I think the subspace pocket technology is the true secret to transformation, allowing robot parts and vehicle parts to seemingly exist in the same areas, as well as where cargo and passenger space would be. However, because the technology is so energy-intensive, mechanical articulation is used heavily to minimize energy used during transformation.
Basically, the visible transformation, meaning alteration of outer shape, occurs mechanically, while interior transformation that creates cockpits, car seats etc. is done by subspace magic.
This would also make a lot of sense with beast wars as it's a sequel series to G1, the transformers in that series adopted smaller bodies to save on energy on. It would also make sense that they stop using this dimension cuz it's just so energy on intensive. Visually at least it makes sense because when they transform on that show, it's very accurate to how the toys transform my personal favorite being how optimus Primal's legs spin backwards
This is why I liked later iterations of Prime, where he combined with his trailer. It makes more sense as a combat deck/ base mode before he went to his supermodes
In my head as a kid I would figure OP's trailer would just follow him around (with Roller driving) and once he transformed back into a truck the trailer would just come to him via some telekinetic connection. But then there were the times it would simply vanish, so maybe Prime was using cloaking tech. But that would not explain the mass shifting and other use of "sub-space" with the other Transformers. Since it wasnt covered in this video I imagine no one has written a story on who discovered the sub-space and the way to access it.
Not to mention that the trailer couldn't just roll off screen if he went somewhere far away from it and then transformed with it there. Best example is in The Search for Alpha Trion , Prime transforms into robot mode and goes through a space bridge. On Cybertron he escapes from the Decepticons with Elita One and transforms back with the trailer.
@@RodimusPrimal true but the producers rushed the making of cartoon on tight schedule and didn't re edit to fix plenty of mistakes or mishapes, The most logical is roller carrying it around only when Optimus wandered from it
Two things: 1) I never thought to store Optimus Prime's fists & weapons inside his trailer. That would have significantly decreased the chances of them getting lost. 2) There was a Robot Chicken episode that explained what happens when Optimus Prime's trailer doesn't respond to his transformation, and it definitely had nothing to do with the "subspace storage pocket".
The G1 toy had a spot for the gun itself in the trailer where the gun mounted to the deck, but there would be no reason to place the fists in the trailer as the fists had a storage location in front of his head when the head was rotated downward for the cab. The arms would fold back and then the forearms would rotate forward, which ensured that the fists could not leave the compartment. There is a plastic line, which actually makes it less likely for the fists to move around. The only problem is if someone were to pull his chest forward in that mode. On the other hand, there is nothing securing the fist in the trailer. No, it does not make them less likely to get lost. It does the reverse.
Sometimes Megatron’s silencer and stock extend out of his gun mode. Other times it flies in out of thin air and connects to his gun mode. I always find it amusing that Sub space storage has become a convenient creation to explain animation errors.
While I'm not the biggest transformers fan, I really love videos like these which talk about the history of the series. I also find this video really interesting, since it's always fun to hear about how something that started out as a limitation of the medium becomes an integral part of a franchises lore.
I'm glad you addressed this topic. As an adult fan, I am surprised at how often my peers will dismissed my interest in a child's toy. But I like to think I can explore an interesting fantasy world with a mature perspective. A video like this is an easy way for me to show my friends and family that there real and engaging conversations to be had involving the intellectual property.
Best use of Prime’s trailer was when he carried all the Dinobots to Atlantis in “Atlantis Arise”! I think the sub space pocket is a great idea for storage but think that it’s exclusive for each bot and probably is a parallel dimension that lives in four and one dimensional space simultaneously probably working as further encryption to the sub space dimension.
Awesome video and explanation. As kids, we would debate and theorize that Primes trailer possibly went to the same place Skywarp would temporarily enter when he vanished. But having it be personal makes more sense. Also clears up how Soundwave can store all those compressed energon cubes!
Always liked the movie/Prime approach of primarily using weapons built into the bodies of every robot. It was always a cool look seeing Optimus form a blaster out of his arm, or movie Megatron turning his hand into a flail.
I always accepted the subspace idea for the trailer but I always took the live action approach for the random gadgets in that they were built in and they could just transform individual parts of the body. Maybe as time went on though, the animators/writers kind of peeped how convenient the subspace idea was and added the energy flashes in to canonize it. Hell, you could even explain mass-shifting and skywarp's teleporting with it.
It is a shame Optimus didn't have his trailer transform more often in the cartoon. I guess the writers couldn't think of good uses for it. For the longest time, I thought the glowing on Optimus' trailer in that episode was because he was struggling to transform due to Soundwave's, uh, sound wave attack (one wonders why he didn't use such a devastating ability more often haha.) But maybe it is because of the trailer coming from the subspace storage pocket. The weapons appearing and disappearing on Ravage and Cyclonus are undeniable, though. And I don't know why I never think of the stock and silencer on Megatron, which he never uses in robot mode. Yep, Omega Supreme MUST be using it, otherwise he would he stuck in rocket mode until he made the round trip back to where he left the rest of himself! The gadgets that pop out of arms I don't count. Those seem to be part of the Transformers' bodies. Although, you have to wonder how they can store so many gadgets in their arms, and where their hands go haha. Hmm, far-fetched. I don't think so. Not when we already have a space-faring race of sentient alien robots, some of which can shrink! 🙂
Subspace storage. Over three (3) decades later, this revealed concept finally explains the whereabouts of Optimus' trailer plus the other odd features of many Transformers. As a "Voltes Five" audience/fan, it was not much of a surprise that Autobots/Deceptions can retract their hands to unveil respective various weapons which were seen on the series' earliest episodes only to become rare later on. Rather argue and speculate, I am happy and appreciative this has answered. Great presentation, as always. And glad to see you back, Sir RodimusPrimal. ^^ Let the needed provisions come out from the subspace storage as well.
I love how the transformers fandom is practically creating revolutionary scientific concepts to account for basic animation errors and continuity issues
In my head the Transformers are such an advanced form of alien technology that they have powers/abilities beyond our understanding. For them it makes perfect sense that there are hidden weapons/devices within their bodies. For us it seems incredible. Kind of like the transporter in Star Trek. In Enterprise that technology seems weird and dangerous. By the time of DS9 or Voyager it's routine. Hope I explained that in a way that make sense, great video.
I always liked to imagine, particularly in the movie when Prime blasts off into his transformation, that the trailer would become a projectile and smash into the Decepticons who were turning to follow Prime's flight. Always gave me a chuckle.
The subspace storage pocket, in those exact words, appeared in a _Rom_ comic back in 1985, and ever since reading that comic I’ve been using it as the explanation to where Transformers keep components and other objects that disappear and reappear. I was surprised to find it show up decades later as a common fan explanation, seemingly independent of its _Rom_ usage :-)
Another great video sir- thanks for updating it! I thought one of the graphics was from a certain TV show that featured travel to parallel dimension. I always love it when that show gets a shout out!
Isn’t Optimus’ trailer being able to appear and reappear when he transforms one of the coolest things ever or what? It sure is to me, love the Subspace Storage Pocket!
My favorite use of subspace came from an early-ish piece of fanfic, and the most delicious "What?" moment. IIRC, it was set between the series and the 1986 movie. Spike had been offworld for some time and was catching up with Carly when... Maybe Decepticons attacked? I honestly cannot remember who it was, but I remembered the attack beginning and Spike turning to lead Carly away and just pausing, because she hda brought her hand up in front of her and a blaster dropped into it from subspace. It was the perfect spot for a cliffhanger.
As a kid I just thought the trailer broke down into panels and became part of his legs... of course, we never really saw that in the cartoons. I do thoroughly enjoy and accept the sub-space explanation. I once read a fanfiction [pretty sure it wasn't official] years ago where Jazz subspaced Spike when they fell off a cliff. Spike was okay, but "purged his tanks" after. I had a good laugh. Cemented sub-space for me as a concept.
There was a piece back then that talked about the subspace storage pocket, it said that it was limited to transformers built with cybertonium, basically the alloy that gives them access to said dimension, in that topic, it also said about how the G1 Dinobots having no access to the subspace pocket as they were built on Earth without cybertonium, as so, they don't change mass when they transform or their weapons pulled out of nowhere, now they may have been "upgraded" during and after the 1986 movie, but I leave that to you.
The first time I saw Optimus and Megatron use their respective gladiatorial weapons. It made me wonder if the other autobots and decepticons would have if they had similar built in weapons and what would they be.
*_We, the Transformers G1 hardcore fans_* : "Wow where all these parts went after transformations? Must be the _subspace_ " or "How Constructicons form Devastator inside Astrotrain? That's definetely due to _mass shifting_ " *_Hasbro HQ_* : "Dudes relax. We just wanna release toys" Anyway, We love Transformers G1! Great videos man! keep up!
The sub space storage concept is totally part of the inspiration behind some of my books. That and the Centurions cartoons :) Proper 80s cartoons nerd here :)
In the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels, Ramona Flowers used subspace frequently during deliveries. The retractable fists becoming weapons also seen on Voltes V and Combattler V anime series using it's ability. In the G1 S2 episode "Blaster Blues", it concerns Optimus Prime's trailer, in this bizzare scene, a trailer quickly chases to get to Optimus Prime rolling out in truck mode!
Hmm. As far as I recall, Subspace storage originates from Rom, in which Bill Mantlo had Rom's various weapons disappear into 'subspace' when he wasn't using them. With transformers also being a Marvel licence, and indeed the entire premise being devised by Bob Budiansky at Marvel, and the comics originally being marvel canon (then retconned out when it became an ongoing series), the in-continuity concept of Rom's subspace storage was just carried over into Transformers.
Interesting. That makes a LOT of sense. I'll admit I never read ROM even though I have the final issue. It is a possibility, though the disappearing was a Marvel Productions thing. The terms origins make sense though because it was originally a fan term with Transformers in message boards, so some TF fans most likely were also fans of ROM too.
@@RodimusPrimal I'm sure I recall Subspace being used in the 80's In transformers. Probably in the marvel UK letters pages, if nothing more. It's a term/explanation I've been using since 80's g1 days, long before the internet, and it came from somewhere. I recommend tracking down the complete run of Marvel ROM, it's probably Marvel's overall best 80's series, and has some real standout issues.
I always wondered where his trailer went. Now, with this "subspace storage" thing, it kind of makes sense. I am watching my DVD set for the first time and seeing glitches I forgot about and ones I'd never noticed or seen. Like when Optimus Prime and Megatron fight with the ax and mace. Megatron's fusion cannon suddenly disappears. I kept searching for the missing foreign episode thinking I screwed up, although I know I didn't skip anything. Then I looked it up and found out the explanation. I recently gave up and resumed the DVD.
While watching G1 Season One back in the day, I asked my big brother, "Where does Prime's trailer go when he transforms to robot mode?" He answered, "Probably to an alternate dimension." BOOM! All Transfans think alike! 😉
I don't know if you've ever read Animorphs, but the book series has a very similar concept. Animorphs is a scholastic book series in which 5 human kids discover a secret alien invasion on Earth and obtained a technologically advanced device that allows them to morph into any organism they touch directly. It established a version of Subspace that allows alien space craft to travel faster than the speed of light, and it's a storage area for all the mass the kids would need to morph. If they transform into a creature much smaller than a human, them most of that human mass would be sent to subspace, and if they transform into a creature much more massive than a human, they would draw mass from Subspace. But instead of being similar to a pocket dimension, Animorphs depicted it as parallel part of the universe that humans haven't discovered yet. In that sense, it could help explain how mass shifting works in the Transformers Universe.
I've also heard of "hammerspace' referred to as 'the magic satchel" but I guess all of its kind of the same concept as a bag of holding. But I honestly think it could be a little of both the subspace storage pocket and certain components just simply being part of them that can fold out or transform out at times, such as at the end of this video with wheeljack just simply folding out a barrel in his forearm or soundwaves scanner.
So what happens to the items a Transformer has in subspace if they die? Do the items just get spewed out somewhere, are they stuck/lost in subspace, or could someone use their remains (perhaps data store in their systems) to call those items back?
When I was reading the Transformers UK comic, it was implied from answers on the letters page that Prime's trailer, and the mass of Transformers that shrunk down while transforming went to a pocket universe.
First time I learned about this subspace concept was from an episode of Justice League when a GL hid items in a pocket dimension. By the time I saw Peacemaker's dad's secret room, I already understood that it's hidden in a pocket dimension.
Advanced technology that seems almost magical…yep,that most definitely fits within the concept of truly advanced technology. That’s why I liked the concept of bendable and stretchable alloy for their face and skin in the G1 anime as opposed to mechanical facial joints depicted in the live action movie. That concept of stretchy alloy vs joints is by far technologically superior.
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO !!!!!!!!!!! I am 46 yrs old, grew up with these Gen 1 in the 80's ... had lots of transformers and watched them every day on Chicago channel 9 Cable tv.. rushed home from school..for the 4pm to 5pm tv slot..Gi Joe and Transformers.. unless they were playing some baseball game early .. but yeah... not only this question, but do the seem to change sizes soo easily? also, i just watched gen 1 season 1 ep 1-3 ... why did they stop flying????
It's a bit weird how when Ultra Magnus transformed along side Optimus (shown towards the end), that his trailer came out of nowhere, since his trailer is also part of his body lol.
I always figured, that they had the ability to transform matter into energy & back, and they had a limited ability to manipulate the form, as it materializes. This would be why they have the ability to reprogram their alternate form from Cybertronian vehicles into Earth Vehicles. This would also be why Soundwave could turn himself, into a microcassette player. Unused matter would simply be turned into energy & stored into a personal storage capacitor.
Of course the animators sometimes get it wrong compared to the toys. At 10:58 of the video it shows Ultra Magnus's trailer roll in behind him when he transforms where the toys cab and trailer combines together.
Another great video rodimus & a great video for after my birthday which was on august 18th. Would this also qualify for where rodimus prime’s trailer as well?
The mass shifting and sub-space sounds interesting, I had no problem with this when I was kid, now welll... the trailer is out of focus of the camera thus is not seen. I like those videos and fans comentaries due they are interesting and later Hasbro adopt them... way to go Transformers G1 fans!🥳👍
While Soundwave and Megatron had to rely on mass shifting, I don't think OP ever needed a subspace pocket. I think its disappearance was just lazy animation. The trailer driving itself around was, too. So in my head canon, he would have to stop, drop the trailer, and Roller could then move it around short distances, like a day cab or yard tractor truck. TFs was primarily meant to be a toy line. His trailer was a cool part of the toy. So when we were young, my circle of friends weren't prone to just setting the trailer aside. We disregarded the cartoon's tendency to do just that. I don't think we need to rationalize the cartoon's inconsistencies with scale, color, deaths, nearly as much as has been done. Much of the time, the animation was simply wrong because the animators had to rush and cut corners. I accept that as RW truth, but not in universe.
"Sub-space" is a fun idea as it it's somehow a download 'cloud' for parts (maybe 3D printed on the fly). However, Prime's Trailer never bothered me; I was always curious ofcourse, but the idea that it was just out of the camera's view (be it through Roller or otherwise) was enough. There are episodes where Prime doesn't have it's trailer with him, and in one of the first episodes Huffer takes the trailer off him (not needed with subspace I would think). With Megatron's 'extra's' I had the same thought; it's just transforms in this huge cannon (like with the toy), just a shame he never used on camera. Same goes for the Ratchet and Ironhide platforms. It does work for Omega Supreme though. Even as a kid I found it strange that he seemed to have several landing platforms spread out across the galaxy!
I like to think of Subspace storage being run by a cosmic storage company, Potentially if the Transformer fails to pay their rental fees they may find their storage container get auctioned off as part of a TV show.
it would be interesting to find out if primus gave them this ability and they use it natively, or if it is some sort of upgrade they've added themselves
I prefer the idea that their gear is either stored in a conventional space, or transforms with them. But mass-shifting and subspace pockets are necessary, especially for some of the more far-out transformations. I do like that the G1 cartoon depicted the phase in/out effect to show that they were at least aware of it.
Really, it’s the most realistic answer. It’d just roll out of camera so that the animators wouldn’t bother drawing it somewhere in the background all the time.
It makes sense, especially since comic books have been using subspace storage & pocket dimensions as a means of storing things. I'm just glad there's a canon term for it & just wish it was used/explained more in other TF media. I never really liked the live-action TF movies, because of the bad designs, lack of a real story, non-adherence to continuity, & their overuse of action & destruction. I'd much rather prefer they take some time out to explain concepts such as this, instead of all that mindless battles & explosions. Although I grew up on G-1, Beast Wars was my fave, because they actually took time out to explain things & tied it to the lore & continuity, as best they could. I hated w/ BW devolved into its follow-up sequel Beast Machines, because it kinda revert back to G-1's lackluster formula.
You know, what is being said here could theoretically apply to real world scientific principles and, to be honest, such things could honestly be decades, if not at least centuries, or even millennia, ahead of the curve...let that sink in for a bit.
The subspace storage is a fascinating idea, It's also a good excuse in case people say "that came out of nowhere WTF" or "where did that come from?"
I always referred to that as "out of left field".
"Who cares, I'm more worried about where it's going" -Cliffjumper
Rom the space knight used a subspace storage to store his weapons as well
I can agree
Never realized that Optimus in the Last Knight used the Subspace in that one scene.
I think the subspace pocket technology is the true secret to transformation, allowing robot parts and vehicle parts to seemingly exist in the same areas, as well as where cargo and passenger space would be. However, because the technology is so energy-intensive, mechanical articulation is used heavily to minimize energy used during transformation.
Interesting, tell me more
Basically, the visible transformation, meaning alteration of outer shape, occurs mechanically, while interior transformation that creates cockpits, car seats etc. is done by subspace magic.
Fasho
This would also make a lot of sense with beast wars as it's a sequel series to G1, the transformers in that series adopted smaller bodies to save on energy on. It would also make sense that they stop using this dimension cuz it's just so energy on intensive. Visually at least it makes sense because when they transform on that show, it's very accurate to how the toys transform my personal favorite being how optimus Primal's legs spin backwards
@@ВасилийМорозов-л7х I always assumed that they were made of a material that could change shape.
This is why I liked later iterations of Prime, where he combined with his trailer. It makes more sense as a combat deck/ base mode before he went to his supermodes
Power master was an awesome way for prime to combine with his trailer. Then armada made it into a pair of pants
In my head as a kid I would figure OP's trailer would just follow him around (with Roller driving) and once he transformed back into a truck the trailer would just come to him via some telekinetic connection. But then there were the times it would simply vanish, so maybe Prime was using cloaking tech. But that would not explain the mass shifting and other use of "sub-space" with the other Transformers.
Since it wasnt covered in this video I imagine no one has written a story on who discovered the sub-space and the way to access it.
Not to mention that the trailer couldn't just roll off screen if he went somewhere far away from it and then transformed with it there. Best example is in The Search for Alpha Trion , Prime transforms into robot mode and goes through a space bridge. On Cybertron he escapes from the Decepticons with Elita One and transforms back with the trailer.
Fun Fact: *OP’s Trailer’s laser guns fired on Megs in one such battle; Roller once saved Prime’s life in IDW comics*
@@RodimusPrimal true but the producers rushed the making of cartoon on tight schedule and didn't re edit to fix plenty of mistakes or mishapes, The most logical is roller carrying it around only when Optimus wandered from it
Two things:
1) I never thought to store Optimus Prime's fists & weapons inside his trailer. That would have significantly decreased the chances of them getting lost.
2) There was a Robot Chicken episode that explained what happens when Optimus Prime's trailer doesn't respond to his transformation, and it definitely had nothing to do with the "subspace storage pocket".
I kept his & Ultra Magnus' fists inside the chest cab!
I saw that episode!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Have you seen the one where Optimus gets prostate cancer? 😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
The G1 toy had a spot for the gun itself in the trailer where the gun mounted to the deck, but there would be no reason to place the fists in the trailer as the fists had a storage location in front of his head when the head was rotated downward for the cab. The arms would fold back and then the forearms would rotate forward, which ensured that the fists could not leave the compartment. There is a plastic line, which actually makes it less likely for the fists to move around. The only problem is if someone were to pull his chest forward in that mode. On the other hand, there is nothing securing the fist in the trailer. No, it does not make them less likely to get lost. It does the reverse.
@@matthewreynoso6904 A rather unique take on the whole "death of Optimus Prime" bit from Transformers The Movie (1986, AKA the good one).
Sometimes Megatron’s silencer and stock extend out of his gun mode.
Other times it flies in out of thin air and connects to his gun mode.
I always find it amusing that Sub space storage has become a convenient creation to explain animation errors.
Yup😂 cause that is exactly wat it is
@@ttamcc.4674 I mean it is a pretty good one though.
While I'm not the biggest transformers fan, I really love videos like these which talk about the history of the series. I also find this video really interesting, since it's always fun to hear about how something that started out as a limitation of the medium becomes an integral part of a franchises lore.
It amazed me on how Prime's trailer can appear and disappear every time he transformed.
It's like magic to us. To them it's like an I-phone.
It's because he has the touch!
@@twistedyogert magic is just technology we don’t understand.
@@andrewgrant2990 He has the POWAAAA to store his trailer in subspace...
😆😅🤣😂
I'm glad you addressed this topic. As an adult fan, I am surprised at how often my peers will dismissed my interest in a child's toy. But I like to think I can explore an interesting fantasy world with a mature perspective. A video like this is an easy way for me to show my friends and family that there real and engaging conversations to be had involving the intellectual property.
Best use of Prime’s trailer was when he carried all the Dinobots to Atlantis in “Atlantis Arise”! I think the sub space pocket is a great idea for storage but think that it’s exclusive for each bot and probably is a parallel dimension that lives in four and one dimensional space simultaneously probably working as further encryption to the sub space dimension.
I didn't realize this was one of those fan-originated concepts. It's cool to see the origin story of such a major idea!
Awesome video and explanation. As kids, we would debate and theorize that Primes trailer possibly went to the same place Skywarp would temporarily enter when he vanished. But having it be personal makes more sense. Also clears up how Soundwave can store all those compressed energon cubes!
Always liked the movie/Prime approach of primarily using weapons built into the bodies of every robot. It was always a cool look seeing Optimus form a blaster out of his arm, or movie Megatron turning his hand into a flail.
Great concept because it makes Transformers not have to carry around there weapons all the time 😁
It's also common in any Japanese superhero show. Power Rangers for example summon their weapons from the "Morphin Grid."
I always accepted the subspace idea for the trailer but I always took the live action approach for the random gadgets in that they were built in and they could just transform individual parts of the body. Maybe as time went on though, the animators/writers kind of peeped how convenient the subspace idea was and added the energy flashes in to canonize it. Hell, you could even explain mass-shifting and skywarp's teleporting with it.
It is a shame Optimus didn't have his trailer transform more often in the cartoon. I guess the writers couldn't think of good uses for it.
For the longest time, I thought the glowing on Optimus' trailer in that episode was because he was struggling to transform due to Soundwave's, uh, sound wave attack (one wonders why he didn't use such a devastating ability more often haha.) But maybe it is because of the trailer coming from the subspace storage pocket.
The weapons appearing and disappearing on Ravage and Cyclonus are undeniable, though. And I don't know why I never think of the stock and silencer on Megatron, which he never uses in robot mode. Yep, Omega Supreme MUST be using it, otherwise he would he stuck in rocket mode until he made the round trip back to where he left the rest of himself!
The gadgets that pop out of arms I don't count. Those seem to be part of the Transformers' bodies. Although, you have to wonder how they can store so many gadgets in their arms, and where their hands go haha.
Hmm, far-fetched. I don't think so. Not when we already have a space-faring race of sentient alien robots, some of which can shrink! 🙂
Yeah, they should have used the trailer more often, it was Optimus special ability after all.
Subspace storage.
Over three (3) decades later, this revealed concept finally explains the whereabouts of Optimus' trailer plus the other odd features of many Transformers.
As a "Voltes Five" audience/fan, it was not much of a surprise that Autobots/Deceptions can retract their hands to unveil respective various weapons which were seen on the series' earliest episodes only to become rare later on.
Rather argue and speculate, I am happy and appreciative this has answered.
Great presentation, as always.
And glad to see you back, Sir RodimusPrimal. ^^
Let the needed provisions come out from the subspace storage as well.
I love how the transformers fandom is practically creating revolutionary scientific concepts to account for basic animation errors and continuity issues
In my head the Transformers are such an advanced form of alien technology that they have powers/abilities beyond our understanding. For them it makes perfect sense that there are hidden weapons/devices within their bodies. For us it seems incredible. Kind of like the transporter in Star Trek. In Enterprise that technology seems weird and dangerous. By the time of DS9 or Voyager it's routine. Hope I explained that in a way that make sense, great video.
Great remaster my friend, this was again a very interesting video, I love the concept of the subspace storage pocket, it's a perfect tool. Great work!
Thanks for remastering this video. This is an interesting concept
3:40 TIE Fighter sound effect used for Skywarp crashing into Thundercracker.
I always liked to imagine, particularly in the movie when Prime blasts off into his transformation, that the trailer would become a projectile and smash into the Decepticons who were turning to follow Prime's flight. Always gave me a chuckle.
The subspace storage pocket, in those exact words, appeared in a _Rom_ comic back in 1985, and ever since reading that comic I’ve been using it as the explanation to where Transformers keep components and other objects that disappear and reappear. I was surprised to find it show up decades later as a common fan explanation, seemingly independent of its _Rom_ usage :-)
Another great video sir- thanks for updating it! I thought one of the graphics was from a certain TV show that featured travel to parallel dimension. I always love it when that show gets a shout out!
I had that Optimus Prime toy as a young boy back in the 80s. Flashback to the past.
finally one of those conversation left for another day made reality!
Isn’t Optimus’ trailer being able to appear and reappear when he transforms one of the coolest things ever or what? It sure is to me, love the Subspace Storage Pocket!
My favorite use of subspace came from an early-ish piece of fanfic, and the most delicious "What?" moment. IIRC, it was set between the series and the 1986 movie. Spike had been offworld for some time and was catching up with Carly when... Maybe Decepticons attacked? I honestly cannot remember who it was, but I remembered the attack beginning and Spike turning to lead Carly away and just pausing, because she hda brought her hand up in front of her and a blaster dropped into it from subspace. It was the perfect spot for a cliffhanger.
As a kid I just thought the trailer broke down into panels and became part of his legs... of course, we never really saw that in the cartoons. I do thoroughly enjoy and accept the sub-space explanation.
I once read a fanfiction [pretty sure it wasn't official] years ago where Jazz subspaced Spike when they fell off a cliff. Spike was okay, but "purged his tanks" after. I had a good laugh. Cemented sub-space for me as a concept.
Have we thanked the master, Masami Obari for G1 Optimus' transformation sequence? Even he had no idea where to put the trailer.
Optimus Prime is one of my favorite Transformers characters of all time.
There was a piece back then that talked about the subspace storage pocket, it said that it was limited to transformers built with cybertonium, basically the alloy that gives them access to said dimension, in that topic, it also said about how the G1 Dinobots having no access to the subspace pocket as they were built on Earth without cybertonium, as so, they don't change mass when they transform or their weapons pulled out of nowhere, now they may have been "upgraded" during and after the 1986 movie, but I leave that to you.
The first time I saw Optimus and Megatron use their respective gladiatorial weapons.
It made me wonder if the other autobots and decepticons would have if they had similar built in weapons and what would they be.
Ironhide and Wheeljack have hand nozzles that can shoot various chemicals, Jazz has a grapple hook, Prowl has an energy net...
*_We, the Transformers G1 hardcore fans_* : "Wow where all these parts went after transformations? Must be the _subspace_ " or "How Constructicons form Devastator inside Astrotrain? That's definetely due to _mass shifting_ "
*_Hasbro HQ_* : "Dudes relax. We just wanna release toys"
Anyway, We love Transformers G1! Great videos man! keep up!
Man! Amazing video! I would never thought about a poket dimension
Optimus Prime is tired of fans asking where his trailer goes. He just wants to put it behind him...
The sub space storage concept is totally part of the inspiration behind some of my books. That and the Centurions cartoons :) Proper 80s cartoons nerd here :)
Rodimus Primal is the Best Transformers Reviewer in UA-cam 💪
Was waiting for this to come out! :)
THAT CAME OUT OF NOWHERE!
In the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels, Ramona Flowers used subspace frequently during deliveries. The retractable fists becoming weapons also seen on Voltes V and Combattler V anime series using it's ability. In the G1 S2 episode "Blaster Blues", it concerns Optimus Prime's trailer, in this bizzare scene, a trailer quickly chases to get to Optimus Prime rolling out in truck mode!
Hmm. As far as I recall, Subspace storage originates from Rom, in which Bill Mantlo had Rom's various weapons disappear into 'subspace' when he wasn't using them. With transformers also being a Marvel licence, and indeed the entire premise being devised by Bob Budiansky at Marvel, and the comics originally being marvel canon (then retconned out when it became an ongoing series), the in-continuity concept of Rom's subspace storage was just carried over into Transformers.
Interesting. That makes a LOT of sense. I'll admit I never read ROM even though I have the final issue. It is a possibility, though the disappearing was a Marvel Productions thing. The terms origins make sense though because it was originally a fan term with Transformers in message boards, so some TF fans most likely were also fans of ROM too.
@@RodimusPrimal I'm sure I recall Subspace being used in the 80's In transformers. Probably in the marvel UK letters pages, if nothing more. It's a term/explanation I've been using since 80's g1 days, long before the internet, and it came from somewhere.
I recommend tracking down the complete run of Marvel ROM, it's probably Marvel's overall best 80's series, and has some real standout issues.
Thanks for the helpful information Primal
That was awesome.
Based on the evidence, it's a perfect explanation.
....
I hereby Proclaim it to be!
Can’t wait for the remaster of the Dinobots, and hot rod/ rodimis prime retrospectives
Could you maybe do a video on the battle strategy for autobots retaking Cybertron in the 1986 movie.
A fan theory basically became Canon, that's how amazing Transformers is
I always wondered where his trailer went. Now, with this "subspace storage" thing, it kind of makes sense. I am watching my DVD set for the first time and seeing glitches I forgot about and ones I'd never noticed or seen. Like when Optimus Prime and Megatron fight with the ax and mace. Megatron's fusion cannon suddenly disappears. I kept searching for the missing foreign episode thinking I screwed up, although I know I didn't skip anything. Then I looked it up and found out the explanation. I recently gave up and resumed the DVD.
Well, this answers a question I had since we were kids!
One biggest mysteries in transformers history where the trailer just shows up out of nowhere.
There's another big mystery in transformers
Once I saw the "The upside down" in Strange Things, subspace made perfect sense.
While watching G1 Season One back in the day, I asked my big brother, "Where does Prime's trailer go when he transforms to robot mode?"
He answered, "Probably to an alternate dimension."
BOOM! All Transfans think alike! 😉
I don't know if you've ever read Animorphs, but the book series has a very similar concept.
Animorphs is a scholastic book series in which 5 human kids discover a secret alien invasion on Earth and obtained a technologically advanced device that allows them to morph into any organism they touch directly.
It established a version of Subspace that allows alien space craft to travel faster than the speed of light, and it's a storage area for all the mass the kids would need to morph. If they transform into a creature much smaller than a human, them most of that human mass would be sent to subspace, and if they transform into a creature much more massive than a human, they would draw mass from Subspace. But instead of being similar to a pocket dimension, Animorphs depicted it as parallel part of the universe that humans haven't discovered yet.
In that sense, it could help explain how mass shifting works in the Transformers Universe.
I've also heard of "hammerspace' referred to as 'the magic satchel" but I guess all of its kind of the same concept as a bag of holding.
But I honestly think it could be a little of both the subspace storage pocket and certain components just simply being part of them that can fold out or transform out at times, such as at the end of this video with wheeljack just simply folding out a barrel in his forearm or soundwaves scanner.
Link being able to hold all his huge weapons in his nonexistent carry bags
Prime always looks best as truck and trailer.
Without it, something looks off.
So what happens to the items a Transformer has in subspace if they die? Do the items just get spewed out somewhere, are they stuck/lost in subspace, or could someone use their remains (perhaps data store in their systems) to call those items back?
When I was reading the Transformers UK comic, it was implied from answers on the letters page that Prime's trailer, and the mass of Transformers that shrunk down while transforming went to a pocket universe.
First time I learned about this subspace concept was from an episode of Justice League when a GL hid items in a pocket dimension. By the time I saw Peacemaker's dad's secret room, I already understood that it's hidden in a pocket dimension.
Great video as always 👍
Advanced technology that seems almost magical…yep,that most definitely fits within the concept of truly advanced technology. That’s why I liked the concept of bendable and stretchable alloy for their face and skin in the G1 anime as opposed to mechanical facial joints depicted in the live action movie. That concept of stretchy alloy vs joints is by far technologically superior.
I agree wholeheartedly.
This is the best ways to explain this!
Indeed!
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO !!!!!!!!!!! I am 46 yrs old, grew up with these Gen 1 in the 80's ... had lots of transformers and watched them every day on Chicago channel 9 Cable tv.. rushed home from school..for the 4pm to 5pm tv slot..Gi Joe and Transformers.. unless they were playing some baseball game early .. but yeah... not only this question, but do the seem to change sizes soo easily? also, i just watched gen 1 season 1 ep 1-3 ... why did they stop flying????
Hasbro needs to make a Kingdom Optimus Primal repaint in Hot Rod colors and name it “Rodimus Primal” in honor of this man.
Or perhaps another figure. I'd imagine him having flight like a griffin or Phoenix.
@@RodimusPrimal That would be cool as well 😎
Thanks for answering this.
Keep up the good work!
1st and love your videos bro keep it up
This is hilarious I've been thinking about this question since 1986 thank you for answering it for me LOL🤣🤣
Great vid on a topic we always asked ourselves as kids watching TF.
With Cybertronian Magic!😉😁
It's a bit weird how when Ultra Magnus transformed along side Optimus (shown towards the end), that his trailer came out of nowhere, since his trailer is also part of his body lol.
He transformed into the white cab.
I always figured, that they had the ability to transform matter into energy & back, and they had a limited ability to manipulate the form, as it materializes. This would be why they have the ability to reprogram their alternate form from Cybertronian vehicles into Earth Vehicles. This would also be why Soundwave could turn himself, into a microcassette player. Unused matter would simply be turned into energy & stored into a personal storage capacitor.
I thought this up like 30 years ago with stories I would create while playing with my Legos as a kid 😅
Great minds
Of course the animators sometimes get it wrong compared to the toys. At 10:58 of the video it shows Ultra Magnus's trailer roll in behind him when he transforms where the toys cab and trailer combines together.
Did thundercracker and skywarp just sounded like a TIE fighter in minute 3:43?
Yep they used Star Wars and Star Trek sound effects throughout the cartoon.
Odo & The Founder Changelings in Star Trek DS9 are also said to store their extra mass in subspace.
Another great video rodimus & a great video for after my birthday which was on august 18th. Would this also qualify for where rodimus prime’s trailer as well?
Indeed it does. Happy birthday too! Till all are one!
Subspace is as good an explanation as any.
The mass shifting and sub-space sounds interesting, I had no problem with this when I was kid, now welll... the trailer is out of focus of the camera thus is not seen. I like those videos and fans comentaries due they are interesting and later Hasbro adopt them... way to go Transformers G1 fans!🥳👍
While Soundwave and Megatron had to rely on mass shifting, I don't think OP ever needed a subspace pocket. I think its disappearance was just lazy animation. The trailer driving itself around was, too. So in my head canon, he would have to stop, drop the trailer, and Roller could then move it around short distances, like a day cab or yard tractor truck.
TFs was primarily meant to be a toy line. His trailer was a cool part of the toy. So when we were young, my circle of friends weren't prone to just setting the trailer aside. We disregarded the cartoon's tendency to do just that.
I don't think we need to rationalize the cartoon's inconsistencies with scale, color, deaths, nearly as much as has been done. Much of the time, the animation was simply wrong because the animators had to rush and cut corners. I accept that as RW truth, but not in universe.
Optimus Prime needs his own movie
"Sub-space" is a fun idea as it it's somehow a download 'cloud' for parts (maybe 3D printed on the fly). However, Prime's Trailer never bothered me; I was always curious ofcourse, but the idea that it was just out of the camera's view (be it through Roller or otherwise) was enough. There are episodes where Prime doesn't have it's trailer with him, and in one of the first episodes Huffer takes the trailer off him (not needed with subspace I would think). With Megatron's 'extra's' I had the same thought; it's just transforms in this huge cannon (like with the toy), just a shame he never used on camera. Same goes for the Ratchet and Ironhide platforms. It does work for Omega Supreme though. Even as a kid I found it strange that he seemed to have several landing platforms spread out across the galaxy!
I like to think of Subspace storage being run by a cosmic storage company, Potentially if the Transformer fails to pay their rental fees they may find their storage container get auctioned off as part of a TV show.
Good stuff
Best way to describe this personal storage as the TARDIS from Doctor who. Pocket dimension Linked to the owner.
it would be interesting to find out if primus gave them this ability and they use it natively, or if it is some sort of upgrade they've added themselves
Subspace is another term for magic. Once you grasp that, enjoying the entertainment becomes much easier.
I definitely accept this!
I prefer the idea that their gear is either stored in a conventional space, or transforms with them. But mass-shifting and subspace pockets are necessary, especially for some of the more far-out transformations. I do like that the G1 cartoon depicted the phase in/out effect to show that they were at least aware of it.
Excellent idea
I wouldn’t mind you doing a video on roller because I think it would be an interesting video
The theory fits, it does explain how Megatron sheds mass to fit into Starscream's hand when he transforms.
The 'rolling out of camera' thing will forever be canon to me
Really, it’s the most realistic answer. It’d just roll out of camera so that the animators wouldn’t bother drawing it somewhere in the background all the time.
4:24 he didn't pull that out of thin air!
It makes sense, especially since comic books have been using subspace storage & pocket dimensions as a means of storing things. I'm just glad there's a canon term for it & just wish it was used/explained more in other TF media. I never really liked the live-action TF movies, because of the bad designs, lack of a real story, non-adherence to continuity, & their overuse of action & destruction. I'd much rather prefer they take some time out to explain concepts such as this, instead of all that mindless battles & explosions. Although I grew up on G-1, Beast Wars was my fave, because they actually took time out to explain things & tied it to the lore & continuity, as best they could. I hated w/ BW devolved into its follow-up sequel Beast Machines, because it kinda revert back to G-1's lackluster formula.
His Trailer just Disappears like that!
As a kid in the 80s watching that, I had never even noticed that it disappeared. Haha 🤣
Cool bro (2nd comment yay) I always wondered where the trailer went thx bro for explaining!!
You know, what is being said here could theoretically apply to real world scientific principles and, to be honest, such things could honestly be decades, if not at least centuries, or even millennia, ahead of the curve...let that sink in for a bit.