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Jawbreaker (BW)

2008-05-07T05:10:06Z

76.189.29.212:

{{disambig2|the Beast Wars Maximal|the Generation 1 Seacon|Overbite (G1)}}

:''Jawbreaker is a [[Maximal]] in the [[Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:IDW Jawbreaker.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He wants to tell you about the matrix.]]

'''Jawbreaker''' has a twisted sense of humor. Perhaps that is why he prefers to be outnumbered when he fights; the fact that he is the most hostile of the Maximals might help in such a situation. Using his magnetic field generator, Jawbreaker draws his prey within grasp.

:''European-market name'': '''Cackle'''

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
*'''Jawbreaker''' (Deluxe Transmetal 2, 1999)

: Jawbreaker transforms into a blue, black, and red [[Transmetal#Transmetal_2|Transmetal 2]] hyena. The back of his beast-mode neck has a spinning saw-blade, and the entire assembly becomes his right robot-mode arm. His tail detaches to form a really vicious-looking sword.

: This mold was later used to make [[Frostbite]].

==Trivia==
[[Image:Cackle.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Cackle, who barely exists.]]

* ''[[The Gathering|Beast Wars: The Gathering]]'' and ''[[The Ascending|Beast Wars: The Ascending]]'' featured nearly every non-show character from the [[Hasbro]] ''Beast Wars'' toyline. The exceptions are Jawbreaker, [[MicroVerse]]'s [[Orcanoch]] and [[Arachnid]], the combined [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]] and [[Tripredacus]] gestalts, the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutant]] [[Razor Claw]] and the [[List of Transformers restaurant promotions|McDonalds]] characters (excluding [[Manta Ray (BW)|Manta Ray]]). Jawbreaker was not ''totally'' forgotten by [[IDW]], though. He does appear on a ''Beast Wars'' poster, which was used (in cropped form) as the cover to [[The Gathering, Part 1|''The Gathering'' #1]].

* Jawbreaker's pre-release name "Cackle" was retained on some versions of the European packaging.

* Speaking of pre-release information, Jawbreaker showed up in Wal-Mart's computer systems as "kangaroo". Crikey!

{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Maximal/Jawbreaker/jawbreaker.htm Jawbreaker at TFU.info]

[[Category: Maximals]]
[[Category: Toy-only characters]]
[[Category: Transmetals 2]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

The Transformers (toyline)

2008-04-04T00:04:07Z

76.189.29.212: /* Overview */

{{nav-g1}}

'''''The Transformers''''' (retroactively called '''Generation One''' or '''G1''') started as a joint venture between two companies: [[Hasbro]] of America and [[Takara]] of [[Japan]]. After an idea to rebrand and sell Takara's ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Microchange]]'' [[toy|robot toys]] as a whole new line with a new concept behind it, Hasbro unknowingly would wind up creating what would be one of its longest running [[franchise]]s.

[[Image:Seekers_ad.jpg|left|thumb|350px|Ahh, 1984's book of dreams.]]

In contrast to today's franchises, which tend by design to run 12 to 18 months, ''Generation 1'' was essentially an unbroken line from 1984 to 1991; its logo and packaging format only underwent one major change in that time. Toys tended to linger longer in the line; a few (Starscream, Bumblebee) were even sold for three years in a row. The changing circumstances of retail have made this a thing of the past; toy lines now require yearly rebranding.

The Generation 1 line introduced a number of concepts which would stay with subsequent iterations of the brand. Most prominent among these were [[package art]] showing the character's robot form, [[tech spec]]s rating the character's abilities, and [[bio]]s giving a personality profile of the character represented by the toy. Other "premiums" which didn't survive the 1980s included [[robot point]]s and various mail order exclusives.

In addition to the toy and its weapons and accessories, Generation 1 toys typically included a sticker sheet, instructions showing how to transform the toy and apply the stickers, and a [[catalog|toy catalog flyer]] showing the entire year's toy line. In the early years of the line, a red plastic "tech spec decoder" and various [[pack-in flyer|mail-away offers]] were included as well.

The line began with toys already designed by Takara and other companies, and over time expanded into numerous original designs and concepts through its seven-year run. The line changed direction and focus so many times that a year-by-year breakdown is the only way to get the full picture.

See also:
:''[[Generation 1 Europe (toyline)]]''
:''[[Generation 1 China (toyline)]]''

{{-}}
==1984==
===Overview===
[[Image:G1Prowl toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], one of the 1984 line's more iconic toys. In today's secondary market, he's usually found with his roof broken off. Prowl was redecorated to make [[Bluestreak (G1)|two other]] characters [[Smokescreen (G1)|as well]], which was... ]]

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|right|thumb|150px|...pretty common in 1984.]]

The first two years of ''Transformers'' product in America mostly consisted of toys from the two Takara lines. A wide range of sizes and price points, from $3 Mini-Vehicles up to larger toys costing $20 or more, ensured that every kid could pick up at least a few Transformers, and still have a few left for the Christmas wishlist -- a marketing strategy that continues up to the present day.

The early G1 toys were largely marked by attention to vehicle mode detail, rubber tires, the frequent use of [[die-cast]] metal (particularly on larger toys), and a variety of loose parts which had to be kept track of and attached separately. The early toys were also marked by a lack of posability -- not a single one of the Autobot cars had knee joints, and most had feet that were fused together. The Decepticon jets couldn't do anything but raise their arms forward.

The combination of heavy die-cast and the brittle plastics of the time also made many of the toys fragile; toys such as Prowl and Mirage are infamous for winding up broken.

Due to products coming from different pre-existing product lines, the 1984 toys were highly inconsistent in terms of relative [[scale]]. Later years would not do much to mitigate this issue.

Many of the 1984 toys included the pack-in brochure [[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]

===Autobots===
'''Autobot Mini-Cars'''
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]
::''Although the official catalogs and the box artwork depict Bumblebee in yellow and Cliffjumper in red, both toys were actually available in both colors. Additionally, a third toy of a similar design was also available in yellow, and sold on Cliffjumper cards. That toy was not officially marketed by Hasbro as a separate character, but was later dubbed "Bumblejumper" by fans, which was shortened to just "[[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]" by the time he was officially integrated into the fiction as a character in his own right.''
* [[Brawn]]
* [[Gears]]
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]
* [[Huffer]]
'''Autobot Cars'''
* [[Bluestreak]]
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]
* [[Jazz]]
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]
* [[Sunstreaker]]
* [[Trailbreaker]]
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]
'''Autobot Commander'''
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]

===Decepticons===
'''Decepticon Cassettes'''
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] & [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (available as a two-pack)
* [[Rumble]] & [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (available as a two-pack)
::''Another Decepticon Cassette, Buzzsaw, was available with Soundwave.''
'''Decepticon Planes'''
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
'''Decepticon Communications'''
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]])
'''Decepticon Leader'''
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]

==1985==
===Overview===
[[Image:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The 80s! When toy companies actively encouraged you to play with fire!]]

The initial toyline was wildly successful, making "Transformers" a household word for the rest of the 1980s and leading to an ever-expanding product line. 1985's offerings more than doubled those of 1984. Additional cars, jets, and mini-vehicles were released; many of the standard cars and jets were retooled versions of 1984 toys (or of each other, in the case of Grapple and Inferno.)

The line also veered into mechanical dinosaurs and insects, and futuristic vehicles. Some of these toys were designed and manufactured by companies in competition with Takara, among them Jetfire, the Deluxe Insecticons and the Deluxe Autobots. These toys are among the few G1 toys with good articulation. However, their conflicting origins doomed most of them never to appear in the cartoon, as Takara did not wish to sponsor a show advertising its competitor's products. See ''[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'' for more.

This year's toys primary pack-in brochures were [[Earthlings: The S.T.A.R.S. Need Your Help Now!]], and later [[Have the Decepticons Defeated Us Once and For All?]]

===Autobots===
'''Autobot Mini-Vehicles'''
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]
* [[Cosmos]]
* [[Powerglide]]
* [[Seaspray]]
* [[Warpath]]
::''The "Mini-Cars" were renamed into "Mini-Vehicles" beginning with 1985. The 1984 Mini-Cars/Mini-Vehicles were re-released. 1985 Mini-Vehicles were briefly available with extra Mini-Spies, later replaced the Autobot symbols with rubsigns like the ones first featured on the Mini-Spies, and later shipments of the rubsign versions were available with iron-on patches. The versions of Bumblebee and Cliffjumper that came with the Mini-Spies were available in both yellow and red; the rubsign versions still featured color variants. The Bumper mold was no longer available.''
'''Autobot Cars'''
* [[Tracks]]
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
* [[Skids]]
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
* [[Grapple]]
::''The 1984 Autobot Cars were re-released. All 1985 Autobot Cars sported rubsigns. The European version of Tracks released by Milton Bradley was originally available in red.''
'''Dinobots'''
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]
'''Jumpstarters'''
*[[Topspin]]
*[[Twin Twist]]
'''Autobot Deluxe Vehicles'''
*[[Roadbuster]]
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]
'''Autobot Air Guardian'''
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]
'''Autobot Communicator'''
*[[Blaster]]
'''Autobot Scientist'''
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
'''Autobot Motorized Defense Base'''
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]
'''[[Powerdasher|Powerdashers]]'''
* "Drill Type"
* "F-1 Type"
* "Jet Type"
::''The Powerdashers were only available via mail order. Figure names are in quotes because these figures were not officaly named. Names are taken from the Diaclone versions.''
'''Omnibots'''
*[[Camshaft]]
*[[Downshift (G1)|Downshift]]
*[[Overdrive]]
::''The Omnibots were only available via mail order.''
'''Promotional toys'''
* "Pepsi" Optimus Prime
::''A limited edition variant of Optimus Prime was available with additional "Pepsi" stickers on the trailer. The Canadian version sported yet another variant with a large sticker covering the entire side of the trailer.''
* "Cookie Crisp" Jazz
::''A variant of the Jazz toy was available as a Cookie Crisp promotional premium via mail order. Unlike the regular version, the "Martini" decals are missing from the doors.''
====Notes====
* The Optimus Prime toy was still available in 1985, now also sporting a rubsign.

===Decepticons===
'''Insecticons'''
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]
* [[Bombshell]]

'''Deluxe Insecticons'''
* [[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]]
* [[Chop Shop]]
* [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]]
* [[Venom]]

'''Constructicons'''
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]
* [[Scrapper]]
* [[Hook]]
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]
* [[Mixmaster]]
* [[Devastator]] (giftset)

'''Triple Changers'''
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]

'''Decepticon Planes'''
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]

'''Decepticon Military Operations Commander'''
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]

====Notes====
* The entire 1984 assortment of Decepticons was still available in 1985, in updated packaging, now also sporting rubsigns.

* The Deluxe Insecticons made no appearances in the animated series.

==1986==
===Overview===
[[Image:Protectobots-collectallfive.jpg|right|thumb|150px|[[Pokeformers|Collect all]] five! The little ones are cheap, and you can bug your mom to buy you the big one!]]

1986 broke more ground with multiple [[combiner]] teams, two large "city" robots, and a full-length feature film to push a new crop of toys. By this point, Hasbro had gone through almost all of the "suitable" ''Diaclone'' and ''Microman'' toys, and were using up the last of the pre-existing (yet previously unmade) Takara design concepts, mostly in the form of the [[Scramble City]] combiner teams and the two citybots; thus the toys for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' became the first original designs developed by Hasbro (and also the first of a ''very'' few times that characters' in-fiction designs predated their toy designs). That year also marked the end of rubber tires and die-cast metal in the toys, as shipping and manufacturing costs dictated an all-plastic approach; many toys from that year were available both with and without rubber and die-cast. Though many fans regard this as a drop in quality, it had the effect of creating much sturdier toys.

Starting with 1986, the first Transformers toys - the Mini-Cassettes, the Triple Changers, the newly introduced Special Teams Mini-Vehicles and the [[Special Teams]] Large Vehicles - were available in mixed assortments that contained both Autobot and Decepticon characters. The 1986 toys are still listed as Autobots and Decepticons for simplicity's sake.

Some assortments of the movie character toys included one of four free posters promoting the [[Decipher the Decepticon]] contest. Many toys included the S.T.A.R.S. advertisement [[You Have Been Chosen.]]

===Autobots===
'''Autobot Mini-Vehicles'''
* [[Wheelie]]
* [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]
* [[Outback]]
* [[Pipes]]
* [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]
* [[Tailgate]]
::''Bumblebee, Beachcomber, Seaspray, Cosmos, Powerglide and Warpath were re-released. All twelve 1986 Mini-Vehicles were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch.''
'''Autobot Mini-Cassettes'''
* [[Rewind]] & [[Steeljaw]] (available as a two-pack)
* [[Ramhorn]] & [[Eject]] (available as a two-pack)
'''Aerialbots'''
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]
* [[Skydive (G1)|Skydive]]
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]
* [[Slingshot]]
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]
* [[Superion]] (giftset)
'''Protectobots'''
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]]
* [[Blades]]
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]]
* [[Defensor]] (giftset)
::''The smaller Aerialbots and Protectobots were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch. Silverbolt and Hot Spot have never been found with a poster.''
'''Triple Changers'''
* [[Springer]]
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]
::''All 1986 Triple Changers were alternatively available with or without a poster.''
'''Autobot Cars'''
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]
* [[Hot Rod]]
* [[Kup]]
::''All three 1986 Autobot Cars were alternatively available with or without a poster.''
'''Heroes'''
* [[Hot Rod|Rodimus Prime]]
* [[Wreck-Gar]]
'''Autobot City Commander'''
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]
::''A variant version of Ultra Magnus was available exclusively from KB Toys stores, replacing the diecast parts and rubber tires with plastic parts and sporting unpainted heads.''
'''Motorized Autobot Space Shuttle'''
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]
'''Autobot City'''
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]
====Notes====
* A limited edition version of Optimus Prime was available with a "Movie Edition" certificate.
* Sunstreaker, Mirage, Ratchet and Wheeljack, none of which were shipping to regular stores anymore by this point, were made available again via mail order.

===Decepticons===
'''Decepticon Mini-Cassettes'''
* [[Ratbat]] & Frenzy (available as a two-pack)
::''Frenzy was a re-release of the 1986 Decepticon Cassette, now available as a two-pack with the new mold Ratbat rather than with Laserbeak. The two-pack of Ravage and Rumble was also re-released.''
'''Stunticons'''
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]
* [[Breakdown]]
* [[Wildrider]]
* [[Drag Strip]]
* [[Motormaster]]
* [[Menasor]] (giftset)
'''Combaticons'''
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]
* [[Vortex]]
* [[Blast Off]]
* [[Onslaught]]
::''While packaged samples might exist, Bruticus was presumably never officially released in giftset form in the USA.''
::''The smaller Stunticons and Combaticons were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch. Motormaster and Onslaught have never been found with a poster.''
'''Predacons'''
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]]
* [[Headstrong]]
* [[Tantrum]]
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]
::''Predaking was never available in giftset form outside of Japan.''
'''Sharkticons'''
* [[Gnaw]]
::''All five Predacons as well as Gnaw were alternatively available with or without a poster.''
'''Triple Changers'''
* [[Octane]]
::''Blitzwing and Astrotrain were re-released. All 1986 Triple Changers were alternatively available with or without a poster, and Astrotrain and Blitzwing are very difficult to find.''
'''Decepticon Planes'''
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]
::''Starscream, Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust were re-released. Only Scourge and Cyclonus have been found with or without a poster. The other four jets in the asortment have never been found with a poster.''
'''Battlechargers'''
* [[Runabout]]
* [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]]
'''Decepticon City Commander'''
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]
'''Motorized Decepticon City'''
* [[Trypticon]]
'''Others'''
* [[Reflector]]
::''Reflector was only available via mail order.''
====Notes====
* A limited edition version of Megatron was available with a "Movie Edition" certificate.
* Thundercracker, who was no longer shipping to regular stores by this point, was made available again via mail order.

==1987==
===Overview===
[[Image:Technobots-specialteams.jpg|thumb|right|250px|28 dollars?! But in 1987, that was like... um... factor inflation... multiply by 2.1314159... carry the zero... um... a LOT!]]

1987 was dominated by two sublines, the [[Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster]]s. It also marked the peak of the line's ambition, as it introduced the two-foot-tall [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] toy -- still the largest Transformer ever produced and, at nearly $100 in 1987 dollars, still one of the most expensive.

At the other end of the price scale, the $3 Mini-Vehicles of previous years were replaced by the [[Throttlebots]]. Apart from them, the line was dominated for the first time by fictional vehicle modes (variously explained as "Cybertronian" or "futuristic") and mechanical monsters and beasts.

The smaller carded toys were sometimes available with a rubber [[decoy]] figure, as well as a bonus mini-comic. Larger toys included the pack-in mail-away brochure [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]].

===Autobots===
'''Technobots'''
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
* [[Nosecone]]
* [[Strafe]]
* [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
* [[Scattershot]]
* [[Computron]] (giftset)
::''The Aerialbots and Protectobots were also re-released. All individual Aerialbots, Protectobots and Technobots were alternatively available with or without a rubber [[decoy]].
'''Throttlebots'''
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]]
* [[Chase]]
* [[Freeway]]
* [[Searchlight]]
* [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]]
* [[Wideload (G1)|Wideload]]
::''The Throttlebots were alternatively available with or without a rubber decoy.
'''Autobot Clones'''
* [[Fastlane]] & [[Cloudraker]] (available as a two-pack)
'''Autobot Doubly Spy'''
* [[Punch|Punch-Counterpunch]]
'''Monsterbots'''
* [[Grotusque]]
* [[Doublecross]]
* [[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]]
'''Large [[Targetmaster]] Autobots'''
* [[Pointblank]] with [[Peacemaker]]
* [[Sureshot]] with [[Spoilsport]]
* [[Crosshairs]] with [[Pinpointer]]
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] with [[Haywire]]
* [[Kup]] with [[Recoil]]
* [[Hot Rod]] with [[Firebolt (G1)|Firebolt]]
'''Large [[Headmaster]] Autobots'''
* [[Chromedome]] with [[Stylor]]
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] with [[Duros]]
* [[Brainstorm]] with [[Arcana]]
* [[Highbrow]] with [[Gort]]
'''Headmaster Autobot Base'''
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] with [[Cerebros]] and [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]]
====Notes====
Metroplex, Rodimus Prime, Wreck-Gar, Ultra Magnus and Sky Lynx were also still available. The Autobot Mini-Cassette two-packs of Rewind/Steeljaw and Ramhorn/Eject were re-released.

===Decepticons===
'''Terrorcons'''
* [[Rippersnapper]]
* [[Sinnertwin]]
* [[Cutthroat]]
* [[Blot]]
* [[Hun-Grrr|Hun-Gurrr]]
::''Abominus was never officially released in giftset form in the USA.''
::''The Stunticons and Combaticons were also re-released. All individual Stunticons, Combaticons and Terrorcons were alternatively available with or without a rubber decoy.
'''Decepticon Mini-Cassettes'''
* [[Slugfest]] & [[Overkill]] (available as a two-pack)
::''The two-pack of Ratbat and Frenzy was also re-released.''
'''Duocons'''
* [[Battletrap]]
* [[Flywheels]]
'''Decepticon Clones'''
* [[Pounce]] & [[Wingspan]] (available as a two-pack)
'''Decepticon Six Changer'''
* [[Sixshot]]
'''Large Targetmaster Decepticons'''
* [[Triggerhappy]] with [[Blowpipe]]
* [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] with [[Caliburst]]
* [[Misfire]] with [[Aimless]]
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (Decepticon)|Nightstick]]
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] with [[Fracas]]
'''Large Headmaster Decepticons'''
* [[Skullcruncher]] with [[Grax]]
* [[Mindwipe]] with [[Vorath]]
* [[Weirdwolf]] with [[Monzo]]
'''Headmaster Horrorcons'''
* [[Apeface]] with [[Spasma]]
* [[Snapdragon]] with [[Krunk]]
'''Headmaster Decepticon Base'''
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] with [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]]
====Notes====
Galvatron, Trypticon, the Predacons and the Sharkticon figure Gnaw were also still available.

==1988==
===Overview===
[[Image:G1Bomb-Burst toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Bomb-Burst]], a typical full-sized Pretender.]]

[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Finally! They're selling Optimus Prime again!]]

1988 introduced a new logo design and tagline (More... MUCH more than meets the eye), but otherwise continued the directions of 1987, with a new line of Headmasters and the new [[Powermaster]] gimmicks, and a mixture of realistic and fanciful vehicle forms.

1988 also introduced the [[Pretenders]], bringing for the first time non-transforming figures into the line. The Pretenders tended to have ''very'' simplified transformations and often unconvincing vehicle modes, though their designs make them among the most well-articulated of all G1 toys. The outer shells by contrast rarely featured any articulation beyond a swivel joint at the shoulders.

Other sublines of note included the [[Triggercon]]s, [[Triggerbot]]s, [[Sparkabot]]s and [[Firecon]]s, which took the Throttlebots' place as the line's low-end offerings.

G1 tended to be extremely non-self referential; until 1988, only one character, Bumblebee, had ever received more than one toy. That year, however, Hasbro seemingly began to realize the strength of the characters they had developed, as the line featured the return of Optimus Prime in Powermaster form following his death in ''Transformers: The Movie'' two years prior. The following two years would see more older characters return in Pretender and Action Master form.

This year's toys included the pack-in mail-away brochure [[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]].

===Autobots===
'''Sparkabots'''
* [[Fizzle]]
* [[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]]
* [[Guzzle (Autobot)|Guzzle]]
'''Triggerbots'''
* [[Backstreet]]
* [[Override (G1)|Override]]
* [[Dogfight]]
'''Autobot Cassettes'''
* [[Grand Slam]] & [[Raindance]] (available as a two-pack)
::''The Rewind/Steeljaw and Ramhorn/Eject two-packs were also re-released once again.''
'''Small Targetmaster Autobots'''
* [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] with [[Flintlock]] and [[Silencer]]
* [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] with [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (Nebulan)|Ricochet]]
* [[Scoop]] with [[Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]]
::''The Large Targetmaster Autobots Pointblank, Sureshot and Crosshairs were also still available.''
'''Small Headmaster Autobots'''
* [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] with [[Muzzle]]
* [[Siren]] with [[Quig]]
* [[Hosehead]] with [[Lug]]
::''The Large Headmaster Autobots Chromedome, Hardhead, Brainstorm and Highbrow and the Headmaster Autobot Base Fortress Maximus were also still available.''
'''[[Powermaster]] Autobots'''
* [[Getaway]] with [[Rev]]
* [[Slapdash]] with [[Lube]]
* [[Joyride]] with [[Hotwire]]
'''Powermaster Autobot Leader'''
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] with [[Hi-Q]]
'''Autobot Six Changer'''
* [[Quickswitch]]
'''Large Autobot Pretenders'''
* [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]
* [[Cloudburst]]
* [[Waverider]]
* [[Groundbreaker]]
* [[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]]
* [[Splashdown]]
'''Autobot Pretender Beasts'''
* [[Chainclaw]]
* [[Catilla]]
'''Autobot Pretender Vehicles'''
* [[Gunrunner (Pretender)|Gunrunner]]
====Notes====
The Autobot Doubly Spy Punch-Counterpunch, the Autobot Clones two-pack of Fastlane/Cloudraker and the Monsterbots Grotusque, Doublecross and Repugnus were also still available. The Technobots were re-released.

===Decepticons===
'''Firecons'''
* [[Cindersaur]]
* [[Flamefeather]]
* [[Sparkstalker]]
'''Seacons'''
* [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]]
* [[Seawing (G1)|Seawing]]
* [[Nautilator (G1)|Nautilator]]
* [[Skalor]]
* [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]
* [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]]
* Piranacon (giftset)
::''The Piranacon giftset only included five of the six individual Seacons; Nautilator was left out for reasons unknown.''
::''The Terrorcons were also re-released.''
'''Triggercons'''
* [[Crankcase]]
* [[Ruckus]]
* [[Windsweeper]]
'''Decepticon Cassettes'''
* [[Squawktalk]] & [[Beastbox]] (available as a two-pack)
::''The Slugfest/Overkill two-pack was also re-released.''
'''Small Targetmaster Decepticons'''
* [[Spinister]] with [[Hairsplitter]] and [[Singe]]
* [[Needlenose]] with [[Sunbeam]] and [[Zigzag (G1)|Zigzag]]
* [[Quake]] with [[Tiptop]] and [[Heater]]
::''The Large Targetmaster Decepticons Triggerhappy, Slugslinger and Misfire were also still available.''
'''Small Headmaster Decepticons'''
* [[Horri-Bull]] with [[Kreb]]
* [[Fangry]] with [[Brisko]]
* [[Squeezeplay]] with [[Lokos]]
::''The Large Headmaster Decepticons Skullcruncher, Mindwipe and Weirdwolf, the Headmaster Horrorcons Apeface and Snapdragon and the Headmaster Decepticon Base Scorponok were also still available.''
'''Powermaster Decepticons'''
* [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] with [[Hi-Test]]
* [[Darkwing]] with [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]]
'''Powermaster Mercenary'''
* [[Doubledealer]] with [[Knok]] and [[Skar]]
'''Large Decepticon Pretenders'''
* [[Skullgrin]]
* [[Bomb-Burst]]
* [[Submarauder]]
* [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]]
* [[Bugly]]
* [[Finback]]
'''Decepticon Pretender Beasts'''
* [[Carnivac]]
* [[Snarler]]
'''Decepticon Pretender Vehicles'''
* [[Roadgrabber]]
====Notes====
The Deception Clones two-pack of Pounce/Wingspan and the Decepticon Six Changer Sixshot were also still available.

==1989==
===Overview===
[[Image:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], a Mega Pretender. This toy commands shocking secondary market prices as a result of the character's prominent appearances in the later ''[[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|Generation 1]]'' comics.]]

By 1989, Hasbro's Transformers releases had been effectively split into two almost distinct sub-lines - Pretenders and Micromasters - that were available concurrently, a separation that was stronger from a marketing standpoint than the Autobot/Decepticon distinction from previous years.

The Pretender subline expanded to include [[Pretender Monster|a combiner team]] and increasingly complex gimmicks, including robots with multiple shells, and outer shells which could transform themselves and even combine with their inner robots.

The 1-inch-tall [[Micromaster]]s attempted to capitalize on the popularity of the Micro Machine toyline. They were originally sold in carded 4-member "patrols", and later with various bases and vehicles. Micromasters tended to have realistically styled vehicle forms. Though the first five patrols featured relatively diverse transformation schemes, as the subline proliferated, their designs would become extremely standardized.

===Pretenders===
====Autobots====
'''Small Autobot Pretenders'''
* [[Pincher]]
* [[Doubleheader]]
* [[Longtooth]]
'''Autobot Pretender Classics'''
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
* [[Jazz]]
'''Autobot Legends'''
* Bumblebee
* Grimlock
* Jazz
::''The Legends figures were identical to the Pretender Classics' inner robots, but lacking the Pretender shell. They were exclusively available from KMart stores.
'''Autobot Mega Pretenders'''
* [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]]
* [[Vroom]]
'''Autobot Ultra Pretenders'''
* [[Skyhammer]]
=====Notes=====
* Powermaster Optimus Prime, the Autobot Cassette two-packs of Rewind/Steeljaw, Ramhorn/Eject and Grand Slam/Raindance and the Large Autobot Pretenders were also still available.

====Decepticons====
'''Pretender Monsters'''
* [[Icepick]]
* [[Bristleback]]
* [[Wildfly]]
* [[Scowl]]
* [[Slog]]
* [[Birdbrain]]
'''Small Decepticon Pretenders'''
* [[Octopunch]]
* [[Stranglehold]]
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]
'''Decepticon Pretender Classics'''
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
'''Decepticon Legends'''
* Starscream
::''The Legends figures were identical to the Pretender Classics' inner robots, but lacking the Pretender shell. They were exclusively available from KMart stores.
'''Decepticon Mega Pretenders'''
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]
'''Decepticon Ultra Pretenders'''
* [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]
=====Notes=====
* The Decepticon Cassette two-packs of Slugfest/Overkill and Squawktalk/Beastbox and the Large Decepticon Pretenders were also still available.

[[Image:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Here a novelty; soon an infestation.]]

===Micromasters===
====Autobots====
'''Micromaster Autobot Patrols'''
* [[Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain]] & [[Tote]])
* [[Race Car Patrol]] ([[Tailspin]], [[Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]] & [[Swindler]])
* [[Rescue Patrol]] ([[Seawatch]], [[Stakeout]], [[Fixit]] & [[Red Hot]])
* [[Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot]], [[Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner]] & [[Flak]])
'''Micromaster Autobot Transports'''
* [[Erector]]
* [[Overload (G1)|Overload]]
'''Micromaster Autobot Stations'''
* [[Hot House]]
* [[Ironworks]]
'''Micromaster Autobot Bases'''
* [[Groundshaker]]
'''Micromaster Autobot Rocket Base'''
* [[Countdown]]
====Decepticons====
'''Micromaster Decepticon Patrols'''
* [[Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]], [[Whisper (Decepticon)|Whisper]] & [[Tailwind]])
* [[Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Detour]], [[Blackjack]], [[Hyperdrive]] & [[Road Hugger]])
'''Micromaster Decepticon Transports'''
* [[Flattop (Decepticon)|Flattop]]
* [[Roughstuff]]
'''Micromaster Decepticon Stations'''
* [[Greasepit]]
* [[Airwave]]
'''Micromaster Decepticon Bases'''
* [[Skyhopper]]
'''Micromaster Decepticon Jet Command Center'''
* [[Skystalker]]

==1990==
===Overview===
[[Image:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Action Master [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], reintroducing a character from the line's early years.]]

Like 1989 before, 1990 also effectively saw two almost distinct Transformers sub-lines being available concurrently: the vastly-expanded Micromasters, and the non-transforming [[Action Master]] figures. The Micromasters came both in the $5 carded patrols and with transforming bases, some of which were quite large. The Actionmasters likewise came as carded figures with small transforming partners, and also with larger boxed vehicles.

The [[Generation 1 Europe (toyline)|European version of the "G1" line]], which continued after Hasbro had abruptly cancelled the line in the USA, would furthermore add the "Classics" sub-line to the mix.

Waning popularity led to the line's cancellation at this point; ''Transformers'' disappeared from shelves for two years, not returning until the debut of ''[[Generation 2]]''.

===Micromasters===
====Autobots====
'''Micromaster Autobot Patrols'''
* [[Construction Patrol]] ([[Neutro]], [[Groundpounder]], [[Crumble]] & [[Takedown]])
* [[Air Patrol]] ([[Sky High (Micromaster)|Sky High]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Eagle Eye]], [[Blaze Master]] & [[Tread Bolt]])
* [[Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke]], [[Big Hauler]] & [[Heavy Tread]])
* [[Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy]], [[Trip-Up]], [[Greaser]] & [[Hubs]])
'''Micromaster Autobot Combiner Squads'''
* [[Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner]], [[Oiler]], [[Slide]], [[Power Run]] & [[Strikedown]])
* [[Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser]], [[Blast Master]], [[Moonrock]], [[Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Autobot)|Barrage]] & [[Heave]])
'''Micromaster Autobot Combiner Transports'''
* [[Missile Launcher]] (with [[Retro]] & [[Surge]])
* [[Tanker Truck]] (with [[Pipeline]] & [[Gusher]])
'''Micromaster Combiner Autobot Battlefield Headquarters'''
* [[Battlefield Headquarters]] with [[Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow]]
=====Notes=====
* The Micromaster Transports Overload and Erector, the Micromaster Stations Hot House and Ironworks and the Micromaster Autobot Rocket Base Countdown were also still available.
====Decepticons====
'''Micromaster Decepticon Patrols'''
* [[Race Track Patrol]] ([[Roller Force]], [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog]] & [[Motorhead]])
* [[Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock]], [[Tracer (Decepticon)|Tracer]], [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]] & [[Growl]])
'''Micromaster Decepticon Combiner Squads'''
* [[Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (Decepticon)|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch]], [[Fireshot]] & [[Vanquish]])
* [[Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (Decepticon)|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1 Decepticon)|Sledge]], [[Hammer (Decepticon)|Hammer]], [[Grit (Decepticon)|Grit]] & [[Knockout (G1 Decepticon)|Knockout]])
'''Micromaster Decepticon Combiner Transports'''
* [[Cannon Transport]] (with [[Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head]])
'''Micromaster Combiner Decepticon Anti-Aircraft Base'''
* [[Anti-Aircraft Base]] with [[Blackout (G1)|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot]]
=====Notes=====
* The Micromaster Transports Flattop & Roughstuff, the Micromaster Stations Greasepit and Airwave and the Micromaster Decepticon Jet Command Center Skystalker were also still available.

===Action Masters===
====Autobots====
'''Autobot [[Action Master]] Figures'''
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] with [[Anti-Tank Cannon]]
* [[Jazz]] with [[Turbo Board]]
* [[Rad (G1)|Rad]] with [[Lionizer]]
* [[Rollout (G1)| Rollout]] with [[Glitch]]
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] with [[Heli-Pack]]
* [[Blaster]] with [[Flight-Pack]]
* [[Jackpot]] with [[Sights]]
* [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button]]
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] with [[Hydro-Pack]]
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] with [[Tyrannitron]]
* [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy]]
* [[Kick-Off]] with [[Turbo-Pack]]
'''Autobot Action Master Action Blasters'''
* [[Turbo Cycle]] with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]
* [[Helicopter]] with [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]]
'''Action Master Autobot Vehicles'''
* [[Turbo Racer]] with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]
* [[Attack Cruiser]] with [[Sprocket]]
'''Action Master Autobot Armored Convoy'''
* [[Armored Convoy]] with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]

====Decepticons====
'''Decepticon Action Master Figures'''
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] with [[Wingthing]]
* [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut]]
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] with [[Scorpulator]]
* [[Krok]] with [[Gatoraider]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] with [[Fistfight]]
* [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp]]
'''Decepticon Action Master Action Blasters'''
* [[Off-Road Cycle]] with [[Axer]]
* [[Turbo Jet]] with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
'''Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicles'''
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s [[Neutro-Fusion Tank]]
*[[Gutcruncher]]'s [[Stratotronic Jet]]

[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Generation 1| ]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Simon Furman

2008-03-23T03:26:03Z

76.189.29.212:

[[Image:Simon-Furman.jpg|thumb|right|If even [[Swoop (G1)|'''Swoop''']]'s toy is tiny next to Simon Furman, [[Furmanism|what chance, then, do '''we''' have?]]]]Probably the most well-known of all Transformers comics writers, '''Simon Furman''' was editor and author for much of the [[Marvel]] UK run, and began writing for the Marvel US comic after writer [[Bob Budiansky]] left.

Since then, Furman has also written Transformers comics for [[Dreamwave Productions]], [[IDW Publishing]], and [[3H]], and scripted the final episode of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]], "[[Nemesis Part 2]]".

He has also written and created many non-Transformers characters, including [[Death's Head]] with [[Geoff Senior]] and "Brute Force" with [[Jose Delbo]]. He is an editor at [[Titan Books]], which publishes collections of Transformers comics, among other material.

Furman is a highly prolific writer, and well-regarded in the [[fans|fandom]]. As a result he is often the first, last, and occasionally ''only'' resort in penning Transformers literature, with a deep involvement a wide variety of product. Notably, he penned ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'', a book which described the background of several continuities of which he was not particularly involved in crafting. This book has seen significant criticism for being biased towards comic [[canon]] (particularly that which he penned) and in places, inventing continuity wholecloth without any precedent in prior fiction. In such instances it has since been assumed that Furman was filling in neglected areas of the (at the time underdeveloped) Dreamwave continuity.

Contrary to the popular opinion that he is an outspoken critic of the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' animated series]], Furman has stated in an interview that he loves the series, and explained that when he was involved the Marvel comic books as a twenty-something year old writer, he thought the show was pitched a little young, stories were simplistic and had huge logic flaws, but conceded that he saw them from a different perspective than the generation that grew up watching the cartoon and buying the toys as kids, and so he concentrated on his work which he believed was more 'adult' in tone. He added that in hindsight he went back to watch the series and now really enjoys it, particularly Season 2's strong character stories. When he wrote for Marvel comics, he was averse to episodes that dealt with the character back-stories because they clashed with his own back-stories, and also caused him to worry that he wasn't presenting the characters as intended. But now he has the freedom to take the series as a viewer and admire the way they were building upon their own mythos.

In the same interview, he thought the [[The Transformers: The Movie (1986)|the animated movie]] was 'fantastic', and one of his stated reasons was that 'characters died'. <ref>Simon Furman's interview on Madman Entertainment's ''Beast Wars'' Season 3 DVD set</ref>

Not surprisingly, Furman enjoys drinking [[Corona]] and killing off hordes of background characters.

==Fiction==
===Unicron Trilogy continuity===
The flesh creature known as Simon Furman pleases [[Unicron]] with his accurate depiction of Unicron's omnipotent magnificence. {{storylink|The End}}

{{note|In the final issue of [[Dreamwave]]'s [[Armada (Dreamwave comic)|''Armada'' comic]], Unicron used his ability to gaze across parallel dimensions into a world where he was only a comic-book character, and answer letters from readers. He was apparently unaware this issue ended with his defeat.}}

===Titan Magazines===
According to [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], Furman is a Maximal disguised as a "strategically shaved ape. Especially on his head." {{Storylink|Transformers Comic issue 7}}

==Comic bibliography==
* [[Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)#Marvel UK|Marvel UK]] #13–21, 29–32, 45–50, 59–65, 74–88, 96–104, 113–120, 125, 130–139, 146–153, 160–161, 164–173, 182–189, 198–205, 213–332
* [[Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)#Marvel US|Marvel US]] #56–80
* [[Generation 2 (comic)|''Generation 2'']] #1–12
* [[The War Within|''The War Within'' vol.1]] #1–6, [[The_War_Within:_The_Dark_Ages|vol.2]] #1–6, [[The_War_Within:_Age_of_Wrath|vol.3]] #1–3
* [[Armada (comic)|''Armada'']] #6–18
* [[Energon (comic)|''Energon'']] #19–30
* "[[Perspective]]", from the ''[[Dreamwave Summer Special]]''
* ''[[Infiltration]]'' #0–6
* ''[[Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer]]'' #1–4
* ''[[Escalation]]'' #1–6
* ''[[Devastation]]'' #1–6
* ''[[Spotlight]]'' #1–6,8,9, 11–13
* ''[[The Gathering]]'' #1–4
* ''[[The Ascending]]'' #1–4
* ''[[Prime Directives]]'' #1–4 (with [[Chris Ryall]])
* [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|''Transformers'' UK magazine]] #1–Present

==References==
<references />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Furman, Simon}}
[[Category:Convention guests]]
[[Category: Dreamwave]]
[[Category: IDW]]
[[Category: Mainframe]]
[[Category: Marvel Comics]]
[[Category:Writers]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>