Generation 2 TOYLINE overview
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The Generation 2 line was a good try by Hasbro to resurrect the Transformers name. Many people don't like to consider it part of the Transformers history. However, I feel it was a lot of fun and it succeeded by bringing back a lot of memories for those of us who had forgotten the "robots in disguise".

Hasbro started off by recoloring some of the figures we came to remember back in the 80's. The first batch of figures (distributed around 1992) consisted of fifteen figures all of which were re-released molds of similar pieces from the Generation 1 years. In fact, they even used a slight hint of die-cast metal to keep the feel of these classics intact (they printed this fact on every package). These molds included recolored Optimus Prime, Jazz, Sideswipe, Inferno, Slag, Snarl, Grimlock, Starscream, Ramjet, and the six Constructicons. The line proved to be successful because it brought back memories (not to mention a brand new excellent comic book adventure and re-releases of the original Transformers cartoon on television). The Generation 2 line proved to be a success.

Because of this instant success, Hasbro continued the line with a lot more figures. This time they added original Generation 1 molds with new original "exclusive" pieces. The G1 molds include recolors of the same three Dinobots mentioned above (they were re-released in two other colors other than their original silver), set of four minis (Bumblebee, Hubcap, Beachcomber, and Seaspray), and a re-mold of Megatron (into the green tank). We also had "exclusive" pieces including Autobot cars (Rapido, etc), Color Changers (Drench, Gobots, etc), and Decepticon Jets (Afterburner, Terradive, etc). The figures once again proved to be a success and the Generation 2 line continued into series three.

About this time the comic book had gone out of print (after only 12 excellent issues) and the TV series was slowing down as well. However, the toys continued to resurrect some excellent pieces from the past. Series three included a full set of recolored Aerialbots and Combaticons. We also got remolds of Megs and OP called HEROES. Not to mention some original G2 exclusive figures like the Laser Rods, Rotor Force, and Dreadwing. This year had some excellent figures. However, it also began a decline in the Generation 2 popularity.

This decline lead to the demise of the toyline a year later after releasing series four of the toys. In fact, this remaining year (1995) included some uninteresting figures. The Cyberjets, Gobots, LaserCycles, and Autorollers were in this set. Very plain in many aspects and a truly bad way for the toyline to go out. Luckily....they did pump out one excellent figure in this particular year....LaserRod Optimus Prime. An excellent tanker truck version of our good old leader. He's a wonderful figure and often considered the best Optimus Prime version out there.

The Generation 2 years proved that the Transformers name had not died out. In fact, I think the nostalgia feeling is what kept this set of figures selling. While many disregard the G2 years, it brought about some excellent recolors of our favs (with wonderful bright/colorful packaging and intriguing gimmicks) and some unique exclusives.

 

 

 

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