Hey folks. I'm not sure where to put things like this, so please help or move this into the correct place if possible. I like to try and put a twist on the conventional ideas that we attach to what makes a Transformers character or design. I am a huge fan of Combiners, and I have started a new art project to she'd a new light on how these teams work. I have always assumed it would make sense for each team of robots to have their own unique way to join forces, and this is the first of many versions of popular Gestalt designs in my own way. Our first example. Defensor. This is not completed, and I will be posting more images of the finished robots and combined mode as time goes by. Please feel free to criticize, as I know this is an unconventional style. Hot Spot forms the main torso and arms. Blades forms the upper body and back. First-Aid and Streetwise form each leg, and Groove forms the chest plate. This is all in keeping with scale, and their robot modes will reflect this as well. I wanted Defensor to have a very Tactical Police and Rescue vibe. Helmet, padding, armored and chest, gloves, boots, and shin guards. Each member's Autobot sigils would be very visible and prominently displayed in gestalt mode, much like badges of affiliation on a uniform. Each of the legs will be made different soon, andost of the lights on the individual members will face forward in robot mode. The emergency lights on the two cars end up on the knees. All of the components to combined mode would integrate into the individual guys. I am also working on Bruticus.
Are you planning on making these come to plastic life, or is this fan art either way looks interesting enough to follow.
I'd like to be able to make toys someday, and this is hardly the only thing I've tried to design, but I'm not so good at the production aspect. I'd love to work with even an amateur engineer non something like this. My idea is very clear, and I design all my robots with toy in mind first.
Thank you! I like to keep in mind what roles each member plays in a combiner team. All of the ground vehicles remain on the ground, the aerial dudes focused on top, and someone like Groove having so much character that he truly makes the heart of the group. I'm not against putting things in their original place, but I would prefer that we start to all take this franchise a bit more seriously bin the same direction, which seems to be the basis of most of the dichotomy in the fandom. My versions of characters take Geewunners to heart as much as the progressive fan, and I like to create new paths to old places. Much like High Moon, IDW, and the Animated universe did.
In mind, it only makes sense that each combiner and team otherwise would have it's own "thing". Defensor is about strength through unity. His gestalt mode is logical, symmetrical, lithe, and steadfast. Characters like Devastator would be focused more on power, putting all of their individual weapons and armor at the forefront. My version of Computron is very compact and subtle, but practical and bulky. Abominus is less a monster and more a predatory beast.
Excellent overall vision for each combiner. I also really like the idea of fixed scale between components... cool concept. Very interested in seeing this develop...great job!
I definitely will. I tend to work in bursts, so don't check back every day, but I will absolutely post more. I had an immediate vision of Defensor, and not so clear of one for the others, but I will post what I can. Keep in mind that each of these teams combine in their own ways. Because of this and my penance for quick work, I would love to take a shot at any other characters or teams! I would love to try and work with someone who has toy making knowledge to try and bring some of my designs to life. I am definitely an artist but also definitely not an engineer.
Would love to see what you do with other combiners. Your Defensor seems feminine to me (like Victorion) mainly because of the shape of lips.
I do see what you mean. I'm all for spreading femininity onto certain characters like Starscream, but I'll work on that. Thank you. These are the kinds of comments I want. I adore true criticism.
Heyo! To anybody that was watching this, I've put all of my designs so far, or most, in a new thread in Radicons!! I'm much more active now, and am considering commissions soon. I hope you are all still interested, and here's the link! Customs: - Original Robot Designs
