1981

[[{{#expr:1981-1}}\|«]]	1981	[[{{#expr:1981+1}}\|»]]

The year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) predates the launch of the Transformers brand by three years.

For further information, see: Transformers timeline

Events

Takara relaunches the Microman line as New Microman, which eventually leads to its spin-offs: Diaclone and Micro Change.
Animation production company Marvel Productions, created by Marvel Comics owners Cadence Industries' purchase of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, begins producing animated TV shows and commercials.
Sunbow Productions, the media arm of advertising company Griffin Bacal, begins producing its first full-length television content with The Great Space Coaster. They also collaborate with Marvel Productions for the first time, for the animated commercial promoting both the upcoming comic and toyline of the relaunched G.I. Joe.
Pioneer Laserdisc Company, later known as Geneon Universal Entertainment, the Japanese company that holds the domestic rights to the Generation 1 cartoon and its sequels, including The Transformers: The Movie and the various Beast Wars series, is founded.
June 18 — First flight of the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk (alt mode of Predator Falcon, Shadow Jet, Skyjack, G1 Air Raid, Aero Raid, Delta Seeker, Armada Wind Sheer, Shattered Glass Whisper and Revenge of the Fallen Mindwipe)
July 31 — Jimmy's favourite band, [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}Journey (band)|{{#if:Journey|Journey|Journey (band)}}]] release their 7th album, Escape.
August 1 — The channel MTV launches.
August 14 — Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones is released.
October 15 — The first issue of Comic BomBom is released.

The Knights of Unicron are top of the pops again with "Thunder Touch", the single from the multi-platinum album Sonic Interference. Behind the Music pack-in booklet