Transformers Wiki:Disambiguation
From Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki
It is common for multiple Transformers to have the same name, (usually in different continuities.) As a result, disambiguation, clearly distinguishing between them, becomes extremely important. This is done through the use of parenthetical suffixes (called 'disambigs') Character Name (identifier).
Because it is relatively rare for two characters to have the same name in 1 continuity, the continuity is usually used. As of this writing(Jan-04-08) 8 different Transformers have gone by the name 'Prowl.'
- Prowl (G1)
- Prowl (Transmetal) — The sub-line identifier 'Transmetal' is used here rather than (BW) because there was another Beast Wars Prowl toy. (Representing the G1 character.)
- Prowl (RID)
- Prowl (Armada)
- Prowl (Energon) — The Energon character is a different character from Armada Prowl, despite occupying the same continuity.
- Prowl (Universe Micromaster) — This Prowl sports 2 disambigs to distinguish him from the other Universe (franchise) Prowl.
- Prowl (Spy Changer) — This character also appeared in Universe, but is more memorably labeled as a Spy Changer.
- Prowl (Animated)
Disambiguation is less frequently required for places, things or concepts.
- For further information, see: Wikipedia:Disambiguation
[edit] Disambiguation Pages
A Disambiguation page is itself disambig'd with (disambiguation) indicating that it is not about any of these characters, but rather dedicated to telling them apart. The 'base page' (example: 'Optimus Prime') redirects to the disambig page (Optimus Prime (disambiguation)), not to any individual Optimus Prime such as Optimus Prime (G1).
Prime's disambig page has 3 sections: a list of characters who've shared his name, a list of characters with similar names who should not be confused with any character actually named "Optimus Prime", and an outside-of-continuity note about a nonfictional Optimus Prime.
Sections of a Disambig page:
- Fictional — Characters with this name. If the list consists of only non-fictional people, they will go first.
- Fictional A.K.A. — Characters who have gone by this name in other countries, but it is not their name in the English-language market.
- Not to be confused with — Similarly-named or intimately related characters.
- Other — Nonfictional people or concepts with this name. Examples: The human named Optimus Prime, an article about Drop testing on Drop-Test's disambiguation page.
Within each section, items should be listed in descending chronological order (earliest first) of their affiliation with Transformers. Years are optional but recommended.
- For further information, see: Template:Disambig
[edit] Rule 6
Rule 6 (actually a maxim) states:
- Hasbro will release at least one Transformers toy per year with the express intent of transforming attempts to discuss it into a rendition of Who's on First?
Past examples of Rule 6 include: Battle Unicorn vs. The Unicron Battles featuring Powerlinx recolors, The Powerlinx Battles featuring Energon recolors that included Energon Energon Hot Shot and the Cybertron Galaxy Force Vector Prime, which is not the same thing as Galaxy Force Cybertron Vector Prime.
- For further information, see: Project: Rules