HISTORY

In 1984 America was hit with a transforming toyline entitled the Transformers. While this was not the first time we had seen robots who changed into vehicles and such (since the Gobots arrived first), a certain originality was used on each figure. This drew us in and kept us there for the original seven year run.

However, the Transformers didn't begin in America. The origin actually dates back to the end of the very early 80's in Japan. They had a couple different transforming robot toylines called Mirco Change (New Microman) and Diaclone. In comparison to America's figures, the Micro Change series would be the mini-cars (ex: Bumblebee and Cliffjumper) and the Diaclone line would be the regular figures (Autobot cars, Optimus Prime, etc). These figures were made by a company called Takara.

When Hasbro decided to bring the Transformers to America, they bought out remaining stock from Japan and packaged them in American boxes. The very first releases in the USA had Takara written on their body and were released without the (soon to be trademarked) "rub symbol". Once that stock ran out, Hasbro produced more and plastered a "rub symbol" on them as well as their Hasbro logo. Therefore you can tell if you have an early release of a figure by looking for the company name at the bottom or checking for the "rub symbol".

The Transformers toyline was a huge success. In fact, it maintained this success long enough to pump out seven years worth of action figures. Within these years we also saw the many changes happening as well. The introduction of "gimmick" Transformers (Headmasters, Targetmasters, Powermasters, etc), exclusive mail-aways, and much more. Not to mention the highly successful cartoon. The Transformers movie. And.....the Marvel comic book. Plus tons of licensed items.

So why did the Transformers fail eventually? There are several reasons. The cartoon was canceled after it's fourth season (of which only had three episodes anyway). The comic book version was beginning to dwindle in sales. And the originality and uniqueness we had grown to love was decreasing. Not to mention the many other toy lines that shot out into the open to try and steal the Transformers popularity. This lead to the TF downfall and cancellation in 1990.

We all had thought that the Transformers were finished. That we'd never be able to see the famous "Robots in Disguise" again.



However, Hasbro decided that the name wasn't dead yet and they pumped out the Transformers: Generation 2 line in 1992. I couldn't believe it when I was walking down the toy isle of K-Mart and saw the Constructicons for sale. What memories that shot back at me!! It was an awesome feeling and I picked up all six!!

The first couple years of Generation 2 were pretty successful as collectors and TF fans everywhere were introduced to Generation 1 recolors and releases. These included the Constructicons, the Dinobots, Optimus Prime, Jazz, Sideswipe, and many others. In fact......they even initially brought back their original "die-cast metal" materials (which is rare here in the 1990's since this metal is very expensive). Amongst the G1 reruns, they also produced some original G2 molds and sets (color changers, rotor force, gobots, etc). These original designs were not very popular but still looked pretty good. Around the third year sales began to decline and the G2 line ended around 1995.

The figures weren't the only things that reappeared. Many other Transformers developments began to emerge as a result of the new toy line. The Generation 1 television show was revamped (with computer transitional graphics) and dubbed "Transformers: Generation 2". It was shown on major networks. Marvel comics also resurrected the Transformers name by beginning a G2 comic book. While it had a short life of only 12 issues, the story line took the Transformers to places you never thought possible (if you haven't checked out these comics they're worth the price.....and can be found for quite cheap right now). Unfortunately Hasbro/Kenner was forced to throw in the towel once again. But it was a good try!!




Then in 1995, Hasbro/Kenner tossed America with something totally unexpected. They took what we knew as Transformers and flipped it around to create something amazingly different. The Autobots and Decepticons were replaced with the Maximals and the Predacons. The forms were no longer vehicles and weapons of destruction. They now were of beasts and insects. They had created the Beast Wars!! While it took me a while to warm up to Beast Wars, it is a unique change of pace for the Transformers and an excellent addition to the TF universe.

This also led to a television show. However, this one is done in computer animation and looks awesome. It's also in Dolby Surround (the way to watch it). With the series on the tube and the figures on the shelves, the Beast Wars had become a pretty successful idea. The figure sales have begun to increase as the Transmetal and Fuzor variations appeared. It was nice seeing a successful Transformers toyline!!!



Unfortunately, the Beast Wars television series ended after a three year run in 1999. The toys also are finished after summer 1999. They will be replaced with a new television series (appearing on Fox) entitled Beast Machines. The toys will also be modeled after this series. It takes place in the future and is tied into the Beast Wars show somewhat (with a handful of original characters returning). How will this go with the public and myself? I guess time will tell!!


But......Hasbro/Kenner decided it was time to give the original concept of cars and planes another chance. They introduced 12 exclusive figures (to Kay Bee Toys and KB Toyworks) that were somewhat remolds of original G1 characters. The bigger ones were actually remolds of European exclusives. This line is called the Machine Wars. More on this toy line is described at the Machine Wars page at my site. Unfortunately, rumors that the line would continue came to be false as it was cancelled after the initial run. However, having all 12 is quite nice and an interesting "side-note" to explain when showing people your collection.

As I mentioned earlier....the Transformers didn't just originate in America. The Japanese TF's were totally different. In fact...they even had exclusive television shows and figures that you could never imagine were possible. Europe also had a taste of some exclusive figures as did many other countries. I'm not too up on foreign Transformers information (I can't even keep track of the American stuff), however there are many wonderful sites on the web where you can find stuff on this subject. Browse the internet or check out my links page.....there you should be able to find a directory to point you in the right direction.

Since I quit the page, the Transformers has "transormed" in many ways. Check other links to see where it's headed next....

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