Omnitrix

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The Omnitrix before attaching to Ben.
The Omnitrix before attaching to Ben.

The Omnitrix is a fictional alien device. In the American animated television series Ben 10, it allows the character Ben to briefly transform into his choice of several alien forms.

Contents

[edit] Description

The Omnitrix is portrayed as a small alien device that attaches to the wrist of the user like a watch. When a button on the side is pressed, the face pops up and shows a silhouette of an alien. The face can then be twisted to select different aliens. By pushing the face back down, the Omnitrix binds the selected alien's DNA to the user's own, transforming them into the alien of their choice. Because of the manner in which it operates, the Omnitrix becomes difficult to remove once attached. Large amounts of energy seem to work, though not consistently, and removing it through amputation also works.

When used normally, the Omnitrix only allows the wearer to occupy a specific form for a limited amount of time, usually around ten minutes. When the Omnitrix is about to deactivate, it beeps and flashes red. When it finally deactivates, it remains red and is unusable until it recharges and turns green again. The recharge time is never consistent, even within a single episode, ranging from a few minutes to almost a quarter of an hour. It will also implement the wrong change at times. It has even refused to activate on several occasions, actually resisting Ben's attempts to push the face down. When damaged or under the influence of a virus, it can malfunction, causing strange mutations in the various alien forms.

Various methods exist to bypass its normal limits, most of which require some technical knowledge of the device. Four buttons on the face of the Omnitrix act as a combination lock for the Omnitrix's full potential. When the correct code (out of billions) is entered, the user can remain in any form indefinitely and switch between different forms at will. In the episode "Back With a Vengeance", Ben accidentally discovers this code, but is forced to clear it later in the episode. In "Ben 10,000", it is clear that he was able to reactivate it in the future. By pressing the symbol seen on Ben's alien forms, the user can either switch from any alien form to another or deactivate the Omnitrix, though only Vilgax and Ben's future self have shown the ability to do so.

[edit] Design

The Omnitrix is depicted as being more lifeform than machine, being able to grow as any lifeform would to fulfill its function. Every part of the Omnitrix contains alien DNA, as well as its own power source. This is noted in "Dr. Animo and the Mutant Ray", where the face of the Omnitrix, when separated from the device, mutates several creatures and generates a massive amount of power on its own. The Omnitrix also has its own defenses against enemies, though such defenses are mainly in defense of itself and not its host. Should anyone attempt to remove it by force, it will emit a large feedback pulse to repel the assailant. Conversely, those who know how to operate it can do so safely, regardless of whether or not the current user wants them to. It will protect its host on occasion and can recharge instantly if the user is in danger, as it did when Ghostfreak tried to possess Ben in "Ghostfreaked Out" or when Kevin tried to skewer Ben in "Grudge Match" as well as in "Last Laugh" when Ben was confronted with a major villan directly after a fight which ended with the watch timing out.

The DNA in the Omnitrix is collected from various aliens across the galaxy. The Omnitrix can also absorb and integrate alien DNA into itself, as shown in "Benwolf" and "Under Wraps". In the case of the former, a gradual transformation takes place during the process, slowly transforming the user into that alien. A few of the originating species have been featured in various episodes. These include Hoverboard (a Petrosapien), Tini (a female Tetramand), and Ghostfreak (his personality was trapped within the Omnitrix), to name a few. Several versions stored in the Omnitrix have noted enhancements from the species they're based on, removing some of the more debilitating weaknesses of those species.

It's been shown that each alien tends to have its own personality, which somewhat intermingles with Ben whenever he becomes them. Ben first notes this in "And Then There Were 10", where he says that it felt like he was both himself and someone else while being Heatblast. Ghostfreak, whose personality was trapped in the Omnitrix, had a particularly strong influence on Ben while Ben was using the form, thus Ben was usually apprehensive about using it. Grey Matter, on the other hand, shows a lighter side of the personality mixing. While in that form, Ben will often make a complicated scientific analysis, then have no idea what he meant by it.

The aliens have also been shown to age as the user does. The thirty-year-old Ben in "Ben 10,000" had alien forms with obvious differences to those of present Ben; future's Ben's Stinkfly had much more pronounced insect features and visible pupils; his XLR8 was slightly taller, could move faster, and had a scanner of some kind built into the visor; his Heatblast had an extra set of flames sprouting from each shoulder; his Fourarms had more spikes jutting out of his elbows/shoulders; and his Wildmutt had a more feline appearance with stripes and a tail. Diamondhead and Cannonbolt also had different coloring schemes, although this could be an adaptation of the older Ben's inversely-colored clothing, as the Omnitrix has been known to adapt clothing styles onto aliens. In addition to the aliens changing, the Omnitrix itself had also become larger and changed shape, either by expanding itself or being artificially modified.

[edit] Original alien forms

In the first season, only ten selectable aliens were on the Omnitrix. Other forms seem to be hidden, requiring specific circumstances to unlock them.

[edit] Diamondhead

Description

Diamondhead is a Petrosapien ("Petro-" referring to rocks, "sapien" referring to an intelligent being; Petrosapien would mean "intelligent rock") from the planet Petropia (a portmanteau of "Petro-" and "Utopia"; "Rock Utopia"). Petropia is a crystal-covered world, and its inhabitants are silicon-based lifeforms made from that crystal. The majority of its inhabitants live in underground kingdoms. The different types of gems denote different races, each with its own distinct abilities and culture, and most Petrosapiens coexist peacefully. Beforehand, there was a centuries-long war between them, which led to their inadvertent discovery of space. This stabilized their civilization, and they began to explore beyond their planet.

Being made from crystal, Petrosapiens are extremely durable, and a massive amount of force is needed to cause them noticeable harm. Additionally, their sharp crystal bodies discourage physical contact. Petrosapiens can also alter their own physiologies, allowing them to regrow lost limbs if necessary or fashion crude weapons from their bodies. They can also fire crystal shards as projectiles and even grow crystal on other objects as well. Combined with their above-average strength (well above that of any human), Petrosapiens are literally living weapons. Being made of crystal, Petrosapiens can also use their bodies as prisms, refracting light and beam-based weaponry and sending it back at its source. The one drawback to their crystal form is the crystal itself, which will shatter if exposed to sufficiently strong sonic vibrations. While Petrosapiens can regenerate limbs, there is a limit to how much damage they can recover from, as shown in "Secrets", during his fight with Vilgax.

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into Diamondhead in "And Then There Were 10" when he needed to fight Vilgax's giant robot.

Advantages
  • Is nearly invulnerable to damage.
  • Can grow and shape the crystal that makes up his body
  • Can refract both light- and beam-based weaponry.
  • Can grow crystal over other objects.
  • Super-human strength.
Disadvantages
  • Sonic-based attacks will shatter Diamondhead's crystalline body.
  • His body can shatter if hit against tough objects, though he can regrow body parts to an extent.

[edit] Fourarms

Description

Fourarms is a Tetramand (tetra meaning "four" in Greek, mand being "arms" in Latin) from the planet Khoros. Khoros is an undeveloped desert planet where survival of the fittest has a quite literal meaning. While once civilized, with a confederation of thriving city states, Khoros and its culture has since devolved into both a literal and metaphorical wasteland. Nomadic tribes ruled by bloodthirsty warlords roam the landscape, seeking out the relics of their former selves in the hopes of gaining an advantage in battle.

Tetramands are a true product of their environment. With four powerful arms, armor-plated skin, strength beyond that of most species, and an average height of ten feet, Tetramands can take punishment as well as dish it out. With their incredibly strong legs, Tetramands can leap blocks at a time at a height of several stories. Their strength also enables them to use more specialized attacks, such as shockwaves resulting from clapping together all four of their hands. Having all that extra muscle has its disadvantages, however. Tetramands are somewhat slow, relying more on strength than speed. As such, they tend to be easily struck. Their size also makes it difficult for them to use things designed by smaller species. Buildings, especially, are a problem for them, since they usually can't fit through the doors or in the rooms. Controlling their own strength is also a problem, and much of the damage they cause is often unintentional.

Fourarms is the most used alien in the series, since it is the form that most suits Ben's fighting style: blindly rushing at the enemy with little forethought.

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into Fourarms in "Washington B.C." when he needed to fight the giant mammoth that Dr. Animo had reanimated.

Advantages
  • Has tremendous strength.
  • Has extremely thick, armored skin.
  • Has heightened endurance and stamina.
  • Can leap great distances.
  • Can create sonic waves by clapping all four hands at once, or cause localized shockwaves by smashing the ground in a similar fashion.
Disadvantages
  • Fourarms has limited agility due to his large size and excess muscle-mass.
  • Fourarms has trouble with small openings, especially when enlarging them is a bad idea.
  • Has lessened strength and stamina and develops pungent hives on his underarms when suffering from a common cold.

[edit] Ghostfreak

Description

Ghostfreak is an Ectonurite (ecto playing on ectoplasm and nurite possibly playing on nocturnal) from the planet Anur Phaetos (anur may also play on nocturnal, and phaetos playing on phantom). Anur Phaetos is a mysterious world, if a world at all. None have seen it and lived to tell about the sight. Some urban legends claim it to be the source of galactic chaos, while others identify it as a dimensional realm instead of a planet. The only thing that can be said for certain is that it's dark, as befits its ghostly inhabitants. Ectonurites seem to be part of a hive mind, which is as dark as the world they live on. This mind is embedded in the very fabric of their being, and even a single strand of DNA can replicate it in its entirety.

Ectonurites are one of the most frightening creatures in the galaxy. With an exposed and upside-down skull for a head, only one eye, dark blue skin, exposed bones on certain parts of their bodies, and blue claws, Ectonurites seem as if they belong in a horror film. Ectonurites are composed of a protoplasm that enables them to phase through solid objects and become invisible, much like ghosts. Their ability to pass through solid objects also enables them to possess people for limited periods of time. Ectonurites also have powerful psychic abilities such as telepathy and telekinesis, but the extent of these abilities remains unclear. Being creatures of the night, Ectonurites are extremely photosensitive. Intense light, especially sunlight, renders Ectonurites powerless and will cause them to combust with prolonged exposure.

Ghostfreak, the version stored in the Omnitrix, is different from his kin. He has a second layer of protective skin, which allows him to operate in sunlight. His one eye can also move along a track on his skin, which allows Ghostfreak to see in any direction. The second skin also tones down his normally frightening look, giving him the appearance of a more classic ghost.

Since the version in the Omnitrix was created from a strand of Ectonurite DNA, Ghostfreak's mind remained intact and suppressed. He broke free in "Ghostfreaked Out", after which he tried to possess Ben to gain the Omnitrix's powers. Ben managed to destroy him before he could succeed. Ghostfreak has since been replaced by Cannonbolt in the show's opening sequence, and Ben hasn't used the form since its destruction. Ghostfreak will return in the episode "The Return", as well as "Be Afraid of the Dark".

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into Ghostfreak in "Permanent Retirement" when he wanted to get away from his Aunt Vera for a while.

Advantages
  • Can control the protoplasm that makes up his body, allowing for intangibility and invisibility.
  • Can fly, though not as quickly or as expertly as Stinkfly can.
  • Can move his eye along a track traced on his skin, giving him a wide degree of vision similar to Stinkfly.
  • Can peel his own skin off to reveal a mass of black and gray tentacles beneath, as well as an inverted skull for a head.
  • Though direct light would be a problem under normal conditions, the second layer of skin removes this weakness.
  • Has telekinetic and telepathic abilities.
  • Can possess others for a short period of time.
Disadvantages
  • Certain chemicals will solidify Ghostfreak's protoplasm, rendering his invisibility and intangibility useless.
  • Without his protective layer of skin, Ghostfreak is extremely photosensitive. Direct light, as well as other devices that can project ultraviolet radiation, will burn him when his protective layer of skin is removed. Enough exposure causes him to combust and die.
  • Ghostfreak is not as strong as some of the other alien forms.
  • Ghostfreak doesn't seem to be capable of possessing other aliens, though this may just be the case of the aliens on the Omnitrix, since the Omnitrix repels negative forces aimed at it.

[edit] Grey Matter

Description

Grey Matter (a play on actual grey matter) is a Galvan (a play on galvanization) from the planet Galvan Prime. Despite being tiny compared to other planets, Galvan Prime is one of the most scientifically advanced worlds in the galaxy and home to one of the most powerful empires in existence. Industrialization has swept over the planet, practically eliminating any trace of nature. The Galvans originally had no empire to speak of, instead being kept as pets by other races. They were then employed by other species as industrial technicians, spies, and saboteurs once their intelligence became known. The Galvans were smart enough to keep the best technology for themselves, eventually founding a powerful empire based on the technology they had kept from the rest of the galaxy. The inhabitants of Galvan Prime work tirelessly and consume massive amounts of resources to remain a superior force in the galaxy.

Being from a tiny world, Galvans are equally tiny, being only five inches tall on average. Their bodies consist of soft and flexible bones, allowing them to squeeze into tight spaces or quickly escape from danger. With their slimy skin, Galvans can stick to almost any surface. The slime also makes them equally difficult to grab. Not built for combat, Galvans evade and outsmart their enemies, rather than fight them head on. They are raised to be extremely intelligent, and bred to enter complex machines and operate them from the inside. This allows them to understand and operate virtually any machine, even if they've never seen it before. Despite their advanced science, Galvans are easily stomped on because of their small size.

When using Grey Matter, Ben benefits from the enhanced intelligence of the form. Like any Galvan, Ben can discern the purpose of most devices after a simple glance, and can operate any device he can get ahold of. Ben is often surprised by what he knows when using this form, and doesn't always fully comprehend it.

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into Grey Matter in "Washington B.C." when he saw that a gold Sumo Slammer card could be found in a box of cereal. Gwen found him looking for the card in the cereal boxes at the supermarket.

Advantages
  • Has enhanced intelligence and powerful deductive reasoning skills.
  • Has slimy skin that sticks to walls, allowing him to climb almost anything. It also makes him difficult to grab.
  • Has sharp teeth and a long, sticky tongue.
Disadvantages
  • Unlike the other alien forms, Grey Matter is not meant to be used for combat. His small size makes him weak and he can easily be trampled.
  • Grey Matter is often the result of an accidental transformation, usually leaving Ben in a less-than-ideal situation.

[edit] Heatblast

Description

Heatblast is a Pyronite (pyro meaning fire) from the star Pyros (also playing on the word "pyro"). Pyros is unique in the galaxy, being the only homeworld that doubles as a fully functioning sun. The surface of Pyros is like any star, but also semi-solid in some places. Solar flares and magma flows are common, and its magma-based inhabitants are all composed of a flame-like energy. They even draw strength and nourishment from the heat of the star itself.

Being from a star, Pyronites have limited contact with other species. Those few seen are those who have left their homeworld. Constantly bombarded by extreme heat, Pyronites have learned to control heat through willpower alone. Pyronites can produce heat from their bodies, creating flame. They can mold the flame into many forms, and even project it at their enemies. Pyronites can also absorb heat, so they can put out the fires they start. Being made of living flame, Pyronites do not respond well to those things that extinguish it. While small amounts of such materials simply evaporate, large amounts over an extended period can kill a Pyronite. Their unique physiology also causes strange reactions when dealing with terrestrial viruses. When affected by a common cold, a Pyronite's normally heat-based physiology is reversed, giving them control over cold instead of heat.

First Appearance

Heatblast is Ben's first transformation, which was activated in "And Then There Were 10" when Ben tried to take off the Omnitrix.

Advantages
  • Can control, project, and absorb extreme heat and flame from most parts of his body.
  • Is highly resistant to injury, even when thrown through objects such as buildings or concrete.
  • Has cold-based powers while suffering from the common cold.
Disadvantages
  • Any items that extinguish typical fires, such as water, can kill Heatblast if used in excess and over an extended period. However, the amount necessary is considerable (Heatblast can swim for short periods to no ill effect) and Heatblast will reignite almost instantly once exposed to open air.
  • Heatblast can't reduce his ambient body temperature, causing him to burn whatever he touches after a short period.

[edit] Ripjaws

Description

The aquatic alien Ripjaws is a Pisccis Volann (possibly a play on "vorare", meaning "to prey upon") of the water planet Pisccis (a play on "Pisces", Latin for fish). Pisccis is one giant ocean, home to thousands of exotic species. While most Pisccians live in schools because of the safety in numbers, there are few feelings of family or friendship between them. The creatures of this world get all the more dangerous as the depth increases.

Volanns are not the biggest fish in the Pisccian sea, but are definitely the most dangerous. Part alligator, part eel, part anglerfish and part leech, few can match the Volanns underwater. With their powerful tails and slimy scales, Volanns are capable of incredible speed and agility in the water. Volanns have huge mouths filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth that can chomp through almost anything, and their lower jaw unhinge to allow them to swallow objects in a single bite. Alternatively, Volanns can use their claw-tipped fins to rip their enemies to shreds. Volanns can also withstand a remarkable amount of pressure, and their luminescent danglers allow them to see in the darkest of depths. Being creatures of the sea, Volanns are useless on land, being unable to walk and only able to breathe for short periods at a time. Volanns must keep their gills wet or they'll dehydrate rapidly, causing them to suffocate on dry land.

Ripjaws, the version stored in the Omnitrix, has a pair of legs hidden within his tail, allowing him to move on land. Despite this extra ability, Ripjaws' specialized nature makes him mostly useless outside of water, and hence he is one of the least-used forms on the Omnitrix.

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into Ripjaws in "The Krakken" in order to take the Krakken's eggs back from Jonah Melville.

Advantages
  • Can breathe underwater.
  • Can morph legs into a tail with fins and back again.
  • Is a fast and agile swimmer.
  • Has sharp claws and powerful jaws.
  • Has a luminescent antennae, allowing him to see in dark places.
Disadvantages
  • Ripjaws requires moisture on land to keep from dehydrating, which quickly weakens him and renders him useless.

[edit] Stinkfly

Description

Stinkfly is a Lepidopterran from the planet Lepidopterra (a play on lepidoptera, the scientific name for butterflies and moths). Lepidopterra is a swamp planet whose numerous species live among a wide variety of giant plants. Residing in a complex of giant hives, each ruled by its own queen, Lepidopterrans are the predominant species on the planet. Life on Lepidopterra is seasonal, and every species plays a part in keeping the ecosystem healthy.

Lepidopterrans are an intelligent insectoid race that are masters of the air. With their transparent wings, ultra-sensitive antennae, and sturdy exoskeletons, Lepidopterrans travel far and wide to collect pollen for harvest. Depending on the plant, Lepidopterrans are capable of manufacturing a wide array of goos and gasses in their pollen ducts, ranging from an immobilizing jelly to a potent stinging spray to a highly combustible toxin. Lepidopterrans have amazing speed and agility in the air thanks to their thin, rapidly flapping wings. While designed mainly for grappling, the hard spikes on their forearms can also be used as weapons in battle. Like most earth insects, Lepidopterrans are extremely vulnerable to any kind of chemical poison or gas. Although their exoskeleton bodies are fairly strong, their wings are extremely fragile and easy to damage. Water also renders their wings useless. They must remain in constant motion to avoid being stuck on the ground permanently.

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into Stinkfly in "Washington B.C." when he had to save Gwen after she fell from the Washington Monument.

Advantages
  • Can fly expertly thanks to his thin, rapid-moving wings.
  • Can lift many times his own weight while in flight.
  • Has four pincer legs and a razor-sharp tail.
  • Has a 360° field of vision thanks to his four movable eye-stalks.
  • Can spit various slimes and toxins from his mouth and eye-stalks (depending on what he wants to do).
Disadvantages
  • Is weak against poisonous gases and water. The latter of the two can render him incapable of flying if too much gets on his wings.

[edit] Upgrade

Description

Upgrade is a Galvanic Mechomorph (mecho- meaning machine and -morph meaning transform) of the planet Galvan B, a formerly uninhabited moon orbiting Galvan Prime. Though originally uninhabited, Galvan B was accidentally brought to life by an environmental disaster involving nanotechnology. While mining the planet, Galvan scientists introduced self-replicating nanotechnology to the moon, which bonded with the moon's minerals and created sentient life. Galvan B still appears to be an uninhabited moon on the surface, but this is only because the nanotechnology devours anything unfortunate enough to land on it.

Galvanic Mechomorphs are built from the nanotechnology that covers their planet. They are biomechanical beings with liquid metallic skin and complex systems of self-forming organic circuits. Being made of nanotechnology, Mechomorphs can merge with and upgrade any technology within reach by spreading over it like liquid, enhancing it far beyond its original design. While merged with a device, Mechomorphs possess it, controlling it as they would their own bodies. The same does not hold true for biological creatures, however. Even when not merged with a machine, Mechomorphs can create simple technology by reconfiguring themselves. The plasma beams they produce are the main example of this, as well as their primary means of defense. Being highly sensitive machines at their core, electromagnetic pulses, acid, or any other sort of corrosive can upset their delicate internal workings and wreak havoc on their systems. Because they're made of liquid, however, most standard projectile weapons cause them little harm.

Upgrade is the only form where Ben's voice does not change, apart from the more computerized tone behind it.

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into Upgrade in "Permanent Retirement" to stop some criminals who were robbing an ATM.

Advantages
  • Can merge with any technology, upgrading it in the process.
  • Can fire plasma beams from his single eye.
  • Can create simple constructs (spikes, for example) out of plasma.
  • Can stretch his body to a certain extent, allowing him to glide or float like a hang-glider or parachute.
  • Can "melt" into a liquid, granting him immunity to projectile weapons.
  • Can pass through metallic surfaces.
Disadvantages
  • Acids and metal-corrosives can dissolve Upgrade.
  • Since Upgrade is made of metal, electrical attacks are far more effective. Electromagnetic pulses can render him useless.
  • Sentient or extremely powerful robots are more difficult for him to control, since the amount of willpower required to do so increases significantly.

[edit] Wildmutt

Description

Wildmutt is a Vulpimancer from the planet Vulpin (a play on vulpine, which means fox). Vulpin is a pitch black planet at the edge of the galaxy, used as a dumping ground for everything the rest of the galaxy wants disposed. The ecosystem of the planet has been poisoned beyond compare because of this, and the few creatures that survive here do so under subzero temperatures.

Vulpimancers are one of the few creatures to survive on Vulpin, and are no less mutated than the planet itself. Ranging from human size to several times the size of a human, Vulpimancers share few common characteristics. Vulpimancers do not seem too friendly with their own kind, but this is a common trait amongst animals that aren't family. More animal than humanoid, Vulpimancers live for the moment, hunting down whatever they can find and moving on to the next meal. Vulpimancers can move at high speeds in almost any terrain using their powerful, apelike arms. Vulpimancers have incredible athletic ability and heightened senses of smell, hearing, and taste, but no sense of sight. This is supplemented with the porcupine-like quills on their back, which serve both as weapons and finely tuned sense receptors that can sense things most other creatures can't. From sound to heat, few things escape a Vulpimancer's notice. In battle, the quills on their backs can be fired like projectiles, and are as sharp as spears. While rolling, Vulpimancers become spiked balls that nothing can touch. Because they have no eyes, Vulpimancers to have some trouble with finer movement, and a select few enemies have ways of getting close to them undetected. Vulpimancers also lack complicated verbal communication, instead relying on snarls and growls, so they can't talk down a powerful enemy. Because they rely on their sense of smell and hearing to see, they are vulnerable to strong smells and loud noise and are rendered useless if their noses or ears are clogged. In "Ben 10,000", Wildmutt seems to have more feline characteristics than that of a dog due to the stripes and tufted tail.

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into Wildmutt in "And Then There Were 10" after his second experiment with the Omnitrix. This was the first intentional transformation.

Advantages
  • Has superhuman athletic ability.
  • Has heightened senses of smell, hearing, and taste.
  • Can fire razor-sharp quills from his back (unused so far).
  • Has radar-like sight thanks to his enhanced hearing and smell.
Disadvantages
  • Since Wildmutt sees through smelling and hearing, he is vulnerable to loud noises or strong smells, or when his sensors are clogged.
  • Wildmutt's lack of verbal communication can also be a problem when trying to convey messages.

[edit] XLR8

Description

XLR8 (read as "accelerate") is a Kineceleran (a portmanteau of 'kinetic' and 'accelerate') from the planet Kinet (the first part of kinetic, which is movement energy). Kinet is an electrically charged world, where electrical storms rapidly orbit the sun and everything is accelerated. On Kinet, days become minutes and a lifetime happens in little more than a few weeks. With all the acceleration, the environment is constantly changing, and Kineceleran society is constantly adapting to it.

Kinecelerans are vaguely elfin in appearance, with long hair, blue skin, pointed ears, large tails, and oversized feet. Like their homeworld, Kinecelerans are accelerated, and live their lives just as quickly as their planet changes. As a result, Kinecelerans are naturally suited to speed, being able to reach speeds of more than 500 miles per hour by Earth standards. This extreme speed comes from manipulating friction, which allows them to run up walls, create tornadoes through centrifugal force, and create huge stores of static electricity to unleash upon unsuspecting opponents. Despite their speed, Kinecelerans aren't warriors. They aren't built to fight, nor do they stop to think about their next move. A Kineceleran's natural speed is useless on non-solid ground like mud, ice, and especially water, which causes them to lose control of their momentum. Water is especially problematic, as it does not go well with the static electricity they build up from their constant movement. The most adept Kinecelerans are able to enter the mythical "speed zone", an entirely different temporal dimension where the rest of the world stops and reality takes on different rules. The biggest threats to Kinecelerans are magnets and charged pulses, which causes them to lose their footing and spin out of control.

The version stored on the Omnitrix seems to have a few enhancements. These include his helmet, visor, and wheeled feet. He is also able to run on slippery surfaces and even water with ease, in contrast to the rest of his species. In the episode "Ben 10,000", future XLR8 had a scanner built into his helmet. He also seemed to have taken Fourarms' place as the alien most frequently used by Ben, since Ben needs to be really fast to constantly be on patrol.

First Appearance

Ben first transformed into XLR8 in "And Then There Were 10" when he decided to play around a bit with his newfound power. He used it to get revenge on some bullies that he fought with earlier in the episode.

Advantages
  • Has lightning-fast reflexes.
  • Is capable of incredible speed (up to 500 mph).
  • Can manipulate friction to run on almost any surface.
  • Possesses scissor-like claws on hands, which he can use to cut through objects when combined with his speed.
Disadvantages
  • Magnetic-based attacks cause XLR8's nervous system to go haywire.
  • XLR8 is not quite as strong as the other alien forms, though his speed tends to make up for it.

[edit] Additional alien forms

In the second season, Ben begins discovering new alien forms as a result of random transformations. Accessing these aliens seems to be more difficult than the first ten forms, but become simple to access after the first transformation. During the third season, Ben gains access to new alien forms from the Omnitrix's ability to absorb and integrate alien DNA upon contact.

[edit] Benwolf

Description

Benwolf is a Loboan (as in Lobo, a Mexican wolf) from the planet Luna Lobo (A play on Lobo and Luna, meaning moon, an obvious reference to his being a werewolf of sorts). He has a mouth akin to that of a Predator. In keeping with his werewolf appearance, Benwolf has both enhanced strength and speed, as well as powerful claws. He also has canine-like senses more acute than that of humans. Finally, he has a long-range attack in the form of an ultra-sonic howl (capable of shattering rock), which he can use by opening his mouth flaps. This alien was obtained when the Omnitrix was scratched by a member of the alien species, which caused the watch to absorb its DNA.

First Appearance

Benwolf first appears in the episode of the same name after an alien of the same species scratched the Omnitrix, causing its DNA to be added into Ben's selection of aliens.

Advantages
  • Enhanced agility, senses, speed, and strength.
  • Ultra-sonic howl capable of shattering rock.
  • Sharp claws and fangs.
Disadvantages
  • Unknown.

[edit] Cannonbolt

Description

Cannonbolt is an Arburian Pelarota (based on pelota, Spanish for "ball" and rota, a play on "rotation"), though they are now mostly (if not completely) extinct. The Great One destroyed their planet roughly a week before Ben discovers the form. Cannonbolt is a hulking, broad-shouldered alien covered in bony armor plating and can roll into a ball like an armadillo or pillbug. He can then roll into enemies as an attack, as well as ricochet off most any surface. Apart from this, Cannonbolt is extremely clumsy and slow when in regular form, as his bulk, high center of gravity, and stubby legs restrict him from balancing well, frequently causing him to fall on his back or face. He is the first new alien to appear on the Omnitrix, and despite Ben at first thinking it was useless, he later found it more and more practical, using it more often in some fights.

The information from the Bandai Alien Collection toy for Cannonbolt is somewhat contradictory to that given in the show. The profile that comes with the toy refers to his species as a Vulpinic Tortugan (tortuga is Spanish for "turtle") from the planet Vulpin, which Wildmutt also originates from. The profile also suggests that Cannonbolt is capable of releasing a powerful chemical blast, though it doesn't explain where that chemical is released from.

Cannonbolt replaces Ghostfreak in the show's opening sequence in the third season.

First Appearance

Cannonbolt first appears in "The Big Tick" as an accidental transformation.

Advantages
  • Has a hard shell that's impervious to attack (including corrosives), and can also reflect energy attacks.
  • Can cover himself in his shell and roll to attack.
Disadvantages
  • Cannonbolt is weak when outside of his ball form, since he cannot balance very well due to his bulk, high center of gravity, and short limbs.
  • He needs some degree of open space to gain momentum.
  • Is very difficult to stop and control when moving too fast.

[edit] Unnamed Mummy Alien

Description

In the episode "Under Wraps", Ben gains access to a mummy-like alien form, though he has yet to use it. Its DNA was added to the Omnitrix when an alien mummy came into contact with it. The creature is made of a paper-like material (akin to the linen used on real mummies) that it can stretch to great lengths and control even when separated from its main body. This setup also allows it to reshape its body at will, splitting itself apart to dodge attacks and reforming to counter-attack. It can even recover from being torn apart. Despite its composition, the creature is incredibly strong, able to throw Diamondhead with little effort.

First Appearance

Ben gains this form in "Under Wraps", but has yet to use it.

Advantages
  • Can stretch, control, and reconfigure its bandages at will.
  • Vast regenerative abilities.
  • Super-human strength.
Disadvantages
  • Unknown

[edit] Upchuck

Description

Upchuck is a Gourmand (gourmand being a play on gourmet) from the planet Peptos XI (Peptos being the Greek word for 'cooked' or 'digested'[1] ). Gourmands possess several acid-filled stomachs that dissolve any material (said to be one of the most potent acids known to exist) into a wide array of liquids and gases that can be expelled at will with great accuracy. They resemble large, green woodchucks.[1]

First Appearance

Upchuck will appear in the third season.[1]

Advantages
  • Can release powerful corrosive acid capable of dissolving most materials.
Disadvantages
  • Unknown

[edit] Wildvine

Description

Wildvine is a Florauna (a combination of flora and fauna) from the planet Flors Verdance (a combination of flora and verdens, Latin for green). They are plant-based aliens with five legs, four-fingered claws, and venus flytrap-shaped flaps covering their heads. Florauna are able to grow very quickly so long as they are exposed to sunlight and water. When exposed to cold, kept from sunlight, or deprived of a water source, however, they quickly wither up. Florauna can grow any part of their bodies at will, allowing them to stretch their limbs or grow spikes (thus making sharp claws). They also have regrowable seeds on their backs that can be used as explosives, knock-out grenades, or smoke grenades.

First Appearance

Wildvine first appears in the episode "Camp Fear" as an accidental transformation.

Advantages
  • Can grow any part of his body at will, allowing him to stretch his limbs or grow thorns from his body.
  • Carries regrowable seed bombs on his back that either explode, make a smokescreen, or release sleeping gas.
  • Can dig and go underground to attack.
Disadvantages
  • Wildvine's plant body is very sensitive to cold and fire.
  • Wildvine needs sunlight and water to survive.

[edit] Future alien forms

In the episode "Ben 10,000", a thirty-year old version of Ben has access to 10,000 different aliens, of which he demonstrates three not yet accessible by the present Ben. The first is Spitter, a large, blowfish-like alien with the power to spit slime at high pressures. The second is a green-colored version of a Megawhatt. The last alien is a blue, lizard-like alien named Articguana that can breathe freezing vapor.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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