Powerful characters

[Sam]

Based on the US cartoon and G1 comics continuity, I was wondering which faction had the larger share of powerful characters?

By powerful, I am referring to raw physical power (strength, endurance, skill).

I kinda think that Decepticons generally have more powerful singular characters, but then, I don't know enough about Transformers to say that definitively...

Can anyone give me examples? I can think of the following:

Autobots
Optimus
Grimlock
Metroplex
Fortress Maximus
Omega Supreme
Sky Lynx (?)
Any gestalt

Decepticons
Megatron
Trypticon
Scorponok
Overlord
Sixshot
Any gestalt

[GoktimusPrime]

Autobots
Brawn
Drift ()
Rodimus Prime
Slag
Snarl
Ultra Magnus

Decepticons
Bludgeon
Carnivac
Galvatron
Jhiaxus
Shockwave
Straxus
Sunstorm (I'm assuming that you're including "Neo G1" continuity, since you've listed Overlord there )
Thunderwing

You're right about there being more singularly powerful Decepticon characters. I guess it's to compensate for the fact that there were always just more Autobots in G1 than Decepticons -- so the 'bots had quantity, Decepticons had quality.

[Lord_Zed]

I disagree with the inclusion of characters like Brawn, and Carnivac. Sure Brawn is very strong and Carnivac skillful, but I don't think they have the all round strength, skill, firepower and a dash of near invulnerability that the big guns possess. G1 Brawn was taken down with one shot in the movie after all.

The Decepticons need more powerful characters to make up for Autobot numbers and make them a credible threat. One of the problems I have with the original G1 cartoon are that the Autobots out number the Decepticons, yet even when outnumbered the Autobots can still defeat them easily, doesn't make for a very credible threat. AT least Animated got that right.

[i_amtrunks]

Funny that this is also something referred to recently in the MtMtE comics.

It depends on the universe I suppose, each one varies and differs, I think most of the G1 characters that fit the bill have been mentioned.

What about BW? Animated? It'd be interesting to compare numbers or percentages on super elite warriors for both factions.

BW:
Maximal:
Optimus Primal
Depth Charge
Tigerhawk
(so mostly due to enhancements, Depth Charge is the only strong non interfered with character.)

Predacon:
Megatron
Rampage (again an experiment)

Animated:
Autobot:
Magnus
Grimlock (?)
Omega Supreme

Decepticon:
Lugnutz
Blackout
Megatron

Hrmm not as many as you would think.

[Sinnertwin]

An interesting question. Are we talking pound for pound who's the strongest? G1 Optimus and Omega both rank 10 for strength and endurance, but i doubt Optimus can benchpress as much as Omega

[BigTransformerTrev]

Depends on how you define them. If you go via the G1 cartoon and the various comics I've always thought of them this way (I tend to go via the cartoon first and the comics 2nd since they always change (Does IDW wanna decide how big Broadside is supposed to be any time soon? Plus in the cartoon he took on 2 Gestalts at once and in the latest comic Devastator picked him up in one hand)). Considering how debatable the regular guys are (Optimus & Megs take turns being the strongest as do Shockwave & Grimlock) for the purposes of your comparison Sam I'll just look at the physically large characters who (generally) have their brute strength beyond question.


The BIG Guys!
Autobots
-Broadside
Decepticons
-Overlord
-Thunderwing
-Sixshot

Score: Autobots 1, Decepticons 3
Winner: Decepticons


The HUGE Guys!
Autobots
-Omega Supreme
-Sky Lynx
-Superion
-Defensor
-Computron
Decepticons
-Predaking
-Devastator
-Piranacon
-Bruticus
-Abominus
-Monstructor
-Menasor

Score: Autobots 5, Decepticons 7
Winner: Decepticons


The SUPER HUGE guys!
Autobots
-Fortress Maximus
-Metroplex
Decepticons
-Scorponok
-Trypticon

Score: Autobots 2, Decepticons 2
Winner: Draw


So I guess overall yeah, the Decepticons win!

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

A few extras.

Autobots
Skyfire

Decepticons
Cyclonus
Scourge & the Sweeps - though they got kinda nerfed for Season 3 of the cartoon.

[Slag]

i doubt Optimus can benchpress as much as Omega

I doubt it too. The only thing i can think is, maybe they're talking about strength compared to size. If Omega is 30 times bigger he can benchpress 30 times as much as Optimus.
just a thought

then again , i don't think you can measure intelligence, rank, speed, etc
using the same formula, so that blows that idea