MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Jazz (G1)/toys

2018-02-22T02:49:34Z

Superdude056: /* Generation 1 */

{{suite}}
{{Picsneeded|toys that don't yet have images}}

[[File:G1 packagingart Jazz.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Don't be racist. Be like the panda. They're black, white, and Asian.]]
'''[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]''' has appeared as many toys. All of them cool.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Jazz''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''06'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Photon rifle]], missile launcher, 3 missiles
[[File:G1 Jazz toy.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|At least he doesn't like music as much as [[Blaster_(G1)|Blaster.]]]]
:Originally a pre-''Transformers'' ''Diaclone'' Porsche 935 Turbo, Jazz was part of the original assortment of Autobots released in 1984. He transforms into a Martini Racing Porsche 935/76, specifically the Martini-sponsored 935 which won the first circuit of the [[Wikipedia:1976 World Championship for Makes season|1976 World Championship for Makes]], the Mugello Circuit. Like other Autobots who sported similar "sponsor" decals, however, Jazz's stickers deliberately misspell his sponsor as "Martinii". In [[robot mode]], he is armed with a silver [[photon rifle]] and a shoulder-mounted, spring-loaded rocket launcher that can fire three silver missiles.

:Like all his 1984 brethren, Jazz gained a heat-activated [[rubsign]] in 1985, added to the right-hand side of his hood. That same year, Jazz was also made available as a mail-away [[exclusive]] from [[Cookie Crisp]] cereal; this edition of the figure featured modified [[sticker]]s on its car doors that omitted the "Martinii" words, and entirely lacked the "Martinii Porsche" decals for the windshield and rear spoiler.

:Jazz was later reissued by [[Hasbro]] as part of the European and Australian ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' sub-line in 1990 and the ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series]]'' line in 2003, and by [[TakaraTomy|Takara/TakaraTomy]] as part of the ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' (2002) and ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' (2008) lines. See entries below for more details.

:This mold was also used to make (the originally Japanese-exclusive) [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Stepper]], later renamed Ricochet for Hasbro's reissue.

::*''[http://www.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-autobot-cars-jazz/84/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Jazz at Transformerland.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm More information on Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Pretender}}
[[File:Pretender Jazz toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|In a just world, Jazz's Pretender shell would look like Richard Roundtree.]]
* '''Jazz''' ([[Classic Pretender]], 1989)
**''Accessories:'' 2-piece [[Pretender]] shell, helmet, rifle, laser

: The first new toy since the original, Classic Pretender Jazz is a highly simplified version of his original toy, still transforming into a Porsche 935 Turbo. He is armed with a black gun (named only a "laser" in his instructions, but given the dramatic identifier of a "semi-automatic ion pulse gun" in his [[Tech Spec]]s), which can mount on his roof in vehicle mode.

:Jazz's two-piece Pretender shell resembles a human in a blue and white armored space suit with a removable helmet. The shell is armed with a large black rifle (a "photon rifle", to be precise, according to his Tech Specs), and when Jazz is stored inside, it can also hold the smaller robot's laser, thanks to the weapon's multi-width peg.

:And yes, there's certainly something odd about a white-skinned Jazz. Cultural appropriation or just a designer who didn't know his source material? [[You]] decide.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm More information on Classic Pretender Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Legend}}
* '''Jazz''' (Legend, 1989)
**''Accessories:'' Laser

:Available [[exclusive]]ly at American [[Kmart]] stores, the [[Legends (G1)|Legends]] version of Jazz is simply the inner robot of the Classic Pretender toy without the shell or its accessories, leaving him only a small handgun.... however, it happens to be ''[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Bumblebee's]]'' gun. (Legends Bumblebee has Pretender Jazz's gun.)

{{-}}{{anchor|HeroSet}}
[[File:G1toy japanese legends giftset.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Hero Set''' (Multi-pack, 1989)
**''Accessories:'' Laser

: In Japan, Legends Jazz was only available in a boxed "Hero Set" with the Legends versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Hero Set|Bumblebee]], [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#HeroSet|Grimlock]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Heroset|Starscream]]. Jazz was however not identical to the Hasbro release as the factory applied sticker on the car hood is applied upside down.

: In Italy, [[GiG]] released their own version of the Hero Set, named "Set Commandos", instead of the Classic Pretender versions of the toys. Here, Jazz was named "Folgore", originally the Italian name of [[Hot Rod]]. The "Set Commandos" toys were identical to the Japanese "Hero Set" versions.

{{-}}{{anchor|ActionMaster}}
[[File:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now he can shred the streets on his board.]]
* '''Jazz w/ Turbo Board''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Italian Name:'' '''Bionic'''
**''Accessories:'' "Electromagnetizer Gun", Turbo Board

: [[Action Master]] Jazz's sculpt was based upon his cartoon model, but with some of the toy details added in. As with most Action Master figures, he cannot transform, but his [[Turbo Board]] partner can transform from a skateboard into a large blaster weapon. Jazz was part of the first wave of individual Action Master figures.

: There are reportedly several minor variations of this figure, all regarding the color of his headlights. Some have them unpainted, while others are light blue or greenish-blue.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm More information on Action Master Jazz at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[File:G1toy classic heroes jazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
* '''Classic Jazz''' (1990)
**''Accessories:'' Photon rifle, missile launcher, 3 missiles
:Jazz was reissued in Europe and Australia in 1990 as part of the ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line. This version was identical to the original toy, with the exception of the missing "Martinii" logos on the door decals, like on the Cookie Crisp version. Unlike the Cookie Crisp version, however, this version did include the "Martinii Porsche" decals for the windshield and the rear spoiler.
{{-}}

===Generation 2===
[[File:G2 Jazz.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Jazz''' (Autobot Car, 1993)
**''Accessories:'' "Photon Rifle", missile launcher, 2 missiles

:''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' Jazz is a slight [[retool]] and (literal) [[repaint]] of the original toy. The chrome feet have been narrowed, omitting two tabs. His face (apparently degraded from [[mold]] usage) now has a strange unintentional smirk. His roof has been retooled with a small hole to accommodate his new bright green, spring-loaded missile launcher. All of his "Martinii" stickers have been replaced with various new stickers depicting his name and the number "1" laid over a rainbow-colored musical note.

:This mold became the basis for future reissues of Jazz, minus the roof hole retooling but retaining his smirk.

: The missile launcher was not created for the ''Generation 2'' line, but came from the [http://www.yojoe.com/action/91/snowserpent2.shtml Snow Serpent] from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' toyline. The same launcher was used in the ''Generation 2'' re-releases of [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys|Sideswipe]] and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1993/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm More information on Generation 2 Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LaserCycle}}
[[File:LaserCycleJazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|He's ready to [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/tech-specs/Generation-2-Tech-Specs/1995-Transformers-Tech-Specs/Jazz__1995_.jpg.html smash Decepticons like he jams on his guitar!] Uh, assuming he has an Autobot guitar somewhere. They [[Rock Bot (G1)|didn't actually make those]].]]
*'''Jazz''' (Laser Cycle, 1995)

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Laser Cycle]] [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] was planned as Jazz, but like many other planned late-1995 ''Generation 2'' redecos, ultimately never saw release. Interestingly, many of these — including Jazz and fellow Laser Cycle redeco [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#LaserCycle|Soundwave]] — ''were'' solicited in various store catalogues, such as the Sears Wish Book. Some packaged samples of this toy do exist, but there are estimated to be less than a dozen in existence. Jazz would have transformed from a white, yellow, and green Yamaha GTS1000 motorcycle, with an LED-lit arm-mounted buzzsaw that formed part of his rear wheel assembly in cycle mode.

: This mold was later [[retool]]ed to make ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] and ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' Road Rocket.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===The Transformers Collection===
[[File:G1toy tfc jazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
* '''Meister''' (Transformers Collection, [[2002]]-[[July 20|07-20]])
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
**''Accessories:'' "[[Photon rifle]]", missile launcher, 3 missiles

: Jazz was the first entry in Takara's ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' series of reissues, featuring collectible "book-box" packaging. The figure uses the retooled version of the Jazz mold used in ''Generation 2'', with narrower feet, though the peg-hole in his roof has been removed. Continued degradation of the mold in the intervening years led to further problems with the toy: in addition to the overall looseness of its joints, the toy's face is further deteriorated from the ''Generation 2'' use of the mold, now displaying a gape-mouthed smirk (see inset in picture), and its roof and rear windows no longer align perfectly.

: In addition to these unfortunate, unintentional changes from the original, some intentional changes were made to the figure's stickers. The original toy's "Martinii" sponsor decals on his hood and door are modified to instead display his Japanese name, "Meister", while the "Martinii Porsche" decal across the top of his windshield now reads "Agent Meister".

: A second production run of this figure replaced the original toolings for the weapons with the modified versions that came with Hasbro's ''Commemorative Series'' reissue (see [[#Commemorative Series|below]]).

{{-}}{{anchor|Gold}}

===Collector's Edition===
[[File:Ehobby Meister.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bling bling~!!!]]
* '''Meister Gold Version''' (e-Hobby exclusive, 2002)
**''Accessories:'' "Photon Rifle", missile launcher, 3 missiles

: A ''[[Collector's Edition]]'' [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]], this version of Jazz is almost entirely constructed of vacuum-metalized gold plastic. Fingerprints and chipping, ahoy! It uses the degraded mold of the ''Transformers Collection'' figure, and was only available in a set with the "Anime Version" redeco of [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys|Bluestreak]]. Both figures came in the generic red Autobot packaging shared by nearly all eHobby figures.

: Though this redeco resembles Jazz's [[electrum]]-covered appearance in the episode "[[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon]]", this appears to be an unintentional coincidence; it is actually a recreation of an old ''[[Diaclone]]'' campaign prize.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/Jazz/jazz.htm More information on Meister Gold Version at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Commemorative Series===
* '''Autobot Jazz''' (Commemorative Series III, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' "[[Photon rifle]]", missile launcher, 3 missiles

: Hasbro's own reissue of the 1984 Jazz as part of the ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Generation One Commemorative Series]]'', now named "Autobot Jazz" for [[trademark]] reasons, is based on Takara's ''Transformers Collection'' version, retaining the ugly smirk and the "Agent Meister" stickers. The alignment problem with the roof and the rear windows has been fixed.

: The weapons have been heavily [[retool]]ed [[for safety reasons]]: The chrome finish is missing, the missiles have been elongated and can only be inserted one way, the nub on the back of the launcher has also been elongated, the launcher barrel can come off the mount, and the trigger has been altered as well.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/AutobotJazz/jazz.htm More information on Commemorative Series Jazz at TFU.info]''

===Universe (2003)===
[[File:TFU03-toy Jazz.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Well, he still can't see his toes, so that part's accurate...]]
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Spy Changer, 2004-2005)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

:[[Spy Changer]] Jazz is a redeco of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Side Burn (RID)#Spychanger|Spy Changer Side Burn]]. He transforms into a 1:64-scale [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|Dodge Viper]] with Jazz's classic white Martini Racing colour scheme and livery, via [[sticker]]s. Like all [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]] molds, he features high-speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly. His rifle is stored between his legs, acting as a tailpipe in vehicle mode.

:This toy was originally exclusively available at [[KB Toys]] stores in 2004, in generic ''Transformers'' packaging with no additional sub-line header. The same toy was later re-released in ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging in 2005, now available from discount chains such as Dollar General and Family Dollar.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/SpyJazz/jazz.htm More information on Universe Jazz at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[File:WSTF Meister.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Tiny Jazz]]

* '''Meister''' (2004)

:''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Jazz is a tiny replica of the original Jazz toy. His wheels do not roll, and he has a simplified [[transformation scheme]] with considerably more restricted articulation.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestJazz/jazz.htm More information on Smallest Transforming Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Alternators/Binaltech===
[[File:Alternators Meister.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Zoom zoom zoom!
Ya! zoomzoomzoom.]]
*'''Meister''' Mazda RX-8 (Alternator, 2004/2006)
**''Alternators ID number:'' '''7'''
**''Binaltech ID number:'' '''BT-08'''
**''Accessories:'' Muffler-blaster

:For the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line, "Meister" (the Hasbro release uses the Japanese-market name as well for a change) was given a new [[alternate mode]], namely a highly accurate, [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed]] 1:24 [[scale]] white [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|Mazda RX-8]]. He features an opening hood with engine, opening "suicide" doors and an opening trunk, as well as a detailed interior with seats and a dashboard complete with steering wheel. His front wheels feature a working "steering" mechanism (which is not connected to the steering wheel, though), and all four wheels are equipped with [[rubber tires]]. In robot mode, Meister is sculpted to resemble both the original Generation 1 Jazz toy and the G1 [[character model|cartoon model]]. He is armed with a rifle that transforms from his muffler; the peg used to attach the muffler in vehicle mode actually plugs into the holes on his forearms near the elbow joints, allowing the blaster to be attached there.

: Takara's ''Binaltech'' version of this sculpt differs from Hasbro's ''Alternators'' version by having his car shell partially constructed of [[die-cast]] metal, as well as having all the car body parts (including those made out of plastic) covered in paint and the side mirrors [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]], while the steering wheel is made of hard plastic. By contrast, the ''Alternators'' version has the car shell made entirely out of plastic (in standard white compared to the ''Binaltech'' version's slightly more creamy shade), the side mirrors are unpainted, and the steering wheel is made of a rubber-y plastic. Furthermore, there are some tooling differences as well: Like [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Streak/Silverstreak]] before, the ''Binaltech'' version's steering wheel is placed on the right side of the dashboard (like on a Japanese car), whereas it's located on the left side on the ''Alternators'' version (like on an American car). In addition, the ''Binaltech'' version's "steering" mechanism uses a magnet assembly to connect the steering axle to the front wheels (which are attached to the robot mode shoulders), whereas the ''Alternators'' version uses a plastic insertion point. The ''Binaltech'' version also comes with a large Autobot [[insignia]] sticker that can be applied to a real car.

: This toy was redecoed into the simultaneously available "Velocity Red Mica Edition" (see below), and later retooled into a Mazdaspeed RX-8 as [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Shockblast/Laserwave]], the [[Autorooper]], and later as Argent Meister (see below).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/AltMeister/meister.htm More information on Alternators Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ZoomZoom}}
[[File:BTtoy velocity red meister.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Meister Velocity Red Mica Edition''' (Binaltech, 2004)
**''ID number:'' '''BT-08'''
**''Accessories:'' Muffler-blaster

: Simultaneous with his standard release, ''Binaltech'' Meister was also available in a red variant in its own unique packaging. The two figures shipped in cases together in an equal ratio. All of the regular version's white parts, both plastic and metal, are replaced with red, while the panels on the upper hips that are painted teal on the "white" version are painted silver. This version also includes the Autobot car sticker.

: Velocity Red Meister was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as the separate character [[Zoom-Zoom]] by the official ''Binaltech'' fiction.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/Zoom-Zoom/zoom-zoom.htm More information on Velocity Red Meister/Zoom-Zoom at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Mayuko}}
[[File:BinaltechMayukoIwasaMeister.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|More embarrassing: the color scheme, or the fact model Iwasa was 17 at the time she designed it?]]
*'''MEISTER feat. MAZDA RX-8 ~'''MAYUKO IWASA''' Edition~''' (Binaltech, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-08'''
**''Accessories:'' Muffler-blaster

:A one-of-a-kind pastel blue, pink, yellow, and indigo redeco of the Binaltech Meister toy, ~MAYUKO IWASA Edition~ Meister was designed and autographed by Japanese "[[wikipedia:gravure idol|gravure idol]]" [[Mayuko Iwasa]]. Yahoo!Japan Auctions listed the figure for auction starting [[September 19]]th 2004, with the auction ending on [[September 26]].<ref name="auction1">[http://web.archive.org/web/20040926033130/http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k7991073 Original auction] for "Mayuko Iwasa" Meister at Yahoo! Japan auctions, archived version.</ref> However, they relisted the figure on [[October 8]]th 2004 (seemingly due to an issue arising between the original buyer and the charity, going by its feedback<ref name="auctionfeed">[http://rating5.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/show/rating?userID=npo_actas_charity&u=npo_actas_charity&filter=&extra=&role=&apg=2 feedback rating Feedback] for original auction of "Mayuko Iwasa" Meister at Yahoo! Japan auctions, archived version.</ref>), and the auction finally finished on [[October 15]], 2004.<ref name="auction2">[http://web.archive.org/web/20041012014838/http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k8718622 Re-listing] for "Mayuko Iwasa" Meister at Yahoo! Japan auctions, archived version.</ref> The winner of the auction also received a signed photograph of Iwasa.

:All proceeds of the sale went to the Asian Children Orphaned by Traffic Accidents Support Association (ACTAS).<ref name="auctionnews">[http://tformers.com/transformers-bt-08-meister-mayuko-iwasa-edition-auction/3555/news.html TFormers news story] about the auction for "Mayuko Iwasa" Meister.</ref> In contrast to the placard in its public appearance at the "Binaltech BT-08 Meister / Mazda RX-8 Launch Event", the auction gave the designation of the toy as the "Original Coloring Transformer Binaltech BT-08 Meister feat. Mazda RX-8" (オリジナルカラーリングトランスフォーマー　バイナルテック　ＢＴ－０８　マイスターｆｅａｔ．マツダ　ＲＸ－８).

:To date, ~MAYUKO IWASA Edition~ Meister has never been seen in robot mode.

::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/event/0409coredo.htm More images of ~MAYUKO IWASA~ Edition Meister at Autobase Aichi]''
{{-}}{{anchor|Argent}}
[[File:Binaltech ArgentMeister.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|What's crackin'?]]
*'''Argent Meister''' (Binaltech, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-20'''
**''Accessories:'' Muffler-blaster

: One of the first releases of the short-lived (and final) revival of the ''Binaltech'' line, this version of Meister utilizes the "Mazdaspeed Version II" retooled RX-8 body introduced with [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Shockblast/Laserwave]], but using the original Meister head and left hand, rather than Shockblast's arm cannon. It is touted as a "Movie Version", somewhat resembling the look of the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], due to its silver paint job. The name is a pun on his Japanese function, "Agent Meister", and the Latin-derived word "argent" for "silver".

:Argent Meister was only released in Japan, with no direct ''Alternators'' counterpart.
{{-}}

===Encore===
* '''Meister''' (Encore, Japan 2008)
**''ID number:'' '''08'''
**''Accessories:'' "[[Photon rifle]]", missile launcher, 3 missiles

: Another Takara reissue of the original 1984/1985 Jazz/Meister toy, following the success of the [[Transformers (film)|2007 Movie]].

: For the most part, the tooling is identical to the second production run of the 2002 ''Transformers Collection'' release, with the modified weapon from Hasbro's ''Commemorative Series'' release. The face uses the fixed mouth originally made for the ''Transformers Collection''/''Commemorative Series'' [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Stepper/Ricochet]] reissue from 2004. The feet are still the narrowed ''Generation 2'' version.

: Other changes unique to this version include the replacement of many stickers (such as the Autobot [[insignia]] on the hood/chest and the "Meister" decals on the doors) with tampographed versions, retooled shoulder mounted flame thrower aligned 90 degree from the axis but unlike the previous iterations, is quite difficult to maintain mounted, and a [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] painted blue visor.

===Universe (2008)===
{{anchor|uni2008}}[[File:Universe2008 LegendsG1Jazz.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Slightly less tiny Jazz.]]
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Legends Class, 2008)

:Legends class ''Universe'' Jazz, like the Legends class ''Universe'' [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], emulates Jazz's original toy rather than a modern vehicle re-imagination. Due to the budgetry limitation of Legends class toys, he features an altered transformation sequence and a limited number of [[paint operation]]s, which leave several car windows unpainted.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/LegendsUniJazz/jazz.htm More information on Universe 2008 Jazz at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
[[File:TF2010 deluxe SpecialOpsJazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|A Solstice with the 1984 robot mode and the 1989 rifle? Just gimme a skateboard and some nunchucks and I am the OMEGA JAZZ!]]
*'''Special Ops Jazz''' (Deluxe, 2010/2011)
**''Accessories:'' "Blaster," two speakers

: Part of the fifth wave of [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] Deluxe class toys, Special Ops Jazz transforms from robot into a "street rally" white sports car that looks like Jazz's original Porsche front-end wearing [[Jazz (Movie)|Pontiac Solstice]] headlights for a hat. Jazz has deployable speakers in both robot and vehicle mode,<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2010-hasbro-designers-panel-170066/</ref> and his rifle is an update of his [[Classic Pretender]] weapon. The speakers can also combine with his rifle via clips to form a super rifle, or they can be used on any other clip-compatible ''Transformers'' toy. A theme noticed in a few of the updated G1 Transformers is the backwards compatibility with the original character's weapons. Jazz is able to wield his G1 toy's shoulder rocket launcher on his neck though sadly both his original toy's photon rifle and his Pretender figure's weapon are incompatible with the toy. As part of the first wave of the "[[Reveal the Shield]]" promotion, he sports a [[rubsign]].

: This mold was later redecoed into ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#United 2|Stepper]], ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Longarm (SG)|Longarm]] and [[Stepper (SG)|Stepper]], and the mold's alternate head was used to make [[Treadshot (SG)|Treadshot]]. It was also retooled to make ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' [[Wheelie (G1)#Generations|Wheelie]] and ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Kick-Off (G1)#Timelines|Kick-Over]], and was ''intended'' to be retooled into ''Generations'' [[Nightbeat (G1)#Generations|Nightbeat]], who ended up as a retool of an [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Deluxe|entirely different sculpt]] instead.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm More information on Reveal the Shield Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{2010JazzMold}}
{{-}}

===United===
[[File:Unitedtoy-AutobotJazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|People are willing to pay more money for their Jazz to be whiter. ... wait, that doesn't sound right...]]
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Deluxe, [[2011]]-[[January 29|01-29]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''UN-12'''
**''Accessories:'' "Handgun", two speakers

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' toys, this redeco of Special Ops Jazz is cast in brighter non-metallic glossy white plastic, uses darker blue and red paints, and has a painted grill, feet, shins, stomach, rear windows, taillights, and wheel rims. He also has an Autobot logo on the hood and no rubsign. Unlike the earlier variants of Special Ops Jazz, ''United'' Jazz's forearms are molded in white plastic. The toy's packaging names his combined speaker-gun a "[[sonic cannon]] mode".

{{2010JazzMold}}
{{-}}

===Chronicle===
[[File:EZCollectionChronicleMeisterToy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Meister''' (EZ Collection, 2011)

:''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' EZ Collection Meister is... a redeco ([[repaint]]?) of ''Universe'' [[Legends Class]] Jazz. His visor is silver and a slightly different Autobot sigil from the Hasbro release. Like other ''Chronicle'' Legends toys, he is sold in a blindpacked box.

{{-}}

===Kre-O===
[[Image:KreO toy Jazz.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Mama says "[[Spock]] you Out".]]
* '''Autobot Jazz''' (2011)
**''Set number'': '''31146'''
**''Pieces'': '''122'''
**''Kreons'': Jazz, Race Driver
**''Accessories'': Pistol

: The Kre-O Jazz set is based primarily on Generation 1 Jazz in deco, with a head sculpt heavily based on ''Reveal the Shield'' [[#Transformers (2010)|Special Ops Jazz]]'s head, but with [[Live-action film series|Movie]] [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]'s silver coloration. He transforms into a generic sports car that doesn't really look like either of Jazz's alternate modes, with opening doors and a flip-up roof. Sadly, neither of these features is actually useful for inserting a driver (the gap left by opening the roof is too small, and the sides are blocked by unfortunately-placed horizontal bars), but at least the thought was there.

: The included Jazz Kreon is based directly on his ''Generation 1'' self, with his characteristic coloration and deco, and "door wings." He also comes with a generic light gray gun used by some of the other Kreons that can resemble Jazz's [[photon rifle]] if you squint hard enough. The "Race Driver" Kreon wears a red and light gray racing suit and helmet, and also has a light gray baseball cap so he doesn't have to wear his helmet all the time. How thoughtful!

: This set shows signs of having been slightly redesigned late in production. Included among the pieces is a red seat which is not used in either mode; there is an obvious place where it "belongs" in the middle of the car's cabin, but it cannot actually fit there due to other parts interfering. (Interestingly enough, a certain other company's equivalent piece ''will'' fit, thanks to its slightly different design.) Similarly, there is a black sticker with "vent" detailing which the builder is never instructed to apply anywhere, though according to stock photography, it is intended for Jazz's abdomen/pelvis section. Later releases of the set didn't include the seat, but still retained the unused sticker.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Kre-OJazz/jazz.htm More information on Kre-O Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|UltimateVehiclePack}}
[[File:KreO-Toy UltimateVehiclePack.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
* '''Ultimate Vehicle Pack''' (2012)
**''Set number'': '''A4583'''
**''Pieces'': '''279'''
**''Kreons'': Bluestreak, Sideswipe

:This [[Red Bucket|bucket]] contains unchanged versions of the Jazz (sans Kreons), [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#74pc|Bumblebee]] and [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#90pc|Optimus Prime]] sets, as well as the [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Bluestreak]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Sideswipe]] Kreons.

{{-}}{{anchor|FigurePack}}
* '''Kreon Figure Pack''' (2013)

: A boxed set of five Kreons, with [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]], [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Red Alert]], [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Mirage]], Jazz and a fifth "mystery" Kreon; a randomly-packed robot Kreon from the first year of the line. There are no notable differences between these Kreons and the versions packed in with larger sets.

{{-}}{{anchor|Custom}}
[[File:kre-o_jazz_custom_kreon.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|As close to the Movieverse Kreon Jazz as we're ever going to get.]]
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Custom Kreon, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''A7318'''
**''Pieces'': '''43'''
**''Accessories'': Rack, twin cannons, sword, blaster, rifle, baton

: Part of the second wave of custom Kreons, Jazz comes with a buildable rack to store his customizable parts. His torso, arms, waist and legs have a metal-flake sheen, plus his [[tampograph]]s are more detailed than the ones on his original figure. His "normal" helmet and pistol (originally a Klingon disruptor from ''Kre-O [[Star Trek]]'') are chromed, plus he comes with transparent legs, torso and helmet. He also has a pair of extra arms (originally from the ''Kre-O Battleship'' aliens), a buildable backpack, buildable rifle, baton, sword, and the [[Wheeljack (Kre-O)|Wheeljack]] wimi-wing backpack.

:Though widely solicited, this wave of Custom Kreons ultimately never saw release outside of Chinese-market distribution circles.

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2014}}
*'''Kreon Class of 1984''' (Kreon figure set, 2014)

: This version of Jazz, voted "Most Rad" by the [[Kreon Class of 1984]], has much more toy-based [[tampograph]]s than his prior version.

:He was only available in a pack of 30 Kreons dubbed "Class of 1984". This set was made for sale at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2014. Remaining stock was meant to be sold at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] online, except the set sold out at the show.

===Generations===
[[File:Generationstoy-Jazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Deluxe, 2012)
**''Series / Number:'' '''01 / #002'''
**''Accessories:'' Blaster pistol

{{note|This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Jazz in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comics and as ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' Jazz.}}

: Part of the first wave of [[2012]] ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' "[[Jazz (WFC)|Autobot Jazz]]" transforms into a Cybertronian racer. His blaster pistol has a [[C joint|3mm hole]] running through it, and can mount via [[5mm post]] onto his roof, forearms/rear vehicle side, and hands.

:In robot mode, he features a case of [[Kibble#"Faux-parts"|faux parts]]: The centers of his feet are fake wheels (attached to the legs via [[Ratchet (mechanism)|ratchet joints]]) that are hidden in the rear section of his vehicle mode, while his real vehicle mode wheels end up on his forearms and on the sides of his chest (partially obscured by panels).

:A [[Variant#Colors and deco|running change variant]] of Jazz exists in the fourth wave, wherein his white plastic is darker and his translucent visor is cast in light blue instead of the previous extremely dark blue, allowing the light piping to work properly. The [[TakaraTomy]] release features an extensive paint job, with his white plastic being coated in grayish off-white paint, along with numerous additional details.

:This toy was redecoed/retooled into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/GenJazz/jazz.htm More information on ''War for Cybertron'' Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|UltimateGiftSet}}
[[File:Generationstoy-G2Jazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|We've gotten new toys of all the kinds of Jazz except the elusive "Utah" variant.]]
*'''Ultimate Gift Set''' (2012)
**''Accessories:'' "Blaster," two speakers

:This release of Jazz comes in a colorful deco in the festive spirit of the ''Generation 2'' [[#Generation 2|release]] of the original Jazz toy. He comes packed with Deluxe Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#UltimateGiftSet|Combat Hero Optimus Prime]], as well as unchanged releases of ''Generations'' Legends Class [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#UltimateGiftSet|Thundercracker]] and [[Motormaster (G1)#UltimateGiftSet|Motorbreath]].

:His back-of-the-[[Packaging|box]] [[stock photography]] depicts his blaster as white, yet the final product casts it in black plastic.

:The Ultimate Gift Set is exclusive to online retailers in the United States, but is available at general retail in Asia.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/GenUGSJazz/jazz.htm More information on Ultimate Gift Set Jazz at TFU.info]''
{{2010JazzMold}}
{{-}}

====Power of the Primes====
[[File:PowerOfThePrimestoy-Jazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Still a Martini, still a Porsche, all the more chill. ]]
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Deluxe Class, [[2017]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''PP-07'''
**''Accessories'': Blaster, Prime Armor/combiner hand, Prime Master gap filler/gun
:Transforming into a Le Mans-like racing car [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|subtly inspired by a Porsche 962]], the ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' version of Jazz is a mostly new mold that reuses the wheels and combiner peg of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Drag Strip (G1)#Generations|Dragstrip]]. Jazz can form a limb for any ''Combiner Wars''-style combiner. Fans wanting to open this figure should take note that almost all of the roof, hood, and front grill of the figure is simply clear plastic painted over, so be careful to avoid scratching or chipping these areas.

:Like all other ''Power of the Primes'' Deluxe Class figures, he comes with Prime Armor with a place for a [[Prime Master]] (and by extension, a [[Titan Master]], [[Enigma of Combination]], and [[Matrix|Matrix core]]) that can transform into a hand for a combiner. He also comes with a piece that can fill the gap in the chest armor or be held as a gun. Also like the other Deluxe Class figures, the instructions explaining how exactly the armor connects is extremely vague. To connect the armor, the grill portion of Jazz's chest has two indents that fit the tabs on the "thumbs" when inserted at a slight angle. While this matches up to both the instructions and the packaging art, it should be noted that the connection is rather loose. Curiously, Jazz's engineering includes wrist swivels, but the panels molded underneath his forearms renders them largely worthless. On another note, his Prime Armor was redecoed for [[Moonracer (G1)#Generations|Moonracer]] and [[Firestar (G1)#Generations|Novastar]].

:Curiously, the roof and upper section of his hood both sport the iconic Martini racing stripes that were also present in the original Generation 1 figure. [[Copyright|Hopefully, nothing will go wrong.]]

:In November of 2017, ''Power of the Primes'' Jazz became the center of a minor controversy when it was discovered that the figure's deco included the acronym "[[President of the United States|MAGA]]" in tiny [[Cybertronix]] text underneath Jazz's Autobot insignia ([[w:Donald_Trump presidential campaign, 2016|which, for those of you who have been living under a rock since 2016...]]). When reached for questioning, Hasbro responded that they had not sanctioned the political message and would address the issue with the vendor (corporate language for "freelance artist") responsible. <ref>[https://io9.gizmodo.com/uh-is-this-transformers-toy-a-trump-supporter-1820555691 Uh, Is This Transformers Toy a Trump Supporter?] </ref>

{{-}}

===Bot Shots===
[[Image:Bot Shots Jazz.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Jazz''' (Bot Shot, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''B014'''
***''Fist strength'': '''555'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''370'''
***''Sword strength'': '''695'''

:Jazz is part of the fourth wave of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'', transforming from a blue and white sports car with "4" decals into a [[super deformed]] robot when his front bumper is pressed. His head is heavily based on [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s head. This mold was also used for [[Drag Strip (G1)|Bot Shots Dragstrip]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/BSJazz/jazz.htm More information on Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SuperBot}}
[[File:BotShots 3pack Jazz.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Cindersaur / Optimus Prime / Jazz''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''Super Bot 008'''
***''Fist strength'': '''849'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''?'''
***''Sword strength'': '''262'''

:Part of the second wave of three-packs in Series 2, Super Bot Jazz is a redeco of the original Bot Shots Jazz mold in translucent white with blue wheels.

:The second wave of Series 2 three-packs didn't reach mass retail in the United States, only showing up in discount stores like Ross.

===BeCool===
[[Image:BeCool GreenSportsCar.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Green Sports Car (Autobot Jazz)''' (2013)
**''ID number'': '''B14'''

:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)#BeCool|BeCool]]'' "Green Sports Car" is a bright green redeco of ''Bot Shots'' Jazz with orange wheels, retaining the same blue stripes and "4" [[paint operation]]s. Instead of game stats, his chest stickers display images of his vehicle mode, a car's dashboard and a racing track.

{{-}}

===Q-Transformers===
[[File:QTransformers Meister.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|'''DEJA VU!''' He's running in the 90s!]]
*'''Autobot Meister''' ([[February 21|2-21]]-2015)
**''ID number:'' '''QT-11'''

:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Meister transforms from a [[super deformed]] Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 to a cute little robot. He comes with a code for unlocking Jazz as a playable character in the ''[[Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns (mobile game)|Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns]]'' game.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Stamp Bot===
{{anchor|Stamp Bot}}
*'''Jazz''' (Stamp Bot, 1984)
:Made by HG Toys, Stamp Bot Jazz is a small, non-poseable figurine of Jazz based on his toy with a rubber stamp on the base, and a cap with a felt "floor" that was soaked in ink. The stamp made an image of Jazz's sports car mode.

{{-}}
===Transformers Milk Caramel===
[[File:TFCaramel jazz.jpg|thumb|Nobody calls me yellow.]]
*'''Meister''' (1985)
:A soft rubber figurine—known in Japan as a ''keshigomu''— of Jazz was released as part of the second wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Milk Caramel]]'' [[candy toy]] range. He came packaged with chocolate-covered caramel candies, and was available in red, blue, and yellow.

{{-}}
===Decoy===
{{anchor|Decoy}}[[File:Jazz decoy.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1986)
:Jazz was among the many characters rendered by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] as part of their series of 1.5" ''keshigomu'' figurines. Like all the Autobots in the series, Jazz was molded in soft red rubber, and featured a number sculpted into his back that was the sum total of his [[Tech Spec]]s, for use in the various games that could be played with the figurines. Jazz was available as part of a 22-piece box set of Autobot figures, and later, in a peach coloration randomly packed as part of various other box sets.

*'''Jazz''' (1987)
**''Decoy number:'' '''13'''
:The figurine was later brought over to [[Hasbro]] markets as part of the [[Decoy]] promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, Jazz was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Jazz/jazz.htm More information on Decoy Jazz at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
[[File:HOC Jazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''Meister''' (Super Collection Figure. 2002)

:''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' Meister is a PVC figurine based on the cartoon rendition of Jazz. He was released as a regular coloured figure in Act 8 of the SCF line in August 2002,

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Heroes of Cybertron, 2003)

:The Hasbro version of the SCF Meister figure in the ''[[Super Collection Figure|Heroes of Cybertron]]'' was cast in blue plastic which was then almost completely painted, leaving the eyes and the back of the head unpainted to take advantage of a [[light-piping]] gimmick. Jazz was released in Wave 4 of the line, and came with the left leg needed to build [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Heroes of Cybertron|Fortress Maximus]].

{{-}}

===Generation 1 Figure-Collection===
[[File:Bottlecap jazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

*'''Meister''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-3'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base

:At only one inch in height, this Jazz "bottlecap" figurine (so named because its display base is the size of a bottlecap) was one of fourteen blindpacked figures available in Kabaya's Transformers [[Generation 1 Figure-Collection]]. The figure was rendered in a "retro" black and white color scheme, and came with a leaflet, personalized with cartoon screen captures.
::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/misc_item/kabaya_bottle.htm More information on the Generation 1 collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{-}}

===Hard Hero===
[[File:HardHero Jazz bust.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Shares the same fate as his movie counterpart.]]
*'''Jazz''' (2004)

:Jazz is number 12 in [[Hard Hero]]'s series of cold-cast porcelain ''Transformers'' busts, measuring six inches in height and sculpted holding his photon rifle in his right hand. Jazz was limited to 2500 pieces worldwide, with an additional 100 being specially signed by sculptor [[Jason Ray]].

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[File:Titanium RM Jazz.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Won't you take me to Funkytown?]]
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Robot Masters, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Muffler-blaster, Autobot display stand

:Titanium Jazz is a small, 3" non-transformable die-cast metal figurine based upon his ''Alternators'' design, but with a little bit of his "traditional" deco thrown into the mix. He has articulation in his waist, shoulders, and head.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/TitJazz/jazz.htm More information on ''Titanium Series'' Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Attacktix===
[[File:Jazz-atx.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|#1 Super Guy!]]
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Booster, <s>2007</s>)

:Jazz was one of many Generation 1 characters slated to appear in ''[[Attacktix]]''. A presumed wave-3 Booster, this piece was ultimately never released, but was shown at the ''Star Wars Celebration IV'' convention.

{{canceledattacktix}}

{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
[[File:Robotheroesjazzthundercracker.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Do the Hustle!]]
*'''Autobot Jazz and Thundercracker''' (2007)

:''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' Jazz is an adorable, [[super deformed]] figurine of Jazz, with limited articulation in his arms, but no head movement. He came packaged with [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]].

:This figurine was [[redeco]]ed into [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/RHG1Jazz/jazz.htm More information on ''Robot Heroes'' Jazz at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Boss Coffee===
*'''Meister''' (2008)

:A non-transforming PVC figure of Jazz was released as part of a promotion by [[Boss Coffee]]. The small figure was randomly included with single cans of the company's "Rainbow Mountain Blend" coffee, contained in a plastic capsule affixed to the top of can which then became a display base for the figurine once removed. Jazz features articulation at the shoulders and waist, and came with a small catalog leaflet that could be folded up and attached to the lid/base to form a diorama background for added display value.
{{-}}

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[File:Jazz statue.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|One cold cast cat.]]
* '''Jazz''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

: Jazz was released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2008 and exclusive to online retailer Big Bad Toy Store. He was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1000 pieces. The bust features both his photon rifle and shoulder-mounted rocket launcher, which, along with the car door pieces, are attached magnetically and are optional for display.

{{-}}

===Mighty Muggs===
[[File:MightyMuggs Jazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''Jazz''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Photon rifle, doors

: Part of the third wave of [[Mighty Muggs]], Jazz is a [[super deformed]], non-transformable PVC figure with articulated arms and head. He is made largely using the standard Mighty Muggs body mold, with the exception of the head, which uses the same "horn" mold as [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]. Jazz comes with a super-deformed photon rifle and a pair of car doors that attach to his back.

: Jazz and his wavemate [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockwave]] were initially reported to be canceled, but were eventually released as exclusives at Diamond Distributors and [[Toys"R"Us]] stores.

{{-}}

===Tiny Titans===
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Tiny Titans, 2015)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number: '''12/12'''

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/TTJazz/jazz.htm More information on ''Tiny Titans'' Jazz at TFU.info]''
{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

===Q-Transformers===
[[File:QTransformers Gacha Meister.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Meister''' (2016)

:A non-transforming figure of Jazz based on his appearance in the ''[[Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns (cartoon)|Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns]]'' cartoon was available as part of the ''Q-Transformers'' [[w:gashapon|capsule toy]] lineup.

{{-}}

===Transformers Figure Collection===
[[File:TF-Transformers-Figure-Collection-Jazz-Decoy.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Meister''' (01-2016)

:Standing 42mm tall, ''Transformers Figure Collection'' Meister is a non-poseable soft-rubber figure greatly based on a [[Decoy]] figure.

{{-}}

===Bitfig===
[[File:Bitfig-Part-1.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Meister''' (12-2016)
Part of the first wave of Transformers Bitfig capsule toys.
Meister's design is inspired by his appearance in the G1 cartoon, and is articulated at the neck and shoulders.
Bitfig toys were packaged in capsules color coded to the toy they contained.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:PorscheMiniSubaru.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
* The first toy planned for the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line was Jazz as a Porsche 986. A prototype was made, but Porsche refused to grant Hasbro and Takara the license, stating that "Transformers are not worthy [of] carrying the Porsche trademark. They are war machines, and the toyline in no way represents the lifestyle and ideas which Porsche represents."<ref>[http://www.tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24622 Former Porsche employee Addl recounting an informal inquiry with Porsche's licensing department at TF Archive]</ref> As a consequence, the toy ultimately never went into production. Photos of the prototype were depicted in the Japanese book ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'', and Hasbro later also displayed the prototype during the [[BotCon 2007]] Hasbro Tour.
* The ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' Mazda RX-8 (which ultimately ended up as Meister) was originally intended to be named "[[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]", according to various early store listings and a premature reply from Hasbro's customer service. This would also fit with the early idea of making the Alternators toys "direct updates" of their characters' G1 predecessors. A prototype was leaked to the public in early 2004 sporting the same basic colors as the later ''Alternators'' "Autobot Camshaft" toy (the Acura RSX), although it's uncertain whether the prototype colors for the RX-8 were supposed to be indicative of the proposed colors for Camshaft (since the Acura redeco was originally intended as a G1 Bluestreak [[homage]] before being renamed into "Autobot Camshaft"). The reason why the RX-8 Alternator was ultimately not named "Camshaft" was apparently because the real-life Mazda RX-8 car doesn't ''have'' a camshaft. The irony is staggering, as Camshaft's original toy was an RX-7, which ALSO lacks a camshaft.
* There have been at least two different reasons stated why the Hasbro toy was named "Meister" rather than "Autobot Jazz": For one, Hasbro was still hoping that Porsche would have a change of mind and grant them the license after all, as Chevrolet had done; also, Aaron Archer has been quoted stating that he thought a third toy named "Autobot someone" following "[[Hound (G1)|Autobot Hound]]" and "[[Tracks (G1)|Autobot Tracks]]" would have been somewhat "redundant".

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:Power of the Primes]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Spy Changers]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Bitfig]]

Laserbeak (G1)/toys

2018-02-22T02:41:10Z

Superdude056:

{{suite}}
[[File:G1instructions-Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|Complicated.]]
'''Laserbeak''' takes part in Operation: Open Your Wallet.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:LaserbeakG1toy.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|Sure, Soundwave comes with [[Buzzsaw_(G1)/toys#Generation_1|that other guy]], but you know you want me.]]
*'''Frenzy & Laserbeak''' (Cassette 2-pack, 1984/1985)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right laser guns

:Originally a ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "Micro Cassette Robo Condor", Laserbeak transforms into a microcassette that can fit into the tape door of the [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster (G1)/toys|Blaster]] toys. He was released in a two-pack with [[Frenzy (G1)/toys|Frenzy]] in Hasbro markets across 1984 and 1985; in the latter year, a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]] was added to the figure. His chromed thruster-blaster add-ons have some very minor mold variations to them, like several other early ''Transformers'' toys... which we're frankly not going to try and catalog which later reissues have which versions because ''argh''.

:This mold was also used to make [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Generation 1|Buzzsaw]], [[Garboil (G1)#Collector's Edition|Garboil]], and [[Sundor#Encore|Sundor]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Laserbeak/laserbeak.htm More information on Laserbeak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|G1Japan}}
[[File:G1toy japanese laserbeaks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Condor''' (Cassettron, 1985/1986/1987)
**''ID number:'' '''20''' (1985), '''D-60''' (1986), '''D-105''' (1987)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right laser guns, tape case

:1985 saw [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] release Laserbeak (AKA "Condor") in Japan, all on his lonesome. Some versions of the mold sported a thin horizontal ridge running parallel to his head/brow unlike the regular flat head/brow release. Like all his cassette contemporaries, he was packaged in a small box, came with a clear tape case he could be "stored" in. He was re-released in Japan in 1986, this time on a blister card, with a new ID number and without his case, and then again in 1987, with his original packaging and case reinstated, with yet another ID number.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Laserbeak/laserbeak.htm More information on Laserbeak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|Linkin}}
[[File:LPBuzzsawLaserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I remember each flash, as time began to blur]]
*'''Transformers Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition''' ([[September 23]], 2013)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right "Twin Mortor Cannons", tape case
:[[Linkin Park]] Laserbeak is a gold and ... also gold [[redeco]] of Buzzsaw. He's packaged with Linkin Park gold redecoes of [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Linkin|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Linkin|Ravage]], [[Ratbat (G1)#Linkin|Ratbat]] and Buzzsaw (whom he is completely identical to) on a flocked-purple plastic tray inside a special commemorative box. He has no stickers, factory-applied or otherwise. Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition was exclusive to [http://www.suru-la.com SURU] and limited to 2000 pieces.
{{-}}

===The Transformers Collection===
[[File:TFC reissue laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''10'''
**''Accessories:'' Left and right laser guns, tape case

:The original Laserbeak toy was reissued for the first time as part of Takara's ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' series, coming with a reissue of Soundwave. The set included the tape case from his original Japanese release, but featured noticeably lighter orange stickers in tape mode.
{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[File:Titaniumtoy laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (6" Cybertron Heroes)

:Among the smallest of all Transformers, ''Titanium'' Laserbeak is a tiny 1" wide rendition of his cassette form, though without the holes normally seen on tapes. Like the larger Soundwave figure he comes with, his design deviates somewhat from his original design, instead being black with red stripes. He also does not come with his [[jet pack]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/TitLaserbeak/laserbeak.htm More information on Titanium Laserbeak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[File:Timelinestoy laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Laserbeak and Buzzsaw''' (BotCon souvenir set, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right Energon blades, [[Energon star]]

:A [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]], Laserbeak transforms from a humanoid robot to a robotic bird of prey. He came with a pair of clear-blue blades that can combine to form a large [[energon weapon]], plus a blue Decepticon-style [[Energon star|energon chip]]. He was available only as a poly-bagged set with his mold-mate Buzzsaw, sold as an "at the show" souvenir set at [[BotCon 2006]], limited to 500 pieces.

:This mold was also used to make the Terrorcon [[Blackout (Terrorcon)|Shadowhawk Cosmo Type]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Predacon/BCLaserbeak/laserbeak.htm More information on Timelines Laserbeak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Classics===
[[File:Classicstoy laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Commemorative Edition, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right laser guns, tape cases

:Hasbro's first reissue of the original Laserbeak toy came packaged with Soundwave and "Battle" Ravage. The set was originally intended to be part of their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' of Generation 1 reissues, but when that line was cancelled, it was instead released as part of the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' toyline. The phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box, though, and it remains exclusive to [[Toys"R"Us]], as all Commemorative Edition toys were. Laserbeak features slightly more orangey-red paint on his body than normal, and comes with a tape case for the first time in Hasbro markets. He and Ravage can now both fit inside Soundwave at the same time, as this edition marked the first Hasbro release of Soundwave with the double-wide chest-door created for his Japanese Soundblaster retooling in 1987.
{{-}}

===Encore===
[[File:G1toy encore soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''03'''
**''Accessories:'' Left and right laser guns, tape case

:TakaraTomy made the original Laserbeak figure available again as part of their new ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' series of reissues. As with his ''Transformers Collection'' reissue, ''Encore'' Laserbeak features lighter orange labels.

{{-}}{{anchor|JapaneseMultipack}}[[File:G1toy encore19.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Great Cassette Operation vol.3''' (2009)
**''ID number'': '''19'''
**''Accessories:'' Left and right laser guns, tape case

:A second ''Encore'' reissue of Laserbeak came in the third in a series of cassette multi-packs, together with [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#JapaneseMultipack|Frenzy]], [[Overkill (G1)#JapaneseMultipack|Overkill]] and [[Rumble (G1)/toys#JapaneseMultipack|Rumble]]. This version was the first Japanese reissue to reinstate the darker orange stickers of original figure, but now features the more reddish-orange paint seen on Hasbro's ''Classics'' reissue. As with all the cassettes in the set, he came with his now-familiar clear cassette case.
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[File:Universe2008toy soundwave.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right laser guns, tape case
:In 2009, Laserbeak was included with yet another reissue of Soundwave as part of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, this time as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive that was prominently offered at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2009. Laserbeak still sports his more orangey-red paint job, and comes with his weapons and his own cassette case.
{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:Generationstoy-Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Now when he perches on Megatron's shoulder, everyone topples over.]]
*'''Laserbeak''' (Scout Class, 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right axes
:Laserbeak is a black, silver, and red [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Skystalker (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Skystalker]]. He transforms from a robot into a flying-wing-style stealth jet drone similar to the [[wikipedia:BAE Corax|BAE Corax]], with large engine intakes on both sides of the fuselage that resemble those of a [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit]] and sculpted zigzag patterns like those found on an [[Wikipedia:F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptor]]. Undocumented in the instructions, the two axes that peg into his palms as weapons for his robot mode can also clip directly to his forearms (giving them a superficial similarity to tonfa). For vehicle mode, they integrate into the stealth jet's wings. The robot mode feet are spring-loaded so the heels and toes collapse down and together when the feet are lifted off the ground. Laserbeak's head has been decoed in a way reminiscent of Laserbeak's pre-Earth form seen in the Generation 1 cartoon.

:Like Skystalker, Laserbeak has one undocumented feature: his vehicle mode can attach on top of Voyager Class [[Mindwipe (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Mindwipe's]] alternate mode via two pegs. Additionally, Laserbeak's axe/hook weapons can clip onto Mindwipe's shins.

:Laserbeak was first released to Asian markets with entirely English ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' packaging, but later was released also in North America in ''Generations'' packaging that was in both English and Chinese to lampshade the toy's origin.

:This mold was also used to make [[Sunspot]] and Tokyo Toy Show-[[exclusive]] Generation 2 [[Smokescreen (G2)#TokyoToyShow|Smokescreen]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/GDOLaserbeak/laserbeak.htm More information on ''Generations'' Laserbeak at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|FOC}}
[[File:Generationstoy-FOCLaserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Voyager Class, 2012)
**''Series / Number'': '''1 / #001'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TG13'''
:{{note|The Hasbro deco of ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Laserbeak (WFC)#Generations|Laserbeak]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Laserbeak in IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic series while the TakaraTomy deco was used as ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' Laserbeak.}}

: Part of the first wave of 2012-onwards ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Voyager Class toys, ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Laserbeak is a [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] "[[data disc]]" that transforms into a robotic bird. He is capable of storing in and launching out of Soundwave's chest compartment, and features a [[Autotransformation|fully automatic, spring-loaded transformation]] to bird mode that is triggered when a button on his underside is pressed.

: The [[TakaraTomy]] version of Laserbeak, part of the fourth wave of Japanese ''Generations'' toys, uses a deeper red plastic than the [[Hasbro]] version. Both versions use the same circuit-board pattern as mold-mate [[Buzzsaw (FOC)#Toys|Buzzsaw]], but the Hasbro version mirrors the pattern along the vertical axis.

: In both markets, Laserbeak was only available with his larger partner [[Soundwave (WFC)#GenerationsVoyager|Soundwave]].

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed into [[Buzzsaw (FOC)|Buzzsaw]] and [[Sunder (FOC)|Sunder]], and was also [[retool]]ed into [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/FOCLaserbeak/laserbeak.htm More information on Hasbro ''Generations'' Laserbeak at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://higekumatoytoy.blog60.fc2.com/blog-entry-1867.html More information on TakaraTomy Soundwave and Laserbeak at Alfes Toy Blog]''

{{-}}{{anchor|YOTGSoundwave}}
====Platinum Edition====
*'''Soundwave Year Of The Goat Edition''' ([[2014]]-[[March 23|03-23]])
{{Charstubtoys}}

{{-}}{{anchor|TitansReturn}}

====Titans Return====
[[File:TF-Titans-Return-Legends-Class-Laserbeak.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Batman|I am the vengeance... I am the night... I am...]] more black than red?]]
*'''Laserbeak''' (Legends Class, 2016)
: A redeco of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Buzzsaw]], ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Laserbeak can transform into his classic condor mode, a communicator, or a small forklift-like vehicle. The forklift mode features a peg intended for use with a [[Titan Master]] figure, and the communicator mode can connect with certain Leader Class figures from the ''Titans Return'' subline imprint, such as [[Blaster (G1)/toys#Titans Return|Blaster]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Titans Return|Soundwave]]. Like Buzzsaw, his stickers are prone to coming off at the edges, particularly in the areas that require transformation such as the wings.

:His headphone jack can actually accommodate headphones!

{{-}}

===Masterpiece===
{{MPSoundwaveMold}}

[[File:Masterpiecetoy-Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2013-[[January 26|01-26]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-13'''
**''Accessories:'' Pink tape case

:Included with ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-13 Soundwave]], Condor features a very different transformation sequence that gives him a fully show-accurate design, with his jet thrusters no longer being separate accessories, all while transforming into a mini-cassette the same size as his ''Generation 1'' toy, which means that he is perfectly capable of fitting in a G1 Soundwave toy. A small flip-up tab on his head hides the camera he used in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. He comes with a pink case which can be used to store him in tape mode. Care should be used when transforming this figure, particularly around the jet thrusters, as both the arms connecting the thrusters to the main body, as well as the winglets on top of thrusters are prone to breakage.

:This mold was later [[repaint]]ed into [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Masterpiece|MP-16 Buzzsaw]].

{{-}}{{anchor|HasbroMasterpiece}}
[[File:TRU Masterpiece Soundwave-Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2013)
**'''09 OF 30'''
**''ID number:'' '''MP-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Clear tape case

:Included with the [[Hasbro]] [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]]-exclusive version of ''Masterpiece'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Soundwave]], Laserbeak features a slightly brighter shade of red paint, and comes with a clear version of his micro-cassette case. Much like its overseas counterpart, this figure is also prone to breakage in the same areas.
{{-}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|SDCC2014}}
*'''Kreon Class of 1984''' (Kreon figure set, 2014)

: A brick version of Laserbeak's cassette mode was available as an accessory in a pack of 30 Kreons dubbed "Class of 1984". This set was made for sale at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2014. Remaining stock was sold at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] online.

{{-}}{{anchor|Wiseguy}}
[[File:KreO-toy SoundwaveWiseguy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|And be a juke. Box. Vil-lain.]]
*'''Wiseguy Soundwave''' (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
**''Collection'': '''2'''
**''Set number'': '''B0955'''
**''Accessories'': Stand-plate, clip-on bird, 2 pistols

:Part of the second wave of Kreon Warriors, "Wiseguy Soundwave" includes a clip-on bird that's painted like Laserbeak and probably ''is'' but is not actually labeled as such.

:The Kreon Warriors, while originally slated for U.S. release, never actually got released there, not even at clearance chains. The sets did get released in Canada, Australia, and Asian markets. And unfortunately, the bags lack individual code numbers to tell what's inside.

{{-}}{{anchor|Knight}}
*'''Knight Soundwave''' (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
**''Collection'': '''2'''
**''Set number'': '''B0955'''
**''Accessories'': Stand-plate, clip-on bird, double-bladed pike, orc shield

:Soundwave's second Kreon Warrior, also part of the second collection, also has a clip-on "Laserbeak"-y bird, but this one is deco'd up to look wooden.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleChangers}}
[[File:Kre-O-Battle-Changers-2-pack-Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Autobot Ratchet Vs. Soundwave''' (Battle Changer 2-pack, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B1507'''

:Laserbeak is included as one of Soundwave's partners/accessories. He becomes chest armor for Soundwave's robot mode, or a set of tailfins for spaceship mode.

:This set, like all the Battle Changers, originally only saw release in Canada, Australia, and Asian markets. It eventually saw release in the U.S. in late 2015 through discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
{{-}}

===Legends===
[[File:Legends LG38 Condor Apeface.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Condor & Apeface (Laserbeak & Apeface)'''<ref>The packaging says "コンドル&エイプフェイス" (Condor & Apeface) in Japanese, but the accompanying English subtitle is "Laserbeak & Apeface".</ref> (2016-[[December 28|12-28]])
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''LG38'''

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Condor is a redeco of [[#TitansReturn|''Titans Returns'' Laserbeak]] in a deco that features more red and gray, and the screen of his communicator mode depicts his traditional cassette mode as a background. He was only available in a two-pack with [[Apeface#Legends|Apeface]].
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Milk Caramel===
[[File:TFcaramel laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Condor''' (1985)
:A small, soft-rubber figurine of Laserbeak—known in Japan as a ''keshigomu''—was available as part of the first wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Milk Caramel]]'' line of [[candy toy]]s. He was available in a variety of colours, including white, blue, sky blue, yellow, green, and orange, and as a candy toy, came packaged with chocolate-covered caramel candies.

===Transformers Choco===
*'''Condor''' (1985)
:A solid-color, snap-together model kit of Laserbeak was released by Kabaya as part of their ''[[Transformers Choco]]'' line of candy toys. It was available in various colors, came with candy-coated chocolates, and could fit inside the chest of the larger ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' model kit of Soundwave.

===Decoy===
[[File:Decoy laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Destron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1986)
:Laserbeak was among the many characters released by Takara as part of their own larger series of ''keshigomu'' figures. Like all the Decepticons in the series, he was molded in soft purple rubber, and featured a number sculpted into his back that was the sum total of his Tech Specs, for use in the various games that could be played with the figurines. Laserbeak was available as part of a 22-piece box set of Decepticon figures, and later, in a peach coloration randomly packed as part of various other box sets.
:Laserbeak is notable for being the only one of Takara's original 52 ''keshigomu'' who was ''not'' imported by Hasbro as part of their "[[Decoy]]" promotion. Or at least, he is not included on the checklist packaged with the figures; collectors [[Jon Hartman|Jon]] and [[Karl Hartman]] believe it to be possible that Laserbeak was released by Hasbro, so if you have proof of Laserbeak on a Hasbro card, contact them!
{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
[[File:SCF HOC megatron laserbeak.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Megatron w/ Condor''' (2001)
:Released in the fourth wave of Takara's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' series of PVC figurines, this retool of the first ''SCF'' Megatron figure featured Laserbeak perching on his left arm. Like all the figures in the fourth wave, the pair were available in both standard full color and metallic silver "pewter" versions, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures. In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter version came packaged with the right arm of the collectable [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] build-a-figure.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/HoCMegatronLaserbeak/megatron.htm More information on ''Super Collection Figure'' Megatron w/ Condor at TFU.info]''

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Megatron with Laserbeak''' (2003)
:The ''Super Collection Figure'' version of Megatron and Laserbeak was later imported by Hasbro as part of their ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line. Unlike the Japanese figure, they were cast entirely in translucent red plastic and then painted over, save for a spot on Megatron's head that allowed for a [[light-piping]] effect, and came in blister packaging with a profile card. In a moment of alignment with the Japanese version, rare in ''Heroes of Cybertron'', this version of the figure also came with the right arm of the wave's Metroplex build-a-figure.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/HoCMegatronLaserbeak/megatron.htm More information on Heroes of Cybertron Megatron and Laserbeak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Mega Super Collection Figure===
[[File:MegaSCF laserbeak.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Megatron''' (2002)
**''ID number:'' '''03'''
:A PVC figurine of Laserbeak was included with this five-inch tall Megatron figure. Laserbeak was redoced into Buzzsaw for inclusion with the exclusive metallic redeco of the set available at Hobby Expo 2002 and Wonderfest 2002.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Destron/MegaSCFCondor/condor.htm More information on ''Mega Super Collection Figure'' Condor at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Q-Robo Collection===
[[File:Qrobo soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Laserbeak
:A super-deformed PVC of Laserbeak was included as an accessory with the ''[[Q-Robo Collection Figure|Q-Robo Collection]]'' version of Soundwave, which could fit into his chest as if in mid-ejection. Like all the figures in the series, it was sold blindpacked in a plastic capsule, and was also available in a translucent purple color scheme.
::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/figure/q_robo1.htm More information on the Q-Robo Collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{-}}

===Generation 1 Figure-Collection===
[[File:Bottlecap soundwave.JPG|thumb]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-3'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base
:Laserbeak sits perched on the shoulder of this Soundwave "bottlecap" figurine, so named because its display base is the size of a bottlecap. It was one of fourteen blindpacked figures available in Kabaya's Transformers [[Generation 1 Figure-Collection]], rendered in a "retro" black and white color scheme, which came packaged with a leaflet personalized with cartoon screen captures.
::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/misc_item/kabaya_bottle.htm More information on the Generation 1 collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{-}}

===Palisades Toys===
[[File:Pallisades laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Laserbeak Polystone Mini Statue''' (Action Figure Xpress exclusive, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Display base
:[[Palisades Toys]] produced a mini-statue of Laserbeak designed to interact with their 6" Soundwave statue release the previous year. Available exclusively through Action Figure Xpress and limited to only 750 pieces worldwide, Laserbeak could perch on Soundwave's outstretched arm, and came with his own small base to stand on so he could be displayed separately.
::*''[http://www.shopafx.com/trexlast.html More information on Laserbeak at Action Figure Xpress]''
{{-}}

===Transformers - Wall Plaque===
[[File:Soundwave plaque.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Diamond Select, 2006)

:Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2006, Soundwave was sculpted by [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1,000 pieces. He is seen emerging from the space bridge with Rumble, Laserbeak, and Ravage in tow.
{{-}}

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[File:Soundwave statue.jpg|thumb|An elegant but succinct summation.]]
* '''Soundwave''' (Diamond Select, 2007)

: Released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2007, Soundwave was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1,000 pieces. The sculpt features both his concussion blaster gun and shoulder cannon with Laserbeak perched on his left shoulder. His tape deck altmode is sculpted on the base of the bust.
{{-}}

===Attacktix===
[[File:Laserbeak-atx.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Laserbeak'''
:''[[Attacktix]]'' Laserbeak is a 10-point Trooper-type piece featuring a firing missile launcher on his back. The piece's base is shaped like Soundwave's arm, where Laserbeak rests while not in use. He is attached to the arm with a string, allowing him to take flight and get better shots at enemy pieces.

:While Hasbro showed off Laserbeak at some conventions, he was ultimately never released. Most of his in-game stats and abilities are as such unknown.
{{canceledattacktix}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[File:Robotheroesprowllaserbeak.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|CAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWnceled.]]
*'''Prowl vs Laserbeak''' (canceled)
:Seemingly captured in the middle of a wild take, this super-deformed ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' version of Laserbeak —sporting a distinctive orange beak inspired by his original [[package art]]—would have come packaged with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], but was regrettably canceled before release. This two-pack was not the only tail-end ''Robot Heroes'' set to meet this fate, but it was one of only a few to actually be advertised on the packaging of toys that ''did'' make it to the store shelf.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===G.I. Joe and the Transformers===
[[File:Sdcc2012 shockwaveaccessories-detail.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Shockwave H.I.S.S. Tank with two figures & Energon''' (2012)

:An [[exclusive]] release for San Diego Comic-Con 2012, this toy is a [[redeco]] of the 2012 new-[[mold]] ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: Retaliation]]'' [[HISS tank]] meant to represent [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. It includes the [[Cobra]]s [[Destro|James McCullen Destro XXIV]] and a [[Battle Android Trooper]] with a trolley for carrying [[Energon cube]]s.

:Destro's accessories include [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] in the form of a non-transforming tape deck and three micro-casettes capable of being placed within the Soundwave toy; red, orange, and gold cassettes that represent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Laserbeak, and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. Just who is meant to be who is unclear.
{{-}}

===The Loyal Subjects===
[[File:Tlslaserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|]]
:[[The Loyal Subjects]] Laserbeak is a Wave 3 figure with limited articulation, due to his unique design. Laserbeak can, however, "transform" to tape mode because of his folding legs and wings. For every 16 figures, there is 1 Laserbeak. Despite his slight rarity, Laserbeak is easy to find because his box is much lighter than any of the other figures'.

:Like most of his wave, Laserbeak's bio card plagiarizes this wiki article's opening paragraphs.

{{-}}
==Notes==
[[File:C64TransformersTitleScreen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|]]
*Although the Laserbeak and Buzzsaw toys had a standard cassette deco on one side, the cartoon chose to show the bird side in its depictions of their [[alternate mode]]s, effectively making either side accurate.
*The title screen to Ocean's ''[[The Transformers (Commodore 64)|Transformers]]'' game for the Commodore 64 depicts either a Laserbeak or a Buzzsaw that is primarily red with gold wings. Get on it, [[e-HOBBY]]!

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Titans Return]]

Commercial/Generation 1

2017-12-28T21:12:07Z

Superdude056: /* 1985 */

{{suite}}
{{-}}
{{nav-G1}}
[[File:Hasbrooldlogo.jpg|left|75px|thumb|And if I had a hammer....]]
Generation 1's stylized and somewhat dated '''commercials''' played a huge part in propelling the [[Transformers brand]] to household name status (after all, they reached audiences who weren't actively looking for robots). As the [[theme song]] played over many of them, they are also responsible for the jingle's status as a mid-80s icon.

Generation 1 commercials would commonly start with a short sequence of original cel animation, then cut to two or more boys in the 7 to 10-year-old range playing with the toys. [[Victor Caroli]] and another narrator (here referred to as [[The Other Guy]]) provided voice-overs to describe just how exciting the incredible new toys were. New voice acting from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] cast became incorporated into the animation featured in the commercials in 1985, and across 1986-87, the narration was partially replaced with various show characters narrating the adverts "in-universe" (Optimus Prime and Megatron in 1986, Ultra Magnus, Rodimus Prime, and Galvatron in 1987), but Caroli and The Other Guy were usually there at the end to affirm that the toys were "each sold separately", and Caroli returning to more full-length narration from 1988 onwards. Background music would feature the show's [[theme song]], but often with new lyrics about the toys in question. The lyrics had to stretch to fit the cadence of the song; sometimes they were jammed into a different melody altogether. Most of the early commercials had an animated segment at the end with Hasbro's logo being "hammered" by animated human hands onto the screen, often having Caroli saying "...only from Hasbro!".

[[File:Jetfireg1commercial.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Transforms from robot to lawsuit right before your eyes!]]
The animated segments often featured high-quality art and animation. Some of the 1986 and 1987 animation was combined into a [[title sequence]] for "[[The Rebirth]]", the final three-part episode of the Generation 1 cartoon (they contrasted painfully with the lower-quality segments produced by [[AKOM]].) The short length of television commercials meant the animated sections were fast-paced, with characters speaking their lines very rapidly; within the context of the fictional world they portray, this could lead to some hilarious results, such as Jazz taking about 1/4th of a second to decide to become an Action Master. The animated segments would sometimes feature the voice actors from the cartoon; however, some such as Blaster had not been assigned a voice actor yet. Later segments required soundalikes for characters whose voice actors had died (Jazz) or were unavailable (Megatron). These spots were the only American animation produced for dozens of characters from the toyline's later years, and in [[Micromaster Combiner|a few cases]], remain their only fictional appearance ''ever''.

[[File:OptimusMagnusCommercialChange.JPG|right|upright=1.4|thumb|The Halloween masks were weak this year.]]
[[File:Kid to Galvatron.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Transforms from child to robot and back!]]
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the commercials featured one of the young actors staring very seriously into the camera, mouthing "Robots in disguise!" as his eyes glowed and/or his face transformed into that of a robot (based on Galvatron or Ultra Magnus.) Variants on the "kidmation" clip continued throughout Generation 1. ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac]]'' dubbed this process "[[reverse-pretender technology]]."

Many commercials were reedited into even shorter versions, without the animation segments.

Some of these commercials, along with some Takara Transformers ads are available on the Sony DVD release of [[The Transformers: The Movie]]. Because of legal issues, the young actors' faces have now been blurred. A greater number of the commercials (of varying quality) were also available on the earlier [[Madman Entertainment]] release of The Transformers: The Movie in Australia, and their final collection of the Generation 1 cartoon complete with unblurred children. [[Shout! Factory]]'s "Matrix of Leadership" complete series collection of the Generation 1 cartoon, as well as some of their individual season sets, contains several Generation 1 commercials and the ad for Generation 2 Optimus Prime. The first season set's "Triple Changer: The Origins of the Transformers" featurette contains clips of the commercial for the ''The Transformers'' #1 comic.

==1984==
{{anchor|The Transformers #1}}
[[File:Earlymegatron.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|You've got to get up preeeetty early in 1984 to catch Megs with a black head.]]
*'''''The Transformers'' #1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9-7RjhFzpM]

:''Animation:'' Fast pan-ins take us from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to [[Earth]], with a Decepticon ship attacking the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and forcing it to crash on Earth. The three [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] fly in, transform and attack a power plant. Three cars drive out to meet them, transforming into [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] joins the counter-attack, prompting the Autobots to take off into the sky. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] arrives out of an explosion cloud, transforming and firing. An image of [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue]] cross-fades into view.
:''Toy segment:'' None.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Notes:'' Almost every element is an early production model. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] have strangely colored faces; Megatron is in his pre-animation black helmeted design; the Ark is a green-colored model with X-shaped wings; and the Decepticon ship resembles a flying aircraft carrier.

{{anchor|Decepticon jets & Autobot cars}}
[[File:Starscreamg1early.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Starscream in his Ramjet suit.]]
*'''Transformers''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87RI02GVyNY&t=24s]

:''Animation:'' In the desert, the Seekers strafe Prowl, Sideswipe and Jazz, who transform and fire back; the three jets transform, land, and grapple with the Autobots, while three more Seekers fly past in [[robot mode]].
:''Toy segment:'' Some very early 80s streaking effects as the toys are shown instantly changing from vehicle to robot.
:''Narration:'' Almost none, apart from "The Transformers, from Hasbro", by [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation:'' Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' The show's season 1 theme song plays over most of the commercial. A total of six Seekers are seen in a single shot. The Seekers continue to use the pre-cartoon animation models with the dark faces.
:"We're under attack!" "[[To sell toys|Get more Autobots!]]"

{{anchor|Optimus Prime and Megatron}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' [http://dvd.ign.com/dor/objects/14342171/transformers-the-complete-first-season-25th-anniversary-edition/videos/trans_com_062309.html]
:''Animation:'' Partially recycled from the ''Transformers #1'' commercial and the cartoon opening, including animation model Megatron leading his troops, immediately followed by pre-animation model Megatron landing. Whoops! New footage (possibly borrowed from Soundwave's commercial below) shows Prowl, Jazz and Sideswipe on what appears to be Cybertron.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Buck-toothed kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: "Attack the Autobot commander!" "Call in the Decepticon leader!" Yep, Neither Optimus Prime's nor Megatron's name is ever actually mentioned in the commercial.
:*'''Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kbokeZsoTY] - Nearly the same as above, except the footage of Megatron transforming with streaking effects is replaced by footage of the Optimus Prime toy being "flown" in front of a mountain. The reason for Megatron's removal is unknown, but likely due to legal and/or ethical issues with advertising a toy that turns into a realistic looking gun.
[[File:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|]]
:*'''Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSPgnamkOSY&t=6s] - A resoundtracked version of the previous Megatron-less ad, this time using the Season 2 theme song. Obviously this version didn't air until 1985. Buck-toothed kid is replaced by buck-tooth kid #3, with freaky glowing green eyes. As you can probably tell, the video here has an issue with the left audio channel not working.

{{anchor|Soundwave}}
*'''Soundwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDDdwRt2Z8s]

:''Animation:'' Prowl, Jazz, and Sideswipe transform, as well as a light blue [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who fires twice, opens his cassette door, and tosses out [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who transforms and fires upon the three Autobots, who fire back.
:''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
:''Kidmation:'' Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"

{{anchor|Power Cycle}}
[[File:Powercycle-ad.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Homeland security falls to a kid on a Big Wheel. You know, it must be said that NSA really is failing here.]]

*'''Transformers [[Power Cycle]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTSuBDZ5T58]

: Advertising a Coleco-made Big Wheel.
: ''Animation:'' Recycled from the first Transformers commercial, including black helmet Megatron, and some cuts between the live-action and animated footage that has the kid blasting some Autobots. Oops.
: ''Narration:'' Some wussy dude.
:"Missed! But ''I'' won't!"

*'''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzBHik7i6ZQ&t=1m30s]
: ''Animation:'' Various excerpts from season one of the cartoon.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]] on Xanax.
: ''"The Transformers, the world's most exciting robot adventure, continues."'' - Victor Caroli, in a decidedly '''un'''-excited intonation.
{{-}}

==1985==
*'''[[Family Home Entertainment|F.H.E.]] [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] Video Tapes''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5898/]

: ''Animation:'' Excerpts from "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]".
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy
: ''Notes:'' Despite the animation being taken from "More than Meets the Eye", that tape is not actually among those pictured. The pictured tapes are (from left to right): [[Divide and Conquer]], [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]] and [[Roll for It]]. It is stated that the tapes are available on VHS or Beta.

{{anchor|Dinobots}}
*'''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C7ebWaFaVI]

:''Animation:'' Amid a raging thunderstorm on Earth, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] take on [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].
:''Narration:'' [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation:'' Buck-toothed kid #3 mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' Soundtracked with a minor variation on the Season One cartoon opening theme: "Dinobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons!" Grimlock is advertised as having a chromed sword and Slag has chromed horns.
:*'''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaNG6nXmQmU] - A re-soundtracked version of the previous commercial. Narrated by The Other Guy; soundtracked with the Season 2 theme song (still with "Dinobots" replacing "Autobots".) Kidmation spot uses the same footage of buck-tooth kid #3, but ''with freaky glowing green eyes'' (and, bizarrely enough, his polo shirt has been recolored from green to blue.)
:*'''Dinobots''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=angd3rL-X1M&t=30s] - Another re-soundtracked version of the Dinobots commercial. Narrated by Peter Cullen and Victor Carolli; soundtracked with the alternate Season 3 theme song (still with "Dinobots" replacing "Autobots".) Kidmation segment featuring a kid's face fold-morphing into Ultra Magnus-like generic robot.

*'''Grimlock''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvjDAqhSk8s]

: ''Animation:'' Same as Dinobots.
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' None.
: ''Notes:'' Very similar to the two [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] commercials, using the same toy scenes (albeit in a different order, and with a different soundtrack) and animation. There are two characteristics, that most Generation 1 commercials share, but this one does not:

:*There is no Kidmation, but the voice is present in the audio.
:*The ending still shot is not taken in front of the diorama used in the toy segment. Instead a blue backdrop is employed.

:Due to these oddities, it was previously thought this might be a test version. However, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64UwP0WUdAA footage has since surfaced on YouTube which proves this ad made it to air]. Given the similarities and differences, it is quite likely that this commercial was reworked to create the Dinobots commercials or vice versa.

{{anchor|Mini-Spies}}
[[File:Rubsign.gif|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Congratulations, Cliffjumper. It's a Decepticon!"]]
*'''Mini-Spies''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5GGZ3we68]

:''Animation:'' [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] allow a yellow [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spy]] to enter Autobot Headquarters. The little robot starts messing with the computer; Huffer and Cliffjumper come racing in and check his faction symbol. "It's a Decepticon! After him!"
:''Narration:'' [[I Wish I Was Victor Caroli]]
:''Kidmation:'' Kid points urgently at the camera: "It's an Autobot!"
:''Notes:'' [[Casey Kasem]] provides the voice for Cliffjumper's single line. Visible among the packaged Mini-Bots on the store pegs are a red Bumblebee and a (red) Cliffjumper with a yellow [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] pictured on the package.

{{anchor|Jetfire and Shockwave}}
*'''Jetfire''' and '''Shockwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OEEncGeu8s]

:''Animation:'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] strafe [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. As the three transform and retreat, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] steps out of a mountain and takes on the Decepticon jets; [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] transforms halfway and fires, then transforms the rest of the way and fires again.
: ''Narration:'' An incredibly mellow Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' A grim-faced buck-toothed kid mouths the robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: ''Notes:'' Jetfire here is in his original, toy-based animation model. The toy shown is a Pre-TF Macross VF-1S Valkyrie, albeit with red Jetfire armor.

{{anchor|Insecticons}}
*'''Insecticons''' plus '''Swoop''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZWNnzzjm3E] 1984 Version [http://youtu.be/Fi_xnRCGY8A]
: ''Animation:'' A horde of [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] attacks a farm.
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' Glowing green eyes kid.
: "Pa, look!" "What is it?" "It's the Insecticons, an evil, new menace in the world of the Transformers!"
:*'''Insecticons''' - Resoundtracked from the previous commercial, with the 1986 version of the background music.

{{anchor|Constructicons}}
*'''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-arvwj7VN8]
:''Animation:'' The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], working on a building site in the desert, suddenly transform and combine. [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] touches his fists together over his head and is [[Commercial bumper|enveloped with energy]].
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' Blond-haired kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: "It's Devastator — six ''Constructicons'' in one!"
:*'''Constructicons/Devastator Giftset''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxVdqHn-tOo] - Similar to the previous commercial, but with a few differences. The background music has been changed from the Season 1 intro to the Season 2 intro, a different kid without glowing eyes is used for the Kidmation, and the end is changed to feature the Constructicon Giftset.
:*'''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3hzPZ0fdmY] - Resoundtracked and slightly re-edited for a 1986 re-use. Narration by The Other Guy and Megatron; Kidmation segment featuring a kid's face fold-morphing into Ultra Magnus-like generic robot.

*'''Jumpstarters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1arJdZShoxY]
: ''Animation:'' None.
: ''Toy segment:'' Repeated shots of the [[Jumpstarter]] toys doing their thing on a futuristic smooth black surface (with custom early-80s sound effects), while shaggy-haired kids turn their heads to watch at whiplash-inducing speeds.
: ''Narration:'' [[The Other Guy]]
: ''Kidmation:'' Buck tooth kid mouths "Robots in Disguise"
: ''In the world of the Transformers, no Autobots can jump into battle faster than the Jumpstarters!''

{{anchor|Thrust and Dirge}}
*'''Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sxMlvn3Dsw]
:''Animation:'' As [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] fight a battle in the desert, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] drive up and transform, prompting Megatron to summon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]].
: ''Narration:'' You're Gonna Get It
: ''Kidmation:'' Beatles haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: Included a tail-end ad for Transformers [[Action Cards]].
:*'''Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xLpZI5qV0g] - A rare variant with the first season theme song.

{{anchor|Triple Changers and Perceptor}}
*'''Triple Changers''' and '''Perceptor''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crn_8VIxaOk] or [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8LKVfwxoEY]
: ''Animation:'' [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] grapples with Optimus Prime, then escapes on some train tracks. The Autobots blast a trestle out from under him; he transforms and flies away. Optimus Prime uses [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] to examine some Decepticon debris.
:''Narration'': The Other Guy; possibly Victor Caroli as well (While supplies last.)
:''Kidmation'': Taller bowl haircut kid with glowing green eyes.
:''Notes:'' Cameo animation appearances from Sunstreaker, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Perceptor is portrayed as significantly shorter than Optimus, perhaps the same size as Bumblebee. The Astrotrain prototype figure (showing his [[Character model|animation colors]]) is shown being played with alongside the Blitzwing toy. In one version, a bizarre stinger note labels the Perceptor toy as "While supplies last".
:''Triple changers, the most eeeeevil Decepticons of all!''

{{anchor|Blaster}}
[[File:RumbleBlasterCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Rumble repeats [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|Spike's mistake]] in spectacular fashion.]]

*'''Blaster''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1kyVOJSoFk]
: ''Animation:'' [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] merrily walks into a Decepticon base carrying Blaster in boom box mode; [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] transforms, prompting Soundwave to send Laserbeak and Ravage at him.
:''Narration'': [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation'': Glowing green eyes kid.
:''Notes:'' Soundwave and Rumble have their usual cartoon voices, but Blaster has a completely different voice for his single word of dialogue.
: ''Not a working radio!''
:*'''Blaster''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkLdJtLeKg0] - A rare variant with the first season theme song. Soundwaves lines also come from a different take.

{{anchor|Omega Supreme}}
*'''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbcwV818LuA] / [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq3VhggqfmM] (Stinger version)
: ''Animation:'' In the desert, Starscream and Thrust attack the new Autobot defense base, not realizing it's [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega transforms and attacks. Includes [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger at the end.
:''Narration:'' I Wish I Was Victor Caroli
:''Kidmation:'' Shaggy haired kid.
:''Notes:'' Starscream and Thrust have their normal cartoon voices. Except for Starscream's last line, "It's Omega Supreme!" which sounds like [[Chris Latta]] inhaled helium. The 1985 version of this ad also has a version with the same "While Supplies Last!" stinger as the Triple Changers and Perceptor ad.
:"It's the Autobot defense base!" "But where are the Autobots?" "Who cares? Attack!"
:*'''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DBIVY2gV-0] / [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcC7_bf6GmU&t=3m25s] (Stinger version) - Edited and resoundtracked with Optimus Prime narration and the 1986 theme song. Some airings included a [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger.
:*'''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulIKpOJM-2A] - Early version with 1984 theme song. Starscream's line still sounds weird.

[[File:Alex Karras Commercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"I've lowered myself to ''this''?"]]
*'''Prime time spot''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eRDVymB4SU]
: [[Alex Karras]], along with two unidentified boys, calmly promotes the virtues of Perceptor (a working microscope!) and Blitzwing (what a great tank!) and urges you to shop ''now'' if you want one for your kid for Christmas.
: ''Toy segment:'' In addition to Alex and his child assistants demonstrating the toys, footage from the Dinobots commercial is reused.
: ''<s>Kid</s> KARRAS-mation:'' Alex Karras mouths along to the "robots in disguise" line and then continues his spiel without missing a beat. Sadly, his eyes do not glow green.
: ''Notes:'' This ad aired between [[Halloween]] and Thanksgiving in order to get a head start in promoting the toys for Christmas. Amongst the many boxed Transformers sitting on the table (in various shots) are Blaster, Snarl, Swoop, Soundwave, Ratchet, Megatron, Jazz, Astrotrain, Grimlock, Wheeljack, Jetfire and Optimus Prime. Three Blitzwings, Jetfire, two Perceptors, Optimus Prime, Smokescreen, Red Alert, and Astrotrain are all shown loose.
: ''These are the Transformers, one of the hottest selling toys in America. If you want one for your kid this Christmas, go now while stores have a good sel-ec-tion.''

{{anchor|Rubsign}}
*'''[[Rubsign]]s''' [http://youtu.be/ss9foBx67yo]
:To distinguish real Transformers from [[Knockoff|bootlegs]] and other brands such as [[Tonka]]'s ''[[GoBots (franchise)|GoBots]]''.
: "We are conquerors." "No one is like us." "Only we have the right to be called by the name." "Only we have the right to wear this symbol." "Or THIS symbol." "Only WE are Autobots and Decepticons." "Good versus evil." "And only WE have the right to be called the Transformers!" ''Only the Transformers are REAL Transformers!''
: ''Animation:'' A mixture of clips from various 1984 and 1985 commercials.
: ''Narration:'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], Optimus Prime and some other unknown narrator.
: ''Kidmation:'' Reused from Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge. Same kid is used for the Constructicon giftset commercial, but in a different clip.

{{anchor|Electric Train Set}}
[[File:Transformers Tyco Electric Train Set Commercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb]]

*'''Tyco [[Electric Train and Battle Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jH7PCd32-E]
: ''Animation:'' Two unbelievably generic Decepticons invade a command post by storming the power station, vastly outnumbered by the unbelievably generic Autobots defending it. Despite the advantage in the numbers game, the train races in to help the Autobots counterattack with "a new secret weapon '''[[you]]''' control".
: ''Narration:'' Unknown.
: ''Toy segment:'' The various features of the train cars are demonstrated, followed by two kids watching the train go around and around. At the end, two robotic shadows appear over the tracks.
: ''Notes:'' This spot is soundtracked by a new version of the Season 1&2 outro. The generic Autobots have suprisingly drab color palletes, being mostly gray, white and black with some highlights of either yellow, grean or teal. It's even more surprising in contrast to the two Decepticons, who are mostly light blue and golden yellow. The animation models for generics are actually based on the designs of the robot figures which come with the train set. As well, the two shadows at the end appear to be those of two of the robot figures, though not the same two figures upon which the animated Decepticons are based on.
: ''You've won today, but will you be ready tomorrow?"

[[File:Transformers Tyco Electric Racing Nightglow.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|They shouldn't race so close to the nuclear power plant.]]

*'''Tyco Transformers [[Electric Racing Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCm5bOiI2R8]
: ''Animation:'' None.
: ''Narration:'' Unknown.
: ''Toy Segment:'' Shots of the racers speeding along the track in normal lighting and then "into a whole new universe of night-glow" are featured.
: ''Notes:'' Features the same version of the Season 1&2 outro as the train set commercial for background music. This is the only time [[Natron]] and [[Freezon]] are given names.
: "By Tyco, of course."

[[File:ViewMaster Projector Commercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Put your hands in the air!"]]

*'''ViewMaster Showbeam Projector with Transformers cartridge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t781lHy-CV0]
: A brother and sister talk their mom into letting them stay up to play with the projector. They are then suddenly pulled into the images and the battle they depict. Mom walks back in to see what the ruckus is about, and thus returning them to reality.
: "Let's show the Transformers!" "Yeah!" "Wow!" "Look out! Decept-i-cons!" "Take that Megatron!"

*'''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUYryiY2_jU](Version 1 Cleveland)/ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvDyMjWeW2Q] (Version 1 Chicago)/ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew1r-_SQseY&t=0m25s] (Version 2)

: ''Animation:'' Various cartoon excerpts which are mostly from Season One episodes. There are two versions of the ad, which use a different assortment of clips. A clip of the Sub-Atlantican General firing at the Autobots from [[Atlantis, Arise!]], which is used in the Monday-Friday collage, is the most notable exception in version 1 of the ad. For version 2, a scene of [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] being shot by a fake Starscream from [[A Prime Problem]] is the most notable.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' The Season Two theme is played in the background as Victor Caroli informs us that we can "''Watch the heroic Autobots battle the evil Decepticons five days a week.''" The Caroli narrated segment was sent to the various local TV stations who then added narration and a screen with the station logo and slogan to the end of the spot. This type of customized promo would continue until [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Transformers]] [[Cartoon Network|left]] terrestrial television.
: ''The Transformers are like nothing you've ever seen before. Don't miss a single day!''

*'''15 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGDsr1GqYag]

: ''Animation:'' Various cartoon excerpts from the first two seasons, though mostly Season One.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli and Optimus Prime.
: ''Notes:'' This spot reuses the animation clips from the collage in the previous commercial. However, instead of using them in a collage, a screen flipping transition is used to go from one to the next. The local station end screen was modified to include a small clip of Optimus Prime standing up. To go along with this, a [[Peter Cullen]] as Optimus Prime narration was added in the format of "Weekdays at [insert time here] on [insert station call letters here]." Considering there were likely in the neighborhood of 100 or so syndication affiliate stations, that must have been a long day at the office for Mr. Cullen!
{{-}}

==1986==
[[File:DiacloneMagnusAnime1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"We're the Dandy Highwaymen, and here's our invitation."]]
*'''[[The Transformers: The Movie promo|The Transformers: The Movie promo trailer]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvoAxeykxwc] (Japanese Subtitles)
: Created for the purpose of getting potential investors to buy into the movie, this trailer features LOTS of unfinished or ultimately unused animation. Also features a temp music track featuring cues taken from ''Star Trek III: The Search for Spock''.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]] tells us how awesome the movie will be by giving away some fairly hefty plot spoilers.
:*'''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urxTOF5z918]
:: Edited down from the promo trailer and re-soundtracked with some new Victor Caroli narration and proper [[Vince DiCola]] music to be sent out to cinemas.

*'''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaEWLuVJee0]
: ''Animation:'' Clips from the movie, starting with the Autobot shuttle launching and the Sharkticon guard pulling the feed-them-to-the-Sharkticons lever. [[The Touch|"The Touch"]] plays across the first half, then [[Lion|Lion's]] rendition of the [[theme song]].
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli introduces the characters and expounds on how great the movie is.
: ''Hold on tight. The most incredible rock and roll adventure ever is here!''

*'''The Transformers: The Movie TV spots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLbhYEzZV7s],[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQngCtR71SU]

: ''Animation:'' Similar to the trailer with Autobot shuttle launch at the beginning, then switches back and forth between the [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] battle, [[Unicron]] devouring [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Hot Rod]] vs. the Decepticons. Again, "The Touch" plays for the first half, then Lion's rendition of the theme song.
: ''Narration:'' Depending on the version, Victor Caroli, The Other Movie Guy, or both.
: ''Notes:'' Several different versions of the TV spot were produced, updating the amount of time to go until the movie's release. The known variations are: "August 8th" (60 & 30 seconds), "Opens Tomorrow" (60 & 30 seconds), "Now playing!"(60 & 30 seconds), "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #1), and "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #2). The first 6 versions can be found as part of the extras on [[Sony]]'s 20th Anniversary Edition DVD, while the other two are linked to above.
: ''So exciting you'll have to see it twice to take it all in!''

{{anchor|Hot Rod, Kup, Blurr, Cyclonus, Scourge, Rodimus Prime}}
*'''Hot Rod''', '''Kup''', and '''Blurr'''; '''Cyclonus''' and '''Scourge'''; and '''Rrrrrodimus Prime'''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5MO0AwlO2g&t=8m57s]

: ''Animation:'' A running battle in the desert with each character charging in as the narrator identifies him.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes'': Cameos by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], making this bit of animation yet another one of the pre-TF:TM ancillary stories that contradicts the movie itself. Additionally features an older Hot Rod animation model placing his Autobot symbol above his fire emblem, as it also appears in the movie promo trailer.
: '''''No one''' can take on the Decepticons like Rrrrrodimus Prime!''

{{anchor|Ultra Magnus}}
*'''Ultra Magnus''' [http://youtu.be/gjQqkFKkUDw?t=30] / [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W7MA-tZh1s] (w/ Movie plug)

: ''Animation:'' Decepticons are attacking the Autobot launch site. With Optimus on Cybertron, it's up to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]! Magnus loads up some 'bots in Autobot City, then rolls out into the desert to fight the Decepticons, plowing through the Combaticons en route.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and Magnus both have their normal cartoon voices. Cameo appearances by Starscream, Skywarp, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]; [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]; [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]; [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]. Another version of this ad has the ending "From Hasbro" tag replaced with a plug for ''The Transformers: The Movie'' narrated by Victor Caroli and Optimus Prime. ''And coming this summer, Transformers: The Movie.'' ''You've never seen anything like it.''

{{anchor|Ultra Magnus and Galvatron}}
*'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Galvatron''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K424Dmj0jTc] (full) /[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUNUWzKbdyY] (w/ movie ad)

: ''Animation:'' Magnus and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], along with others, do battle on a highway. Starscream and Skywarp can be glimpsed flying into battle alongside Galvatron!
: ''Narration:'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by Jazz, Red Alert, Smokescreen, Tracks (could this be in continuity with the previous commercial?!); Skywarp and Starscream. Galvatron's voice appears to be Frank Welker doing a less-gravely Megatron-like voice.
: A shortened version includes a tail-end ad for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', narration by The Other Movie Guy. ''Does Prime die?!''

{{anchor|Springer and Wreck-Gar}}
[[File:SpringerWreckGarCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|It sorta happened like this in the movie. A little.]]
*'''Springer''' and '''Wreck-Gar''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X-10pud7DY]

: ''Animation:'' Original animation, but the plot draws heavily from ''The Transformers: The Movie''. [[Springer (G1)|Springer's]] shuttle is destroyed by the ''[[Revenge (G1)|Revenge]]''; he flies to the surface of [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and battles [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and another Junkion.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus Prime describes Springer; Megatron gleefully describes Wreck-Gar as though he were a Decepticon; [[Victor Caroli]] (Each sold separately.)
: ''Notes:'' Wreck-Gar's is voiced by [[Frank Welker]] for this commercial, not sounding particularly distinct from Megatron; his lines are directly copied from the movie.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.

{{anchor|Sharkticon}}
*'''Sharkticons''', '''Kup''', '''Hot Rod''' and '''Wheelie''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWZlBTci95M]

: ''Animation:'' Like the previous commercial, heavily based on the movie. Hot Rod and Kup battle a group of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (sounding like Scrappy-Doo) arrives to help.
: ''Narration:'' Prime and Megatron; Victor Caroli (Sold separately).
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Autobots never faced an evil force worse than the terror of - the Sharkticons!''

{{anchor|Aerialbots and Stunticons}}
*'''Aerialbots''' and '''Stunticons giftsets''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-iiAFzjfq0]

: ''Animation:'' The two teams both arrive in the desert and transform; both combine, and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] bashes [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] into a cliff. Menasor's legs are on backwards.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus and Megatron.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: "Only the Stunticons!" ...only the Stunticons ''what?''
:: '''Aerialbots''' and '''Stunticons''' [http://youtu.be/asVTEMw9IUU] - Similar to the previous commercial except that the music has been changed from the Season 2 intro theme to the Season 3 intro and instead of advertising the giftsets at the end, it advertises the individual toys.

{{anchor|Bruticus and Metroplex}}
*'''Combaticons/Bruticus''' and '''Metroplex''' [http://youtu.be/gjQqkFKkUDw]

: ''Animation:'' The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] fly through a canyon, combine, and attack [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who transforms to his enormous robot mode and fires at them.
:''Narration:'' Megatron, Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (From Hasbro.)
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: "But the ''Combaticons'' can combine to form ''Bruticus!''"

{{anchor|Defensor and Trypticon}}
*'''Protectobots/Defensor''' and '''Trypticon''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHgTi-OTjLI]

: ''Animation:'' The Protectobots drive down a road towards the Decepticons' massive new base, transform and attack. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s voice commands the base to transform into battle station mode; the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] become [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and fire back. [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] changes to dinosaur mode and blasts fire-breath at Defensor.
: ''Narration:'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]; [[Victor Caroli]] (Batteries not included.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes:'' Trypticon is voiced by [[Jack Angel]] for this commercial.
: ''Toy segment:'' Two kids playing with the toys are ''very'' affected by the sight of toy Trypticon knocking over Defensor.

{{anchor|Predacons}}
*'''Predacons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPOpI_fGoyo]

: ''Animation:'' The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] barrel over Skywarp, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and Starscream; the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] charge in to counter the Dinobots, transforming into robot mode and then combining into [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]].
: ''Narration:'' Megatron; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] is missing from the animated Dinobots. He was also missing from previous commercials featuring the Dinobots.
: "Few Decepticons can stand up to the Dinobots, but the Predacons can!"

{{anchor|Sky Lynx}}
*'''Sky Lynx''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKVS2fyU0jM]

: ''Animation:'' Predaking smashes through a mountain to attack the Dinobots. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] thinks they're in trouble, but then [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] swoops in to save the day.
:''Narration:'' Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (Batteries not included.)
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
:''Notes:'' Like the Magnus commercials, this one could actually be in continuity with the Predacon commercial, which ended with the Predacons combining. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and Grimlock both have their cartoon voices (well, the higher-pitched voice that Slag had in Season 3.)

{{anchor|Sandstorm, Broadside, Octane}}
*'''Triple Changers''' - '''Sandstorm''', '''Broadside''' and '''Octane''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh9oVZV8lPs]

: ''Animation:'' [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and Astrotrain attack [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]; [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] change repeatedly as they travel over land and water.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]]
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' The commercial uses the alternate character model for Broadside, also used in [[Carnage in C-Minor]].
:''Autobot - triple changers battling - the triple changers of - the Decepticons!''

{{anchor|Battlechargers}}
[[File:Patches g1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Spike, if you don't put the patch on your skin, you won't get the nicotine.]]
[[File:1986 Comm Jazz and Thundercracker Party.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|This socially awkward scene could be all yours!]]
*'''Battlechargers''' [http://youtu.be/angd3rL-X1M]

: ''Animation:'' Amid a field of erupting volcanoes, Ultra Magnus and his usual team of Autobots (Jazz, Smokescreen, Red Alert and Tracks) transform and march forward in lock-step, prompting Megatron to order the Battlechargers to attack. [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] drive off a cliff; Runabout transforms and fires.
: ''Narration:'' Megatron; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Toy segment:'' The toy portion also features repeated cuts of a kid's head/eyes following the rolling [[Battlecharger]] toys.
: ''Nobody jumps into action - faster than - Battlechargers!''

{{anchor|Reflective patches}}
*'''[[Prizes in Disguise]] contest/[[Iron-on patch|reflective patches]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UUwi2uSUQE]

: ''Animation:'' Jazz and Cosmos shine their headlights to reveal that a group of humans are wearing Transformers reflective patches, thus gaining entry to the Autobot base.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face; also, a kid saying "Robots in Disguise" through the Voice Changer.
: ''Notes:'' Standard cartoon voices for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], Jazz and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. Background cameos by Tracks and Smokescreen.
: ''You could win a party with life-sized Transformers!''

*'''[[Underoos]]''' [http://www.retrostatic.com/videos/p803_sectionid/6/p803_fileid/398/p803_js_on/1]

: ''Kidmation:'' Three different kids turn into animated versions of the lead good guy from the toyline that corresponds to their underwear while growling that line's catchphrase and the name of the good guy. The last of the three is Freddy, who pulls on his Transformers Underoos and turns into Optimus Prime while growling "MORE than meets the eye! The Transformers!".
: ''Notes:'' The animation model used for Optimus Prime has design simplifications which make it very similar to the animation model used in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|actual cartoons]]. The coloring of the model however, is based off Prime's [[package art]]. It oddly deviates by coloring the upper legs blue, and having a white line just under his forehead crest.
: "Freddy, what are you doing up there?"

*'''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/4290/]
: ''Animation:'' Various Season One and Two excerpts.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' In addition to the customized end tag, a text overlay in that station's style was placed over several scenes early in the spot. Uses the Season 3/Season 4 theme. Two different Megatron quotes are used.
: "We'll be waiting!"

*'''30 second cartoon promo #2''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/2986/]
: ''Animation:'' Various Season Two excerpts.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Uses Season Three/Season Four theme.
:''It's the incredible adventures of the Transformers. Watch as Heroic Autobots bravely battle Evil Decepticons every Monday through Friday. Don't miss a single day!''

==1987==
Many of the live-action segments for the 1987 toy commercials showed kids playing with the toys in a rocky, doom-laden environment, replete with constant flashes of lightning illuminating the toys. It is possible this is meant to be [[Nebulos]], given the way that planet is portrayed in the animated segments.

{{anchor|Headmasters}}
[[File:Brainstormpretenderscommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Let's search that planet, Magnus! We've got to find them! With their help, we can defeat the Decepticons!" Keep hoping, Rodimus. Keep hoping.]]
*'''Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__QTNCp5RhI]

: ''Animation:'' The four Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Nebulan]]s climb into their respective partners, who are parked in vehicle mode in a base; they roll out and clash with the three Headmaster Decepticons. Includes particularly nice closeups of [[Monzo]] and [[Stylor]].
: ''Narration:'' [[Hot Rod|Rodimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] narrate. (well, Rodimus actually spews out a series of basically incomprehensible lines.)
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid leaps and flips, turning into a stop-motion version of Ultra Magnus's toy.
: ''Head. MasterTransformers—more muchmore than meets the eyes!'' {{sic}}

{{anchor|Decepticon Headmasters}}
*'''Decepticon Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ6FtUb-WQo]

: ''Animation:'' At the secret base of the Headmaster Decepticons, the "trainers" are putting [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcrucher]], [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] through their paces, having them jump through hoops and smash through rock statues of the Autobot Headmasters. Yes, the "trainer" concept actually made it into animation. They even carry whips!
: ''Narration:'' [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Magnus toy.
: ''Nothing's better than going into battle with '''these''' Transformers!''

{{anchor|Horrorcons}}
*'''Headmaster Horrorcons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr4iHCbkRWw]

: ''Animation:'' [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]] fly into a canyon and transform to robot mode, then change to [[beast mode]] and charge, spewing fire and swinging rocks around.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Extreme closeup of a kid's eye, with a camera pull-out emerging from the pupil.
: ''The jaws of the beast become the pilot of the plane, and the pilot of the plane becomes the head of the robot!''

{{anchor|Targetmasters}}
*'''Targetmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugF7cyTOuro]

: ''Animation:'' Live-action set of a rocky planet explodes. Cel: on Cybertron(?), [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] get strafed by [[Triggerhappy]], who transforms and grapples with Sureshot, while their guns do the same. Crosshairs drives forward; he and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] transform and run, then both get tackled by [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] and [[Aimless (G1)|Aimless]].
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid flips and becomes stop-motion Ultra Magnus toy.
: ''Two Trans-for-mers, all in one! The vehicle transforms and so does the gun!''

{{anchor|Sixshot}}
*'''Sixshot''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZz2xhptRc]

: ''Animation:'' Rodimus Prime and Galvatron lead their teams in battle; [[Sixshot]] attacks and runs through his various modes, as Galvatron describes them and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] counts them off.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. Galvatron has his usual cartoon voice, but Cyclonus does not. A deeper version of the substitute Cyclonus voice is also used for Sixshot. Also, atypically for animators Toei, Cyclonus' earlier pre-production character model as most often seen in AKOM-animated episodes is used.
: ''The most challenging Transformer of them all!''

{{anchor|Computron and Scorponok}}
[[File:Technobots.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Hi-Tech Sentai Nerdranger]]
[[File:Computron animated.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Revenge of the nerds!]]
*'''Technobots/Computron''' and '''Scorponok''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYeqcXuno4o]

: ''Animation:'' Galvatron runs down a ramp as [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] transforms from base to scorpion to repulse the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]; the Technobots combine, and get hit with a rock thrown by Scorponok.
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' Naturally, [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] is visible running around as Scorponok transforms.
: ''And now it's a beast with capture claws and a trainer who becomes...the HEAD of its robot!''

{{anchor|Technobots and Terrorcons}}
*'''Technobots''' and '''Terrorcons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mir0KHITDM]

: ''Animation:'' The two teams battle on Earth, while Rodimus and Magnus narrate.
: ''Narration:'' Ultra Magnus, Rodimus Prime, and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Includes [[decoy]] stinger.
: "Those hi-tech heroes are in for one horrific battle!"

{{anchor|Punch and Clones}}
*'''Punch/Counterpunch''' and '''Clones''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HI_CIGzCyU&t=5m48s] (no stinger) /[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqOgrljuZAg] (Decoy stinger)

: ''Animation:'' [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] informs Rodimus that he can trust him, transforms to car mode, rolls out of the base and promptly transforms to Counterpunch and tells the waiting Galvatron that he can trust ''him''. The Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]] run through a rocky landscape in perfect step and open fire on the Autobot clones, then both groups transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] and Cyclonus. Sometimes included a [[decoy]] stinger.

{{anchor|Monsterbots}}
*'''Monsterbots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SdN-zvZpYo]

: ''Animation:'' Blurr and Rodimus Prime arrive; Kup tells them that there's been an accident, and the new Autobots are monsters! The [[Monsterbot]]s trash a lab, then burst through a wall and fight some Decepticons.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by Scourge, [[Octane]], and Cyclonus.
: ''And they've even got sparks, BLASTING out of them!''

[[File:FlywheelsCommercialAndSeason4Intro.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:Weirdwolfweirdhead.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|I think pulling my head off is a pretty good idear.]]
[[File:Brainstormweirdhead.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Brainstorm was actually pretty happy to get rid of his bizarre zombie vampire head.]]

{{anchor|Duocons and Throttlebots}}
*'''Duocons/Throttlebots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iZCdPZ-GnY]

: ''Animation:'' [[Flywheels|Flywheels’s]] jet portion swoops down out of the sky and links up with his tank, transforming to robot mode before being jumped on by Rodimus Prime. "That jet is going to crash into that tank!" "No, it's not. They're going to transform into one robot!"
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Includes decoy stinger.
: ''They think they’re twice as tough as any Autobot—and MAYBE THEY ARE.''

{{anchor|Fortress Maximus}}
*'''Fortress Maximus''' "FOR-TRESS MAX-I-MUHUUUS!" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6qIgMbRvc]

: ''Animation:'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] transforms to base mode and blows away the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], who combine into [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and attack him.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]]'s single line in this commercial ("Terrrocons, form Abominus and destroy Fortress Maximus!") is provided by [[Wally Burr]].

{{anchor|Headmaster comic book}}
*'''''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]''' comic book'' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiBfxykv5go]

: ''Animation:'' The post-Movie Autobots and Decepticons shoot it out on Cybertron: Galvatron and Scourge fire on Blurr and Rodimus; [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] grapples with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]; Ultra Magnus...stands there. Two teams "blast" their way to Nebulos. The Autobots detach their heads, which are replaced by "the intelligent Nebulons". The Decepticons do the same. Scorponok and Fortress Maximus slug it out; the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] charge at each other and transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Features completely random, made-up heads for the pre-Headmaster robots.

{{anchor|returnofop}}
*'''The Return of Optimus Prime promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSzcc-KQuCg]
: ''Animation:'' Excerpts of the Optimus Prime death scene and Prime vs. Megatron from The Transformers: The Movie.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli and various local TV announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features Unicron's Theme as the background music. Many TV stations shrank or otherwise manipulated it at the end, but New York's WPIX simply overlaid a graphic on the bottom saying, with a red line between them, "4:30 PM" on top, and "Tues. & Wed." on the bottom, with their classic "Circle 11" logo on the far right.
:"It's over Prime." "Never!" ''Hang on, Autobots, it's not over! Optimus Prime returns, February 24th and 25th on ''The Transformers''.''
:*'''Optimus Prime week''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgbmYGDbjkw] – Same as above commercial but re-narrated with the removal of "Never!" and changed to speak of a whole Optimus Prime week.
::"It's over Prime." ''Wrong, Megatron! It's just the beginning!''

*'''Season 4 cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kja8RSRq21g]
: ''Animation:'' A set of excerpts from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' almost identical to those used for the Return of Optimus Prime and Optimus Prime week spots.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, trying to exclaim every line more dramatically than the last and various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features a brand new piece of background music incorporating the Transformers theme. Similar in sound to the music [[Vince DiCola]] composed for The Transformers: The Movie.
:''Autobots versus Decepticons. Good against evil. Metal against metal!''

[[File:G1 Season 4 promo.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb]]
*'''Season 4 cartoon promo #2''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hcvpyzn3QQ]

: ''Animation:'' Excerpts from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and several 1987 toy commercials/the Season 3 [[title sequence]]. A scene from the movie of Hot Rod and Kup watching Decepticon missiles come back towards their shuttle has the view from the shuttle's “windshield” replaced with crude CGI to make it look like they're flying through a...a...well, we're not really sure what it's supposed to be. It kind of looks like a base, though it has both Autobot and Decepticon logos in different areas. A shot of a crude CGI Optimus Prime closes out the commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features the same new music used in the previous commercial.
:''They're more, much more than you've ever imagined! The Transformers. Watch as the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons reaches an incredible new level.''

==1988==
Many of the 1988 commercials began with a still shot of several animation frames, arranged as if in a comic book. The camera would zoom in on one as the animation began.

{{anchor|Pretenders}}
*'''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5rcakCV8kk] (Almost complete)/[http://www.bigbot.com/mp3/preten.mp3] (Complete audio track)
: ''Animation:'' [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] battle [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]]. Three Autobot [[Pretender]]s are created (nekkid!). [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] attack and the armored Pretenders split to reveal their robots, forcing the Decepticons to flee. The Decepticon Pretenders burst through the wall and both groups split.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli
: ''Notes:'' Includes tail-end spot for the relevant [[Pretender to the Throne!|Marvel Comics issue]].

*'''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-1daWCZTEY]
[[File:AutobotPretenderCommercial.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
: ''Animation:'' Clips re-used from the comic commercial.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
:''Notes:'' Features only the first wave of large Pretenders ([[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]], [[Cloudburst]], [[Waverider]]; [[Skullgrin]], [[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]] and [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]].)
:''After a series of startling defeats at the hands of the Decepticons...''
:*'''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUHUtMm9p48]
: ''Animation:'' The Autobot Pretenders splitting, re-used from the comic commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' A bizarre segment of kids proclaiming what they "are" ("I’m a video gamer!" "I’m a skateboarder!"), only for the skateboarder to split Pretender-style, revealing a generic CGI robot who announces "I’m a Transformer!"
::*'''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OfIYC1FC3Y] - Edited down version of the immediately preceding commercial.
:*'''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL0uRBKRHa8]
: ''Animation:'' The Autobot Pretenders splitting, same as the above commercials.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid's face splits apart to reveal his 'inner' robot face.

{{anchor|Powermasters}}
[[File:Slapdashcommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Why are you here, again?]]
*'''Powermasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEAjoH_EEtY]

: ''Animation:'' Amid desert canyons, the various Powermaster partners transform to engine form and combine with their partners, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] transforming his trailer to base mode. This is followed by the Autobot [[Powermaster]]s shooting at Darkwing and Dreadwind who, now that they've accomplished their [[To sell toys|goal]], are once again in their plane modes.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Notes:'' Features [[Getaway]] / [[Rev]], [[Slapdash (G1)|Slapdash]] / [[Lube]], and [[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] / [[Hotwire (G1)|Hotwire]]; [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] / [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] / [[Hi-Test (G1)|Hi-Test]]; and [[Hi-Q]]. Includes tail-end ads spot for the relevant [[People Power!|Marvel Comics issue]].
: ''Their engine’s the key that unlocks their Transformer en-er-geeee!''

[[File:HiQCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Truck? What truck?]]

*'''Powermaster toys''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLBV9ZfBLfk]

: ''Animation:'' Dreadwind and Darkwing chase Getaway and Joyride around the rim of a crater. Dreadwind and Darkwing transform. Includes segments recycled from the first Powermaster commercial.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid crackles with energy, which surrounds and replaces his head with a ''very'', and we mean ''very'', crude CGI Powermaster Optimus Prime head.
: ''Powermaster Transformers! They've got the power to surprise!''

*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB27NXZvfTQ]

: ''Animation:'' Recycled footage of Prime transforming from the Powermasters commercial; Powermaster Optimus Prime firing [[Quickswitch]].
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Kid to Powermaster Optimus Prime.
: ''POW-er-master Optimus Prime! Greatest hero of his time!'' ("It's great to be back!")
:*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f-0UF_NBgs] - edited down from the previous commercial.

{{anchor|Doubledealer}}
*'''Powermaster Prime''' and '''Doubledealer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6a4y-TWNAI]

: ''Animation:'' Footage of Prime reused from other commercials featuring him, then a new segment with [[Doubledealer]] in robot mode standing with Prime. Doubledealer transforms to vehicle mode, then [[Skar (Decepticon)|Skar]] flies out of [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]]'s hand and locks into place, transforming Doubledealer to falcon mode.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: "Who’s that new Transformer with Optimus Prime?"

[[File:NightbeatTV.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Look at my chest.]]
[[File:Fangrycommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|HOOKA chaka HOOKA chaka HOOKA HOOKA HOOKA chaka]]

{{anchor|Small Headmasters}}
*'''Small Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf-MDd7cdi0]

: ''Animation:'' The small Autobot Headmasters ([[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Siren (G1)|Siren]], [[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]]) drive on a rocky world; Nightbeat and [[Muzzle]] transform. The small Decepticon Headmasters burst through a wall in beast mode; [[Fangry (G1)|Fangry]] and [[Brisko]] transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who's obviously never met Fangry, [[Squeezeplay (G1)|Squeezeplay]] or [[Horri-Bull]]: "Our new Decepticon Headmasters will give us more brainpower than ever!"
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid flips through the air, converting to a robot and folding up to become the head of a larger (stop motion?) robot resembling Brainstorm.
: ''And when the '''head''' enters the robot's body you get a '''readout''' of its power!''

{{anchor|Pretender Beasts and Vehicles}}
[[File:Snarlercommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|If it's a Beast War you want...]]
*'''Pretender Beasts/Pretender Vehicles''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdgmccNpuqM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Snarler]] and [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]] battle in beast mode... then... are suddenly in their shells... and then come out of their shells...? [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]] emerges from his vehicle and transforms to jet mode; [[Roadgrabber]] emerges and transforms his vehicle to battle mode, opening fire on the flying Gunrunner.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Pretender Kid.
:''Now, in the world of Pretenders, there are Pretender Beasts; Strange and terrifying.''

{{anchor|Quickswitch}}
*'''Quickswitch'''. "It's Quickswitch, Sixshot's son! And he's on our side!" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq2bNbOlCJo]

: ''Animation:'' In the midst of a moon battle, Getaway spots [[Quickswitch]] incoming and mistakes him for a Decepticon, urging the others to destroy him, until someone says he's an Autobot. Quickswitch runs through his modes, beating up Horri-Bull and [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]], then goes to gun mode and lands in Powermaster Optimus Prime's hand.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid holding the toy mouths a synthesized "How quick can you all six" [''sic''], while his head flops around disturbingly.
: ''Determined to make good where his Decepticon father went bad, Quickswitch joins the Autobots!''

{{anchor|Double Targetmasters}}
*'''Double Targetmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iNRblHTX80]

: ''Animation:'' [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] and [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] chase the Autobot small Targetmaster Nebulans (most prominently [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (G1)|Ricochet]]) across a rocky landscape. The Nebulans transform to gun modes and link up with their vehicle mode Autobot partners, [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] and [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]], who then transform and fire. [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Targetmaster)|Tracer]] fly out of Scoop's hand and combine into their double weapon form. Scoop fires at a strafing Spinister and Needlenose, who transform, land and charge into battle.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid flips over and turns into a gun for a very crude CGI robot.
: ''Targetmaster Transformers—theeeeeey've got the power to surprise!''

{{anchor|Triggerbots and Triggercons}}
[[File:FireconCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Now auditioning for Gamera vs. The Firecons]]

*'''Triggerbots/Triggercons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xBLVLIKprA]

: ''Animation:'' Recycled Dreadwind and Darkwing chasing Getaway and Joyride, from the Powermasters commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''And when the Triggerbots battle the Triggercons, there's no doubt there'll be a real shoot-out!'' KERRUNCH.

{{anchor|Seacons}}
[[File:PiranaconCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Sadly, Dreamwave never learned that what works in animation doesn't always go over so well as a still image.]]
*'''Seacons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nF4m8wtJwY]

: ''Animation:'' Beneath the ocean, the beast mode [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]] take bites out of a [[M.A.R.S.|M.A.R.S. Industries]] submarine. Piranacon switches out his left arm and gun.
: ''Narration:'' [[Stephen Keener]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid leaps over the top of a generic stop-animated robot and transforms into his gun, which he fires.
:*'''Seacons / Sparkabots / Firecons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MOFXjDTJ50&t=1m33s]
: Portions of the Seacon commercial with a Sparkabots/Firecons segment at the end.
:''Animation:'' The [[Firecon]]s march forward in beast mode, spewing flames; the [[Sparkabot]]s drive forward and transform; the Firecons transform and grapple with the Sparkabots ([[Cindersaur (G1)|Cindersaur]] vs. [[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]] being most prominent.)
:*'''Seacons / Triggerbots / Trigggercons''' - Same as previous with the Triggerbots/Triggercons segment in place of the Firecons/Sparkabots.

==1989==
{{anchor|Micromaster Patrols}}
*'''Micromaster Patrols''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GKXFzYvLGU]

: ''Animation:'' From Optimus Prime's glowing fist, the [[Race Car Patrol]] and [[Off Road Patrol]] charge forth. They infiltrate a Decepticon base, driving right past Piranacon, [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], who wonder why they don't have those things. Then the Micromasters swarm around Dreadwind's head. In stop motion, a stream of [[Micromaster]] toys topples a gray-painted [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]].
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid scoops up the Micromasters and opens his palm to show them off.
: ''Notes:'' Dreadwind and Darkwing are given voices.
: "Our new commandos, who go where no one else goes!"

{{anchor|Micromaster transports}}
[[File:Destronsoldier micromasters.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|You came to the wrong neighborhood, mother-slagger!]]
*'''Micromaster transports and battle stations''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2sGiQPOSxs] or [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5542/]

: ''Animation:'' A horde of Micromasters swarms over an attacking [[Zarak Maximus]]; Prime opens his palm to reveal a Micromaster city; [[Red Hot]] transforms and flies at the camera. Stop-motion spots show a fleet of Micromaster vehicles driving around the combined playsets.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "The most incredible Micros of all! They're not just small; they're ''Tranzzforrrmerrzzz''!"
:*'''Micromaster battle stations''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9qABpn1U5s] - edited down from the previous commercial.
: "The ''only'' Micros that transform!"
:*'''Micromaster transports''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU0ApqagpFk] - edited down from the previous commercial.

[[File:Micromasterbasescommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|That's the second time Spike's mistake has been repeated!]]
[[File:SkystalkerCommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Go ahead. Make my day.]]

{{anchor|Micromaster micro bases}}
*'''Micromaster micro bases''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQn7XgrcT9o]

: ''Animation:'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] drag two captured Decepticon vehicles (the [[Thunder Arrow|Interstellar shuttle]] and the [[Helicopter]]) up to Optimus Prime in an Autobot base, only to have them transform and attack, with the guns manned by the [[Sports Car Patrol]] and [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]].
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Bumblebee has his [[Dan Gilvezan|normal voice]]. An unidentified voice presumably belongs to Skystalker.
: ''You can connect them to form whole cities!''
:*'''Micromaster micro bases''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v36l6C1nhwA] - edited down from the previous commercial.

{{anchor|Classic Pretenders}}
*'''Classic Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecehJWexUaE] or [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5541/]

: ''Animation:'' As Prime transforms and comes under attack in a nighttime city, the Autobot Pretenders arrive to help out.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is voiced by [[Gregg Berger]]. Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the movie when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "Bumblebee, Jazz, you're back!" "And me Grimlock!" "And the '''eeeevil''' Starscream is here too!"
:*'''Classic Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSi6ZVZe0no] - edited down from the previous commercial.

{{anchor|Mega and Ultra Pretenders}}
*'''Mega and Ultra Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7OyjslCxT8]

: ''Animation:'' [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] and [[Vroom (G1)|Vroom]] slowly drift out of their shells and transform; [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]] avoids a strafing run from [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]], then his two robot forms both pop out of his vehicle shell and fire.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: "Who's more than they pretend to be? Mega Pretender Transformers, Mega Pretenders!"
:*'''Mega Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFfrX0fd0DA] - edited down from the previous commercial.
:: "Inside one, there's the other; then they both transform and combine to form another!"
:*'''Ultra Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAnApP6Grjw] - edited down from the previous commercial.

{{anchor|Pretender Monsters}}
[[File:Pretendermonstercommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Decades later, their [[Pretender Monster#Toys|melting shells]] let you re-enact this scene.]]
*'''[[Pretender Monster]]s''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHnOzFuYdcQ]

: ''Animation:'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] dunks [[Wildfly]], [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] and [[Scowl (G1)|Scowl]] into colorful vats; they and the others emerge as Pretenders and charge at the camera. "BEYOND! (beyond) anything you've EVER SEEN before: Transformers Monster Pretenders!"
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: '''''Now''', the Decepticons have '''Monster Pretenders'''. Monster Pretenders with '''rubbery skin!'''''

==1990==
[[File:Sprocketoverruncommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Sure, Prime, I'll give up the [[alternate mode]] that I never had."]]
[[File:Commercial Gutcruncher in Stratotronic Jet.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Estroy them!" Actual dialogue. We're not making this up.]]
The Action Master commercials began and ended with a metal fist bursting through a wall, with "ACTION MASTERS" emblazoned across its knuckles. Some of the animation was screened against real-world backgrounds, with poorly animated characters morphing into the real toys.

{{anchor|Action Masters}}
*'''Action Masters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeNf3jQ1zdw]

: ''Animation:'' Inside a base, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] invites a circle of Autobots ([[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Rad (G1)|Rad]], [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] and [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]]) to join him. Prime, Jazz and Rad dash before the animation morphs to show their respective toys. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] and [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] blast through a wall before they too morph from animation to toys.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' Jazz is voiced by a sound-alike, [[Scatman Crothers]] having passed away. Rad is given a voice by [[Michael Bell]].
: "Who will give up the power to transform to become stronger faster more alive?" [''sic'']

{{anchor|Action Master vehicles}}
*'''Action Master vehicles — Starscream, Prowl''', and '''Overrun''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOvx9ByUUqo]

: ''Animation:'' A short battle sequence (on Cybertron?) with the three featured characters.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''And '''look!''' The Action Master vehicles transform into powerful '''battle stations!'''''

{{anchor|Gutcruncher}}
*'''Action Master vehicles — Wheeljack, Sprocket''', and '''Gutcruncher''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_zEQL5qoSs]

: ''Animation:'' [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] takes to the sky in the [[Stratotronic Jet|Stratojet]]; Wheeljack and Sprocket drive out of a tunnel.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Gutcruncher speaks!
: "Estroy them!" [again, ''sic'']
:*'''Action Master vehicles''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwjlbcD724k] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

[[File:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Micromasters melt in your mouth, not in your hand.]]
[[File:Bigdaddycommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Hey, daddy-o, where's the drive thru at?]]

{{anchor|Hot Rod and Construction Patrol}}
*'''Hot Rod Patrol''' and '''Construction Patrol''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgBDJhj67Uw]

: ''Animation:'' Cel: Jazz and Prime pick up the Hot Rod Patrol and examine them. Stop-motion toys: The Construction Patrol destroys a bridge, making Scorponok fall into a ravine. Rawr!
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:*'''Hot Rod Patrol / Construction Patrol''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAGdONYuMxQ] - Abbreviated (and accelerated) version of the previous commercial. [[Neil Ross]] jibbers his lines at hilariously high speed: "Micromasterconstructionpatroldestroythebridge!"

{{anchor|Micromaster Combiners}}
*'''Micromaster Combiners/Combiner Transports''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcH7ONvY4-g]

: ''Animation:'' Megatron grabs at a couple of combiner vehicles ([[Roadburner]]/[[Wheel Blaze]] and [[Missile Master]]/[[Moonrock]]), only to have them split apart, reconnect, and shoot him in the face. [[Cement-Head]] and [[Terror-Tread]], along with their transport, transform from vehicle to robot/base.
:''Notes:'' A rather wussy Frank Welker soundalike voices [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]; Neil Ross voices the indeterminable Micromaster. Roadburner somehow fires a laser from the short end of his cherry picker crane.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:*'''Micromaster Combiners''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ7lGbBV_NE+] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

==1999==
*'''Kid Rhino Video Trailer'''

: Scenes from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', ''G.I. Joe: The Movie'' and ''Jem'' are shown with their corresponding theme songs followed by text narration asking you to turn your home into a zoo by buying Kid Rhino's home video releases.
: ''Notes:'' The Transformers scenes are of [[Unicron]] demolishing [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and Springer transforming to helicopter mode before following [[Hot Rod|Rodimus Prime]] and the other Autobots through Unicron's right eye.

==2006==
*'''[[Sony]] ''The Transformers: The Movie'' 20th Anniversary Edition DVD Preview''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dU2TiL7Vgs]
: Scenes from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' play as text narration overlays promote the features of the DVD.
: ''Notes:'' This preview was shown at the Transformers panel at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2006.

==2008==
[[File:G1Awakening Trailer1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hey, look at the pretty numbers..."]]
*'''Transformers G1 Awakening trailer 1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRbWH14tT0M]
: Composed of sound-less excerpts of actual game footage highlighting some aspects of the control interface, in-game bios and battle mechanics.

==2009==
*'''Transformers G1 Awakening trailer 2''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLkqZmEf7CY]
: Excerpts from the Season 1 intro to the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] are interspersed with shots of a CGI cellphone displaying actual game footage.
: ''Notes:'' The cartoon animation is taken from [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]]'s Season 1 DVD boxset, complete with the "remastered" 5.1 surround sound audio track.

==2011==
*'''Cobra-palooza Megatron-A-Thon''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7oU1C9Vtqs]
: [[Cobra Commander]] and Megatron have an argument related to a New Year's Day marathon of ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' and the Generation 1 cartoon.

==2014==
*'''Transformers 4 July Marathon''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzb56jIR7RI]
: ''Friday, July 4th. Celebrate the Transformers' 30th Anniversary with the Hub Network. "Lock and load." ''Featuring three decades of Transformers action-- "Roll out." ''All. Day. Long.'' "Let's go for it." "Brace yourselves." ''There's fireworks a plenty--'' "Boom." ''with the 4th of July Transformers Marathon. Friday, July 4th, starting at 11:00 AM Eastern, 10:00 AM Central. Only on the Hub Network.''
: Notes: this was a marathon featuring the re-titled ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers: The Animated Movie]]'', ''[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]'', and various ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'' episodes.
{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcC7_bf6GmU Generation 1 toy commercial compilation, 1984-1986]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaVLkocrooE Generation 1 toy commercial compilation, 1986-1987]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXmuar95T8U Generation 1 toy commercial compilation, 1987-1988]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmJ86RwoKcY Generation 1 toy commercial compilation, 1988-1990]

[[Category:Commercials|Generation 1]]
[[Category:Generation 1 media]]
[[Category:Toys]]

The Transformers (toyline)

2017-10-23T21:24:21Z

Superdude056: Added a direct link to G1 Springer's toy.

{{disambig3.5|the original toyline|the 2010 toyline simply known as "Transformers"|Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers}}
{{Nav-G1}}

'''''The Transformers''''' (also now known as "'''Generation 1'''" or "'''G1'''" for short, though the line was never branded as such) started as a joint venture between [[Hasbro]] of America and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] of [[Japan]]. After an idea to rebrand and sell Takara's ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' [[Toy|robot toys]] as a whole new line with a new concept behind it (developed by Hasbro's partners at [[Marvel Comics]]), Hasbro ultimately created what would be one of the longest-running and most popular [[franchise]]s for both companies. Starting in [[1984]], the line ran for seven years in America, eight in Europe and Japan (though Takara would break the line up into multiple sub-franchises).

{{TOCclear}}

==Overview==
Having run for seven years, the line changed dramatically over its lifetime, going from pre-made items to all-new designs and greater focus on [[gimmick]]s beyond simply transforming. Thus, the more descriptive bits will be tackled year-by-year... but there's still plenty to talk about in the big picture.

===Then Vs. Now===
[[File:Seekers ad.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Page from the 1984 JC Penney annual catalog. A book hundreds of pages thick, which could devote an entire page or two to a single toy line. 80's kids ''craved'' these books. And yes, JC Penney used to carry toys.]]

The original ''Transformers'' came out in a ''very'' different toy environment than what exists today, and at a time when the market was venturing out from the slow-paced 1970s into undiscovered country.

First of all, the market itself was simply broader. There were a ''lot'' more retailers out there, both national and regional, muscling for market share, and virtually all had a sizable toy department. Sears and [[Kmart]] were the biggest retailers in the United States; [[Walmart]] and [[Target]] were just regional players poised to go nationwide. [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] wasn't the only large-scale toys-only chain. Even grocery stores and drug stores devoted a significant amount of space to toys year-round, and not just the cheap stuff! The idea that you could buy ''anything'' via computer, much less toys, was a novelty at best. No, you had to get out there and shop - or use a big printed mail-order catalog like the old Sears "Wish Book".

On top of that, there were far more toy companies scrabbling for shelf space. Mattel was still an action-figure heavyweight thanks to ''Masters of the Universe'', which led the boom of cartoon-advertised toy lines (more on that in a bit) throwing out weird concepts in the hope of creating the next big thing. ''Transformers'' wasn't even the first shape-changing robot toy to US shelves, having been beat to the punch by then-competitor [[Tonka]], who brought over [[Bandai]]'s ''Machine Robo'' toys as ''[[GoBots]]'' six months prior. And then there were all the major sorta-likes, such as [[Kenner]]'s ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'' with its transforming vehicles, [[TakaraTomy|Tomy]]'s ''Starriors'' reconfigurable robots (a ''Zoids'' offshoot), and approximately eleventy-billion also-rans and cheap knockoffs from a host of now-defunct companies. (And yes, most of the previously-mentioned companies now fall under the Hasbro/TakaraTomy umbrella.)

While most modern toys have a shelf-life of ''maybe'' six months, in the 80s a single toy could ship steadily for two years, more if the line was particularly successful. The original [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]] toys shipped for three, and some of the [[Mini-Cassette]]s for ''four''. (Though the king of long-run shipping is surely [[Kenner]]'s original ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' line: the single [[Darth Vader]] figure shipped for ''seven years''.)

Not only did the toys ship longer, but the look of ''Transformers''<nowiki>'</nowiki> packaging did not change significantly for five years, only changing the logo and overall design in [[#1989: Pretenders and Micromasters|1989]] as part of a revitalization attempt. Today, even when a single line lasts more than a year, the packaging changes considerably at least every year.

Though even with all that, seven years ''was'' a long time for a toy franchise to run. Most of the bigger lines only managed about three years, and that third was typically a final flailing-for-its-life year as kids had moved on. That ''Transformers'' made as big a splash as it did and lasted so long ''before'' the revivals and reboots is remarkable. How'd it do that? Well...

===Refining the Formula===

To be honest, ''Transformers'' didn't do much that was really "new" outside of its central transformation [[gimmick]], and that was one it shared with multiple competitors. What put the line above the others is simply doing a great many things ''better'' than is competitors.

Many early articles on the transforming robot toyline wars opined that ''GoBots'' would win due to its reliance on a large number of small, inexpensive items easy for kids to pick up. (After all, that formula worked wonders for ''Star Wars''.) And while ''Transformers'' did have a number of small, inexpensive "entry point" items, its larger figures would turn out to be a ''huge'' draw, a kind of playground status symbol. The boxed figures featured multiple accessories and add-on [[sticker]]s for an extra level of interaction with the toy, giving them an extra air of quality. Sure you could get a GoBot or a [[Mini Vehicle]] just about any time, but the larger ''Transformers'' were something big and special for birthdays or saved-up allowances.

[[File:Trailbreaker Bio&TechSpec.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Lotta reading going on in the toy aisles in the 80's.]]

The packaging too was a step beyond what other lines were doing. Every packaging back had a hefty [[bio]] of the character, penned by Marvel author [[Bob Budiansky]]. Most lines gave their toys only a cursory sentence or two about the toy's imaginary powers (if that, ''GoBots'' didn't), but the ''Transformers'' bios truly "humanized" the alien robots, giving each one a distinct personality complete with motto, on top of a much more full description of the imaginary powers that character possessed. Attached was the "[[Tech Spec]]s", numeric rankings of the character's stats. This information was (mostly) obscured and (sort of) unreadable without a red plastic "Tech Spec decoder" inside the boxed toys early on (though the red lens of a pair of 3D glasses would work too, and who didn't have at ''least'' one of those lying around in the 80s?), but eventually would move to easily-readable bars.

[[File:PackIn Reinforcements Inside.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Kids had a lot of these. The flyers, we mean, not the toys themselves.]]

While [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-away offers]] were an ''extremely'' common practice at the time, Hasbro smartly spruced this process up. Most every toy (and cereal) mail-away offer asked you to clip out the UPC bar-codes as "proof of purchase" when sending away, but ''Transformers'' instead asked for the "[[Robot Point]]s" clipped from the packaging back. Bigger toys had more Points, again adding to the idea that the larger toys were a step above the smaller ones. (The Points were, of course, actually worthless, since you also sent in a check for roughly what the toys would normally cost anyway.) While many other lines' mail-aways tended to be just toys that weren't out in stores yet, ''Transformers'' from the outset offered toys that they would ''never'' sell at normal retail, like the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. Talk about playground bragging rights!

While not ''directly'' part of the toyline, the way ''Transformers'' was advertised has ''got'' to be mentioned when talking about its success. [[Ronald Reagan|President Reagan]]'s recent deregulation policies allowed for the line between "advertisement" and "entertainment" on television to blur heavily, and toy companies were still exploring how to properly exploit this new "advertainment" method of pushing plastic to preteens. ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' was the first of these toyline-based cartoons, and it rocketed that toyline to success. And let's be honest here: that show was ''garbage'', but kids ate it up. Hasbro upped the ante with [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'' cartoon]], giving it a more serious story and higher-quality animation (both low hurdles compared to ''He-Man'' but let's not rag on that ''too'' much, they ''were'' testing the early limits of the medium)... and thanks to the fact that the characters were robots, more violence. You can't shoot a human with a laser-blaster, but a robot who could be rebuilt? Oh yeah!

The basic upshot... Hasbro simply marketed the line better in virtually every regard, and sold kids on the idea that these weren't ''just'' robot toys, they were characters... that these plastic doodads were, well, more than meets the eye.

{{note|Most of these tactics were also applied to Hasbro's other huge success story in the 1980's, ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]].'' Wide variety of price points, character writeups, "Flag Points" for unique mailaways, better cartoon... all there.}}

==Hasbro ''The Transformers'' US toyline==
===1984===
[[File:G1 1984 backofboxbattle.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

The first year of ''Transformers'' changed very little from the original Japanese ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Microman]]'' releases. The bulk of the changes were to the [[sticker]]s (mainly adding new [[insignia|faction symbols]], but also removing "Diaclone" texts and potentially-legally-contentious brandings) and some light [[retool]]ing, including the removal/weakening of springs inside the [[missile]] launchers [[for safety reasons]]. Most of the toys' base color schemes came from the original lines, with a few exceptions: [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]], [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation|Skywarp]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Toys|Buzzsaw]] were new decos created whole-cloth by Hasbro.

One particularly helpful bit of marketing for this year is the clean division of good-guy/bad-guy [[alternate mode]]s. The Heroic Autobots were the cars and trucks, and the Evil Decepticons were... everything else.

In contrast to the nigh-solid plastic toys of today, [[die-cast]] metal played a large role in these toys' construction. This was actually a ''cost-saving'' measure, a lingering effect from the petroleum price crises from the '70s made it a bit cheaper overall to make sizable chunks of toys out of metal instead of plastic! The larger cars (and some of the [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Cars]]) also featured rubber tires, and most every toy had ''some'' piece on them that was [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]].

Unfortunately, these materials issues mean that these toys rarely age well, especially given the rigors of playground life. Paint chips off metal, rubber dries out and splits, chrome fades and rubs off, and the combination of metal-and-plastic on hinged parts leads to easier breakage. Many of these toys have outright ''notorious'' damage issues, and loose undamaged toys are a bit hard to come by.

[[Articulation]] was also a tertiary-at-best concern in the overall design scheme. It was rare for a toy to have moving parts that weren't directly tied to its [[transformation]] sequence beyond a simple rotating shoulder/elbow joint. These toys being "[[brick (term)|brick]]s", mixed with the aforementioned degradation/breakage issues, have largely relegated them to being display pieces for older collectors.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Brawn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|"Bumper"]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cliffjumper]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Gears (G1)#Toys|Gears]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Huffer (G1)#Toys|Huffer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]] / [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Laserbeak]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rumble (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Rumble]] / [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ravage]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bluestreak]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hound (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hound]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mirage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Mirage]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Prowl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratchet]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Trailbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Wheeljack]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:G1-toy Sunstreaker.jpg|200px|thumb|Autobot Car Sunstreaker]][[File:G1Starscream toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Decepticon Jet Starscream]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Decepticon Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thundercracker]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Communications'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Soundwave]] (w/ [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Buzzsaw]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Megatron]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Kronoform]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Autoceptor#Toys|Autoceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Deceptor#Toys|Deceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kaltor#Toys|Kaltor]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

*"[[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]"
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powerdasher]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Drill Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Aragon#Toys|F-1 Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cromar#Toys|Jet Type]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Time Warrior (G1)#Toys|Time Warrior]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:Camshaft-G1toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Omnibot Camshaft]]
|}

===1985===
[[File:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|The 80s! When toy companies actively encouraged you to play with fire!]]

1984 was a roaring, out-of-the-gate success for ''Transformers'', so 1985's offerings upped the ante, both in numbers and in variety of form.

''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were mined for as many viable toys as possible. The remaining unused "Car Robot" models were brought over, as were several [[redeco]]/[[retool]]s of first-year Cars. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, six small-scale construction vehicles that could combine into the mighty super-robot [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], were a huge hit. Robotic beasts made a splash with the [[Dinobot (G1)#Toys|Dinobots]] and [[Insecticon (G1)#Toys|Insecticons]]. The two predecessor lines also had some in-development concepts that were pushed into ''Transformers'', and while some would not be ready until next year, Hasbro/Takara were able to get out a set of new Mini Vehicles, and new versions of the large jet mold with all-new wings and weapons.

But all this wasn't enough to meet expected demand, so Hasbro looked elsewhere for future Transformers. They struck a deal with [[Bandai]] for molds from a variety of Japanese toylines. As Bandai was (and is) a direct competitor to Takara, none of these toys were put into the cartoon, which was being ported to Japan. (There was a [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|whole big thing with Jetfire/Skyfire in the cartoon]], follow the link for more on that.) Other toys were also licensed from other companies, but didn't have the major-rival-baggage of Bandai's toys, so they could at least be in the show, if not in [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Takara's version of the toyline]].

All in all, 1985's output was roughly ''double'' that of 1984's. And with a new slew of imitators popping up, Hasbro pushed a new little bit of status-symbol into the line, giving every toy released in '85 —including the re-released '84 toys— a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]]. This brand was the mark of a "true" Transformer, and they even spent the money to make a [[commercial]] ''just to say so''. The rubsigns were also key to another bit of promotion, the mystery-allegiance [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]] that came with the Mini Vehicles this year as bonuses.

This year also marks the debut of ''Transformers'' internationally, being released in [[The Transformers (European toyline)|multiple European countries]], [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Japan]], [[IGA|Mexico]], [[Estrela|Brazil]], and [[Antex|Argentina]]... all with various changes from the US line, some minor, some... well, "major" might be an understatement for some.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Beachcomber (G1)#Toys|Beachcomber]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cosmos (G1)#Toys|Cosmos]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Powerglide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Seaspray (G1)#Toys|Seaspray]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Warpath (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Warpath]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]]''' (pack-ins)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|4WD Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Buggy Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|FX-1 Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Porsche Type}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)#Toys|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)#Toys|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)#Toys|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)#Toys|Mixmaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)#Toys|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)#Toys|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#Toys|Devastator]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 barrage toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Deluxe Insecticon Barrage]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Jumpstarter]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Topspin (G1)#Toys|Topspin]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Twin Twist#Toys|Twin Twist]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grapple (G1)#Toys|Grapple]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Inferno]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Red Alert]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Skids (G1)#Toys|Skids]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Smokescreen]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tracks (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Tracks]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Astrotrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blitzwing]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slag (G1)#Toys|Slag]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#Toys|Snarl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swoop (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Swoop]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Insecticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Barrage (Insecticon)#Toys|Barrage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chop Shop (G1)#Toys|Chop Shop]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ransack (G1)#Toys|Ransack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Venom (G1)#Toys|Venom]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Roadbuster (G1)#Toys|Roadbuster]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Whirl (G1)#Toys|Whirl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 Blaster toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Blaster]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Dirge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Dirge]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ramjet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thrust (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thrust]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Scientist'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Perceptor]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Communicator'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Military Operations Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Shockwave]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Air Guardian'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jetfire]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Motorized Defense Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Omega Supreme (G1)#Toys|Omega Supreme]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Tyco]] Licensed Playsets'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Electric Racing Set]] (W/ [[Natron]] & [[Freezon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Electric Train and Battle Set]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Tech Specometer Eleven]]}}
|
|}

{{-}}
[[File:G1-toy OptimusPepsi.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Pepsi mail-away Optimus Prime]]
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|Cookie Crisp [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|[[Pepsi]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PepsiPrime|Optimus Prime]]}}
:* "[[Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!]]"
:* "[[Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?]]"
</ul>
{{--}}

===1986: "The Movie"===
[[File:Scramble city packaging mural.jpg|right|thumb|250px|That's a ''lot'' of explosions with no evidence of anything actually being exploded.]]

1986 presented a major change in the franchise on several levels. The first being that ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were pretty much depleted of viable toys, so it was time for all-new toolings to get made.

The past lines still had a role to play in this, though. The Mini Vehicles were refreshed by taking the 1984 assortment and extensively [[retool]]ing them into all-new characters. Takara had been designing a different sort of [[combiner|combining robot team]] for ''Diaclone'', where the limb-bots were wholly interchangeable. These plans would come to life in ''Transformers'' as the "[[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]" style combiners (though that branding was only used in Takara's line; Hasbro called them the "[[Special Teams]]" in Europe, and... nothing special in the US). The combiners were actually advertised in the 1985 season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]] in a bit of bleed-over as Hasbro prepared for the ''really'' big change... ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

This media event ''really'' shook things (and kids) up. The older cast of not-shipping-any-more-1984-toys was shuffled out, with many characters openly and brutally ''killed'' in the film, to make way for all-new toy-characters who would take the forefront, including new faction leaders. These bots were developed for animation first then had toys developed based around those designs, a ''very'' rare move at the time (and still uncommon today, mostly only the [[live-action film series]] works this way). These new designs were very Cybertronian/futuristic in design, as the Movie was set in the far-flung future of ''[[2005]] ooooooohhhhh''. This more sci-fi look would stick with the line for a little while.

Another subtle but important change was that the two factions began to share [[subgroup]]s, with the Autobots gaining their own [[Mini-Cassette]]s and [[Triple Changer]]s, plus both sides had "Scramble City" style combiners. These groups shipped in mixed-allegiance assortments, which would become more and more common going forward.

This was also the year [[die-cast|die-cast metal]] started being phased out of the toys' construction. With petroleum prices lowering, plastics became the less-expensive alternative. Many of this year's toys shipped initially with painted die-cast bits, but were later replaced with plastic-parts [[variant]]s.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Vehicles]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hubcap (G1)#Toys|Hubcap]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Outback (G1)#Toys|Outback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pipes (G1)#Toys|Pipes]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (G1)#Toys|Swerve]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tailgate (G1)#Toys|Tailgate]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheelie (G1)#Toys|Wheelie]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ramhorn (G1)#Toys|Ramhorn]] / [[Eject (G1)#Toys|Eject]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratbat]] / [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rewind (G1)#Toys|Rewind]] / [[Steeljaw (G1)#Toys|Steeljaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (G1)#Toys|Air Raid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (G1)#Toys|Fireflight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Toys|Skydive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slingshot (G1)#Toys|Slingshot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (G1)#Toys|Superion]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (G1)#Toys|Breakdown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (G1)#Toys|Dead End]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Drag Strip (G1)#Toys|Drag Strip]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Motormaster (G1)#Toys|Motormaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildrider (G1)#Toys|Wildrider]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Menasor (G1)#Toys|Menasor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1menasor toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Menasor, the Stunticon combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blades (G1)#Toys|Blades]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[First Aid (G1)#Toys|First Aid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groove (G1)#Toys|Groove]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Spot (G1)#Toys|Hot Spot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Streetwise (G1)#Toys|Streetwise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Defensor (G1)#Toys|Defensor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)#Toys|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)#Toys|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)#Toys|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)#Toys|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)#Toys|Vortex]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus (G1)#Generation_1|Bruticus]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Battlecharger]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Runabout (G1)#Toys|Runabout]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Runamuck (G1)#Toys|Runamuck]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Broadside (G1)#Toys|Broadside]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octane#Toys|Octane]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sandstorm (G1)#Toys|Sandstorm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Springer (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Springer]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blurr]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hot Rod]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Kup]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Heroes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#G1RodimusPrime|Rodimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Toys|Wreck-Gar]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)#Toys|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)#Toys|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)#Toys|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)#Toys|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tantrum (G1)#Toys|Tantrum]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Gnaw (G1)#Toys|Gnaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1toy hot rod.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Autobot Car Hot Rod]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Planes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cyclonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scourge]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City Commander]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Galvatron]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Motorized Autobot Space Shuttle'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City-bot|Cities]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] (w/ [[Six-Gun#Toys|Six-Gun]], [[Slammer#Toys|Slammer]], and [[Scamper#Toys|Scamper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Trypticon (G1)#Toys|Trypticon]] (w/ [[Brunt (G1)#Toys|Brunt]] & [[Full-Tilt#Toys|Full-Tilt]])}}
</ul>
|}

{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
[[File:G1 Reflector toy.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Reflector]]

:*"[[The Autobots Have a Special Mission for:]]"
<ul class="itemlist">
::{{Bp-d1|[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] ([[Spectro]], [[Spyglass]], [[Viewfinder]])}}
</ul>
:*"[[You Have Been Chosen.]]"
:*"[[Decipher the Decepticon]]" contest
:*"[[Prizes in Disguise]]" contest
{{--}}

===1987: Headmasters and Targetmasters===
This year was almost completely dominated by "sci-fi" vehicle modes, following up on ''The Movie'' styling. On top of that, extra [[gimmick]]s beyond transformation began to play into the subgroups, with the [[Throttlebot]]s' [[pull-back motor]]s and the [[Sparking gimmick|spark-firing]] [[Monsterbot]]s.

More importantly, this was the first year Hasbro would push a primary over-arching [[gimmick]] as a large percentage of the line: the [[Nebulan]] "Master" partners. Where previous years tended to be a bit scattered with its transformation types, the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s presented a more unified theme across both factions and multiple price-points. This culminated in the mighty [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], a towering two-foot-tall Headmaster city-bot, with a hefty $100 price-tag (in 1987 dollars, which is about the same as a $200 Transformer today). For sheer size and mass, "Fort Max" remained the largest Transformer produced for over 25 years... and something of a "bragging rights" move on Hasbro's part, showing that they ''could'' demand that kind of shelf space from retailers. (They did the same thing with ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and the massive "[[USS Flagg]]" playset.)

However, this high point also marked the start of the franchise's waning. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] was ended with a truncated [[The Rebirth|three-part special]], with reruns continuing on in syndication. Mail-away offers were also slowing down, with no new product available from this year on, only older items no longer in stores. Smaller figures were packaged with small soft-rubber [[Decoy]]s of older characters as an extra incentive, but they weren't a [[Mini-spy|fully transformable mini-Transformer]].

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Throttlebot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Chase (G1)#Toys|Chase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Freeway (G1)#Toys|Freeway]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Goldbug]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollbar (G1)#Toys|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Searchlight (G1)#Toys|Searchlight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wideload (G1)#Toys|Wideload]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Afterburner (G1)#Toys|Afterburner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)#Toys|Lightspeed]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nosecone (G1)#Toys|Nosecone]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scattershot (G1)#Toys|Scattershot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Strafe (G1)#Toys|Strafe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Computron (G1)#Toys|Computron]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blot (G1)#Toys|Blot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cutthroat (G1)#Toys|Cutthroat]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)#Toys|Hun-Gurrr]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rippersnapper (G1)#Toys|Rippersnapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sinnertwin (G1)#Toys|Sinnertwin]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugfest (G1)#Toys|Slugfest]] / [[Overkill (G1)#Toys|Overkill]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Technobots-specialteams.jpg|200px|thumb|Computron, the Technobot combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Duocon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Battletrap#Toys|Battletrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flywheels#Toys|Flywheels]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fastlane#Toys|Fastlane]] / [[Cloudraker (G1)#Toys|Cloudraker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Pounce#Toys|Pounce]] / [[Wingspan#Toys|Wingspan]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[:Category:Spies|Double Spy]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Punch (G1)#Toys|Punch-Counterpunch]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Monsterbot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Doublecross#Toys|Doublecross]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grotusque#Toys|Grotusque]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Repugnus (G1)#Toys|Repugnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brainstorm (G1)#Toys|Brainstorm]] (w/ [[Arcana#Toys|Arcana]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chromedome (G1)#Toys|Chromedome]] (w/ [[Stylor#Toys|Stylor]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hardhead (G1)#Toys|Hardhead]] (w/ [[Duros#Toys|Duros]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Highbrow (G1)#Toys|Highbrow]] (w/ [[Gort#Toys|Gort]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mindwipe (G1)#Toys|Mindwipe]] (w/ [[Vorath#Toys|Vorath]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullcruncher (G1)#Toys|Skullcruncher]] (w/ [[Grax#Toys|Grax]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Weirdwolf (G1)#Toys|Weirdwolf]] (w/ [[Monzo#Toys|Monzo]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[Horrorcon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Apeface#Toys|Apeface]] (w/ [[Spasma#Toys|Spasma]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snapdragon (G1)#Toys|Snapdragon]] (w/ [[Krunk#Toys|Krunk]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Blurr]] (w/ [[Haywire#Toys|Haywire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Crosshairs (G1)#Toys|Crosshairs]] (w/ [[Pinpointer (G1)#Toys|Pinpointer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Cyclonus]] (w/ [[Nightstick (G1)#Toys|Nightstick]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]] (w/ [[Firebolt (G1)#Toys|Firebolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Kup]] (w/ [[Recoil (G1)#Toys|Recoil]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Misfire (G1)#Toys|Misfire]] (w/ [[Aimless (G1)#Toys|Aimless]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Pointblank#Toys|Pointblank]] (w/ [[Peacemaker#Toys|Peacemaker]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Scourge]] (w/ [[Fracas#Toys|Fracas]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugslinger (G1)#Toys|Slugslinger]] (w/ [[Caliburst (G1)#Toys|Caliburst]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sureshot (G1)#Toys|Sureshot]] (w/ [[Spoilsport#Toys|Spoilsport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Triggerhappy (G1)#Toys|Triggerhappy]] (w/ [[Blowpipe (G1)#Toys|Blowpipe]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy Brainstorm.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Headmaster Brainstorm (with Arcana)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Sixshot#Toys|Sixshot]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[City-bot|Base]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Fortress Maximus]] (w/ [[Cerebros (G1)#Toys|Cerebros]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Toys|Spike]], [[Cog (G1)#Toys|Cog]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scorponok (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scorponok]] (w/ [[Zarak (G1)#Toys|Zarak]] & [[Fasttrack (Scorponok)#Toys|Fasttrack]])}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
:* "[[Start Your Own Decoy Collection]]" ([[Decoy]]s packed in with carded figures)
:* "[[Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.]]"

===1988: Powermasters and Pretenders===
After four years and slowly-declining sales, the push to make ''Transformers'' live up to its new tagline ("More... Much More Than Meets the Eye!") was in full effect. Even toys in old subgroups gained new gimmicks: the new [[Mini-Cassette]]s were combiners, the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]] combiner team's limb-bots each had a cannon mode the super-robot could use as a handgun, and the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] each had ''two'' [[Nebulan]]s who could also combine into a super-gun.

The big noise this year was the [[Pretender]]s, Transformers that wear outer shells in the guise of armored warriors, monsters, and more, effectively giving you two warriors in one purchase. However, the line didn't exactly excite kids, as most of the inner robots' vehicle modes could be generously described as "vague at best" due to the necessity of fitting inside their shells. And while the shells' minimal articulation (having only stiff shoulder swivels) would be fine for much younger children, the inner robots and number of small parts definitely put them outside of that age group.

The other big move was the return of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] as one of the [[Powermaster]]s, robots whose Nebulan partners unlocked the vehicle-to-robot conversion as engine-shaped "keys". Though the previous year saw [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Bumblebee return as "Goldbug"]], this large-scale toy of a returning character heralded a shift in Hasbro's strategy, which would get even stronger next year.

However, the decline that begun the year prior was made worse by a sudden splash in the action figure world: the arrival of the ''{{w|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles}}''. Kids flocked to this strange new line and its weird new cartoon, leaving ''Transformers''... sorry, there's no helping this... shell-shocked.

Sorry.

<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grand Slam (G1)#Toys|Grand Slam]] / [[Raindance#Toys|Raindance]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squawktalk (G1)#Toys|Squawktalk]] / [[Beastbox (G1)#Toys|Beastbox]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sparkabot]]s / [[Firecon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cindersaur (G1)#Toys|Cindersaur]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fizzle#Toys|Fizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flamefeather (G1)#Toys|Flamefeather]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Guzzle (G1)#Toys|Guzzle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sizzle (G1)#Toys|Sizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sparkstalker#Toys|Sparkstalker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triggerbot]]s / [[Triggercon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Backstreet (G1)#Toys|Backstreet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Crankcase (G1)#Toys|Crankcase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dogfight (G1)#Toys|Dogfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Override (G1)#Toys|Override]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruckus (G1)#Toys|Ruckus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Windsweeper#Toys|Windsweeper]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Nautilator#Toys|Nautilator]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overbite (G1)#Toys|Overbite]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seawing (G1)#Toys|Seawing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skalor#Toys|Skalor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snaptrap (G1)#Toys|Snaptrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tentakil (G1)#Toys|Tentakil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Piranacon (G1)#Toys|Piranacon]] (giftset)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" |[[File:G1-toy Sparkstalker.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Firecon Sparkstalker]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Landfill (G1)#Toys|Landfill]] (w/ [[Flintlock#Toys|Flintlock]] & [[Silencer (G1)#Toys|Silencer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Needlenose (G1)#Toys|Needlenose]] (w/ [[Sunbeam (G1)#Toys|Sunbeam]] & [[Zigzag#Toys|Zigzag]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quake (G1)#Toys|Quake]] (w/ [[Tiptop#Toys|Tiptop]] & [[Heater#Toys|Heater]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickmix (G1)#Toys|Quickmix]] (w/ [[Boomer#Toys|Boomer]] & [[Ricochet (G1)#Toys|Ricochet]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scoop (G1)#Toys|Scoop]] (w/ [[Holepunch (G1)#Toys|Holepunch]] & [[Tracer (Targetmaster)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Spinister (G1)#Toys|Spinister]] (w/ [[Hairsplitter#Toys|Hairsplitter]] & [[Singe#Toys|Singe]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Fangry (G1)#Toys|Fangry]] (w/ [[Brisko#Toys|Brisko]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Horri-Bull#Toys|Horri-Bull]] (w/ [[Kreb#Toys|Kreb]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hosehead (G1)#Toys|Hosehead]] (w/ [[Lug (G1)#Toys|Lug]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightbeat (G1)#Toys|Nightbeat]] (w/ [[Muzzle#Toys|Muzzle]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Siren (G1)#Toys|Siren]] (w/ [[Quig#Toys|Quig]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squeezeplay (G1)#Toys|Squeezeplay]] (w/ [[Lokos#Toys|Lokos]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powermaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Darkwing (G1)#Toys|Darkwing]] (w/ [[Throttle (G1)#Toys|Throttle]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwind (G1)#Toys|Dreadwind]] (w/ [[Hi-Test (G1)#Toys|Hi-Test]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Doubledealer#Toys|Doubledealer]] (w/ [[Knok#Toys|Knok]] & [[Skar (Decepticon)#Toys|Skar]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Getaway#Toys|Getaway]] (w/ [[Rev#Toys|Rev]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Joyride (G1)#Toys|Joyride]] (w/ [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slapdash (G1)#Toys|Slapdash]] (w/ [[Lube#Toys|Lube]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Powermaster Autobot Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] (w/ [[Hi-Q#Toys|Hi-Q]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Powermaster Optimus Prime]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s Wave 1'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bomb-Burst (G1)#Toys|Bomb-Burst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cloudburst#Toys|Cloudburst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Landmine (G1)#Toys|Landmine]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullgrin#Toys|Skullgrin]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Submarauder (G1)#Toys|Submarauder]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Waverider#Toys|Waverider]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Pretenders Wave 2'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bugly (G1)#Toys|Bugly]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Finback#Toys|Finback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundbreaker#Toys|Groundbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Iguanus (G1)#Toys|Iguanus]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky High (Pretender)#Toys|Sky High]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Splashdown#Toys|Splashdown]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Beast]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Carnivac (G1)#Toys|Carnivac]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Catilla (G1)#Toys|Catilla]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chainclaw (G1)#Toys|Chainclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snarler#Toys|Snarler]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Gunrunner (G1)#Toys|Gunrunner]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadgrabber#Toys|Roadgrabber]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:G1Bomb-Burst toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Pretender Bomb-Burst]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickswitch#Toys|Quickswitch]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

:*"[[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]]"

===1989: Pretenders and Micromasters===
Facing stiff competition, Hasbro attempted to unify and re-brand ''Transformers'' with a new focus and a new look.

First, they eliminated the miscellaneous subgroups of the past, rolling ''everything'' under two over-arching gimmicks: expansions of the [[Pretender]] concept, and the new 1-inch-tall [[Micromaster]]s, the latter being a response to the steadily-growing popularity of then-competitor [[Galoob]]'s ''Micro Machines'' micro-play vehicle line. Kids would buy packs of four Micromasters together, or would get a single Micromaster with a transforming vehicle or playset, with the larger vehicles themselves transforming into base-mode playsets that could interconnect with included ramps (again a response to ''Micro Machines''<nowiki>'</nowiki> heavy use of playsets).

The nostalgia-grab got larger, with new toys based on some of the most popular characters from the early years, now back as "[[Classic Pretender]]s". This year even saw the first store-[[exclusive]] Transformers, as those same four bots were sold without their Pretender shells as "[[Legends (G1)|Legends]]", available only at [[Kmart]] (which wasn't the decrepit shell of a retailer it is now).

On top of this, the packaging changed ''dramatically'', with a new look and logo design. Cardbacks were no longer distinguished between Autobot/Decepticon, but between the gold-carded Pretenders and the silver-carded Micromasters. The on-package [[Tech Spec]]s changed to an easier-to-read bar graph. (The first three Micromaster Patrols and the Legends ''did'' ship on old-style cards, but later Patrols were all on silver cards.) Hasbro hoped that this would prove stronger from a marketing standpoint than the Autobot/Decepticon distinction from previous years, plus look new and fresh, rather than just another iteration of a now-six-year-old toyline.

You can kind of guess how well that worked.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Monster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Birdbrain#Toys|Birdbrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bristleback#Toys|Bristleback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Icepick (G1)#Toys|Icepick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scowl (G1)#Toys|Scowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slog (G1)#Toys|Slog]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildfly#Toys|Wildfly]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bludgeon (G1)#Toys|Bludgeon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Doubleheader#Toys|Doubleheader]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longtooth#Toys|Longtooth]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octopunch (G1)#Toys|Octopunch]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pincher (G1)#Toys|Pincher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Stranglehold#Toys|Stranglehold]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Classic Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Pretender|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Pretender|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Pretender|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mega Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Crossblades (G1)#Toys|Crossblades]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunderwing (G1)#Toys|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Vroom (G1)#Toys|Vroom]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top|[[File:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Mega Pretender Thunderwing]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadblock (G1)#Toys|Roadblock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyhammer (G1)#Toys|Skyhammer]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Air Strike Patrol#Toys|Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)#Toys|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)#Toys|Storm Cloud]], [[Tailwind (G1)#Toys|Tailwind]], [[Whisper (G1)#Toys|Whisper]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Battle Patrol#Toys|Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot#Toys|Big Shot]], [[Flak (G1)#Toys|Flak]], [[Sidetrack (G1)#Toys|Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner (G1)#Toys|Sunrunner]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Off Road Patrol#Toys|Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)#Toys|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger (G1)#Toys|Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain#Toys|Powertrain]], [[Tote#Toys|Tote]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Race Car Patrol#Toys|Race Car Patrol]] ([[Free Wheeler#Toys|Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)#Toys|Roadhandler]], [[Swindler#Toys|Swindler]], [[Tailspin#Toys|Tailspin]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rescue Patrol (G1)#Toys|Rescue Patrol]] ([[Fixit (G1)#Toys|Fixit]], [[Red Hot#Toys|Red Hot]], [[Seawatch#Toys|Seawatch]], [[Stakeout (G1)#Toys|Stakeout]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sports Car Patrol#Toys|Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Blackjack#Toys|Blackjack]], [[Detour (G1)#Toys|Detour]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)#Toys|Hyperdrive]], [[Road Hugger (G1)#Toys|Road Hugger]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Erector (G1)#Toys|Erector]] (w/ [[Crane]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flattop (Decepticon)#Toys|Flattop]] (w/ [[Platonix|Aircraft carrier]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overload (G1)#Toys|Overload]] (w/ [[Car carrier trailer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roughstuff#Toys|Roughstuff]] (w/ [[Military transport]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|200px|thumb|]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Stations'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Airwave (G1)#Toys|Airwave]] (w/ [[Airport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Greasepit (G1)#Toys|Greasepit]] (w/ [[Gas station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot House#Toys|Hot House]] (w/ [[Fire station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironworks#Toys|Ironworks]] (w/ [[Construction station]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Bases'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundshaker#Toys|Groundshaker]] (w/ [[ATV]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skyhopper#Toys|Skyhopper]] (w/ [[Helicopter]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Jet Command Center'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skystalker (G1)#Toys|Skystalker]] (w/ [[Thunder Arrow#Toys|Interstellar shuttle]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Rocket Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Countdown (G1)#Toys|Countdown]] (w/ [[Rocket Base#Toys|Rocket base]])}}
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Exclusives'''</big>
:'''[[Kmart]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|[[Legends (G1)|Legends]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Bumblebee]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Grimlock]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Jazz (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-d1|Legends [[Starscream (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Starscream]]}}
</ul>

===1990: Micromasters and Action Masters===
[[File:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|200px|thumb|Action Master Jazz, reintroducing a character from the line's early years.]]

By this time, ''Transformers'' was in serious trouble. ''Ninja Turtles'' was still dominating the toy aisle and TV ratings, and was even putting out a live-action movie that year. (Bet Hasbro wished they had a cartoon on the air ''then'', huh?) Home video games were getting even hotter and luring more kids away from toys altogether, especially with the release of the hugely-anticipated Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Hasbro tried to rally with something that was very rare for its time: a large-scale appeal to nostalgia. While Micromasters continued on, the rest of the series was taken up by [[Action Master]]s, non-transforming ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''-scale action figures of ''Transformers'' characters, with a half-and-half mix of "classic" characters and all-new bots. As with the Micromasters, the focus was mainly on the low-price items, with the carded individual Action Masters getting the largest amount of product. Larger offerings included vehicles that transformed into battle stations or "attack modes" for the Action Masters to pilot.

Unfortunately, it simply wasn't enough, and ''Transformers'' was canceled in the US. While the [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European version of the line]] would continue on with both new product and a glut of "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" re-releases, it would be two years before ''Transformers'' would come back to US toy shelves, as ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

<big>'''Retail releases'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Patrol#Toys|Air Patrol]] ([[Blaze Master#Toys|Blaze Master]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)#Toys|Eagle Eye]], [[Sky High (Micromaster)#Toys|Sky High]], [[Tread Bolt#Toys|Tread Bolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Construction Patrol#Toys|Construction Patrol]] ([[Crumble#Toys|Crumble]], [[Groundpounder (G1)#Toys|Groundpounder]], [[Neutro#Toys|Neutro]], [[Takedown#Toys|Takedown]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod Patrol#Toys|Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)#Toys|Big Daddy]], [[Greaser#Toys|Greaser]], [[Hubs#Toys|Hubs]], [[Trip-Up#Toys|Trip-Up]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Military Patrol#Toys|Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)#Toys|Bombshock]], [[Dropshot (G1)#Toys|Dropshot]], [[Growl (G1)#Toys|Growl]], [[Tracer (G1 Decepticon)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Monster Truck Patrol#Toys|Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Big Hauler#Toys|Big Hauler]], [[Heavy Tread#Toys|Heavy Tread]], [[Hydraulic#Toys|Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke#Toys|Slow Poke]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Race Track Patrol#Toys|Race Track Patrol]] ([[Barricade (G1)#Toys|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog#Toys|Ground Hog]], [[Motorhead (Decepticon)#Toys|Motorhead]], [[Roller Force#Toys|Roller Force]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner]] Squads'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Astro Squad#Toys|Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser#Toys|Phaser]], [[Blast Master#Toys|Blast Master]], [[Moonrock#Toys|Moonrock]], [[Missile Master#Toys|Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)#Toys|Barrage]] & [[Heave#Toys|Heave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Battle Squad#Toys|Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)#Toys|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)#Toys|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit (G1)#Toys|Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch (G1)#Toys|Power Punch]], [[Fireshot (G1)#Toys|Fireshot]] & [[Vanquish (G1)#Toys|Vanquish]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Constructor Squad#Toys|Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)#Toys|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)#Toys|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)#Toys|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)#Toys|Hammer]], [[Grit (G1)#Toys|Grit]] & [[Knockout (G1)#Toys|Knockout]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Metro Squad#Toys|Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze#Toys|Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner#Toys|Roadburner]], [[Oiler#Toys|Oiler]], [[Slide#Toys|Slide]], [[Power Run#Toys|Power Run]] & [[Strikedown#Toys|Strikedown]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy TankerTruck.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Micromaster Combiner Tanker Truck (with Pipeline & Gusher)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cannon Transport]] (w/ [[Terror-Tread#Toys|Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head#Toys|Cement-Head]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Missile Launcher]] (w/ [[Retro#Toys|Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)#Toys|Surge]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tanker Truck]] (w/ [[Pipeline#Toys|Pipeline]] & [[Gusher#Toys|Gusher]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Anti-Aircraft Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Anti-Aircraft Base]] w/ ([[Blackout (G1)#Toys|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot#Toys|Spaceshot]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Battlefield Headquarters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Battlefield Headquarters]] (w/ [[Full-Barrel#Toys|Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow#Toys|Overflow]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures I'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Grimlock]] with [[Anti-tank cannon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Jazz]] with [[Turbo Board]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rad (G1)#Toys|Rad]] with [[Lionizer (G1)#Toys|Lionizer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollout (G1)#Toys|Rollout]] with [[Glitch#Toys|Glitch]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Soundwave]] with [[Wingthing (G1)#Toys|Wingthing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Treadshot (G1)#Toys|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut#Toys|Catgut]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures II'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Bumblebee]] with [[Heli-pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Blaster]] with [[Flight Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#ActionMaster|Devastator]] with [[Scorpulator#Toys|Scorpulator]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jackpot (G1)#Toys|Jackpot]] with [[Sights (G1)#Toys|Sights]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Krok (G1)#Toys|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider#Toys|Gatoradier]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mainframe (G1)#Toys|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button#Toys|Push-Button]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures III'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Banzai-Tron (G1)#Toys|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp#Toys|Razor-Sharp]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Inferno]] with [[Hydro-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kick-Off (G1)#Toys|Kick-Off]] with [[Turbo-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Shockwave]] with [[Fistfight (G1)#Toys|Fistfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyfall (G1)#Toys|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy#Toys|Top-Heavy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#AM|Snarl]] with [[Tyrannitron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Action Blasters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Copter]] with [[Over-Run (G1)#Toys|Over-Run]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Off-Road Cycle]] with [[Axer (G1)#Toys|Axer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Cycle (G1)|Turbo Cycle]] with [[Prowl (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Turbo Jet]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:AMWheeljack.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Action Master Wheeljack with his Turbo Racer]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Cruiser]] with [[Sprocket (G1)#Toys|Sprocket]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Racer]] with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Wheeljack]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Stratotronic Jet]] with [[Gutcruncher (G1)#Toys|Gutcruncher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Neutro-Fusion Tank]] with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Megatron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Armored Convoy'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Armored Convoy]] with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#AM|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|}

==Hasbro (and others) ''Transformers'' European line==
:''Main article: [[The Transformers (European toyline)]]''

The history of the European-market releases of ''The Transformers'' is simultaneously complicated and kind of boring, as while various countries got different amounts of product, sometimes released by non-Hasbro partner companies (like [[Milton Bradley]] and [[GiG]]), the actual ''toys'' were largely identical to the US releases for the overwhelming majority of the line. There are certainly a number of notable early variants, such as the [[Tracks (G1)#Toys|red Tracks]], but their scarcity has relegated them to "only for the completist with ample funds" category.

[[File:G1-toy OmegaSpreem.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Action Master Elite Omega Supreme, a bot as hard to find as he is to focus on.]]

Things wouldn't really get significantly different until the 1990s. While the American toyline was shutting down, ''Transformers'' in Europe kept on chugging along.

[[1991]] was an odd hodge-podge of a line, starting with a short burst of exclusive [[Action Master]]s (including some that [[Action Master Elite|actually did transform!]]), then introducing several [[redeco]]ed previously-[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]-exclusive molds, mainly from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|''Victory'' toyline]]. Several of the toys released this year weren't given individual names, including the re-released [[Constructicon (G1)#|Constructicons]] (who had also lost the parts needed to combine into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], oddly enough).

Speaking of re-released old toys, 1990 saw the [[Classics (Europe)|''Classics'' subline]] debut, the return of numerous toys from the 1984 through 1987 lines (minus the specifically ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''-based toys). Several of these releases had minor changes from the originals, mainly the removal of [[rubsign]] indents. The line would continue through [[1991]], and a few extra pieces would see release only in [[Australia]].

[[File:G1Thunder clash toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Turbomaster Thunder Clash, the new Autobot leader of 1992.]]

In [[1992]], the line got much more cohesive, moving back to much more "traditional" Transformers, changing from pseudo-realistic vehicles to robots, with [[gimmick]]s that were by and large not super-obtrusive. The Autobots and Decepticons got some physical distinction in their designs in [[1992]]: the Autobots got hot-pink transparent plastic parts, primarily their [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optics]] and windows, while the Decepticons got a bright toxic clear-green transparent parts as well as less-human, more angular faces. Yes, hot pink and toxic green: the 90's was ''also'' the time that the color schemes for new toys overall got brighter and more reliant on pastels (and in some cases, [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|straight-up gloriously awful]]). In [[1993]], Hasbro changed the traditional [[insignia|faction symbols]] to the types used in the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' series, as the US line was changing over that year. The European line would follow suit in [[1993]], ending the original "Generation 1" series in European markets ''without'' the line being canceled, the only major market to ''not'' have a gap between Generations 1 and 2. Neat!
{{--}}

==Takara ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' line==
[[File:Japanese tf logo.jpg|right|250px|]]

:''Main article: [[Generation 1 (Japanese toylines)]]''

[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] took [[Hasbro]]'s lead and brought the new universe of living robots to Japan in [[1985]], where it was a massive success. Despite many/most of the toys having been available just a year or two prior, the new story and cartoon propelled ''Transformers'' sales far beyond those of the lines that the toys originally came from. ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' were quickly discarded in favor of the new hotness as kids ate up this new take on the giant robot genre, one that was a fresh change from the sheer amount of competing "piloted mecha" robot toylines/cartoons in existence.

The line started very parallel with Hasbro's offerings, but over time the two companies pursued some pretty different visions for the brand. Takara split the line up into different sub-[[franchise]]s by year, changing the name and theme, a long-running tradition in kids' media/toylines in Japan (which would eventually end up making its way Stateside). They would also create a variety of all-new molds unique to these lines, most of them highly sought-after by collectors. By the end of the series, Takara would go back to following Hasbro's lead for the bulk of the line, with new molds being relegated to a small handful of large pieces. ''Transformers'' finally ended in 1992, as Takara's concurrently-running (and TV-cartoon-backed) non-''Transformers'' "''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]''" giant robot lines gained more popularity.

''Transformers'' would not be back on Japanese toy shelves until [[1995]], when the short-lived ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)#Takara G-2 line|G-2]]'' toyline would hit.

==Mexican & South American ''Transformers''==
If you want strange variants of Generation 1 toys, then the short-lived toylines south of the border are the mother lode. But many of these items are not cheap on the secondary market due to their scarcity.

;Mexico
[[File:Prowl-Mexico.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Mexican Prowl, with extra black bits.]]
::''Main article: [[IGA]]''

:''Transformers'' was released by [[IGA]] in Mexico in 1985. For the most part, the toys are similar to their Hasbro counterparts, though with plenty of minor coloring and materials differences... which apparently includes ''lead paint''. Oops.

:The line did not do well, and 1986's releases were little more than [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and a handful of first-year [[Mini Vehicle]]s recolored roughly like their [[#1986|third-year retool]]s. The line was fully canceled shortly after.

: A number of these toys ended up in European markets years after the line was over, which is when that whole "lead paint" thing was discovered. Oops.

{{-}}
;Brazil
[[File:Camaro-Purple.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Malignus Camaro. Gorgeous. And expensive.]]
::''Main article: [[Estrela]]''

:Easily the most well-known of the Southern-Hemisphere ''Transformers'' releases, [[Estrela]]'s batch of six Mini-Vehicle molds were the bulk of the toys released by the company, put out in a variety of colors. Notably, the mysterious "[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|Bumper]]" mold was part of this assortment, under the name "[[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]]", complete with packaging art and a [[bio]], leading fans to wonder if this bio came from scrapped plans for the toy in the original [[Hasbro]] line.

:The line was filled out with redecoed [[Jumpstarter]]s called "Salt-Man" ("''salto''" meaning "jump" in Spanish and Portuguese), and non-Takara molds like the [[Eletrix]] and [[Bat-Robô]].

:Most coveted among the Estrela toys is the second round of Mini Vehicles, the "[[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] vs [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]]" series, which split the toys into brand-new good & evil (respectively) factions. These twelve toys —particularly the more radically-changed Malignus— are very expensive on the secondary market, easily earning triple-digit sums for even loose samples. Still-carded toys are exceptionally rare.

{{-}}
;Argentina

::''Main article: [[Antex]]''

: A bit of an odd case, it appears that Argentinean company [[Antex]] got its ''Transformers'' license from Estrela, rather than Hasbro, which is kind of dubious on the "did Estrela actually have the authority to do that" mark. Antex would then release its own batch of Mini Vehicle redecoes.

: In the early 2010's, a large number of on-card/boxed Antex toys hit the secondary market, apparently due to an old warehouse find. Many of these items were sold cheaper than ''domestic'' packaged original toys in the US... but still make a neat curiosity for a collector.

: One more odd Argentinean release is the [[Radio AM Robot]], an original mold by [[Comando Toys]]. Your guess is as good as ours.

;Peru

: Not a lot is properly known about these Mini Vehicle releases. In fact ''three'' different companies are tossed out as possible distributors for Peruvian ''Transformers'': Lynsa, Hude, and Basa. There are supposedly upwards of three dozen different mold/color combinations, but spotty information has kept the fandom from properly confirming this.

==Chinese ''The Transformers'' toyline==
:'' Main article: [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)]]''

Several factors kept ''The Transformers'' out of mainland China for years, including government-based resistance to the line's [[The Transformers (cartoon)|primary "advertainment" vehicle]]. But in August 1989, [[Hasbro International]] started cranking out classic ''Transformers'' at Chinese factories, which were shipped throughout China, as well as Taiwan and South Korea (with additional stickers applied to the packaging for those markets). The line ran through [[1995]] (!), ending with several previously-Japanese-exclusive ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|Victory]]'' toys.

For the most part, the toys are identical to their previous releases, only with slight changes to the manufacturing stamps, and the occasional minor deco alteration (primarily painted details on the [[Mini-Cassette]]s, and some [[rubsign]] changes). They came in the same packaging as their American (or European) counterparts, only with small stickers in the corner giving the characters' Chinese names. Japanese-original toys were altered slightly more, changing the ''Transformers'' logo to a Chinese-language version. The copyright and manufacturing information on the back of the packaging was also shortened to remove the no-longer-true statements "Made in Japan", "Made in Taiwan", etc., and omit references to [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. The manufacturing information was instead applied as a sticker in Chinese on the back of the box. By [[1994]], when the [[Power Master]]-era toys were released, "Made in China" was added to the box.

Despite running for nigh six years, the Chinese Generation 1 line released only about 100 toys all told.

This late entry into China actually goes a long way towards explaining the country's current ''Transformers'' mania, and its ever-increasing amount of toys made specifically for that market. Those who grew up with the line as kids were hitting adulthood just as the Chinese middle class was booming, which meant disposable income. And with the ''huge'' success of the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] spurring things on further right in the middle of that economic boon, China has since become a major part of the franchise's current global success.

{{note|It's quite likely that the Chinese line is also the source of the [[Classics (Europe)|European "Classics" reissues]] that were released in 1990. The toys share the same altered copyright and Chinese manufacturing stamps... plus some Classics toys have surfaced with Chinese name stickers on them.}}

:* ''[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/15 Chinese G1 Reissue ID Guide]''
:* ''[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/1743/37/ The Little Sticker in the Corner: The Truth about Early-1990's Chinese G1 Transformers Toys]''
:* ''[http://www.danwei.org/tv/fighting_transformer_fever.php Fighting "Transformer Fever"]''

==Post-''Transformers'' releases==
Hahahahahahahhahahah haaaaaa hahahahahhahahaha hahaahahaaaaaaaahahahaaaaa. Hoo. Hooooh boy.

Okay, but seriously.

Despite having set the stage for everything that would follow, and in sharp contrast to the nostalgia-sodden market of today, "Generation 1" actually took some time to get back into being a sizable portion of the "modern" toyline following the original's end. The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' revival failed to revive, and its ''vastly'' more successful replacement ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' was such a radical shift from everything before that going back to the '80s trappings was seen as risky. Thus the original series was mostly relegated to scattered [[homage]]s for the better part of a decade.

By the turn of the century (ugh), the older-nostalgic market was picking up strength. More children of the '80s were out of school and getting jobs and disposable income (yes, that kind of thing used to actually happen) and were looking to reclaim bits of their childhoods. And the market responded... timidly at first, as the markets do, but over time, more and more of the classic series was brought back in one form or another.

===Reissue lines===
Before the re-creation boom, there was the re-release boom. Many vintage toy molds were pulled out, refurbished and put back into service to let fans fill holes in their classic collections.

<big>'''Takara'''</big>
[[File:TF Collection 3 Skids.jpg|right|thumb|200px|''The Transformers Collection'' Skids]]
Takara was the first to get the reissue ball rolling, and generally took the lead in re-releasing classic "Generation 1" molds over the course of several years. Re-issues began sporadically at first in [[2000]], mainly major characters (particularly [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#2001reissue|Megatron]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Rodimus]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Reissue|Starscream]]) in recreations of the original packaging, with a few special editions. But it didn't take long for this to expand into larger, more organized lines:

*'''''[[The Transformers Collection]]''''' (2002)
: This series is also known as the "bookbox" series, as each toy came in a large box with a multi-page, full-color booklet attached to the inner front cover of the box, full of bio information, toy trivia, cartoon summaries and more. In some respects this series was a bit of an "ultimate G1" line, as a great many toys were modified from their original releases. Tooling issues were fixed for extra durability, [[sticker]]s were altered or even replaced with more durable factory-applied [[tampograph]]s, accessories were added that had either not been released in Japan (like [[Targetmaster (technology)#Toys|Targetmaster]] partners) or wholly-new items altogether.

: This series would be further filled out with all-new characters set in the classic universe, with [[redeco]]s of the mold reissues in new color schemes (often -but not always- replicating ''[[Diaclone]]'' variants the original ''Transformers'' line passed on) through outlets like [[e-HOBBY]].

*'''''[[Transformers Encore]]''''' (2007)

:Riding the surge of popularity that had been building (and exploding with the live-action film), ''Encore'' brought more "enhanced" classic toys out, though this time in more classic-style packaging. The line also put a much heavier focus on the larger pieces in the original line, including the likes of [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and even [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], as well as toys the original Japanese line had skipped, like [[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]].

{{-}}
<big>'''Hasbro'''</big>
[[File:CommemorativeSeriesIIIStock.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Commemorative Series'' Thundercracker, "Silverstreak" and Jazz. (''No, the real Silverstreak did not have the black hood/top.'')]]

Hasbro generally seemed less keen on remaking the past, focusing their efforts on new lines, but saw the value in trying to get the reissues into fans' hands... even if there had to be compromises [[for safety reasons]].

*'''''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Generation One Commemorative Series]]''''' (2002)

:Sold [[exclusive]]ly through [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] (though overstock would later filter into closeout outlets), the ''Commemorative Series'' mostly picked up what Takara was already putting out and swung them onto US and European shelves. This series proved less popular with fans, thanks to the changes that had to be done to make the functional spring-launched missiles pass safety standards, plus a rather high price tag (a ToysЯUs staple that's still in practice to this day!) that generally left net-savvy fans deciding to just import Takara's offerings for just a little bit more.

{{-}}

===New "Generation 1"-based lines===
If you think we're gonna list every individual new toy based on a Generation 1 character here, you're insane. And not the fun kind. Instead, enjoy this series of links to the ''numerous'' toylines that call back to the originals. Many of these lines are ''technically'' multi-franchise ensembles, but the majority of their output is of updated Generation 1 bots.

*'''''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]''''' (1997)
[[File:MachineWars Hoist toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Machine Wars'' Hoist]]

:A strange, slapdash and ''very'' short line released in the middle of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'', ''Machine Wars'' was sold [[exclusive]]ly at [[KB Toys]] stores. It's a mix of small toys originally developed for ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' and some larger [[retool]]ed [[the Transformers (European toyline)|European-market]] items from a few years prior, all mostly as old characters, and mostly in color schemes that don't match the characters they're supposed to be. On the other hand, this was the first chance many American fans had to acquire some of those larger foreign molds, and at KB's (in)famous pre-discounted prices to boot.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]''''' (2004)
[[File:RobotMastersStarscream toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Robotmasters'' Starscream]]

: A short line in Japan during the middle of the "[[Unicron Trilogy]]" series, ''Robotmasters'' is set in the nebulous time between the second season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''... but with the intrusion of time-traveling characters from ''Beast Wars'' (and more). Sticking mainly to smaller items, the series is mostly recycled "Basic" figures and sub-Deluxe items, most as new characters. Many came with extra weapons too, most of which were recycled from a canceled ''[[Microman]]'' series.

: However, there were a series of all-new molds, based on the leader characters of the past. The brand-new [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Robotmasters|Starscream]] was easily the most popular, being a classic-designed toy with some actual posability, with a new smaller [[Optimus Primal/toys#Robotmasters|Optimus Primal]] being close behind.

: Though the new molds were highly sought after at the time, they'd become very obsolete in fairly short order...

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]''''' (2003) / '''''[[Transformers: Alternity| Alternity]]''''' (2009) / '''''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|GT: Mission GT-R]]''''' (2013)
[[File:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Two of the numerous Japanese variants of ''Alternators'' Smokescreen.]]

: The first focused Generation 1 "revival" series, ''Alternators'' was aimed ''squarely'' at the older collector. Every toy in the line (save one odd addition) is a Generation 1 character reimagined as a 1:24-scale recreation of a real, fully-licensed vehicle, complete with opening doors, an actual open driver/passenger compartment complete with dashboard, opening hoods/trunks and more. This led to many of these toys being ''very'' complicated to transform. The Japanese ''Binaltech'' line took the collector-aim even further by using copious amounts of painted [[die-cast]] metal for the vehicle shells. A line of ''very'' slow and staggered releases, it would continue on for several years in the US. Japan would keep the line alive even longer (and with a ''lot'' of variants), up through 2008, including a few small sub-lines like ''Binaltech Asterisk'' (which included [[human]] mini-figures to drive the vehicle modes) and the controversial ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)| Kiss Players]]''.

: Despite ''heavy'' interest early on from the older fandom, ''Alternators'' has basically been left behind in favor of the later "normal" Generation 1 remakes that would follow a few years later.

: TakaraTomy would take another crack at the style later with ''Alternity'', which is generally the same thing, only at 1:32 scale, putting the toys at roughly "Deluxe" size. Several years later it would dust off the ''Alternity'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternity|Convoy]] mold for ''GT: Mission GT-R'', a racing-themed mini-series which added "[[GT Sister]]" ''[[Microman]]'' figures to each toy.

{{-}}
*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]''''' (2003)
[[File:MP-10 toy photo.jpg|left|thumb|250px|MP-10 Convoy, the second ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold.]]

: A line that started as a one-shot, anniversary-celebratory deal, that slowly over time grew to become basically the "ultimate" collector's Generation 1 toyline. Takara has taken the lead here, putting out much of the product at general retail, where Hasbro picks and chooses molds to bring out as store [[exclusive]]s from time to time.

: Starting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (of course), the line features larger-scale, very complex, highly-detailed, and (generally) [[show-accuracy|animation-accurate]] renditions of classic characters. Originally a slow-release line, in 2011 it moved to a smaller scale (with a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp10|redone Optimus]], of course), focused on filling out much of the 1984/1985 cast, and started putting out toys at a fairly regular clip, several a year. The line is still going today, and has expanded its scope, recently adding ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters to the roster.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Classics| Classics]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Bumblebeeclassicstoy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Classics'' Bumblebee]]

: Originally intended to just be a short gap-filler line between ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)| Cybertron]]'' and the upcoming [[Movie (toyline)|live-action film toyline]], ''Classics'' more or less set the gold standard for today's Generation 1-based toy: modern-tech recreations of classic characters in updated forms highly evocative of their original incarnations, in the "focused-around-deluxe-scale" play size.

: Hasbro originally had no plans to put out more than the original line in this format (leading to some kerfuffle when several "missing" classic characters ended up as [[BotCon 2007]] exclusives). But a combination of solid sales, heavy demand, and —most importantly— a gargantuan influx of income thanks to that whole [[Michael Bay]] movie deal meant that ''Classics''-style toys could continue on in successive lines (see below).

{{-}}
*'''''[[Titanium Series]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Jetfiretitaniumwarwithin.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Titanium Series'' Jetfire]]

: Originally a subline of Hasbro's ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' product line, ''Titanium Series'' put the focus on [[die-cast]] metal, split between 2-inch-tall non-transforming mini-figurines, and the transforming 6-inch "Cybertron Heroes". The latter were... let's politely say "not very well-received".

: These toys were developed completely in-house at Hasbro, with no Takara engineering, by a team who had never worked on ''Transformers'' to boot. The results often resulted in ill-proportioned messes with odd joint tolerances and questionable articulation that couldn't really handle the weight distribution. The toys based on designs from the popular "[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]" comics from then-licensee [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] generally fared better, and would garner some demand, particularly [[The Fallen/toys#Titanium Series|The Fallen]]. It's a real grab-bag of a line, both in character and quality.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations| Generations]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]''''' (2005)
[[File:Sunstreakeruniverse2008toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Universe'' Sunstreaker]]

: After the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie]] made Hasbro and Takara approximately eleven bazillion dollars, they had the funds to put out more traditionally "risky" product like older-nostalgic-aimed toys. From this point on, they would devote a major portion of each year's product to making modern toys of Generation 1 characters.

: Hasbro's 2008 ''Universe'' line was the start, with everything from small [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] items to huge electronic Ultra Class toys. The line turned into ''Generations'', but the overall focus was more or less the same. ''Generations'' is still running as of this writing, with the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' and ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toylines.

: 2010's ''Transformers'' line was actually a movie-based "general" line. But the back end of the line had several toys in multiple price-points based directly on Generation 1 characters that seemed like they were right out of ''Generations'', confusing fans a bit.

: The ''Timelines'' series is also a multi-franchise ensemble line, but naturally the majority of the product is Generation-1-based. The reason we bring this up last was that this is not a retail series, being sold by Hasbro licensee [[Fun Publications]] via [[BotCon]]s and the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]. This series features a lot of toys based on more obscure characters and decos.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers United|United]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]''''' (2011) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations#Generations in Japan|Generations]]''''' (2012) / '''''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]''''' (2014) / '''''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]''''' (2015)
[[File:Henkeitoy megatron.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Henkei! Henkei!'' Megatron, a redeco of ''Classics'' Megatron.]]

: Takara's string of Generation-1-based modern toys is a little more fragmented, changing names with regularity. Largely following Hasbro's lead, these toys are typically more extensively painted (owing to Japan's retailers not having the vise-like grip on item prices that major American retailers have), with a much heavier focus on [[show-accuracy|replicating animation decos]], even when the molds are not terribly suited for animation-based deco. One of the latest series, ''Legends'', is still running today, being mostly Takara's version of Hasbro's ''Generations'' line.

:Complicating things a bit more is ''Adventure'', Takara's version of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' line]]. That line was initially filled out with a large number of ''Generations'' molds, colored and named blatantly as Generation 1 characters... but as part of the "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]" universe. While we list these characters as the alternate-universe takes they're presented as, they are definitely worth mentioning here for fans who don't care about dividing by universe and just want a modern [[Override (Adventure)|Override]] that blends in perfectly with their modern Generation 1 collection.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The term "Generation 1" is a piece of ascended [[fandom|fan-terminology]]. When ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' hit, the early online fandom quickly took to calling its predecessor "Generation 1". It became such a ubiquitous term it made its way into official terminology pretty quickly.
* ''The Transformers'' isn't the first time ''[[Diaclone]]'' molds were sold in the US. In [[1983]], Takara released "''[[Diakron]]''" in the US, straight-importing six ''Diaclone'' molds in new packaging. It didn't do too well. These releases ''are'' interesting curiosities for the serious collector, though.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (toyline), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 toylines| Transformers (toyline)]]

The Transformers (toyline)

2017-10-23T21:21:51Z

Superdude056: Added "Bruticus (giftset) and a link to Bruticus' Giftset toy.

{{disambig3.5|the original toyline|the 2010 toyline simply known as "Transformers"|Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers}}
{{Nav-G1}}

'''''The Transformers''''' (also now known as "'''Generation 1'''" or "'''G1'''" for short, though the line was never branded as such) started as a joint venture between [[Hasbro]] of America and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] of [[Japan]]. After an idea to rebrand and sell Takara's ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' [[Toy|robot toys]] as a whole new line with a new concept behind it (developed by Hasbro's partners at [[Marvel Comics]]), Hasbro ultimately created what would be one of the longest-running and most popular [[franchise]]s for both companies. Starting in [[1984]], the line ran for seven years in America, eight in Europe and Japan (though Takara would break the line up into multiple sub-franchises).

{{TOCclear}}

==Overview==
Having run for seven years, the line changed dramatically over its lifetime, going from pre-made items to all-new designs and greater focus on [[gimmick]]s beyond simply transforming. Thus, the more descriptive bits will be tackled year-by-year... but there's still plenty to talk about in the big picture.

===Then Vs. Now===
[[File:Seekers ad.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Page from the 1984 JC Penney annual catalog. A book hundreds of pages thick, which could devote an entire page or two to a single toy line. 80's kids ''craved'' these books. And yes, JC Penney used to carry toys.]]

The original ''Transformers'' came out in a ''very'' different toy environment than what exists today, and at a time when the market was venturing out from the slow-paced 1970s into undiscovered country.

First of all, the market itself was simply broader. There were a ''lot'' more retailers out there, both national and regional, muscling for market share, and virtually all had a sizable toy department. Sears and [[Kmart]] were the biggest retailers in the United States; [[Walmart]] and [[Target]] were just regional players poised to go nationwide. [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] wasn't the only large-scale toys-only chain. Even grocery stores and drug stores devoted a significant amount of space to toys year-round, and not just the cheap stuff! The idea that you could buy ''anything'' via computer, much less toys, was a novelty at best. No, you had to get out there and shop - or use a big printed mail-order catalog like the old Sears "Wish Book".

On top of that, there were far more toy companies scrabbling for shelf space. Mattel was still an action-figure heavyweight thanks to ''Masters of the Universe'', which led the boom of cartoon-advertised toy lines (more on that in a bit) throwing out weird concepts in the hope of creating the next big thing. ''Transformers'' wasn't even the first shape-changing robot toy to US shelves, having been beat to the punch by then-competitor [[Tonka]], who brought over [[Bandai]]'s ''Machine Robo'' toys as ''[[GoBots]]'' six months prior. And then there were all the major sorta-likes, such as [[Kenner]]'s ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'' with its transforming vehicles, [[TakaraTomy|Tomy]]'s ''Starriors'' reconfigurable robots (a ''Zoids'' offshoot), and approximately eleventy-billion also-rans and cheap knockoffs from a host of now-defunct companies. (And yes, most of the previously-mentioned companies now fall under the Hasbro/TakaraTomy umbrella.)

While most modern toys have a shelf-life of ''maybe'' six months, in the 80s a single toy could ship steadily for two years, more if the line was particularly successful. The original [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]] toys shipped for three, and some of the [[Mini-Cassette]]s for ''four''. (Though the king of long-run shipping is surely [[Kenner]]'s original ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' line: the single [[Darth Vader]] figure shipped for ''seven years''.)

Not only did the toys ship longer, but the look of ''Transformers''<nowiki>'</nowiki> packaging did not change significantly for five years, only changing the logo and overall design in [[#1989: Pretenders and Micromasters|1989]] as part of a revitalization attempt. Today, even when a single line lasts more than a year, the packaging changes considerably at least every year.

Though even with all that, seven years ''was'' a long time for a toy franchise to run. Most of the bigger lines only managed about three years, and that third was typically a final flailing-for-its-life year as kids had moved on. That ''Transformers'' made as big a splash as it did and lasted so long ''before'' the revivals and reboots is remarkable. How'd it do that? Well...

===Refining the Formula===

To be honest, ''Transformers'' didn't do much that was really "new" outside of its central transformation [[gimmick]], and that was one it shared with multiple competitors. What put the line above the others is simply doing a great many things ''better'' than is competitors.

Many early articles on the transforming robot toyline wars opined that ''GoBots'' would win due to its reliance on a large number of small, inexpensive items easy for kids to pick up. (After all, that formula worked wonders for ''Star Wars''.) And while ''Transformers'' did have a number of small, inexpensive "entry point" items, its larger figures would turn out to be a ''huge'' draw, a kind of playground status symbol. The boxed figures featured multiple accessories and add-on [[sticker]]s for an extra level of interaction with the toy, giving them an extra air of quality. Sure you could get a GoBot or a [[Mini Vehicle]] just about any time, but the larger ''Transformers'' were something big and special for birthdays or saved-up allowances.

[[File:Trailbreaker Bio&TechSpec.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Lotta reading going on in the toy aisles in the 80's.]]

The packaging too was a step beyond what other lines were doing. Every packaging back had a hefty [[bio]] of the character, penned by Marvel author [[Bob Budiansky]]. Most lines gave their toys only a cursory sentence or two about the toy's imaginary powers (if that, ''GoBots'' didn't), but the ''Transformers'' bios truly "humanized" the alien robots, giving each one a distinct personality complete with motto, on top of a much more full description of the imaginary powers that character possessed. Attached was the "[[Tech Spec]]s", numeric rankings of the character's stats. This information was (mostly) obscured and (sort of) unreadable without a red plastic "Tech Spec decoder" inside the boxed toys early on (though the red lens of a pair of 3D glasses would work too, and who didn't have at ''least'' one of those lying around in the 80s?), but eventually would move to easily-readable bars.

[[File:PackIn Reinforcements Inside.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Kids had a lot of these. The flyers, we mean, not the toys themselves.]]

While [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-away offers]] were an ''extremely'' common practice at the time, Hasbro smartly spruced this process up. Most every toy (and cereal) mail-away offer asked you to clip out the UPC bar-codes as "proof of purchase" when sending away, but ''Transformers'' instead asked for the "[[Robot Point]]s" clipped from the packaging back. Bigger toys had more Points, again adding to the idea that the larger toys were a step above the smaller ones. (The Points were, of course, actually worthless, since you also sent in a check for roughly what the toys would normally cost anyway.) While many other lines' mail-aways tended to be just toys that weren't out in stores yet, ''Transformers'' from the outset offered toys that they would ''never'' sell at normal retail, like the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. Talk about playground bragging rights!

While not ''directly'' part of the toyline, the way ''Transformers'' was advertised has ''got'' to be mentioned when talking about its success. [[Ronald Reagan|President Reagan]]'s recent deregulation policies allowed for the line between "advertisement" and "entertainment" on television to blur heavily, and toy companies were still exploring how to properly exploit this new "advertainment" method of pushing plastic to preteens. ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' was the first of these toyline-based cartoons, and it rocketed that toyline to success. And let's be honest here: that show was ''garbage'', but kids ate it up. Hasbro upped the ante with [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'' cartoon]], giving it a more serious story and higher-quality animation (both low hurdles compared to ''He-Man'' but let's not rag on that ''too'' much, they ''were'' testing the early limits of the medium)... and thanks to the fact that the characters were robots, more violence. You can't shoot a human with a laser-blaster, but a robot who could be rebuilt? Oh yeah!

The basic upshot... Hasbro simply marketed the line better in virtually every regard, and sold kids on the idea that these weren't ''just'' robot toys, they were characters... that these plastic doodads were, well, more than meets the eye.

{{note|Most of these tactics were also applied to Hasbro's other huge success story in the 1980's, ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]].'' Wide variety of price points, character writeups, "Flag Points" for unique mailaways, better cartoon... all there.}}

==Hasbro ''The Transformers'' US toyline==
===1984===
[[File:G1 1984 backofboxbattle.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

The first year of ''Transformers'' changed very little from the original Japanese ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Microman]]'' releases. The bulk of the changes were to the [[sticker]]s (mainly adding new [[insignia|faction symbols]], but also removing "Diaclone" texts and potentially-legally-contentious brandings) and some light [[retool]]ing, including the removal/weakening of springs inside the [[missile]] launchers [[for safety reasons]]. Most of the toys' base color schemes came from the original lines, with a few exceptions: [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]], [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation|Skywarp]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Toys|Buzzsaw]] were new decos created whole-cloth by Hasbro.

One particularly helpful bit of marketing for this year is the clean division of good-guy/bad-guy [[alternate mode]]s. The Heroic Autobots were the cars and trucks, and the Evil Decepticons were... everything else.

In contrast to the nigh-solid plastic toys of today, [[die-cast]] metal played a large role in these toys' construction. This was actually a ''cost-saving'' measure, a lingering effect from the petroleum price crises from the '70s made it a bit cheaper overall to make sizable chunks of toys out of metal instead of plastic! The larger cars (and some of the [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Cars]]) also featured rubber tires, and most every toy had ''some'' piece on them that was [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]].

Unfortunately, these materials issues mean that these toys rarely age well, especially given the rigors of playground life. Paint chips off metal, rubber dries out and splits, chrome fades and rubs off, and the combination of metal-and-plastic on hinged parts leads to easier breakage. Many of these toys have outright ''notorious'' damage issues, and loose undamaged toys are a bit hard to come by.

[[Articulation]] was also a tertiary-at-best concern in the overall design scheme. It was rare for a toy to have moving parts that weren't directly tied to its [[transformation]] sequence beyond a simple rotating shoulder/elbow joint. These toys being "[[brick (term)|brick]]s", mixed with the aforementioned degradation/breakage issues, have largely relegated them to being display pieces for older collectors.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Brawn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|"Bumper"]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cliffjumper]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Gears (G1)#Toys|Gears]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Huffer (G1)#Toys|Huffer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]] / [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Laserbeak]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rumble (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Rumble]] / [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ravage]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bluestreak]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hound (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hound]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mirage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Mirage]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Prowl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratchet]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Trailbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Wheeljack]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:G1-toy Sunstreaker.jpg|200px|thumb|Autobot Car Sunstreaker]][[File:G1Starscream toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Decepticon Jet Starscream]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Decepticon Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thundercracker]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Communications'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Soundwave]] (w/ [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Buzzsaw]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Megatron]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Kronoform]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Autoceptor#Toys|Autoceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Deceptor#Toys|Deceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kaltor#Toys|Kaltor]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

*"[[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]"
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powerdasher]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Drill Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Aragon#Toys|F-1 Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cromar#Toys|Jet Type]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Time Warrior (G1)#Toys|Time Warrior]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:Camshaft-G1toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Omnibot Camshaft]]
|}

===1985===
[[File:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|The 80s! When toy companies actively encouraged you to play with fire!]]

1984 was a roaring, out-of-the-gate success for ''Transformers'', so 1985's offerings upped the ante, both in numbers and in variety of form.

''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were mined for as many viable toys as possible. The remaining unused "Car Robot" models were brought over, as were several [[redeco]]/[[retool]]s of first-year Cars. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, six small-scale construction vehicles that could combine into the mighty super-robot [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], were a huge hit. Robotic beasts made a splash with the [[Dinobot (G1)#Toys|Dinobots]] and [[Insecticon (G1)#Toys|Insecticons]]. The two predecessor lines also had some in-development concepts that were pushed into ''Transformers'', and while some would not be ready until next year, Hasbro/Takara were able to get out a set of new Mini Vehicles, and new versions of the large jet mold with all-new wings and weapons.

But all this wasn't enough to meet expected demand, so Hasbro looked elsewhere for future Transformers. They struck a deal with [[Bandai]] for molds from a variety of Japanese toylines. As Bandai was (and is) a direct competitor to Takara, none of these toys were put into the cartoon, which was being ported to Japan. (There was a [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|whole big thing with Jetfire/Skyfire in the cartoon]], follow the link for more on that.) Other toys were also licensed from other companies, but didn't have the major-rival-baggage of Bandai's toys, so they could at least be in the show, if not in [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Takara's version of the toyline]].

All in all, 1985's output was roughly ''double'' that of 1984's. And with a new slew of imitators popping up, Hasbro pushed a new little bit of status-symbol into the line, giving every toy released in '85 —including the re-released '84 toys— a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]]. This brand was the mark of a "true" Transformer, and they even spent the money to make a [[commercial]] ''just to say so''. The rubsigns were also key to another bit of promotion, the mystery-allegiance [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]] that came with the Mini Vehicles this year as bonuses.

This year also marks the debut of ''Transformers'' internationally, being released in [[The Transformers (European toyline)|multiple European countries]], [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Japan]], [[IGA|Mexico]], [[Estrela|Brazil]], and [[Antex|Argentina]]... all with various changes from the US line, some minor, some... well, "major" might be an understatement for some.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Beachcomber (G1)#Toys|Beachcomber]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cosmos (G1)#Toys|Cosmos]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Powerglide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Seaspray (G1)#Toys|Seaspray]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Warpath (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Warpath]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]]''' (pack-ins)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|4WD Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Buggy Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|FX-1 Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Porsche Type}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)#Toys|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)#Toys|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)#Toys|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)#Toys|Mixmaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)#Toys|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)#Toys|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#Toys|Devastator]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 barrage toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Deluxe Insecticon Barrage]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Jumpstarter]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Topspin (G1)#Toys|Topspin]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Twin Twist#Toys|Twin Twist]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grapple (G1)#Toys|Grapple]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Inferno]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Red Alert]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Skids (G1)#Toys|Skids]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Smokescreen]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tracks (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Tracks]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Astrotrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blitzwing]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slag (G1)#Toys|Slag]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#Toys|Snarl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swoop (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Swoop]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Insecticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Barrage (Insecticon)#Toys|Barrage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chop Shop (G1)#Toys|Chop Shop]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ransack (G1)#Toys|Ransack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Venom (G1)#Toys|Venom]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Roadbuster (G1)#Toys|Roadbuster]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Whirl (G1)#Toys|Whirl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 Blaster toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Blaster]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Dirge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Dirge]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ramjet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thrust (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thrust]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Scientist'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Perceptor]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Communicator'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Military Operations Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Shockwave]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Air Guardian'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jetfire]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Motorized Defense Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Omega Supreme (G1)#Toys|Omega Supreme]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Tyco]] Licensed Playsets'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Electric Racing Set]] (W/ [[Natron]] & [[Freezon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Electric Train and Battle Set]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Tech Specometer Eleven]]}}
|
|}

{{-}}
[[File:G1-toy OptimusPepsi.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Pepsi mail-away Optimus Prime]]
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|Cookie Crisp [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|[[Pepsi]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PepsiPrime|Optimus Prime]]}}
:* "[[Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!]]"
:* "[[Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?]]"
</ul>
{{--}}

===1986: "The Movie"===
[[File:Scramble city packaging mural.jpg|right|thumb|250px|That's a ''lot'' of explosions with no evidence of anything actually being exploded.]]

1986 presented a major change in the franchise on several levels. The first being that ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were pretty much depleted of viable toys, so it was time for all-new toolings to get made.

The past lines still had a role to play in this, though. The Mini Vehicles were refreshed by taking the 1984 assortment and extensively [[retool]]ing them into all-new characters. Takara had been designing a different sort of [[combiner|combining robot team]] for ''Diaclone'', where the limb-bots were wholly interchangeable. These plans would come to life in ''Transformers'' as the "[[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]" style combiners (though that branding was only used in Takara's line; Hasbro called them the "[[Special Teams]]" in Europe, and... nothing special in the US). The combiners were actually advertised in the 1985 season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]] in a bit of bleed-over as Hasbro prepared for the ''really'' big change... ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

This media event ''really'' shook things (and kids) up. The older cast of not-shipping-any-more-1984-toys was shuffled out, with many characters openly and brutally ''killed'' in the film, to make way for all-new toy-characters who would take the forefront, including new faction leaders. These bots were developed for animation first then had toys developed based around those designs, a ''very'' rare move at the time (and still uncommon today, mostly only the [[live-action film series]] works this way). These new designs were very Cybertronian/futuristic in design, as the Movie was set in the far-flung future of ''[[2005]] ooooooohhhhh''. This more sci-fi look would stick with the line for a little while.

Another subtle but important change was that the two factions began to share [[subgroup]]s, with the Autobots gaining their own [[Mini-Cassette]]s and [[Triple Changer]]s, plus both sides had "Scramble City" style combiners. These groups shipped in mixed-allegiance assortments, which would become more and more common going forward.

This was also the year [[die-cast|die-cast metal]] started being phased out of the toys' construction. With petroleum prices lowering, plastics became the less-expensive alternative. Many of this year's toys shipped initially with painted die-cast bits, but were later replaced with plastic-parts [[variant]]s.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Vehicles]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hubcap (G1)#Toys|Hubcap]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Outback (G1)#Toys|Outback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pipes (G1)#Toys|Pipes]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (G1)#Toys|Swerve]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tailgate (G1)#Toys|Tailgate]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheelie (G1)#Toys|Wheelie]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ramhorn (G1)#Toys|Ramhorn]] / [[Eject (G1)#Toys|Eject]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratbat]] / [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rewind (G1)#Toys|Rewind]] / [[Steeljaw (G1)#Toys|Steeljaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (G1)#Toys|Air Raid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (G1)#Toys|Fireflight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Toys|Skydive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slingshot (G1)#Toys|Slingshot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (G1)#Toys|Superion]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (G1)#Toys|Breakdown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (G1)#Toys|Dead End]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Drag Strip (G1)#Toys|Drag Strip]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Motormaster (G1)#Toys|Motormaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildrider (G1)#Toys|Wildrider]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Menasor (G1)#Toys|Menasor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1menasor toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Menasor, the Stunticon combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blades (G1)#Toys|Blades]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[First Aid (G1)#Toys|First Aid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groove (G1)#Toys|Groove]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Spot (G1)#Toys|Hot Spot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Streetwise (G1)#Toys|Streetwise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Defensor (G1)#Toys|Defensor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)#Toys|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)#Toys|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)#Toys|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)#Toys|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)#Toys|Vortex]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus (G1)#Generation_1|Bruticus]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Battlecharger]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Runabout (G1)#Toys|Runabout]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Runamuck (G1)#Toys|Runamuck]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Broadside (G1)#Toys|Broadside]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octane#Toys|Octane]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sandstorm (G1)#Toys|Sandstorm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Springer (G1)/toys#generation 1|Springer]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blurr]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hot Rod]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Kup]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Heroes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#G1RodimusPrime|Rodimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Toys|Wreck-Gar]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)#Toys|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)#Toys|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)#Toys|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)#Toys|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tantrum (G1)#Toys|Tantrum]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Gnaw (G1)#Toys|Gnaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1toy hot rod.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Autobot Car Hot Rod]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Planes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cyclonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scourge]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City Commander]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Galvatron]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Motorized Autobot Space Shuttle'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City-bot|Cities]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] (w/ [[Six-Gun#Toys|Six-Gun]], [[Slammer#Toys|Slammer]], and [[Scamper#Toys|Scamper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Trypticon (G1)#Toys|Trypticon]] (w/ [[Brunt (G1)#Toys|Brunt]] & [[Full-Tilt#Toys|Full-Tilt]])}}
</ul>
|}

{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
[[File:G1 Reflector toy.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Reflector]]

:*"[[The Autobots Have a Special Mission for:]]"
<ul class="itemlist">
::{{Bp-d1|[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] ([[Spectro]], [[Spyglass]], [[Viewfinder]])}}
</ul>
:*"[[You Have Been Chosen.]]"
:*"[[Decipher the Decepticon]]" contest
:*"[[Prizes in Disguise]]" contest
{{--}}

===1987: Headmasters and Targetmasters===
This year was almost completely dominated by "sci-fi" vehicle modes, following up on ''The Movie'' styling. On top of that, extra [[gimmick]]s beyond transformation began to play into the subgroups, with the [[Throttlebot]]s' [[pull-back motor]]s and the [[Sparking gimmick|spark-firing]] [[Monsterbot]]s.

More importantly, this was the first year Hasbro would push a primary over-arching [[gimmick]] as a large percentage of the line: the [[Nebulan]] "Master" partners. Where previous years tended to be a bit scattered with its transformation types, the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s presented a more unified theme across both factions and multiple price-points. This culminated in the mighty [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], a towering two-foot-tall Headmaster city-bot, with a hefty $100 price-tag (in 1987 dollars, which is about the same as a $200 Transformer today). For sheer size and mass, "Fort Max" remained the largest Transformer produced for over 25 years... and something of a "bragging rights" move on Hasbro's part, showing that they ''could'' demand that kind of shelf space from retailers. (They did the same thing with ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and the massive "[[USS Flagg]]" playset.)

However, this high point also marked the start of the franchise's waning. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] was ended with a truncated [[The Rebirth|three-part special]], with reruns continuing on in syndication. Mail-away offers were also slowing down, with no new product available from this year on, only older items no longer in stores. Smaller figures were packaged with small soft-rubber [[Decoy]]s of older characters as an extra incentive, but they weren't a [[Mini-spy|fully transformable mini-Transformer]].

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Throttlebot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Chase (G1)#Toys|Chase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Freeway (G1)#Toys|Freeway]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Goldbug]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollbar (G1)#Toys|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Searchlight (G1)#Toys|Searchlight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wideload (G1)#Toys|Wideload]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Afterburner (G1)#Toys|Afterburner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)#Toys|Lightspeed]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nosecone (G1)#Toys|Nosecone]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scattershot (G1)#Toys|Scattershot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Strafe (G1)#Toys|Strafe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Computron (G1)#Toys|Computron]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blot (G1)#Toys|Blot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cutthroat (G1)#Toys|Cutthroat]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)#Toys|Hun-Gurrr]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rippersnapper (G1)#Toys|Rippersnapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sinnertwin (G1)#Toys|Sinnertwin]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugfest (G1)#Toys|Slugfest]] / [[Overkill (G1)#Toys|Overkill]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Technobots-specialteams.jpg|200px|thumb|Computron, the Technobot combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Duocon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Battletrap#Toys|Battletrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flywheels#Toys|Flywheels]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fastlane#Toys|Fastlane]] / [[Cloudraker (G1)#Toys|Cloudraker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Pounce#Toys|Pounce]] / [[Wingspan#Toys|Wingspan]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[:Category:Spies|Double Spy]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Punch (G1)#Toys|Punch-Counterpunch]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Monsterbot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Doublecross#Toys|Doublecross]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grotusque#Toys|Grotusque]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Repugnus (G1)#Toys|Repugnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brainstorm (G1)#Toys|Brainstorm]] (w/ [[Arcana#Toys|Arcana]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chromedome (G1)#Toys|Chromedome]] (w/ [[Stylor#Toys|Stylor]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hardhead (G1)#Toys|Hardhead]] (w/ [[Duros#Toys|Duros]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Highbrow (G1)#Toys|Highbrow]] (w/ [[Gort#Toys|Gort]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mindwipe (G1)#Toys|Mindwipe]] (w/ [[Vorath#Toys|Vorath]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullcruncher (G1)#Toys|Skullcruncher]] (w/ [[Grax#Toys|Grax]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Weirdwolf (G1)#Toys|Weirdwolf]] (w/ [[Monzo#Toys|Monzo]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[Horrorcon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Apeface#Toys|Apeface]] (w/ [[Spasma#Toys|Spasma]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snapdragon (G1)#Toys|Snapdragon]] (w/ [[Krunk#Toys|Krunk]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Blurr]] (w/ [[Haywire#Toys|Haywire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Crosshairs (G1)#Toys|Crosshairs]] (w/ [[Pinpointer (G1)#Toys|Pinpointer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Cyclonus]] (w/ [[Nightstick (G1)#Toys|Nightstick]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]] (w/ [[Firebolt (G1)#Toys|Firebolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Kup]] (w/ [[Recoil (G1)#Toys|Recoil]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Misfire (G1)#Toys|Misfire]] (w/ [[Aimless (G1)#Toys|Aimless]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Pointblank#Toys|Pointblank]] (w/ [[Peacemaker#Toys|Peacemaker]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Scourge]] (w/ [[Fracas#Toys|Fracas]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugslinger (G1)#Toys|Slugslinger]] (w/ [[Caliburst (G1)#Toys|Caliburst]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sureshot (G1)#Toys|Sureshot]] (w/ [[Spoilsport#Toys|Spoilsport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Triggerhappy (G1)#Toys|Triggerhappy]] (w/ [[Blowpipe (G1)#Toys|Blowpipe]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy Brainstorm.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Headmaster Brainstorm (with Arcana)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Sixshot#Toys|Sixshot]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[City-bot|Base]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Fortress Maximus]] (w/ [[Cerebros (G1)#Toys|Cerebros]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Toys|Spike]], [[Cog (G1)#Toys|Cog]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scorponok (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scorponok]] (w/ [[Zarak (G1)#Toys|Zarak]] & [[Fasttrack (Scorponok)#Toys|Fasttrack]])}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
:* "[[Start Your Own Decoy Collection]]" ([[Decoy]]s packed in with carded figures)
:* "[[Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.]]"

===1988: Powermasters and Pretenders===
After four years and slowly-declining sales, the push to make ''Transformers'' live up to its new tagline ("More... Much More Than Meets the Eye!") was in full effect. Even toys in old subgroups gained new gimmicks: the new [[Mini-Cassette]]s were combiners, the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]] combiner team's limb-bots each had a cannon mode the super-robot could use as a handgun, and the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] each had ''two'' [[Nebulan]]s who could also combine into a super-gun.

The big noise this year was the [[Pretender]]s, Transformers that wear outer shells in the guise of armored warriors, monsters, and more, effectively giving you two warriors in one purchase. However, the line didn't exactly excite kids, as most of the inner robots' vehicle modes could be generously described as "vague at best" due to the necessity of fitting inside their shells. And while the shells' minimal articulation (having only stiff shoulder swivels) would be fine for much younger children, the inner robots and number of small parts definitely put them outside of that age group.

The other big move was the return of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] as one of the [[Powermaster]]s, robots whose Nebulan partners unlocked the vehicle-to-robot conversion as engine-shaped "keys". Though the previous year saw [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Bumblebee return as "Goldbug"]], this large-scale toy of a returning character heralded a shift in Hasbro's strategy, which would get even stronger next year.

However, the decline that begun the year prior was made worse by a sudden splash in the action figure world: the arrival of the ''{{w|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles}}''. Kids flocked to this strange new line and its weird new cartoon, leaving ''Transformers''... sorry, there's no helping this... shell-shocked.

Sorry.

<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grand Slam (G1)#Toys|Grand Slam]] / [[Raindance#Toys|Raindance]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squawktalk (G1)#Toys|Squawktalk]] / [[Beastbox (G1)#Toys|Beastbox]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sparkabot]]s / [[Firecon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cindersaur (G1)#Toys|Cindersaur]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fizzle#Toys|Fizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flamefeather (G1)#Toys|Flamefeather]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Guzzle (G1)#Toys|Guzzle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sizzle (G1)#Toys|Sizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sparkstalker#Toys|Sparkstalker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triggerbot]]s / [[Triggercon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Backstreet (G1)#Toys|Backstreet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Crankcase (G1)#Toys|Crankcase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dogfight (G1)#Toys|Dogfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Override (G1)#Toys|Override]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruckus (G1)#Toys|Ruckus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Windsweeper#Toys|Windsweeper]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Nautilator#Toys|Nautilator]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overbite (G1)#Toys|Overbite]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seawing (G1)#Toys|Seawing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skalor#Toys|Skalor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snaptrap (G1)#Toys|Snaptrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tentakil (G1)#Toys|Tentakil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Piranacon (G1)#Toys|Piranacon]] (giftset)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" |[[File:G1-toy Sparkstalker.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Firecon Sparkstalker]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Landfill (G1)#Toys|Landfill]] (w/ [[Flintlock#Toys|Flintlock]] & [[Silencer (G1)#Toys|Silencer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Needlenose (G1)#Toys|Needlenose]] (w/ [[Sunbeam (G1)#Toys|Sunbeam]] & [[Zigzag#Toys|Zigzag]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quake (G1)#Toys|Quake]] (w/ [[Tiptop#Toys|Tiptop]] & [[Heater#Toys|Heater]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickmix (G1)#Toys|Quickmix]] (w/ [[Boomer#Toys|Boomer]] & [[Ricochet (G1)#Toys|Ricochet]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scoop (G1)#Toys|Scoop]] (w/ [[Holepunch (G1)#Toys|Holepunch]] & [[Tracer (Targetmaster)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Spinister (G1)#Toys|Spinister]] (w/ [[Hairsplitter#Toys|Hairsplitter]] & [[Singe#Toys|Singe]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Fangry (G1)#Toys|Fangry]] (w/ [[Brisko#Toys|Brisko]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Horri-Bull#Toys|Horri-Bull]] (w/ [[Kreb#Toys|Kreb]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hosehead (G1)#Toys|Hosehead]] (w/ [[Lug (G1)#Toys|Lug]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightbeat (G1)#Toys|Nightbeat]] (w/ [[Muzzle#Toys|Muzzle]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Siren (G1)#Toys|Siren]] (w/ [[Quig#Toys|Quig]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squeezeplay (G1)#Toys|Squeezeplay]] (w/ [[Lokos#Toys|Lokos]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powermaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Darkwing (G1)#Toys|Darkwing]] (w/ [[Throttle (G1)#Toys|Throttle]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwind (G1)#Toys|Dreadwind]] (w/ [[Hi-Test (G1)#Toys|Hi-Test]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Doubledealer#Toys|Doubledealer]] (w/ [[Knok#Toys|Knok]] & [[Skar (Decepticon)#Toys|Skar]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Getaway#Toys|Getaway]] (w/ [[Rev#Toys|Rev]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Joyride (G1)#Toys|Joyride]] (w/ [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slapdash (G1)#Toys|Slapdash]] (w/ [[Lube#Toys|Lube]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Powermaster Autobot Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] (w/ [[Hi-Q#Toys|Hi-Q]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Powermaster Optimus Prime]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s Wave 1'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bomb-Burst (G1)#Toys|Bomb-Burst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cloudburst#Toys|Cloudburst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Landmine (G1)#Toys|Landmine]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullgrin#Toys|Skullgrin]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Submarauder (G1)#Toys|Submarauder]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Waverider#Toys|Waverider]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Pretenders Wave 2'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bugly (G1)#Toys|Bugly]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Finback#Toys|Finback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundbreaker#Toys|Groundbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Iguanus (G1)#Toys|Iguanus]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky High (Pretender)#Toys|Sky High]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Splashdown#Toys|Splashdown]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Beast]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Carnivac (G1)#Toys|Carnivac]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Catilla (G1)#Toys|Catilla]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chainclaw (G1)#Toys|Chainclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snarler#Toys|Snarler]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Gunrunner (G1)#Toys|Gunrunner]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadgrabber#Toys|Roadgrabber]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:G1Bomb-Burst toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Pretender Bomb-Burst]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickswitch#Toys|Quickswitch]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

:*"[[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]]"

===1989: Pretenders and Micromasters===
Facing stiff competition, Hasbro attempted to unify and re-brand ''Transformers'' with a new focus and a new look.

First, they eliminated the miscellaneous subgroups of the past, rolling ''everything'' under two over-arching gimmicks: expansions of the [[Pretender]] concept, and the new 1-inch-tall [[Micromaster]]s, the latter being a response to the steadily-growing popularity of then-competitor [[Galoob]]'s ''Micro Machines'' micro-play vehicle line. Kids would buy packs of four Micromasters together, or would get a single Micromaster with a transforming vehicle or playset, with the larger vehicles themselves transforming into base-mode playsets that could interconnect with included ramps (again a response to ''Micro Machines''<nowiki>'</nowiki> heavy use of playsets).

The nostalgia-grab got larger, with new toys based on some of the most popular characters from the early years, now back as "[[Classic Pretender]]s". This year even saw the first store-[[exclusive]] Transformers, as those same four bots were sold without their Pretender shells as "[[Legends (G1)|Legends]]", available only at [[Kmart]] (which wasn't the decrepit shell of a retailer it is now).

On top of this, the packaging changed ''dramatically'', with a new look and logo design. Cardbacks were no longer distinguished between Autobot/Decepticon, but between the gold-carded Pretenders and the silver-carded Micromasters. The on-package [[Tech Spec]]s changed to an easier-to-read bar graph. (The first three Micromaster Patrols and the Legends ''did'' ship on old-style cards, but later Patrols were all on silver cards.) Hasbro hoped that this would prove stronger from a marketing standpoint than the Autobot/Decepticon distinction from previous years, plus look new and fresh, rather than just another iteration of a now-six-year-old toyline.

You can kind of guess how well that worked.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Monster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Birdbrain#Toys|Birdbrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bristleback#Toys|Bristleback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Icepick (G1)#Toys|Icepick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scowl (G1)#Toys|Scowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slog (G1)#Toys|Slog]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildfly#Toys|Wildfly]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bludgeon (G1)#Toys|Bludgeon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Doubleheader#Toys|Doubleheader]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longtooth#Toys|Longtooth]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octopunch (G1)#Toys|Octopunch]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pincher (G1)#Toys|Pincher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Stranglehold#Toys|Stranglehold]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Classic Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Pretender|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Pretender|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Pretender|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mega Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Crossblades (G1)#Toys|Crossblades]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunderwing (G1)#Toys|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Vroom (G1)#Toys|Vroom]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top|[[File:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Mega Pretender Thunderwing]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadblock (G1)#Toys|Roadblock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyhammer (G1)#Toys|Skyhammer]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Air Strike Patrol#Toys|Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)#Toys|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)#Toys|Storm Cloud]], [[Tailwind (G1)#Toys|Tailwind]], [[Whisper (G1)#Toys|Whisper]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Battle Patrol#Toys|Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot#Toys|Big Shot]], [[Flak (G1)#Toys|Flak]], [[Sidetrack (G1)#Toys|Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner (G1)#Toys|Sunrunner]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Off Road Patrol#Toys|Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)#Toys|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger (G1)#Toys|Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain#Toys|Powertrain]], [[Tote#Toys|Tote]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Race Car Patrol#Toys|Race Car Patrol]] ([[Free Wheeler#Toys|Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)#Toys|Roadhandler]], [[Swindler#Toys|Swindler]], [[Tailspin#Toys|Tailspin]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rescue Patrol (G1)#Toys|Rescue Patrol]] ([[Fixit (G1)#Toys|Fixit]], [[Red Hot#Toys|Red Hot]], [[Seawatch#Toys|Seawatch]], [[Stakeout (G1)#Toys|Stakeout]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sports Car Patrol#Toys|Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Blackjack#Toys|Blackjack]], [[Detour (G1)#Toys|Detour]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)#Toys|Hyperdrive]], [[Road Hugger (G1)#Toys|Road Hugger]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Erector (G1)#Toys|Erector]] (w/ [[Crane]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flattop (Decepticon)#Toys|Flattop]] (w/ [[Platonix|Aircraft carrier]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overload (G1)#Toys|Overload]] (w/ [[Car carrier trailer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roughstuff#Toys|Roughstuff]] (w/ [[Military transport]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|200px|thumb|]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Stations'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Airwave (G1)#Toys|Airwave]] (w/ [[Airport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Greasepit (G1)#Toys|Greasepit]] (w/ [[Gas station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot House#Toys|Hot House]] (w/ [[Fire station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironworks#Toys|Ironworks]] (w/ [[Construction station]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Bases'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundshaker#Toys|Groundshaker]] (w/ [[ATV]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skyhopper#Toys|Skyhopper]] (w/ [[Helicopter]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Jet Command Center'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skystalker (G1)#Toys|Skystalker]] (w/ [[Thunder Arrow#Toys|Interstellar shuttle]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Rocket Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Countdown (G1)#Toys|Countdown]] (w/ [[Rocket Base#Toys|Rocket base]])}}
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Exclusives'''</big>
:'''[[Kmart]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|[[Legends (G1)|Legends]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Bumblebee]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Grimlock]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Jazz (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-d1|Legends [[Starscream (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Starscream]]}}
</ul>

===1990: Micromasters and Action Masters===
[[File:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|200px|thumb|Action Master Jazz, reintroducing a character from the line's early years.]]

By this time, ''Transformers'' was in serious trouble. ''Ninja Turtles'' was still dominating the toy aisle and TV ratings, and was even putting out a live-action movie that year. (Bet Hasbro wished they had a cartoon on the air ''then'', huh?) Home video games were getting even hotter and luring more kids away from toys altogether, especially with the release of the hugely-anticipated Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Hasbro tried to rally with something that was very rare for its time: a large-scale appeal to nostalgia. While Micromasters continued on, the rest of the series was taken up by [[Action Master]]s, non-transforming ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''-scale action figures of ''Transformers'' characters, with a half-and-half mix of "classic" characters and all-new bots. As with the Micromasters, the focus was mainly on the low-price items, with the carded individual Action Masters getting the largest amount of product. Larger offerings included vehicles that transformed into battle stations or "attack modes" for the Action Masters to pilot.

Unfortunately, it simply wasn't enough, and ''Transformers'' was canceled in the US. While the [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European version of the line]] would continue on with both new product and a glut of "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" re-releases, it would be two years before ''Transformers'' would come back to US toy shelves, as ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

<big>'''Retail releases'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Patrol#Toys|Air Patrol]] ([[Blaze Master#Toys|Blaze Master]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)#Toys|Eagle Eye]], [[Sky High (Micromaster)#Toys|Sky High]], [[Tread Bolt#Toys|Tread Bolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Construction Patrol#Toys|Construction Patrol]] ([[Crumble#Toys|Crumble]], [[Groundpounder (G1)#Toys|Groundpounder]], [[Neutro#Toys|Neutro]], [[Takedown#Toys|Takedown]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod Patrol#Toys|Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)#Toys|Big Daddy]], [[Greaser#Toys|Greaser]], [[Hubs#Toys|Hubs]], [[Trip-Up#Toys|Trip-Up]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Military Patrol#Toys|Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)#Toys|Bombshock]], [[Dropshot (G1)#Toys|Dropshot]], [[Growl (G1)#Toys|Growl]], [[Tracer (G1 Decepticon)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Monster Truck Patrol#Toys|Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Big Hauler#Toys|Big Hauler]], [[Heavy Tread#Toys|Heavy Tread]], [[Hydraulic#Toys|Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke#Toys|Slow Poke]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Race Track Patrol#Toys|Race Track Patrol]] ([[Barricade (G1)#Toys|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog#Toys|Ground Hog]], [[Motorhead (Decepticon)#Toys|Motorhead]], [[Roller Force#Toys|Roller Force]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner]] Squads'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Astro Squad#Toys|Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser#Toys|Phaser]], [[Blast Master#Toys|Blast Master]], [[Moonrock#Toys|Moonrock]], [[Missile Master#Toys|Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)#Toys|Barrage]] & [[Heave#Toys|Heave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Battle Squad#Toys|Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)#Toys|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)#Toys|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit (G1)#Toys|Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch (G1)#Toys|Power Punch]], [[Fireshot (G1)#Toys|Fireshot]] & [[Vanquish (G1)#Toys|Vanquish]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Constructor Squad#Toys|Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)#Toys|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)#Toys|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)#Toys|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)#Toys|Hammer]], [[Grit (G1)#Toys|Grit]] & [[Knockout (G1)#Toys|Knockout]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Metro Squad#Toys|Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze#Toys|Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner#Toys|Roadburner]], [[Oiler#Toys|Oiler]], [[Slide#Toys|Slide]], [[Power Run#Toys|Power Run]] & [[Strikedown#Toys|Strikedown]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy TankerTruck.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Micromaster Combiner Tanker Truck (with Pipeline & Gusher)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cannon Transport]] (w/ [[Terror-Tread#Toys|Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head#Toys|Cement-Head]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Missile Launcher]] (w/ [[Retro#Toys|Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)#Toys|Surge]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tanker Truck]] (w/ [[Pipeline#Toys|Pipeline]] & [[Gusher#Toys|Gusher]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Anti-Aircraft Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Anti-Aircraft Base]] w/ ([[Blackout (G1)#Toys|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot#Toys|Spaceshot]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Battlefield Headquarters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Battlefield Headquarters]] (w/ [[Full-Barrel#Toys|Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow#Toys|Overflow]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures I'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Grimlock]] with [[Anti-tank cannon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Jazz]] with [[Turbo Board]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rad (G1)#Toys|Rad]] with [[Lionizer (G1)#Toys|Lionizer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollout (G1)#Toys|Rollout]] with [[Glitch#Toys|Glitch]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Soundwave]] with [[Wingthing (G1)#Toys|Wingthing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Treadshot (G1)#Toys|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut#Toys|Catgut]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures II'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Bumblebee]] with [[Heli-pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Blaster]] with [[Flight Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#ActionMaster|Devastator]] with [[Scorpulator#Toys|Scorpulator]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jackpot (G1)#Toys|Jackpot]] with [[Sights (G1)#Toys|Sights]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Krok (G1)#Toys|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider#Toys|Gatoradier]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mainframe (G1)#Toys|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button#Toys|Push-Button]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures III'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Banzai-Tron (G1)#Toys|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp#Toys|Razor-Sharp]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Inferno]] with [[Hydro-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kick-Off (G1)#Toys|Kick-Off]] with [[Turbo-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Shockwave]] with [[Fistfight (G1)#Toys|Fistfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyfall (G1)#Toys|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy#Toys|Top-Heavy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#AM|Snarl]] with [[Tyrannitron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Action Blasters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Copter]] with [[Over-Run (G1)#Toys|Over-Run]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Off-Road Cycle]] with [[Axer (G1)#Toys|Axer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Cycle (G1)|Turbo Cycle]] with [[Prowl (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Turbo Jet]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:AMWheeljack.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Action Master Wheeljack with his Turbo Racer]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Cruiser]] with [[Sprocket (G1)#Toys|Sprocket]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Racer]] with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Wheeljack]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Stratotronic Jet]] with [[Gutcruncher (G1)#Toys|Gutcruncher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Neutro-Fusion Tank]] with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Megatron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Armored Convoy'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Armored Convoy]] with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#AM|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|}

==Hasbro (and others) ''Transformers'' European line==
:''Main article: [[The Transformers (European toyline)]]''

The history of the European-market releases of ''The Transformers'' is simultaneously complicated and kind of boring, as while various countries got different amounts of product, sometimes released by non-Hasbro partner companies (like [[Milton Bradley]] and [[GiG]]), the actual ''toys'' were largely identical to the US releases for the overwhelming majority of the line. There are certainly a number of notable early variants, such as the [[Tracks (G1)#Toys|red Tracks]], but their scarcity has relegated them to "only for the completist with ample funds" category.

[[File:G1-toy OmegaSpreem.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Action Master Elite Omega Supreme, a bot as hard to find as he is to focus on.]]

Things wouldn't really get significantly different until the 1990s. While the American toyline was shutting down, ''Transformers'' in Europe kept on chugging along.

[[1991]] was an odd hodge-podge of a line, starting with a short burst of exclusive [[Action Master]]s (including some that [[Action Master Elite|actually did transform!]]), then introducing several [[redeco]]ed previously-[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]-exclusive molds, mainly from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|''Victory'' toyline]]. Several of the toys released this year weren't given individual names, including the re-released [[Constructicon (G1)#|Constructicons]] (who had also lost the parts needed to combine into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], oddly enough).

Speaking of re-released old toys, 1990 saw the [[Classics (Europe)|''Classics'' subline]] debut, the return of numerous toys from the 1984 through 1987 lines (minus the specifically ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''-based toys). Several of these releases had minor changes from the originals, mainly the removal of [[rubsign]] indents. The line would continue through [[1991]], and a few extra pieces would see release only in [[Australia]].

[[File:G1Thunder clash toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Turbomaster Thunder Clash, the new Autobot leader of 1992.]]

In [[1992]], the line got much more cohesive, moving back to much more "traditional" Transformers, changing from pseudo-realistic vehicles to robots, with [[gimmick]]s that were by and large not super-obtrusive. The Autobots and Decepticons got some physical distinction in their designs in [[1992]]: the Autobots got hot-pink transparent plastic parts, primarily their [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optics]] and windows, while the Decepticons got a bright toxic clear-green transparent parts as well as less-human, more angular faces. Yes, hot pink and toxic green: the 90's was ''also'' the time that the color schemes for new toys overall got brighter and more reliant on pastels (and in some cases, [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|straight-up gloriously awful]]). In [[1993]], Hasbro changed the traditional [[insignia|faction symbols]] to the types used in the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' series, as the US line was changing over that year. The European line would follow suit in [[1993]], ending the original "Generation 1" series in European markets ''without'' the line being canceled, the only major market to ''not'' have a gap between Generations 1 and 2. Neat!
{{--}}

==Takara ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' line==
[[File:Japanese tf logo.jpg|right|250px|]]

:''Main article: [[Generation 1 (Japanese toylines)]]''

[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] took [[Hasbro]]'s lead and brought the new universe of living robots to Japan in [[1985]], where it was a massive success. Despite many/most of the toys having been available just a year or two prior, the new story and cartoon propelled ''Transformers'' sales far beyond those of the lines that the toys originally came from. ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' were quickly discarded in favor of the new hotness as kids ate up this new take on the giant robot genre, one that was a fresh change from the sheer amount of competing "piloted mecha" robot toylines/cartoons in existence.

The line started very parallel with Hasbro's offerings, but over time the two companies pursued some pretty different visions for the brand. Takara split the line up into different sub-[[franchise]]s by year, changing the name and theme, a long-running tradition in kids' media/toylines in Japan (which would eventually end up making its way Stateside). They would also create a variety of all-new molds unique to these lines, most of them highly sought-after by collectors. By the end of the series, Takara would go back to following Hasbro's lead for the bulk of the line, with new molds being relegated to a small handful of large pieces. ''Transformers'' finally ended in 1992, as Takara's concurrently-running (and TV-cartoon-backed) non-''Transformers'' "''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]''" giant robot lines gained more popularity.

''Transformers'' would not be back on Japanese toy shelves until [[1995]], when the short-lived ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)#Takara G-2 line|G-2]]'' toyline would hit.

==Mexican & South American ''Transformers''==
If you want strange variants of Generation 1 toys, then the short-lived toylines south of the border are the mother lode. But many of these items are not cheap on the secondary market due to their scarcity.

;Mexico
[[File:Prowl-Mexico.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Mexican Prowl, with extra black bits.]]
::''Main article: [[IGA]]''

:''Transformers'' was released by [[IGA]] in Mexico in 1985. For the most part, the toys are similar to their Hasbro counterparts, though with plenty of minor coloring and materials differences... which apparently includes ''lead paint''. Oops.

:The line did not do well, and 1986's releases were little more than [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and a handful of first-year [[Mini Vehicle]]s recolored roughly like their [[#1986|third-year retool]]s. The line was fully canceled shortly after.

: A number of these toys ended up in European markets years after the line was over, which is when that whole "lead paint" thing was discovered. Oops.

{{-}}
;Brazil
[[File:Camaro-Purple.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Malignus Camaro. Gorgeous. And expensive.]]
::''Main article: [[Estrela]]''

:Easily the most well-known of the Southern-Hemisphere ''Transformers'' releases, [[Estrela]]'s batch of six Mini-Vehicle molds were the bulk of the toys released by the company, put out in a variety of colors. Notably, the mysterious "[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|Bumper]]" mold was part of this assortment, under the name "[[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]]", complete with packaging art and a [[bio]], leading fans to wonder if this bio came from scrapped plans for the toy in the original [[Hasbro]] line.

:The line was filled out with redecoed [[Jumpstarter]]s called "Salt-Man" ("''salto''" meaning "jump" in Spanish and Portuguese), and non-Takara molds like the [[Eletrix]] and [[Bat-Robô]].

:Most coveted among the Estrela toys is the second round of Mini Vehicles, the "[[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] vs [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]]" series, which split the toys into brand-new good & evil (respectively) factions. These twelve toys —particularly the more radically-changed Malignus— are very expensive on the secondary market, easily earning triple-digit sums for even loose samples. Still-carded toys are exceptionally rare.

{{-}}
;Argentina

::''Main article: [[Antex]]''

: A bit of an odd case, it appears that Argentinean company [[Antex]] got its ''Transformers'' license from Estrela, rather than Hasbro, which is kind of dubious on the "did Estrela actually have the authority to do that" mark. Antex would then release its own batch of Mini Vehicle redecoes.

: In the early 2010's, a large number of on-card/boxed Antex toys hit the secondary market, apparently due to an old warehouse find. Many of these items were sold cheaper than ''domestic'' packaged original toys in the US... but still make a neat curiosity for a collector.

: One more odd Argentinean release is the [[Radio AM Robot]], an original mold by [[Comando Toys]]. Your guess is as good as ours.

;Peru

: Not a lot is properly known about these Mini Vehicle releases. In fact ''three'' different companies are tossed out as possible distributors for Peruvian ''Transformers'': Lynsa, Hude, and Basa. There are supposedly upwards of three dozen different mold/color combinations, but spotty information has kept the fandom from properly confirming this.

==Chinese ''The Transformers'' toyline==
:'' Main article: [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)]]''

Several factors kept ''The Transformers'' out of mainland China for years, including government-based resistance to the line's [[The Transformers (cartoon)|primary "advertainment" vehicle]]. But in August 1989, [[Hasbro International]] started cranking out classic ''Transformers'' at Chinese factories, which were shipped throughout China, as well as Taiwan and South Korea (with additional stickers applied to the packaging for those markets). The line ran through [[1995]] (!), ending with several previously-Japanese-exclusive ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|Victory]]'' toys.

For the most part, the toys are identical to their previous releases, only with slight changes to the manufacturing stamps, and the occasional minor deco alteration (primarily painted details on the [[Mini-Cassette]]s, and some [[rubsign]] changes). They came in the same packaging as their American (or European) counterparts, only with small stickers in the corner giving the characters' Chinese names. Japanese-original toys were altered slightly more, changing the ''Transformers'' logo to a Chinese-language version. The copyright and manufacturing information on the back of the packaging was also shortened to remove the no-longer-true statements "Made in Japan", "Made in Taiwan", etc., and omit references to [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. The manufacturing information was instead applied as a sticker in Chinese on the back of the box. By [[1994]], when the [[Power Master]]-era toys were released, "Made in China" was added to the box.

Despite running for nigh six years, the Chinese Generation 1 line released only about 100 toys all told.

This late entry into China actually goes a long way towards explaining the country's current ''Transformers'' mania, and its ever-increasing amount of toys made specifically for that market. Those who grew up with the line as kids were hitting adulthood just as the Chinese middle class was booming, which meant disposable income. And with the ''huge'' success of the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] spurring things on further right in the middle of that economic boon, China has since become a major part of the franchise's current global success.

{{note|It's quite likely that the Chinese line is also the source of the [[Classics (Europe)|European "Classics" reissues]] that were released in 1990. The toys share the same altered copyright and Chinese manufacturing stamps... plus some Classics toys have surfaced with Chinese name stickers on them.}}

:* ''[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/15 Chinese G1 Reissue ID Guide]''
:* ''[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/1743/37/ The Little Sticker in the Corner: The Truth about Early-1990's Chinese G1 Transformers Toys]''
:* ''[http://www.danwei.org/tv/fighting_transformer_fever.php Fighting "Transformer Fever"]''

==Post-''Transformers'' releases==
Hahahahahahahhahahah haaaaaa hahahahahhahahaha hahaahahaaaaaaaahahahaaaaa. Hoo. Hooooh boy.

Okay, but seriously.

Despite having set the stage for everything that would follow, and in sharp contrast to the nostalgia-sodden market of today, "Generation 1" actually took some time to get back into being a sizable portion of the "modern" toyline following the original's end. The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' revival failed to revive, and its ''vastly'' more successful replacement ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' was such a radical shift from everything before that going back to the '80s trappings was seen as risky. Thus the original series was mostly relegated to scattered [[homage]]s for the better part of a decade.

By the turn of the century (ugh), the older-nostalgic market was picking up strength. More children of the '80s were out of school and getting jobs and disposable income (yes, that kind of thing used to actually happen) and were looking to reclaim bits of their childhoods. And the market responded... timidly at first, as the markets do, but over time, more and more of the classic series was brought back in one form or another.

===Reissue lines===
Before the re-creation boom, there was the re-release boom. Many vintage toy molds were pulled out, refurbished and put back into service to let fans fill holes in their classic collections.

<big>'''Takara'''</big>
[[File:TF Collection 3 Skids.jpg|right|thumb|200px|''The Transformers Collection'' Skids]]
Takara was the first to get the reissue ball rolling, and generally took the lead in re-releasing classic "Generation 1" molds over the course of several years. Re-issues began sporadically at first in [[2000]], mainly major characters (particularly [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#2001reissue|Megatron]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Rodimus]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Reissue|Starscream]]) in recreations of the original packaging, with a few special editions. But it didn't take long for this to expand into larger, more organized lines:

*'''''[[The Transformers Collection]]''''' (2002)
: This series is also known as the "bookbox" series, as each toy came in a large box with a multi-page, full-color booklet attached to the inner front cover of the box, full of bio information, toy trivia, cartoon summaries and more. In some respects this series was a bit of an "ultimate G1" line, as a great many toys were modified from their original releases. Tooling issues were fixed for extra durability, [[sticker]]s were altered or even replaced with more durable factory-applied [[tampograph]]s, accessories were added that had either not been released in Japan (like [[Targetmaster (technology)#Toys|Targetmaster]] partners) or wholly-new items altogether.

: This series would be further filled out with all-new characters set in the classic universe, with [[redeco]]s of the mold reissues in new color schemes (often -but not always- replicating ''[[Diaclone]]'' variants the original ''Transformers'' line passed on) through outlets like [[e-HOBBY]].

*'''''[[Transformers Encore]]''''' (2007)

:Riding the surge of popularity that had been building (and exploding with the live-action film), ''Encore'' brought more "enhanced" classic toys out, though this time in more classic-style packaging. The line also put a much heavier focus on the larger pieces in the original line, including the likes of [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and even [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], as well as toys the original Japanese line had skipped, like [[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]].

{{-}}
<big>'''Hasbro'''</big>
[[File:CommemorativeSeriesIIIStock.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Commemorative Series'' Thundercracker, "Silverstreak" and Jazz. (''No, the real Silverstreak did not have the black hood/top.'')]]

Hasbro generally seemed less keen on remaking the past, focusing their efforts on new lines, but saw the value in trying to get the reissues into fans' hands... even if there had to be compromises [[for safety reasons]].

*'''''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Generation One Commemorative Series]]''''' (2002)

:Sold [[exclusive]]ly through [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] (though overstock would later filter into closeout outlets), the ''Commemorative Series'' mostly picked up what Takara was already putting out and swung them onto US and European shelves. This series proved less popular with fans, thanks to the changes that had to be done to make the functional spring-launched missiles pass safety standards, plus a rather high price tag (a ToysЯUs staple that's still in practice to this day!) that generally left net-savvy fans deciding to just import Takara's offerings for just a little bit more.

{{-}}

===New "Generation 1"-based lines===
If you think we're gonna list every individual new toy based on a Generation 1 character here, you're insane. And not the fun kind. Instead, enjoy this series of links to the ''numerous'' toylines that call back to the originals. Many of these lines are ''technically'' multi-franchise ensembles, but the majority of their output is of updated Generation 1 bots.

*'''''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]''''' (1997)
[[File:MachineWars Hoist toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Machine Wars'' Hoist]]

:A strange, slapdash and ''very'' short line released in the middle of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'', ''Machine Wars'' was sold [[exclusive]]ly at [[KB Toys]] stores. It's a mix of small toys originally developed for ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' and some larger [[retool]]ed [[the Transformers (European toyline)|European-market]] items from a few years prior, all mostly as old characters, and mostly in color schemes that don't match the characters they're supposed to be. On the other hand, this was the first chance many American fans had to acquire some of those larger foreign molds, and at KB's (in)famous pre-discounted prices to boot.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]''''' (2004)
[[File:RobotMastersStarscream toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Robotmasters'' Starscream]]

: A short line in Japan during the middle of the "[[Unicron Trilogy]]" series, ''Robotmasters'' is set in the nebulous time between the second season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''... but with the intrusion of time-traveling characters from ''Beast Wars'' (and more). Sticking mainly to smaller items, the series is mostly recycled "Basic" figures and sub-Deluxe items, most as new characters. Many came with extra weapons too, most of which were recycled from a canceled ''[[Microman]]'' series.

: However, there were a series of all-new molds, based on the leader characters of the past. The brand-new [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Robotmasters|Starscream]] was easily the most popular, being a classic-designed toy with some actual posability, with a new smaller [[Optimus Primal/toys#Robotmasters|Optimus Primal]] being close behind.

: Though the new molds were highly sought after at the time, they'd become very obsolete in fairly short order...

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]''''' (2003) / '''''[[Transformers: Alternity| Alternity]]''''' (2009) / '''''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|GT: Mission GT-R]]''''' (2013)
[[File:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Two of the numerous Japanese variants of ''Alternators'' Smokescreen.]]

: The first focused Generation 1 "revival" series, ''Alternators'' was aimed ''squarely'' at the older collector. Every toy in the line (save one odd addition) is a Generation 1 character reimagined as a 1:24-scale recreation of a real, fully-licensed vehicle, complete with opening doors, an actual open driver/passenger compartment complete with dashboard, opening hoods/trunks and more. This led to many of these toys being ''very'' complicated to transform. The Japanese ''Binaltech'' line took the collector-aim even further by using copious amounts of painted [[die-cast]] metal for the vehicle shells. A line of ''very'' slow and staggered releases, it would continue on for several years in the US. Japan would keep the line alive even longer (and with a ''lot'' of variants), up through 2008, including a few small sub-lines like ''Binaltech Asterisk'' (which included [[human]] mini-figures to drive the vehicle modes) and the controversial ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)| Kiss Players]]''.

: Despite ''heavy'' interest early on from the older fandom, ''Alternators'' has basically been left behind in favor of the later "normal" Generation 1 remakes that would follow a few years later.

: TakaraTomy would take another crack at the style later with ''Alternity'', which is generally the same thing, only at 1:32 scale, putting the toys at roughly "Deluxe" size. Several years later it would dust off the ''Alternity'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternity|Convoy]] mold for ''GT: Mission GT-R'', a racing-themed mini-series which added "[[GT Sister]]" ''[[Microman]]'' figures to each toy.

{{-}}
*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]''''' (2003)
[[File:MP-10 toy photo.jpg|left|thumb|250px|MP-10 Convoy, the second ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold.]]

: A line that started as a one-shot, anniversary-celebratory deal, that slowly over time grew to become basically the "ultimate" collector's Generation 1 toyline. Takara has taken the lead here, putting out much of the product at general retail, where Hasbro picks and chooses molds to bring out as store [[exclusive]]s from time to time.

: Starting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (of course), the line features larger-scale, very complex, highly-detailed, and (generally) [[show-accuracy|animation-accurate]] renditions of classic characters. Originally a slow-release line, in 2011 it moved to a smaller scale (with a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp10|redone Optimus]], of course), focused on filling out much of the 1984/1985 cast, and started putting out toys at a fairly regular clip, several a year. The line is still going today, and has expanded its scope, recently adding ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters to the roster.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Classics| Classics]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Bumblebeeclassicstoy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Classics'' Bumblebee]]

: Originally intended to just be a short gap-filler line between ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)| Cybertron]]'' and the upcoming [[Movie (toyline)|live-action film toyline]], ''Classics'' more or less set the gold standard for today's Generation 1-based toy: modern-tech recreations of classic characters in updated forms highly evocative of their original incarnations, in the "focused-around-deluxe-scale" play size.

: Hasbro originally had no plans to put out more than the original line in this format (leading to some kerfuffle when several "missing" classic characters ended up as [[BotCon 2007]] exclusives). But a combination of solid sales, heavy demand, and —most importantly— a gargantuan influx of income thanks to that whole [[Michael Bay]] movie deal meant that ''Classics''-style toys could continue on in successive lines (see below).

{{-}}
*'''''[[Titanium Series]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Jetfiretitaniumwarwithin.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Titanium Series'' Jetfire]]

: Originally a subline of Hasbro's ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' product line, ''Titanium Series'' put the focus on [[die-cast]] metal, split between 2-inch-tall non-transforming mini-figurines, and the transforming 6-inch "Cybertron Heroes". The latter were... let's politely say "not very well-received".

: These toys were developed completely in-house at Hasbro, with no Takara engineering, by a team who had never worked on ''Transformers'' to boot. The results often resulted in ill-proportioned messes with odd joint tolerances and questionable articulation that couldn't really handle the weight distribution. The toys based on designs from the popular "[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]" comics from then-licensee [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] generally fared better, and would garner some demand, particularly [[The Fallen/toys#Titanium Series|The Fallen]]. It's a real grab-bag of a line, both in character and quality.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations| Generations]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]''''' (2005)
[[File:Sunstreakeruniverse2008toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Universe'' Sunstreaker]]

: After the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie]] made Hasbro and Takara approximately eleven bazillion dollars, they had the funds to put out more traditionally "risky" product like older-nostalgic-aimed toys. From this point on, they would devote a major portion of each year's product to making modern toys of Generation 1 characters.

: Hasbro's 2008 ''Universe'' line was the start, with everything from small [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] items to huge electronic Ultra Class toys. The line turned into ''Generations'', but the overall focus was more or less the same. ''Generations'' is still running as of this writing, with the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' and ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toylines.

: 2010's ''Transformers'' line was actually a movie-based "general" line. But the back end of the line had several toys in multiple price-points based directly on Generation 1 characters that seemed like they were right out of ''Generations'', confusing fans a bit.

: The ''Timelines'' series is also a multi-franchise ensemble line, but naturally the majority of the product is Generation-1-based. The reason we bring this up last was that this is not a retail series, being sold by Hasbro licensee [[Fun Publications]] via [[BotCon]]s and the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]. This series features a lot of toys based on more obscure characters and decos.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers United|United]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]''''' (2011) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations#Generations in Japan|Generations]]''''' (2012) / '''''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]''''' (2014) / '''''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]''''' (2015)
[[File:Henkeitoy megatron.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Henkei! Henkei!'' Megatron, a redeco of ''Classics'' Megatron.]]

: Takara's string of Generation-1-based modern toys is a little more fragmented, changing names with regularity. Largely following Hasbro's lead, these toys are typically more extensively painted (owing to Japan's retailers not having the vise-like grip on item prices that major American retailers have), with a much heavier focus on [[show-accuracy|replicating animation decos]], even when the molds are not terribly suited for animation-based deco. One of the latest series, ''Legends'', is still running today, being mostly Takara's version of Hasbro's ''Generations'' line.

:Complicating things a bit more is ''Adventure'', Takara's version of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' line]]. That line was initially filled out with a large number of ''Generations'' molds, colored and named blatantly as Generation 1 characters... but as part of the "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]" universe. While we list these characters as the alternate-universe takes they're presented as, they are definitely worth mentioning here for fans who don't care about dividing by universe and just want a modern [[Override (Adventure)|Override]] that blends in perfectly with their modern Generation 1 collection.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The term "Generation 1" is a piece of ascended [[fandom|fan-terminology]]. When ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' hit, the early online fandom quickly took to calling its predecessor "Generation 1". It became such a ubiquitous term it made its way into official terminology pretty quickly.
* ''The Transformers'' isn't the first time ''[[Diaclone]]'' molds were sold in the US. In [[1983]], Takara released "''[[Diakron]]''" in the US, straight-importing six ''Diaclone'' molds in new packaging. It didn't do too well. These releases ''are'' interesting curiosities for the serious collector, though.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (toyline), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 toylines| Transformers (toyline)]]

The Transformers (toyline)

2017-10-23T21:13:07Z

Superdude056: Redirected Cookie Crisp Jazz to his regular toy, since it was released inside a Cookie Crisp cereal.

{{disambig3.5|the original toyline|the 2010 toyline simply known as "Transformers"|Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers}}
{{Nav-G1}}

'''''The Transformers''''' (also now known as "'''Generation 1'''" or "'''G1'''" for short, though the line was never branded as such) started as a joint venture between [[Hasbro]] of America and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] of [[Japan]]. After an idea to rebrand and sell Takara's ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' [[Toy|robot toys]] as a whole new line with a new concept behind it (developed by Hasbro's partners at [[Marvel Comics]]), Hasbro ultimately created what would be one of the longest-running and most popular [[franchise]]s for both companies. Starting in [[1984]], the line ran for seven years in America, eight in Europe and Japan (though Takara would break the line up into multiple sub-franchises).

{{TOCclear}}

==Overview==
Having run for seven years, the line changed dramatically over its lifetime, going from pre-made items to all-new designs and greater focus on [[gimmick]]s beyond simply transforming. Thus, the more descriptive bits will be tackled year-by-year... but there's still plenty to talk about in the big picture.

===Then Vs. Now===
[[File:Seekers ad.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Page from the 1984 JC Penney annual catalog. A book hundreds of pages thick, which could devote an entire page or two to a single toy line. 80's kids ''craved'' these books. And yes, JC Penney used to carry toys.]]

The original ''Transformers'' came out in a ''very'' different toy environment than what exists today, and at a time when the market was venturing out from the slow-paced 1970s into undiscovered country.

First of all, the market itself was simply broader. There were a ''lot'' more retailers out there, both national and regional, muscling for market share, and virtually all had a sizable toy department. Sears and [[Kmart]] were the biggest retailers in the United States; [[Walmart]] and [[Target]] were just regional players poised to go nationwide. [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] wasn't the only large-scale toys-only chain. Even grocery stores and drug stores devoted a significant amount of space to toys year-round, and not just the cheap stuff! The idea that you could buy ''anything'' via computer, much less toys, was a novelty at best. No, you had to get out there and shop - or use a big printed mail-order catalog like the old Sears "Wish Book".

On top of that, there were far more toy companies scrabbling for shelf space. Mattel was still an action-figure heavyweight thanks to ''Masters of the Universe'', which led the boom of cartoon-advertised toy lines (more on that in a bit) throwing out weird concepts in the hope of creating the next big thing. ''Transformers'' wasn't even the first shape-changing robot toy to US shelves, having been beat to the punch by then-competitor [[Tonka]], who brought over [[Bandai]]'s ''Machine Robo'' toys as ''[[GoBots]]'' six months prior. And then there were all the major sorta-likes, such as [[Kenner]]'s ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'' with its transforming vehicles, [[TakaraTomy|Tomy]]'s ''Starriors'' reconfigurable robots (a ''Zoids'' offshoot), and approximately eleventy-billion also-rans and cheap knockoffs from a host of now-defunct companies. (And yes, most of the previously-mentioned companies now fall under the Hasbro/TakaraTomy umbrella.)

While most modern toys have a shelf-life of ''maybe'' six months, in the 80s a single toy could ship steadily for two years, more if the line was particularly successful. The original [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]] toys shipped for three, and some of the [[Mini-Cassette]]s for ''four''. (Though the king of long-run shipping is surely [[Kenner]]'s original ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' line: the single [[Darth Vader]] figure shipped for ''seven years''.)

Not only did the toys ship longer, but the look of ''Transformers''<nowiki>'</nowiki> packaging did not change significantly for five years, only changing the logo and overall design in [[#1989: Pretenders and Micromasters|1989]] as part of a revitalization attempt. Today, even when a single line lasts more than a year, the packaging changes considerably at least every year.

Though even with all that, seven years ''was'' a long time for a toy franchise to run. Most of the bigger lines only managed about three years, and that third was typically a final flailing-for-its-life year as kids had moved on. That ''Transformers'' made as big a splash as it did and lasted so long ''before'' the revivals and reboots is remarkable. How'd it do that? Well...

===Refining the Formula===

To be honest, ''Transformers'' didn't do much that was really "new" outside of its central transformation [[gimmick]], and that was one it shared with multiple competitors. What put the line above the others is simply doing a great many things ''better'' than is competitors.

Many early articles on the transforming robot toyline wars opined that ''GoBots'' would win due to its reliance on a large number of small, inexpensive items easy for kids to pick up. (After all, that formula worked wonders for ''Star Wars''.) And while ''Transformers'' did have a number of small, inexpensive "entry point" items, its larger figures would turn out to be a ''huge'' draw, a kind of playground status symbol. The boxed figures featured multiple accessories and add-on [[sticker]]s for an extra level of interaction with the toy, giving them an extra air of quality. Sure you could get a GoBot or a [[Mini Vehicle]] just about any time, but the larger ''Transformers'' were something big and special for birthdays or saved-up allowances.

[[File:Trailbreaker Bio&TechSpec.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Lotta reading going on in the toy aisles in the 80's.]]

The packaging too was a step beyond what other lines were doing. Every packaging back had a hefty [[bio]] of the character, penned by Marvel author [[Bob Budiansky]]. Most lines gave their toys only a cursory sentence or two about the toy's imaginary powers (if that, ''GoBots'' didn't), but the ''Transformers'' bios truly "humanized" the alien robots, giving each one a distinct personality complete with motto, on top of a much more full description of the imaginary powers that character possessed. Attached was the "[[Tech Spec]]s", numeric rankings of the character's stats. This information was (mostly) obscured and (sort of) unreadable without a red plastic "Tech Spec decoder" inside the boxed toys early on (though the red lens of a pair of 3D glasses would work too, and who didn't have at ''least'' one of those lying around in the 80s?), but eventually would move to easily-readable bars.

[[File:PackIn Reinforcements Inside.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Kids had a lot of these. The flyers, we mean, not the toys themselves.]]

While [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-away offers]] were an ''extremely'' common practice at the time, Hasbro smartly spruced this process up. Most every toy (and cereal) mail-away offer asked you to clip out the UPC bar-codes as "proof of purchase" when sending away, but ''Transformers'' instead asked for the "[[Robot Point]]s" clipped from the packaging back. Bigger toys had more Points, again adding to the idea that the larger toys were a step above the smaller ones. (The Points were, of course, actually worthless, since you also sent in a check for roughly what the toys would normally cost anyway.) While many other lines' mail-aways tended to be just toys that weren't out in stores yet, ''Transformers'' from the outset offered toys that they would ''never'' sell at normal retail, like the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. Talk about playground bragging rights!

While not ''directly'' part of the toyline, the way ''Transformers'' was advertised has ''got'' to be mentioned when talking about its success. [[Ronald Reagan|President Reagan]]'s recent deregulation policies allowed for the line between "advertisement" and "entertainment" on television to blur heavily, and toy companies were still exploring how to properly exploit this new "advertainment" method of pushing plastic to preteens. ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' was the first of these toyline-based cartoons, and it rocketed that toyline to success. And let's be honest here: that show was ''garbage'', but kids ate it up. Hasbro upped the ante with [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'' cartoon]], giving it a more serious story and higher-quality animation (both low hurdles compared to ''He-Man'' but let's not rag on that ''too'' much, they ''were'' testing the early limits of the medium)... and thanks to the fact that the characters were robots, more violence. You can't shoot a human with a laser-blaster, but a robot who could be rebuilt? Oh yeah!

The basic upshot... Hasbro simply marketed the line better in virtually every regard, and sold kids on the idea that these weren't ''just'' robot toys, they were characters... that these plastic doodads were, well, more than meets the eye.

{{note|Most of these tactics were also applied to Hasbro's other huge success story in the 1980's, ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]].'' Wide variety of price points, character writeups, "Flag Points" for unique mailaways, better cartoon... all there.}}

==Hasbro ''The Transformers'' US toyline==
===1984===
[[File:G1 1984 backofboxbattle.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

The first year of ''Transformers'' changed very little from the original Japanese ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Microman]]'' releases. The bulk of the changes were to the [[sticker]]s (mainly adding new [[insignia|faction symbols]], but also removing "Diaclone" texts and potentially-legally-contentious brandings) and some light [[retool]]ing, including the removal/weakening of springs inside the [[missile]] launchers [[for safety reasons]]. Most of the toys' base color schemes came from the original lines, with a few exceptions: [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]], [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation|Skywarp]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Toys|Buzzsaw]] were new decos created whole-cloth by Hasbro.

One particularly helpful bit of marketing for this year is the clean division of good-guy/bad-guy [[alternate mode]]s. The Heroic Autobots were the cars and trucks, and the Evil Decepticons were... everything else.

In contrast to the nigh-solid plastic toys of today, [[die-cast]] metal played a large role in these toys' construction. This was actually a ''cost-saving'' measure, a lingering effect from the petroleum price crises from the '70s made it a bit cheaper overall to make sizable chunks of toys out of metal instead of plastic! The larger cars (and some of the [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Cars]]) also featured rubber tires, and most every toy had ''some'' piece on them that was [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]].

Unfortunately, these materials issues mean that these toys rarely age well, especially given the rigors of playground life. Paint chips off metal, rubber dries out and splits, chrome fades and rubs off, and the combination of metal-and-plastic on hinged parts leads to easier breakage. Many of these toys have outright ''notorious'' damage issues, and loose undamaged toys are a bit hard to come by.

[[Articulation]] was also a tertiary-at-best concern in the overall design scheme. It was rare for a toy to have moving parts that weren't directly tied to its [[transformation]] sequence beyond a simple rotating shoulder/elbow joint. These toys being "[[brick (term)|brick]]s", mixed with the aforementioned degradation/breakage issues, have largely relegated them to being display pieces for older collectors.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Brawn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|"Bumper"]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cliffjumper]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Gears (G1)#Toys|Gears]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Huffer (G1)#Toys|Huffer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]] / [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Laserbeak]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rumble (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Rumble]] / [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ravage]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bluestreak]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hound (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hound]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mirage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Mirage]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Prowl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratchet]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Trailbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Wheeljack]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:G1-toy Sunstreaker.jpg|200px|thumb|Autobot Car Sunstreaker]][[File:G1Starscream toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Decepticon Jet Starscream]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Decepticon Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thundercracker]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Communications'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Soundwave]] (w/ [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Buzzsaw]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Megatron]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Kronoform]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Autoceptor#Toys|Autoceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Deceptor#Toys|Deceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kaltor#Toys|Kaltor]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

*"[[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]"
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powerdasher]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Drill Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Aragon#Toys|F-1 Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cromar#Toys|Jet Type]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Time Warrior (G1)#Toys|Time Warrior]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:Camshaft-G1toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Omnibot Camshaft]]
|}

===1985===
[[File:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|The 80s! When toy companies actively encouraged you to play with fire!]]

1984 was a roaring, out-of-the-gate success for ''Transformers'', so 1985's offerings upped the ante, both in numbers and in variety of form.

''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were mined for as many viable toys as possible. The remaining unused "Car Robot" models were brought over, as were several [[redeco]]/[[retool]]s of first-year Cars. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, six small-scale construction vehicles that could combine into the mighty super-robot [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], were a huge hit. Robotic beasts made a splash with the [[Dinobot (G1)#Toys|Dinobots]] and [[Insecticon (G1)#Toys|Insecticons]]. The two predecessor lines also had some in-development concepts that were pushed into ''Transformers'', and while some would not be ready until next year, Hasbro/Takara were able to get out a set of new Mini Vehicles, and new versions of the large jet mold with all-new wings and weapons.

But all this wasn't enough to meet expected demand, so Hasbro looked elsewhere for future Transformers. They struck a deal with [[Bandai]] for molds from a variety of Japanese toylines. As Bandai was (and is) a direct competitor to Takara, none of these toys were put into the cartoon, which was being ported to Japan. (There was a [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|whole big thing with Jetfire/Skyfire in the cartoon]], follow the link for more on that.) Other toys were also licensed from other companies, but didn't have the major-rival-baggage of Bandai's toys, so they could at least be in the show, if not in [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Takara's version of the toyline]].

All in all, 1985's output was roughly ''double'' that of 1984's. And with a new slew of imitators popping up, Hasbro pushed a new little bit of status-symbol into the line, giving every toy released in '85 —including the re-released '84 toys— a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]]. This brand was the mark of a "true" Transformer, and they even spent the money to make a [[commercial]] ''just to say so''. The rubsigns were also key to another bit of promotion, the mystery-allegiance [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]] that came with the Mini Vehicles this year as bonuses.

This year also marks the debut of ''Transformers'' internationally, being released in [[The Transformers (European toyline)|multiple European countries]], [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Japan]], [[IGA|Mexico]], [[Estrela|Brazil]], and [[Antex|Argentina]]... all with various changes from the US line, some minor, some... well, "major" might be an understatement for some.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Beachcomber (G1)#Toys|Beachcomber]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cosmos (G1)#Toys|Cosmos]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Powerglide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Seaspray (G1)#Toys|Seaspray]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Warpath (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Warpath]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]]''' (pack-ins)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|4WD Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Buggy Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|FX-1 Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Porsche Type}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)#Toys|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)#Toys|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)#Toys|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)#Toys|Mixmaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)#Toys|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)#Toys|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#Toys|Devastator]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 barrage toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Deluxe Insecticon Barrage]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Jumpstarter]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Topspin (G1)#Toys|Topspin]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Twin Twist#Toys|Twin Twist]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grapple (G1)#Toys|Grapple]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Inferno]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Red Alert]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Skids (G1)#Toys|Skids]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Smokescreen]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tracks (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Tracks]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Astrotrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blitzwing]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slag (G1)#Toys|Slag]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#Toys|Snarl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swoop (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Swoop]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Insecticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Barrage (Insecticon)#Toys|Barrage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chop Shop (G1)#Toys|Chop Shop]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ransack (G1)#Toys|Ransack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Venom (G1)#Toys|Venom]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Roadbuster (G1)#Toys|Roadbuster]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Whirl (G1)#Toys|Whirl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 Blaster toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Blaster]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Dirge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Dirge]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ramjet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thrust (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thrust]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Scientist'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Perceptor]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Communicator'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Military Operations Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Shockwave]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Air Guardian'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jetfire]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Motorized Defense Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Omega Supreme (G1)#Toys|Omega Supreme]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Tyco]] Licensed Playsets'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Electric Racing Set]] (W/ [[Natron]] & [[Freezon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Electric Train and Battle Set]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Tech Specometer Eleven]]}}
|
|}

{{-}}
[[File:G1-toy OptimusPepsi.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Pepsi mail-away Optimus Prime]]
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|Cookie Crisp [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|[[Pepsi]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PepsiPrime|Optimus Prime]]}}
:* "[[Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!]]"
:* "[[Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?]]"
</ul>
{{--}}

===1986: "The Movie"===
[[File:Scramble city packaging mural.jpg|right|thumb|250px|That's a ''lot'' of explosions with no evidence of anything actually being exploded.]]

1986 presented a major change in the franchise on several levels. The first being that ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were pretty much depleted of viable toys, so it was time for all-new toolings to get made.

The past lines still had a role to play in this, though. The Mini Vehicles were refreshed by taking the 1984 assortment and extensively [[retool]]ing them into all-new characters. Takara had been designing a different sort of [[combiner|combining robot team]] for ''Diaclone'', where the limb-bots were wholly interchangeable. These plans would come to life in ''Transformers'' as the "[[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]" style combiners (though that branding was only used in Takara's line; Hasbro called them the "[[Special Teams]]" in Europe, and... nothing special in the US). The combiners were actually advertised in the 1985 season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]] in a bit of bleed-over as Hasbro prepared for the ''really'' big change... ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

This media event ''really'' shook things (and kids) up. The older cast of not-shipping-any-more-1984-toys was shuffled out, with many characters openly and brutally ''killed'' in the film, to make way for all-new toy-characters who would take the forefront, including new faction leaders. These bots were developed for animation first then had toys developed based around those designs, a ''very'' rare move at the time (and still uncommon today, mostly only the [[live-action film series]] works this way). These new designs were very Cybertronian/futuristic in design, as the Movie was set in the far-flung future of ''[[2005]] ooooooohhhhh''. This more sci-fi look would stick with the line for a little while.

Another subtle but important change was that the two factions began to share [[subgroup]]s, with the Autobots gaining their own [[Mini-Cassette]]s and [[Triple Changer]]s, plus both sides had "Scramble City" style combiners. These groups shipped in mixed-allegiance assortments, which would become more and more common going forward.

This was also the year [[die-cast|die-cast metal]] started being phased out of the toys' construction. With petroleum prices lowering, plastics became the less-expensive alternative. Many of this year's toys shipped initially with painted die-cast bits, but were later replaced with plastic-parts [[variant]]s.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Vehicles]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hubcap (G1)#Toys|Hubcap]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Outback (G1)#Toys|Outback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pipes (G1)#Toys|Pipes]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (G1)#Toys|Swerve]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tailgate (G1)#Toys|Tailgate]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheelie (G1)#Toys|Wheelie]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ramhorn (G1)#Toys|Ramhorn]] / [[Eject (G1)#Toys|Eject]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratbat]] / [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rewind (G1)#Toys|Rewind]] / [[Steeljaw (G1)#Toys|Steeljaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (G1)#Toys|Air Raid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (G1)#Toys|Fireflight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Toys|Skydive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slingshot (G1)#Toys|Slingshot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (G1)#Toys|Superion]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (G1)#Toys|Breakdown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (G1)#Toys|Dead End]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Drag Strip (G1)#Toys|Drag Strip]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Motormaster (G1)#Toys|Motormaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildrider (G1)#Toys|Wildrider]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Menasor (G1)#Toys|Menasor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1menasor toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Menasor, the Stunticon combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blades (G1)#Toys|Blades]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[First Aid (G1)#Toys|First Aid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groove (G1)#Toys|Groove]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Spot (G1)#Toys|Hot Spot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Streetwise (G1)#Toys|Streetwise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Defensor (G1)#Toys|Defensor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)#Toys|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)#Toys|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)#Toys|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)#Toys|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)#Toys|Vortex]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Battlecharger]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Runabout (G1)#Toys|Runabout]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Runamuck (G1)#Toys|Runamuck]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Broadside (G1)#Toys|Broadside]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octane#Toys|Octane]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sandstorm (G1)#Toys|Sandstorm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Springer (G1)/toys#generation 1|Springer]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blurr]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hot Rod]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Kup]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Heroes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#G1RodimusPrime|Rodimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Toys|Wreck-Gar]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)#Toys|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)#Toys|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)#Toys|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)#Toys|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tantrum (G1)#Toys|Tantrum]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Gnaw (G1)#Toys|Gnaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1toy hot rod.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Autobot Car Hot Rod]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Planes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cyclonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scourge]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City Commander]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Galvatron]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Motorized Autobot Space Shuttle'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City-bot|Cities]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] (w/ [[Six-Gun#Toys|Six-Gun]], [[Slammer#Toys|Slammer]], and [[Scamper#Toys|Scamper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Trypticon (G1)#Toys|Trypticon]] (w/ [[Brunt (G1)#Toys|Brunt]] & [[Full-Tilt#Toys|Full-Tilt]])}}
</ul>
|}

{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
[[File:G1 Reflector toy.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Reflector]]

:*"[[The Autobots Have a Special Mission for:]]"
<ul class="itemlist">
::{{Bp-d1|[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] ([[Spectro]], [[Spyglass]], [[Viewfinder]])}}
</ul>
:*"[[You Have Been Chosen.]]"
:*"[[Decipher the Decepticon]]" contest
:*"[[Prizes in Disguise]]" contest
{{--}}

===1987: Headmasters and Targetmasters===
This year was almost completely dominated by "sci-fi" vehicle modes, following up on ''The Movie'' styling. On top of that, extra [[gimmick]]s beyond transformation began to play into the subgroups, with the [[Throttlebot]]s' [[pull-back motor]]s and the [[Sparking gimmick|spark-firing]] [[Monsterbot]]s.

More importantly, this was the first year Hasbro would push a primary over-arching [[gimmick]] as a large percentage of the line: the [[Nebulan]] "Master" partners. Where previous years tended to be a bit scattered with its transformation types, the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s presented a more unified theme across both factions and multiple price-points. This culminated in the mighty [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], a towering two-foot-tall Headmaster city-bot, with a hefty $100 price-tag (in 1987 dollars, which is about the same as a $200 Transformer today). For sheer size and mass, "Fort Max" remained the largest Transformer produced for over 25 years... and something of a "bragging rights" move on Hasbro's part, showing that they ''could'' demand that kind of shelf space from retailers. (They did the same thing with ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and the massive "[[USS Flagg]]" playset.)

However, this high point also marked the start of the franchise's waning. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] was ended with a truncated [[The Rebirth|three-part special]], with reruns continuing on in syndication. Mail-away offers were also slowing down, with no new product available from this year on, only older items no longer in stores. Smaller figures were packaged with small soft-rubber [[Decoy]]s of older characters as an extra incentive, but they weren't a [[Mini-spy|fully transformable mini-Transformer]].

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Throttlebot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Chase (G1)#Toys|Chase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Freeway (G1)#Toys|Freeway]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Goldbug]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollbar (G1)#Toys|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Searchlight (G1)#Toys|Searchlight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wideload (G1)#Toys|Wideload]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Afterburner (G1)#Toys|Afterburner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)#Toys|Lightspeed]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nosecone (G1)#Toys|Nosecone]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scattershot (G1)#Toys|Scattershot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Strafe (G1)#Toys|Strafe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Computron (G1)#Toys|Computron]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blot (G1)#Toys|Blot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cutthroat (G1)#Toys|Cutthroat]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)#Toys|Hun-Gurrr]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rippersnapper (G1)#Toys|Rippersnapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sinnertwin (G1)#Toys|Sinnertwin]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugfest (G1)#Toys|Slugfest]] / [[Overkill (G1)#Toys|Overkill]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Technobots-specialteams.jpg|200px|thumb|Computron, the Technobot combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Duocon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Battletrap#Toys|Battletrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flywheels#Toys|Flywheels]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fastlane#Toys|Fastlane]] / [[Cloudraker (G1)#Toys|Cloudraker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Pounce#Toys|Pounce]] / [[Wingspan#Toys|Wingspan]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[:Category:Spies|Double Spy]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Punch (G1)#Toys|Punch-Counterpunch]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Monsterbot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Doublecross#Toys|Doublecross]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grotusque#Toys|Grotusque]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Repugnus (G1)#Toys|Repugnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brainstorm (G1)#Toys|Brainstorm]] (w/ [[Arcana#Toys|Arcana]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chromedome (G1)#Toys|Chromedome]] (w/ [[Stylor#Toys|Stylor]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hardhead (G1)#Toys|Hardhead]] (w/ [[Duros#Toys|Duros]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Highbrow (G1)#Toys|Highbrow]] (w/ [[Gort#Toys|Gort]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mindwipe (G1)#Toys|Mindwipe]] (w/ [[Vorath#Toys|Vorath]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullcruncher (G1)#Toys|Skullcruncher]] (w/ [[Grax#Toys|Grax]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Weirdwolf (G1)#Toys|Weirdwolf]] (w/ [[Monzo#Toys|Monzo]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[Horrorcon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Apeface#Toys|Apeface]] (w/ [[Spasma#Toys|Spasma]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snapdragon (G1)#Toys|Snapdragon]] (w/ [[Krunk#Toys|Krunk]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Blurr]] (w/ [[Haywire#Toys|Haywire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Crosshairs (G1)#Toys|Crosshairs]] (w/ [[Pinpointer (G1)#Toys|Pinpointer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Cyclonus]] (w/ [[Nightstick (G1)#Toys|Nightstick]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]] (w/ [[Firebolt (G1)#Toys|Firebolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Kup]] (w/ [[Recoil (G1)#Toys|Recoil]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Misfire (G1)#Toys|Misfire]] (w/ [[Aimless (G1)#Toys|Aimless]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Pointblank#Toys|Pointblank]] (w/ [[Peacemaker#Toys|Peacemaker]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Scourge]] (w/ [[Fracas#Toys|Fracas]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugslinger (G1)#Toys|Slugslinger]] (w/ [[Caliburst (G1)#Toys|Caliburst]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sureshot (G1)#Toys|Sureshot]] (w/ [[Spoilsport#Toys|Spoilsport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Triggerhappy (G1)#Toys|Triggerhappy]] (w/ [[Blowpipe (G1)#Toys|Blowpipe]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy Brainstorm.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Headmaster Brainstorm (with Arcana)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Sixshot#Toys|Sixshot]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[City-bot|Base]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Fortress Maximus]] (w/ [[Cerebros (G1)#Toys|Cerebros]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Toys|Spike]], [[Cog (G1)#Toys|Cog]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scorponok (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scorponok]] (w/ [[Zarak (G1)#Toys|Zarak]] & [[Fasttrack (Scorponok)#Toys|Fasttrack]])}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
:* "[[Start Your Own Decoy Collection]]" ([[Decoy]]s packed in with carded figures)
:* "[[Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.]]"

===1988: Powermasters and Pretenders===
After four years and slowly-declining sales, the push to make ''Transformers'' live up to its new tagline ("More... Much More Than Meets the Eye!") was in full effect. Even toys in old subgroups gained new gimmicks: the new [[Mini-Cassette]]s were combiners, the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]] combiner team's limb-bots each had a cannon mode the super-robot could use as a handgun, and the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] each had ''two'' [[Nebulan]]s who could also combine into a super-gun.

The big noise this year was the [[Pretender]]s, Transformers that wear outer shells in the guise of armored warriors, monsters, and more, effectively giving you two warriors in one purchase. However, the line didn't exactly excite kids, as most of the inner robots' vehicle modes could be generously described as "vague at best" due to the necessity of fitting inside their shells. And while the shells' minimal articulation (having only stiff shoulder swivels) would be fine for much younger children, the inner robots and number of small parts definitely put them outside of that age group.

The other big move was the return of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] as one of the [[Powermaster]]s, robots whose Nebulan partners unlocked the vehicle-to-robot conversion as engine-shaped "keys". Though the previous year saw [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Bumblebee return as "Goldbug"]], this large-scale toy of a returning character heralded a shift in Hasbro's strategy, which would get even stronger next year.

However, the decline that begun the year prior was made worse by a sudden splash in the action figure world: the arrival of the ''{{w|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles}}''. Kids flocked to this strange new line and its weird new cartoon, leaving ''Transformers''... sorry, there's no helping this... shell-shocked.

Sorry.

<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grand Slam (G1)#Toys|Grand Slam]] / [[Raindance#Toys|Raindance]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squawktalk (G1)#Toys|Squawktalk]] / [[Beastbox (G1)#Toys|Beastbox]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sparkabot]]s / [[Firecon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cindersaur (G1)#Toys|Cindersaur]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fizzle#Toys|Fizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flamefeather (G1)#Toys|Flamefeather]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Guzzle (G1)#Toys|Guzzle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sizzle (G1)#Toys|Sizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sparkstalker#Toys|Sparkstalker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triggerbot]]s / [[Triggercon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Backstreet (G1)#Toys|Backstreet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Crankcase (G1)#Toys|Crankcase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dogfight (G1)#Toys|Dogfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Override (G1)#Toys|Override]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruckus (G1)#Toys|Ruckus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Windsweeper#Toys|Windsweeper]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Nautilator#Toys|Nautilator]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overbite (G1)#Toys|Overbite]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seawing (G1)#Toys|Seawing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skalor#Toys|Skalor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snaptrap (G1)#Toys|Snaptrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tentakil (G1)#Toys|Tentakil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Piranacon (G1)#Toys|Piranacon]] (giftset)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" |[[File:G1-toy Sparkstalker.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Firecon Sparkstalker]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Landfill (G1)#Toys|Landfill]] (w/ [[Flintlock#Toys|Flintlock]] & [[Silencer (G1)#Toys|Silencer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Needlenose (G1)#Toys|Needlenose]] (w/ [[Sunbeam (G1)#Toys|Sunbeam]] & [[Zigzag#Toys|Zigzag]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quake (G1)#Toys|Quake]] (w/ [[Tiptop#Toys|Tiptop]] & [[Heater#Toys|Heater]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickmix (G1)#Toys|Quickmix]] (w/ [[Boomer#Toys|Boomer]] & [[Ricochet (G1)#Toys|Ricochet]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scoop (G1)#Toys|Scoop]] (w/ [[Holepunch (G1)#Toys|Holepunch]] & [[Tracer (Targetmaster)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Spinister (G1)#Toys|Spinister]] (w/ [[Hairsplitter#Toys|Hairsplitter]] & [[Singe#Toys|Singe]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Fangry (G1)#Toys|Fangry]] (w/ [[Brisko#Toys|Brisko]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Horri-Bull#Toys|Horri-Bull]] (w/ [[Kreb#Toys|Kreb]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hosehead (G1)#Toys|Hosehead]] (w/ [[Lug (G1)#Toys|Lug]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightbeat (G1)#Toys|Nightbeat]] (w/ [[Muzzle#Toys|Muzzle]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Siren (G1)#Toys|Siren]] (w/ [[Quig#Toys|Quig]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squeezeplay (G1)#Toys|Squeezeplay]] (w/ [[Lokos#Toys|Lokos]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powermaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Darkwing (G1)#Toys|Darkwing]] (w/ [[Throttle (G1)#Toys|Throttle]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwind (G1)#Toys|Dreadwind]] (w/ [[Hi-Test (G1)#Toys|Hi-Test]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Doubledealer#Toys|Doubledealer]] (w/ [[Knok#Toys|Knok]] & [[Skar (Decepticon)#Toys|Skar]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Getaway#Toys|Getaway]] (w/ [[Rev#Toys|Rev]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Joyride (G1)#Toys|Joyride]] (w/ [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slapdash (G1)#Toys|Slapdash]] (w/ [[Lube#Toys|Lube]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Powermaster Autobot Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] (w/ [[Hi-Q#Toys|Hi-Q]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Powermaster Optimus Prime]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s Wave 1'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bomb-Burst (G1)#Toys|Bomb-Burst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cloudburst#Toys|Cloudburst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Landmine (G1)#Toys|Landmine]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullgrin#Toys|Skullgrin]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Submarauder (G1)#Toys|Submarauder]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Waverider#Toys|Waverider]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Pretenders Wave 2'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bugly (G1)#Toys|Bugly]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Finback#Toys|Finback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundbreaker#Toys|Groundbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Iguanus (G1)#Toys|Iguanus]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky High (Pretender)#Toys|Sky High]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Splashdown#Toys|Splashdown]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Beast]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Carnivac (G1)#Toys|Carnivac]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Catilla (G1)#Toys|Catilla]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chainclaw (G1)#Toys|Chainclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snarler#Toys|Snarler]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Gunrunner (G1)#Toys|Gunrunner]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadgrabber#Toys|Roadgrabber]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:G1Bomb-Burst toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Pretender Bomb-Burst]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickswitch#Toys|Quickswitch]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

:*"[[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]]"

===1989: Pretenders and Micromasters===
Facing stiff competition, Hasbro attempted to unify and re-brand ''Transformers'' with a new focus and a new look.

First, they eliminated the miscellaneous subgroups of the past, rolling ''everything'' under two over-arching gimmicks: expansions of the [[Pretender]] concept, and the new 1-inch-tall [[Micromaster]]s, the latter being a response to the steadily-growing popularity of then-competitor [[Galoob]]'s ''Micro Machines'' micro-play vehicle line. Kids would buy packs of four Micromasters together, or would get a single Micromaster with a transforming vehicle or playset, with the larger vehicles themselves transforming into base-mode playsets that could interconnect with included ramps (again a response to ''Micro Machines''<nowiki>'</nowiki> heavy use of playsets).

The nostalgia-grab got larger, with new toys based on some of the most popular characters from the early years, now back as "[[Classic Pretender]]s". This year even saw the first store-[[exclusive]] Transformers, as those same four bots were sold without their Pretender shells as "[[Legends (G1)|Legends]]", available only at [[Kmart]] (which wasn't the decrepit shell of a retailer it is now).

On top of this, the packaging changed ''dramatically'', with a new look and logo design. Cardbacks were no longer distinguished between Autobot/Decepticon, but between the gold-carded Pretenders and the silver-carded Micromasters. The on-package [[Tech Spec]]s changed to an easier-to-read bar graph. (The first three Micromaster Patrols and the Legends ''did'' ship on old-style cards, but later Patrols were all on silver cards.) Hasbro hoped that this would prove stronger from a marketing standpoint than the Autobot/Decepticon distinction from previous years, plus look new and fresh, rather than just another iteration of a now-six-year-old toyline.

You can kind of guess how well that worked.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Monster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Birdbrain#Toys|Birdbrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bristleback#Toys|Bristleback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Icepick (G1)#Toys|Icepick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scowl (G1)#Toys|Scowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slog (G1)#Toys|Slog]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildfly#Toys|Wildfly]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bludgeon (G1)#Toys|Bludgeon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Doubleheader#Toys|Doubleheader]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longtooth#Toys|Longtooth]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octopunch (G1)#Toys|Octopunch]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pincher (G1)#Toys|Pincher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Stranglehold#Toys|Stranglehold]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Classic Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Pretender|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Pretender|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Pretender|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mega Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Crossblades (G1)#Toys|Crossblades]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunderwing (G1)#Toys|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Vroom (G1)#Toys|Vroom]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top|[[File:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Mega Pretender Thunderwing]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadblock (G1)#Toys|Roadblock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyhammer (G1)#Toys|Skyhammer]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Air Strike Patrol#Toys|Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)#Toys|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)#Toys|Storm Cloud]], [[Tailwind (G1)#Toys|Tailwind]], [[Whisper (G1)#Toys|Whisper]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Battle Patrol#Toys|Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot#Toys|Big Shot]], [[Flak (G1)#Toys|Flak]], [[Sidetrack (G1)#Toys|Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner (G1)#Toys|Sunrunner]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Off Road Patrol#Toys|Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)#Toys|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger (G1)#Toys|Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain#Toys|Powertrain]], [[Tote#Toys|Tote]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Race Car Patrol#Toys|Race Car Patrol]] ([[Free Wheeler#Toys|Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)#Toys|Roadhandler]], [[Swindler#Toys|Swindler]], [[Tailspin#Toys|Tailspin]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rescue Patrol (G1)#Toys|Rescue Patrol]] ([[Fixit (G1)#Toys|Fixit]], [[Red Hot#Toys|Red Hot]], [[Seawatch#Toys|Seawatch]], [[Stakeout (G1)#Toys|Stakeout]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sports Car Patrol#Toys|Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Blackjack#Toys|Blackjack]], [[Detour (G1)#Toys|Detour]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)#Toys|Hyperdrive]], [[Road Hugger (G1)#Toys|Road Hugger]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Erector (G1)#Toys|Erector]] (w/ [[Crane]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flattop (Decepticon)#Toys|Flattop]] (w/ [[Platonix|Aircraft carrier]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overload (G1)#Toys|Overload]] (w/ [[Car carrier trailer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roughstuff#Toys|Roughstuff]] (w/ [[Military transport]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|200px|thumb|]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Stations'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Airwave (G1)#Toys|Airwave]] (w/ [[Airport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Greasepit (G1)#Toys|Greasepit]] (w/ [[Gas station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot House#Toys|Hot House]] (w/ [[Fire station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironworks#Toys|Ironworks]] (w/ [[Construction station]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Bases'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundshaker#Toys|Groundshaker]] (w/ [[ATV]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skyhopper#Toys|Skyhopper]] (w/ [[Helicopter]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Jet Command Center'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skystalker (G1)#Toys|Skystalker]] (w/ [[Thunder Arrow#Toys|Interstellar shuttle]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Rocket Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Countdown (G1)#Toys|Countdown]] (w/ [[Rocket Base#Toys|Rocket base]])}}
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Exclusives'''</big>
:'''[[Kmart]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|[[Legends (G1)|Legends]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Bumblebee]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Grimlock]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Jazz (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-d1|Legends [[Starscream (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Starscream]]}}
</ul>

===1990: Micromasters and Action Masters===
[[File:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|200px|thumb|Action Master Jazz, reintroducing a character from the line's early years.]]

By this time, ''Transformers'' was in serious trouble. ''Ninja Turtles'' was still dominating the toy aisle and TV ratings, and was even putting out a live-action movie that year. (Bet Hasbro wished they had a cartoon on the air ''then'', huh?) Home video games were getting even hotter and luring more kids away from toys altogether, especially with the release of the hugely-anticipated Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Hasbro tried to rally with something that was very rare for its time: a large-scale appeal to nostalgia. While Micromasters continued on, the rest of the series was taken up by [[Action Master]]s, non-transforming ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''-scale action figures of ''Transformers'' characters, with a half-and-half mix of "classic" characters and all-new bots. As with the Micromasters, the focus was mainly on the low-price items, with the carded individual Action Masters getting the largest amount of product. Larger offerings included vehicles that transformed into battle stations or "attack modes" for the Action Masters to pilot.

Unfortunately, it simply wasn't enough, and ''Transformers'' was canceled in the US. While the [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European version of the line]] would continue on with both new product and a glut of "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" re-releases, it would be two years before ''Transformers'' would come back to US toy shelves, as ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

<big>'''Retail releases'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Patrol#Toys|Air Patrol]] ([[Blaze Master#Toys|Blaze Master]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)#Toys|Eagle Eye]], [[Sky High (Micromaster)#Toys|Sky High]], [[Tread Bolt#Toys|Tread Bolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Construction Patrol#Toys|Construction Patrol]] ([[Crumble#Toys|Crumble]], [[Groundpounder (G1)#Toys|Groundpounder]], [[Neutro#Toys|Neutro]], [[Takedown#Toys|Takedown]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod Patrol#Toys|Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)#Toys|Big Daddy]], [[Greaser#Toys|Greaser]], [[Hubs#Toys|Hubs]], [[Trip-Up#Toys|Trip-Up]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Military Patrol#Toys|Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)#Toys|Bombshock]], [[Dropshot (G1)#Toys|Dropshot]], [[Growl (G1)#Toys|Growl]], [[Tracer (G1 Decepticon)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Monster Truck Patrol#Toys|Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Big Hauler#Toys|Big Hauler]], [[Heavy Tread#Toys|Heavy Tread]], [[Hydraulic#Toys|Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke#Toys|Slow Poke]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Race Track Patrol#Toys|Race Track Patrol]] ([[Barricade (G1)#Toys|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog#Toys|Ground Hog]], [[Motorhead (Decepticon)#Toys|Motorhead]], [[Roller Force#Toys|Roller Force]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner]] Squads'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Astro Squad#Toys|Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser#Toys|Phaser]], [[Blast Master#Toys|Blast Master]], [[Moonrock#Toys|Moonrock]], [[Missile Master#Toys|Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)#Toys|Barrage]] & [[Heave#Toys|Heave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Battle Squad#Toys|Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)#Toys|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)#Toys|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit (G1)#Toys|Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch (G1)#Toys|Power Punch]], [[Fireshot (G1)#Toys|Fireshot]] & [[Vanquish (G1)#Toys|Vanquish]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Constructor Squad#Toys|Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)#Toys|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)#Toys|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)#Toys|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)#Toys|Hammer]], [[Grit (G1)#Toys|Grit]] & [[Knockout (G1)#Toys|Knockout]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Metro Squad#Toys|Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze#Toys|Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner#Toys|Roadburner]], [[Oiler#Toys|Oiler]], [[Slide#Toys|Slide]], [[Power Run#Toys|Power Run]] & [[Strikedown#Toys|Strikedown]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy TankerTruck.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Micromaster Combiner Tanker Truck (with Pipeline & Gusher)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cannon Transport]] (w/ [[Terror-Tread#Toys|Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head#Toys|Cement-Head]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Missile Launcher]] (w/ [[Retro#Toys|Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)#Toys|Surge]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tanker Truck]] (w/ [[Pipeline#Toys|Pipeline]] & [[Gusher#Toys|Gusher]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Anti-Aircraft Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Anti-Aircraft Base]] w/ ([[Blackout (G1)#Toys|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot#Toys|Spaceshot]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Battlefield Headquarters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Battlefield Headquarters]] (w/ [[Full-Barrel#Toys|Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow#Toys|Overflow]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures I'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Grimlock]] with [[Anti-tank cannon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Jazz]] with [[Turbo Board]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rad (G1)#Toys|Rad]] with [[Lionizer (G1)#Toys|Lionizer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollout (G1)#Toys|Rollout]] with [[Glitch#Toys|Glitch]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Soundwave]] with [[Wingthing (G1)#Toys|Wingthing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Treadshot (G1)#Toys|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut#Toys|Catgut]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures II'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Bumblebee]] with [[Heli-pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Blaster]] with [[Flight Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#ActionMaster|Devastator]] with [[Scorpulator#Toys|Scorpulator]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jackpot (G1)#Toys|Jackpot]] with [[Sights (G1)#Toys|Sights]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Krok (G1)#Toys|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider#Toys|Gatoradier]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mainframe (G1)#Toys|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button#Toys|Push-Button]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures III'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Banzai-Tron (G1)#Toys|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp#Toys|Razor-Sharp]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Inferno]] with [[Hydro-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kick-Off (G1)#Toys|Kick-Off]] with [[Turbo-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Shockwave]] with [[Fistfight (G1)#Toys|Fistfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyfall (G1)#Toys|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy#Toys|Top-Heavy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#AM|Snarl]] with [[Tyrannitron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Action Blasters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Copter]] with [[Over-Run (G1)#Toys|Over-Run]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Off-Road Cycle]] with [[Axer (G1)#Toys|Axer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Cycle (G1)|Turbo Cycle]] with [[Prowl (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Turbo Jet]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:AMWheeljack.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Action Master Wheeljack with his Turbo Racer]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Cruiser]] with [[Sprocket (G1)#Toys|Sprocket]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Racer]] with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Wheeljack]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Stratotronic Jet]] with [[Gutcruncher (G1)#Toys|Gutcruncher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Neutro-Fusion Tank]] with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Megatron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Armored Convoy'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Armored Convoy]] with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#AM|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|}

==Hasbro (and others) ''Transformers'' European line==
:''Main article: [[The Transformers (European toyline)]]''

The history of the European-market releases of ''The Transformers'' is simultaneously complicated and kind of boring, as while various countries got different amounts of product, sometimes released by non-Hasbro partner companies (like [[Milton Bradley]] and [[GiG]]), the actual ''toys'' were largely identical to the US releases for the overwhelming majority of the line. There are certainly a number of notable early variants, such as the [[Tracks (G1)#Toys|red Tracks]], but their scarcity has relegated them to "only for the completist with ample funds" category.

[[File:G1-toy OmegaSpreem.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Action Master Elite Omega Supreme, a bot as hard to find as he is to focus on.]]

Things wouldn't really get significantly different until the 1990s. While the American toyline was shutting down, ''Transformers'' in Europe kept on chugging along.

[[1991]] was an odd hodge-podge of a line, starting with a short burst of exclusive [[Action Master]]s (including some that [[Action Master Elite|actually did transform!]]), then introducing several [[redeco]]ed previously-[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]-exclusive molds, mainly from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|''Victory'' toyline]]. Several of the toys released this year weren't given individual names, including the re-released [[Constructicon (G1)#|Constructicons]] (who had also lost the parts needed to combine into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], oddly enough).

Speaking of re-released old toys, 1990 saw the [[Classics (Europe)|''Classics'' subline]] debut, the return of numerous toys from the 1984 through 1987 lines (minus the specifically ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''-based toys). Several of these releases had minor changes from the originals, mainly the removal of [[rubsign]] indents. The line would continue through [[1991]], and a few extra pieces would see release only in [[Australia]].

[[File:G1Thunder clash toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Turbomaster Thunder Clash, the new Autobot leader of 1992.]]

In [[1992]], the line got much more cohesive, moving back to much more "traditional" Transformers, changing from pseudo-realistic vehicles to robots, with [[gimmick]]s that were by and large not super-obtrusive. The Autobots and Decepticons got some physical distinction in their designs in [[1992]]: the Autobots got hot-pink transparent plastic parts, primarily their [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optics]] and windows, while the Decepticons got a bright toxic clear-green transparent parts as well as less-human, more angular faces. Yes, hot pink and toxic green: the 90's was ''also'' the time that the color schemes for new toys overall got brighter and more reliant on pastels (and in some cases, [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|straight-up gloriously awful]]). In [[1993]], Hasbro changed the traditional [[insignia|faction symbols]] to the types used in the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' series, as the US line was changing over that year. The European line would follow suit in [[1993]], ending the original "Generation 1" series in European markets ''without'' the line being canceled, the only major market to ''not'' have a gap between Generations 1 and 2. Neat!
{{--}}

==Takara ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' line==
[[File:Japanese tf logo.jpg|right|250px|]]

:''Main article: [[Generation 1 (Japanese toylines)]]''

[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] took [[Hasbro]]'s lead and brought the new universe of living robots to Japan in [[1985]], where it was a massive success. Despite many/most of the toys having been available just a year or two prior, the new story and cartoon propelled ''Transformers'' sales far beyond those of the lines that the toys originally came from. ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' were quickly discarded in favor of the new hotness as kids ate up this new take on the giant robot genre, one that was a fresh change from the sheer amount of competing "piloted mecha" robot toylines/cartoons in existence.

The line started very parallel with Hasbro's offerings, but over time the two companies pursued some pretty different visions for the brand. Takara split the line up into different sub-[[franchise]]s by year, changing the name and theme, a long-running tradition in kids' media/toylines in Japan (which would eventually end up making its way Stateside). They would also create a variety of all-new molds unique to these lines, most of them highly sought-after by collectors. By the end of the series, Takara would go back to following Hasbro's lead for the bulk of the line, with new molds being relegated to a small handful of large pieces. ''Transformers'' finally ended in 1992, as Takara's concurrently-running (and TV-cartoon-backed) non-''Transformers'' "''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]''" giant robot lines gained more popularity.

''Transformers'' would not be back on Japanese toy shelves until [[1995]], when the short-lived ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)#Takara G-2 line|G-2]]'' toyline would hit.

==Mexican & South American ''Transformers''==
If you want strange variants of Generation 1 toys, then the short-lived toylines south of the border are the mother lode. But many of these items are not cheap on the secondary market due to their scarcity.

;Mexico
[[File:Prowl-Mexico.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Mexican Prowl, with extra black bits.]]
::''Main article: [[IGA]]''

:''Transformers'' was released by [[IGA]] in Mexico in 1985. For the most part, the toys are similar to their Hasbro counterparts, though with plenty of minor coloring and materials differences... which apparently includes ''lead paint''. Oops.

:The line did not do well, and 1986's releases were little more than [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and a handful of first-year [[Mini Vehicle]]s recolored roughly like their [[#1986|third-year retool]]s. The line was fully canceled shortly after.

: A number of these toys ended up in European markets years after the line was over, which is when that whole "lead paint" thing was discovered. Oops.

{{-}}
;Brazil
[[File:Camaro-Purple.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Malignus Camaro. Gorgeous. And expensive.]]
::''Main article: [[Estrela]]''

:Easily the most well-known of the Southern-Hemisphere ''Transformers'' releases, [[Estrela]]'s batch of six Mini-Vehicle molds were the bulk of the toys released by the company, put out in a variety of colors. Notably, the mysterious "[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|Bumper]]" mold was part of this assortment, under the name "[[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]]", complete with packaging art and a [[bio]], leading fans to wonder if this bio came from scrapped plans for the toy in the original [[Hasbro]] line.

:The line was filled out with redecoed [[Jumpstarter]]s called "Salt-Man" ("''salto''" meaning "jump" in Spanish and Portuguese), and non-Takara molds like the [[Eletrix]] and [[Bat-Robô]].

:Most coveted among the Estrela toys is the second round of Mini Vehicles, the "[[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] vs [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]]" series, which split the toys into brand-new good & evil (respectively) factions. These twelve toys —particularly the more radically-changed Malignus— are very expensive on the secondary market, easily earning triple-digit sums for even loose samples. Still-carded toys are exceptionally rare.

{{-}}
;Argentina

::''Main article: [[Antex]]''

: A bit of an odd case, it appears that Argentinean company [[Antex]] got its ''Transformers'' license from Estrela, rather than Hasbro, which is kind of dubious on the "did Estrela actually have the authority to do that" mark. Antex would then release its own batch of Mini Vehicle redecoes.

: In the early 2010's, a large number of on-card/boxed Antex toys hit the secondary market, apparently due to an old warehouse find. Many of these items were sold cheaper than ''domestic'' packaged original toys in the US... but still make a neat curiosity for a collector.

: One more odd Argentinean release is the [[Radio AM Robot]], an original mold by [[Comando Toys]]. Your guess is as good as ours.

;Peru

: Not a lot is properly known about these Mini Vehicle releases. In fact ''three'' different companies are tossed out as possible distributors for Peruvian ''Transformers'': Lynsa, Hude, and Basa. There are supposedly upwards of three dozen different mold/color combinations, but spotty information has kept the fandom from properly confirming this.

==Chinese ''The Transformers'' toyline==
:'' Main article: [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)]]''

Several factors kept ''The Transformers'' out of mainland China for years, including government-based resistance to the line's [[The Transformers (cartoon)|primary "advertainment" vehicle]]. But in August 1989, [[Hasbro International]] started cranking out classic ''Transformers'' at Chinese factories, which were shipped throughout China, as well as Taiwan and South Korea (with additional stickers applied to the packaging for those markets). The line ran through [[1995]] (!), ending with several previously-Japanese-exclusive ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|Victory]]'' toys.

For the most part, the toys are identical to their previous releases, only with slight changes to the manufacturing stamps, and the occasional minor deco alteration (primarily painted details on the [[Mini-Cassette]]s, and some [[rubsign]] changes). They came in the same packaging as their American (or European) counterparts, only with small stickers in the corner giving the characters' Chinese names. Japanese-original toys were altered slightly more, changing the ''Transformers'' logo to a Chinese-language version. The copyright and manufacturing information on the back of the packaging was also shortened to remove the no-longer-true statements "Made in Japan", "Made in Taiwan", etc., and omit references to [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. The manufacturing information was instead applied as a sticker in Chinese on the back of the box. By [[1994]], when the [[Power Master]]-era toys were released, "Made in China" was added to the box.

Despite running for nigh six years, the Chinese Generation 1 line released only about 100 toys all told.

This late entry into China actually goes a long way towards explaining the country's current ''Transformers'' mania, and its ever-increasing amount of toys made specifically for that market. Those who grew up with the line as kids were hitting adulthood just as the Chinese middle class was booming, which meant disposable income. And with the ''huge'' success of the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] spurring things on further right in the middle of that economic boon, China has since become a major part of the franchise's current global success.

{{note|It's quite likely that the Chinese line is also the source of the [[Classics (Europe)|European "Classics" reissues]] that were released in 1990. The toys share the same altered copyright and Chinese manufacturing stamps... plus some Classics toys have surfaced with Chinese name stickers on them.}}

:* ''[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/15 Chinese G1 Reissue ID Guide]''
:* ''[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/1743/37/ The Little Sticker in the Corner: The Truth about Early-1990's Chinese G1 Transformers Toys]''
:* ''[http://www.danwei.org/tv/fighting_transformer_fever.php Fighting "Transformer Fever"]''

==Post-''Transformers'' releases==
Hahahahahahahhahahah haaaaaa hahahahahhahahaha hahaahahaaaaaaaahahahaaaaa. Hoo. Hooooh boy.

Okay, but seriously.

Despite having set the stage for everything that would follow, and in sharp contrast to the nostalgia-sodden market of today, "Generation 1" actually took some time to get back into being a sizable portion of the "modern" toyline following the original's end. The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' revival failed to revive, and its ''vastly'' more successful replacement ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' was such a radical shift from everything before that going back to the '80s trappings was seen as risky. Thus the original series was mostly relegated to scattered [[homage]]s for the better part of a decade.

By the turn of the century (ugh), the older-nostalgic market was picking up strength. More children of the '80s were out of school and getting jobs and disposable income (yes, that kind of thing used to actually happen) and were looking to reclaim bits of their childhoods. And the market responded... timidly at first, as the markets do, but over time, more and more of the classic series was brought back in one form or another.

===Reissue lines===
Before the re-creation boom, there was the re-release boom. Many vintage toy molds were pulled out, refurbished and put back into service to let fans fill holes in their classic collections.

<big>'''Takara'''</big>
[[File:TF Collection 3 Skids.jpg|right|thumb|200px|''The Transformers Collection'' Skids]]
Takara was the first to get the reissue ball rolling, and generally took the lead in re-releasing classic "Generation 1" molds over the course of several years. Re-issues began sporadically at first in [[2000]], mainly major characters (particularly [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#2001reissue|Megatron]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Rodimus]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Reissue|Starscream]]) in recreations of the original packaging, with a few special editions. But it didn't take long for this to expand into larger, more organized lines:

*'''''[[The Transformers Collection]]''''' (2002)
: This series is also known as the "bookbox" series, as each toy came in a large box with a multi-page, full-color booklet attached to the inner front cover of the box, full of bio information, toy trivia, cartoon summaries and more. In some respects this series was a bit of an "ultimate G1" line, as a great many toys were modified from their original releases. Tooling issues were fixed for extra durability, [[sticker]]s were altered or even replaced with more durable factory-applied [[tampograph]]s, accessories were added that had either not been released in Japan (like [[Targetmaster (technology)#Toys|Targetmaster]] partners) or wholly-new items altogether.

: This series would be further filled out with all-new characters set in the classic universe, with [[redeco]]s of the mold reissues in new color schemes (often -but not always- replicating ''[[Diaclone]]'' variants the original ''Transformers'' line passed on) through outlets like [[e-HOBBY]].

*'''''[[Transformers Encore]]''''' (2007)

:Riding the surge of popularity that had been building (and exploding with the live-action film), ''Encore'' brought more "enhanced" classic toys out, though this time in more classic-style packaging. The line also put a much heavier focus on the larger pieces in the original line, including the likes of [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and even [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], as well as toys the original Japanese line had skipped, like [[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]].

{{-}}
<big>'''Hasbro'''</big>
[[File:CommemorativeSeriesIIIStock.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Commemorative Series'' Thundercracker, "Silverstreak" and Jazz. (''No, the real Silverstreak did not have the black hood/top.'')]]

Hasbro generally seemed less keen on remaking the past, focusing their efforts on new lines, but saw the value in trying to get the reissues into fans' hands... even if there had to be compromises [[for safety reasons]].

*'''''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Generation One Commemorative Series]]''''' (2002)

:Sold [[exclusive]]ly through [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] (though overstock would later filter into closeout outlets), the ''Commemorative Series'' mostly picked up what Takara was already putting out and swung them onto US and European shelves. This series proved less popular with fans, thanks to the changes that had to be done to make the functional spring-launched missiles pass safety standards, plus a rather high price tag (a ToysЯUs staple that's still in practice to this day!) that generally left net-savvy fans deciding to just import Takara's offerings for just a little bit more.

{{-}}

===New "Generation 1"-based lines===
If you think we're gonna list every individual new toy based on a Generation 1 character here, you're insane. And not the fun kind. Instead, enjoy this series of links to the ''numerous'' toylines that call back to the originals. Many of these lines are ''technically'' multi-franchise ensembles, but the majority of their output is of updated Generation 1 bots.

*'''''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]''''' (1997)
[[File:MachineWars Hoist toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Machine Wars'' Hoist]]

:A strange, slapdash and ''very'' short line released in the middle of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'', ''Machine Wars'' was sold [[exclusive]]ly at [[KB Toys]] stores. It's a mix of small toys originally developed for ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' and some larger [[retool]]ed [[the Transformers (European toyline)|European-market]] items from a few years prior, all mostly as old characters, and mostly in color schemes that don't match the characters they're supposed to be. On the other hand, this was the first chance many American fans had to acquire some of those larger foreign molds, and at KB's (in)famous pre-discounted prices to boot.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]''''' (2004)
[[File:RobotMastersStarscream toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Robotmasters'' Starscream]]

: A short line in Japan during the middle of the "[[Unicron Trilogy]]" series, ''Robotmasters'' is set in the nebulous time between the second season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''... but with the intrusion of time-traveling characters from ''Beast Wars'' (and more). Sticking mainly to smaller items, the series is mostly recycled "Basic" figures and sub-Deluxe items, most as new characters. Many came with extra weapons too, most of which were recycled from a canceled ''[[Microman]]'' series.

: However, there were a series of all-new molds, based on the leader characters of the past. The brand-new [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Robotmasters|Starscream]] was easily the most popular, being a classic-designed toy with some actual posability, with a new smaller [[Optimus Primal/toys#Robotmasters|Optimus Primal]] being close behind.

: Though the new molds were highly sought after at the time, they'd become very obsolete in fairly short order...

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]''''' (2003) / '''''[[Transformers: Alternity| Alternity]]''''' (2009) / '''''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|GT: Mission GT-R]]''''' (2013)
[[File:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Two of the numerous Japanese variants of ''Alternators'' Smokescreen.]]

: The first focused Generation 1 "revival" series, ''Alternators'' was aimed ''squarely'' at the older collector. Every toy in the line (save one odd addition) is a Generation 1 character reimagined as a 1:24-scale recreation of a real, fully-licensed vehicle, complete with opening doors, an actual open driver/passenger compartment complete with dashboard, opening hoods/trunks and more. This led to many of these toys being ''very'' complicated to transform. The Japanese ''Binaltech'' line took the collector-aim even further by using copious amounts of painted [[die-cast]] metal for the vehicle shells. A line of ''very'' slow and staggered releases, it would continue on for several years in the US. Japan would keep the line alive even longer (and with a ''lot'' of variants), up through 2008, including a few small sub-lines like ''Binaltech Asterisk'' (which included [[human]] mini-figures to drive the vehicle modes) and the controversial ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)| Kiss Players]]''.

: Despite ''heavy'' interest early on from the older fandom, ''Alternators'' has basically been left behind in favor of the later "normal" Generation 1 remakes that would follow a few years later.

: TakaraTomy would take another crack at the style later with ''Alternity'', which is generally the same thing, only at 1:32 scale, putting the toys at roughly "Deluxe" size. Several years later it would dust off the ''Alternity'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternity|Convoy]] mold for ''GT: Mission GT-R'', a racing-themed mini-series which added "[[GT Sister]]" ''[[Microman]]'' figures to each toy.

{{-}}
*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]''''' (2003)
[[File:MP-10 toy photo.jpg|left|thumb|250px|MP-10 Convoy, the second ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold.]]

: A line that started as a one-shot, anniversary-celebratory deal, that slowly over time grew to become basically the "ultimate" collector's Generation 1 toyline. Takara has taken the lead here, putting out much of the product at general retail, where Hasbro picks and chooses molds to bring out as store [[exclusive]]s from time to time.

: Starting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (of course), the line features larger-scale, very complex, highly-detailed, and (generally) [[show-accuracy|animation-accurate]] renditions of classic characters. Originally a slow-release line, in 2011 it moved to a smaller scale (with a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp10|redone Optimus]], of course), focused on filling out much of the 1984/1985 cast, and started putting out toys at a fairly regular clip, several a year. The line is still going today, and has expanded its scope, recently adding ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters to the roster.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Classics| Classics]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Bumblebeeclassicstoy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Classics'' Bumblebee]]

: Originally intended to just be a short gap-filler line between ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)| Cybertron]]'' and the upcoming [[Movie (toyline)|live-action film toyline]], ''Classics'' more or less set the gold standard for today's Generation 1-based toy: modern-tech recreations of classic characters in updated forms highly evocative of their original incarnations, in the "focused-around-deluxe-scale" play size.

: Hasbro originally had no plans to put out more than the original line in this format (leading to some kerfuffle when several "missing" classic characters ended up as [[BotCon 2007]] exclusives). But a combination of solid sales, heavy demand, and —most importantly— a gargantuan influx of income thanks to that whole [[Michael Bay]] movie deal meant that ''Classics''-style toys could continue on in successive lines (see below).

{{-}}
*'''''[[Titanium Series]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Jetfiretitaniumwarwithin.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Titanium Series'' Jetfire]]

: Originally a subline of Hasbro's ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' product line, ''Titanium Series'' put the focus on [[die-cast]] metal, split between 2-inch-tall non-transforming mini-figurines, and the transforming 6-inch "Cybertron Heroes". The latter were... let's politely say "not very well-received".

: These toys were developed completely in-house at Hasbro, with no Takara engineering, by a team who had never worked on ''Transformers'' to boot. The results often resulted in ill-proportioned messes with odd joint tolerances and questionable articulation that couldn't really handle the weight distribution. The toys based on designs from the popular "[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]" comics from then-licensee [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] generally fared better, and would garner some demand, particularly [[The Fallen/toys#Titanium Series|The Fallen]]. It's a real grab-bag of a line, both in character and quality.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations| Generations]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]''''' (2005)
[[File:Sunstreakeruniverse2008toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Universe'' Sunstreaker]]

: After the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie]] made Hasbro and Takara approximately eleven bazillion dollars, they had the funds to put out more traditionally "risky" product like older-nostalgic-aimed toys. From this point on, they would devote a major portion of each year's product to making modern toys of Generation 1 characters.

: Hasbro's 2008 ''Universe'' line was the start, with everything from small [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] items to huge electronic Ultra Class toys. The line turned into ''Generations'', but the overall focus was more or less the same. ''Generations'' is still running as of this writing, with the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' and ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toylines.

: 2010's ''Transformers'' line was actually a movie-based "general" line. But the back end of the line had several toys in multiple price-points based directly on Generation 1 characters that seemed like they were right out of ''Generations'', confusing fans a bit.

: The ''Timelines'' series is also a multi-franchise ensemble line, but naturally the majority of the product is Generation-1-based. The reason we bring this up last was that this is not a retail series, being sold by Hasbro licensee [[Fun Publications]] via [[BotCon]]s and the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]. This series features a lot of toys based on more obscure characters and decos.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers United|United]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]''''' (2011) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations#Generations in Japan|Generations]]''''' (2012) / '''''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]''''' (2014) / '''''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]''''' (2015)
[[File:Henkeitoy megatron.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Henkei! Henkei!'' Megatron, a redeco of ''Classics'' Megatron.]]

: Takara's string of Generation-1-based modern toys is a little more fragmented, changing names with regularity. Largely following Hasbro's lead, these toys are typically more extensively painted (owing to Japan's retailers not having the vise-like grip on item prices that major American retailers have), with a much heavier focus on [[show-accuracy|replicating animation decos]], even when the molds are not terribly suited for animation-based deco. One of the latest series, ''Legends'', is still running today, being mostly Takara's version of Hasbro's ''Generations'' line.

:Complicating things a bit more is ''Adventure'', Takara's version of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' line]]. That line was initially filled out with a large number of ''Generations'' molds, colored and named blatantly as Generation 1 characters... but as part of the "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]" universe. While we list these characters as the alternate-universe takes they're presented as, they are definitely worth mentioning here for fans who don't care about dividing by universe and just want a modern [[Override (Adventure)|Override]] that blends in perfectly with their modern Generation 1 collection.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The term "Generation 1" is a piece of ascended [[fandom|fan-terminology]]. When ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' hit, the early online fandom quickly took to calling its predecessor "Generation 1". It became such a ubiquitous term it made its way into official terminology pretty quickly.
* ''The Transformers'' isn't the first time ''[[Diaclone]]'' molds were sold in the US. In [[1983]], Takara released "''[[Diakron]]''" in the US, straight-importing six ''Diaclone'' molds in new packaging. It didn't do too well. These releases ''are'' interesting curiosities for the serious collector, though.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (toyline), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 toylines| Transformers (toyline)]]

The Transformers (toyline)

2017-10-23T21:05:36Z

Superdude056: Added a direct link to G1 Blitzwing's toy

{{disambig3.5|the original toyline|the 2010 toyline simply known as "Transformers"|Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers}}
{{Nav-G1}}

'''''The Transformers''''' (also now known as "'''Generation 1'''" or "'''G1'''" for short, though the line was never branded as such) started as a joint venture between [[Hasbro]] of America and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] of [[Japan]]. After an idea to rebrand and sell Takara's ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' [[Toy|robot toys]] as a whole new line with a new concept behind it (developed by Hasbro's partners at [[Marvel Comics]]), Hasbro ultimately created what would be one of the longest-running and most popular [[franchise]]s for both companies. Starting in [[1984]], the line ran for seven years in America, eight in Europe and Japan (though Takara would break the line up into multiple sub-franchises).

{{TOCclear}}

==Overview==
Having run for seven years, the line changed dramatically over its lifetime, going from pre-made items to all-new designs and greater focus on [[gimmick]]s beyond simply transforming. Thus, the more descriptive bits will be tackled year-by-year... but there's still plenty to talk about in the big picture.

===Then Vs. Now===
[[File:Seekers ad.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Page from the 1984 JC Penney annual catalog. A book hundreds of pages thick, which could devote an entire page or two to a single toy line. 80's kids ''craved'' these books. And yes, JC Penney used to carry toys.]]

The original ''Transformers'' came out in a ''very'' different toy environment than what exists today, and at a time when the market was venturing out from the slow-paced 1970s into undiscovered country.

First of all, the market itself was simply broader. There were a ''lot'' more retailers out there, both national and regional, muscling for market share, and virtually all had a sizable toy department. Sears and [[Kmart]] were the biggest retailers in the United States; [[Walmart]] and [[Target]] were just regional players poised to go nationwide. [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] wasn't the only large-scale toys-only chain. Even grocery stores and drug stores devoted a significant amount of space to toys year-round, and not just the cheap stuff! The idea that you could buy ''anything'' via computer, much less toys, was a novelty at best. No, you had to get out there and shop - or use a big printed mail-order catalog like the old Sears "Wish Book".

On top of that, there were far more toy companies scrabbling for shelf space. Mattel was still an action-figure heavyweight thanks to ''Masters of the Universe'', which led the boom of cartoon-advertised toy lines (more on that in a bit) throwing out weird concepts in the hope of creating the next big thing. ''Transformers'' wasn't even the first shape-changing robot toy to US shelves, having been beat to the punch by then-competitor [[Tonka]], who brought over [[Bandai]]'s ''Machine Robo'' toys as ''[[GoBots]]'' six months prior. And then there were all the major sorta-likes, such as [[Kenner]]'s ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'' with its transforming vehicles, [[TakaraTomy|Tomy]]'s ''Starriors'' reconfigurable robots (a ''Zoids'' offshoot), and approximately eleventy-billion also-rans and cheap knockoffs from a host of now-defunct companies. (And yes, most of the previously-mentioned companies now fall under the Hasbro/TakaraTomy umbrella.)

While most modern toys have a shelf-life of ''maybe'' six months, in the 80s a single toy could ship steadily for two years, more if the line was particularly successful. The original [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]] toys shipped for three, and some of the [[Mini-Cassette]]s for ''four''. (Though the king of long-run shipping is surely [[Kenner]]'s original ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' line: the single [[Darth Vader]] figure shipped for ''seven years''.)

Not only did the toys ship longer, but the look of ''Transformers''<nowiki>'</nowiki> packaging did not change significantly for five years, only changing the logo and overall design in [[#1989: Pretenders and Micromasters|1989]] as part of a revitalization attempt. Today, even when a single line lasts more than a year, the packaging changes considerably at least every year.

Though even with all that, seven years ''was'' a long time for a toy franchise to run. Most of the bigger lines only managed about three years, and that third was typically a final flailing-for-its-life year as kids had moved on. That ''Transformers'' made as big a splash as it did and lasted so long ''before'' the revivals and reboots is remarkable. How'd it do that? Well...

===Refining the Formula===

To be honest, ''Transformers'' didn't do much that was really "new" outside of its central transformation [[gimmick]], and that was one it shared with multiple competitors. What put the line above the others is simply doing a great many things ''better'' than is competitors.

Many early articles on the transforming robot toyline wars opined that ''GoBots'' would win due to its reliance on a large number of small, inexpensive items easy for kids to pick up. (After all, that formula worked wonders for ''Star Wars''.) And while ''Transformers'' did have a number of small, inexpensive "entry point" items, its larger figures would turn out to be a ''huge'' draw, a kind of playground status symbol. The boxed figures featured multiple accessories and add-on [[sticker]]s for an extra level of interaction with the toy, giving them an extra air of quality. Sure you could get a GoBot or a [[Mini Vehicle]] just about any time, but the larger ''Transformers'' were something big and special for birthdays or saved-up allowances.

[[File:Trailbreaker Bio&TechSpec.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Lotta reading going on in the toy aisles in the 80's.]]

The packaging too was a step beyond what other lines were doing. Every packaging back had a hefty [[bio]] of the character, penned by Marvel author [[Bob Budiansky]]. Most lines gave their toys only a cursory sentence or two about the toy's imaginary powers (if that, ''GoBots'' didn't), but the ''Transformers'' bios truly "humanized" the alien robots, giving each one a distinct personality complete with motto, on top of a much more full description of the imaginary powers that character possessed. Attached was the "[[Tech Spec]]s", numeric rankings of the character's stats. This information was (mostly) obscured and (sort of) unreadable without a red plastic "Tech Spec decoder" inside the boxed toys early on (though the red lens of a pair of 3D glasses would work too, and who didn't have at ''least'' one of those lying around in the 80s?), but eventually would move to easily-readable bars.

[[File:PackIn Reinforcements Inside.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Kids had a lot of these. The flyers, we mean, not the toys themselves.]]

While [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-away offers]] were an ''extremely'' common practice at the time, Hasbro smartly spruced this process up. Most every toy (and cereal) mail-away offer asked you to clip out the UPC bar-codes as "proof of purchase" when sending away, but ''Transformers'' instead asked for the "[[Robot Point]]s" clipped from the packaging back. Bigger toys had more Points, again adding to the idea that the larger toys were a step above the smaller ones. (The Points were, of course, actually worthless, since you also sent in a check for roughly what the toys would normally cost anyway.) While many other lines' mail-aways tended to be just toys that weren't out in stores yet, ''Transformers'' from the outset offered toys that they would ''never'' sell at normal retail, like the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. Talk about playground bragging rights!

While not ''directly'' part of the toyline, the way ''Transformers'' was advertised has ''got'' to be mentioned when talking about its success. [[Ronald Reagan|President Reagan]]'s recent deregulation policies allowed for the line between "advertisement" and "entertainment" on television to blur heavily, and toy companies were still exploring how to properly exploit this new "advertainment" method of pushing plastic to preteens. ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' was the first of these toyline-based cartoons, and it rocketed that toyline to success. And let's be honest here: that show was ''garbage'', but kids ate it up. Hasbro upped the ante with [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'' cartoon]], giving it a more serious story and higher-quality animation (both low hurdles compared to ''He-Man'' but let's not rag on that ''too'' much, they ''were'' testing the early limits of the medium)... and thanks to the fact that the characters were robots, more violence. You can't shoot a human with a laser-blaster, but a robot who could be rebuilt? Oh yeah!

The basic upshot... Hasbro simply marketed the line better in virtually every regard, and sold kids on the idea that these weren't ''just'' robot toys, they were characters... that these plastic doodads were, well, more than meets the eye.

{{note|Most of these tactics were also applied to Hasbro's other huge success story in the 1980's, ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]].'' Wide variety of price points, character writeups, "Flag Points" for unique mailaways, better cartoon... all there.}}

==Hasbro ''The Transformers'' US toyline==
===1984===
[[File:G1 1984 backofboxbattle.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

The first year of ''Transformers'' changed very little from the original Japanese ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Microman]]'' releases. The bulk of the changes were to the [[sticker]]s (mainly adding new [[insignia|faction symbols]], but also removing "Diaclone" texts and potentially-legally-contentious brandings) and some light [[retool]]ing, including the removal/weakening of springs inside the [[missile]] launchers [[for safety reasons]]. Most of the toys' base color schemes came from the original lines, with a few exceptions: [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]], [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation|Skywarp]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Toys|Buzzsaw]] were new decos created whole-cloth by Hasbro.

One particularly helpful bit of marketing for this year is the clean division of good-guy/bad-guy [[alternate mode]]s. The Heroic Autobots were the cars and trucks, and the Evil Decepticons were... everything else.

In contrast to the nigh-solid plastic toys of today, [[die-cast]] metal played a large role in these toys' construction. This was actually a ''cost-saving'' measure, a lingering effect from the petroleum price crises from the '70s made it a bit cheaper overall to make sizable chunks of toys out of metal instead of plastic! The larger cars (and some of the [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Cars]]) also featured rubber tires, and most every toy had ''some'' piece on them that was [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]].

Unfortunately, these materials issues mean that these toys rarely age well, especially given the rigors of playground life. Paint chips off metal, rubber dries out and splits, chrome fades and rubs off, and the combination of metal-and-plastic on hinged parts leads to easier breakage. Many of these toys have outright ''notorious'' damage issues, and loose undamaged toys are a bit hard to come by.

[[Articulation]] was also a tertiary-at-best concern in the overall design scheme. It was rare for a toy to have moving parts that weren't directly tied to its [[transformation]] sequence beyond a simple rotating shoulder/elbow joint. These toys being "[[brick (term)|brick]]s", mixed with the aforementioned degradation/breakage issues, have largely relegated them to being display pieces for older collectors.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Brawn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|"Bumper"]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cliffjumper]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Gears (G1)#Toys|Gears]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Huffer (G1)#Toys|Huffer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]] / [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Laserbeak]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rumble (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Rumble]] / [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ravage]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bluestreak]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hound (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hound]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mirage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Mirage]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Prowl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratchet]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Trailbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Wheeljack]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:G1-toy Sunstreaker.jpg|200px|thumb|Autobot Car Sunstreaker]][[File:G1Starscream toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Decepticon Jet Starscream]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Decepticon Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thundercracker]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Communications'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Soundwave]] (w/ [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Buzzsaw]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Megatron]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Kronoform]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Autoceptor#Toys|Autoceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Deceptor#Toys|Deceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kaltor#Toys|Kaltor]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

*"[[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]"
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powerdasher]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Drill Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Aragon#Toys|F-1 Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cromar#Toys|Jet Type]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Time Warrior (G1)#Toys|Time Warrior]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:Camshaft-G1toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Omnibot Camshaft]]
|}

===1985===
[[File:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|The 80s! When toy companies actively encouraged you to play with fire!]]

1984 was a roaring, out-of-the-gate success for ''Transformers'', so 1985's offerings upped the ante, both in numbers and in variety of form.

''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were mined for as many viable toys as possible. The remaining unused "Car Robot" models were brought over, as were several [[redeco]]/[[retool]]s of first-year Cars. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, six small-scale construction vehicles that could combine into the mighty super-robot [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], were a huge hit. Robotic beasts made a splash with the [[Dinobot (G1)#Toys|Dinobots]] and [[Insecticon (G1)#Toys|Insecticons]]. The two predecessor lines also had some in-development concepts that were pushed into ''Transformers'', and while some would not be ready until next year, Hasbro/Takara were able to get out a set of new Mini Vehicles, and new versions of the large jet mold with all-new wings and weapons.

But all this wasn't enough to meet expected demand, so Hasbro looked elsewhere for future Transformers. They struck a deal with [[Bandai]] for molds from a variety of Japanese toylines. As Bandai was (and is) a direct competitor to Takara, none of these toys were put into the cartoon, which was being ported to Japan. (There was a [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|whole big thing with Jetfire/Skyfire in the cartoon]], follow the link for more on that.) Other toys were also licensed from other companies, but didn't have the major-rival-baggage of Bandai's toys, so they could at least be in the show, if not in [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Takara's version of the toyline]].

All in all, 1985's output was roughly ''double'' that of 1984's. And with a new slew of imitators popping up, Hasbro pushed a new little bit of status-symbol into the line, giving every toy released in '85 —including the re-released '84 toys— a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]]. This brand was the mark of a "true" Transformer, and they even spent the money to make a [[commercial]] ''just to say so''. The rubsigns were also key to another bit of promotion, the mystery-allegiance [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]] that came with the Mini Vehicles this year as bonuses.

This year also marks the debut of ''Transformers'' internationally, being released in [[The Transformers (European toyline)|multiple European countries]], [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Japan]], [[IGA|Mexico]], [[Estrela|Brazil]], and [[Antex|Argentina]]... all with various changes from the US line, some minor, some... well, "major" might be an understatement for some.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Beachcomber (G1)#Toys|Beachcomber]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cosmos (G1)#Toys|Cosmos]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Powerglide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Seaspray (G1)#Toys|Seaspray]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Warpath (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Warpath]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]]''' (pack-ins)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|4WD Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Buggy Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|FX-1 Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Porsche Type}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)#Toys|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)#Toys|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)#Toys|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)#Toys|Mixmaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)#Toys|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)#Toys|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#Toys|Devastator]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 barrage toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Deluxe Insecticon Barrage]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Jumpstarter]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Topspin (G1)#Toys|Topspin]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Twin Twist#Toys|Twin Twist]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grapple (G1)#Toys|Grapple]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Inferno]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Red Alert]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Skids (G1)#Toys|Skids]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Smokescreen]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tracks (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Tracks]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Astrotrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blitzwing]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slag (G1)#Toys|Slag]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#Toys|Snarl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swoop (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Swoop]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Insecticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Barrage (Insecticon)#Toys|Barrage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chop Shop (G1)#Toys|Chop Shop]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ransack (G1)#Toys|Ransack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Venom (G1)#Toys|Venom]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Roadbuster (G1)#Toys|Roadbuster]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Whirl (G1)#Toys|Whirl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 Blaster toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Blaster]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Dirge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Dirge]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ramjet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thrust (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thrust]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Scientist'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Perceptor]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Communicator'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Military Operations Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Shockwave]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Air Guardian'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jetfire]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Motorized Defense Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Omega Supreme (G1)#Toys|Omega Supreme]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Tyco]] Licensed Playsets'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Electric Racing Set]] (W/ [[Natron]] & [[Freezon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Electric Train and Battle Set]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Tech Specometer Eleven]]}}
|
|}

{{-}}
[[File:G1-toy OptimusPepsi.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Pepsi mail-away Optimus Prime]]
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|Cookie Crisp [[Jazz (G1)/toys#CookieCrisp|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|[[Pepsi]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PepsiPrime|Optimus Prime]]}}
:* "[[Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!]]"
:* "[[Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?]]"
</ul>
{{--}}

===1986: "The Movie"===
[[File:Scramble city packaging mural.jpg|right|thumb|250px|That's a ''lot'' of explosions with no evidence of anything actually being exploded.]]

1986 presented a major change in the franchise on several levels. The first being that ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were pretty much depleted of viable toys, so it was time for all-new toolings to get made.

The past lines still had a role to play in this, though. The Mini Vehicles were refreshed by taking the 1984 assortment and extensively [[retool]]ing them into all-new characters. Takara had been designing a different sort of [[combiner|combining robot team]] for ''Diaclone'', where the limb-bots were wholly interchangeable. These plans would come to life in ''Transformers'' as the "[[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]" style combiners (though that branding was only used in Takara's line; Hasbro called them the "[[Special Teams]]" in Europe, and... nothing special in the US). The combiners were actually advertised in the 1985 season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]] in a bit of bleed-over as Hasbro prepared for the ''really'' big change... ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

This media event ''really'' shook things (and kids) up. The older cast of not-shipping-any-more-1984-toys was shuffled out, with many characters openly and brutally ''killed'' in the film, to make way for all-new toy-characters who would take the forefront, including new faction leaders. These bots were developed for animation first then had toys developed based around those designs, a ''very'' rare move at the time (and still uncommon today, mostly only the [[live-action film series]] works this way). These new designs were very Cybertronian/futuristic in design, as the Movie was set in the far-flung future of ''[[2005]] ooooooohhhhh''. This more sci-fi look would stick with the line for a little while.

Another subtle but important change was that the two factions began to share [[subgroup]]s, with the Autobots gaining their own [[Mini-Cassette]]s and [[Triple Changer]]s, plus both sides had "Scramble City" style combiners. These groups shipped in mixed-allegiance assortments, which would become more and more common going forward.

This was also the year [[die-cast|die-cast metal]] started being phased out of the toys' construction. With petroleum prices lowering, plastics became the less-expensive alternative. Many of this year's toys shipped initially with painted die-cast bits, but were later replaced with plastic-parts [[variant]]s.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Vehicles]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hubcap (G1)#Toys|Hubcap]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Outback (G1)#Toys|Outback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pipes (G1)#Toys|Pipes]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (G1)#Toys|Swerve]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tailgate (G1)#Toys|Tailgate]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheelie (G1)#Toys|Wheelie]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ramhorn (G1)#Toys|Ramhorn]] / [[Eject (G1)#Toys|Eject]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratbat]] / [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rewind (G1)#Toys|Rewind]] / [[Steeljaw (G1)#Toys|Steeljaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (G1)#Toys|Air Raid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (G1)#Toys|Fireflight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Toys|Skydive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slingshot (G1)#Toys|Slingshot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (G1)#Toys|Superion]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (G1)#Toys|Breakdown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (G1)#Toys|Dead End]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Drag Strip (G1)#Toys|Drag Strip]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Motormaster (G1)#Toys|Motormaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildrider (G1)#Toys|Wildrider]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Menasor (G1)#Toys|Menasor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1menasor toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Menasor, the Stunticon combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blades (G1)#Toys|Blades]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[First Aid (G1)#Toys|First Aid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groove (G1)#Toys|Groove]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Spot (G1)#Toys|Hot Spot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Streetwise (G1)#Toys|Streetwise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Defensor (G1)#Toys|Defensor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)#Toys|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)#Toys|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)#Toys|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)#Toys|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)#Toys|Vortex]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Battlecharger]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Runabout (G1)#Toys|Runabout]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Runamuck (G1)#Toys|Runamuck]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Broadside (G1)#Toys|Broadside]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octane#Toys|Octane]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sandstorm (G1)#Toys|Sandstorm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Springer (G1)/toys#generation 1|Springer]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blurr]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hot Rod]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Kup]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Heroes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#G1RodimusPrime|Rodimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Toys|Wreck-Gar]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)#Toys|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)#Toys|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)#Toys|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)#Toys|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tantrum (G1)#Toys|Tantrum]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Gnaw (G1)#Toys|Gnaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1toy hot rod.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Autobot Car Hot Rod]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Planes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cyclonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scourge]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City Commander]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Galvatron]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Motorized Autobot Space Shuttle'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City-bot|Cities]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] (w/ [[Six-Gun#Toys|Six-Gun]], [[Slammer#Toys|Slammer]], and [[Scamper#Toys|Scamper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Trypticon (G1)#Toys|Trypticon]] (w/ [[Brunt (G1)#Toys|Brunt]] & [[Full-Tilt#Toys|Full-Tilt]])}}
</ul>
|}

{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
[[File:G1 Reflector toy.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Reflector]]

:*"[[The Autobots Have a Special Mission for:]]"
<ul class="itemlist">
::{{Bp-d1|[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] ([[Spectro]], [[Spyglass]], [[Viewfinder]])}}
</ul>
:*"[[You Have Been Chosen.]]"
:*"[[Decipher the Decepticon]]" contest
:*"[[Prizes in Disguise]]" contest
{{--}}

===1987: Headmasters and Targetmasters===
This year was almost completely dominated by "sci-fi" vehicle modes, following up on ''The Movie'' styling. On top of that, extra [[gimmick]]s beyond transformation began to play into the subgroups, with the [[Throttlebot]]s' [[pull-back motor]]s and the [[Sparking gimmick|spark-firing]] [[Monsterbot]]s.

More importantly, this was the first year Hasbro would push a primary over-arching [[gimmick]] as a large percentage of the line: the [[Nebulan]] "Master" partners. Where previous years tended to be a bit scattered with its transformation types, the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s presented a more unified theme across both factions and multiple price-points. This culminated in the mighty [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], a towering two-foot-tall Headmaster city-bot, with a hefty $100 price-tag (in 1987 dollars, which is about the same as a $200 Transformer today). For sheer size and mass, "Fort Max" remained the largest Transformer produced for over 25 years... and something of a "bragging rights" move on Hasbro's part, showing that they ''could'' demand that kind of shelf space from retailers. (They did the same thing with ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and the massive "[[USS Flagg]]" playset.)

However, this high point also marked the start of the franchise's waning. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] was ended with a truncated [[The Rebirth|three-part special]], with reruns continuing on in syndication. Mail-away offers were also slowing down, with no new product available from this year on, only older items no longer in stores. Smaller figures were packaged with small soft-rubber [[Decoy]]s of older characters as an extra incentive, but they weren't a [[Mini-spy|fully transformable mini-Transformer]].

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Throttlebot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Chase (G1)#Toys|Chase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Freeway (G1)#Toys|Freeway]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Goldbug]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollbar (G1)#Toys|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Searchlight (G1)#Toys|Searchlight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wideload (G1)#Toys|Wideload]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Afterburner (G1)#Toys|Afterburner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)#Toys|Lightspeed]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nosecone (G1)#Toys|Nosecone]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scattershot (G1)#Toys|Scattershot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Strafe (G1)#Toys|Strafe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Computron (G1)#Toys|Computron]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blot (G1)#Toys|Blot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cutthroat (G1)#Toys|Cutthroat]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)#Toys|Hun-Gurrr]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rippersnapper (G1)#Toys|Rippersnapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sinnertwin (G1)#Toys|Sinnertwin]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugfest (G1)#Toys|Slugfest]] / [[Overkill (G1)#Toys|Overkill]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Technobots-specialteams.jpg|200px|thumb|Computron, the Technobot combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Duocon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Battletrap#Toys|Battletrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flywheels#Toys|Flywheels]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fastlane#Toys|Fastlane]] / [[Cloudraker (G1)#Toys|Cloudraker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Pounce#Toys|Pounce]] / [[Wingspan#Toys|Wingspan]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[:Category:Spies|Double Spy]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Punch (G1)#Toys|Punch-Counterpunch]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Monsterbot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Doublecross#Toys|Doublecross]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grotusque#Toys|Grotusque]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Repugnus (G1)#Toys|Repugnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brainstorm (G1)#Toys|Brainstorm]] (w/ [[Arcana#Toys|Arcana]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chromedome (G1)#Toys|Chromedome]] (w/ [[Stylor#Toys|Stylor]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hardhead (G1)#Toys|Hardhead]] (w/ [[Duros#Toys|Duros]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Highbrow (G1)#Toys|Highbrow]] (w/ [[Gort#Toys|Gort]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mindwipe (G1)#Toys|Mindwipe]] (w/ [[Vorath#Toys|Vorath]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullcruncher (G1)#Toys|Skullcruncher]] (w/ [[Grax#Toys|Grax]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Weirdwolf (G1)#Toys|Weirdwolf]] (w/ [[Monzo#Toys|Monzo]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[Horrorcon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Apeface#Toys|Apeface]] (w/ [[Spasma#Toys|Spasma]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snapdragon (G1)#Toys|Snapdragon]] (w/ [[Krunk#Toys|Krunk]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Blurr]] (w/ [[Haywire#Toys|Haywire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Crosshairs (G1)#Toys|Crosshairs]] (w/ [[Pinpointer (G1)#Toys|Pinpointer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Cyclonus]] (w/ [[Nightstick (G1)#Toys|Nightstick]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]] (w/ [[Firebolt (G1)#Toys|Firebolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Kup]] (w/ [[Recoil (G1)#Toys|Recoil]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Misfire (G1)#Toys|Misfire]] (w/ [[Aimless (G1)#Toys|Aimless]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Pointblank#Toys|Pointblank]] (w/ [[Peacemaker#Toys|Peacemaker]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Scourge]] (w/ [[Fracas#Toys|Fracas]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugslinger (G1)#Toys|Slugslinger]] (w/ [[Caliburst (G1)#Toys|Caliburst]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sureshot (G1)#Toys|Sureshot]] (w/ [[Spoilsport#Toys|Spoilsport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Triggerhappy (G1)#Toys|Triggerhappy]] (w/ [[Blowpipe (G1)#Toys|Blowpipe]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy Brainstorm.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Headmaster Brainstorm (with Arcana)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Sixshot#Toys|Sixshot]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[City-bot|Base]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Fortress Maximus]] (w/ [[Cerebros (G1)#Toys|Cerebros]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Toys|Spike]], [[Cog (G1)#Toys|Cog]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scorponok (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scorponok]] (w/ [[Zarak (G1)#Toys|Zarak]] & [[Fasttrack (Scorponok)#Toys|Fasttrack]])}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
:* "[[Start Your Own Decoy Collection]]" ([[Decoy]]s packed in with carded figures)
:* "[[Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.]]"

===1988: Powermasters and Pretenders===
After four years and slowly-declining sales, the push to make ''Transformers'' live up to its new tagline ("More... Much More Than Meets the Eye!") was in full effect. Even toys in old subgroups gained new gimmicks: the new [[Mini-Cassette]]s were combiners, the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]] combiner team's limb-bots each had a cannon mode the super-robot could use as a handgun, and the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] each had ''two'' [[Nebulan]]s who could also combine into a super-gun.

The big noise this year was the [[Pretender]]s, Transformers that wear outer shells in the guise of armored warriors, monsters, and more, effectively giving you two warriors in one purchase. However, the line didn't exactly excite kids, as most of the inner robots' vehicle modes could be generously described as "vague at best" due to the necessity of fitting inside their shells. And while the shells' minimal articulation (having only stiff shoulder swivels) would be fine for much younger children, the inner robots and number of small parts definitely put them outside of that age group.

The other big move was the return of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] as one of the [[Powermaster]]s, robots whose Nebulan partners unlocked the vehicle-to-robot conversion as engine-shaped "keys". Though the previous year saw [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Bumblebee return as "Goldbug"]], this large-scale toy of a returning character heralded a shift in Hasbro's strategy, which would get even stronger next year.

However, the decline that begun the year prior was made worse by a sudden splash in the action figure world: the arrival of the ''{{w|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles}}''. Kids flocked to this strange new line and its weird new cartoon, leaving ''Transformers''... sorry, there's no helping this... shell-shocked.

Sorry.

<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grand Slam (G1)#Toys|Grand Slam]] / [[Raindance#Toys|Raindance]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squawktalk (G1)#Toys|Squawktalk]] / [[Beastbox (G1)#Toys|Beastbox]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sparkabot]]s / [[Firecon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cindersaur (G1)#Toys|Cindersaur]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fizzle#Toys|Fizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flamefeather (G1)#Toys|Flamefeather]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Guzzle (G1)#Toys|Guzzle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sizzle (G1)#Toys|Sizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sparkstalker#Toys|Sparkstalker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triggerbot]]s / [[Triggercon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Backstreet (G1)#Toys|Backstreet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Crankcase (G1)#Toys|Crankcase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dogfight (G1)#Toys|Dogfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Override (G1)#Toys|Override]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruckus (G1)#Toys|Ruckus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Windsweeper#Toys|Windsweeper]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Nautilator#Toys|Nautilator]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overbite (G1)#Toys|Overbite]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seawing (G1)#Toys|Seawing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skalor#Toys|Skalor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snaptrap (G1)#Toys|Snaptrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tentakil (G1)#Toys|Tentakil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Piranacon (G1)#Toys|Piranacon]] (giftset)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" |[[File:G1-toy Sparkstalker.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Firecon Sparkstalker]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Landfill (G1)#Toys|Landfill]] (w/ [[Flintlock#Toys|Flintlock]] & [[Silencer (G1)#Toys|Silencer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Needlenose (G1)#Toys|Needlenose]] (w/ [[Sunbeam (G1)#Toys|Sunbeam]] & [[Zigzag#Toys|Zigzag]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quake (G1)#Toys|Quake]] (w/ [[Tiptop#Toys|Tiptop]] & [[Heater#Toys|Heater]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickmix (G1)#Toys|Quickmix]] (w/ [[Boomer#Toys|Boomer]] & [[Ricochet (G1)#Toys|Ricochet]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scoop (G1)#Toys|Scoop]] (w/ [[Holepunch (G1)#Toys|Holepunch]] & [[Tracer (Targetmaster)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Spinister (G1)#Toys|Spinister]] (w/ [[Hairsplitter#Toys|Hairsplitter]] & [[Singe#Toys|Singe]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Fangry (G1)#Toys|Fangry]] (w/ [[Brisko#Toys|Brisko]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Horri-Bull#Toys|Horri-Bull]] (w/ [[Kreb#Toys|Kreb]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hosehead (G1)#Toys|Hosehead]] (w/ [[Lug (G1)#Toys|Lug]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightbeat (G1)#Toys|Nightbeat]] (w/ [[Muzzle#Toys|Muzzle]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Siren (G1)#Toys|Siren]] (w/ [[Quig#Toys|Quig]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squeezeplay (G1)#Toys|Squeezeplay]] (w/ [[Lokos#Toys|Lokos]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powermaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Darkwing (G1)#Toys|Darkwing]] (w/ [[Throttle (G1)#Toys|Throttle]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwind (G1)#Toys|Dreadwind]] (w/ [[Hi-Test (G1)#Toys|Hi-Test]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Doubledealer#Toys|Doubledealer]] (w/ [[Knok#Toys|Knok]] & [[Skar (Decepticon)#Toys|Skar]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Getaway#Toys|Getaway]] (w/ [[Rev#Toys|Rev]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Joyride (G1)#Toys|Joyride]] (w/ [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slapdash (G1)#Toys|Slapdash]] (w/ [[Lube#Toys|Lube]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Powermaster Autobot Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] (w/ [[Hi-Q#Toys|Hi-Q]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Powermaster Optimus Prime]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s Wave 1'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bomb-Burst (G1)#Toys|Bomb-Burst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cloudburst#Toys|Cloudburst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Landmine (G1)#Toys|Landmine]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullgrin#Toys|Skullgrin]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Submarauder (G1)#Toys|Submarauder]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Waverider#Toys|Waverider]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Pretenders Wave 2'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bugly (G1)#Toys|Bugly]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Finback#Toys|Finback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundbreaker#Toys|Groundbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Iguanus (G1)#Toys|Iguanus]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky High (Pretender)#Toys|Sky High]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Splashdown#Toys|Splashdown]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Beast]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Carnivac (G1)#Toys|Carnivac]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Catilla (G1)#Toys|Catilla]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chainclaw (G1)#Toys|Chainclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snarler#Toys|Snarler]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Gunrunner (G1)#Toys|Gunrunner]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadgrabber#Toys|Roadgrabber]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:G1Bomb-Burst toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Pretender Bomb-Burst]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickswitch#Toys|Quickswitch]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

:*"[[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]]"

===1989: Pretenders and Micromasters===
Facing stiff competition, Hasbro attempted to unify and re-brand ''Transformers'' with a new focus and a new look.

First, they eliminated the miscellaneous subgroups of the past, rolling ''everything'' under two over-arching gimmicks: expansions of the [[Pretender]] concept, and the new 1-inch-tall [[Micromaster]]s, the latter being a response to the steadily-growing popularity of then-competitor [[Galoob]]'s ''Micro Machines'' micro-play vehicle line. Kids would buy packs of four Micromasters together, or would get a single Micromaster with a transforming vehicle or playset, with the larger vehicles themselves transforming into base-mode playsets that could interconnect with included ramps (again a response to ''Micro Machines''<nowiki>'</nowiki> heavy use of playsets).

The nostalgia-grab got larger, with new toys based on some of the most popular characters from the early years, now back as "[[Classic Pretender]]s". This year even saw the first store-[[exclusive]] Transformers, as those same four bots were sold without their Pretender shells as "[[Legends (G1)|Legends]]", available only at [[Kmart]] (which wasn't the decrepit shell of a retailer it is now).

On top of this, the packaging changed ''dramatically'', with a new look and logo design. Cardbacks were no longer distinguished between Autobot/Decepticon, but between the gold-carded Pretenders and the silver-carded Micromasters. The on-package [[Tech Spec]]s changed to an easier-to-read bar graph. (The first three Micromaster Patrols and the Legends ''did'' ship on old-style cards, but later Patrols were all on silver cards.) Hasbro hoped that this would prove stronger from a marketing standpoint than the Autobot/Decepticon distinction from previous years, plus look new and fresh, rather than just another iteration of a now-six-year-old toyline.

You can kind of guess how well that worked.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Monster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Birdbrain#Toys|Birdbrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bristleback#Toys|Bristleback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Icepick (G1)#Toys|Icepick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scowl (G1)#Toys|Scowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slog (G1)#Toys|Slog]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildfly#Toys|Wildfly]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bludgeon (G1)#Toys|Bludgeon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Doubleheader#Toys|Doubleheader]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longtooth#Toys|Longtooth]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octopunch (G1)#Toys|Octopunch]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pincher (G1)#Toys|Pincher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Stranglehold#Toys|Stranglehold]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Classic Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Pretender|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Pretender|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Pretender|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mega Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Crossblades (G1)#Toys|Crossblades]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunderwing (G1)#Toys|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Vroom (G1)#Toys|Vroom]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top|[[File:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Mega Pretender Thunderwing]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadblock (G1)#Toys|Roadblock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyhammer (G1)#Toys|Skyhammer]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Air Strike Patrol#Toys|Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)#Toys|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)#Toys|Storm Cloud]], [[Tailwind (G1)#Toys|Tailwind]], [[Whisper (G1)#Toys|Whisper]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Battle Patrol#Toys|Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot#Toys|Big Shot]], [[Flak (G1)#Toys|Flak]], [[Sidetrack (G1)#Toys|Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner (G1)#Toys|Sunrunner]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Off Road Patrol#Toys|Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)#Toys|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger (G1)#Toys|Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain#Toys|Powertrain]], [[Tote#Toys|Tote]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Race Car Patrol#Toys|Race Car Patrol]] ([[Free Wheeler#Toys|Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)#Toys|Roadhandler]], [[Swindler#Toys|Swindler]], [[Tailspin#Toys|Tailspin]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rescue Patrol (G1)#Toys|Rescue Patrol]] ([[Fixit (G1)#Toys|Fixit]], [[Red Hot#Toys|Red Hot]], [[Seawatch#Toys|Seawatch]], [[Stakeout (G1)#Toys|Stakeout]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sports Car Patrol#Toys|Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Blackjack#Toys|Blackjack]], [[Detour (G1)#Toys|Detour]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)#Toys|Hyperdrive]], [[Road Hugger (G1)#Toys|Road Hugger]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Erector (G1)#Toys|Erector]] (w/ [[Crane]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flattop (Decepticon)#Toys|Flattop]] (w/ [[Platonix|Aircraft carrier]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overload (G1)#Toys|Overload]] (w/ [[Car carrier trailer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roughstuff#Toys|Roughstuff]] (w/ [[Military transport]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|200px|thumb|]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Stations'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Airwave (G1)#Toys|Airwave]] (w/ [[Airport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Greasepit (G1)#Toys|Greasepit]] (w/ [[Gas station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot House#Toys|Hot House]] (w/ [[Fire station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironworks#Toys|Ironworks]] (w/ [[Construction station]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Bases'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundshaker#Toys|Groundshaker]] (w/ [[ATV]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skyhopper#Toys|Skyhopper]] (w/ [[Helicopter]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Jet Command Center'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skystalker (G1)#Toys|Skystalker]] (w/ [[Thunder Arrow#Toys|Interstellar shuttle]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Rocket Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Countdown (G1)#Toys|Countdown]] (w/ [[Rocket Base#Toys|Rocket base]])}}
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Exclusives'''</big>
:'''[[Kmart]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|[[Legends (G1)|Legends]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Bumblebee]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Grimlock]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Jazz (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-d1|Legends [[Starscream (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Starscream]]}}
</ul>

===1990: Micromasters and Action Masters===
[[File:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|200px|thumb|Action Master Jazz, reintroducing a character from the line's early years.]]

By this time, ''Transformers'' was in serious trouble. ''Ninja Turtles'' was still dominating the toy aisle and TV ratings, and was even putting out a live-action movie that year. (Bet Hasbro wished they had a cartoon on the air ''then'', huh?) Home video games were getting even hotter and luring more kids away from toys altogether, especially with the release of the hugely-anticipated Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Hasbro tried to rally with something that was very rare for its time: a large-scale appeal to nostalgia. While Micromasters continued on, the rest of the series was taken up by [[Action Master]]s, non-transforming ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''-scale action figures of ''Transformers'' characters, with a half-and-half mix of "classic" characters and all-new bots. As with the Micromasters, the focus was mainly on the low-price items, with the carded individual Action Masters getting the largest amount of product. Larger offerings included vehicles that transformed into battle stations or "attack modes" for the Action Masters to pilot.

Unfortunately, it simply wasn't enough, and ''Transformers'' was canceled in the US. While the [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European version of the line]] would continue on with both new product and a glut of "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" re-releases, it would be two years before ''Transformers'' would come back to US toy shelves, as ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

<big>'''Retail releases'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Patrol#Toys|Air Patrol]] ([[Blaze Master#Toys|Blaze Master]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)#Toys|Eagle Eye]], [[Sky High (Micromaster)#Toys|Sky High]], [[Tread Bolt#Toys|Tread Bolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Construction Patrol#Toys|Construction Patrol]] ([[Crumble#Toys|Crumble]], [[Groundpounder (G1)#Toys|Groundpounder]], [[Neutro#Toys|Neutro]], [[Takedown#Toys|Takedown]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod Patrol#Toys|Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)#Toys|Big Daddy]], [[Greaser#Toys|Greaser]], [[Hubs#Toys|Hubs]], [[Trip-Up#Toys|Trip-Up]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Military Patrol#Toys|Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)#Toys|Bombshock]], [[Dropshot (G1)#Toys|Dropshot]], [[Growl (G1)#Toys|Growl]], [[Tracer (G1 Decepticon)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Monster Truck Patrol#Toys|Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Big Hauler#Toys|Big Hauler]], [[Heavy Tread#Toys|Heavy Tread]], [[Hydraulic#Toys|Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke#Toys|Slow Poke]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Race Track Patrol#Toys|Race Track Patrol]] ([[Barricade (G1)#Toys|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog#Toys|Ground Hog]], [[Motorhead (Decepticon)#Toys|Motorhead]], [[Roller Force#Toys|Roller Force]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner]] Squads'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Astro Squad#Toys|Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser#Toys|Phaser]], [[Blast Master#Toys|Blast Master]], [[Moonrock#Toys|Moonrock]], [[Missile Master#Toys|Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)#Toys|Barrage]] & [[Heave#Toys|Heave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Battle Squad#Toys|Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)#Toys|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)#Toys|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit (G1)#Toys|Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch (G1)#Toys|Power Punch]], [[Fireshot (G1)#Toys|Fireshot]] & [[Vanquish (G1)#Toys|Vanquish]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Constructor Squad#Toys|Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)#Toys|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)#Toys|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)#Toys|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)#Toys|Hammer]], [[Grit (G1)#Toys|Grit]] & [[Knockout (G1)#Toys|Knockout]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Metro Squad#Toys|Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze#Toys|Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner#Toys|Roadburner]], [[Oiler#Toys|Oiler]], [[Slide#Toys|Slide]], [[Power Run#Toys|Power Run]] & [[Strikedown#Toys|Strikedown]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy TankerTruck.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Micromaster Combiner Tanker Truck (with Pipeline & Gusher)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cannon Transport]] (w/ [[Terror-Tread#Toys|Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head#Toys|Cement-Head]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Missile Launcher]] (w/ [[Retro#Toys|Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)#Toys|Surge]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tanker Truck]] (w/ [[Pipeline#Toys|Pipeline]] & [[Gusher#Toys|Gusher]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Anti-Aircraft Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Anti-Aircraft Base]] w/ ([[Blackout (G1)#Toys|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot#Toys|Spaceshot]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Battlefield Headquarters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Battlefield Headquarters]] (w/ [[Full-Barrel#Toys|Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow#Toys|Overflow]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures I'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Grimlock]] with [[Anti-tank cannon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Jazz]] with [[Turbo Board]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rad (G1)#Toys|Rad]] with [[Lionizer (G1)#Toys|Lionizer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollout (G1)#Toys|Rollout]] with [[Glitch#Toys|Glitch]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Soundwave]] with [[Wingthing (G1)#Toys|Wingthing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Treadshot (G1)#Toys|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut#Toys|Catgut]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures II'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Bumblebee]] with [[Heli-pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Blaster]] with [[Flight Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#ActionMaster|Devastator]] with [[Scorpulator#Toys|Scorpulator]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jackpot (G1)#Toys|Jackpot]] with [[Sights (G1)#Toys|Sights]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Krok (G1)#Toys|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider#Toys|Gatoradier]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mainframe (G1)#Toys|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button#Toys|Push-Button]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures III'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Banzai-Tron (G1)#Toys|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp#Toys|Razor-Sharp]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Inferno]] with [[Hydro-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kick-Off (G1)#Toys|Kick-Off]] with [[Turbo-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Shockwave]] with [[Fistfight (G1)#Toys|Fistfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyfall (G1)#Toys|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy#Toys|Top-Heavy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#AM|Snarl]] with [[Tyrannitron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Action Blasters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Copter]] with [[Over-Run (G1)#Toys|Over-Run]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Off-Road Cycle]] with [[Axer (G1)#Toys|Axer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Cycle (G1)|Turbo Cycle]] with [[Prowl (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Turbo Jet]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:AMWheeljack.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Action Master Wheeljack with his Turbo Racer]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Cruiser]] with [[Sprocket (G1)#Toys|Sprocket]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Racer]] with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Wheeljack]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Stratotronic Jet]] with [[Gutcruncher (G1)#Toys|Gutcruncher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Neutro-Fusion Tank]] with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Megatron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Armored Convoy'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Armored Convoy]] with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#AM|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|}

==Hasbro (and others) ''Transformers'' European line==
:''Main article: [[The Transformers (European toyline)]]''

The history of the European-market releases of ''The Transformers'' is simultaneously complicated and kind of boring, as while various countries got different amounts of product, sometimes released by non-Hasbro partner companies (like [[Milton Bradley]] and [[GiG]]), the actual ''toys'' were largely identical to the US releases for the overwhelming majority of the line. There are certainly a number of notable early variants, such as the [[Tracks (G1)#Toys|red Tracks]], but their scarcity has relegated them to "only for the completist with ample funds" category.

[[File:G1-toy OmegaSpreem.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Action Master Elite Omega Supreme, a bot as hard to find as he is to focus on.]]

Things wouldn't really get significantly different until the 1990s. While the American toyline was shutting down, ''Transformers'' in Europe kept on chugging along.

[[1991]] was an odd hodge-podge of a line, starting with a short burst of exclusive [[Action Master]]s (including some that [[Action Master Elite|actually did transform!]]), then introducing several [[redeco]]ed previously-[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]-exclusive molds, mainly from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|''Victory'' toyline]]. Several of the toys released this year weren't given individual names, including the re-released [[Constructicon (G1)#|Constructicons]] (who had also lost the parts needed to combine into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], oddly enough).

Speaking of re-released old toys, 1990 saw the [[Classics (Europe)|''Classics'' subline]] debut, the return of numerous toys from the 1984 through 1987 lines (minus the specifically ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''-based toys). Several of these releases had minor changes from the originals, mainly the removal of [[rubsign]] indents. The line would continue through [[1991]], and a few extra pieces would see release only in [[Australia]].

[[File:G1Thunder clash toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Turbomaster Thunder Clash, the new Autobot leader of 1992.]]

In [[1992]], the line got much more cohesive, moving back to much more "traditional" Transformers, changing from pseudo-realistic vehicles to robots, with [[gimmick]]s that were by and large not super-obtrusive. The Autobots and Decepticons got some physical distinction in their designs in [[1992]]: the Autobots got hot-pink transparent plastic parts, primarily their [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optics]] and windows, while the Decepticons got a bright toxic clear-green transparent parts as well as less-human, more angular faces. Yes, hot pink and toxic green: the 90's was ''also'' the time that the color schemes for new toys overall got brighter and more reliant on pastels (and in some cases, [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|straight-up gloriously awful]]). In [[1993]], Hasbro changed the traditional [[insignia|faction symbols]] to the types used in the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' series, as the US line was changing over that year. The European line would follow suit in [[1993]], ending the original "Generation 1" series in European markets ''without'' the line being canceled, the only major market to ''not'' have a gap between Generations 1 and 2. Neat!
{{--}}

==Takara ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' line==
[[File:Japanese tf logo.jpg|right|250px|]]

:''Main article: [[Generation 1 (Japanese toylines)]]''

[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] took [[Hasbro]]'s lead and brought the new universe of living robots to Japan in [[1985]], where it was a massive success. Despite many/most of the toys having been available just a year or two prior, the new story and cartoon propelled ''Transformers'' sales far beyond those of the lines that the toys originally came from. ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' were quickly discarded in favor of the new hotness as kids ate up this new take on the giant robot genre, one that was a fresh change from the sheer amount of competing "piloted mecha" robot toylines/cartoons in existence.

The line started very parallel with Hasbro's offerings, but over time the two companies pursued some pretty different visions for the brand. Takara split the line up into different sub-[[franchise]]s by year, changing the name and theme, a long-running tradition in kids' media/toylines in Japan (which would eventually end up making its way Stateside). They would also create a variety of all-new molds unique to these lines, most of them highly sought-after by collectors. By the end of the series, Takara would go back to following Hasbro's lead for the bulk of the line, with new molds being relegated to a small handful of large pieces. ''Transformers'' finally ended in 1992, as Takara's concurrently-running (and TV-cartoon-backed) non-''Transformers'' "''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]''" giant robot lines gained more popularity.

''Transformers'' would not be back on Japanese toy shelves until [[1995]], when the short-lived ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)#Takara G-2 line|G-2]]'' toyline would hit.

==Mexican & South American ''Transformers''==
If you want strange variants of Generation 1 toys, then the short-lived toylines south of the border are the mother lode. But many of these items are not cheap on the secondary market due to their scarcity.

;Mexico
[[File:Prowl-Mexico.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Mexican Prowl, with extra black bits.]]
::''Main article: [[IGA]]''

:''Transformers'' was released by [[IGA]] in Mexico in 1985. For the most part, the toys are similar to their Hasbro counterparts, though with plenty of minor coloring and materials differences... which apparently includes ''lead paint''. Oops.

:The line did not do well, and 1986's releases were little more than [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and a handful of first-year [[Mini Vehicle]]s recolored roughly like their [[#1986|third-year retool]]s. The line was fully canceled shortly after.

: A number of these toys ended up in European markets years after the line was over, which is when that whole "lead paint" thing was discovered. Oops.

{{-}}
;Brazil
[[File:Camaro-Purple.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Malignus Camaro. Gorgeous. And expensive.]]
::''Main article: [[Estrela]]''

:Easily the most well-known of the Southern-Hemisphere ''Transformers'' releases, [[Estrela]]'s batch of six Mini-Vehicle molds were the bulk of the toys released by the company, put out in a variety of colors. Notably, the mysterious "[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|Bumper]]" mold was part of this assortment, under the name "[[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]]", complete with packaging art and a [[bio]], leading fans to wonder if this bio came from scrapped plans for the toy in the original [[Hasbro]] line.

:The line was filled out with redecoed [[Jumpstarter]]s called "Salt-Man" ("''salto''" meaning "jump" in Spanish and Portuguese), and non-Takara molds like the [[Eletrix]] and [[Bat-Robô]].

:Most coveted among the Estrela toys is the second round of Mini Vehicles, the "[[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] vs [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]]" series, which split the toys into brand-new good & evil (respectively) factions. These twelve toys —particularly the more radically-changed Malignus— are very expensive on the secondary market, easily earning triple-digit sums for even loose samples. Still-carded toys are exceptionally rare.

{{-}}
;Argentina

::''Main article: [[Antex]]''

: A bit of an odd case, it appears that Argentinean company [[Antex]] got its ''Transformers'' license from Estrela, rather than Hasbro, which is kind of dubious on the "did Estrela actually have the authority to do that" mark. Antex would then release its own batch of Mini Vehicle redecoes.

: In the early 2010's, a large number of on-card/boxed Antex toys hit the secondary market, apparently due to an old warehouse find. Many of these items were sold cheaper than ''domestic'' packaged original toys in the US... but still make a neat curiosity for a collector.

: One more odd Argentinean release is the [[Radio AM Robot]], an original mold by [[Comando Toys]]. Your guess is as good as ours.

;Peru

: Not a lot is properly known about these Mini Vehicle releases. In fact ''three'' different companies are tossed out as possible distributors for Peruvian ''Transformers'': Lynsa, Hude, and Basa. There are supposedly upwards of three dozen different mold/color combinations, but spotty information has kept the fandom from properly confirming this.

==Chinese ''The Transformers'' toyline==
:'' Main article: [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)]]''

Several factors kept ''The Transformers'' out of mainland China for years, including government-based resistance to the line's [[The Transformers (cartoon)|primary "advertainment" vehicle]]. But in August 1989, [[Hasbro International]] started cranking out classic ''Transformers'' at Chinese factories, which were shipped throughout China, as well as Taiwan and South Korea (with additional stickers applied to the packaging for those markets). The line ran through [[1995]] (!), ending with several previously-Japanese-exclusive ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|Victory]]'' toys.

For the most part, the toys are identical to their previous releases, only with slight changes to the manufacturing stamps, and the occasional minor deco alteration (primarily painted details on the [[Mini-Cassette]]s, and some [[rubsign]] changes). They came in the same packaging as their American (or European) counterparts, only with small stickers in the corner giving the characters' Chinese names. Japanese-original toys were altered slightly more, changing the ''Transformers'' logo to a Chinese-language version. The copyright and manufacturing information on the back of the packaging was also shortened to remove the no-longer-true statements "Made in Japan", "Made in Taiwan", etc., and omit references to [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. The manufacturing information was instead applied as a sticker in Chinese on the back of the box. By [[1994]], when the [[Power Master]]-era toys were released, "Made in China" was added to the box.

Despite running for nigh six years, the Chinese Generation 1 line released only about 100 toys all told.

This late entry into China actually goes a long way towards explaining the country's current ''Transformers'' mania, and its ever-increasing amount of toys made specifically for that market. Those who grew up with the line as kids were hitting adulthood just as the Chinese middle class was booming, which meant disposable income. And with the ''huge'' success of the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] spurring things on further right in the middle of that economic boon, China has since become a major part of the franchise's current global success.

{{note|It's quite likely that the Chinese line is also the source of the [[Classics (Europe)|European "Classics" reissues]] that were released in 1990. The toys share the same altered copyright and Chinese manufacturing stamps... plus some Classics toys have surfaced with Chinese name stickers on them.}}

:* ''[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/15 Chinese G1 Reissue ID Guide]''
:* ''[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/1743/37/ The Little Sticker in the Corner: The Truth about Early-1990's Chinese G1 Transformers Toys]''
:* ''[http://www.danwei.org/tv/fighting_transformer_fever.php Fighting "Transformer Fever"]''

==Post-''Transformers'' releases==
Hahahahahahahhahahah haaaaaa hahahahahhahahaha hahaahahaaaaaaaahahahaaaaa. Hoo. Hooooh boy.

Okay, but seriously.

Despite having set the stage for everything that would follow, and in sharp contrast to the nostalgia-sodden market of today, "Generation 1" actually took some time to get back into being a sizable portion of the "modern" toyline following the original's end. The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' revival failed to revive, and its ''vastly'' more successful replacement ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' was such a radical shift from everything before that going back to the '80s trappings was seen as risky. Thus the original series was mostly relegated to scattered [[homage]]s for the better part of a decade.

By the turn of the century (ugh), the older-nostalgic market was picking up strength. More children of the '80s were out of school and getting jobs and disposable income (yes, that kind of thing used to actually happen) and were looking to reclaim bits of their childhoods. And the market responded... timidly at first, as the markets do, but over time, more and more of the classic series was brought back in one form or another.

===Reissue lines===
Before the re-creation boom, there was the re-release boom. Many vintage toy molds were pulled out, refurbished and put back into service to let fans fill holes in their classic collections.

<big>'''Takara'''</big>
[[File:TF Collection 3 Skids.jpg|right|thumb|200px|''The Transformers Collection'' Skids]]
Takara was the first to get the reissue ball rolling, and generally took the lead in re-releasing classic "Generation 1" molds over the course of several years. Re-issues began sporadically at first in [[2000]], mainly major characters (particularly [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#2001reissue|Megatron]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Rodimus]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Reissue|Starscream]]) in recreations of the original packaging, with a few special editions. But it didn't take long for this to expand into larger, more organized lines:

*'''''[[The Transformers Collection]]''''' (2002)
: This series is also known as the "bookbox" series, as each toy came in a large box with a multi-page, full-color booklet attached to the inner front cover of the box, full of bio information, toy trivia, cartoon summaries and more. In some respects this series was a bit of an "ultimate G1" line, as a great many toys were modified from their original releases. Tooling issues were fixed for extra durability, [[sticker]]s were altered or even replaced with more durable factory-applied [[tampograph]]s, accessories were added that had either not been released in Japan (like [[Targetmaster (technology)#Toys|Targetmaster]] partners) or wholly-new items altogether.

: This series would be further filled out with all-new characters set in the classic universe, with [[redeco]]s of the mold reissues in new color schemes (often -but not always- replicating ''[[Diaclone]]'' variants the original ''Transformers'' line passed on) through outlets like [[e-HOBBY]].

*'''''[[Transformers Encore]]''''' (2007)

:Riding the surge of popularity that had been building (and exploding with the live-action film), ''Encore'' brought more "enhanced" classic toys out, though this time in more classic-style packaging. The line also put a much heavier focus on the larger pieces in the original line, including the likes of [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and even [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], as well as toys the original Japanese line had skipped, like [[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]].

{{-}}
<big>'''Hasbro'''</big>
[[File:CommemorativeSeriesIIIStock.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Commemorative Series'' Thundercracker, "Silverstreak" and Jazz. (''No, the real Silverstreak did not have the black hood/top.'')]]

Hasbro generally seemed less keen on remaking the past, focusing their efforts on new lines, but saw the value in trying to get the reissues into fans' hands... even if there had to be compromises [[for safety reasons]].

*'''''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Generation One Commemorative Series]]''''' (2002)

:Sold [[exclusive]]ly through [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] (though overstock would later filter into closeout outlets), the ''Commemorative Series'' mostly picked up what Takara was already putting out and swung them onto US and European shelves. This series proved less popular with fans, thanks to the changes that had to be done to make the functional spring-launched missiles pass safety standards, plus a rather high price tag (a ToysЯUs staple that's still in practice to this day!) that generally left net-savvy fans deciding to just import Takara's offerings for just a little bit more.

{{-}}

===New "Generation 1"-based lines===
If you think we're gonna list every individual new toy based on a Generation 1 character here, you're insane. And not the fun kind. Instead, enjoy this series of links to the ''numerous'' toylines that call back to the originals. Many of these lines are ''technically'' multi-franchise ensembles, but the majority of their output is of updated Generation 1 bots.

*'''''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]''''' (1997)
[[File:MachineWars Hoist toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Machine Wars'' Hoist]]

:A strange, slapdash and ''very'' short line released in the middle of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'', ''Machine Wars'' was sold [[exclusive]]ly at [[KB Toys]] stores. It's a mix of small toys originally developed for ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' and some larger [[retool]]ed [[the Transformers (European toyline)|European-market]] items from a few years prior, all mostly as old characters, and mostly in color schemes that don't match the characters they're supposed to be. On the other hand, this was the first chance many American fans had to acquire some of those larger foreign molds, and at KB's (in)famous pre-discounted prices to boot.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]''''' (2004)
[[File:RobotMastersStarscream toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Robotmasters'' Starscream]]

: A short line in Japan during the middle of the "[[Unicron Trilogy]]" series, ''Robotmasters'' is set in the nebulous time between the second season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''... but with the intrusion of time-traveling characters from ''Beast Wars'' (and more). Sticking mainly to smaller items, the series is mostly recycled "Basic" figures and sub-Deluxe items, most as new characters. Many came with extra weapons too, most of which were recycled from a canceled ''[[Microman]]'' series.

: However, there were a series of all-new molds, based on the leader characters of the past. The brand-new [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Robotmasters|Starscream]] was easily the most popular, being a classic-designed toy with some actual posability, with a new smaller [[Optimus Primal/toys#Robotmasters|Optimus Primal]] being close behind.

: Though the new molds were highly sought after at the time, they'd become very obsolete in fairly short order...

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]''''' (2003) / '''''[[Transformers: Alternity| Alternity]]''''' (2009) / '''''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|GT: Mission GT-R]]''''' (2013)
[[File:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Two of the numerous Japanese variants of ''Alternators'' Smokescreen.]]

: The first focused Generation 1 "revival" series, ''Alternators'' was aimed ''squarely'' at the older collector. Every toy in the line (save one odd addition) is a Generation 1 character reimagined as a 1:24-scale recreation of a real, fully-licensed vehicle, complete with opening doors, an actual open driver/passenger compartment complete with dashboard, opening hoods/trunks and more. This led to many of these toys being ''very'' complicated to transform. The Japanese ''Binaltech'' line took the collector-aim even further by using copious amounts of painted [[die-cast]] metal for the vehicle shells. A line of ''very'' slow and staggered releases, it would continue on for several years in the US. Japan would keep the line alive even longer (and with a ''lot'' of variants), up through 2008, including a few small sub-lines like ''Binaltech Asterisk'' (which included [[human]] mini-figures to drive the vehicle modes) and the controversial ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)| Kiss Players]]''.

: Despite ''heavy'' interest early on from the older fandom, ''Alternators'' has basically been left behind in favor of the later "normal" Generation 1 remakes that would follow a few years later.

: TakaraTomy would take another crack at the style later with ''Alternity'', which is generally the same thing, only at 1:32 scale, putting the toys at roughly "Deluxe" size. Several years later it would dust off the ''Alternity'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternity|Convoy]] mold for ''GT: Mission GT-R'', a racing-themed mini-series which added "[[GT Sister]]" ''[[Microman]]'' figures to each toy.

{{-}}
*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]''''' (2003)
[[File:MP-10 toy photo.jpg|left|thumb|250px|MP-10 Convoy, the second ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold.]]

: A line that started as a one-shot, anniversary-celebratory deal, that slowly over time grew to become basically the "ultimate" collector's Generation 1 toyline. Takara has taken the lead here, putting out much of the product at general retail, where Hasbro picks and chooses molds to bring out as store [[exclusive]]s from time to time.

: Starting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (of course), the line features larger-scale, very complex, highly-detailed, and (generally) [[show-accuracy|animation-accurate]] renditions of classic characters. Originally a slow-release line, in 2011 it moved to a smaller scale (with a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp10|redone Optimus]], of course), focused on filling out much of the 1984/1985 cast, and started putting out toys at a fairly regular clip, several a year. The line is still going today, and has expanded its scope, recently adding ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters to the roster.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Classics| Classics]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Bumblebeeclassicstoy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Classics'' Bumblebee]]

: Originally intended to just be a short gap-filler line between ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)| Cybertron]]'' and the upcoming [[Movie (toyline)|live-action film toyline]], ''Classics'' more or less set the gold standard for today's Generation 1-based toy: modern-tech recreations of classic characters in updated forms highly evocative of their original incarnations, in the "focused-around-deluxe-scale" play size.

: Hasbro originally had no plans to put out more than the original line in this format (leading to some kerfuffle when several "missing" classic characters ended up as [[BotCon 2007]] exclusives). But a combination of solid sales, heavy demand, and —most importantly— a gargantuan influx of income thanks to that whole [[Michael Bay]] movie deal meant that ''Classics''-style toys could continue on in successive lines (see below).

{{-}}
*'''''[[Titanium Series]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Jetfiretitaniumwarwithin.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Titanium Series'' Jetfire]]

: Originally a subline of Hasbro's ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' product line, ''Titanium Series'' put the focus on [[die-cast]] metal, split between 2-inch-tall non-transforming mini-figurines, and the transforming 6-inch "Cybertron Heroes". The latter were... let's politely say "not very well-received".

: These toys were developed completely in-house at Hasbro, with no Takara engineering, by a team who had never worked on ''Transformers'' to boot. The results often resulted in ill-proportioned messes with odd joint tolerances and questionable articulation that couldn't really handle the weight distribution. The toys based on designs from the popular "[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]" comics from then-licensee [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] generally fared better, and would garner some demand, particularly [[The Fallen/toys#Titanium Series|The Fallen]]. It's a real grab-bag of a line, both in character and quality.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations| Generations]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]''''' (2005)
[[File:Sunstreakeruniverse2008toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Universe'' Sunstreaker]]

: After the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie]] made Hasbro and Takara approximately eleven bazillion dollars, they had the funds to put out more traditionally "risky" product like older-nostalgic-aimed toys. From this point on, they would devote a major portion of each year's product to making modern toys of Generation 1 characters.

: Hasbro's 2008 ''Universe'' line was the start, with everything from small [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] items to huge electronic Ultra Class toys. The line turned into ''Generations'', but the overall focus was more or less the same. ''Generations'' is still running as of this writing, with the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' and ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toylines.

: 2010's ''Transformers'' line was actually a movie-based "general" line. But the back end of the line had several toys in multiple price-points based directly on Generation 1 characters that seemed like they were right out of ''Generations'', confusing fans a bit.

: The ''Timelines'' series is also a multi-franchise ensemble line, but naturally the majority of the product is Generation-1-based. The reason we bring this up last was that this is not a retail series, being sold by Hasbro licensee [[Fun Publications]] via [[BotCon]]s and the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]. This series features a lot of toys based on more obscure characters and decos.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers United|United]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]''''' (2011) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations#Generations in Japan|Generations]]''''' (2012) / '''''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]''''' (2014) / '''''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]''''' (2015)
[[File:Henkeitoy megatron.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Henkei! Henkei!'' Megatron, a redeco of ''Classics'' Megatron.]]

: Takara's string of Generation-1-based modern toys is a little more fragmented, changing names with regularity. Largely following Hasbro's lead, these toys are typically more extensively painted (owing to Japan's retailers not having the vise-like grip on item prices that major American retailers have), with a much heavier focus on [[show-accuracy|replicating animation decos]], even when the molds are not terribly suited for animation-based deco. One of the latest series, ''Legends'', is still running today, being mostly Takara's version of Hasbro's ''Generations'' line.

:Complicating things a bit more is ''Adventure'', Takara's version of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' line]]. That line was initially filled out with a large number of ''Generations'' molds, colored and named blatantly as Generation 1 characters... but as part of the "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]" universe. While we list these characters as the alternate-universe takes they're presented as, they are definitely worth mentioning here for fans who don't care about dividing by universe and just want a modern [[Override (Adventure)|Override]] that blends in perfectly with their modern Generation 1 collection.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The term "Generation 1" is a piece of ascended [[fandom|fan-terminology]]. When ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' hit, the early online fandom quickly took to calling its predecessor "Generation 1". It became such a ubiquitous term it made its way into official terminology pretty quickly.
* ''The Transformers'' isn't the first time ''[[Diaclone]]'' molds were sold in the US. In [[1983]], Takara released "''[[Diakron]]''" in the US, straight-importing six ''Diaclone'' molds in new packaging. It didn't do too well. These releases ''are'' interesting curiosities for the serious collector, though.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (toyline), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 toylines| Transformers (toyline)]]

The Transformers (toyline)

2017-10-23T01:18:01Z

Superdude056: Tweaked the Buzzsaw toy link to redirect to "Buzzsaw (G1)/toys"

{{disambig3.5|the original toyline|the 2010 toyline simply known as "Transformers"|Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers}}
{{Nav-G1}}

'''''The Transformers''''' (also now known as "'''Generation 1'''" or "'''G1'''" for short, though the line was never branded as such) started as a joint venture between [[Hasbro]] of America and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] of [[Japan]]. After an idea to rebrand and sell Takara's ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' [[Toy|robot toys]] as a whole new line with a new concept behind it (developed by Hasbro's partners at [[Marvel Comics]]), Hasbro ultimately created what would be one of the longest-running and most popular [[franchise]]s for both companies. Starting in [[1984]], the line ran for seven years in America, eight in Europe and Japan (though Takara would break the line up into multiple sub-franchises).

{{TOCclear}}

==Overview==
Having run for seven years, the line changed dramatically over its lifetime, going from pre-made items to all-new designs and greater focus on [[gimmick]]s beyond simply transforming. Thus, the more descriptive bits will be tackled year-by-year... but there's still plenty to talk about in the big picture.

===Then Vs. Now===
[[File:Seekers ad.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Page from the 1984 JC Penney annual catalog. A book hundreds of pages thick, which could devote an entire page or two to a single toy line. 80's kids ''craved'' these books. And yes, JC Penney used to carry toys.]]

The original ''Transformers'' came out in a ''very'' different toy environment than what exists today, and at a time when the market was venturing out from the slow-paced 1970s into undiscovered country.

First of all, the market itself was simply broader. There were a ''lot'' more retailers out there, both national and regional, muscling for market share, and virtually all had a sizable toy department. Sears and [[Kmart]] were the biggest retailers in the United States; [[Walmart]] and [[Target]] were just regional players poised to go nationwide. [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] wasn't the only large-scale toys-only chain. Even grocery stores and drug stores devoted a significant amount of space to toys year-round, and not just the cheap stuff! The idea that you could buy ''anything'' via computer, much less toys, was a novelty at best. No, you had to get out there and shop - or use a big printed mail-order catalog like the old Sears "Wish Book".

On top of that, there were far more toy companies scrabbling for shelf space. Mattel was still an action-figure heavyweight thanks to ''Masters of the Universe'', which led the boom of cartoon-advertised toy lines (more on that in a bit) throwing out weird concepts in the hope of creating the next big thing. ''Transformers'' wasn't even the first shape-changing robot toy to US shelves, having been beat to the punch by then-competitor [[Tonka]], who brought over [[Bandai]]'s ''Machine Robo'' toys as ''[[GoBots]]'' six months prior. And then there were all the major sorta-likes, such as [[Kenner]]'s ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'' with its transforming vehicles, [[TakaraTomy|Tomy]]'s ''Starriors'' reconfigurable robots (a ''Zoids'' offshoot), and approximately eleventy-billion also-rans and cheap knockoffs from a host of now-defunct companies. (And yes, most of the previously-mentioned companies now fall under the Hasbro/TakaraTomy umbrella.)

While most modern toys have a shelf-life of ''maybe'' six months, in the 80s a single toy could ship steadily for two years, more if the line was particularly successful. The original [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]] toys shipped for three, and some of the [[Mini-Cassette]]s for ''four''. (Though the king of long-run shipping is surely [[Kenner]]'s original ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' line: the single [[Darth Vader]] figure shipped for ''seven years''.)

Not only did the toys ship longer, but the look of ''Transformers''<nowiki>'</nowiki> packaging did not change significantly for five years, only changing the logo and overall design in [[#1989: Pretenders and Micromasters|1989]] as part of a revitalization attempt. Today, even when a single line lasts more than a year, the packaging changes considerably at least every year.

Though even with all that, seven years ''was'' a long time for a toy franchise to run. Most of the bigger lines only managed about three years, and that third was typically a final flailing-for-its-life year as kids had moved on. That ''Transformers'' made as big a splash as it did and lasted so long ''before'' the revivals and reboots is remarkable. How'd it do that? Well...

===Refining the Formula===

To be honest, ''Transformers'' didn't do much that was really "new" outside of its central transformation [[gimmick]], and that was one it shared with multiple competitors. What put the line above the others is simply doing a great many things ''better'' than is competitors.

Many early articles on the transforming robot toyline wars opined that ''GoBots'' would win due to its reliance on a large number of small, inexpensive items easy for kids to pick up. (After all, that formula worked wonders for ''Star Wars''.) And while ''Transformers'' did have a number of small, inexpensive "entry point" items, its larger figures would turn out to be a ''huge'' draw, a kind of playground status symbol. The boxed figures featured multiple accessories and add-on [[sticker]]s for an extra level of interaction with the toy, giving them an extra air of quality. Sure you could get a GoBot or a [[Mini Vehicle]] just about any time, but the larger ''Transformers'' were something big and special for birthdays or saved-up allowances.

[[File:Trailbreaker Bio&TechSpec.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Lotta reading going on in the toy aisles in the 80's.]]

The packaging too was a step beyond what other lines were doing. Every packaging back had a hefty [[bio]] of the character, penned by Marvel author [[Bob Budiansky]]. Most lines gave their toys only a cursory sentence or two about the toy's imaginary powers (if that, ''GoBots'' didn't), but the ''Transformers'' bios truly "humanized" the alien robots, giving each one a distinct personality complete with motto, on top of a much more full description of the imaginary powers that character possessed. Attached was the "[[Tech Spec]]s", numeric rankings of the character's stats. This information was (mostly) obscured and (sort of) unreadable without a red plastic "Tech Spec decoder" inside the boxed toys early on (though the red lens of a pair of 3D glasses would work too, and who didn't have at ''least'' one of those lying around in the 80s?), but eventually would move to easily-readable bars.

[[File:PackIn Reinforcements Inside.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Kids had a lot of these. The flyers, we mean, not the toys themselves.]]

While [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-away offers]] were an ''extremely'' common practice at the time, Hasbro smartly spruced this process up. Most every toy (and cereal) mail-away offer asked you to clip out the UPC bar-codes as "proof of purchase" when sending away, but ''Transformers'' instead asked for the "[[Robot Point]]s" clipped from the packaging back. Bigger toys had more Points, again adding to the idea that the larger toys were a step above the smaller ones. (The Points were, of course, actually worthless, since you also sent in a check for roughly what the toys would normally cost anyway.) While many other lines' mail-aways tended to be just toys that weren't out in stores yet, ''Transformers'' from the outset offered toys that they would ''never'' sell at normal retail, like the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. Talk about playground bragging rights!

While not ''directly'' part of the toyline, the way ''Transformers'' was advertised has ''got'' to be mentioned when talking about its success. [[Ronald Reagan|President Reagan]]'s recent deregulation policies allowed for the line between "advertisement" and "entertainment" on television to blur heavily, and toy companies were still exploring how to properly exploit this new "advertainment" method of pushing plastic to preteens. ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' was the first of these toyline-based cartoons, and it rocketed that toyline to success. And let's be honest here: that show was ''garbage'', but kids ate it up. Hasbro upped the ante with [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'' cartoon]], giving it a more serious story and higher-quality animation (both low hurdles compared to ''He-Man'' but let's not rag on that ''too'' much, they ''were'' testing the early limits of the medium)... and thanks to the fact that the characters were robots, more violence. You can't shoot a human with a laser-blaster, but a robot who could be rebuilt? Oh yeah!

The basic upshot... Hasbro simply marketed the line better in virtually every regard, and sold kids on the idea that these weren't ''just'' robot toys, they were characters... that these plastic doodads were, well, more than meets the eye.

{{note|Most of these tactics were also applied to Hasbro's other huge success story in the 1980's, ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]].'' Wide variety of price points, character writeups, "Flag Points" for unique mailaways, better cartoon... all there.}}

==Hasbro ''The Transformers'' US toyline==
===1984===
[[File:G1 1984 backofboxbattle.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

The first year of ''Transformers'' changed very little from the original Japanese ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Microman]]'' releases. The bulk of the changes were to the [[sticker]]s (mainly adding new [[insignia|faction symbols]], but also removing "Diaclone" texts and potentially-legally-contentious brandings) and some light [[retool]]ing, including the removal/weakening of springs inside the [[missile]] launchers [[for safety reasons]]. Most of the toys' base color schemes came from the original lines, with a few exceptions: [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]], [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation|Skywarp]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Toys|Buzzsaw]] were new decos created whole-cloth by Hasbro.

One particularly helpful bit of marketing for this year is the clean division of good-guy/bad-guy [[alternate mode]]s. The Heroic Autobots were the cars and trucks, and the Evil Decepticons were... everything else.

In contrast to the nigh-solid plastic toys of today, [[die-cast]] metal played a large role in these toys' construction. This was actually a ''cost-saving'' measure, a lingering effect from the petroleum price crises from the '70s made it a bit cheaper overall to make sizable chunks of toys out of metal instead of plastic! The larger cars (and some of the [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Cars]]) also featured rubber tires, and most every toy had ''some'' piece on them that was [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]].

Unfortunately, these materials issues mean that these toys rarely age well, especially given the rigors of playground life. Paint chips off metal, rubber dries out and splits, chrome fades and rubs off, and the combination of metal-and-plastic on hinged parts leads to easier breakage. Many of these toys have outright ''notorious'' damage issues, and loose undamaged toys are a bit hard to come by.

[[Articulation]] was also a tertiary-at-best concern in the overall design scheme. It was rare for a toy to have moving parts that weren't directly tied to its [[transformation]] sequence beyond a simple rotating shoulder/elbow joint. These toys being "[[brick (term)|brick]]s", mixed with the aforementioned degradation/breakage issues, have largely relegated them to being display pieces for older collectors.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Brawn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|"Bumper"]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cliffjumper]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Gears (G1)#Toys|Gears]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Huffer (G1)#Toys|Huffer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]] / [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Laserbeak]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rumble (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Rumble]] / [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ravage]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bluestreak]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hound (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hound]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ironhide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mirage (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Mirage]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Prowl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratchet]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Trailbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Wheeljack]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:G1-toy Sunstreaker.jpg|200px|thumb|Autobot Car Sunstreaker]][[File:G1Starscream toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Decepticon Jet Starscream]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Decepticon Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thundercracker]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Communications'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Soundwave]] (w/ [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Buzzsaw]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Megatron]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Kronoform]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Autoceptor#Toys|Autoceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Deceptor#Toys|Deceptor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kaltor#Toys|Kaltor]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

*"[[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]"
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powerdasher]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Drill Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Aragon#Toys|F-1 Type]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cromar#Toys|Jet Type]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Time Warrior (G1)#Toys|Time Warrior]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:Camshaft-G1toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Omnibot Camshaft]]
|}

===1985===
[[File:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|The 80s! When toy companies actively encouraged you to play with fire!]]

1984 was a roaring, out-of-the-gate success for ''Transformers'', so 1985's offerings upped the ante, both in numbers and in variety of form.

''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were mined for as many viable toys as possible. The remaining unused "Car Robot" models were brought over, as were several [[redeco]]/[[retool]]s of first-year Cars. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, six small-scale construction vehicles that could combine into the mighty super-robot [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], were a huge hit. Robotic beasts made a splash with the [[Dinobot (G1)#Toys|Dinobots]] and [[Insecticon (G1)#Toys|Insecticons]]. The two predecessor lines also had some in-development concepts that were pushed into ''Transformers'', and while some would not be ready until next year, Hasbro/Takara were able to get out a set of new Mini Vehicles, and new versions of the large jet mold with all-new wings and weapons.

But all this wasn't enough to meet expected demand, so Hasbro looked elsewhere for future Transformers. They struck a deal with [[Bandai]] for molds from a variety of Japanese toylines. As Bandai was (and is) a direct competitor to Takara, none of these toys were put into the cartoon, which was being ported to Japan. (There was a [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|whole big thing with Jetfire/Skyfire in the cartoon]], follow the link for more on that.) Other toys were also licensed from other companies, but didn't have the major-rival-baggage of Bandai's toys, so they could at least be in the show, if not in [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Takara's version of the toyline]].

All in all, 1985's output was roughly ''double'' that of 1984's. And with a new slew of imitators popping up, Hasbro pushed a new little bit of status-symbol into the line, giving every toy released in '85 —including the re-released '84 toys— a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]]. This brand was the mark of a "true" Transformer, and they even spent the money to make a [[commercial]] ''just to say so''. The rubsigns were also key to another bit of promotion, the mystery-allegiance [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]] that came with the Mini Vehicles this year as bonuses.

This year also marks the debut of ''Transformers'' internationally, being released in [[The Transformers (European toyline)|multiple European countries]], [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Japan]], [[IGA|Mexico]], [[Estrela|Brazil]], and [[Antex|Argentina]]... all with various changes from the US line, some minor, some... well, "major" might be an understatement for some.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Beachcomber (G1)#Toys|Beachcomber]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cosmos (G1)#Toys|Cosmos]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Powerglide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Seaspray (G1)#Toys|Seaspray]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Warpath (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Warpath]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]]''' (pack-ins)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|4WD Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Buggy Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|FX-1 Type}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Porsche Type}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)#Toys|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)#Toys|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)#Toys|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)#Toys|Mixmaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)#Toys|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)#Toys|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#Toys|Devastator]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 barrage toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Deluxe Insecticon Barrage]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Jumpstarter]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Topspin (G1)#Toys|Topspin]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Twin Twist#Toys|Twin Twist]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grapple (G1)#Toys|Grapple]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Inferno]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Red Alert]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Skids (G1)#Toys|Skids]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Smokescreen]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tracks (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Tracks]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Astrotrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#generation 1|Blitzwing]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slag (G1)#Toys|Slag]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#Toys|Snarl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swoop (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Swoop]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Insecticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Barrage (Insecticon)#Toys|Barrage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chop Shop (G1)#Toys|Chop Shop]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ransack (G1)#Toys|Ransack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Venom (G1)#Toys|Venom]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Roadbuster (G1)#Toys|Roadbuster]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Whirl (G1)#Toys|Whirl]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1 Blaster toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Blaster]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Dirge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Dirge]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ramjet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thrust (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Thrust]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Scientist'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Perceptor]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Communicator'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blaster]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Military Operations Commander'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Shockwave]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Air Guardian'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Jetfire]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot Motorized Defense Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Omega Supreme (G1)#Toys|Omega Supreme]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Tyco]] Licensed Playsets'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Electric Racing Set]] (W/ [[Natron]] & [[Freezon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Electric Train and Battle Set]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Others'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Tech Specometer Eleven]]}}
|
|}

{{-}}
[[File:G1-toy OptimusPepsi.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Pepsi mail-away Optimus Prime]]
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|Cookie Crisp [[Jazz (G1)/toys#CookieCrisp|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|[[Pepsi]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PepsiPrime|Optimus Prime]]}}
:* "[[Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!]]"
:* "[[Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?]]"
</ul>
{{--}}

===1986: "The Movie"===
[[File:Scramble city packaging mural.jpg|right|thumb|250px|That's a ''lot'' of explosions with no evidence of anything actually being exploded.]]

1986 presented a major change in the franchise on several levels. The first being that ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' were pretty much depleted of viable toys, so it was time for all-new toolings to get made.

The past lines still had a role to play in this, though. The Mini Vehicles were refreshed by taking the 1984 assortment and extensively [[retool]]ing them into all-new characters. Takara had been designing a different sort of [[combiner|combining robot team]] for ''Diaclone'', where the limb-bots were wholly interchangeable. These plans would come to life in ''Transformers'' as the "[[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]" style combiners (though that branding was only used in Takara's line; Hasbro called them the "[[Special Teams]]" in Europe, and... nothing special in the US). The combiners were actually advertised in the 1985 season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]] in a bit of bleed-over as Hasbro prepared for the ''really'' big change... ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

This media event ''really'' shook things (and kids) up. The older cast of not-shipping-any-more-1984-toys was shuffled out, with many characters openly and brutally ''killed'' in the film, to make way for all-new toy-characters who would take the forefront, including new faction leaders. These bots were developed for animation first then had toys developed based around those designs, a ''very'' rare move at the time (and still uncommon today, mostly only the [[live-action film series]] works this way). These new designs were very Cybertronian/futuristic in design, as the Movie was set in the far-flung future of ''[[2005]] ooooooohhhhh''. This more sci-fi look would stick with the line for a little while.

Another subtle but important change was that the two factions began to share [[subgroup]]s, with the Autobots gaining their own [[Mini-Cassette]]s and [[Triple Changer]]s, plus both sides had "Scramble City" style combiners. These groups shipped in mixed-allegiance assortments, which would become more and more common going forward.

This was also the year [[die-cast|die-cast metal]] started being phased out of the toys' construction. With petroleum prices lowering, plastics became the less-expensive alternative. Many of this year's toys shipped initially with painted die-cast bits, but were later replaced with plastic-parts [[variant]]s.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Vehicles]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hubcap (G1)#Toys|Hubcap]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Outback (G1)#Toys|Outback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pipes (G1)#Toys|Pipes]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (G1)#Toys|Swerve]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tailgate (G1)#Toys|Tailgate]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheelie (G1)#Toys|Wheelie]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ramhorn (G1)#Toys|Ramhorn]] / [[Eject (G1)#Toys|Eject]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ratbat]] / [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Frenzy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rewind (G1)#Toys|Rewind]] / [[Steeljaw (G1)#Toys|Steeljaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (G1)#Toys|Air Raid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (G1)#Toys|Fireflight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Toys|Skydive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slingshot (G1)#Toys|Slingshot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (G1)#Toys|Superion]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (G1)#Toys|Breakdown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (G1)#Toys|Dead End]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Drag Strip (G1)#Toys|Drag Strip]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Motormaster (G1)#Toys|Motormaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildrider (G1)#Toys|Wildrider]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Menasor (G1)#Toys|Menasor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1menasor toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Menasor, the Stunticon combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blades (G1)#Toys|Blades]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[First Aid (G1)#Toys|First Aid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groove (G1)#Toys|Groove]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Spot (G1)#Toys|Hot Spot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Streetwise (G1)#Toys|Streetwise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Defensor (G1)#Toys|Defensor]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)#Toys|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)#Toys|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)#Toys|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)#Toys|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)#Toys|Vortex]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Battlecharger]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Runabout (G1)#Toys|Runabout]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Runamuck (G1)#Toys|Runamuck]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Broadside (G1)#Toys|Broadside]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octane#Toys|Octane]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sandstorm (G1)#Toys|Sandstorm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Springer (G1)/toys#generation 1|Springer]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Blurr]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hot Rod]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Kup]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Heroes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#G1RodimusPrime|Rodimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Toys|Wreck-Gar]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)#Toys|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)#Toys|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)#Toys|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)#Toys|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tantrum (G1)#Toys|Tantrum]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Gnaw (G1)#Toys|Gnaw]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1toy hot rod.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Autobot Car Hot Rod]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Planes'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cyclonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scourge]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City Commander]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Galvatron]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Motorized Autobot Space Shuttle'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[City-bot|Cities]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] (w/ [[Six-Gun#Toys|Six-Gun]], [[Slammer#Toys|Slammer]], and [[Scamper#Toys|Scamper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Trypticon (G1)#Toys|Trypticon]] (w/ [[Brunt (G1)#Toys|Brunt]] & [[Full-Tilt#Toys|Full-Tilt]])}}
</ul>
|}

{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
[[File:G1 Reflector toy.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Reflector]]

:*"[[The Autobots Have a Special Mission for:]]"
<ul class="itemlist">
::{{Bp-d1|[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] ([[Spectro]], [[Spyglass]], [[Viewfinder]])}}
</ul>
:*"[[You Have Been Chosen.]]"
:*"[[Decipher the Decepticon]]" contest
:*"[[Prizes in Disguise]]" contest
{{--}}

===1987: Headmasters and Targetmasters===
This year was almost completely dominated by "sci-fi" vehicle modes, following up on ''The Movie'' styling. On top of that, extra [[gimmick]]s beyond transformation began to play into the subgroups, with the [[Throttlebot]]s' [[pull-back motor]]s and the [[Sparking gimmick|spark-firing]] [[Monsterbot]]s.

More importantly, this was the first year Hasbro would push a primary over-arching [[gimmick]] as a large percentage of the line: the [[Nebulan]] "Master" partners. Where previous years tended to be a bit scattered with its transformation types, the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s presented a more unified theme across both factions and multiple price-points. This culminated in the mighty [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], a towering two-foot-tall Headmaster city-bot, with a hefty $100 price-tag (in 1987 dollars, which is about the same as a $200 Transformer today). For sheer size and mass, "Fort Max" remained the largest Transformer produced for over 25 years... and something of a "bragging rights" move on Hasbro's part, showing that they ''could'' demand that kind of shelf space from retailers. (They did the same thing with ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and the massive "[[USS Flagg]]" playset.)

However, this high point also marked the start of the franchise's waning. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] was ended with a truncated [[The Rebirth|three-part special]], with reruns continuing on in syndication. Mail-away offers were also slowing down, with no new product available from this year on, only older items no longer in stores. Smaller figures were packaged with small soft-rubber [[Decoy]]s of older characters as an extra incentive, but they weren't a [[Mini-spy|fully transformable mini-Transformer]].

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Throttlebot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Chase (G1)#Toys|Chase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Freeway (G1)#Toys|Freeway]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Goldbug]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollbar (G1)#Toys|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Searchlight (G1)#Toys|Searchlight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wideload (G1)#Toys|Wideload]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Afterburner (G1)#Toys|Afterburner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)#Toys|Lightspeed]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nosecone (G1)#Toys|Nosecone]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scattershot (G1)#Toys|Scattershot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Strafe (G1)#Toys|Strafe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Computron (G1)#Toys|Computron]] (giftset)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blot (G1)#Toys|Blot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cutthroat (G1)#Toys|Cutthroat]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)#Toys|Hun-Gurrr]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rippersnapper (G1)#Toys|Rippersnapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sinnertwin (G1)#Toys|Sinnertwin]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugfest (G1)#Toys|Slugfest]] / [[Overkill (G1)#Toys|Overkill]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Technobots-specialteams.jpg|200px|thumb|Computron, the Technobot combiner]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Duocon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Battletrap#Toys|Battletrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flywheels#Toys|Flywheels]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fastlane#Toys|Fastlane]] / [[Cloudraker (G1)#Toys|Cloudraker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Pounce#Toys|Pounce]] / [[Wingspan#Toys|Wingspan]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[:Category:Spies|Double Spy]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Punch (G1)#Toys|Punch-Counterpunch]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Monsterbot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Doublecross#Toys|Doublecross]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grotusque#Toys|Grotusque]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Repugnus (G1)#Toys|Repugnus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Brainstorm (G1)#Toys|Brainstorm]] (w/ [[Arcana#Toys|Arcana]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chromedome (G1)#Toys|Chromedome]] (w/ [[Stylor#Toys|Stylor]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hardhead (G1)#Toys|Hardhead]] (w/ [[Duros#Toys|Duros]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Highbrow (G1)#Toys|Highbrow]] (w/ [[Gort#Toys|Gort]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mindwipe (G1)#Toys|Mindwipe]] (w/ [[Vorath#Toys|Vorath]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullcruncher (G1)#Toys|Skullcruncher]] (w/ [[Grax#Toys|Grax]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Weirdwolf (G1)#Toys|Weirdwolf]] (w/ [[Monzo#Toys|Monzo]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[Horrorcon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Apeface#Toys|Apeface]] (w/ [[Spasma#Toys|Spasma]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snapdragon (G1)#Toys|Snapdragon]] (w/ [[Krunk#Toys|Krunk]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Blurr (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Blurr]] (w/ [[Haywire#Toys|Haywire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Crosshairs (G1)#Toys|Crosshairs]] (w/ [[Pinpointer (G1)#Toys|Pinpointer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Cyclonus]] (w/ [[Nightstick (G1)#Toys|Nightstick]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]] (w/ [[Firebolt (G1)#Toys|Firebolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kup (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Kup]] (w/ [[Recoil (G1)#Toys|Recoil]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Misfire (G1)#Toys|Misfire]] (w/ [[Aimless (G1)#Toys|Aimless]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Pointblank#Toys|Pointblank]] (w/ [[Peacemaker#Toys|Peacemaker]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scourge (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Scourge]] (w/ [[Fracas#Toys|Fracas]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slugslinger (G1)#Toys|Slugslinger]] (w/ [[Caliburst (G1)#Toys|Caliburst]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sureshot (G1)#Toys|Sureshot]] (w/ [[Spoilsport#Toys|Spoilsport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Triggerhappy (G1)#Toys|Triggerhappy]] (w/ [[Blowpipe (G1)#Toys|Blowpipe]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy Brainstorm.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Headmaster Brainstorm (with Arcana)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Sixshot#Toys|Sixshot]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Headmaster [[City-bot|Base]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Fortress Maximus]] (w/ [[Cerebros (G1)#Toys|Cerebros]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Toys|Spike]], [[Cog (G1)#Toys|Cog]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scorponok (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Scorponok]] (w/ [[Zarak (G1)#Toys|Zarak]] & [[Fasttrack (Scorponok)#Toys|Fasttrack]])}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>
:* "[[Start Your Own Decoy Collection]]" ([[Decoy]]s packed in with carded figures)
:* "[[Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.]]"

===1988: Powermasters and Pretenders===
After four years and slowly-declining sales, the push to make ''Transformers'' live up to its new tagline ("More... Much More Than Meets the Eye!") was in full effect. Even toys in old subgroups gained new gimmicks: the new [[Mini-Cassette]]s were combiners, the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]] combiner team's limb-bots each had a cannon mode the super-robot could use as a handgun, and the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] each had ''two'' [[Nebulan]]s who could also combine into a super-gun.

The big noise this year was the [[Pretender]]s, Transformers that wear outer shells in the guise of armored warriors, monsters, and more, effectively giving you two warriors in one purchase. However, the line didn't exactly excite kids, as most of the inner robots' vehicle modes could be generously described as "vague at best" due to the necessity of fitting inside their shells. And while the shells' minimal articulation (having only stiff shoulder swivels) would be fine for much younger children, the inner robots and number of small parts definitely put them outside of that age group.

The other big move was the return of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] as one of the [[Powermaster]]s, robots whose Nebulan partners unlocked the vehicle-to-robot conversion as engine-shaped "keys". Though the previous year saw [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Bumblebee return as "Goldbug"]], this large-scale toy of a returning character heralded a shift in Hasbro's strategy, which would get even stronger next year.

However, the decline that begun the year prior was made worse by a sudden splash in the action figure world: the arrival of the ''{{w|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles}}''. Kids flocked to this strange new line and its weird new cartoon, leaving ''Transformers''... sorry, there's no helping this... shell-shocked.

Sorry.

<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grand Slam (G1)#Toys|Grand Slam]] / [[Raindance#Toys|Raindance]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squawktalk (G1)#Toys|Squawktalk]] / [[Beastbox (G1)#Toys|Beastbox]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Sparkabot]]s / [[Firecon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cindersaur (G1)#Toys|Cindersaur]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fizzle#Toys|Fizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flamefeather (G1)#Toys|Flamefeather]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Guzzle (G1)#Toys|Guzzle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sizzle (G1)#Toys|Sizzle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sparkstalker#Toys|Sparkstalker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triggerbot]]s / [[Triggercon]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Backstreet (G1)#Toys|Backstreet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Crankcase (G1)#Toys|Crankcase]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dogfight (G1)#Toys|Dogfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Override (G1)#Toys|Override]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruckus (G1)#Toys|Ruckus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Windsweeper#Toys|Windsweeper]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Nautilator#Toys|Nautilator]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overbite (G1)#Toys|Overbite]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seawing (G1)#Toys|Seawing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skalor#Toys|Skalor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snaptrap (G1)#Toys|Snaptrap]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tentakil (G1)#Toys|Tentakil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Piranacon (G1)#Toys|Piranacon]] (giftset)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" |[[File:G1-toy Sparkstalker.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Firecon Sparkstalker]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Landfill (G1)#Toys|Landfill]] (w/ [[Flintlock#Toys|Flintlock]] & [[Silencer (G1)#Toys|Silencer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Needlenose (G1)#Toys|Needlenose]] (w/ [[Sunbeam (G1)#Toys|Sunbeam]] & [[Zigzag#Toys|Zigzag]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quake (G1)#Toys|Quake]] (w/ [[Tiptop#Toys|Tiptop]] & [[Heater#Toys|Heater]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickmix (G1)#Toys|Quickmix]] (w/ [[Boomer#Toys|Boomer]] & [[Ricochet (G1)#Toys|Ricochet]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scoop (G1)#Toys|Scoop]] (w/ [[Holepunch (G1)#Toys|Holepunch]] & [[Tracer (Targetmaster)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Spinister (G1)#Toys|Spinister]] (w/ [[Hairsplitter#Toys|Hairsplitter]] & [[Singe#Toys|Singe]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Fangry (G1)#Toys|Fangry]] (w/ [[Brisko#Toys|Brisko]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Horri-Bull#Toys|Horri-Bull]] (w/ [[Kreb#Toys|Kreb]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hosehead (G1)#Toys|Hosehead]] (w/ [[Lug (G1)#Toys|Lug]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightbeat (G1)#Toys|Nightbeat]] (w/ [[Muzzle#Toys|Muzzle]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Siren (G1)#Toys|Siren]] (w/ [[Quig#Toys|Quig]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squeezeplay (G1)#Toys|Squeezeplay]] (w/ [[Lokos#Toys|Lokos]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Powermaster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Darkwing (G1)#Toys|Darkwing]] (w/ [[Throttle (G1)#Toys|Throttle]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwind (G1)#Toys|Dreadwind]] (w/ [[Hi-Test (G1)#Toys|Hi-Test]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Doubledealer#Toys|Doubledealer]] (w/ [[Knok#Toys|Knok]] & [[Skar (Decepticon)#Toys|Skar]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Getaway#Toys|Getaway]] (w/ [[Rev#Toys|Rev]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Joyride (G1)#Toys|Joyride]] (w/ [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slapdash (G1)#Toys|Slapdash]] (w/ [[Lube#Toys|Lube]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Powermaster Autobot Leader'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Optimus Prime]] (w/ [[Hi-Q#Toys|Hi-Q]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Powermaster Optimus Prime]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s Wave 1'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bomb-Burst (G1)#Toys|Bomb-Burst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Cloudburst#Toys|Cloudburst]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Landmine (G1)#Toys|Landmine]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skullgrin#Toys|Skullgrin]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Submarauder (G1)#Toys|Submarauder]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Waverider#Toys|Waverider]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Pretenders Wave 2'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bugly (G1)#Toys|Bugly]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Finback#Toys|Finback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundbreaker#Toys|Groundbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Iguanus (G1)#Toys|Iguanus]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky High (Pretender)#Toys|Sky High]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Splashdown#Toys|Splashdown]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Beast]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Carnivac (G1)#Toys|Carnivac]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Catilla (G1)#Toys|Catilla]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Chainclaw (G1)#Toys|Chainclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Snarler#Toys|Snarler]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Gunrunner (G1)#Toys|Gunrunner]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadgrabber#Toys|Roadgrabber]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:G1Bomb-Burst toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Pretender Bomb-Burst]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Autobot [[Six Changer]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Quickswitch#Toys|Quickswitch]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Mail-aways and promos'''</big>

:*"[[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]]"

===1989: Pretenders and Micromasters===
Facing stiff competition, Hasbro attempted to unify and re-brand ''Transformers'' with a new focus and a new look.

First, they eliminated the miscellaneous subgroups of the past, rolling ''everything'' under two over-arching gimmicks: expansions of the [[Pretender]] concept, and the new 1-inch-tall [[Micromaster]]s, the latter being a response to the steadily-growing popularity of then-competitor [[Galoob]]'s ''Micro Machines'' micro-play vehicle line. Kids would buy packs of four Micromasters together, or would get a single Micromaster with a transforming vehicle or playset, with the larger vehicles themselves transforming into base-mode playsets that could interconnect with included ramps (again a response to ''Micro Machines''<nowiki>'</nowiki> heavy use of playsets).

The nostalgia-grab got larger, with new toys based on some of the most popular characters from the early years, now back as "[[Classic Pretender]]s". This year even saw the first store-[[exclusive]] Transformers, as those same four bots were sold without their Pretender shells as "[[Legends (G1)|Legends]]", available only at [[Kmart]] (which wasn't the decrepit shell of a retailer it is now).

On top of this, the packaging changed ''dramatically'', with a new look and logo design. Cardbacks were no longer distinguished between Autobot/Decepticon, but between the gold-carded Pretenders and the silver-carded Micromasters. The on-package [[Tech Spec]]s changed to an easier-to-read bar graph. (The first three Micromaster Patrols and the Legends ''did'' ship on old-style cards, but later Patrols were all on silver cards.) Hasbro hoped that this would prove stronger from a marketing standpoint than the Autobot/Decepticon distinction from previous years, plus look new and fresh, rather than just another iteration of a now-six-year-old toyline.

You can kind of guess how well that worked.

{{-}}
<big>'''General retail'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender Monster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Birdbrain#Toys|Birdbrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bristleback#Toys|Bristleback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Icepick (G1)#Toys|Icepick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scowl (G1)#Toys|Scowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slog (G1)#Toys|Slog]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wildfly#Toys|Wildfly]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bludgeon (G1)#Toys|Bludgeon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Doubleheader#Toys|Doubleheader]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longtooth#Toys|Longtooth]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octopunch (G1)#Toys|Octopunch]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pincher (G1)#Toys|Pincher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Stranglehold#Toys|Stranglehold]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Classic Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Pretender|Grimlock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Pretender|Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#Pretender|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mega Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Crossblades (G1)#Toys|Crossblades]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunderwing (G1)#Toys|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Vroom (G1)#Toys|Vroom]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top|[[File:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|200px|thumb|Mega Pretender Thunderwing]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Roadblock (G1)#Toys|Roadblock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyhammer (G1)#Toys|Skyhammer]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Air Strike Patrol#Toys|Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)#Toys|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)#Toys|Storm Cloud]], [[Tailwind (G1)#Toys|Tailwind]], [[Whisper (G1)#Toys|Whisper]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Battle Patrol#Toys|Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot#Toys|Big Shot]], [[Flak (G1)#Toys|Flak]], [[Sidetrack (G1)#Toys|Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner (G1)#Toys|Sunrunner]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Off Road Patrol#Toys|Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)#Toys|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger (G1)#Toys|Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain#Toys|Powertrain]], [[Tote#Toys|Tote]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Race Car Patrol#Toys|Race Car Patrol]] ([[Free Wheeler#Toys|Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)#Toys|Roadhandler]], [[Swindler#Toys|Swindler]], [[Tailspin#Toys|Tailspin]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rescue Patrol (G1)#Toys|Rescue Patrol]] ([[Fixit (G1)#Toys|Fixit]], [[Red Hot#Toys|Red Hot]], [[Seawatch#Toys|Seawatch]], [[Stakeout (G1)#Toys|Stakeout]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sports Car Patrol#Toys|Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Blackjack#Toys|Blackjack]], [[Detour (G1)#Toys|Detour]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)#Toys|Hyperdrive]], [[Road Hugger (G1)#Toys|Road Hugger]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Erector (G1)#Toys|Erector]] (w/ [[Crane]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Flattop (Decepticon)#Toys|Flattop]] (w/ [[Platonix|Aircraft carrier]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overload (G1)#Toys|Overload]] (w/ [[Car carrier trailer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roughstuff#Toys|Roughstuff]] (w/ [[Military transport]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|200px|thumb|]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Stations'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Airwave (G1)#Toys|Airwave]] (w/ [[Airport]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Greasepit (G1)#Toys|Greasepit]] (w/ [[Gas station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot House#Toys|Hot House]] (w/ [[Fire station]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironworks#Toys|Ironworks]] (w/ [[Construction station]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Bases'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundshaker#Toys|Groundshaker]] (w/ [[ATV]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skyhopper#Toys|Skyhopper]] (w/ [[Helicopter]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Jet Command Center'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Skystalker (G1)#Toys|Skystalker]] (w/ [[Thunder Arrow#Toys|Interstellar shuttle]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Rocket Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Countdown (G1)#Toys|Countdown]] (w/ [[Rocket Base#Toys|Rocket base]])}}
|}
{{-}}
<big>'''Exclusives'''</big>
:'''[[Kmart]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-a1|[[Legends (G1)|Legends]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Bumblebee]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Grimlock]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|Legends [[Jazz (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Jazz]]}}
:{{Bp-d1|Legends [[Starscream (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Starscream]]}}
</ul>

===1990: Micromasters and Action Masters===
[[File:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|200px|thumb|Action Master Jazz, reintroducing a character from the line's early years.]]

By this time, ''Transformers'' was in serious trouble. ''Ninja Turtles'' was still dominating the toy aisle and TV ratings, and was even putting out a live-action movie that year. (Bet Hasbro wished they had a cartoon on the air ''then'', huh?) Home video games were getting even hotter and luring more kids away from toys altogether, especially with the release of the hugely-anticipated Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Hasbro tried to rally with something that was very rare for its time: a large-scale appeal to nostalgia. While Micromasters continued on, the rest of the series was taken up by [[Action Master]]s, non-transforming ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''-scale action figures of ''Transformers'' characters, with a half-and-half mix of "classic" characters and all-new bots. As with the Micromasters, the focus was mainly on the low-price items, with the carded individual Action Masters getting the largest amount of product. Larger offerings included vehicles that transformed into battle stations or "attack modes" for the Action Masters to pilot.

Unfortunately, it simply wasn't enough, and ''Transformers'' was canceled in the US. While the [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European version of the line]] would continue on with both new product and a glut of "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" re-releases, it would be two years before ''Transformers'' would come back to US toy shelves, as ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

<big>'''Retail releases'''</big>
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster]] Patrols'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Patrol#Toys|Air Patrol]] ([[Blaze Master#Toys|Blaze Master]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)#Toys|Eagle Eye]], [[Sky High (Micromaster)#Toys|Sky High]], [[Tread Bolt#Toys|Tread Bolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Construction Patrol#Toys|Construction Patrol]] ([[Crumble#Toys|Crumble]], [[Groundpounder (G1)#Toys|Groundpounder]], [[Neutro#Toys|Neutro]], [[Takedown#Toys|Takedown]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod Patrol#Toys|Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)#Toys|Big Daddy]], [[Greaser#Toys|Greaser]], [[Hubs#Toys|Hubs]], [[Trip-Up#Toys|Trip-Up]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Military Patrol#Toys|Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)#Toys|Bombshock]], [[Dropshot (G1)#Toys|Dropshot]], [[Growl (G1)#Toys|Growl]], [[Tracer (G1 Decepticon)#Toys|Tracer]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Monster Truck Patrol#Toys|Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Big Hauler#Toys|Big Hauler]], [[Heavy Tread#Toys|Heavy Tread]], [[Hydraulic#Toys|Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke#Toys|Slow Poke]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Race Track Patrol#Toys|Race Track Patrol]] ([[Barricade (G1)#Toys|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog#Toys|Ground Hog]], [[Motorhead (Decepticon)#Toys|Motorhead]], [[Roller Force#Toys|Roller Force]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner]] Squads'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Astro Squad#Toys|Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser#Toys|Phaser]], [[Blast Master#Toys|Blast Master]], [[Moonrock#Toys|Moonrock]], [[Missile Master#Toys|Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)#Toys|Barrage]] & [[Heave#Toys|Heave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Battle Squad#Toys|Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)#Toys|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)#Toys|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit (G1)#Toys|Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch (G1)#Toys|Power Punch]], [[Fireshot (G1)#Toys|Fireshot]] & [[Vanquish (G1)#Toys|Vanquish]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Constructor Squad#Toys|Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)#Toys|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)#Toys|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)#Toys|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)#Toys|Hammer]], [[Grit (G1)#Toys|Grit]] & [[Knockout (G1)#Toys|Knockout]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Metro Squad#Toys|Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze#Toys|Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner#Toys|Roadburner]], [[Oiler#Toys|Oiler]], [[Slide#Toys|Slide]], [[Power Run#Toys|Power Run]] & [[Strikedown#Toys|Strikedown]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy TankerTruck.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Micromaster Combiner Tanker Truck (with Pipeline & Gusher)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Micromaster Combiner Transport]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cannon Transport]] (w/ [[Terror-Tread#Toys|Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head#Toys|Cement-Head]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Missile Launcher]] (w/ [[Retro#Toys|Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)#Toys|Surge]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tanker Truck]] (w/ [[Pipeline#Toys|Pipeline]] & [[Gusher#Toys|Gusher]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Anti-Aircraft Base'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Anti-Aircraft Base]] w/ ([[Blackout (G1)#Toys|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot#Toys|Spaceshot]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Battlefield Headquarters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Battlefield Headquarters]] (w/ [[Full-Barrel#Toys|Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow#Toys|Overflow]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures I'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Grimlock]] with [[Anti-tank cannon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Jazz]] with [[Turbo Board]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rad (G1)#Toys|Rad]] with [[Lionizer (G1)#Toys|Lionizer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollout (G1)#Toys|Rollout]] with [[Glitch#Toys|Glitch]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Soundwave]] with [[Wingthing (G1)#Toys|Wingthing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Treadshot (G1)#Toys|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut#Toys|Catgut]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures II'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Bumblebee]] with [[Heli-pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Blaster (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Blaster]] with [[Flight Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)#ActionMaster|Devastator]] with [[Scorpulator#Toys|Scorpulator]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jackpot (G1)#Toys|Jackpot]] with [[Sights (G1)#Toys|Sights]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Krok (G1)#Toys|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider#Toys|Gatoradier]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mainframe (G1)#Toys|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button#Toys|Push-Button]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Action Master]] Figures III'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Banzai-Tron (G1)#Toys|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp#Toys|Razor-Sharp]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Inferno]] with [[Hydro-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kick-Off (G1)#Toys|Kick-Off]] with [[Turbo-Pack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Shockwave]] with [[Fistfight (G1)#Toys|Fistfight]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyfall (G1)#Toys|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy#Toys|Top-Heavy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#AM|Snarl]] with [[Tyrannitron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Action Blasters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Copter]] with [[Over-Run (G1)#Toys|Over-Run]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Off-Road Cycle]] with [[Axer (G1)#Toys|Axer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Cycle (G1)|Turbo Cycle]] with [[Prowl (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Turbo Jet]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:AMWheeljack.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Action Master Wheeljack with his Turbo Racer]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Cruiser]] with [[Sprocket (G1)#Toys|Sprocket]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Turbo Racer]] with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Wheeljack]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicles'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Stratotronic Jet]] with [[Gutcruncher (G1)#Toys|Gutcruncher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Neutro-Fusion Tank]] with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Megatron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Action Master Autobot Armored Convoy'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Armored Convoy]] with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#AM|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|}

==Hasbro (and others) ''Transformers'' European line==
:''Main article: [[The Transformers (European toyline)]]''

The history of the European-market releases of ''The Transformers'' is simultaneously complicated and kind of boring, as while various countries got different amounts of product, sometimes released by non-Hasbro partner companies (like [[Milton Bradley]] and [[GiG]]), the actual ''toys'' were largely identical to the US releases for the overwhelming majority of the line. There are certainly a number of notable early variants, such as the [[Tracks (G1)#Toys|red Tracks]], but their scarcity has relegated them to "only for the completist with ample funds" category.

[[File:G1-toy OmegaSpreem.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Action Master Elite Omega Supreme, a bot as hard to find as he is to focus on.]]

Things wouldn't really get significantly different until the 1990s. While the American toyline was shutting down, ''Transformers'' in Europe kept on chugging along.

[[1991]] was an odd hodge-podge of a line, starting with a short burst of exclusive [[Action Master]]s (including some that [[Action Master Elite|actually did transform!]]), then introducing several [[redeco]]ed previously-[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]-exclusive molds, mainly from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|''Victory'' toyline]]. Several of the toys released this year weren't given individual names, including the re-released [[Constructicon (G1)#|Constructicons]] (who had also lost the parts needed to combine into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], oddly enough).

Speaking of re-released old toys, 1990 saw the [[Classics (Europe)|''Classics'' subline]] debut, the return of numerous toys from the 1984 through 1987 lines (minus the specifically ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''-based toys). Several of these releases had minor changes from the originals, mainly the removal of [[rubsign]] indents. The line would continue through [[1991]], and a few extra pieces would see release only in [[Australia]].

[[File:G1Thunder clash toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Turbomaster Thunder Clash, the new Autobot leader of 1992.]]

In [[1992]], the line got much more cohesive, moving back to much more "traditional" Transformers, changing from pseudo-realistic vehicles to robots, with [[gimmick]]s that were by and large not super-obtrusive. The Autobots and Decepticons got some physical distinction in their designs in [[1992]]: the Autobots got hot-pink transparent plastic parts, primarily their [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optics]] and windows, while the Decepticons got a bright toxic clear-green transparent parts as well as less-human, more angular faces. Yes, hot pink and toxic green: the 90's was ''also'' the time that the color schemes for new toys overall got brighter and more reliant on pastels (and in some cases, [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|straight-up gloriously awful]]). In [[1993]], Hasbro changed the traditional [[insignia|faction symbols]] to the types used in the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' series, as the US line was changing over that year. The European line would follow suit in [[1993]], ending the original "Generation 1" series in European markets ''without'' the line being canceled, the only major market to ''not'' have a gap between Generations 1 and 2. Neat!
{{--}}

==Takara ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' line==
[[File:Japanese tf logo.jpg|right|250px|]]

:''Main article: [[Generation 1 (Japanese toylines)]]''

[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] took [[Hasbro]]'s lead and brought the new universe of living robots to Japan in [[1985]], where it was a massive success. Despite many/most of the toys having been available just a year or two prior, the new story and cartoon propelled ''Transformers'' sales far beyond those of the lines that the toys originally came from. ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' were quickly discarded in favor of the new hotness as kids ate up this new take on the giant robot genre, one that was a fresh change from the sheer amount of competing "piloted mecha" robot toylines/cartoons in existence.

The line started very parallel with Hasbro's offerings, but over time the two companies pursued some pretty different visions for the brand. Takara split the line up into different sub-[[franchise]]s by year, changing the name and theme, a long-running tradition in kids' media/toylines in Japan (which would eventually end up making its way Stateside). They would also create a variety of all-new molds unique to these lines, most of them highly sought-after by collectors. By the end of the series, Takara would go back to following Hasbro's lead for the bulk of the line, with new molds being relegated to a small handful of large pieces. ''Transformers'' finally ended in 1992, as Takara's concurrently-running (and TV-cartoon-backed) non-''Transformers'' "''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]''" giant robot lines gained more popularity.

''Transformers'' would not be back on Japanese toy shelves until [[1995]], when the short-lived ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)#Takara G-2 line|G-2]]'' toyline would hit.

==Mexican & South American ''Transformers''==
If you want strange variants of Generation 1 toys, then the short-lived toylines south of the border are the mother lode. But many of these items are not cheap on the secondary market due to their scarcity.

;Mexico
[[File:Prowl-Mexico.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Mexican Prowl, with extra black bits.]]
::''Main article: [[IGA]]''

:''Transformers'' was released by [[IGA]] in Mexico in 1985. For the most part, the toys are similar to their Hasbro counterparts, though with plenty of minor coloring and materials differences... which apparently includes ''lead paint''. Oops.

:The line did not do well, and 1986's releases were little more than [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and a handful of first-year [[Mini Vehicle]]s recolored roughly like their [[#1986|third-year retool]]s. The line was fully canceled shortly after.

: A number of these toys ended up in European markets years after the line was over, which is when that whole "lead paint" thing was discovered. Oops.

{{-}}
;Brazil
[[File:Camaro-Purple.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Malignus Camaro. Gorgeous. And expensive.]]
::''Main article: [[Estrela]]''

:Easily the most well-known of the Southern-Hemisphere ''Transformers'' releases, [[Estrela]]'s batch of six Mini-Vehicle molds were the bulk of the toys released by the company, put out in a variety of colors. Notably, the mysterious "[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|Bumper]]" mold was part of this assortment, under the name "[[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]]", complete with packaging art and a [[bio]], leading fans to wonder if this bio came from scrapped plans for the toy in the original [[Hasbro]] line.

:The line was filled out with redecoed [[Jumpstarter]]s called "Salt-Man" ("''salto''" meaning "jump" in Spanish and Portuguese), and non-Takara molds like the [[Eletrix]] and [[Bat-Robô]].

:Most coveted among the Estrela toys is the second round of Mini Vehicles, the "[[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] vs [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]]" series, which split the toys into brand-new good & evil (respectively) factions. These twelve toys —particularly the more radically-changed Malignus— are very expensive on the secondary market, easily earning triple-digit sums for even loose samples. Still-carded toys are exceptionally rare.

{{-}}
;Argentina

::''Main article: [[Antex]]''

: A bit of an odd case, it appears that Argentinean company [[Antex]] got its ''Transformers'' license from Estrela, rather than Hasbro, which is kind of dubious on the "did Estrela actually have the authority to do that" mark. Antex would then release its own batch of Mini Vehicle redecoes.

: In the early 2010's, a large number of on-card/boxed Antex toys hit the secondary market, apparently due to an old warehouse find. Many of these items were sold cheaper than ''domestic'' packaged original toys in the US... but still make a neat curiosity for a collector.

: One more odd Argentinean release is the [[Radio AM Robot]], an original mold by [[Comando Toys]]. Your guess is as good as ours.

;Peru

: Not a lot is properly known about these Mini Vehicle releases. In fact ''three'' different companies are tossed out as possible distributors for Peruvian ''Transformers'': Lynsa, Hude, and Basa. There are supposedly upwards of three dozen different mold/color combinations, but spotty information has kept the fandom from properly confirming this.

==Chinese ''The Transformers'' toyline==
:'' Main article: [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)]]''

Several factors kept ''The Transformers'' out of mainland China for years, including government-based resistance to the line's [[The Transformers (cartoon)|primary "advertainment" vehicle]]. But in August 1989, [[Hasbro International]] started cranking out classic ''Transformers'' at Chinese factories, which were shipped throughout China, as well as Taiwan and South Korea (with additional stickers applied to the packaging for those markets). The line ran through [[1995]] (!), ending with several previously-Japanese-exclusive ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|Victory]]'' toys.

For the most part, the toys are identical to their previous releases, only with slight changes to the manufacturing stamps, and the occasional minor deco alteration (primarily painted details on the [[Mini-Cassette]]s, and some [[rubsign]] changes). They came in the same packaging as their American (or European) counterparts, only with small stickers in the corner giving the characters' Chinese names. Japanese-original toys were altered slightly more, changing the ''Transformers'' logo to a Chinese-language version. The copyright and manufacturing information on the back of the packaging was also shortened to remove the no-longer-true statements "Made in Japan", "Made in Taiwan", etc., and omit references to [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. The manufacturing information was instead applied as a sticker in Chinese on the back of the box. By [[1994]], when the [[Power Master]]-era toys were released, "Made in China" was added to the box.

Despite running for nigh six years, the Chinese Generation 1 line released only about 100 toys all told.

This late entry into China actually goes a long way towards explaining the country's current ''Transformers'' mania, and its ever-increasing amount of toys made specifically for that market. Those who grew up with the line as kids were hitting adulthood just as the Chinese middle class was booming, which meant disposable income. And with the ''huge'' success of the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] spurring things on further right in the middle of that economic boon, China has since become a major part of the franchise's current global success.

{{note|It's quite likely that the Chinese line is also the source of the [[Classics (Europe)|European "Classics" reissues]] that were released in 1990. The toys share the same altered copyright and Chinese manufacturing stamps... plus some Classics toys have surfaced with Chinese name stickers on them.}}

:* ''[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/15 Chinese G1 Reissue ID Guide]''
:* ''[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/1743/37/ The Little Sticker in the Corner: The Truth about Early-1990's Chinese G1 Transformers Toys]''
:* ''[http://www.danwei.org/tv/fighting_transformer_fever.php Fighting "Transformer Fever"]''

==Post-''Transformers'' releases==
Hahahahahahahhahahah haaaaaa hahahahahhahahaha hahaahahaaaaaaaahahahaaaaa. Hoo. Hooooh boy.

Okay, but seriously.

Despite having set the stage for everything that would follow, and in sharp contrast to the nostalgia-sodden market of today, "Generation 1" actually took some time to get back into being a sizable portion of the "modern" toyline following the original's end. The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' revival failed to revive, and its ''vastly'' more successful replacement ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' was such a radical shift from everything before that going back to the '80s trappings was seen as risky. Thus the original series was mostly relegated to scattered [[homage]]s for the better part of a decade.

By the turn of the century (ugh), the older-nostalgic market was picking up strength. More children of the '80s were out of school and getting jobs and disposable income (yes, that kind of thing used to actually happen) and were looking to reclaim bits of their childhoods. And the market responded... timidly at first, as the markets do, but over time, more and more of the classic series was brought back in one form or another.

===Reissue lines===
Before the re-creation boom, there was the re-release boom. Many vintage toy molds were pulled out, refurbished and put back into service to let fans fill holes in their classic collections.

<big>'''Takara'''</big>
[[File:TF Collection 3 Skids.jpg|right|thumb|200px|''The Transformers Collection'' Skids]]
Takara was the first to get the reissue ball rolling, and generally took the lead in re-releasing classic "Generation 1" molds over the course of several years. Re-issues began sporadically at first in [[2000]], mainly major characters (particularly [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#2001reissue|Megatron]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#2000rerelease|Rodimus]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Reissue|Starscream]]) in recreations of the original packaging, with a few special editions. But it didn't take long for this to expand into larger, more organized lines:

*'''''[[The Transformers Collection]]''''' (2002)
: This series is also known as the "bookbox" series, as each toy came in a large box with a multi-page, full-color booklet attached to the inner front cover of the box, full of bio information, toy trivia, cartoon summaries and more. In some respects this series was a bit of an "ultimate G1" line, as a great many toys were modified from their original releases. Tooling issues were fixed for extra durability, [[sticker]]s were altered or even replaced with more durable factory-applied [[tampograph]]s, accessories were added that had either not been released in Japan (like [[Targetmaster (technology)#Toys|Targetmaster]] partners) or wholly-new items altogether.

: This series would be further filled out with all-new characters set in the classic universe, with [[redeco]]s of the mold reissues in new color schemes (often -but not always- replicating ''[[Diaclone]]'' variants the original ''Transformers'' line passed on) through outlets like [[e-HOBBY]].

*'''''[[Transformers Encore]]''''' (2007)

:Riding the surge of popularity that had been building (and exploding with the live-action film), ''Encore'' brought more "enhanced" classic toys out, though this time in more classic-style packaging. The line also put a much heavier focus on the larger pieces in the original line, including the likes of [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] and even [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]], as well as toys the original Japanese line had skipped, like [[Sky Lynx (G1)#Toys|Sky Lynx]].

{{-}}
<big>'''Hasbro'''</big>
[[File:CommemorativeSeriesIIIStock.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Commemorative Series'' Thundercracker, "Silverstreak" and Jazz. (''No, the real Silverstreak did not have the black hood/top.'')]]

Hasbro generally seemed less keen on remaking the past, focusing their efforts on new lines, but saw the value in trying to get the reissues into fans' hands... even if there had to be compromises [[for safety reasons]].

*'''''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Generation One Commemorative Series]]''''' (2002)

:Sold [[exclusive]]ly through [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] (though overstock would later filter into closeout outlets), the ''Commemorative Series'' mostly picked up what Takara was already putting out and swung them onto US and European shelves. This series proved less popular with fans, thanks to the changes that had to be done to make the functional spring-launched missiles pass safety standards, plus a rather high price tag (a ToysЯUs staple that's still in practice to this day!) that generally left net-savvy fans deciding to just import Takara's offerings for just a little bit more.

{{-}}

===New "Generation 1"-based lines===
If you think we're gonna list every individual new toy based on a Generation 1 character here, you're insane. And not the fun kind. Instead, enjoy this series of links to the ''numerous'' toylines that call back to the originals. Many of these lines are ''technically'' multi-franchise ensembles, but the majority of their output is of updated Generation 1 bots.

*'''''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]''''' (1997)
[[File:MachineWars Hoist toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Machine Wars'' Hoist]]

:A strange, slapdash and ''very'' short line released in the middle of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'', ''Machine Wars'' was sold [[exclusive]]ly at [[KB Toys]] stores. It's a mix of small toys originally developed for ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' and some larger [[retool]]ed [[the Transformers (European toyline)|European-market]] items from a few years prior, all mostly as old characters, and mostly in color schemes that don't match the characters they're supposed to be. On the other hand, this was the first chance many American fans had to acquire some of those larger foreign molds, and at KB's (in)famous pre-discounted prices to boot.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]''''' (2004)
[[File:RobotMastersStarscream toy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Robotmasters'' Starscream]]

: A short line in Japan during the middle of the "[[Unicron Trilogy]]" series, ''Robotmasters'' is set in the nebulous time between the second season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''... but with the intrusion of time-traveling characters from ''Beast Wars'' (and more). Sticking mainly to smaller items, the series is mostly recycled "Basic" figures and sub-Deluxe items, most as new characters. Many came with extra weapons too, most of which were recycled from a canceled ''[[Microman]]'' series.

: However, there were a series of all-new molds, based on the leader characters of the past. The brand-new [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Robotmasters|Starscream]] was easily the most popular, being a classic-designed toy with some actual posability, with a new smaller [[Optimus Primal/toys#Robotmasters|Optimus Primal]] being close behind.

: Though the new molds were highly sought after at the time, they'd become very obsolete in fairly short order...

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]''''' (2003) / '''''[[Transformers: Alternity| Alternity]]''''' (2009) / '''''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|GT: Mission GT-R]]''''' (2013)
[[File:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Two of the numerous Japanese variants of ''Alternators'' Smokescreen.]]

: The first focused Generation 1 "revival" series, ''Alternators'' was aimed ''squarely'' at the older collector. Every toy in the line (save one odd addition) is a Generation 1 character reimagined as a 1:24-scale recreation of a real, fully-licensed vehicle, complete with opening doors, an actual open driver/passenger compartment complete with dashboard, opening hoods/trunks and more. This led to many of these toys being ''very'' complicated to transform. The Japanese ''Binaltech'' line took the collector-aim even further by using copious amounts of painted [[die-cast]] metal for the vehicle shells. A line of ''very'' slow and staggered releases, it would continue on for several years in the US. Japan would keep the line alive even longer (and with a ''lot'' of variants), up through 2008, including a few small sub-lines like ''Binaltech Asterisk'' (which included [[human]] mini-figures to drive the vehicle modes) and the controversial ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)| Kiss Players]]''.

: Despite ''heavy'' interest early on from the older fandom, ''Alternators'' has basically been left behind in favor of the later "normal" Generation 1 remakes that would follow a few years later.

: TakaraTomy would take another crack at the style later with ''Alternity'', which is generally the same thing, only at 1:32 scale, putting the toys at roughly "Deluxe" size. Several years later it would dust off the ''Alternity'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternity|Convoy]] mold for ''GT: Mission GT-R'', a racing-themed mini-series which added "[[GT Sister]]" ''[[Microman]]'' figures to each toy.

{{-}}
*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]''''' (2003)
[[File:MP-10 toy photo.jpg|left|thumb|250px|MP-10 Convoy, the second ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold.]]

: A line that started as a one-shot, anniversary-celebratory deal, that slowly over time grew to become basically the "ultimate" collector's Generation 1 toyline. Takara has taken the lead here, putting out much of the product at general retail, where Hasbro picks and chooses molds to bring out as store [[exclusive]]s from time to time.

: Starting with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (of course), the line features larger-scale, very complex, highly-detailed, and (generally) [[show-accuracy|animation-accurate]] renditions of classic characters. Originally a slow-release line, in 2011 it moved to a smaller scale (with a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp10|redone Optimus]], of course), focused on filling out much of the 1984/1985 cast, and started putting out toys at a fairly regular clip, several a year. The line is still going today, and has expanded its scope, recently adding ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters to the roster.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Classics| Classics]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Bumblebeeclassicstoy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Classics'' Bumblebee]]

: Originally intended to just be a short gap-filler line between ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)| Cybertron]]'' and the upcoming [[Movie (toyline)|live-action film toyline]], ''Classics'' more or less set the gold standard for today's Generation 1-based toy: modern-tech recreations of classic characters in updated forms highly evocative of their original incarnations, in the "focused-around-deluxe-scale" play size.

: Hasbro originally had no plans to put out more than the original line in this format (leading to some kerfuffle when several "missing" classic characters ended up as [[BotCon 2007]] exclusives). But a combination of solid sales, heavy demand, and —most importantly— a gargantuan influx of income thanks to that whole [[Michael Bay]] movie deal meant that ''Classics''-style toys could continue on in successive lines (see below).

{{-}}
*'''''[[Titanium Series]]''''' (2006)
[[File:Jetfiretitaniumwarwithin.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Titanium Series'' Jetfire]]

: Originally a subline of Hasbro's ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' product line, ''Titanium Series'' put the focus on [[die-cast]] metal, split between 2-inch-tall non-transforming mini-figurines, and the transforming 6-inch "Cybertron Heroes". The latter were... let's politely say "not very well-received".

: These toys were developed completely in-house at Hasbro, with no Takara engineering, by a team who had never worked on ''Transformers'' to boot. The results often resulted in ill-proportioned messes with odd joint tolerances and questionable articulation that couldn't really handle the weight distribution. The toys based on designs from the popular "[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]" comics from then-licensee [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] generally fared better, and would garner some demand, particularly [[The Fallen/toys#Titanium Series|The Fallen]]. It's a real grab-bag of a line, both in character and quality.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations| Generations]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]''''' (2005)
[[File:Sunstreakeruniverse2008toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''Universe'' Sunstreaker]]

: After the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie]] made Hasbro and Takara approximately eleven bazillion dollars, they had the funds to put out more traditionally "risky" product like older-nostalgic-aimed toys. From this point on, they would devote a major portion of each year's product to making modern toys of Generation 1 characters.

: Hasbro's 2008 ''Universe'' line was the start, with everything from small [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] items to huge electronic Ultra Class toys. The line turned into ''Generations'', but the overall focus was more or less the same. ''Generations'' is still running as of this writing, with the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' and ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toylines.

: 2010's ''Transformers'' line was actually a movie-based "general" line. But the back end of the line had several toys in multiple price-points based directly on Generation 1 characters that seemed like they were right out of ''Generations'', confusing fans a bit.

: The ''Timelines'' series is also a multi-franchise ensemble line, but naturally the majority of the product is Generation-1-based. The reason we bring this up last was that this is not a retail series, being sold by Hasbro licensee [[Fun Publications]] via [[BotCon]]s and the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]. This series features a lot of toys based on more obscure characters and decos.

{{-}}
*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]''''' (2008) / '''''[[Transformers United|United]]''''' (2010) / '''''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]''''' (2011) / '''''[[Transformers: Generations#Generations in Japan|Generations]]''''' (2012) / '''''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]''''' (2014) / '''''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]''''' (2015)
[[File:Henkeitoy megatron.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Henkei! Henkei!'' Megatron, a redeco of ''Classics'' Megatron.]]

: Takara's string of Generation-1-based modern toys is a little more fragmented, changing names with regularity. Largely following Hasbro's lead, these toys are typically more extensively painted (owing to Japan's retailers not having the vise-like grip on item prices that major American retailers have), with a much heavier focus on [[show-accuracy|replicating animation decos]], even when the molds are not terribly suited for animation-based deco. One of the latest series, ''Legends'', is still running today, being mostly Takara's version of Hasbro's ''Generations'' line.

:Complicating things a bit more is ''Adventure'', Takara's version of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' line]]. That line was initially filled out with a large number of ''Generations'' molds, colored and named blatantly as Generation 1 characters... but as part of the "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]" universe. While we list these characters as the alternate-universe takes they're presented as, they are definitely worth mentioning here for fans who don't care about dividing by universe and just want a modern [[Override (Adventure)|Override]] that blends in perfectly with their modern Generation 1 collection.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The term "Generation 1" is a piece of ascended [[fandom|fan-terminology]]. When ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)| Generation 2]]'' hit, the early online fandom quickly took to calling its predecessor "Generation 1". It became such a ubiquitous term it made its way into official terminology pretty quickly.
* ''The Transformers'' isn't the first time ''[[Diaclone]]'' molds were sold in the US. In [[1983]], Takara released "''[[Diakron]]''" in the US, straight-importing six ''Diaclone'' molds in new packaging. It didn't do too well. These releases ''are'' interesting curiosities for the serious collector, though.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (toyline), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 toylines| Transformers (toyline)]]