Ben 10

Ben Tennyson

Benjamin Kirby Tennyson was an unremarkable kid about to go on a boring summer road trip when a powerful alien device, the Omnitrix, crash-landed and bonded to him, giving him the ability to transform into 10 different alien forms. This unexpected event turned his summer into an interesting adventure, fighting criminals and saving the universe, eventually spanning years into his teenage life and making allies out of his family and even former enemies.

The Omnitrix

The Omnitrix transforms the user into an alien species upon activation. (source) (B:10 S1E1)
Transformation is accomplished through special “Omni-Energy” that merges the user’s DNA with that of an alien. (source) (Pop-Up)
Transformations are stated to last 10 minutes, despite variations in the show. (source) (Pop-Up; shorter/longer durations in B:AF S3E5, B:AF S1E2; second Omnitrix discrepancy addressed in B:OV S6E6, B:OV S1E8, random timeout due to hitting watch too hard in B:OV S4E9)
Transformation sequences in the show are slow-motion; the actual process is “instant.” (source) (Pop-Ups)
The Omnitrix is a wireless receiver for the Codon Stream, located on an artificial planet containing all DNA samples, and would not function without it. (source) (B:AF S3E14; Codon Stream communication happens wirelessly and faster than light (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie), second Omnitrix no longer relies on Codon Stream (WoG: Derrick J. Wyatt))
Originally simple to activate, the recalibrated watch had a specific usage method Vilgax couldn’t figure out until Ben told him. (source) (B:10 S1E1; recalibrated watch in B:AF S3E14)
The Omnitrix contains 1,000,903 DNA samples as of the end of Alien Force’s second season, representing every sentient species in the Milky Way Galaxy. (source) (B:AF S2E12; species count in B:AF S2E12)
Transformations are separated into “playlists” of ten as a safeguard, expandable through Master Control, user tampering, scanning, encountering species, or random activation. (source) (B:AF S2E12; Master Control in B:SotO; encountering species in B:OV S2E1; can sync with past Omnitrix to unlock aliens in B:OV S2E8)

Transformations

When Ben is sick, his aliens also get sick in various unique ways.
Wildmutt’s ability to smell is impaired by snot when Ben is sick. (source) (B:10 S1E12)
Heatblast loses his flame powers and gains cryogenic powers when Ben is sick. (source) (B:10 S1E12)
Diamondhead sneezes projectile crystals when Ben is sick. (source) (B:AF S3E16)
Alien transformations are immune to genetic alteration by Dr. Animo’s transmodulator, even after it incorporated a piece of the Omnitrix to create alien hybrids. (source) (B:10 S2E12; transmodulator function in B:10 S2E12)
Ben’s transformations resist exposure to Corrodium, a crystal that rapidly mutates normal beings. (source) (B:10 S3E8; Corrodium effect in B:10 S3E8)
Originally, Ben’s aliens scaled with his age; when he was made younger, his aliens also became younger. (source) (B:10 S4E3)
Ben’s transformations protected him from a “DNA wave” produced by Animo, intended to “de-evolutionize” animals. (source) (B:SotO; DNA wave purpose in B:SotO)
Injuries received as an alien can carry over to Ben’s human form, though this is stated to be unusual, even for regenerative aliens like Swampfire. (source) (B:AF S1E2; Swampfire example in B:AF S2E7; for Diamondhead, Omnitrix restored Ben without injury despite being in pieces in B:AF S3E16)
Ben’s transformations are sometimes on par with or superior to athletic members of their own species.
Kickin’ Hawk dominates Liam, another athletic member of his species, in hand-to-hand combat. (source) (B:OV S2E1)
Bullfrag dominates a group of Incursians in strength and agility. (source) (B:OV S3E7)
A transformation can be “split” and “killed” independently from Ben by a technopath like Malware or through Eon’s rapid aging, causing Ben to lose that transformation. (source) (B:OV S2E6; Eon’s rapid aging in B:UA S3E7)
The Omnitrix only contains species Azmuth considers “intelligent.” (source) (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)
Ben’s transformations inherit weaknesses from the DNA source but do not carry over diseases. (source) (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)
Nanomachines in the Omnitrix break down and store Ben’s clothes during transformation, restoring them when he transforms back. (source) (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)
Omnitrix Aliens contain Ben’s DNA. (source) (WoD: Duncan Rouleau)
The Omnitrix creates and destroys matter to make clothes for Ben’s aliens. (source) (WoG: Matt Wayne)
The Second Omnitrix contains Dolphin and White Lab Mouse DNA. (source) (WoG: Derrick J. Wyatt)

Special Functions/Modes

Ben can set a delayed timer to transform into an alien some time after activation. (source) (B:10 S3E13)
The Omnitrix has a randomizer setting (activated by Tetrax) that causes Ben to turn into another alien when timing out instead of his human form. (source) (B:DAA; turns into another alien in B:DAA; second Omnitrix has an explicit randomizer mode for faster alternation in B:OV S3E6)
As of Alien Force season two, Ben can “quick change” between different transformations at will, similar to Master Control, allowing combined attacks. (source) (B:AF S2E1; does not affect total transformation time, 10 minutes split between forms; too many alternations strain watch in B:AF S2E3, making it lose charge faster in B:AF S2E3; frequently used to pick aliens that make up for weaknesses in B:AF S3E2; not immune to giving wrong alien in B:AF S3E3; can forcibly quick change younger Ben’s Omnitrix in B:UA S2E6; second Omnitrix has this function in B:OV S2E4; quick change doesn’t extend recharge time in WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)
As of Alien Force season two, Ben can force himself to change back by twisting and slapping the Omnitrix symbol on his chest. (source) (B:AF S2E2; can forcibly transform younger Ben back to human in B:UA S2E6)
The Omnitrix has a typically disabled voice command that can be enabled with a special voice command. (source) (B:AF S3E19; can be instructed to decouple, removing the watch from user in B:AF S3E19; can be voice commanded by other users and self-destruct in B:AF S3E20)
The second Omnitrix has “Lifeform Lock Mode,” allowing Ben to stay in a specific transformation for an extended duration, but preventing him from turning human until deactivating it. (source) (B:OV S3E7)

Master Control

Ben unlocks Master Control by playing with Omnitrix combination codes, allowing him to transform into an alien by speaking its name or just thinking about it. (source) (B:10 S2E13)
While in Master Control, there is no timeout; Ben can stay as an alien for as long as he wants. (source) (B:10 S2E13)
Even if Vilgax forces a timeout, Ben can immediately transform into another alien while in Master Control. (source) (B:10 S2E13; immediate transformation in B:10 S2E13)
Rapidly alternates between aliens (Four Arms, XLR8, Stinkfly) to handle multiple threats simultaneously. (source) (B:10 S2E13)
Rapidly alternates between aliens to avoid attacks and counter-attack from Kevin, Vilgax, and Null Guardians. (source) (B:10 S2E13)
Ben can “zero-out” the watch, turning off Master Control. (source) (B:10 S2E13)
Master Control provides access to the Omnitrix’s full catalogue of 1,000,903 aliens. (source) (B:AF S2E12)

Recharge Mode (Red)

When the active mode duration ends, the watch starts glowing red and counting down to transform Ben back, sometimes with a large window, sometimes instantly. (source) (B:10 S4E6; instant in B:SotO, B:10 S4E7; after this, watch turns red and is unusable until recharge in B:10 S2E8)
Ben cannot transform back if using a duplicating alien like Ditto, and his various bodies are too far apart; if bodies get close, Omnitrix levitates them to recharge mode. (source) (B:10 S4E2; levitation in B:10 S4E2; shorter transformation durations after extended Ditto use in B:10 S4E2; forcing human form with duplicated aliens also duplicates Ben and Omnitrix in B:UA S1E2)
Even with Master Control active, Ben can drain the watch to recharge by continuously using a projectile beam to cure genetic damage in DNAliens. (source) (B:AF S2E12; genetic damage curing in B:AF S2E12)
After recalibration, recharge mode sometimes lacks forewarning and occurs in a burst of green light, but can also time out normally. (source) (B:AF S3E7; normal timeout in B:AF S3E12)
The second Omnitrix provides an audible warning and changes Ben back in a burst of green light. (source) (B:OV S1E8)
The second Omnitrix occasionally has a negligible recharge time, allowing Ben to transform immediately after timing out. (source) (B:OV S1E9)

Scanning Mode (Yellow)

First activated when the Werewolf claws the Omnitrix, turning it yellow and inactive, then slowly transforming Ben into a nearly identical alien form. (source) (B:10 S3E5; slow transformation in B:10 S3E5; DNA added to playlist as Benwolf/Blitzwolfer after timeout in B:10 S3E5)
Activates immediately after an alien mummy touches the watch, entering scanning mode and adding the sample to the playlist in seconds. (source) (B:10 S3E8)
Samples DNA from Viktor, later adding Frankenstrike to Ben’s playlist as the Transylian DNA sample. (source) (B:10 S3E12; Frankenstrike addition in B:10 S3E12)
When scanning, the Omnitrix downloads DNA into a digital environment; if malfunctioning, it can download entire physical objects. (source) (B:DAA; object downloading in B:DAA)
Scans Xenocyte DNA from a truck filled with their projectile slime. (source) (B:AF S1E6)
Can re-add DNA samples that escaped the Omnitrix (e.g., Ghostfreak) or after Ben’s hacking attempts, using “capture mode.” (source) (B:AF S3E10; escaped after hacking in B:AF S3E2; “capture mode” in B:AF S2E3)
If scanning of a new DNA sample is interrupted by Ben traveling too far, the second Omnitrix disables itself after thirty seconds. (source) (B:OV S5E8)
Passively scans a Vladat’s DNA almost instantly when near Lord Transyl. (source) (B:OV S5E8)
Passively adds transformations to the active playlist if Ben is near an alien already in the Omnitrix’s catalogue. (source) (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)
The Omnitrix is programmed not to scan mutations like those produced by Kevin’s powers. (source) (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)
Daleks from Doctor Who could be scanned. (source) (WoG: Derrick J. Wyatt)
Aliens without DNA, such as Slimebiots and The Contemelia, or magical beings like Charmcaster’s Golems, cannot be scanned. (source) (WoG: Derrick J. Wyatt)

Self Destruct Mode (Orange)

Activated when exposed to a blast of radiation from a DNA bomb created by Animo and powered by a nuclear reactor. (source) (B:SotO; DNA bomb creation in B:SotO; nuclear reactor in B:SotO)
When in Self Destruct Mode, it releases an energy signal detectable across the galaxy. (source) (B:SotO)
In this mode, the watch sporadically releases progressively more powerful orange energy blasts, eventually acting as an EMP that took out a significant portion of Vilgax’s army. (source) (B:SotO; increasing power in B:SotO; EMP effect in B:SotO)
After the charging sequence, the Omnitrix’s self-destruction was stated to be capable of destroying the entire universe. (source) (B:SotO)
The Omnitrix only destroys the universe if given several days of charge; 30 seconds of charge only yields enough force to knock out Vilgax. (source) (B:AF S3E20)

Recalibration Mode (Blue)

Activated after Ben removed the Omnitrix for years; initially prevented access to active mode upon re-equipping. (source) (B:AF S1E1)
The watch changes size and appearance, gains a holographic display of aliens, and features an entirely new playlist of aliens. (source) (B:AF S1E1)
The Omnitrix can be hacked into this mode, reverting it to a previous form. (source) (B:AF S3E1)

Safeguards/Failsafes

Has a “built-in energy feedback blast” to prevent external forces from removing the watch from Ben. (source) (Pop-Ups; sends Kevin flying, shattering concrete in B:10 S1E7; sends Vilgax flying, shattering concrete wall in B:10 S1E13; second Omnitrix also releases green bursts when removal attempted in B:OV S5E2)
The second Omnitrix disables functions if different biometric data is detected (e.g., when Ben is de-aged), but can be re-enabled by Ben “proving” a fact about himself. (source) (B:OV S2E6)
The second Omnitrix somehow reverses Maltruant’s Annihilargh, which was designed to create a new universe, containing its energy within every alien before Feedback destroys Maltruant with it. (source) (B:OV S8E10; Ben believes this is due to a failsafe in B:OV S8E10)
The Second Omnitrix has failsafes against Galvanic Mechamorphs, a techno-organic species that can manipulate/alter tech. (source) (WoG: Derrick J. Wyatt; not destroyed by Red!Malware’s powers, which typically absorb machinery, in B:OV S1E1; overloads and blasts Malware into pieces when he attempts to absorb it in B:OV S3E1; not affected by Yellow!Malware’s powers, which reduce technology to dust, in B:OV S1E4)
The Second Omnitrix does not have specific failsafes against magic. (source) (WoG: Derrick J. Wyatt)

Durability

Blocked a hit from the Werewolf (Blitzwolfer’s DNA sample) without significant damage. (source) (B:10 S3E5)
Ben’s dad broke power tools and bladed household objects on it without scratching it. (source) (B:AF S2E7)
Is not physically damaged by a direct hit from Sunder’s axe. (source) (B:AF S3E7; Sunder’s axe can shatter sections of buildings and pierce metal in B:AF S3E7)
The Omnitrix is waterproof and can take a bullet. (source) (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)

Malfunctions and Weaknesses

Many times, the Omnitrix gives Ben a different alien than the one chosen or displayed. (source) (B:10 S1E8; Ben usually gets the correct alien (~8/10 times in original, ~9/10 in AF/UA, ~8/10 in Omniverse) in pastebin.com/P525nMb4, pastebin.com/UDjTetKp, pastebin.com/XP1Psug1; happens more often with second Omnitrix because Ben hits it too hard in B:OV S4E9)
Occasionally, Ben’s transformations can take control over him, typically due to a facet of the alien; he can fight for control if the transformation is physically weakened and transform back. (source) (B:AF S3E10; Ghostfreak example in reddit.com/mppvt8; can fight for control in B:AF S3E10)
After a failed hacking attempt, the Omnitrix released various independent transformations of Ben’s; he would lose them permanently if not retrieved with capture mode. (source) (B:AF S3E1; transformations wandering off in B:AF S3E2; loss if not retrieved in B:AF S3E2)
Occasionally, the Omnitrix simply does not work. (source) (B:AF S3E3)
When a copy of the Omnitrix and the original collide, they form a feedback loop, causing Albedo genetic damage and changing his appearance. (source) (B:AF S2E3)
The Omnitrix is vulnerable to electronic interference, causing rapid alien alternation from Vilgax’s ship’s power surge or trapping Ben as Rath near a certain alien. (source) (B:10 S1E13; trapped as Rath in B:AF S3E13; proximity alien in B:AF S3E13)
When Gwen casts a dismantling spell while Upgrade is merged with technology, it overloads the Omnitrix with mana, causing glitches. (source) (B:DAA; overloaded with mana in B:DAA; scanner downloading physical objects in B:DAA; transforming other individuals into violent aliens in B:DAA)
Certain energy weapons, like Sunder’s axe, can cause Ben to be dimensionally displaced when hitting the Omnitrix, transporting his body to the Null Void while his hand remains on Earth. (source) (B:AF S3E7; body transported in B:AF S3E7; hand on Earth in B:AF S3E7; Omnitrix remains functional in this state in B:AF S3E7)
After a part is removed by Psychobos’ telekinetic powers, the Omnitrix malfunctions and randomly turns nearby beings into alien hybrids, even at great distances. (source) (B:OV S2E1; random alien hybrids in B:OV S2E1; great distances in B:OV S2E1)
After being “fixed” by Dr. Psychobos, two alternate Bens can change each other into aliens with their Omnitrixes, but not themselves. (source) (B:OV S7E9)
Vilgax used a device, operated by Kevin, to remove the Omnitrix from Ben despite its energy burst. (source) (B:10 S2E13)
Azmuth, the Omnitrix’s creator, can easily deactivate the watch by entering a combination code and pulling off the top. (source) (B:SotO)
When Ben is in a liquid alien form like Goop with his anti-gravity turned off, the Omnitrix can be physically removed from him. (source) (B:AF S3E14; Omnitrix never physically bonded to Vilgax in WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)
Azmuth can remotely recall the Omnitrix to Primus when it’s in danger, removing all functionalities, teleporting the user and surroundings to the planet, and automatically removing the watch. (source) (B:AF S3E14; removes functionalities in B:AF S314; teleports user in B:AF S3E14; automatic removal in B:AF S3E14)
The Omnitrix can be removed via voice command from the user. (source) (B:AF S3E19)
The safety guard (a ring and glass case around the Omnitrix symbol) can be easily removed, releasing an energy burst that mutated worms into Stinkfly-hybrids. (source) (B:10 S2E12; energy burst in B:10 S2E12; mutated worms in B:10 S2E12)
Without the safety guard, the watch doesn’t display the chosen alien and turns Ben into hybrids of his various aliens. (source) (B:10 S2E12; Hybrids have their own RT at reddit.com/71t1tc)
The safety guard itself constantly emits green energy that mutates animals into alien hybrids. (source) (B:10 S2E12)
The safety guard acts as a power source, fueling a machine capable of potentially mutating all animal life on Earth. (source) (B:10 S2E12)

Special Functions

The Omnitrix can act as a tracking device for Azmuth, illuminating dark space and directing him and friends to Azmuth’s planet. (source) (B:SotO; illumination and direction in B:SotO)
The Omnitrix can pick up distress signals from other Plumbers and from Galvanic Mechamorphs like Ship. (source) (B:AF S1E7; Ship’s signal in B:AF S1E7)
It can receive voice calls from Plumber Badges. (source) (B:AF S3E1)
It can act as a wireless receiver for Azmuth to communicate with Ben, alerting Azmuth when Ben tried to hack it. (source) (B:AF S3E1)
It can project a holographic map showing the location of Ben’s escaped transformations. (source) (B:AF S3E2)
The second Omnitrix functions as a cell phone and can record voicemail. (source) (B:OV S2E9)
Works as a universal translator. (source) (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie)
Sticks to Ben’s arm the moment he reaches for it and is physically bonded due to alien DNA. (source) (B:10 S1E1; physically bonded in B:10 S1E5; floats before bonding back in B:10 S2E13)
After analyzing a DNAlien’s genetic structure, it can cure victims of damaged DNA, reverting them back to human, even if fully mutated. (source) (B:AF S1E6; fully mutated DNAlien in B:AF S2E9; with Master Control, Ben uses all energy to combine alien DNA with Highbreed DNA, curing nearly every Highbreed in the galaxy via warp gates in B:AF S2E13; this causes Ben to lose master control and Omnitrix to reset with new playlist in B:AF S2E13)
After Ben was shattered as Chromastone, the Omnitrix hovered, drew in fragments, and reformed them into Diamondhead. (source) (B:AF S3E2; Ben does not know why this happened in B:AF S3E2; trying to turn into Chromastone yielded Diamondhead, and Chromastone was still inside Diamondhead when broken apart in B:AF S3E16)
Increases in size to accommodate the user. (source) (B:AF S3E20)
Can be “synched” to entities with blank DNA, transforming them into a massive army instead of the user. (source) (B:AF S3E20)
The Omnitrix’s power source is “smaller and more powerful than the Sub Energy,” which is 20 times more powerful than the Sun and could “wipe a continent off the map.” (source) (Pop-Ups; Sub Energy description in B:10 S4E9)
The Second Omnitrix has a function that can change Ben’s gender. (source) (WoG: Derrick J. Wyatt)
It also works as a digital watch. (source) (WoG: Derrick J. Wyatt)

The Ultimatrix

Functions like the regular Omnitrix but allows aliens to “go ultimate” by twisting and pushing the symbol, greatly enhancing combat capabilities. (source) (B:AF S3E19; evolutionary function simulates “worst case scenario” for millions of years (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie); evolutionary function drains battery faster (WoG: Dwayne McDuffie); stated Ultimates can “go Ultimate” by Derrick J. Wyatt and Duncan Roleau, though never shown in series)
Has a scanning function that disables Active Mode when engaged, scans at range, and adds DNA samples to the active playlist. (source) (B:UA S1E1; disables Active Mode in B:UA S1E1; scans at range in B:UA S1E1; adds DNA sample in B:UA S1E1)
When inactive while Ben is transformed, he remains in that transformation. (source) (B:UA S1E9)
Durable enough to block a blast from Aggregor’s laser vision that collapses a large stone structure after ricocheting. (source) (B:UA S2E3)
Another person can forcibly use the Ultimatrix’s quick change feature on Ben. (source) (B:UA S3E3)
Receives Ben’s voice command overrides and has a self-destruct function like the Omnitrix, which can also be stopped by voice commands. (source) (B:AF S3E19; self-destruct stopped by voice commands in B:AF S3E20)
Can be removed with a tap to a console on the arm by Albedo, expanding for placement on another’s wrist. (source) (B:AF S3E20)
Works as a radiation detector. (source) (B:UA S1E6)
Tracks down a mystery signal leading to the Hands of Armageddon. (source) (B:UA S3E10; leads to Hands of Armageddon in B:UA S3E10)
Leads Ben to Eunice. (source) (B:UA S3E14)
Picks up police radio chatter. (source) (B:UA S3E18)
Forcibly reboots Eunice after she had been turned into a DNAlien. (source) (B:UA S3E14)
After being hacked by Inspector 13, it transforms Gwen and Kevin into Diamondhead and Jetray. (source) (B:UA S3E24)

Skurd

Skurd can stretch across a room. (source) (B:OV S8E2)
Can push buttons that Ben cannot reach. (source) (B:OV S8E4)
Survives being stepped on by a giant robot. (source) (B:OV S8E4)
Cannot be removed by force by Ben. (source) (B:OV S8E2)
Can carry small items inside itself and move around Ben’s body, creating a sleight of hand effect. (source) (B:OV S8E5)
Can attach to hosts offensively, like temporarily blinding Malgax. (source)
Attaches to individuals and can create and control limbs based on its hosts’ DNA. (source) (B:OV S8E2)
On the Omnitrix, Skurd can create body parts from Omnitrix aliens while Ben is locked into another transformation, like a Diamondhead limb on Humongousaur. (source) (B:OV S8E2)
Skurd uses Omnitrix aliens’ powers for self-preservation and to remain attached to the watch. (source) (B:OV S8E7)
Can create weapons with properties of different aliens, like a Celestialsapien-based sword to puncture a strong forcefield. (source) (B:OV S8E10)
Creates a megaphone from Echo Echo DNA. (source)
Creates maces from Heatblast DNA. (source)
Creates an airtight shelter from Diamondhead DNA. (source)
Creates a gun-arm that fires pieces of Bloxx DNA. (source)

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