Transformers: Generation 2
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Transformers: Generation 2 (also known as Generation Two or G2) is the name used to refer to a Transformers toy line, television series and comic book series which ran from 1992-1995. The prior Transformer television series, comic books and toys were retroactively termed as 'Generation 1', and are officially referred to as such even though the term was never used during their original runs. Generation 2 ends as the first Transformers: Beast Wars toys were made. Due to the typeface used on the word Transformers, some collectors consider Beast Wars to be a continuation or spinoff of Generation 2.
[edit] Toy Line
Generation 2 Transformers toys were notable because of the changed Autobot and Decepticon symbols, changes made to the toys for child safety purposes, and the common use of bright vivid colors. The first and second years of toys in Generation 2 were filled with many remolds of classic original Transformers (now referred to as 'Generation 1' or 'G1') toys. A larger percentage of toys featured electronic lights and sounds, and the rerelease of the G1 Optimus Prime featured an additional electronic soundpack.
[edit] Television Series
The Transformers: Generation 2 television series was a rehash of the original Generation 1 Transformers series, with a new computer-generated main title sequence, computer-generated scene transitions, and other small changes.
The original stories were presented as though they were recordings of historical events by the Cybernetic Space Cube or (sometimes referred to as the Cybercube). The cube had the various scenes on its faces, which it span between nauseatingly for transitions, replacing the classic spinning Autobot/Decepticon logo.
A large percentage of the characters featured in the show did not feature in the toyline, and vice versa. The G1 toys rereleased for G2 which did feature in the show sometimes had their colour-schemes radically altered and no longer matched their animated counterparts.
Some of the Generation 2 versions of the episodes have been released in the United Kingdom as region 2 DVDs. Simply entitled "Transformers: Generation 2" the DVD featured the episodes - More Than Meets The Eye Parts 1-3; SOS Dinobots; and Heavy Metal War. The DVD was available alongside DVD compilations of miscellaneous original G1 episodes. They were later replaced by a Generation 1 DVD volumes, and later complete season boxed sets.
[edit] Comic Books
Marvel Comics produced a gritty, 12 issue Transformers: Generation 2 comic book series. Produced early in the toy line, it features a few new Generation 2 characters, as well as many characters from the original series. The story concerned a form of Transformers, who called themselves Cybertronians, having evolved past Autobot or Decepticon. There was also an overarching enemy, The Swarm, which was slowly approaching the Earth, threatening all Transformers in its path. In his search to discover the nature of the enemy, Optimus went into the matrix, discovering that the Swarm was actually a byproduct of an early form of Transformer reproduction.
As a part of the Generation 2 line, several characters were given new forms, such as Megatron becoming a tank due to the efforts of Cobra in G.I. Joe (Marvel) #139. New characters appeared briefly towards the end of the series, such as the Rotor-Force and Color-Changers.
Dreamwave comics, who produced several Transformers titles, had several Generation 2 characters make cameos in their stories including the Turbomasters and Axelerators.
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