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Kre-O

2014-07-16T19:21:41Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Micro-Changers */

{{Nav-kreo}}
[[Image:Kre-O-Bumblebeeandothers.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Car me now!]]

'''Kre-O''' is [[Hasbro]]'s second foray into the world of brick-based construction toy sets, several years after the ignoble effort that was ''[[Built to Rule]]''.

Unveiled at [[Toy Fair 2011]], ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' was the first Hasbro brand to be released as Kre-O construction brick kits. The kits (generally) center around a Transformers character that can be taken apart and reassembled into a vehicle. Mini-figures called [[Kreon]]s are also included in the larger kits, and these mini-figures are a mix of Transformers characters and human drivers (mostly nameless generics). Prices range from $7.99 to $59.99, plus individually-bagged Kreon figures at $2.99.

The line launched in the US on [[June 6]]th, [[2011]]. Since then, ''Kre-O'' has expanded into a [[multi-property brand]], with sets based on other Hasbro franchises including ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', ''Battleship'', and ''Dungeons & Dragons'', as well as the licensed properties ''[[Star Trek]]'' and ''Cityville Invasion''.

In 2013, [[TakaraTomy]] brought the line to Japan, primarily the second-year ''Transformers'' sets.

It's not that thing that begins with an L! But it sure works with that thing that begins with an L. L employees are asked to please not view this webpage.

==Building sets==
===2011===
The first series saw widespread brick-and-mortar distribution in the US. The main focus of the sets were large robot/vehicle builds with a ''lot'' of parts. Really a lot. Limbs were many times thick masses of panel-parts laid over each other, and many sets had extremely limited posability, with simple swivel elbows & knees. Robot builds took many elements from the then-current ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)| Dark of the Moon]]'' series, though the heads were mostly designed around the characters' [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] incarnations.

The robot Kreons? ''VERY'' G1-inspired.

*'''[[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]]'''
**''Set number'': '''31144'''

*'''[[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]]'''
**''Set number'': '''36421'''
**''Kreons'': Bumblebee, [[Red Alert (Kre-O)|Red Alert]], [[Driver (Kre-O)|Driver]]

*'''[[Jazz (Kre-O)|Autobot Jazz]]'''
**''Set number'': '''31146'''
**''Kreons'': Jazz, [[Race driver]]

*'''[[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]'''
**''Kit number'': '''30688'''
**''Kreons'': Megatron, [[Shockwave (Kre-O)|Shockwave]], [[Specialist]], [[Police officer]]

*'''[[Mirage (Kre-O)|Mirage]]'''
**''Set number'': '''31145'''
**''Kreons'': Mirage, [[Race driver]]

*'''Optimus Prime'''
**''Set number'': '''31143'''

*'''[[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]]'''
**''Set number'': '''30689'''
**''Kreons'': Optimus Prime, [[Skywarp (Kre-O)|Skywarp]], [[Bluestreak (Kre-O)|Bluestreak]], 2 [[Stunt Driver]]s

*'''[[Prowl (Kre-O)|Prowl]]'''
**''Set number'': '''30690'''
**''Kreons'': Prowl, [[SWAT Commander]]

*'''[[Ratchet (Kre-O)|Autobot Ratchet]]'''
**''Set number'': '''30662'''
**''Kreons'': Ratchet, [[Medic (Kre-O)|Medic]]

*'''[[Sentinel Prime (Kre-O)|Sentinel Prime]]'''
**''Set number'': '''30687'''
**''Kreons'': Sentinel Prime, [[Soundwave (Kre-O)|Soundwave]], [[Thundercracker (Kre-O)|Thundercracker]], [[Fire Chief (Kre-O)|Fire Chief]]

*'''[[Sideswipe (Kre-O)|Sideswipe]]'''
**''Set number'': '''31771'''
**''Kreons'': Sideswipe, [[Driver (Kre-O)|Driver]]

*'''[[Starscream (Kre-O)|Starscream]]'''
**''Set number'': '''30667'''
**''Kreons'': Starscream, [[Pilot (Kre-O)|Pilot]]

===2012 (''Quest for Energon'')===
The second-year ''Kre-O Transformers'' sets mark a definite change in style. Dubbed "Quest for Energon", each set contains several "energon" pieces; at least one [[Skeletron|clear-plastic Kreon torso]] (blue for Autobots, purple for Decepticons), and several clear-purple "[[Dark Energon]]" parts to assemble a giant "[[ultimate Dark Energon weapon]]". The robot/vehicle builds in this year's sets are generally smaller, simpler, and less reliant on the "massive stack of flat plates" construction style common in the first year, relying a lot more on large ball-and-socket-jointed bricks to build limbs and bodies around.

There was a heavier focus on the Kreons overall, with mini-playsets, mini-vehicles and a pair of [[army-building|army builder]] sets. The robot Kreons are more often based on their [[Aligned continuity family]] incarnations than Generation 1. Human Kreons had new arm-pieces with rounded-off shoulders, rather than the blocky shoulders of all first-year Kreons.

This series also suffered a distribution issue in the US. [[Walmart]] stopped carrying ''Kre-O'' after its first year (with one tiny exception), and only [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] appeared to carry the entire second-year assortment; the "Rotor Rage" and "Destruction Site Devastator" sets in particular didn't seem to show up at certain retailers.

Most of these sets were also made available in Japan as part of the initial ''Kre-O'' roll-out by [[TakaraTomy]].

*'''Battle for Energon'''
**''Set number'': '''98812'''
**''Kreons'': [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]], [[Security Officer]], [[Tank Driver]]
: Includes Optimus Prime and Megatron robot/vehicle builds and a mini "bank" playset.

*'''Cycle Chase'''
**''Set number'': '''36954'''
**''Kreons'': [[Barricade (Kre-O)|Barricade]], three [[Autobot Trooper]]s

*'''Decepticon Ambush'''
**''Set number'': '''38781'''
**''Kreons'': [[Cliffjumper (Kre-O)|Cliffjumper]], three [[Vehicon (Kre-O)|Vehicon]]s

*'''Destruction Site [[Devastator (Kre-O)|Devastator]]'''
**''Set number'': '''36914'''
**''Kreons'': Devastator, [[Ironhide (Kre-O)|Ironhide]], [[Foreman]], three [[Construction Worker]]s
: A "9 in 1" set that includes '''[[Scrapper (Kre-O)|Scrapper]]''', '''[[Drill Bit (Kre-O)|Drill Bit]]''', '''[[Scavenger (Kre-O)|Scavenger]]''' and '''[[Hightower (Kre-O)|Hightower]]''', who can be built into robots, vehicles, or combined to form Devastator. Includes a construction site mini-playset.

*'''Rotor Rage'''
**''Set number'': '''36959'''
**''Kreons'': [[Vortex (Kre-O)|Vortex]], [[Commando (Kre-O)|Commando]], [[ATV Driver]]
:Includes a large Vortex robot/helicopter build.

*'''Stealth [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]]'''
**''Set number'': '''98814'''
**''Kreons'': Bumblebee, two [[Security Guard]]s, [[Bulldog]], [[Biker]]
:Includes a large Bumblebee robot/car build and a security checkpoint playset.

*'''Street Showdown'''
**''Set number'': '''38771'''
**''Kreons'': [[Wheeljack (Kre-O)|Wheeljack]], [[Knock Out (Kre-O)|Knock Out]], two [[Driver (Kre-O)|Driver]]s
: Includes large Wheeljack and Knock Out robot/car builds.

===2013 (''Beast Hunters'')===
Bringing the series in-line with the then-current ''[[Beast Hunters]]'' branding of ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)| Prime]]'', this series was even ''more'' limited in its US distribution, seemingly available only at ToysЯUs and Meijer.

This time around, the human Kreons were based on specific ''Transformers'' human characters from prior series rather than the prior two years' nameless generics... much to the bafflement of the [[fandom]], who wanted them to be doing that from the get-go.

;Larger Sets
*'''[[Autobot Command Center]]'''
**''Set number'': '''A5412'''
**''Kreons'': [[Arcee (Kre-O)#CommandCenter|Arcee]], [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#CommandCenter|Bumblebee]], [[Ratchet (Kre-O)#CommandCenter|Ratchet]], [[Shockwave (Kre-O)#CommandCenter|Shockwave]], [[Knock Out (Kre-O)#CommandCenterHQ|Knock Out]] ("Mystery figure")
: A multi-part playset; command tower, repair bay, prison. Includes a buildable vehicle Optimus Prime and beast [[Rippersnapper (Kre-O Predacon)|Rippersnapper]].

*'''Battle Net Bumblebee'''
**''Set number'': '''A2202'''
**''Kreons'': [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]], [[Captain (Kre-O)|Captain]]
: Includes Bumblebee/jeep build and buildable [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] beast [[Stormrazor]]


*'''Beast Blade Optimus Prime'''
**''Set number'': '''A2203'''
**''Kreons'': [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#Beast Hunters|Optimus Prime]], [[Kicker (Kre-O)|Energon Kicker]]
: Includes a large Optimus robot/truck build and a buildable Predacon beast [[Lazerback (Kre-O)|Lazerback]].

*'''Ripclaw Strike'''
**''Set number'': '''A2201'''
**''Kreons'': [[Ripclaw (Kre-O)|Ripclaw]], [[Daniel Witwicky (Kre-O)|Col. Daniel Witwicky]]
:Includes a large Ripclaw robot/dragon build.

;Beast Force Figure packs
To date, these are the only larger build packs to include [[Micro-Changer]] Kreons.

*'''Dragon Assault'''
**''Set number'': '''A2234/A2205'''
**''Kreons'': [[Trailcutter (Kre-O)|Trailcutter]]
: Includes buildable [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] beast [[Grimwing (Kre-O)|Grimwing]].

*'''Mech Venom Strike'''
**''Set number'': '''A2235/A2205'''
**''Kreons'': [[Windcharger (Kre-O)|Windcharger]]
: Includes buildable [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] beast [[Corhada]].

===2014 (''Age of Extinction'')===
Tying in with that [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|big new movie in 2014]], The ''Kre-O'' sets this year are ''heavily'' based around building robo-dinos. Many sets also feature "Dino Force Technology", which are pieces that include magnets in them so claws and dino-maws can snatch up Kreons wearing ferrous-metal backpacks or helmets.

By this point, ''Kre-O'' in its entirety became a [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] [[exclusive]] toyline.

*'''Grimlock Unleashed'''
**''Set number'': '''A8600'''
**''Kreons'': [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]], [[Galvatron (Kre-O)|Galvatron]], [[Lockdown (Kre-O)|Lockdown]], [[Grimlock (Kre-O)|Grimlock]]
: Includes a large Grimlock T-rex build.

*'''Cell Block Breakout'''
**''Set number'': '''A6951'''
**''Kreons'': [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#CellBlock|Bumblebee]], [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#CellBlock|Evasion Mode Optimus Prime]], [[Vehicon (Kre-O)#AOE|Vehicon]]
: Includes buildable [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] beast [[Strafe (Kre-O Dinobot)|Strafe]].

*'''Dinobot Charge'''
**''Set number'': '''A6949'''
**''Kreons'': [[Drift (Kre-O)|Drift]], Vehicon
: Includes buildable [[Slug (Kre-O)|Dinobot triceratops]].

*'''Galvatron Factory Battle'''
**''Set number'': '''A6952'''
**''Kreons'': [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#FactoryBattle|Bumblebee]], [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#Factory Battle|Optimus Prime]], Vehicon, [[Dr. Littleman]], 2 KSI workers.
: Includes buildable [[Slash (Kre-O)|Dinobot raptor]] and [[Galvatron (Kre-O)#AOE|Galvatron]] super-robot.

*'''Grimlock Street Attack'''
**''Set number'': '''A6955'''
**''Kreons'': [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#Gold Knight|Gold Knight Optimus Prime]], Vehicon x2
: Includes buildable Dinobot beast [[Grimlock (Kre-O)|Grimlock]].

*'''Lockdown Air Raid'''
**''Set number'': '''A6956'''
**''Kreons'': [[Hound (Kre-O)|Hound]], [[Lockdown (Kre-O)|Lockdown]], [[Sideswipe (Kre-O)#AOE|Sideswipe]]
: Includes buildable [[Slash (Kre-O)|Dinobot raptor]].

*'''Optimus Prime Dino Hauler'''
**''Set number'': '''A7796'''
**''Kreons'': [[Ratchet (Kre-O)#DinoHauler|Ratchet]], Vehicon x2, human [[Autobot Driver]]
: Includes buildable [[Snarl (Kre-O)|Dinobot beast]].

*'''Scorn Street Chase'''
**''Set number'': '''A6950'''
**''Kreons'': [[Crosshairs (Kre-O)|Crosshairs]], Vehicon x2
: Includes buildable Dinobot beast [[Scorn (Kre-O)|Scorn]].

*'''Dinobot Ride'''
**''Set number'': '''???'''
**''Kreons'': Optimus Prime.
: Includes mini buildable Dinobot beast Grimlock.

*'''Silver Knight Autobots'''
**''Set number'': '''A8602'''
**''Kreons'': Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Crosshairs, Drift, Hound

*'''Stinger Replicator Chamber'''
**''Set number'': '''A8601'''
**''kreons'': [[Stinger (Kre-O)|Stinger]], Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, [[Nemesis Prime (Kre-O)|Nemesis Prime]], human scientist

*'''Elite Optimus Prime'''
**''Set number'': '''A8745'''
: Includes Optimus Prime super-robot.

==Micro-Changers==
Introduced in 2012, the [[Micro-Changer]]s sub-line adds a new element to Kreon figures; extra parts allow each figure to "transform" into a vehicle or beast (or whatever).

Thankfully, the Micro-Changer series did not suffer the limited-distribution fate of the ''Beast Hunters'' sets; after a rocky start, by 2013 the series was stocked regularly not just by ToysЯUs, but [[Target]] as well, plus many large drug store chains began carrying the individually-bagged figures.

===Blind-bagged figures===
This portion of the line features individual [[blindpacking|blind-packaged]] Kreons. Thankfully however, code numbers printed on each bag allow you to know which figure is inside... or at least avoid buying two of the same by accident.
{{anchor|BlindbagPreview}}
;Preview Series
[[File:KreO-toy KreonMCPreviewWave.jpg|right|300px|]]
:*''Assortment No.'': '''A2034'''
:*''Release date'': [[Calendar|August]] 2012
:This series differs a little from the later waves, and not just because of the smaller (all-badguy) cast. In an unusual backwards move, the [[tampograph]]s on these figures' chests use only a single color, typically black.

:This is also the only ''Kre-O Transformers'' product to be sold (briefly) at [[Walmart]] since the initial year.
{{collist|2|
:* [[Crankstart (Kre-O)|Crankstart]] (214510)
:* [[Galvatron (Kre-O)|Galvatron]] (214518)
:* [[Scorponok (Kre-O)|Scorponok]] (214511)
:* [[Spinister (Kre-O)|Spinister]] (214517)
:* [[Sunstorm (Kre-O)|Sunstorm]] (214519)
:* [[Waspinator (Kre-O)|Waspinator]] (214512)
}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BlindbagCol1}}
;Collection 1
[[File:KreO-toy KreonMCWave1.jpg|right|300px|]]
:*''Assortment No.'': '''A2200'''
:*''Hasbro release date'': [[Calendar|November]] 2012
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': November 2013
: For the first full series, the multi-colored tampographs made a glorious comeback. Also, a new display-stand brick was added to every figure, a black 2x4 piece with the "Kre-O" logo in white on one edge.
: Also changed is how the bag numbers work, with a 7-digit code. Only the final two numbers in the codes are indicators of what Kreon is in the bag, the first five are likely manufacturing plant codes or something and have no bearing on the contents, and can vary from case to case. For simplicity's sake, we've *****'d out the first five digits from here on out.
{{collist|2|
:* [[Airachnid (Kre-O)|Airachnid]] (*****_50)
:* [[Blast Off (Kre-O)|Blast Off]] (*****_47)
:* [[Bludgeon (Kre-O)|Decepticon Bludgeon]] (*****_51)
:* [[Dirge (Kre-O)|Dirge]] (*****_49)
:* [[Hook (Kre-O)|Decepticon Hook]] (*****_48)
:* [[Inferno (Kre-O)|Inferno]] (*****_41)
:* [[Insecticon (Kre-O)|Insecticon]] (*****_46)
:* [[Quickslinger (Kre-O)|Quickslinger]] (*****_44)
:* [[Rampage (Kre-O)|Decepticon Rampage]] (*****_45)
:* [[Singe (Kre-O)|Singe]] (*****_40)
:* [[Springer (Kre-O)|Autobot Springer]] (*****_42)
:* [[Warpath (Kre-O)|Warpath]] (*****_43)
}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BlindbagCol2}}
;Collection 2
:*''Assortment No.'': '''A2200'''
:*''Release date'': [[Calendar|May]] 2013
: This series replaced the flak jackets used to attach stuff to prior Micro Changers' torsos in prior waves (which most fans hated since it obscured the chest tampographs) with a new simple one-peg "backpack" piece. And there was much rejoicing. On top of that, at this stage the "vehicle" builds become a little more complex, using more parts to make them look more like tiny vehicles than just robots laying face-down with a thing or two on their backs.
{{collist|2|
:* [[Acid Wing]] (*****_70)
:* [[Arcee (Kre-O)|Arcee]] (*****_69)
:* [[Blight (Kre-O)|Blight]] (*****_68)
:* [[Bulkhead (Kre-O)|Bulkhead]] (*****_66)
:* [[Groove (Kre-O)|Autobot Groove]] (*****_77)
:* [[Hardshell (Kre-O)|Hardshell]] (*****_67)
:* [[Hoist (Kre-O)|Hoist]] (*****_76)
:* [[Lugnut (Kre-O)|Lugnut]] (*****_75)
:* [[Perceptor (Kre-O)|Perceptor]] (*****_74)
:* [[Powerglide (Kre-O)|Powerglide]] (*****_73)
:* [[Scourge (Kre-O)|Scourge]] (*****_72)
:* [[Vehicon (Kre-O)|Vehicon]] (*****_71)
}}
{{-}}{{anchor|BlindbagCol3}}
;Collection 3
[[File:KreO-Toy MicroChangersS3bag.jpg|right|300px|]]
:*''Assortment No.'': '''A2200'''
:*''Release date'': [[August]] 2013
:This series had...more fanwank, we guess? No particular innovations this time around.
{{collist|2|
:* [[Beachcomber (Kre-O)|Beachcomber]] (***** 60)
:* [[Cheetor (Kre-O)|Cheetor]] (***** 59)
:* [[Guzzle (Kre-O)|Guzzle]] (***** 57)
:* [[Huffer (Kre-O)|Huffer]] (***** 54)
:* [[Kickback (Kre-O)|Kickback]] (***** 55)
:* [[Long Haul (Kre-O)|Long Haul]] (***** 56)
:* [[Nemesis Prime (Kre-O)|Nemesis Prime]] (***** 52)
:* [[Nosecone (Kre-O)|Nosecone]] (***** 50)
:* [[Ramjet (Kre-O)|Ramjet]] (***** 53)
:* [[Seawing (Kre-O)|Seawing]] (***** 61)
:* [[Sharkticon (Kre-O)|Sharkticon]] (***** 58)
:* [[Thrust (Kre-O)|Thrust]] (***** 51)
}}
{{-}}{{anchor|BlindbagCol4}}
;Collection 4
[[File:KreO-Toy MicroChangersS4bag.jpg|right|300px|]]
:*''Assortment No.'': '''A2200'''
:*''Release date'': [[March]] 2014
: Sooo much fanwank. The last wave of Micro-Changers available at "normal" retail, though largely being distributed via the Walgreens drug store chain in the US. This is the only batch (so far) to have a significant [[variant]], as [[Cyclonus (Kre-O)|Cyclonus]] can come in either bag-back lavender or a much darker purple, depending on the batch. This is also the first wave to use "harness" pieces in colors other than the standard light gray.

: Unlike prior waves in which every figure came with individual [[instructions]], these Micro-Changers all come with the same large fold-out instruction for all of the models in the series, making the "feel parts through the bags" method very difficult (but you have the code numbers here, so why are you even doing that, huh?).
{{collist|2|
:* [[Alpha Trion (Kre-O)|Alpha Trion]] (***** 33)
:* [[Barrage (Kre-O)|Barrage]] (***** 34)
:* [[Brawn (Kre-O)|Brawn]] (***** 35)
:* [[Brake-Neck (Kre-O)|Brake-Neck]] (***** 44)
:* [[Cyclonus (Kre-O)|Cyclonus]] (***** 36)
:* [[Demolishor (Kre-O)|Demolishor]] (***** 37)
:* [[Iceberg (Kre-O)|Iceberg]] (***** 38)
:* [[Kup (Kre-O)|Autobot Kup]] (***** 39)
:* [[Rhinox (Kre-O)|Rhinox]] (***** 40)
:* [[Rodimus (Kre-O)|Rodimus]] (***** 41)
:* [[Sandstorm (Kre-O)|Sandstorm]] (***** 42)
:* [[Slipstrike]] (***** 43)
}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BlindbagAOE1}}
;''Age of Extinction'' Collection 1
[[Image:KreO-toy KreonMCWave5.jpg|right|300px]]
:*''Assortment No.'': '''A6947'''
:*''Release date'': [[May]] 2014
: In-tune with the [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]]-[[exclusive]] ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)| Age of Extinction]] Kre-O'' products, this wave features a number of classic characters plus two movie-inspired Dinobot original characters.

: This series goes back to having individual instructions for each figure.
{{collist|2|
:* [[Fangwolf]] (***** 46)
:* [[Highbrow (Kre-O)|Highbrow]] (***** 51)
:* [[Jarugar]] (***** 52)
:* [[Jetwash]] (***** 53)
:* [[Mindswipe]] (***** 49)
:* [[Misfire (Kre-O)|Misfire]] (***** 47)
:* [[Nightbeat (Kre-O)|Nightbeat]] (***** 50)
:* [[Silversnout]] (***** 56)
:* [[Skrapnel]] (***** 45)
:* [[Torosaur]] (***** 55)
:* [[Trypticon (Kre-O)|Trypticon]] (***** 48)
:* [[Wingspan Hawk]] (***** 54)
}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BlindbagAOE2}}
;''Age of Extinction'' Collection 2

:*''Release date'': ??? 2014
: The second wave of the ''Age of Extinction''-tied Micro-Changers, with a couple of unconventional builds, and two more new Dinobot characters.

{{collist|2|
:* [[Blackarachnia (Kre-O)|Decepticon Blackarachnia]]
:* [[Frostbite (Kre-O)|Frostbite]]
:* [[Fuselage]]
:* [[Gears (Kre-O)|Autobot Gears]]
:* [[Runamuck (Kre-O)|Decepticon Runamuck]]
:* [[Scattershot (Kre-O blindbag)|Scattershot]]
:* [[Seaspray (Kre-O)|Autobot Seaspray]]
:* [[Skalor (Kre-O)|Decepticon Skalor]]
:* [[Skimmer]]
:* [[Sunstreaker (Kre-O)|Sunstreaker]]
:* [[Trailcutter (Kre-O)|Trailbreaker]]
:* [[Wheelie (Kre-O)|Autobot Wheelie]]
}}
{{comingsoontoy}}

===Micro-Changers Combiners===
Four Kreons per pack combine into one larger robot. Each set also comes with a single red stand-block, and extra limb pieces. Just in case. As most of the original teams hese sets are based on have five to six members, the "lost" members are (usually) put into the blind-bagged series.
;Wave 1
[[File:KreO-toy KreonMCCombWave1.jpg|right|250px|]]
:*'''[[Bruticus (Kre-O)|Decepticon Bruticus]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A2225'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Brawl (Kre-O)|Brawl]], [[Onslaught (Kre-O)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (Kre-O)|Swindle]], [[Vortex (Kre-O)|Vortex]]
:*'''[[Devastator (Kre-O)|Constructicon Devastator]]
::*''Set number'': '''A2224'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Bonecrusher (Kre-O)|Bonecrusher]], [[Mixmaster (Kre-O)|Mixmaster]], [[Scavenger (Kre-O)|Scavenger]], [[Scrapper (Kre-O)|Scrapper]]
:*'''[[Predaking (Kre-O Decepticon)|Predaking]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A2227'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Divebomb (Kre-O)|Divebomb]], [[Headlock]], [[Razorclaw (Kre-O)|Razorclaw]], [[Torox]]
:*'''[[Superion (Kre-O)|Superion]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A2226'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Air Raid (Kre-O)|Air Raid]], [[Firestrike (Kre-O)|Firestrike]], [[Silverbolt (Kre-O)|Silverbolt]], [[Skydive (Kre-O)|Skydive]]
{{-}}
;Wave 2

:*'''[[Abominus (Kre-O)|Abominus]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A4473'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Hun-Gurrr (Kre-O)|Hun-Gurrr]], [[Rippersnapper (Kre-O)|Rippersnapper]], [[Sinnertwin (Kre-O)|Sinnertwin]], [[Windrazor (Kre-O)|Windrazor]]
:*'''[[Defensor (Kre-O)|Defensor]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A4474'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Blades (Kre-O)|Blades]], [[First Aid (Kre-O)|First Aid]], [[Hot Spot (Kre-O)|Hot Spot]], [[Streetsmart]]
:*'''[[Piranacon (Kre-O)|Decepticon Piranacon]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A4475'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Nautilator (Kre-O)|Nautilator]], [[Overbite (Kre-O)|Overbite]], [[Snaptrap (Kre-O)|Snaptrap]], [[Tentakil (Kre-O)|Tentakil]]
{{-}}
;Wave 3
:Sadly, this wave suffered from a similar fate as some of the latter sets, with a limited retail release- only popping up in discount chains months after the intended release date.
:*'''[[Computron (Kre-O)|Computron]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A7307'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Afterburst]], [[Lightstorm]], [[Scattershot (Kre-O Computron)|Scattershot]], [[Strafe (Kre-O Computron)|Strafe]]
:*'''[[Menasor (Kre-O)|Menasor]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A7308'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Breakdown (Kre-O)|Decepticon Breakdown]], [[Dead End (Kre-O)|Dead End]], [[Drag Strip (Kre-O)|Decepticon Drag Strip]], [[Motorbreath (Kre-O)|Motorbreath]]
{{-}}
;Wave 4
:Ready for something new? This wave, available only at [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] as part of the ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)| Age of Extinction]]''-branded product, consists entirely of new-character beast-bots, rather than re-creating classic combiner teams.
:*'''[[Grimstone (Kre-O)|Grimstone]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A7827'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Crackback]], [[Iquanox]], [[Ironeye]], [[Mollox]]
:*'''[[Lazerbolt]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A7830'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Bullhorn (Kre-O)|Bullhorn]], [[Floodgate]], [[Freezeout]], [[Roadhound]]
:*'''[[Obsidian (Kre-O Combiner)|Obsidian]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A7829'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Bullwark]], [[Freefall]], [[Hemocron]], [[Stronghorn]]
:*'''[[Volcanicon]]'''
::*''Set number'': '''A7828'''
::*''Kreons'': [[Farside]], [[Liftoff]], [[Lugmutt]], [[Power Surge (Kre-O)|Power Surge]]

==Kreon Ultimate Collection==
These sets, each containing five different Kreons, were released early in 2013. The Kreon figures had all been released earlier in larger Kre-o sets, and they only come with their own weapons. One of the five figures was marked on the packaging as the "mystery figure."

;Collection 1

:*''Release date'': [[Calendar|March]] 2013
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Sentinel Prime (Kre-O)|Sentinel Prime]]
*[[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]
*[[Soundwave (Kre-O)|Soundwave]]
*[[Starscream (Kre-O)|Starscream]] ("Mystery figure")
}}
**''Set number'': '''A4641'''

;Collection 2

:*''Release date'': [[Calendar|March]] 2013
{{collist|2|
*[[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Red Alert (Kre-O)|Red Alert]]
*[[Mirage (Kre-O)|Mirage]]
*[[Jazz (Kre-O)|Jazz]]
*[[Skywarp (Kre-O)|Skywarp]] ("Mystery figure")
}}
**''Set number'': '''A4642'''

==Custom Kreons==
First released at the back-end of 2013, these individually-carded Kreons include a huge number of extra body parts and accessories, many [[vacuum metallizing|chromed]] (thus resulting in some ''extremely'' tight fits) or translucent (which, when combined with the chromed parts, may end up with stress fractures). They also come with a customizable "rack" to store said extra parts. "Repeat" characters have all new, more extensive [[tampograph]]s across most of their (opaque) parts.

This series was intentionally produced in smaller numbers than the other series. So far it appears that once again [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] was the only US retailer to order them, though they were made available off of [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] as well.

[[File:KreO-toy CustomKreonIronhidePkg.jpg|right|300px|]]
;Collection 1
The Kreons in this wave are cast in ever-so-slightly sparkly plastics, giving them that little bit of extra sheen.
:*''Release date'': [[Calendar|October]] 2013
{{collist|2|
*[[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#Custom|Bumblebee]] (A6087)
*[[Ironhide (Kre-O)#Custom|Ironhide]] (A6086)
*[[Megatron (Kre-O)#Custom|Megatron]] (A6088)
*[[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#Custom|Optimus Prime]] (A6085)
*[[Soundwave (Kre-O)#Custom|Soundwave]] (A6090)
*[[Starscream (Kre-O)#Custom|Starscream]] (A6089)
}}
;Collection 2
Though revealed online and at [[Toy Fair 2014]], so far no word as to the fate of this wave.
:*''Release date'': ??? 2014
{{Collist|2|
*[[Cliffjumper (Kre-O)#Custom|Cliffjumper]] (A7314)
*[[Dreadwing (Kre-O)|Dreadwing]] (A7315)
*[[Galvatron (Kre-O)#Custom|Galvatron]] (A7316)
*[[Hound (Kre-O)|Hound]] (A7317)
*[[Jazz (Kre-O)#Custom|Jazz]] (A7318)
*[[Predaking (Kre-O Predacon)|Predaking]] (A7319)
}}
{{comingsoontoy}}

[[File:KreO-toy CustomKreonGalvatronPkg.jpg|right|300px|]]
;''Age of Extinction'' Collection 1
This assortment, using the new unified packaging style introduced in mid-2014, is entirely movie-based, showcasing characters from ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)| Age of Extinction]]''. Unlike prior waves, the opaque plastics here are non-sparkly. Awww.
:*''Release date'': [[May]] 2014
{{collist|2|
*[[Drift (Kre-O)#Custom|Autobot Drift]]
*[[Lockdown (Kre-O)#Custom|Lockdown]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#CustomAOE|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Ratchet (Kre-O)#Custom|Autobot Ratchet]]
}}

;''Age of Extinction'' Collection 2
Another movie-based round.
:*''Release date'': ??? 2014
{{collist|2|
*[[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#CustomAOE|Bumblebee]]
*[[Crosshairs (Kre-O)#Custom|Crosshairs]]
*[[Galvatron (Kre-O)#CustomAOE|Galvatron]]
*[[Hound (Kre-O)#CustomAOE|Hound]]
}}
{{comingsoontoy}}

;''Age of Extinction'' Collection 3
A wave including the ''Age of Extinction'' Dinobots.
:*''Release date'': ??? 2014
{{collist|2|
*[[Grimlock (Kre-O)#CustomAOE|Grimlock]]
*[[Scorn (Kre-O)#Custom|Scorn]]
*[[Slug (Kre-O)#CustomAOE|Slug]]
*[[Strafe (Kre-O Dinobot)#CustomAOE|Strafe]]
}}
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{note|The "[[Autobot Command Center]]" set includes a Custom Kreon rack/part setup as well.}}
{{-}}

==Store exclusives==
===CostCo exclusives===
* Megatron with Sideswipe (30668/31771) - a twin-pack of the regular release sets above with no changes.
* Starscream with Prowl (30667/30690) - a twin-pack of the regular release sets above with no changes.

===Toys"R"Us exclusives===
*'''Autobot Assault [[Devastator (Kre-O)|Devastator]]'''
**''Set number'': '''A1266'''
**''Kreons'': Devastator, [[Ironhide (Kre-O)|Ironhide]], [[Foreman]], three [[Construction Worker]]s, [[Gunner]]
: An expanded version of the "Destruction Site Devastator" set, adding a large Ironhide robot/truck build, a "Gunner" Kreon, and a port-a-potty (yes really). The Devastator Kreon is also in ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' style yellow-and-purple rather than the original bright-green-and-purple.

===Argos exclusives===
*'''Transformers Tub of Bricks'''
**''Set number'': '''A4583'''
: A plastic tub with unaltered versions of Basic Optimus, Basic Bumblebee, and Jazz, Sideswipe and Bluestreak Kreons, and slightly altered instruction booklets.

===Universal Studios===
*'''Kreon 4-pack'''
**''Set number'': '''???'''
**''Kreons'': Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, [[Evac (Kre-O)|Evac]]

==Promotional releases==
* Matrix '''Optimus Prime''' Kreon
: Promotional item given at [[BotCon 2011]], as a special mail-in promotion through the Kre-O website and a give away with the UK Doctor Who Adventures comic. Redeco of Optimus Prime Kreon showing the [[Matrix of Leadership]].

* Clear ''' Energon Bumblebee''' Kreon
: An exclusive [[New York Comic Con|New York Comic Con 2012]] handout, this redeco of the Bumblebee Kreon is done entirely in translucent blue plastic, and comes in its own special little window box with an outer sleeve.

* '''Constructicon Devastator''' Kreon
: A Devastator Kreon sporting an orange ''Generation 2'' deco and including a translucent purple pistol based on [[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 Megatron's]] alternate mode. Packaged in an individual window box and handed out with ''Kre-O'' purchases at Toys"R"Us stores, as well as [[BotCon 2013]].

* '''Orion Pax''' Kreon
: Based on Orion Pax's appearance from "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]", this was available with the ''[[Transformers: Kre-O Character Encyclopedia]]''.

==Botcon 2013==
* '''Machine Wars''' (Kreon Souvenir Figure Set, 2013)

:The Machine Wars five-pack was exclusive to [[BotCon 2013]], limited to 1500 pieces. It includes Kreons of [[Hoist (Kre-O)|Hoist]], [[Megaplex (Kre-O)|Megaplex]], [[Obsidian (Kre-O Kreon)|Obsidian]], [[Skywarp (Kre-O)|Skywarp]] and [[Strika (Kre-O)|Strika]]. They have generally more parts than the Kreons packed in with larger Kre-O sets, but do not have alternate vehicle builds like Micro Changers.

==Media==
===Videos===
{{main|Kre-O Transformers (cartoon)}}
A series of videos have been released on Hasbro's ''Kre-O'' website and on YouTube, featuring the wacky antics of the Kre-O Transformers and their Kreons.

===Games===
{{main|Online games#Kre-O}}

===Books===
*''[[Awesome Autobots Activity Book]]''—actually mainly a ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)| Prime]]'' book, but it has four Kre-O bonus pages and is [[co-branding|co-branded]] on the cover, as well as coming with a free Matrix Optimus Prime Kreon.
*''[[Transformers: Kre-O Character Encyclopedia]]''

===Online comics===
{{main|Kre-O Transformers (comic)}}
Short tongue-in-cheek gag strips drawn and written by [[Hayato Sakamoto]] and [[Makoto Wakabayashi]] for [[TakaraTomy]]'s Kre-O site.

==Notes==
* Kre-O bricks are manufactured by Korean toy company [http://www.oxfordtoy.co.kr/ Oxford]<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/415032-transformers-kre-o-thoughts-19.html#post6288246 Transformers Kre-O - Thoughts? on TFW2005]</ref>, who have been making not-L sets for a while. However, it is very much a lot of new part design work, especially the far more involved construction of the [[Kreon]]s; Oxford's pre-''Kre-O'' mini-figures were basically straight-up L Minifigure construction.
* Kreon [[Hound (Kre-O)|Hound]] was among the upcoming items revealed at [[BotCon 2011]]... and was only announced to be released in late 2013, and wasn't released until midway through 2014. Amusingly, his helmet has become one of the most ubiquitous among the Kreons thanks to its very generic styling.
* Small images of a ''Kre-O Transformers'' set featuring a big mechanical scorpion and another set featuring a buildable [[Soundwave (Kre-O)|Soundwave]] were shown at [[Toy Fair 2012]] during the slide presentation, as part of the demonstration of the "build a big energon weapon from parts of the different sets" concept. Neither were present in the showroom or mentioned in the press materials. This same slide was shown during a presentation at [[BotCon 2012]], again with no explicit mention of the mechanical scorpion or Soundwave.
* While the Kre-O bricks and such are compatible with L bricks, take care with mixing Kreon and Minifigure parts, particularly helmets. Full-coverage Kreon helmets like Optimus Prime's and Soundwave's are a bit tight, and getting a L Minifigure head out of them is exceedingly difficult. They'll pop off the neck before the helmet relinquishes the head. Open-face helmets like Starscream's, where you can get a "grip" on the head with the pad of your finger, should be fine. Just be a bit careful you don't scrape face-paint off.
* The L company has since released sets that are explicitly marketed as being able to assemble as robots and various vehicles and aircraft, very similar to the ''Transformers'' Kre-O concept.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.hasbro.com/kre-o/en_US/ Official site]
* [http://kre-o-nation.com/2013/index.html "Kre-O Nation" official site]
* [http://www.youtube.com/user/KREO YouTube page]
* [http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2011-02-12-hasbro-transformers_N.htm Hasbro pushes into L***'s land with new blocks @ USATODAY.com]

[[Category: Kre-O | Kre-O ]]
[[Category: Multi-property brands]]

Packaging

2014-06-07T16:08:07Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Dark of the Moon */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
[[Image:Ut_universe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is insane.]]
Original Universe waves featured packaging akin to late Armada/early Energon releases, with a golden energetic background. Later Universe releases were just repackages of mainline toys, and featured packaging near-identical to mainline releases save a 'Universe' rebrand.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red background with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
Both the boxed and carded packaging had pretty kick-ass art of the character inside!
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
{{stub}}

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
<center><gallery>
Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|
Image:Movie_1_deluxe.jpg|
Image:Movie_1_voyager.jpg|
</gallery></center>

{{-}}

==Animated==
Transformers Animated toys had an angular, dynamic-looking design, featuring stock art of the character/toy inside. The Deluxe toys had a mostly blueish-white background set in [[Detroit]], while the larger size classes had mostly red boxes with the same background inside.
{{stub}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
The packing for Universe was a mostly red background, with a bust of the character on the card back. Unfortunately, the box art had the character [[Dull surprise|staring into space with their mouths open]]. The later waves of the line did have expressions, although they were mostly just snarling. Well, at least it's an improvement over the earlier art!
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
[[Image:Movie_2_deluxe.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_2_voyager.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
[[Image:Movie_3_deluxe.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_3_voyager.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Both the boxes had blackish-blue designs that put heavy emphasis on the 'Moon' part of the line. In particular, the Deluxe cardbacks had the moon floating behind the toy and a bubble pockmarked with craters, making 'em look sorta like a toy you'd find at the varied NASA tourist locations. The Voyagers featured a mostly black box with a blue background insert with a moon pattern.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-05-25T02:38:14Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Dark of the Moon */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
[[Image:Ut_universe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is insane.]]
Original Universe waves featured packaging akin to late Armada/early Energon releases, with a golden energetic background. Later Universe releases were just repackages of mainline toys, and featured packaging near-identical to mainline releases save a 'Universe' rebrand.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red background with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
Both the boxed and carded packaging had pretty kick-ass art of the character inside!
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
{{stub}}

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
<center><gallery>
Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|
Image:Movie_1_deluxe.jpg|
Image:Movie_1_voyager.jpg|
</gallery></center>

{{-}}

==Animated==
Transformers Animated toys had an angular, dynamic-looking design, featuring stock art of the character/toy inside. The Deluxe toys had a mostly blueish-white background set in [[Detroit]], while the larger size classes had mostly red boxes with the same background inside.
{{stub}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
The packing for Universe was a mostly red background, with a bust of the character on the card back. Unfortunately, the box art had the character [[Dull surprise|staring into space with their mouths open]]. The later waves of the line did have expressions, although they were mostly just snarling. Well, at least it's an improvement over the earlier art!
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
[[Image:Movie_2_deluxe.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_2_voyager.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
[[Image:Movie_3_deluxe.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_3_voyager.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Both the boxes had blackish-blue designs that put heavy emphasis on the 'Moon' part of the toy. In particular, the Deluxe cardbacks had the moon floating behind the toy and a bubble pockmarked with craters, making 'em look sorta like a toy you'd find at the varied NASA tourist locations.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T21:17:56Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Dark of the Moon */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
[[Image:Ut_universe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is insane.]]
Original Universe waves featured packaging akin to late Armada/early Energon releases, with a golden energetic background. Later Universe releases were just repackages of mainline toys, and featured packaging near-identical to mainline releases save a 'Universe' rebrand.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red background with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_1_deluxe.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_1_voyager.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
[[Image:Movie_2_deluxe.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_2_voyager.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
[[Image:Movie_3_deluxe.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_3_voyager.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T21:17:10Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Revenge of the Fallen */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
[[Image:Ut_universe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is insane.]]
Original Universe waves featured packaging akin to late Armada/early Energon releases, with a golden energetic background. Later Universe releases were just repackages of mainline toys, and featured packaging near-identical to mainline releases save a 'Universe' rebrand.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red background with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_1_deluxe.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_1_voyager.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
[[Image:Movie_2_deluxe.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_2_voyager.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T21:16:00Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Transformers (2007) */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
[[Image:Ut_universe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is insane.]]
Original Universe waves featured packaging akin to late Armada/early Energon releases, with a golden energetic background. Later Universe releases were just repackages of mainline toys, and featured packaging near-identical to mainline releases save a 'Universe' rebrand.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red background with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_1_deluxe.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Movie_1_voyager.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

File:Movie 3 voyager.jpg

2014-03-10T21:14:36Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Movie 3 deluxe.jpg

2014-03-10T21:14:36Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Movie 2 voyager.JPG

2014-03-10T21:14:35Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Movie 2 deluxe.jpg

2014-03-10T21:14:35Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Movie 1 voyager.jpg

2014-03-10T21:14:35Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Movie 1 deluxe.jpg

2014-03-10T21:14:35Z

TheDesuComplex:

Packaging

2014-03-10T21:05:33Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Energon */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
[[Image:Ut_universe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is insane.]]
Original Universe waves featured packaging akin to late Armada/early Energon releases, with a golden energetic background. Later Universe releases were just repackages of mainline toys, and featured packaging near-identical to mainline releases save a 'Universe' rebrand.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red background with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T19:26:47Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Universe */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
[[Image:Ut_universe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is insane.]]
Original Universe waves featured packaging akin to late Armada/early Energon releases, with a golden energetic background. Later Universe releases were just repackages of mainline toys, and featured packaging near-identical to mainline releases save a 'Universe' rebrand.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red backgroudn with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

File:Ut universe.jpg

2014-03-10T19:24:33Z

TheDesuComplex:

Packaging

2014-03-10T19:14:16Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Robots in Disguise */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red backgroudn with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T19:13:58Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Armada */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red backgroudn with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T19:13:37Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Alternators */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window (or the bubble).
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red backgroudn with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T19:13:26Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Energon */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window (or the bubble).
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red backgroudn with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T19:13:13Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Cybertron */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window (or the bubble).
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red backgroudn with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Packaging

2014-03-10T19:12:49Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Energon */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window (or the bubble).
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:Ut_energon_deluxeclass.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_energon_boxed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Where Armada eased into the new direction with a unified packaging design largely carried over from Robots In Disguise, Energon finalized that new change by completely unifying packaging and reflecting the toys with blocky, detailed designs. Packaging largely featured a dark red backgroudn with splashes of grey around the figure and black towards the upper parts.
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

File:Ut energon scoutclass.jpg

2014-03-10T19:04:39Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Ut energon deluxeclass.jpg

2014-03-10T19:04:38Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Ut energon boxed.jpg

2014-03-10T19:04:36Z

TheDesuComplex:

Packaging

2014-03-10T18:57:32Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Robots in Disguise */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
[[Image:Ut_rid_carded.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_rid_boxed.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Robots in Disguise evolved upon packaging introduced with Beast Machines. Packaging varied, reflecting the mixed nature of the toyline. For the most part, however, packaging stayed with either of a curvy and organic or a hard-edged and mechanical tone.
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window (or the bubble).
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

File:Ut rid carded.jpg

2014-03-10T18:46:44Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Ut rid boxed.jpg

2014-03-10T18:46:39Z

TheDesuComplex:

Packaging

2014-03-10T18:40:28Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Armada */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
[[Image:Ut_armada_supercon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_armada_maxcon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Armada continued the packaging style of Robots in Disguise. It used a blue, energetic background with a red fade on the top. Panels including name, promotional materials, and bio cards where shown prominently across all price points, while the figure was shown through a large window (or the bubble).
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

File:Ut armada supercon.jpg

2014-03-10T18:29:01Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Ut armada maxcon.jpg

2014-03-10T18:29:01Z

TheDesuComplex:

Packaging

2014-03-10T18:02:00Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Alternators */

{{picsneeded|Boxed and carded toys from every franchise. Hoo boy!}}

The '''packaging''' used for Transformers toys has varied widely through the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

Most packaging falls into one of two categories: blister card or boxes. In the US, both types have been used in most [[Franchise|franchises]], with smaller toys being sold on cards. Japan tends to sell all toys, regardless of size, in boxes.

==Generation 1==
Boxed Generation 1 toys featured a fold-up flap at the back of the box top, featuring the TRANSFORMERS logo. A clear plastic window allowed the toy to be viewed within; [[package art]] occupied the space on the right. On the box top, a sequence of photos labeled "Start - Change - Finish" demonstrated the toy's transformation sequence. The back of the box was dominated by a painted mural featuring that year's toy assortment, along with the [[Robot Point|robot points]] and the character's [[bio]] and [[Tech Spec]] card.

Boxed toys were most often held in a clear molded plastic tray. Some larger toys and their accessories sat in a Styrofoam tray. Such toys often did not feature the clear window.

Background designs in the early years consisted of a black background which faded into red for Autobots and purple for Decepticons. A grid typically overlaid the colors, and a round yellow area provided a background for the character art.

Starting in 1987, the round yellow glow was replaced by a pixelated area behind the character art. In 1988, the TRANSFORMERS logo was revised with a new red-white-blue cross-fade color scheme; in 1989, a new font was introduced, using the same red-white-blue cross-fade.

==Generation 2==
Carded toys from ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' came entirely encased in plastic, making them maddeningly difficult to free from their package.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
''Beast Wars'' continued much of the basic box layout begun during Generation 1: a clear plastic viewing window to show the toy, with character art to the right. The back of the box featured photos of the toy in both modes.

''Beast Wars'' packaging featured an ever-evolving background format. The early years of the franchise used a huge yellow reptilian eye with scaly red skin as a background; on blister cards, the eye was beneath the plastic bubble that held the toy. As the Transmetals and Transmetal 2s entered circulation, stylized mechanical greeblies became more common, and the reptilian skin became technological.

''Beast Wars'' introduced the practice of securing toys to a cardboard backing(or a sculpted plastic tray for carded toys) using a range of flexible, plastic-coated metal wires, commonly referred to as '''twist ties'''. This allowed a toy to remain very secure in its packaging, even if it was in an "action" pose. Among the fandom, the packaging style led to some griping, as untying the twist ties could be an annoyingly lengthy and painstaking process. Some of the more complex toys could have a dozen or more ties, occasionally to the point of hilarious excess. A much quicker approach involves simply snipping the ties with nail clippers. (This highlighted another, possibly accidental, purpose to the twist ties: By making the toy harder to remove from its packaging, they discourage store theft. Any would-be thief hauling out a pair of nail clippers would be more conspicuous, presumably.)

Through careful research, fans have deduced that twist-ties can serve an additional function: they make superb cat toys.
{{-}}

==Beast Machines==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Robots in Disguise==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Armada==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Ut_alternators_early.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Ut_alternators_late.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Early Alternators releases saw figures packed, in vehicle mode, in boxes. Licensing was prominently shown that, when combined with the shape and feel, really lends to the impression that the figures were Model Cars first and Transformers second.

Later runs replaced the model-esque box with a much more stylish, display-case-like-box. It pulled from a lot of Cybertron cues, including bands of color on the edge of the bubble and character art featuring the character lunging out at you menacingly.
{{-}}

==Energon==
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Cybertron==
Cybertron largely continued the aesthetic of Energon, keeping an angular style for the packaging but ditching the dark backgrounds for a grey tile. Whenever possible, the line's gimmick of the Cyber Keys was really pushed. The keys were given their own special section of the packaging, all shiny and pretty, just begging you to ram it into whatever hole available on the toy.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_deluxeclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At its lower price points, figures were packaged on card. These cards stayed the same width, only varying in height. Whenever possible, these figures were packaged in alternate mode- the rare exception being the exceptionally tiny 'Legends of Cybertron' line.
[[Image:Ut_cybertron_voyagerclass.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
At higher price points, figures were packaged in a box, containing a plastic tray to hold the figure and a cardboard background. These boxes relied on large bands of transparency for you to see the figure well, with the rest a solid block of grey.
{{-}}

==Classics (2006)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

Transformers Movie Toys are packaged in a variety of ways for each size class. Deluxe Class Figures are single packed in a plastic bubble with a typical cardback. The front of the bubble has a headshot image of the transformer in question with their name next to it. The back contains images of the toy and a small bio simillar to a [[Tech Spec]].
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Revenge of the Fallen==
''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'''s packaging is predominantly colored red, having some notched edges on the sides. The inside of the packaging has a limestone background with [[Cyberglyphics]] carved into it. The dark red background itself features [[The Fallen]]'s face (which is more noticeable at the back.)
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Transformers (2010)==
Starting with this line, Hasbro introduced a new version of the twist tie. The once plastic coated metal wire was now replaced with a tightly twisted piece of tissue paper. The twisted paper could easily be tied and untied to secure items in place. It could also, just as easily, be cut with a pair of wire cutters, much the same way the previous version of the twist tie could be cut. This new paper twist tie provided environmental benefits to toy packaging. Hasbro used this new version of the twist tie across all its lines once it was introduced.

{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Generations==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==Dark of the Moon==
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==See also==
* [[Toy]]
* [[Package art]]
* [[Tech Spec]]
* [[Bio]]
* [[Multilingual packaging]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Toys]]

File:Ut alternators late.jpg

2014-03-10T17:48:04Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Ut alternators early.jpg

2014-03-10T17:48:03Z

TheDesuComplex:

Packaging

2014-03-10T17:40:10Z

TheDesuComplex: /* Cybertron */

File:Ut cybertron voyagerclass.jpg

2014-03-10T17:21:26Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Ut cybertron leaderclass.jpg

2014-03-10T17:21:26Z

TheDesuComplex:

File:Ut cybertron deluxeclass.jpg

2014-03-10T17:21:25Z

TheDesuComplex: