#tfrobotsindisguise

[blade-liger-4ever]

Why Cody Burns succeeded where Rafael Esquivel failed

Honestly, Raf is one of those characters I never thought much of, in part because he was so forgettable. More often than not in Prime, Raf was just the sweet baby who everybody thought the world of and wanted to keep out of harm's way, even though the most he ever did in the show was provide technical help with Earth machinery or play the part of innocent child. This was not helped by the fact that he was buddy-ed up with the mute Bumblebee, who's sole contributions up until his two part arc and the series finale was additional man power and adorable mimic. While this was good for background humor, it ultimately did nothing to the overall storyline in the series, both for Raf and for Bee, and for the series itself.

By contrast, Cody Burns - the resident team baby, beloved by all and unwaveringly helpful in rescue missions - stood out far more than Raf. And what's more, is that he never had "his own" Autobot/Cybertronian partner, when literally his whole family had one of their own.

Allow me to delve into this, hopefully, final observatory post regarding the TFP kids.

Of all the humans, we quite frankly get the least out of Raf. We know he's a prodigy, given that he's twelve (and a quarter) and jumped straight into the same classes as Miko and Jack, the former of whom is no slouch as I've already covered. We're shown that his family allows him free reign of Jasper, as he's playing by himself near the road, although he's alone. That tells us that his family is either extremely lax in their attention for their youngest child, or that Jasper is an actually safe location for a kid who's barely filling out his shoes to be on his own. Whether or not either option is true, that's dangerous and shows that Raf goes unnoticed by his family. I'm not saying they're abusive or willfully neglectful of him, but this points us to the conclusion that Raf has a very lonely home life, and we already know that he's got zero friends until he meets the Autobots.

This could have been a great plot-point for the series: by giving Team Prime a small child with no one for company, the writers could have more clearly given the Autobots hope for the future of the War/after the War, while Raf could have gained confidence and security from having people who actually cared and listened to him. It could have been fun, having him be the human cycling through the Autobots for various needs. Imagine Raf going to Optimus for comfort after another day of feeling ignored, talking to Arcee for ideas on how to stand up to Vince (being the sole child in class makes you a target, after all), or coming to Bulkhead for how to struggle through the physical aspects of his school regimen (i.e. the time he brought up the rope climbing to Ratchet.) The possibilities were endless.

But instead, he's specifically handed over to Bee. Bee, who is the disabled child that is also largely forgotten, and who, while he does bond with Raf and provide him with much needed company, offers nothing else in the way of development or storylines. We got something marginally better when Raf started spending time with the grumpy grandpa that is Ratchet, which was great to highlight Ratchet's soft side that nurtures his own character progression, but it's not enough for Raf's development. I greatly prefer the company of the Autobots to the human characters in virtually every series, but there needs to be a noticable human presence to ground the Autobots' protective instincts toward Earth and to push along the story. Raf ended up being a token character not even halfway through the first season, which is a shame given his potential, especially since he and Bee ended up being background décor.

Now, as a counterpoint, we come to Cody Burns.

Like Raf, Cody is the youngest child of the Burns clan - and I say clan because his family has been the one providing Griffin Rock's safety and protection for about...roughly three hundred years? (Correct me if I'm wrong, but his family were the ones in-universe to discover the island. Thus, there's a large claim and respect to his family's name.) His father Charlie is the chief of police; his oldest brother Kade is the chief firefighter; his older sister Dani is the helicopter pilot and primary search and rescue operator; and his brother Graham, who's about eight years older than ten year old Cody, is already a chief engineer and inventor himself. Clearly, Cody has an impressive family. Clearly, they're the best of the best, and he couldn't be prouder of them.

And clearly, Cody feels the need to earn his stripes given their talents and the family's reputation.

A recurring subplot in Rescue Bots is how Cody is insecure about his role on the team, and that often leads him to attempt to provide help and find his place in life in the family. Sometimes, this works; although he's often left monitoring the situations across the island at home through the cameras, Cody finds ways of giving advice or pointing out a hazard that the others are oblivious to that would have likely killed them. And this is a noble occupation his fills, with his aid saving many lives and much trouble.

However, sitting around and merely being an observer wears on him. It makes him restless, and he often seeks aid from the 'Bots to figure out his problems before typical shenanigans ensue that rectify the current episode's dilemma.

This is an important part of Cody's characterization because while he does occasionally feel left out/ignored by his family, he understands it is because of their duties. Charlie has to daily wrangle different criminals and legal offenses while Graham is eagerly going to town on his latest project. Kade and Dani each have their own lives that are beginning and that they're pursuing, but additionally maintain an intense sibling rivalry due to them being not even three years apart. Thus, while they're seeing they're respective girlfriend and boyfriend, they're also competing in various childish ways that, sometimes, result in massive fights. It's no small wonder Cody rarely goes to them for advice.

For this, he's left with the 'Bots, and because they view him as their darling little brother who inspires them every day to give the humans of Griffin Rock and Earth a chance, they listen and advise him. Heatwave is the oldest of the 'Bots, and thus more experienced; additionally, Heatwave more than once nearly threw in the towel in the early days, but only relented due to Cody's convictions and virtues. Therefore, while they have a special bond without it being the sole focus, Cody tends to run to Heatwave the most when emotionally unwell and Charlie is unavailable. Heatwave in turn gives him comfort and advice, and backs him up in most situations. Chase is one he less often seeks help from, mostly due to Chase's nature of being a rigid rulebook. Most times Cody helps Chase understand human expressions and terms when Charlie is busy or otherwise engaged, with both their efforts helping the police 'Bot to loosen up. There are times when he needs Chase's input, as strange as that aid might be, and Cody doesn't hesitate to seek it.

Boulder he goes to almost as regularly as Heatwave, and the two get along fantastically. Boulder provides him with loving company he's hungry for, and sound advice without being overbearing. Blades sometimes needs more encouragement than anything, and thus Cody plays the rare part of helping guide someone through their numerous fears. Because of that, the 'copter 'Bot is extremely loyal and protective of Cody, and when Cody does ask for his help or companionship, Blades readily gives it. Sometimes, Blades will even go above and beyond what is asked, and never asks for anything in return.

These are healthy, constantly growing relationships that Cody develops with the 'Bots, as well as magnificent characterizations that are always expanding. While the focus tends to be shown through Cody's eyes or centered around him, it never fixates on him more than is necessary. Rather, by setting him up as the show's heart, the writing team is able to stretch out towards arcs related to other characters, both the 'Bots and their specific partners, and the other human cast members who interact with the 'Bots on a less frequent basis.

This is how Cody takes the potential of Raf from Prime and not only runs with it, but builds up countless heartwarming moments and strong characterizations over the course of Rescue Bots' run. Cody is positively and rightly shown as the glue of the family element of the show, and is given the autonomy to maintain his own personality and growth without being forgotten like Raf consistently was. That's why Cody stands out, and poor Raf is left hanging.

Well, that's my thoughts on the matter. I felt I should tackle Raf, given I covered his two peers, and Cody is a cute, fun, and constantly evolving counterpart to Raf that explains much of why I feel the poor baby of Team Prime was ultimately misused and unnecessary. I hope you enjoyed this, and that it got some gears turning in your heads.

I'll be seeing you guys!

"Rescue Bots, roll to the rescue!"

[annabelle-creart]

People

Look at what a friend found of tik tok

It is supposed to be a cancelled project and this was the cover...

HEATWAAAAAVE, STEEEEELAWWWW, THUNDERHOOOOOOOF

MIKOOOOOOOOOO, BLITZWIIIIIIIIING, RATCHET AND MEGATRON'S AMALGAMATIOOOOOOOOONNNN

[silverhakai]

Sunday halfday RD-OT with these two purple bikes. #ToyPhotography #Transformers #TFRobotsInDisguise #DecepticonFracture #TFArmada #DoubleAgent #Sideways #ThisJustHappened #ParaSaEkonomiya #WerkWerkWerk #KayodKayod #WhateverHappenedToTheWeekend https://www.instagram.com/p/B85nB9-BR-E/?igshid=8gdjcof5c5y8

[annabelle-creart]

WHADAYA MEAN SG SOUNDWAVE'S DISABLED AND HIS JOINTS LOCK UP SOMETIMES BECAUSE HIS METAL IS A MIX OF CYBERTRONIAN AND EARTH METAL?!?!?!?!?!

Ohhh, the things I can do with this information...

[annabelle-creart]

WHADAYA MEAN OPTIMUS SHOT SOUNDWAVE TO REACH MEGATRON????? LIKE WITH A GUN??????? ON THE FACE?!?!?!?!

Shitty idea:

Shockwave: I'll make sure this never happens again

Soundwave: Shock, you don't have to-

Shockwave: I must. It is my duty to protect you. No matter who hurted you...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Boyfriends fight with each othet because OP shot Shock's little bro

Now MORE reasons for Heatwave not to trust in GHOST and the new autobots...

[amiablyinept]

ok but like not me thinking that you meant Knockout's monstersona can be the bull lmao

i love this idea so much, just him getting chased around (heh)

i so wanna write something about this now ughhh

Just had a thought transformers prime and rescue bots take place in the same universe. Now I’ve seen some interesting takes for some interesting crossovers between the two but I just had a thought. We all know knockout resident diva who fancies himself a medic

This man. now he’s known for his red paint and his desire to keep it pristine. Well in rescue bots there is one thing that the bots could use to at least distract our beloved racer

This mechanical bull that was programmed to hate the color red. Now all I can imagine is knockout running around the island and this bull chasing after him breakdowns low key trying not to laugh and starscream has lost that battle and is on the ground in hysterics. And then you know something something the power of Cody and suddenly there all friends and the war is over. Optimus got a hold of the shrink rey and is now keeping megatron wherever he stached the Energon vampire.

[annabelle-creart]

Little reminder that despite Heatwave loves his siblings even more than his life, he is way thankful that Life itself divorced Soundwave and Shockwave because he is not sure if he could live with the fact that his older brother and his younger sibling are the wives of two war leaders...

Yes, I'm talking about Meg and OP

[annabelle-creart]

Guuuuyssss, I want you to guess who invited their mom to watch Transformers (Bayverse movie) and winned because the mom said she liked it AND also gained the fun fact the mom actually knew about the G1 Transformers series and even if she didn't like it as much as others she enjoyed watching AND discovered the mom was kind of boyish until 15 y.o when she got a boyfriend because of her father AND didn't continued watching transformers ONLY BECAUSE SHE WORKED ALL DAY AND NEEDED TO SLEEP

PEOPLE!!! I FUCKING WIIINEEEEDDD

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I WINNED

MY MOM WAS ALSO KIND OF BOYISH LIKE ME

SHE LIKED TO DRAW TOO WHEN YOUNGER

SHE ENJOYED TRANSFORMERS TOO!!!!

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

[annabelle-creart]

Most personal moments on the firehouse. Aka, momentos mas humildes de los rescue bots. Parte 2

Because I saw a post that made me laugh:

Heatwave: Hey, Soundwave-

Soundwave, licking Rumble: hm?

Heatwave: ...what are you doing?

Rumble: Uncle Heatwave, save meeeee!!!

Soundwave: bathing Rumble

Heatwave: ...why?

Ravage, licking Frenzy: if its not by good methods, then, it will be by the bad methods

Frenzy: FINALLY!!!

Ravage bites Frenzy by the neck: get here!

Heatwave: ...okay? I'll better come back later...

//sometimes I forget Soundwave in many continuities was raised by a fucking cat, so, I made it part of the Au now

Soundwave was raised to be a communications operator by common bots but because their mentor was a motherfucker, Ravage became like a mom to 'em

So, indeed, Ravage is Megatron's mother in law and Frenzy and Rumble's grandmother, becoming the only alive parent the rest of the Waves met in actual times (because of this, she sometimes treats Heatwave and Shockwave like her kittens too)

[annabelle-creart]

Just funny thought

I’m a dear believer that when the rescue team were deciding how their holoforms should be they were making weird combinations, bets and the ugliest gacha designs possibles like if they were playing dress to impress

[annabelle-creart]

The Firehouse's most personal moments, aka: momentos mas humildes de TFRB

Shockwave: Look at my son~🎶

Predaking with his head stuck on a chair trying to get out of it by pure force

Shockwave: Pride is not the word I'm looking for~🎶

---

Courtesy of @gelu-the-babosa-multiversal

Heatwave: Cody, I like latinas

Cody: that's cool, but what that does have any to do with Kade's head stuck on a tree?

Kade, with his head stuck on a tree: nono, Cody, he has a point

---

Based on this post

Blurr: Knock Out?

Knock Out: hm? Yes?

Blurr: I... am, I have been using part of the money's credit card to buy my friends some snack- it was only for food and gas as you said, nothing else! I promise! But I have been using more of what supposed...

Knock Out: Blurr, honey?

Blurr: yes?

Knock Out: Chase is Asian, Breakdown is Italian and I'm Ukranian, if you let your friends go hungry, We'll DISOWN you

---

Kade: No

Heatwave: C'mon, Kade! It's just a karaoke night!

Kade: No

Heatwave: why not?

Kade: because literally last time all of you almost DESTROYED the bunker

Heatwave: us who?

Kade: Um, I don't know! Maybe Shockwave, Soundwave, Soundwave's infernal kids, Shockwave's dragon infernal babies, Sissi, Salvage, Boulder, Boulder's mad twin brother and you

Heatwave: we were just having fun!

Kade: ALL THE ISLAND CALLED ALL NIGHT THINKING SOMEONE WAS DYING BECAUSE YOU COULDN'T LOW DOWN THE FUCKING VOLUME!! LES MISERABLES IS NOT EVEN THAT GOOD!!!

Heatwave: WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU SAID-?!

[annabelle-creart]

The most funniest thing that happens at the firehouse is that Heatwave likes to kiss a lot

That means kisses for everyone

Morning kissing for Boulder

Silly kisses to Sissi (she does that too)

Good night flying kisses to Salvage

"I Missed you" kisses to Shockwave and Soundwave

Even greeting kisses on the cheekplate for Blades and Chase

Which is funny because Griffin Rock is USA, they're not accomplished to that shit

But of course, Heatwave has the latino-vibe, he must demostrate affection through kisses

[annabelle-creart]

Hi

I’ll leave this and go…

Okno, I will not

I basically did this because I thought it would be funny to see these two in the same room, and yes, I know they’re the same character but they aren’t, S&M Heatwave is definitely Not the same as LoRB Heatwave, and yet they’re so alike? Funny thing

These two will be the end of me

Now appreciate it because I sacrificed my mental state at 2 AM to get a description of human S&M Heatwave only to make this (I read I’d rather be dead) /joke

Also, Smoke and Mirrors Au and Heatwave’s holoform (the one that is always on the left) was made by @whatwooshkai (dude, I appreciate you, like, a lot, I’m a fan), LoRB and Heatwave’s holoform (the one that is always on the right) was made by me :D

(Kai, If there’s any wrong thing about Heatwave’s design, just tell me, I’ll correct it)

Things under cut

Now the best part of this: yapping

Why did I did this? I saw Kai’s drawings of the holoform’s of the bots wearing funny shirts part 101 and Heatwave looked so nice in that hoodie that I wanted to draw him

And I must talk about how MUCH I love that Kai’s designs are so obvious, like- you know which bot is who just by looking at them even in holoform and that’s fucking great! I really like that detail, maybe my fave thing of his designs. Heatwave having messy hair, is my bread of each day, same his freckles, I love them, but because of that I thought he was redheaded, that’s why I preferred to go back to the fic and read the lil’ description again before painting. Also, Heatwave is such a silly cute thing when he’s not talking to dead people or being haunted by the uncertain yet predictable future :D I love him. The fact that I didn’t realized he was dyslexic before still haunts me but at least I know now (no Heatwave, you don’t wanna know what that wall says), also, not sure if it’s hc or if I read it and forgot but I’m a dear believer S&M Heatwave (specifically that one) hears metal music at the max volume and does not care for his audials at all (dumb idiot, you’ll end up schizophrenic AND deaf, take care of your audials. I’m also pretty sure Chase would shout at him to low the volume because of his migraines and because is annoying). Ah, and I’m still asking myself how did S&M Heatwave made those scars on his face 👀

Now, about my design: my Heatwave (LoRB) is simple, and practical, because I’m a believer Heatwave would prefer comfort and practicality above being pretty (that doesn’t mean he can’t be pretty when can or have too). Both Heatwaves would spar only to see if they’re an actual Heatwave, like, by pure boredom. The prosthetics are because Heatwave got extremely injured on a fire when younger, which was one of his reasons to become rescuer later, and the part of the hearing aid, he’s half deaf but that’s a birth thing, always had been, and compared to S&M Heatwave, he doesn’t want to be completely deaf :v the hearing aid is not SO visible because is an ITE type, which means is inside the ear, is practical because is not visible and has no battery or electronic or plastic parts that mess with his hair and is better for his grade of deafness

Now I’ll leave you with this (version without wall)

[annabelle-creart]

I made something

Now you finally know how Lightwave (the tiny blue bot) and Radiowave (the fucking skyscraper) look like

And by fuck sake I’M SO PROUD OF HOW THEY LOOK! LIKE, I STILL REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I DREW A TRANSFORMER AND IT LOOKED LIKE SHIT BUT THIS?

Holy shit, the development in ONE fucking year

Researcher: two, actually

Drawer: shut up

However, I’m proud… NOW

Fun facts and bits of stories of the Wave Quintuplet under the cut

Lightwave is the oldest because she was the first spark to get online, that's also why she's the tiniest, the tinier the bot, the faster of online process is, because of this, she was taken away faster than her siblings

Compared to the rest, Radiowave never met his older siblings because the moment he was put online, he was sent away to be a constructicon, that's why he never met Lightwave of the triplet

Shockwave and Soundwave have purple optics because these are useless, because purple optics with bright pink pupils is a clear sign of daltonism, basically they can't see red, and yes, they can't see Heatwave's bright red frame. Well, Shock can because he has one good pupil, Soundwave can't

Radiowave died during the battle against Meg and the autobots for the Allspark, you already know that, but what you don't know is that:

1) this was the battle were Dot lost her leg

2) this was the battle where Ironhide, Fawler's autobot fellow, died

3) This was the battle Radiowave was killed by Ironhide, both as explosive masters made their own battle royal and killed each other

The TF Missing Days continuity (which contains said tag, TF More than a Disguise and Life of Rescue Bots) is the only universe, with the 13 Primes Au where Radiowave is dead, in other universes he is alive

Lightwave falls harder for Strongarm even if Strong at first is against the relationship because of their ages and because Lightwave is a bount hunter while Strongarm is a police bot (if they were human, Lightwave would be in her 40's while Strongarm if barely between 24-28)

Radiowave was the first of the quintuplet to get properly conjunxed, he did so with Choque, a character from TF More than a Disguise, Soundwave and Megatron were together since the beginning but never conjunxed and Heatwave did so with Boulder time later the war ended

Radiowave and Choque donated part of their spark on experiments to create new sparklings before Radio died, and Wedge is their son, but none Radio or Choque met him, same with Wedge

Lightwave is the only member of the quintuplet who doesn't have or had sparklings or kids, she was a full-time alone-bot with 0 interest on having kids

Lightwave is full of those symbols because those are insignias of her favorite huntings, basically, the insignias of her favorite preys and use them with proud, but he has LOTS of them on her ship and keeps all of the insignias of her preys, and the feather coat is also a trophie of some prey, the symbols on the other arm are tatoos

Radiowave has some funny drawings on his frame because he didn't knew what to draw, yet, he always dreamed of painting himself, because he, as constructicon and then as minor wrestling gamer he couldn't paint himself (it was against rules)

If they all were alive and together, they would sleep in each other like a pile, Radio and Heatwave are the pillows

Lightwave is not cogless but doesn't have an alt-mode, like, she has but never uses it and is always changing it, Shock is a tank, Heatwave is a firetruck, Soundwave is a spy-plane and Radio is a bomber plane, nonetheless, they all can have more alt-modes

If they were dino-bots, Lightwave would be an Ankylosaurius, Shockwave a Spinosaurius, Soundwave a Pteranodon and Radiowave a Quetzalcoatlus

Now, to end: RIP Radiowave, you would have liked Resident Evil and God of War😔

That's all, bye!

[annabelle-creart]

The Worst and the Best Years of our Lives - The time Boulder told Heatwave nothing lasts

"Heatwave?" Boulder called for their partner, who wasn't in any place on the room, they were still on the edge of recharging but it was way too early for them to get out of berth, why would Heatwave be in any other place rather than berth at this hour. Boulder waited but at no signal of the bot, they got up, out of the room. It was all dark but Boulder had a good night vision, same Heatwave, the only source of light was from the balcony, indeed, Heatwave was there "hi"

"Why are you up this early?" Heatwave asked

"I ask the same" Boulder reclined their helm on Heatwave's shoulder. The lights of the city shined so bright despite the hour, this metal planet definitely never recharged "in what are you thinking?"

"A bit of everything" Heatwave replied, his voice box indeed sounded tired

"Of what exactly?"

"The team, tensions on goverment, how I came" Heatwave reclined his helm on Boulder's, searching for Boulder's servo "you"

"You shouldn't worry for any of that" Boulder replied, recieving Heatwave's servo with their digits

"I know but yet, is hard not to worry" Heatwave pressed Boulder's servo "sometimes I have this feeling that things are… too right”

“What does that mean?”

“That things are way too good, and then something happens and proves me anything good last”

“Bad things doesn’t last either” Boulder got their helm up to look at Heatwave properly “like a sick, or a fight, think of Hooty, he always thought things will be bad always and was proven wrong.” Boulder chuckled, Heatwave only gave them a tiny, yet sad smile “Heatwave, you can’t always think things will end wrong or you will live thinking on the bad and regretting your own life”

“I know, is just, sometimes is by pure instinct, I can’t think of anything else. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m happy, but is hard not to think this happiness will not last”

“Heatwave,” Boulder put a servo on Heatwave’s cheek like a cup “nothing lasts. That’s why we must enjoy it while we can”

Those words were maybe worst than Heatwave would liked but Boulder was right. Damn, Boulder was always right. Heatwave took Boulder’s servo on his cheek plate and kissed it gently

“You’re perfect, you know that?”

“To admit that would be against my beliefs”

“Maybe, but yet I think you are” Heatwave got closer to kiss Boulder on the helm, Boulder replied with a kiss on Heatwave’s lips

———

———

Drawer: you did it again

Writer: did what?

Researcher: create another tag inside the big tag just to make one-shots

Writer: Is not weird!

Researcher: no it isn’t, because is like the third time, first with The Perks of Parenthood, then The Other Side of your Spark and now this one? And is pure BoulWave

Writer: that’s the fucking point, now shut up and lemme be happy

Researcher: agh…

Reader: we lost her

Drawer: ñe

Wrath: what a surprise

[annabelle-creart]

BoulWave funny thing?

BoulWave funny thing!

LoRB:

Boulder: you don't need to be fixed, you're already perfect...

Heatwave: but?

Boulder: but your family still scares me

Heatwave: funny thing! Yours also scares me, but I still love you💖

Shattered Glass:

Heatwave: I can make him worse

Boulder: fuck you

Heatwave: see?

Outlier Au:

Boulder: I can fix him

Chase: he's a literal assasin

Boulder: No he's not! He just needs a change of environment

Blades: ...Boulder the fuck??

Boulder the Dino-bot Au:

Blades: can you fix them?

Heatwave: Boulder doesn't need that!

Chase: Boulder's biting the shelf

Heatwave: that's normal

Adventure Bots Au:

Heatwave: I can fix them

Boulder: No you can't, now get off, I'm working

Predaking: don't worry, I can't either

From Stars and Above Au

Boulder: I can fix him

Heatwave: I can make them worse

Valley of the Sacred Au:

Heatwave: I can fix him!

Soundwave: the bot is literally ON A FUCKING TORNADO THEY MADE ITSELF TRYING TO KILL THE VILLAGE, ARE YOU STUPID?!?!

Shockwave: probably, that's his superpower