic that I've wondered about quite a bit in the past few months. I did a video on representation in TF, and Geomotus came up in conversation. I always wanted to dive deeper into the connection between the Autism Spectrum and the franchise, but never did as I felt very under equipped to discuss the topic. Thank you for speaking on it so clearly
Never watch for the representation. Ever. Kind advice, but characters written for "the representation" are almost always one-note (i.e. their one character trait is being something) instead of being fully realized. Transformers are alien, and having Earthly "representation" in it is what makes some of the newer media come off as so cringey. For example, that entire ordeal with Nightshade. It just doesn't work at all. Aliens are alien, they don't have to be 100% human in terms of everything.
@@mechamaniac1567 I think you need to watch my video on representation first before assuming my opinions on the matter. Nowhere do I state you should watch something because of representation, but rather, the importance of representation when done correctly.
@@DeltaTrion Then I think we agree on that. Representation, but only when it makes sense. Too many recent media don't do it properly. Your videos are pretty good too, keep it up.
9:42 you know, I feel like Brave is the endgame for Transformers fans. Like you watch ALL of Transformers, and you need more but there’s not more. Then there’s Brave. I’ve been a Transformers fan since I was born, my mom loved it in the 80s and dragged me into it. I’ve been watching Brave recently and absolutely adore it. It feels a lot like Transformers Victory, which was one of my favorite shows as a kid. So it feels right at home besides Transformers. I also love Gundam, so having a “Transformers” show written by the folks at Takara and animated by sunrise was a match made in heaven for me. I think to answer the question, not necessarily, but if you’ve only seen Brave, I heavily doubt you wouldn’t love Transformers.
@@narlord8613 Exkizer and Fighbird (is that a pigeon?) are kinda rough around the edges, DaGarn is where it actually becomes great. DaGarn - Literal Magic Mecha, also strong story Might Gaine - Batman with transforming train robots J-Decker - A Kid and his Police Car Robot Goldran - this one's worth it for the humor and Walter Walzac alone Dagwon - Yuusha but Sentai GaoGaiGar - this one will probably make you love traditional piloted mecha like Mazinger Z, Getter Robo and Gurren Lagann, main mecha's piloted but the supporting ones are Transformers, it's also got some insane action
i was diagnosed with Autism and interglacial disability when i was just 1 years old. i fell in love with Transformers since 2007 when the first Bayverse film came out. in my eyes, the Transformers helps me escape all of the problems i had in my life, like my mental health and my past trauma/PTSD when i use to live with my father who was a violent drug attic and a acholic at the time i was just a few months old.
Don't it mean yo f'ed up by 🧬 of pure insanity Dat we somehow magically always existed with? Like just born with it randomly az a vile evil suffering. Y is disgusting disability and syndromes even exist to begin with?? Wha a cruel curse to just born with of like some unnatural 🧟♀️ thing.
I felt the same way. Diagnosed early as a toddler, but as soon as I saw I think Transformers energon and then the Michael Bay movies, I was in love. Still am to this day. My collection isn't huge huge, but I love transforming the figures because it gives my hands something to stimulate my brain with.
@ManaPower027 hate da confusing ones with snap off parts like arms and legs guz they really make da toy test you and really got to work for it just to snap it in place and stay. Or confusing ones Dat you get into a yoga mess and it's all twisted. Like wfc ratchet. Even da instructions are and look ↘️➡️⬅️↘️⬇️↙️⬆️↩️↘️↪️🤨?????????
9:45 The Brave series are for when both Transformers and Power Rangers rocked your world as a wee one, and then you discover this magical land where they combine. And combine. AND COMBINE!!!
Yoooo I got into Transformers around the exact same time you did (I was like 8 at the time) and I think you hit the nail RIGHT on the head as to why a lot of us enjoy the brand so much X33
as an autistic person who has loved transformers since I was a wee tiny lad, (I have an entire wall or three dedicated to them) I loved the characters and the transformations are really fun for me. I also just love the design of them all. Nova Prime's my favorite.I never got into the masterpiece as they seemed too convoluted for me. just loved the CHUG line.
OMW SO I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO WATCHED TFP LIKE "ahahaha Optimus go thumpy clunky" Everytime homebro be strolling 💀 also he's such a cinnamon roll in that series I CAN'T I WANNA GIVE HIM HUGS AND HEADPATS bro says more with his face than his words bc he shy like that pfft (Yes I am very very autistic LOL)
I'm autistic and most likely adhd as well and I've loved transformers for years. Growing up, my older siblings would watch the movies, Transformers prime, and rescue bots a lot. I was fascinated by the bright colors (basically one of my visual stims) and loved their personalities even more. The reason I love them so much is because they resemble me. I havent met very many people in my life who act like me so seeing characters who share a lot of my Audhd traits-like Rodimus' impulsivness and fidgeting in the comics as well as soundwave and prowl's black and white thinking-made me feel understood. I also didn't have many good role models growing up so I was drawn to Optimus and his heroic nature. Recently I got a Megatron toy and I love transforming him. And my rodimus furrai figure is so fun to pose. Posing and playing with toys is one of my favorite things as an autistic person :]
This video is pure autistic euphoria. I've been subconsciously & consciously thinking most of this since I was like 2 (when I discovered transformers). I'm already subscribed & deeply excited for more.
I've had this talk with some friends recently. We all decided there was a definite correlation between general nuerodivergents and almost any adult toy collector. We also talked about metal detectorists and neurodivergent folks.
I would say not entirely most yeah but along time ago men were allowed to have toy trains And there are Vidoo games now in society which were seen as childish but now everyone plays Minecraft (I know neuodivegrent people play) Unless u mean every type of toy collector (I know u said almost any not all but if it's by types I agree there is a lot of overlap!) Im just saying that adult toy collecting isn't as neuro spicy as it seems from a distant glance (Tho u could argue noertpycial are not as dominant as we think either)
this video put to words how exactly i feel about this franchise while also explaining more reasons i didn't realize. this video is very well put together, and i hope it gets the recognition it deserves. till all are one.
As a person with Autism and ADHD who’s loved Transformers since I was little, thanks for making this video! I just started it so I’ll stick around to see what else you have to say but I appreciate how you’re clarifying what Autism isn’t!!! Have a great day! :D
This video is perfect for me!!! I’m Autistic, I have ADHD, and I’ve been obsessed with transformers since I was 4. I have a small collection of toys that I plan on expanding, my first introduction to Transformers was the Michael Bay 2007 film (my personal favorite is Revenge of The Fallen), and I’ve been obsessed with this franchise forever. Thanks for making such an awesome, amazing, and thoughtful video; it really helped make me feel better about myself and the way I am. Also, I got super giddy when I heard the transformation sound effect, I even started making the sound myself!!!!!
Great video sir, you hit the nail on the head! Also the fact that it gives TF fans a true social experience that may have never been there before is massive, virtually and physically with conventions and such, in the UK it’s a massive social event that is the highlight of the year for most fans.
I’ve been a massive fan of transformers my entire life. All of my friends call me autistic for it even though I’m not but it doesn’t bother me. How could someone not love this franchise
As an HSP, (high sensitive person) on the spectrum, this video makes TOTAL sense & explains a lot! (Transformers along with Zoids for me was that early taste of "Japanese cool" here in America at a time when anime/manga etc was not nearly accessible.) 😎
Re the start of the video, Autism and ADHD share 70% of the same symptoms. Also regarding the 10:00 mark, it's an iceberg. Remember that the Deluxe Insecticons came from Beetras, the Deluxe Autobots from Dorvack, and not only was Jetfire a discarded Strike Valkyrie prototype, but Shoji Kawamori had a heavy hand in early Diaclone. By extension and because of that, not only the Brave series, but every single anime which Shoji Kawamori had a hand in, becomes tangential to Transformers.
The first transforming mecha is Yuusha Reideen (no relationship to the Yuusha series from the 90s). What Kawamori did was create a REALISTIC transforming mecha with the Macross Valkyrie. In regards to ADHD and autism, psychiatry is a completely subjective field. There are no objective symptoms for either of those other than not being able to catch up to reading, writing and being somewhat less intelligent. I'd even go as far out to say it's medicine's biggest scam right now. You're better off tossing all the drugs in the trash. In case you ask, I'm actually an MD.
@@mechamaniac1567 ADHD and ASD share 70% of the same symptoms - which is why there is such a large number of us who have ASD, who also have ADHD. Also what you're talking about with Kawamori is inaccurate. It isn't that Kawamori made the first realistic transforming mecha with the Valkyrie; what made the Valkyrie special was that Kawamori did what his peers claimed was impossible - to create a toy which could change between a plane and a robot, without having to remove any parts in the process. Also I'd argue that Yuusha Reideen is completely irrelevant to the creation of the Transformers. It's also questionable whether it's even the first Transforming mecha - perhaps in animation form, but that isn't necessarily true as far as toys go. Yuusha Reideen of course, aired from April 4, 1975. Keep that date in mind here as we dive into the toy history of Transformers. Without going to extremes with the creation of Barbie or traditional dolls even earlier than that, the starting point for the history of the evolution of Transformers is of course, Takara licensing G.I. JOE, under the name Combat Joe, which sold in Japan from 1971. 1972 however, saw the first converting/transforming robot toy, in the form of Cyborg Henshin. In fact it's possible that this may have had an influence on the development of Yuusha Reideen. 1974 of course sees the introduction of the spin-off Microman line, and this is where it gets interesting. You bring up that Yuusha Reideen came out in April 1975, but that wasn't the only thing to come out in 1975 and it wasn't even the most formative influence in this regard, on the history of Transformers. In 1975, the second year of the Microman toyline, Project Victory, there was an attempt made to link Microman to the original Cyborg Henshin line, in the form of the Robotman subline. Robotman and Biotron, were 14" mecha, which could be piloted by a 3.75" Microman figure. Additionally they could convert into a tank. There was also the option of adding either the Drill Set or Dozer Set to them, which additionally allowed the tank to convert into either a bulldozer or mole tank respectively: micromanforever.org/Robotman-Biotron.htm . As a direct ancestor to every single Diaclone and Microchange toy ever created, this was as formative, if not far more formative, an influence on the creation of Transformers, as Yuusha Reideen MAY have been. Additionally, we have no idea which of the 2, actually came first. As a standard rule, toy lines tend to take a least a year to develop; so do animation projects. That means that both the toy mecha, Robotman and the anime, Yuusha Reideen, were both in development in 1974. Certainly it's POSSIBLE that Takara caught wind of Yuusha Reideen during the early development period, however it's equally as possible that both ideas merely developed simultaneously and independently of one another. That's without factoring in that the figure might even have had to have been completed in time for the 1974 Tokyo Toy Show, to get buyers on board for the 1975 financial year. Certainly Yuusha Reideen probably influenced the direction things went to some degree - even if, at a minimum, it was simply proving the popularity of mechanime and mecha toys in general. However I'd argue that you're misattributing to Yusha Reideen, the role which Robotman had on the evolution of Combat Joe into Transformers.
@@andrewrichards312 You don't have to restate the facts about AD(H)D, I already understood you the first time. I straight up don't believe psychiatry. I say this as an MD, it's a complete sham that's designed to make you addicted to brainrotting drugs like benzos. Have you heard about the Judge Rothenberg center? Yeah, that's actually run by psychiatrists. Look it up (warning, it'll probably make you nauseous, so caution). Speaking of Yuusha Reideen, my point wasn't that it influenced Transformers directly, but that it actually was a stepping stone towards it. Like, I still see from time to time people who claim that it was Kawamori who actually invented transformations for mecha when he clearly did not. Mecha as a genre of sci-fi and fantasy is just so thoroughly misunderstood by most Americans and Anglo-Westerners that there still is some sort of perception that 70s mecha is nothing but kiddie stuff that wasn't important to anime history at all. Sadly enough, Transformers probably perpetuated that image because G1 was heavily controlled by network standards and ugly stereotypes that action cartoons have to follow the exact same, status-quo plots as comedic cartoons of the time did.
As someone who was five years old in 1986 when the original movie came out, hearing people whose first exposure to Transformers was the Bay films never stops being surreal AF. I guarantee, there's gonna come a point where grown adults are gonna say, "Yeah, I saw Transformers One when I was seven and it was great!" and you're gonna feel *_OLLLLDDDDD._* ;)
This is fantastic, it made me tear up. Thank you for such a well thought out, brilliant, educational piece connecting the two, especially taking the extra time to explain what autism is and isn't. My boyfriend was diagnosed autistic as an adult and loves Transformers. When we first started dating, I definitely thought his love for the franchise was a lot but, as we we've been together for over a year and a half now, I have seen what this franchise means to him as an individual on the spectrum. You hit this one of out the park, this is probably one of my favorite videos on YT now.
I haven’t really ever been tested for the tism but I swear the amount of times people ask me if I’m autistic cause I love transformers and gundam an unreasonable amount is a lot
Combaticons are G.O.A.T.ed, they inspired me to make my own team called the Commandobots. They’re different vehicles, with the exception of one that’s also an Abrams tank.
Speaking as a lifelong Transformers fan on the ASD, while I have loved the many different shows/movies/comics (shoutout to the many weirdos of japanese g1), it’s always been about that beautiful tactile experience for me. To even further show my hyberfixation, it’s part of why I'm a vintage collector; there are a ton of really cool modern transformers with elaborate, clever transformations, but for me, nothing beats the simple, chunky g1 transformations, and my god, the sounds! Incredibly satisfying. Whenever I know I'm doing a long work session on my computer, I always bring a desk buddy to help vent out my energy.
Wow!! Well done my friend. My son is on the spectrum and loves transformers - though hard to say if this is why or because of my love for them. But even I appreciate Transformers for a lot of the same reason. Love the analogy of the fidget cube. I have always considered them my rubix cube. And always try transform them without instructions.
I learned I'm probably autistic at the age of 18, three years ago. Over the last few months, my Transformers obsession from my childhood has been rekindled (thanks, Transformers ONE), and this video puts it all into a LOT of context. Thank you, sir, for helping me understand myself better
Thank you!!!!! Thank you for making this its amazing someone is putting positive in this fandom. An explanation for why some funs like me have been die hard for years
While transformers returned to me during the pandemic. What im mostly a fan of is Lego. Specifically the now sadly cancelled theme of Bionicle. Im an autistic that loves plastic robots what can i say? Haha
Thanks for making this video, man. I'm a guy on the spectrum and was introduced to Transformers in the early 2010s. While the movies didn't exactly appeal to me at the time, thanks Chris McFeely's Transformers the Basics videos, I am now officially a Transformers fan, participating in roleplay, diving into the lore, getting into other mech/robot crazes like Macross and Robotix, and even having a desire to make my own Transformers stories!
I have both ADHD and Autism, and I got into transformers the same way you did. For me, Transformers is my comfort franchise, and as you said in the video, helps me escape from the stresses of the real world. I've even created a family of OC characters, one of which is Shocksound, who is basically my transformers persona.
Fantastic video! You just put my entire life into words perfectly! As someone with autism, Transformers was one of my many comforts growing up. Thank you, Titan. Also, sorry to be "that guy," but Tora is a Maximal. Sorry. Had to prove what a Nerd I am. 🤓
True fact, in the Japanese sequel, Beast Wars Neo, there was a repaint of him called Elephorca who IS a bad guy. Not a Predacon, but a Blendtron. They work for Unicron!
@@Kaizer617 like I clearly read Maximal, but ig since the other two in the segment were a Predacon and Decepticon beast, it got lost in the scriptwriting 😅
All Bayformers films are good for is giving me an Epileptic Fit. Over-sensory Overload and terrible characters, so I'm fortunate to experience the original Cartoon and the first Movie from 1986.
I got into transformers when I was 6 with the cybertron trilogy. Being autistic I fell for the mechanical aspect of it. Robots to alt modes fascinated me. I’ve only really gravitated to transformers toy wise ever since. Thank you for this video.
I have ADHD and autism, and I’ve always been drawn to fictional media that takes influence from real life/historical events or are a commentary on them. What interests me about Transformers is how the autobots and deceptions are based on democracy vs communism since the original cartoon was made during the Cold War
I really appreciate this, it all certainly makes sense, explaining my own fanaticism--- er, I mean Fandom of Transformers. And actually, you echo a lot of the sentiments in my own videos on my channel. There's a lot of Universal Truths about Transformers and why we like 'em, and I like how you put 'em. Great Job man! Looking forward to checking out more of your work! Subscribed!!! Also, great choice running with that awesome Japanese Theme for the G1 cartoon! 😁
If you want a great example of a Decepticon getting a major Redemption Arc, read the first IDW universe. *Megatron* becomes an Autobot and he remains one until the end of the series.
That part of IDW is low-key one of the worst. The redemption arc is one of the few redeeming (pun intended) parts about the whole MTMTE run by Roberts. Way too many Earthly things in my show about alien giant robots.
@mechamaniac1567 I can agree that some elements of MTMTE got a little too human and carried away in identity politics, but like Goji said, they're not just robots. They're people. I liked how the first IDW-verse spent more time in a *post-war* period where the characters had to pick up the pieces and face the consequences for their endless conflict. I know Megatron switching sides was Hasbro's idea at the start, but I think Roberts understood the assignment better than they did. Despite the hijinx on every other page of MTMTE, the scene of Megatron in the field of flowers representing every life lost during the war, caused by him, is one of the most humbling moments in the series. It really grounded his character going forward.
@@_GeneralMechanics_ That's why I said it's one of the few good ideas they had for that comic, other than a few elements I like like Nautica and the DJD. Other than that, though? Dogwater.
THE DR SMOOV CAMEO AT 11:22 HOLY SHIT. That's so real, I saw those vids as a kid in the late 00s as well. Probably in 07 as well, just like you. Wonderful video, very insightful and I identified with it hardcore
I just wanted to say, that as an autistic Transformers fan, this video is going to be quite special to me. Very well researched and explained. I had always enjoyed media with robots, so when Transformers was introduced to me, it definitely was something that stayed. And since then has gave me something to talk to my friends about and bond over, even watching movies together with them. The music and characters are definitely appeals to me. I love Optimus Prime's voice, I love Bumblebee as a character, and so many others. There hardly ever is a character that feels shallow or as if they don't have much depth to them. I love the music as there's always so many good tracks that convey feelings really well and act as a way for me to process my feelings or regulate them. Transformers is great, and I'm so glad that my parents got me into it.
Wow... I was NOT expecting this level of engagement AT ALL haha. Really appreciate you all coming in, and I'm glad to see plenty new faces. I see your comments, and I'm touched... I'm happy to see many share similar experiences as I have, as well as ones that are different.
I also wanna thank you for the feedback and input on a couple missed opportunities. I understand my explanation of ASD could've been more detailed, and I'm not sure how I completely mislabeled Torca when there's a plain-as-day Maximal insignia in the photo lol. Don't really have a ton of neurodivergents in my irl circles, and I suppose I subconsciously broke it down for the neurotypicals in my life who've been with me for so long, explaining the simplicity of the intro.
The ideas with my videos, as much as I love making them, were always kinda meant to just be shot in the void as I move on to the next in the midst of my busy life. Lo and behold, it seems I may have underestimated the power we share... For we are _more than meets the eye._ (cue the theme song)
okay look i needed to, some of you asked for it, don't execute me like I'm Sentinel-
@TitanGoji Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with your condition. I know this can be a sensitive subject to talk about and how people assume it's a handicap not a divergent transformative experience.
You touched upon a few thoughts about the franchise as I did, especially how the toys are more stimulating and engineered puzzles. I've kept up with the series since G1, having been born in 1983. I can even still remember my first Transformers toy experience, if you can believe it.
You didn't betray me u betrayed yourself 🔫
:3
I didn't know that Daniel during Headmasters ended up getting his injuries undone. My understanding was when he became RC's Headmaster he couldn't remove the robot suit because the robot suit was keeping him alive and he permanently became part of RC. It always kind of felt fitting because of how close RC and Daniel became in the original American cartoon I figured in the Japanese version of the cartoon they remain that way and grow even closer where they were now two parts of a whole.
Did you see the original Japanese Transformers please don't ask me to remember the name of it there was an original Japanese cartoon that came out a couple of years before the American Transformers the version I'm talking about most of the Transformers were animals and the leader of the Decepticons rode a robot dinosaur that looks similar to Grimlock;). Basically he rode what looked like Godzilla into battle like a horse in several episodes. I can't remember if that version of Megatron turned into a gun or not I've seen a few pieces of the cartoon but never broke down and watched the whole thing by the dates on it it come out a couple of years before the American cartoon. For perspective I'm 46 years old I was around during Generation 1 in its heyday;)
@@peterparker6584 In the Japanese cartoon, Daniel never became a headmaster. The three-parter that ended the American cartoon didn't air in Japan. The Japan-only seasons pick up from the end of season 3.
"What defines a Transformer is not the cog in his chest, but the Spark that resides in their core. A Spark that gives you the will to make your world better."
In a whole movie that’s specifically about how the cog will change your spark and your life, even hammering in that point is the merging of the matrix of leadership with an all powerful cog
'ARISE ....OPTIMUS PRIME'
@@tadihotado3518 Orion Pax was found worthy of the matrix BECAUSE of who he showed himself to be without a cog (or even a lesser cog.) To believe that the cog is the end (pursuit of power) and not a means is to think like Megatron. Instead, the cogs and ultimately the Matrix are means by which transformers can use their will to serve others rather than themselves, to the benefit and freedom of all sentient beings. This has to be the will of Primus leading the Matrix to be given to the one to whom it could be entrusted.
Low-key I think megatron was in the right
In tf one atleast
*looking around my room at shelves full of Transformers figures*: "I wonder if this means anything lol"
I'VE BEEN POSING SS DOTM SHOCKWAVE THE WHOLE VIDEO
I'M NOT DIAGNOSED WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
Never been diagnosed but my shelves are lined with Bionicle, gunpla, 40k and I just recently bought my first transformer in about 12 years
@@bioshock3d-W gunpla
I think TitanGoji is onto something here with this series. I've been a Transformers fan for years... ever since my grandma bought me an old second Wheeljack figure. It was that or Ironhide. The rest is history.
God i miss my collection so much. Got totally wiped out in a flash flood.
As an AuDHD with a lifelong love for the franchise, Ive never felt so attacked until I heard your astro train being peak comment LMAO
I dunno Omega Supreme is like the same but bigger stronger and better.
@@HiJakOGmaybe, but can Omega Supreme go from Choo-Choo to Fwoosh in an instant? That’s what I thought
😭 literally the same - there is nothing cooler than a train that can turn into a spaceship WHICH CAN ALSO TURN INTO A ROBOT!?!?!?
I'm more a Blitzwing guy, but Astrotrain is endlessly charming
Oh man, that killed me! 🤣🤣🤣
Autistic here and I love this stupid giant robot series so much. It’s like my favorite franchise of all time. Optimus Prime has, no joke, shaped my morals and has inspired me to always see the good in everyone and believe that anyone can be redeemed. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings, and with that freedom we have the right to choose who we want to be. Also you are completely right about the Transformation sound being an audio stim because I do it like all the goddamn time
How fitting, I'm autistic and recently getting into Transformers.
Welcome to the party pal
Same here
Same
I've also gotten into Transformers more recently this year
It makes me happy to see new blood in a franchise I’ve loved since basically the second I was born. Welcome to Transformers :)
As a person with ADHD I can confirm it isn't just linked with autism it is linked with all forms of neurodigergency God this franchise has me on a freaking leash 😭
I finally got into it after being pester (not literally) by it just showing up in corners of things I was into. So I decided to check it out. I'm not formally diagnosed but I likely have ADHD with how people describe me.
Same.
Da robots become cars 😀
i also have adhd lol (altho might also have autism)
Yeah, I have ADHD, and I've been obsessed with Transformers when I was a kid. My ADHD definitely has me hyperfocus on things sometimes, taking an insane interest in a single thing for some time. I still remember seeing the 1986 animated movie in theaters when I was a young child, and crying when Optimus Prime died. T_T
'Autism is defined in the DSM as enjoying Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends so much that everyone around you is euclid-level terrified of you.' ;)
I feel called out
@@minilopgamer1950 I admittedly have not interacted much with the Thomas fandom. But the fanart I have seen is *staggering.* People make _entire feature-length fan movies_ on here! The level of effort is awe-inspiring.
Anti-bus, pro-car and rail for life, baby. Six year old me liked that show a lot, it's so cute.
@@AlexReynard I haven’t seen Thomas since I was a kid but those fan films sound awesome
@@minilopgamer1950 I'm sure I've seen "Trainsformers" in the UA-cam sidebar, for a start.
OK so here's a story. As a kid I was into tractors, and heavy machinery, which lead to me liking the constructicons which lead to my parents buying me the first and second G1 seasons on DVD. While I was watching through them, when Warpath first showed up he became my instant favorite just because of how I thought the way he talked was funny and I liked his design. I grew up and forgot about it.
Over the years though I developed a major interest in tanks, and for a long time my favorite tank has been the M551 Sheridan. I just love it's design and concept, and find it very appealing despite it's (incredible multitude) of faults as an actual combat vehicle.
Well this year I started thinking about transformers again, and as a kid I never really memorized Warpath's name and had very fuzzy memories of him in the show (I was very VERY young when I was watching those DVDs) and so I asked a friend to help me find out, and when I found him again I was astonished. He transforms into a tank, that I'm very very sure is a Sheridan.
This one transformer saying things like Blam! and KAPOW! in all of his sentences might be the entire reason I'm into tanks and pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering Tech.
It felt like learning lore about myself, lol.
Edit: Yes I'm diagnosed autistic.
Warpath is indeed a very chibified Sheridan. Some third-party figures even make it a properly accurate one.
As an OG fan of the G1 series, being q kid in the 80s, I didn't realise that Ironhide was a Nissan Datsun Vanette cherry, that was the same as our family van, as an adult I miss the old family van, wish still had it, especially now I know it didnt just look like one of my fav transformers, it was the vehicle Ironhide was modelled off, so I can relate to your experience,
I had warpath, too, but only the toy, only the luckiest get the real version of the big ones
Always wanted a Prime 🛻 truck, guess ill have to keep dreamin
Till All Are One
I was into trains as a kid... Probably because I don't have a railroad nearby so every visit to my gran's felt special.
But yeah, always loved mechanical stuff, it's got a unique kind of beauty. Thought of getting into engineering school even but alas I was pretty trash at math (not by my fault though, the teachers kept changing so frequently that you couldn't get used to a proper work schedule). So I went into the next best thing since I was good at pretty much all the natural sciences, that being medicine.
Fellow autistic here, I've been, for lack of a better description, skydiving down the transformers rabbit hole for the past two weeks or so and knowing me I ain't getting out.
This vid has me feeling both seen and kinda personally attacked so like.
Kudos. Have a new subscriber.
Same. Only difficult is now I'm going down the Sonic rabbit hole for the umpteenth time now because of the upcoming movie.
Same. I’ve been a fan of TF since I was a kid but fell outve it for a long time and since seeing TFOne I’ve remembered just how great it is.
I love TFOne because it basically sucked a bunch of people (including me) into this wondrous little rabbit hole
Dude.... Are you reading my mind
I personally love Starscream’s iconic colors. It fits well with him.
I thought they made him look a little patriotic too. Ironic when he's the biggest backstabber in the franchais. Sorry Sideways :p
Color, design and voice for me.
I saw a train cabin past week that had his same colors: It was a sign 😊
"Most iconic audiostim," i thought you were gonna say soundwaves voice in g1
I mean that too! haha
@@TitanGoji the clicks and clacks of the toy's plastic pieces clashing with each other when transforming also applies
I'm not autistic (I've been tested several times), but the single mom who raised me is, and I only had her to model most of my behavior off of. So I share a lot of autism-type behaviors, and most of my friends are diagnosed on the spectrum. I have an *immense* collection of Transformers. I'd estimate I've owned 90% of every mainline mold (not counting recolors) from G1 on. And I love playing with them. The tactile sensations. The ratchet joints! For me as a kid, people were volatile, unpredictable things. Toys were dependable. And Transformers were like, the best kind of challenge. Something I was good at, and couldn't screw up. The opposite of chores and school tasks. Before fidget spinners were a thing, that's what they were for me. Even still, if I'm watching a movie, or even talking to a friend for a long time, there's a Transformer in my hands, keeping them busy.
The complexity of third-party figures has been a godsend, and it's been so great seeing the companies figure out how to make them more durable, so they stand up to a lot of play. As a kid I adored being able to bring along Seaspray and Swerve and other little ones around in my pocket, playing with them in restaurants and such. Now there's NewAge and Magic Square making ones just as little, but lightyears ahead in complexity. Not to mention that so many modern Hasbro figures are like, "Hey, here's the one you loved when you were little, but now it can *actually do the pose that was on the box art!!"* It's so cool that my favorite toy grew up alongside me.
Almost out of nowhere, but have you encountered Tobot? It's a Korean line, and a lot of the figures are well-articulated, with satisfying transformations, and actually feel _sturdy._ I have a hunch they might appeal to you.
@@Brickerbrack I have a _few_ of them. Tobot, and Hello Carbot, and I've been trying to get my hands on a Metal Cardbot Heavy Iron or Gigantrex. But sweet jesus they are EXPENSIVE. The shipping's usually almost as much as the toy itself! I did put up the money for Tobot Athlon Metron though, and woooooooo, he is satisfying. Heavy as a cinder block! ^__^
@@AlexReynard Tobot's one of the few cartoons right now that I think are worth showing to kids. Seriously, that kind of stuff in your childhood makes you a fan of mecha for life.
Alas, plastic crack is expensive, always will be. If anything transforming figures are cheaper than the absolute mess that is Gunpla right now, prices are absolutely wack even for a model kit.
@@mechamaniac1567 "prices are absolutely wack even for a model kit."
Thank goodness for Blokees then. And Lego!
@@AlexReynard Trust me, you don't want to know how much some Gunpla go for. Hint: it's in the triple digits.
As someone with autism and not only like kaiju media but also transformers and mecha model kits, i really appreciate this video. Alot more than i thought.
You basically got autism spot on mostly in your explanations. Neither of my parents are autistic but my dad got me into the franchise (and godzilla) so i got him to thanks for that.
I'm pretty much in the exact same camp as you, I have borderline encyclopedic knowledge of Godzilla by this point.
7:49 OH GOSH THANKS FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE JUMPSCARE I'VE EXPERIENCED THIS ENTIRE YEAR JESUS H CHRIST [heart pounding]
Here’s a quote my parents always told me as a kid: “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism”. No one with autism is the same.
When you spend your whole life feeling like an alien robot compared to others, you get really attached to the story about alien robots. Then add puzzle, vehicles, history, war, and cool character dynamics and voilà.
Anyway, if you read all this I want a reply with your three favourite transformers from each side.
For me, I have:
(Autobot)
-Optimus Prime
-Jetfire
-Hoist
(Decepticon)
-Soundwave
-Starscream
-Reflector
Oooh this is fun! Mine are
Autobots:
Bumblebee
Grimlock
Ratchet
Deceptions:
Starscream
Soundwave
Megatron
Do we count neutrals ?
Autobots
Cliffjumper
Brainstorm
Grimlock
Decepticons
Nemesis Prime
Bludgeon
Waspinator
Neutrals
Gnaw
Nova Prime
Toxitron
This is fun!
Autobots:
Cosmos
Windblade
Blur
Decepticons:
The Insecticons (I was obsessed with insects as a kid)
Flamewar
Shockwave
(autobots)
Jazz (I loved his TFA version)
Wheeljack (honestly my second favorite design)
Optimus Prime
(Decepticons)
Star Scream (favorite design and favorite character)
Soundwave
Blitzwing
Besides the command trios (bc I love the command trio from both sides), here they are:
Autobots
- Elita-One
- Hot Rod / Rodimus Prime
- Pharma
+ Bluestreak bc I also have began to really like him a lot, as of late.
Decepticons
- Deadlock
- Barricade
- Flatline
My reasonings? They’re just so fun to put in *✨situations✨* and they all have interesting character facets to each of them that it just really draws me in! My definitive favorite two are Starscream and Roddy, with Roddy just slightly coming out on top. I love these funky robots so much. ❤
I feel called out. Also happy for the Cindersaur mention. You forget the satisfying clicky-clack of ratcheted joints.
If you can get your hands on a G1 Slapdash, OMFG his transformation feels so good.
6:34 6:38 that should be an internet rule at this point:
Rule 84: if it exists, there's a transformer of it.
Not quite everything as yet.
This a new book I'm writing. It's got little coloring areas, sections, pop-up pictures, it's a lot of fun.
Insert Captain America “I understood that reference” meme here lol
As someone also on the spectrum, you helped me reaffirm my love for the brand and the high quantity of figures in my collection. Transformers are kind of my second family, so it’s no wonder why some of us affiliated with the brand quite often.
Also, did you guys know that Transmutate from Beast Wars Uprising, a convention comic, was written to have an implied version of autism? It makes me think we need some more autistic Transformers( I do now headcannon Soundwave as autistic thanks to IDW 2006)
"I do now headcannon Soundwave as autistic thanks to IDW 2006"
[thinks a bit] Yeah, I can see that.
Skids too? Maybe?
@@AlexReynard Good point about Skids
I remember reading that about Transmutate. It’s pretty interesting. And I too am on the spectrum. Quite a lot of people responding to this video identifying as on the spectrum and collectors.
I choose to fix the lack by doing it myself! On top of OCs, I hc a bunch of canon characters as being on the neurodivergency spectrum.
I like to imagine that all three of the elite trine are neurodivergent, and Skywarp is the only one officially diagnosed because he didn’t mask it as well, and it all kind of fell flat when compared to child prodigy Starscream who was definitely the youngest and revealed that something most certainly isn’t quite right here. For them my hcs are: TC and Star both have autism, remaining undiagnosed and Star only having peer review, while Skywarp has ADHD, as well as having serious dyslexia.
Some of my other HCed characters are:
- Perceptor (Autism)
- Brainstorm (ADHD?)
- Wheeljack (ADHD)
- Soundwave (Autism)
- Prowl (Autism)
- Red Alert (Autism; on top of having Paranoid Schizophrenia: the ‘tism is def not the cause, they just happen to coexist in him.)
- Hot Rod / Rodimus Prime (AuDHD)
- Chase [RBs] (Autism)
- Boulder [RBs] (ADHD)
.*slaps the top of the transformers*. Look how much neurodivergence can fit in these bad boys!
@@ut_girl666 It feels nice coming into a video and seeing my fellow humans with the 'tism interacting in the comments about something we all love
yes! someone else who understands the 3 pillars of transformer toys! ive been saying this for years!!! theres so many things in this video i agree with and it hits practicaly all the boxes for why i love this franchise so much. thank you for the amazing video.
Man, I've been playing with old Transformers for 20 years specifically as puzzles.
I have asperger and got into the hobby since I was 4 years old and my earliest memory is getting my first transformers toy classic voyager optimus prime
My first TF was deluxe Armada Optimus Prime, I also have Asperger's
My first one was G1 Ultra Magnus.
@@neonafterglow4451 I own my classics optimus to this day when it broke I bought junker and replaced those parts. To this day my favourite Transformers character is Optimus Prime but I also like Armada Megatron/Galvatron and Armada and Cybertron Starscream
I have Asperger’s syndrome and I own more than 150 variations of Optimus Prime and I even built my own custom semi bust of him out of Lego that stands 3 feet 7 inches tall and 3 feet wide with light up eyes and more than 7,000 pieces. It’s a fun hobby for me. I’ve always had fun with the designs and complexity of the different figures but I’m not crazy about when Hasbro over simplifies figures from the Transformers toy line.
Also started at 4, just a lot longer ago 😅
I'm a social worker for people of varying disabilities and also transformers reviewer and collector. This was very interesting and well done.
7:59 im glad im not the only one who totally got jester vibes from g1 starscreams color scheme.
I always thought he was suspiciously on brand for the American flag but that also fits
I also liked that red, white, and blue are traditional American hero "good guy" colors, like Optimus. So for a character like Starscream to be wearing them just emphasizes how he's a two-faced betrayer, always hiding what he is under the surface.
I've never felt so understood until this video. I've loved Transformers since G1/G2 and it's such a core part of myself, but now that I'm learning about neurodevergence, so many things click into place. Thank you for sharing this.
"Try not to summon pinhead."
See I wish someone would have told me that, tried to transform SS86 Optimus and now I'm in the cenobite dimension
I officially appreciate Transformers even more.
Even as a current 21 year old, I love going back to many different versions of Transformers media, be they from the movies, shows, or sometimes even comic readings.
I’m both Autistic AND ADHD and I’ve been a fan of this franchise since the 90s! This is FASCINATING!
I laughed so hard at the train comment. I have been a fan of this series since childhood. I'm 43 years old and I've been actively collecting for probably the last 20 to 23 years. I have probably close to a thousand figures at this point and I didn't realize until the last few years just how uncommon that level of dedication was. I think for me it was so many things that appealed to me. For one I've always been obsessed with robots. For some reason they're inhumanity just resonated with me on a base level. Not in that they were inhumane, but they were definitely not part of the species. Characters like data had a similar appeal to me in Star Trek. But, with transformers it was always just the multiple aspects like you had mentioned. Even to this day I look at the engineering of the figures and how they can do what they do and it's just amazing to me. I always made it a challenge to figure out the transformations without the instructions. Looking at the instructions to me was a personal failure.
Visually I had my favorites of course. The decepticons always looked cooler than the Autobots. But Prime was always number one in my book. His abject heroism and his selfless being was just always an appeal especially as I got older. He has taken on the role of the dutiful father/protective figure. That in part is why I thoroughly dislike the Michael Bay version of the character.
There's also an appeal to archetypes that I feel as though attracts me to the characters as well. I'm not saying I don't like complex characters but sometimes we can get a little lost in the weeds with character portrayals and I don't always care for that. I may be in the minority but I did actually like the IDW aspect of Megatron at least attempting to reform. But ultimately, Megatron is a bad guy. I think it appeals to a bit of black and white thinking that is a Hallmark of ASD.
I have both ADHD and Autism, as I have a hard time focusing on certain tasks and I like things that are familiar.
6:34 Sadly, farming equipment are direly underrepresented. There's only the one tractor.
This is a topic that I've wondered about quite a bit in the past few months. I did a video on representation in TF, and Geomotus came up in conversation. I always wanted to dive deeper into the connection between the Autism Spectrum and the franchise, but never did as I felt very under equipped to discuss the topic. Thank you for speaking on it so clearly
Never watch for the representation. Ever. Kind advice, but characters written for "the representation" are almost always one-note (i.e. their one character trait is being something) instead of being fully realized.
Transformers are alien, and having Earthly "representation" in it is what makes some of the newer media come off as so cringey. For example, that entire ordeal with Nightshade. It just doesn't work at all. Aliens are alien, they don't have to be 100% human in terms of everything.
@@mechamaniac1567 I think you need to watch my video on representation first before assuming my opinions on the matter. Nowhere do I state you should watch something because of representation, but rather, the importance of representation when done correctly.
@@DeltaTrion Then I think we agree on that. Representation, but only when it makes sense. Too many recent media don't do it properly.
Your videos are pretty good too, keep it up.
9:42 you know, I feel like Brave is the endgame for Transformers fans. Like you watch ALL of Transformers, and you need more but there’s not more. Then there’s Brave. I’ve been a Transformers fan since I was born, my mom loved it in the 80s and dragged me into it. I’ve been watching Brave recently and absolutely adore it. It feels a lot like Transformers Victory, which was one of my favorite shows as a kid. So it feels right at home besides Transformers. I also love Gundam, so having a “Transformers” show written by the folks at Takara and animated by sunrise was a match made in heaven for me. I think to answer the question, not necessarily, but if you’ve only seen Brave, I heavily doubt you wouldn’t love Transformers.
I enjoyed it, a mecha series that felt magical.
@@narlord8613 Exkizer and Fighbird (is that a pigeon?) are kinda rough around the edges, DaGarn is where it actually becomes great.
DaGarn - Literal Magic Mecha, also strong story
Might Gaine - Batman with transforming train robots
J-Decker - A Kid and his Police Car Robot
Goldran - this one's worth it for the humor and Walter Walzac alone
Dagwon - Yuusha but Sentai
GaoGaiGar - this one will probably make you love traditional piloted mecha like Mazinger Z, Getter Robo and Gurren Lagann, main mecha's piloted but the supporting ones are Transformers, it's also got some insane action
i was diagnosed with Autism and interglacial disability when i was just 1 years old. i fell in love with Transformers since 2007 when the first Bayverse film came out. in my eyes, the Transformers helps me escape all of the problems i had in my life, like my mental health and my past trauma/PTSD when i use to live with my father who was a violent drug attic and a acholic at the time i was just a few months old.
Don't it mean yo f'ed up by 🧬 of pure insanity Dat we somehow magically always existed with? Like just born with it randomly az a vile evil suffering. Y is disgusting disability and syndromes even exist to begin with?? Wha a cruel curse to just born with of like some unnatural 🧟♀️ thing.
Okay, I gotta ask, what is an interglacial disability?
I felt the same way. Diagnosed early as a toddler, but as soon as I saw I think Transformers energon and then the Michael Bay movies, I was in love. Still am to this day. My collection isn't huge huge, but I love transforming the figures because it gives my hands something to stimulate my brain with.
@ManaPower027 hate da confusing ones with snap off parts like arms and legs guz they really make da toy test you and really got to work for it just to snap it in place and stay. Or confusing ones Dat you get into a yoga mess and it's all twisted. Like wfc ratchet. Even da instructions are and look ↘️➡️⬅️↘️⬇️↙️⬆️↩️↘️↪️🤨?????????
9:45 The Brave series are for when both Transformers and Power Rangers rocked your world as a wee one, and then you discover this magical land where they combine. And combine. AND COMBINE!!!
As a kid who had cringe-worthy behavior in school and has a non-stop love for Transformers, this video is fitting
Yoooo I got into Transformers around the exact same time you did (I was like 8 at the time) and I think you hit the nail RIGHT on the head as to why a lot of us enjoy the brand so much X33
as an autistic person who has loved transformers since I was a wee tiny lad, (I have an entire wall or three dedicated to them) I loved the characters and the transformations are really fun for me. I also just love the design of them all. Nova Prime's my favorite.I never got into the masterpiece as they seemed too convoluted for me. just loved the CHUG line.
Cool robots that turn into cool vehicles, transformations that are inherently puzzle-like, vast expansive lore. Yup, ticks all the tism boxes
5:04 When Blitzwing transformed in Bumblebee. Now *that's* some good audio stim.
Oh my ffffffffucking gods dude, it was audible paradise
8:14 dog out of all the transformers you picked my favorite
Oddball favorites club! [handshake] Mine is Transmetals 2 Jawbreaker.
5:04 the (but mainly Optimus’s ) stepping walking sounds in TFP 😨😨💅💅😭😭😭🤤
OMW SO I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO WATCHED TFP LIKE "ahahaha Optimus go thumpy clunky" Everytime homebro be strolling 💀 also he's such a cinnamon roll in that series I CAN'T I WANNA GIVE HIM HUGS AND HEADPATS bro says more with his face than his words bc he shy like that pfft (Yes I am very very autistic LOL)
I'm autistic and most likely adhd as well and I've loved transformers for years. Growing up, my older siblings would watch the movies, Transformers prime, and rescue bots a lot. I was fascinated by the bright colors (basically one of my visual stims) and loved their personalities even more. The reason I love them so much is because they resemble me. I havent met very many people in my life who act like me so seeing characters who share a lot of my Audhd traits-like Rodimus' impulsivness and fidgeting in the comics as well as soundwave and prowl's black and white thinking-made me feel understood. I also didn't have many good role models growing up so I was drawn to Optimus and his heroic nature. Recently I got a Megatron toy and I love transforming him. And my rodimus furrai figure is so fun to pose. Posing and playing with toys is one of my favorite things as an autistic person :]
Dude wait Rodimus is so AuHD coded that might be why I was drawn to him 😭
YO IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS RODDY IS AUDHD???
This video is pure autistic euphoria. I've been subconsciously & consciously thinking most of this since I was like 2 (when I discovered transformers).
I'm already subscribed & deeply excited for more.
I have autism and I love Transformers, especially animated!🤩💖🤖
I've had this talk with some friends recently. We all decided there was a definite correlation between general nuerodivergents and almost any adult toy collector.
We also talked about metal detectorists and neurodivergent folks.
I would say not entirely most yeah but along time ago men were allowed to have toy trains
And there are Vidoo games now in society which were seen as childish but now everyone plays
Minecraft (I know neuodivegrent people play)
Unless u mean every type of toy collector (I know u said almost any not all but if it's by types I agree there is a lot of overlap!)
Im just saying that adult toy collecting isn't as neuro spicy as it seems from a distant glance
(Tho u could argue noertpycial are not as dominant as we think either)
this video put to words how exactly i feel about this franchise while also explaining more reasons i didn't realize. this video is very well put together, and i hope it gets the recognition it deserves.
till all are one.
5:36 i immediately paused to go try buy one
As a person with Autism and ADHD who’s loved Transformers since I was little, thanks for making this video! I just started it so I’ll stick around to see what else you have to say but I appreciate how you’re clarifying what Autism isn’t!!! Have a great day! :D
This video is perfect for me!!! I’m Autistic, I have ADHD, and I’ve been obsessed with transformers since I was 4. I have a small collection of toys that I plan on expanding, my first introduction to Transformers was the Michael Bay 2007 film (my personal favorite is Revenge of The Fallen), and I’ve been obsessed with this franchise forever. Thanks for making such an awesome, amazing, and thoughtful video; it really helped make me feel better about myself and the way I am. Also, I got super giddy when I heard the transformation sound effect, I even started making the sound myself!!!!!
Great video sir, you hit the nail on the head! Also the fact that it gives TF fans a true social experience that may have never been there before is massive, virtually and physically with conventions and such, in the UK it’s a massive social event that is the highlight of the year for most fans.
I’ve been a massive fan of transformers my entire life. All of my friends call me autistic for it even though I’m not but it doesn’t bother me. How could someone not love this franchise
Recently transformers one came out and I felt like a part of my soul came back to my body.
As an HSP, (high sensitive person) on the spectrum, this video makes TOTAL sense & explains a lot! (Transformers along with Zoids for me was that early taste of "Japanese cool" here in America at a time when anime/manga etc was not nearly accessible.) 😎
Poop
Re the start of the video, Autism and ADHD share 70% of the same symptoms. Also regarding the 10:00 mark, it's an iceberg. Remember that the Deluxe Insecticons came from Beetras, the Deluxe Autobots from Dorvack, and not only was Jetfire a discarded Strike Valkyrie prototype, but Shoji Kawamori had a heavy hand in early Diaclone. By extension and because of that, not only the Brave series, but every single anime which Shoji Kawamori had a hand in, becomes tangential to Transformers.
The first transforming mecha is Yuusha Reideen (no relationship to the Yuusha series from the 90s). What Kawamori did was create a REALISTIC transforming mecha with the Macross Valkyrie.
In regards to ADHD and autism, psychiatry is a completely subjective field. There are no objective symptoms for either of those other than not being able to catch up to reading, writing and being somewhat less intelligent. I'd even go as far out to say it's medicine's biggest scam right now. You're better off tossing all the drugs in the trash. In case you ask, I'm actually an MD.
@@mechamaniac1567 ADHD and ASD share 70% of the same symptoms - which is why there is such a large number of us who have ASD, who also have ADHD.
Also what you're talking about with Kawamori is inaccurate. It isn't that Kawamori made the first realistic transforming mecha with the Valkyrie; what made the Valkyrie special was that Kawamori did what his peers claimed was impossible - to create a toy which could change between a plane and a robot, without having to remove any parts in the process.
Also I'd argue that Yuusha Reideen is completely irrelevant to the creation of the Transformers. It's also questionable whether it's even the first Transforming mecha - perhaps in animation form, but that isn't necessarily true as far as toys go. Yuusha Reideen of course, aired from April 4, 1975. Keep that date in mind here as we dive into the toy history of Transformers.
Without going to extremes with the creation of Barbie or traditional dolls even earlier than that, the starting point for the history of the evolution of Transformers is of course, Takara licensing G.I. JOE, under the name Combat Joe, which sold in Japan from 1971. 1972 however, saw the first converting/transforming robot toy, in the form of Cyborg Henshin. In fact it's possible that this may have had an influence on the development of Yuusha Reideen. 1974 of course sees the introduction of the spin-off Microman line, and this is where it gets interesting. You bring up that Yuusha Reideen came out in April 1975, but that wasn't the only thing to come out in 1975 and it wasn't even the most formative influence in this regard, on the history of Transformers.
In 1975, the second year of the Microman toyline, Project Victory, there was an attempt made to link Microman to the original Cyborg Henshin line, in the form of the Robotman subline. Robotman and Biotron, were 14" mecha, which could be piloted by a 3.75" Microman figure. Additionally they could convert into a tank. There was also the option of adding either the Drill Set or Dozer Set to them, which additionally allowed the tank to convert into either a bulldozer or mole tank respectively: micromanforever.org/Robotman-Biotron.htm . As a direct ancestor to every single Diaclone and Microchange toy ever created, this was as formative, if not far more formative, an influence on the creation of Transformers, as Yuusha Reideen MAY have been.
Additionally, we have no idea which of the 2, actually came first. As a standard rule, toy lines tend to take a least a year to develop; so do animation projects. That means that both the toy mecha, Robotman and the anime, Yuusha Reideen, were both in development in 1974. Certainly it's POSSIBLE that Takara caught wind of Yuusha Reideen during the early development period, however it's equally as possible that both ideas merely developed simultaneously and independently of one another. That's without factoring in that the figure might even have had to have been completed in time for the 1974 Tokyo Toy Show, to get buyers on board for the 1975 financial year.
Certainly Yuusha Reideen probably influenced the direction things went to some degree - even if, at a minimum, it was simply proving the popularity of mechanime and mecha toys in general. However I'd argue that you're misattributing to Yusha Reideen, the role which Robotman had on the evolution of Combat Joe into Transformers.
@@andrewrichards312 You don't have to restate the facts about AD(H)D, I already understood you the first time. I straight up don't believe psychiatry. I say this as an MD, it's a complete sham that's designed to make you addicted to brainrotting drugs like benzos. Have you heard about the Judge Rothenberg center? Yeah, that's actually run by psychiatrists. Look it up (warning, it'll probably make you nauseous, so caution).
Speaking of Yuusha Reideen, my point wasn't that it influenced Transformers directly, but that it actually was a stepping stone towards it. Like, I still see from time to time people who claim that it was Kawamori who actually invented transformations for mecha when he clearly did not. Mecha as a genre of sci-fi and fantasy is just so thoroughly misunderstood by most Americans and Anglo-Westerners that there still is some sort of perception that 70s mecha is nothing but kiddie stuff that wasn't important to anime history at all. Sadly enough, Transformers probably perpetuated that image because G1 was heavily controlled by network standards and ugly stereotypes that action cartoons have to follow the exact same, status-quo plots as comedic cartoons of the time did.
Bro just put everything I love about Transformers as an autistic person into succinct words
Starscream: was he a Mig-25 or F-15? I could never tell...
F 15
Pretty sure I’m not autistic. But I sure do love Transformers.
I’m autistic and transformers has been a life time special interest
You were 7?
Bro I was 5 in the theatre for the '07 movie
That shits burnt into my brain
As someone who was five years old in 1986 when the original movie came out, hearing people whose first exposure to Transformers was the Bay films never stops being surreal AF. I guarantee, there's gonna come a point where grown adults are gonna say, "Yeah, I saw Transformers One when I was seven and it was great!" and you're gonna feel *_OLLLLDDDDD._* ;)
@@AlexReynard Yeah, I feel that. I was 7 when I got my first Transformer (Huffer) in 1984...
@@Brickerbrack I _think_ mine was Seaspray, but I'm not 100% sure. Just the earliest one I can remember.
Me who's a fan of both Sonic and Transformers.
"Uh oh."
They're going to have sonic and tails transformers next year!
This was a rather fascinating and eye opening watch (I say this as someone also on the spectrum).
This is fantastic, it made me tear up. Thank you for such a well thought out, brilliant, educational piece connecting the two, especially taking the extra time to explain what autism is and isn't.
My boyfriend was diagnosed autistic as an adult and loves Transformers. When we first started dating, I definitely thought his love for the franchise was a lot but, as we we've been together for over a year and a half now, I have seen what this franchise means to him as an individual on the spectrum. You hit this one of out the park, this is probably one of my favorite videos on YT now.
I haven’t really ever been tested for the tism but I swear the amount of times people ask me if I’m autistic cause I love transformers and gundam an unreasonable amount is a lot
There is an undeniable link between Autism, cars and big robots (said by me, an Autistic person🔥)
Autistic guy and major Transformers fanboy here, thank you for making this video
I don’t have any issues, but I will still always love the franchise. It’s fun, what can I say
Combaticons are G.O.A.T.ed, they inspired me to make my own team called the Commandobots. They’re different vehicles, with the exception of one that’s also an Abrams tank.
Exhibit A: this video
Speaking as a lifelong Transformers fan on the ASD, while I have loved the many different shows/movies/comics (shoutout to the many weirdos of japanese g1), it’s always been about that beautiful tactile experience for me. To even further show my hyberfixation, it’s part of why I'm a vintage collector; there are a ton of really cool modern transformers with elaborate, clever transformations, but for me, nothing beats the simple, chunky g1 transformations, and my god, the sounds! Incredibly satisfying. Whenever I know I'm doing a long work session on my computer, I always bring a desk buddy to help vent out my energy.
My first transformer was a 2 foot tall king starscream from my uncle with autism
Well damn. Makes sense for me. No wonder why my girl says I’m autistic. And she has a license in it lol
Wow!! Well done my friend. My son is on the spectrum and loves transformers - though hard to say if this is why or because of my love for them. But even I appreciate Transformers for a lot of the same reason. Love the analogy of the fidget cube. I have always considered them my rubix cube. And always try transform them without instructions.
Recently transformers one came out and I felt like last part of my soul came back to my body.
It hurts me to see transformers in exploded mode(action figure) when the prize really is the compressed alt mode.
I learned I'm probably autistic at the age of 18, three years ago. Over the last few months, my Transformers obsession from my childhood has been rekindled (thanks, Transformers ONE), and this video puts it all into a LOT of context.
Thank you, sir, for helping me understand myself better
Thank you!!!!! Thank you for making this its amazing someone is putting positive in this fandom. An explanation for why some funs like me have been die hard for years
While transformers returned to me during the pandemic. What im mostly a fan of is Lego. Specifically the now sadly cancelled theme of Bionicle.
Im an autistic that loves plastic robots what can i say? Haha
Thanks for making this video, man. I'm a guy on the spectrum and was introduced to Transformers in the early 2010s. While the movies didn't exactly appeal to me at the time, thanks Chris McFeely's Transformers the Basics videos, I am now officially a Transformers fan, participating in roleplay, diving into the lore, getting into other mech/robot crazes like Macross and Robotix, and even having a desire to make my own Transformers stories!
I have found my fellow autistic Transformers fans within this comment section. My 20+ years of Transformers knowledge will come in handy.
Must've been an awful lot of Autists in 1984-6.
I have both ADHD and Autism, and I got into transformers the same way you did. For me, Transformers is my comfort franchise, and as you said in the video, helps me escape from the stresses of the real world. I've even created a family of OC characters, one of which is Shocksound, who is basically my transformers persona.
Fantastic video! You just put my entire life into words perfectly! As someone with autism, Transformers was one of my many comforts growing up. Thank you, Titan.
Also, sorry to be "that guy," but Tora is a Maximal. Sorry. Had to prove what a Nerd I am. 🤓
@@Kaizer617 dang, don't know how I got that mixed up 💀
It's cool. He looks scary, so one could mistake him for a bad guy.
True fact, in the Japanese sequel, Beast Wars Neo, there was a repaint of him called Elephorca who IS a bad guy. Not a Predacon, but a Blendtron. They work for Unicron!
@@Kaizer617 like I clearly read Maximal, but ig since the other two in the segment were a Predacon and Decepticon beast, it got lost in the scriptwriting 😅
@Kaizer617 I also see they reused Universe 2.0 Onslaught for his pre-beast form haha
need a video like this for godzilla now
All Bayformers films are good for is giving me an Epileptic Fit. Over-sensory Overload and terrible characters, so I'm fortunate to experience the original Cartoon and the first Movie from 1986.
I got into transformers when I was 6 with the cybertron trilogy. Being autistic I fell for the mechanical aspect of it. Robots to alt modes fascinated me. I’ve only really gravitated to transformers toy wise ever since. Thank you for this video.
I have ADHD and autism, and I’ve always been drawn to fictional media that takes influence from real life/historical events or are a commentary on them. What interests me about Transformers is how the autobots and deceptions are based on democracy vs communism since the original cartoon was made during the Cold War
The link between Autism and Game of Thrones, a video essay. Today I will be…
This is gonna be an interesting watch
I have autism & Optimus has been my childhood hero ever since I was a kid.
I really appreciate this, it all certainly makes sense, explaining my own fanaticism--- er, I mean Fandom of Transformers. And actually, you echo a lot of the sentiments in my own videos on my channel. There's a lot of Universal Truths about Transformers and why we like 'em, and I like how you put 'em. Great Job man! Looking forward to checking out more of your work! Subscribed!!!
Also, great choice running with that awesome Japanese Theme for the G1 cartoon! 😁
If you want a great example of a Decepticon getting a major Redemption Arc, read the first IDW universe. *Megatron* becomes an Autobot and he remains one until the end of the series.
That part of IDW is low-key one of the worst. The redemption arc is one of the few redeeming (pun intended) parts about the whole MTMTE run by Roberts. Way too many Earthly things in my show about alien giant robots.
@mechamaniac1567 I can agree that some elements of MTMTE got a little too human and carried away in identity politics, but like Goji said, they're not just robots. They're people. I liked how the first IDW-verse spent more time in a *post-war* period where the characters had to pick up the pieces and face the consequences for their endless conflict. I know Megatron switching sides was Hasbro's idea at the start, but I think Roberts understood the assignment better than they did. Despite the hijinx on every other page of MTMTE, the scene of Megatron in the field of flowers representing every life lost during the war, caused by him, is one of the most humbling moments in the series. It really grounded his character going forward.
@@_GeneralMechanics_ That's why I said it's one of the few good ideas they had for that comic, other than a few elements I like like Nautica and the DJD. Other than that, though? Dogwater.
Oh boy, a video related to my hyper fixation for the past half-decade, yippee!
(I am going more and more bankrupt with each figure release.)
All I gotta say is: 'dai ah klonn!'
"Astrotrain has peak autistic appeal; don't think anybody was ready for a robot that could turn into a train and a space shuttle"
I'M DYING
THE DR SMOOV CAMEO AT 11:22 HOLY SHIT. That's so real, I saw those vids as a kid in the late 00s as well. Probably in 07 as well, just like you. Wonderful video, very insightful and I identified with it hardcore
Then your new name is Shitpiece. :)
I just wanted to say, that as an autistic Transformers fan, this video is going to be quite special to me. Very well researched and explained. I had always enjoyed media with robots, so when Transformers was introduced to me, it definitely was something that stayed. And since then has gave me something to talk to my friends about and bond over, even watching movies together with them. The music and characters are definitely appeals to me. I love Optimus Prime's voice, I love Bumblebee as a character, and so many others. There hardly ever is a character that feels shallow or as if they don't have much depth to them. I love the music as there's always so many good tracks that convey feelings really well and act as a way for me to process my feelings or regulate them. Transformers is great, and I'm so glad that my parents got me into it.
I think we can all agree that the satisfaction of figuring out transformations without the instructions just hits different