Transformers sexuality, is there really such a thing?
In issue five of the current TF series, we see that all Transformers were originally created
as hermaphrodites. If you look it up in the dictionary: "having both male and female organs".
Of course in the comic it's called differently: "I am witnessing some form of bio-morphic
reproduction... A 'splitting1 of one into two! Two into four! but it basically means the same
thing: TFs do not need coupling to create new life. So is this the end of the arguments? Not by
a long shot.
We have also seen that the Matrix is also capable of giving life. This could be compared to bee
colonies where there is but a single Queen bee capable of laying eggs. Looking at it this way all
Transformers would be male, the Matrix being the only female element. This would seem to contradict
the previous paragraph since it's been established that Transformers have both male and female organs
(and I use the term 'organ' very loosely: I'd prefer saying reproductive capacities but we'll keep it
at that, for simplicity's sake).
Even more disturbing is the presence of both male and female Autobots in the cartoon series (most
notably in the episode "The search for Alpha Trion") and in the comics. This would suggest that TFs
can, actually, mate. The most flagrant example of this would be the Transformers movie, at the beginning,
when kid robots can be seen playing.
Do the Transformers really have three means of reproduction? The comic contradicts the cartoons - there
doesn't seem to be any "official" explanation of how they do it. I guess you'll find your answers in
whatever medium you prefer. As for me, I'd rather not take sides.
Next column: Do female Transformers use robotic make-up?
Etienne Michel can be reached for any comments or suggestions for future columns at
3899-B Eveyln #2, Verdun, Quebec H4G 1P5