Project Essay Example
Project Essay Example

Project Essay Example

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  • Pages: 17 (4469 words)
  • Published: July 14, 2018
  • Type: Film Analysis
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The animated TV show in the U.S., Ben 10, features main characters such as Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max. During a summer camp trip after having an argument with Gwen, Ben accidentally discovers an alien pod in the forest. Inside this pod, he uncovers an Omnitrix that resembles a wristwatch.

Ben 10 information

The protagonist wears a device on his arm that allows him to transform into different alien species, each possessing unique abilities, reminiscent of the comic series Dial H for Hero by DC. While understanding the importance of utilizing his newfound powers for good, he occasionally indulges in harmless pranks using these superpowers. Alongside Gwen and Max, he combats threats from both extraterrestrials and criminals. The initial season chiefly centers on Vilgax, a malevolent

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alien overlord who seeks to dominate the universe by gaining control of the Omnitrix.

During the initial portion of the season, he was injured and had to rely on drones for acquiring the Omnitrix during his recovery period. After fully recuperating, he attempted to procure it himself but faced resistance from Ben, Gwen, and Max. Throughout this time, hints are dropped that Max might have further knowledge about aliens than what has been divulged till now. This eventually leads to the revelation of his past encounter with Vilgax. Besides this main plotline, there is a subtle subplot involving Ben being forced to mature and learn how to responsibly handle the Omnitrix. This theme prominently surfaces in an episode titled "Kevin 11".

The pivotal structure of the second season of the show adheres to a "villain per episode" format. Several

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episodes explore the primary narrative, focusing on Kevin, a young man with supernatural abilities that permit him to absorb different types of energy. His first meeting with Ben occurs in the inaugural season when he inadvertently gains the capacity to harness powers from Ben's Omnitrix device. This conversion makes Kevin a foil for Ben because of his antisocial behavior. Eventually, Kevin transforms into a horrifying combination of Ben's original ten alien forms and holds Ben responsible for this change. In the concluding episode, Vilgax returns and teams up with Kevin in an attempt to accomplish what he previously failed.

Once more, he fails resulting in himself and Kevin being caught in an alternate dimension known as the Null Void. A notable incident this season is Ghostfreak's destruction, one of Ben's original ten forms. Ghostfreak succeeds in breaking free from the Omnitrix with a plan to control Ben so as to leverage the power of Omnitrix for his personal conquest. Nonetheless, Ben overpowers and eventually demolishes him. The third season mirrors a similar but darker narrative, featuring episodes centered around aliens that mirror archetypical horror monsters. These aliens transform into new forms for Ben upon contact with the Omnitrix.

Doctor Vicktor, an alien reminiscent of Frankenstein, creates a teleportation device that causes purple-colored lightning when used. This lightning is a sign of his appearance. Meanwhile, Doctor Vicktor is fiercely loyal to Ghostfreak, who is resurrected later on in the third season. Ghostfreak's plan is to engulf the earth in darkness using a corrosion beam emitted from a space station. To expand this darkness across the earth, a transmitter in New Mexico is used. This

will grant Ghostfreak immense power and enable him to rule over the planet. However, Ben manages to foil his plot. Although Ben dies once more from being directly exposed to the sun, Ghostfreak's DNA is added back to the Omnitrix before his demise.

In the fourth season, Ben experiences his final adventures as summer vacation comes to an end. Several episodes focus on the leader of the Forever Knights, Forever King, and his plan to personally confront the Tennysons. He recruits many of Ben's enemies to join his group, known as the "Negative 10," with the goal of fighting the Tennysons and stealing powerful energy from the Plumber base at Mount Rushmore. Eventually, Ben defeats the Forever King, causing the destruction of the Mount Rushmore faces. However, it is suggested that the faces are later recreated using a hologram.

Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix is set to occur just after this juncture. The series' final episode depicts a potential situation where Ben resumes his regular life post summer holidays. It ends with an intense showdown against Vilgax, after which Ben discloses his concealed abilities to both his dad and the wider public.

In the film Ben 10: Race Against Time, Ben battles against a new character specifically made for the movie, and his secret identity stays protected. The primary emphasis of the series is on the Omnitrix, a watch-like extraterrestrial contraption that Ben discovers in the initial episode.

Ben can utilize the Omnitrix to morph into multiple alien forms. These forms are employed by Ben to combat the different antagonists encountered throughout the series. According to the show's explanation, the

Omnitrix functions by merging alien DNA with Ben's own DNA. This transformation allows Ben to assume the appearance of his preferred alien for a duration of ten minutes before returning him to his original state.

In Ben 10: Race Against Time, it is explained that the time limit is a safety measure to prevent the alien DNA from overpowering the user. To avoid the issue of someone easily taking the Omnitrix from Ben, the Omnitrix is shown to be hard to remove and mostly fused with Ben's skin.

Furthermore, attempting to remove the device results in an emitted omni-directional energy burst to deter such attempts. Removing the device requires significant time or complex machinery. Despite its mechanical appearance, the device's functionality appears organic and even possesses a sense of autonomy. The Omnitrix adjusts to the user's gender and any illnesses the current user has also affect all of the aliens.

The Omnitrix, worn by Ben 10,000, appears to grow in size alongside the user. In fact, Ben 10,000's Omnitrix is at least three times larger than the ten-year-old Ben's. Additionally, the aliens within the Omnitrix age along with the user. The Omnitrix often works in ways that go against Ben's desires, which serves as a running gag and occasionally affects the plot. Azmuth designed it this way as a security measure. As a result, it may transform Ben into the wrong alien, shut down at inconvenient times, or even refuse to activate despite his attempts to push it down.

In the series Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben Tennyson is still learning how to fully utilize the capabilities of his device, the

Omnitrix, with only a single instance showing otherwise. However, in the episode "Ben 10,000", it's clear that future versions of him have achieved full proficiency. The initial series revealed that Ben's lack of knowledge about this tool affects his actions and those who are better acquainted with it can operate it without difficulty.

When maximized, the Omnitrix permits the operator to change into any alien by merely imagining it. The device also provides the ability for indefinite maintenance of an alien form and smooth transitioning between diverse alien configurations via its "Master Control" function. The backstory of the Omnitrix is delved into in Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix film. Azmuth, who created the Omnitrix, illustrates his intention behind its design - fostering empathy and comprehension between various universal species, thus embodying 'walk-a-mile-in-another's-shoes' philosophy.

The Omnitrix absorbs and integrates the DNA of aliens to be used as a weapon by its wearer. The combat potential of some of the aliens, including those commonly transformed into by Ben, led Vilgax and others to view it as a weapon. To prevent its misuse, Azmuth installed a self-destruct feature into the Omnitrix. This self-destruct feature played a central role in the plot of Secret of the Omnitrix.

Between the original series and Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben somehow succeeded in removing the Omnitrix through an unknown and challenging process.

When Ben wears the Omnitrix again, it changes its shape to resemble more of a watch. This new shape allows Ben to access a different set of alien forms and displays holographic aliens instead of just their silhouettes. Additionally, Ben no longer has his previous

alien transformations. This is evident in several episodes such as "Ben 10 Returns" where he first uses the new Omnitrix and realizes he doesn't recognize any of the aliens in his selection. In "Everybody Talks About the Weather", Ben tells Alan Albright that he used to transform into Heatblast. Furthermore, in "Pier Pressure", when Ben sees a Galvanic Mechomorph, he explains to Julie that he used to have the ability to transform into Upgrade.

Ben himself keeps any injuries he receives while in his alien forms, although this hasn't been proven to be an issue so far. Additionally, Ben can transform multiple times in a row but will eventually need to recharge. Moreover, the Omnitrix can fix genetic damage, including that caused by DNAlien mutation. It has a speech function that informs Ben about this ability, which was not previously seen. The protagonist of this 30-minute animated series is Ben Tennyson, a regular mischievous 10-year-old boy.

When Ben acquired the Omnitrix, a peculiar device, things took a turn and became far from ordinary. This device allowed him to transform into ten different alien superheroes, each with their own unique powers. Ben's alter egos included Fourarms, a gigantic warrior with armored skin; Stinkfly, an insect-like creature with wings, pincers, and a tail; Ripjaw, an aquatic being with powerful jaws and fins instead of legs when needed; XLRB, a dinosaur-like creature that could travel at speeds of 300 mph, climb walls, and walk on water; Heatblast, a creature capable of absorbing flames and shooting fireballs; Wildmutt, a beastly creature with heightened senses and the ability to shoot quills from its back; Diamondhead, a crystalline being

capable of cutting through obstacles, reflecting light beams and lasers; Ghostfreak, possessing spectral powers such as invisibility and the ability to pass through solid objects; Grey Matter, a tiny 5-inch-tall alien who could repair complex computers and machinery and make Ben significantly smarter; and Upgrade, a "living machine" that could merge with and enhance any mechanical device.

As a young child, Ben did not always possess the necessary emotional maturity to effectively manage his different personalities. Therefore, he relied on his level-headed cousin Gwen and his military veteran Grandpa Max for guidance. The main antagonist, Vilgax, was determined to acquire the valuable Omnitrix and would stop at nothing to achieve his goal.


Ben 10 premiered on Cartoon Network on January 14, 2006.

  1. Hal Erickson, Rovi Read more: http://www. answers. com/topic/ben-10-animated-tv-series-2006-tv-series#ixzz2U28bWsfT
  2. Ben 10 Ben 10 Creator Man of Action (Duncan Rouleau, Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, and Steven T. Seagle)

Original work

  1. Ben 10 Films and television

Films

  1. Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix (2007)
  2. Ben 10: Race Against Time (2007)
  3. Ben 10: Alien Swarm (2009)
  4. Ben 10/Generator Rex: Heroes United (2011)
  5. Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens (2012)


An animated series

  1. Ben 10 (2005-2008)
  2. Ben 10: Alien Force (2008-2010)
  3. Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (2010-2012)
  4. justify;">
    Ben 10: Omniverse (2012-present)

Games

  1. Video games Ben 10: Protector of Earth
  2. Ben 10: Alien Force
  3. Ben 10 Alien Force: Vilgax Attacks
  4. Ben 10 Alien Force: The Rise of Hex
  5. Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Cosmic Destruction
  6. Ben 10: Galactic Racing
  7. Ben 10: Omniverse

The Ben 10 series, conceived by the team "Man of Action" which includes Duncan Rouleau, Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, and Steven T. Seagle, is a recognized American media franchise developed by Cartoon Network Studios. The narrative centers on a young boy who acquires an alien device similar to a watch known as the Omnitrix, providing him with the power to morph into different extraterrestrial species. The franchise has received considerable praise and recognition including two Emmy Awards. Moreover, it has witnessed substantial commercial triumph with retail sales surpassing $2 billion in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), alongside global toy sales reaching 100 million units.

Primary source: Ben 10 (TV series) A 0-year-old boy named Benjamin Tennyson stumbles upon an extraterrestrial gadget, the Omnimatrix or Omnitrix in short, while exploring the forest. This device bestows him with the capability to metamorphose into ten distinct alien forms: Heatblast, Wildmutt, Diamondhead, XLR8, Grey Matter, Four Arms, Stinkfly, Ripjaws, Upgrade and Ghostfreak.

During his summer vacation, Ben travels the world in the "Rust Bucket" with his Grandpa Max and cousin Gwen Tennyson. He uses his new powers to fight crime and evil aliens,

now able to transform into ten additional forms: Cannonbolt, Wildvine, Benwolf, Benmummy, Benvicktor, Ditto, Upchuck, Eye Guy, Way Big, and Eon, who appeared in Ben 10: Race Against Time.

Main article: Ben 10: Alien Force

Five years later, Ben has seemingly removed the Omnitrix. However, when his Grandpa Max disappears, Ben decides to put it back on, causing a reboot. This grants him a fresh assortment of ten aliens, including Swampfire, Echo Echo, Humungasaur, Jetray, Big Chill, Spidermonkey, Goop, Brainstorm, Chromastone, and Alien X. Despite being Ben's former adversary, Kevin Levin manages to escape the Null Void and becomes (mostly) reformed to join Ben's team.

Ultimate Alien Main article: Ben 10: Ultimate Alien Following the events of Alien Force, Ben obtains the Ultimate Omnimatrix/Ultimate Omnitrix/Ultimatrix, enabling him to enhance his aliens into stronger versions. It was initially claimed that Ben regained all his previous forms, but this only becomes a reality in Ben 10,000 Returns. Upon returning home to his family, Ben also faces the challenge of battling evil with numerous new "aliens".

The main article about Omniverse is titled Ben 10: Omniverse.

After his adventures in "Ultimate Alien," Ben is given a brand new Omnitrix and a fresh roster of alien superheroes. While Gwen and Kevin head off to college, Ben is eager to take on the superhero mantle on his own. However, his grandfather Max has different plans and assigns him a partner, Rook, a rookie plumber who strictly follows the rules. Max dispatches Ben and Rook on a mission to investigate a concealed alien city. Meanwhile, Ben finds himself targeted by Khyber, an otherworldly bounty hunter. As

the story progresses, Ben encounters new adversaries and grapples with a clandestine revelation regarding his alien alter-ego, Feedback. Additionally, Gwen resumes her alter ego as the "Lucky Girl."

Elements of the franchise

The Omnitrix, Ultimatrix, and Nemetrix are all mentioned.

The Omnitrix and its later upgrade the Ultimatrix are the central element of the Ben 10 story. They fall accidentally into the hands of Ben Tennyson. There is a main article called "List of Ben 10 aliens" that provides more information on the topic.

Created by Azmuth, the Omnitrix is an extraterrestrial apparatus equipped with level 20 technology. It possesses the power to morph its user into different alien species. While some perceive it as a weapon, it's actually intended to foster comprehension amongst various creatures in the cosmos, enabling them to live life through differing viewpoints. Moreover, endangered intelligent species can be revived using this device.

The Omnitrix appears in the first two iterations of the franchise (Ben 10 and Ben 10: Alien Force), whereas, the Ultimatrix is launched in the third iteration, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien. In Ultimate Alien's last episode, Azmuth takes off the Ultimatrix from Ben and puts a new Omnitrix instead. It should be pointed out that both original and ultimate versions of the Omnitrix were simply prototypes.


Within Ben 10: Omniverse,

a derivative of the primary Omnitrix, we are introduced to the Nemetrix. Contrary to the Omnitrix and its subsequent iterations, the Nemetrix integrates DNA from natural predators of extraterrestrial species. Consequently, it's only animals that can utilize the Nemetrix as intelligent entities are unable to operate it.

Characters


Primary source:

It's a compilation of characters from Ben 10, which encompasses humans, aliens, and mystical entities all linked to the concept of life beyond Earth.

The Plumbers

Operating as a cosmic law enforcement organization, the Plumbers tackle threats from extraterrestrial, paranormal and other distinct hazards. Their procedures rely substantially on advanced alien technology comprising of an extensive collection of forward-thinking equipment and arsenal.

The group consists of human and alien members, both equipped with unique badges that display the intergalactic peace symbol - a green hourglass shape. In the omniverse, the plumber's symbol changes to a red dot.

The badge possesses numerous features:

  • Is a communication device.
  • Creates a holographic map that can pin-point the location of another Plumber's badge.
  • Is a universal translator.
  • Enables access to "Extranet", which is an intergalactic version of the Internet. In the original series, the Earth's Plumbers were a secret government organization that protected the general public from any alien threat. Their main base was located inside Mt. Rushmore, where the Null Void projector and Sub-Energy were stored.

Their main enemy was Vilgax. Max used to be a member of the Plumbers when he was younger. While most of the Plumbers have disbanded, some members, including Max and his relatives, continue to be somewhat active. The Forever Knights are a secret society and paramilitary group from Britain that originated in the Middle Ages. They are focused on acquiring and examining alien technology, often through illegal means.

They dissect and study any aliens they capture, and view any humans found with them as completely worthless and dispose of them without hesitation.

The narrative of "Ben 10: Ultimate Alien" reveals that the motivating factor for the actions of Forever Knights is their mission to vanquish Diagon, an entity from a different dimension. Despite nearly seizing control of Earth during the Middle Ages, Diagon was prevented from doing so by George, the immortal Founder of the Forever Knights. However, following George's departure, divisions emerged within the Forever Knights leading to self-appointed Forever Kings transforming their duty into a course of action aimed at alien genocide. The arsenal used by these knights includes enhanced medieval weapons influenced by alien technology such as swords resembling Lightsabers, lances referred to as "laser lances", laser firearms and electroshock rods. Contrarily, Anodites are depicted as a species of energy beings with humanoid features originating from planet "Anodyne". They draw power from a life force known as "Mana" present in all living entities across the universe. Anodites have mastered control over Mana like magic which serves as their primary source of strength.

The practice of this form of magic, or spell-binding rituals to be precise, significantly depends on the recitation of spells, mystical literature (grimoires), charms, talismans and astrological phenomena to accomplish desired magical outcomes. This is exemplified in how Anodites exercise their powers by constructing shields and blockades of diverse forms and dimensions radiating with shades of pink and magenta for defense purposes. They also have the ability to shape magenta-colored rings or orbs that can be launched at foes to immobilize them. Recognized for their relaxed

demeanor and absence of seriousness relative to most humans, some Anodites even disregard ethical dilemmas in favour of individual gratification. However, this does not inhibit them from extending support when needed.

Osmosians

Osmosians, which is a clever wordplay on osmosis, are extraterrestrial beings resembling humans who hail from the planet "Osmos V". They possess a remarkable habiliment to assimilate both matter and energy from virtually anything and utilize it in various ways. By channeling energy through their hands, Osmosians can exert control over technology, discharge it as a powerful burst of energy, or expedite cellular regeneration to bolster their physical prowess or quicken recovery from injuries. Osmosians possess the capability to absorb and combine the mass, properties, and chemical composition of matter in order to transform their own bodies into living matter that inherit these aforementioned properties. The absorbed matter matches the strength and durability of the original material while also enhancing their own physical capabilities.

Osmosians have the ability to extend their matter to anything they touch. However, if they absorb energy and are unable to control it, they can become mentally unstable, similar to a drug addiction. The longer they store energy, the worse their instability becomes. This addiction can also occur when they consume life force from other living beings, causing the Osmosian to become insatiable and instinctively seek out any available source of energy. In addition to absorbing energy and life force, Osmosians can also absorb DNA, granting them 10% of the abilities and powers of the source and potentially resulting in physical mutations.

The Galvans, frog-like beings originating from Galvan Prime and currently residing in Galvan

Mark II, are known for their high intelligence and technological abilities. They have the skill to create almost anything from spare parts and can understand the function of any device with little effort. Initially not having an empire of their own, they were recognized for their expertise and employed by other species as technicians, spies, and saboteurs. However, they eventually used their acquired knowledge to establish a powerful empire based on their secretive technology. One notable Galvan is Azmuth, who created the Omnitrix and is considered the most intelligent being in the universe. It is comically claimed in "Destroy All Aliens" that the Galvans were responsible for the creation of Stonehenge. Various series featuring the Galvans also include main modes of transportation, such as wheeled motor vehicles equipped with Plumbers' technology like turbo engines, laser guns, and autopilot. These vehicles often end up being destroyed. Additionally, Max Tennyson owns an old RV resembling a GMC motorhome called the Rust Bucket.Max has a deep affection for his old relic, even though it has shown signs of wear and tear. It has withstood destruction multiple times, but Max's love for it remains unwavering.

Ship, a Galvanic Mechamorph, is an alien who can transform into any technology he has ever touched. Ship merged with the Forever Knights spaceship, serving as the team's space transportation throughout season 3 of Ben 10: Alien Force. However, Ship was later replaced by the Rust Bucket III, a Plumbers' jet upgraded with alien technology by Kevin. Kevin's car is a Muscle car similar to a Dodge Challenger, equipped with Plumber technology, guns, and offroad capabilities. This car serves as the team's primary

mode of transportation in Ben 10: Alien Force and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien. Due to frequent damage during fights and chase scenes, Kevin is constantly repairing it.

Allusions

Often, the series infuses references and satires of mainstream culture into its episode titles, dialogues, characters, occurrences, and various other ways.

  • Aryaman10
  • Aryaman10: Alien Force
  • Aryaman10: Ultimate
  • Many characters prefer violent solutions rather than verbal ones, especially Kevin, who prefers to hit people before talking, but is stopped by Gwen, who is much more sensitive than him. Also, Ben prefers using a big, powerful alien in many situations, but ends up turning into another alien, especially Grey Matter, a small and less powerful genetic Galvan, and Nanomech, a humanoid insect.
  • During the original series, Ben has a lack of hygiene, and this is briefly seen in the other series.

It has been suggested that he hardly ever bathes or changes his clothes, stating that the shirt he wears during the first season is the only one he wore the entire summer.

  • Mr. Smoothy is a restaurant that serves mostly smoothies at which Ben and his friends are regular customers.
  • Kevin's car is a muscle car armed with Plumber technology as well as other various alien tech, including guns and off-road capabilities.

Kevin is constantly repairing the Rust Bucket III as it often gets damaged or destroyed during fights or chase scenes. This has become a running gag. In the episode "Video

Game," Kevin disagrees with Ben's method of retaliating against Harangue, who was angry at Ben, by destroying Will's car. This disagreement may be a joke referencing Kevin's obsession with his own car.

  • Since "War of the Worlds", due to Ben's worldwide fame, he shows some typical celebrity behavior, where he is chased by fans and shows off, hoping that someone will notice and adore him. He constantly claims to have "saved the whole entire universe! ".

Recurring elements

Technologies

The showcased advanced technologies are a blend of extraterrestrial and terrestrial innovations. These technologies are classified in the series based on their intricacy, potential risk, or refinement level. At present, technology levels vary from 1 to 20, with certain technology confirmed to surpass Level 20. Any use of technology beyond the approved level is deemed illicit on this planet. Our Earth is identified as a Level 2 planet - a status viewed as greatly inferior by other space beings. It's stated that Earth requires at least another 500 years to reach Level 3.

In this text, Dwayne McDuffie discusses various levels.

  • Level 1 includes use and construction of simple tools.
  • Level 2 includes remedial energy Manipulation, the use of Fire, and/or the use of simple machines. Secret of the Omnitrix, Race Against Time, Alien Swarm, Kevin Levin, Nathan Keyes, (Silent cameo), Heatblast ,Steve Blum, David Franklin, Steve Blum
  • Level 3 includes intermediate tool use and industrial organization combined with intermediate energy manipulation. Often information management technologies develop at
  • Level 4 

This is also the level at which many species accidentally kill themselves.

  • Level 5 includes remedial manipulation of the fundamental force.
  • Null Void

    The Null Void, an alternate dimension designed by the Galvan as a penal colony, consists of floating rocks and is guarded by flying creatures. This prison is harsher than conventional ones, causing lasting scars for many inmates, including Kevin, whose experience in the Null Void may have influenced his transformation into a protagonist. The Null Void also provides a fresh start for individuals. It is protected by guardians, beings that safeguard those without powers from the more dangerous prisoners. These guardians have only been observed in the Null Void and made their first appearance in the episode "Into the Null Void" in Ben 10 Alien Force.

    ID Mask

    ID Masks, a category of disguise tool, utilizes holographic technology to modify a person's look.

    The DNAliens frequently utilized them to assume human identities, while the Plumbers' Kids, who are partially alien, would employ them to conceal their true forms and move around Earth without raising suspicion.

    Techadon Robots

    Techadons, which were mass-produced by a group called the "Weapon masters of Techadon," are formidable war machines. They are equipped with lasers and regenerative technologies that use nanites, allowing them to completely rebuild themselves using just one hand. The individually commissioned models are even more powerful and when one is destroyed, the remaining ones learn and improve from the defeated ones.

    Time Travel

    Professor Paradox created a time-travel experiment device called the Entropy Pump in the 1950s,

    which is constructed from quartz crystals.

    The machine was being experimented on in a lab. During the experiment, an assistant named Hugo accidentally hit the controls, causing the machine to create a vacuum. This vacuum pulled Paradox inside and threw him into the event horizon of a virtual wormhole. As a result, Paradox's time traveling project gained significant power, as it generated enough energy to weaken th

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