Transformers (toy line)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Transformers is the name of a line of toys produced largely by Takara and sold outside of Japan by Hasbro from 1984 onwards. A Transformer is a sentient machine that is able to "transform", reconfiguring itself into a common and innocuous form, such as a car, aircraft, or animal. The taglines "More Than Meets the Eye" and "Robots in Disguise" reflect this ability.

There have also been a number of spin-offs based on the toys including a Marvel comic book series, an animated television series that began airing in 1984 (Transformers series) and a feature-length movie, The Transformers: The Movie. The original series was followed by a number of spin-offs with varying levels of popularity. An upcoming live-action movie, directed by Michael Bay, is slated for July 4, 2007.

Transformers originally featured two main factions battling for control of their home planet, Cybertron. The heroic Autobots (Cybertrons in the Japanese version) were led by Optimus Prime (known in the Japanese version as Convoy), and their opponents, the Decepticons (Destrons in the Japanese version), were led by Megatron, later Galvatron, a pattern which has repeated in nearly every subsequent series. The Autobots were mainly cars in warm colors, while the Decepticons were planes in cool colors, with some exceptions.

The Transformers toyline was developed by Hasbro after they met up with Takara representatives at the 1983 Tokyo Toy Show and proposed to combine and re-brand Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change toylines into the Transformers for release in the United States. Thus began a long and successful collaboration between Takara and Hasbro on toy development for the Transformers line, a collaboration which has grown increasingly close. Currently, Hasbro does the vast majority of the concept work and character creation, while the actual manufacture of the toys continues to be controlled by Takara. Hasbro markets and sells the toys internationally, while Takara sells them in the Japanese market. The current design director for the Transformers brand is Aaron Archer.

The basic backstory of the toyline and subsequent comic books and cartoons was developed by the Marvel Comics writers Jim Shooter and Dennis O'Neil (O'Neil actually giving Optimus Prime his name). Most of the subsequent character names and profiles throughout the original run were done by the primary Transformers US comic book writer, Bob Budiansky.

Floro Dery was primarily responsible for the look and feel of the Transformers cartoon series and was the visual creator of Transformers: The Movie. He refined some of the initial season one animated character models done in Japan, and subsequently interpreted the toy box art for further characters, creating the models that would become the visual guidelines both for the comic books and the animated cartoon.

Most Transformers come with tech specs which detail the Transformer’s characteristics. Older Transformers come with Robot Points which could be redeemed for special Transformers which were not sold in stores, such as the Omnibots or the Decepticon triplets known as Reflector (which featured heavily in the early episodes of the television series, despite not being easily available as toys).

[edit] Incarnations

The following Transformers toys came out in the United States:

• Transformers (1984-1992) - retroactively called 'Generation One' or 'G1' since then.
• Transformers: Generation 2 (1992-1995)
• Beast Wars: Transformers (1995-1999)
• Machine Wars: Transformers (1997) - a limited release KB Toys exclusive
• Beast Machines: Transformers (2000-2001)
• Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001-2002)
• Transformers G1 Commemorative Series (2002-2005)
• Transformers: Go-Bots
• Transformers: Armada (2002-2003)
• Transformers: Universe (2003-2006)
• Smallest Transformers (2003-2004)
• Transformers: Energon (2003-2005)
• Transformers: Alternators (2003-2007)
• Transformers: Cybertron (2005-2006)
• Transformers: Master Piece series (2004-Present)
• Transformers: Titanium (2006-Present)
• Transformers Classics (2006-2007)
• Star Wars Transformers (2006-present)
• Transformers Movie (2007)

See also: Transformers (fiction), Transformers series and Transformers (comic).

[edit] Transformers: Generation 1 (1984-1992)

See TransformersG1toylist

The first Transformers toys were brought together from the different transforming robot toylines from Takara, notably the Diaclone and Micro Change (Microman) series. Hasbro acquired the rights to sell them in the United States but, instead of selling them as their original names, they were rebranded as "Transformers". The first two years consisted primarily of reusing the Diaclone/Micro Change molds. Some of the models from the Diaclone line still have the pilot's seat in their design. The tagline to the Transformers is "More than meets the eye!" The earliest toys had some parts made of die-cast metal, which were eventually phased out.

It was in 1986, the third year, when Takara began designing new original models specifically for the Transformers brand, which Takara had also begun to market in Japan, and Hasbro continued to market internationally. At this time, the line expanded to include Aerialbots, Dinobots, Predacons, Constructicons, and Headmasters, as well as Autobots and Decepticons. This trend continued until the toyline's demise in 1990.

In 1989, the entire line became limited to Pretenders and Micromasters. For the first time, Transformers received a new design for their title logo. But this was also regarded by many as a time of a death in creativity and regarded as the lowest point in the toyline's history. 1990 saw the last American burst with the release of more Micromaster characters and the introduction of the Action Masters, Transformers who cannot transform. The Action Master line was criticized, although it had a few defenders. This would be the last Transformers output in the US until 1992.

While Transformers ended poorly for the US market, the same can not be said for the UK, Canada and Japan markets as they went on to produce their own continuing series between 1991 to 1993, despite the UK market in particular missing a substantial amount of figures prominent in the comics and animated series throughout the line's run. Each country produced their own continuity. The UK and Canada continued with new Action Master figures and introduced the Turbo Masters and Predators. Japan continued with the Micromasters concept.

The 1992 and 1993 European and Canadian releases make up what is often called "Generation 1.5". These toys are similar in design to the Generation 2 Transformers, having lightpipe eyes, and pastel colors. The 1993 European figures used the G2 faction symbols which Hasbro UK designed because their licence on the G1 symbols had expired. The 1993 figures were repackaged for European G2 release in 1994, and three subgroup molds got used in the US G2 line.

The term Generation 1 is a retronym; the series was simply known as "Transformers" until the release of the Generation 2 series. However, the term has become semi-official, as both Hasbro and Takara have referred to this era as "Generation 1". New characters are still occasionally added to the line, primarily by E-Hobby. (Examples: Sunstorm, Hauler, Detritus, etc.) Large-scale production of new characters in this line ended with the onset of Generation 2.

[edit] Transformers: Generation 2 (1992-1995)

In late 1992, Hasbro relaunched the Transformers franchise with the Generation 2 line, with production again, largely being done by Takara. The subgroups concept was done away with for the first year, but there were no new molds or characters. Generation 2 re-used the molds for most of the characters from the 1984 and 1985 line, but with mostly different color schemes and finishes, as well as different weapons and accessories. Megatron's figure was released later on. Megatron's original alternate mode was a gun, but in Generation 2 this is changed to a tank due to safety and security concerns.

Most of the 1993 figures were re-releases or recolors of European G1 releases.

This line was criticized for using poor materials and being easily breakable. Generation 2 sold poorly and was abandoned by Hasbro after two years. There were toys planned that never saw release. Most of these were G1 combiner team recolors or recolors of recent figures. Four unreleased molds were released in the Machine Wars line, and four more resurfaced in the Robots in Disguise series

[edit] Beast Wars/Machines (1995-2001)

With the failure of the Generation 2 series, Hasbro and Takara decided the franchise needed an overhaul. They went in a new direction and a new beginning. While there have been Transformers before that change into robotic animals, the idea here was they all changed into real-looking animals. The Beast Wars toyline was launched in the fall of 1995 and a CGI animated series was produced by Mainframe Entertainment to tie-in with the new toyline. A fresh idea coupled with a TV series with strong stories assured this series the success Hasbro and Takara needed, as this series was a giant hit in international markets as well as in Takara's home market, Japan.

Hasbro's original plan for Beast Wars was to have Optimus Prime and Megatron be reformatted versions of their 1980s selves. This was shown in the toys' Tech Specs, and in the comic packaged with the basic Primal/Megatron two-pack. Hasbro also wanted the "Mutant Heads" found on all of the deluxe sized first year toys as battle helmets, but Mainframe scrapped the idea as it would require three animation models for each character instead of two. Another designed feature for the 1995/1996 toys was carried over from Generation 2, transparent 'light pipe" eyes. However, most toys had those parts cast in opaque plastic.

The Beast Wars line was also the first appearance of "flip changer" Basics, where flipping a part of the animal mode (usually the head or tail) would transform the entire toy, and moving the part back would transform the toy back to beast mode. Like other features, this was only used in the 1995/1996 Basics and their repaints.

Beast Wars was renamed in some countries, particularly Canada, because of concern over the word "war" in the title. So, in some countries, it was released as Beasties. Long-time fans notice the prominence of the words "Beast Wars" over "Transformers", the latter appearing in small type under the former. Two fan groups formed with one enjoying Beast Wars for what it was and another thinking it should not be part of the Transformers mythology.

The success of Beast Wars and the change in storyline resulted in its second phase: Beast Machines. Like Beast Wars, the name Transformers was used only as a secondary title. While still a success, the storyline and direction borne by Beast Machines was questioned and criticized by the most ardent fans who knew the previous history of Transformers. Also, there was a clamor for a return to the original idea of vehicle-changing Transformers.

[edit] Robots in Disguise (2001-2002)

While Beast Machines was still running in the United States, Japan’s Takara made a bid to return to the familiar vehicle-transforming robots concept. In 2000, Car Robots was released. This line was brought by Hasbro to America as the Robots in Disguise series. This series is usually regarded by most as filler while Hasbro contemplated the next direction for Transformers. Robots in Disguise was a modest success and not particularly memorable. Even so, Robots in Disguise was responsible for introducing some concepts that would be re-used often in the next incarnations of Transformers.

On a side note, Transformers also inspired the development of this robot, which shows a 4 wheel robot transform itself into a bi-pedal walking robot in humanoid form.

[edit] Transformers: Cybertron (2005-2006)

Transformers Cybertron, (named Galaxyforce in Japan)was a continuation of the Armada/Energon storyline. The Cybertron toys feature a "cyberkey" gimmic, which enables a action or sound on each toy. Many of the toys are remolded Armada/Energon toys containing the cyberkey feature. The most notable event in the Cybertron series is it is the first animated and toy appearance of Primus (see Cybertron) in robot mode.

[edit] Transformers Film (2007)

Main article: Transformers (2007 film)

The live-action Transformers movie has been set to open in the U.S. on July 4, 2007 and is a joint collaboration among DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Pictures and Hasbro, Inc. DreamWorks will be the domestic distributor; Paramount will handle the international release through United International Pictures, the joint venture of Paramount and Universal Studios. The feature will be directed by Michael Bay from a screenplay being written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. Steven Spielberg is the executive producer of the film, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto and Don Murphy serving as co-executive producers.

Shia LaBeouf is to star as the lead human character "Sam Witwicky" in the film with Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and Megan Fox in supporting roles. Cameos for the film include Bernie Mac and Dane Cook. However, Dane Cook announced on his myspace page that his role in the film fell through over a disagreement. At the 2006 San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that Peter Cullen, the original voice actor who played Optimus Prime, will voice Optimus Prime once again. Currently, the two top contenders for Megatron's voice are Frank Welker (The original Megatron) and Hugo Weaving ('V for Vendetta')

It is expected that the release of a new movie will involve the production and release of associated toys from Takara and Hasbro. Images have surfaced online of some toy prototypes, notably Starscream and the new Decepticon Blackout, along with packaged samples of movie preview "Protoform" Optimus Prime and Starscream toys. Similarly, fans have found preliminary artwork of multiple characters, although it is not known yet how close these are to the final designs. The designs are significantly different from those of the Generation 1 characters with the same names. Reactions have varied widely: some fans object strongly to the designs (occasionally going so far as to threaten a boycott if they are not changed to be more traditional), while others like them. The issue has become a divisive one, with detractors accusing supporters of lacking respect for the franchise's history and supporters accusing detractors of ignoring the franchise's evolution over that history.

[edit] Relicenses

Toys that were relicensed or remolded from an existing toyline or animated series.

[edit] Trivia

• Contrary to what people may think, there has never been a break in the production of new Transformer toys; there have been new Transformers toys every year since its debut in 1984 because the UK and Japan produced their own continuing series in the period of 1991 to 1994.
• Like G.I. Joe's Larry Hama, Bob Budiansky wrote the majority of the tech specs (the personal profile of each Transformer) for the Generation 1 series.
• The Hasbro toyline Battle Beasts was known as Beastformers in Japan, and was a part of the Japanese Transformers toyline.
• London electro band Robots In Disguise are named after the famous Transformers tagline.

[edit] Events

The official international Transformers convention is BotCon but other fan events include Auto Assembly and TransForce in the UK and past Transformers only events have included BotCon Japan, BotCon Europe and "OTFCC". Various other evnts also celebrate Transformers.

[edit] Video games

In 1985, Ocean Software Ltd. released a video game based on the Transformers. It was available for ZX Spectrum [1] and Commodore 64 [2]. It was rated slightly above average in the reviews. In 1986 Activision also released a Transformers game for the Commodore 64 [3].

Takara released a Famicom game named Transformers: Convoy no Nazo, which controls mainly Ultra Magnus. The game was poorly received in Japan and was not released overseas.

The most recent video game was released for the PlayStation 2 by Atari simply titled as Transformers, which is based on Transformers: Armada. The game's reception was mixed, particularly due to the popularity of a PS2 Transformers game released at the same time for a Japanese-exclusive market. The game not released in America was based on the Generation 1 storylines.

Hasbro sold the digital gaming rights various properties (including My Little Pony, Magic: The Gathering, Tonka, Playskool, and Transformers) to Infogrames for USD$100 million in 2000, buying back the rights for USD$65 million in June 2005.^[1]

Activision and Traveller's Tales (creators of the Lego Star Wars games) will release Transformers: The Game in 2007 to tie in with the live-action feature film for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, and PlayStation 2. The player will be able to play as both the Autobots and the Decepticons, pick up and throw objects, and transform at any time. The steering in vehicle mode has been compared to that of the Grand Theft Auto games and will have a free roaming environment.

[edit] References

1. ^ "HASBRO REACQUIRES DIGITAL GAMING RIGHTS FROM INFOGRAMES FOR $65 MILLION", Hasbro press release, 9 June 2005.

[edit] External links

• Transformers.com - Official Transformers Web Site
• Lukis Bros Transformers Collector Site - Collector site with news, pictures, sightings, and reviews of Transformers toys from all generations.
• BIGBOT.COM - The very first Transformers news portal
• metransformed.com - Find out which transformer you are!