Editing Microman

[[File:Microman logo.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA64agJPR8w ''Meeeee-ku-ro-maaaaaaan!'']]]
'''''Microman''''' (ミクロマン ''Mikuroman'') is the name applied to a broad series of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] toy lines sold in Japan from 1974 onwards.  It is significant to ''Transformers'' due to it spawning the ''[[Micro Change]]'' subline and ''[[Diaclone]]'' spin-off, both of which heavily contributed toy molds that would go on to form much of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original ''Transformers'' toyline]].

Outside of ''Transformers'', ''Microman'' is also a major stepping stone in the journey from the original ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''–the first ever range of action figures–to the industry standard of 3.75-inch figures as we know it today.

==Overview==
===Origins and ''Microman'' (1974-1980)===
{{Twoimages|File:Microman M251 Robin.jpg|w1=100
|File:Microman Robotman.jpg|w2=100|caption=The line was mostly made up of 3.75-inch figures like M251 Robin (left). Their modular construction allowed them to interact with bases, vehicles, and mech suits such as Robotman (right), which has a yellow Microman pilot visible in its chest.|float=right}}
''Microman''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s roots lie, perhaps surprisingly, with the original 12-inch ''[[Joe Colton|G.I. Joe]]'' range of toys, which introduced the world to the term "action figure" when released in 1964.  Takara imported the line in Japan in 1971 as "''Combat Joe''", but when the militaristic styles of "America's Moveable Fighting Man" received only a tepid market response, they instead repurposed the molds to create ''Henshin Cyborg''.  The titular character was a cybernetic superhero with a distinctive chromed head and translucent body parts that revealed his inner mechanical parts.  Henshin Cyborg could "transform" by replacing his modular limbs with weaponry, or by donning separately sold costumes to embody other popular characters from the ''Transformers'' universe, like [[Devilman Crybaby|Devilman]] or [[Mazinger Z]].

Then, the {{w|1970s energy crisis}} happened.  The increased cost of oil meant that the planned expansion of ''Henshin Cyborg'' into vehicles and playsets was untenable.  These cost concerns–coupled with the acknowledgement that Japanese household space is typically too limited for a collection of such large toys–led to Takara creating the 3.75-inch scale ''Microman'' as, effectively, ''Henshin Cyborg'' shrunken down to about a third of its size.  The line included bases, converting vehicles, figures, and piloted mech suits; notable highlights include [[1975]]'s [[Robotman]], Takara's first toy that could transform (or rather, [[Partformer|partsform]]) from a robot to a vehicle, and [[1978]]'s "Cosmo Countach", a primitive robot that could come apart and be reassembled into a Lamborghini supercar.<ref>[http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~mikuro/sub1-6.htm "Micro Command" toys, including the Cosmo Countach]</ref>

In what would end up being a [[Pre-Transformer|remarkably prescient move]], American toy manufacturer {{w|Mego Corporation|Mego}} would choose to license the use of molds from ''Microman'' alongside other Takara lines, introducing the western world to the '''''[[Micronauts]]''''' franchise in 1977.  ''Micronauts'' gained a tie-in comic series from [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] in 1979, which proved popular enough to outlast the toyline. ''Micronauts'' was one of the earliest toylines in the American market to utlise the 3.75-inch figure scale (the first being 1975's ''Adventure People'' by Fisher Price); bolstered by the [[Kenner]] toyline for [[Star Wars (franchise)|some space movie or other]], it became the standard for many lines of the era, and a format for action toys that survives to this day.  In particular, Mego's alterations to existing ''Microman'' engineering would come back around to influence ''G.I. Joe'', resulting in the creation of its "''A Real American Hero''" franchise.  The impact of ''Microman'' on the global boys' toy market can scarcely be overestimated, despite the fact that ''Microman'' itself is little known outside of Japan.
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===''New Microman'' (1981-1984)===
[[File:MicromanMicroChange.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|Takara has re-used some of ''Microman''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s parts, along with some other new parts, and has reconstructed another ''Microman'', and renamed it ''New Microman''.]]
1981 saw a shake-up for the ''Microman'' line.  The transforming mecha aspect of the line was spun off into '''''[[Diaclone]]''''' which, like ''Microman'' before it, was a third-scale miniaturisation of its predecessor.  The tiny "Dianaut" pilots inherited the bright colours and chromed heads of ''Henshin Cyborg'' that had since become a hallmark of ''Microman'', and the Cosmo Countach served as inspiration for the "[[Diaclone#Car Robots|Car Robots]]" series toy "No. 1 Countach LSP500S"–predecessor to the Autobot [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]], and the first fully-fledged transforming car-to-robot toy ever designed, according to [[Hasbro]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100513020804/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/movie-news/TRANSFORMERS-HALL-OF-FAME-INAUGURAL-MEMBERS.cfm Hasbro press release for the 2010 Transformers Hall of Fame inductees (archived)]</ref>

Meanwhile, ''Microman'' was rebranded as ''New Microman'', with a renewed focus on its action figure characters.  The story lore that had been building up in the ''Microman'' toy catalogues was streamlined, with renewed emphasis placed on the Microman pilots being refugees from [[Micro Earth]], fighting against the mutated [[Acroyear]]s by joining forces with human children like [[you]]–an alliance facilitated by the Microman characters being at 1:1 scale with their action figures.  This unique selling point was especially evident with 1983's "[[Micro Change]]" subseries, which introduced robot figures and vehicles that could transform into ordinary household objects like ''[[Mini Vehicle|Penny Racers]]'', [[Mini-Cassette|audio cassettes]], and, um, [[Megatron (G1)/toys|handguns]].

Takara exhibited their ''Diaclone'' and ''Micro Change'' toys at the [[1983]] [[Tokyo Toy Show]], where an anonymous Hasbro representative saw the potential in these transforming robots and, in short order, the toys were reborn in Western markets as '''''[[The Transformers (franchise)|The Transformers]]'''''.  Takara would soon shutter the ''Microman'' and ''Diaclone'' brands in favour of ''re''importing ''The Transformers'' alongside its tie-in animated series (which the previous lines both lacked).
{{-}}

===''Micro Millennium'' (1998-2000)===
[[File:Microman Magne Powers catalogue.jpg|right|upright=0.8|thumb|Before adopting LEDs, ''Magne Powers'' made use of bishie sparkle.]]
Fifteen years after being taken off the market, ''Microman'' returned amidst the hype of the upcoming futuristic-sounding space year [[2000]] (you had to be there) in the form of two distinct series.  The ''Replica Microman'' series was aimed at older collectors and consisted of reissued and redecoed molds from ''Microman''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s heyday.  The other series, aimed at children, began life as ''Magne Powers'' before rebranding in its second year as ''LED Powers''.  The Microman figures in the ''Powers'' range were all-new designs, though some sets also featured strange appearances from pre-existing ''Transformers'' molds.  The toyline was supported by a manga serial in ''[[Comic Bom Bom]]'' and a 52-episode anime series, with a companion short film released in Japanese cinemas alongside the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals|Metals]]'' episode "[[Cutting Edge|Convoy's Great Transformation!]]" and a ''[[Licca Kayama|Super Doll Licca-chan]]'' short film as part of the ''[[1999 Summer Toei Anime Fair]]'' anthology.

Unfortunately, the ''Powers'' range underperformed and Takara, which was dealing with financial issues, reduced the size of the line before cancelling it altogether.  The ''Replica Microman'' series survived until 2003, but only in the form of limited editions and exclusives to retailers such as [[e-HOBBY]].{{-}}

===''Microman 2003'' (2003-2007)===
[[File:Microman 2004 catalogue.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|The invention of "Full Action Bodies" allowed ''Microman'' to become the dopest shit ever.]]
Another new line of figures appeared in [[2003]], appropriately named ''Microman 2003'' and re-envisioned as an adult-oriented collectible.  The first series of this toyline, ''Micro Force'', established a new style of body construction proudly advertised as "Full Action Bodies", which featured over thirty points of articulation and interchangeable sets of hands.  The line evidently proved enough of a success, and it dropped the ''2003'' from its name, expanding into subsequent years with mech suits, the "Material Force" range of blank figures for customised builds, and licensed crossover toys for popular ''Transformers'' characters like [[Batman]], [[Superman]], [[Evangelion Unit-00|Rei Ayanami]], [[Evangelion Unit-02|Asuka Langley Soryu]], [[Chun-Li]], the [[Predator (alien)|Predator]], and [[Godzilla]] (the figures actually going inside rubber monster suits!) among many others.

Following the Takara/Tomy merger in [[2006]], the ''Microman'' line was put on a brief hiatus.  It returned in [[2007]] with the ''Wecker Signa Project'', a series of toys of the characters from the low-budget {{w|tokusatsu}} show ''{{w|Jikuu Keisatsu Wecker Signa}}''.  Each release came with a DVD or CD featuring episodes or other media from the show, and heavy focus was put on the unmasked forms of the female heroes, played on the series by {{w|Japanese idol|idols}}.  After ''Wecker Signa'', ''Microman'' quietly came to a close, but the design team evidently used the experience with its idol stars to resurrect the "Full Action Bodies" in ''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT: Mission GT-R]]'', as you'll see [[#GT|below]].{{-}}

===''Microman Arts'' (2014-2015)===
[[File:Microman Kantai Collection Kongou.jpeg|right|upright=1|thumb|Yes, you're still on the ''Microman'' page.]]
With TakaraTomy having learned the lesson from the [[GT Sister]]s that {{w|Moe (slang)|moe}} anime girls were the way forward, the ''Microman'' brand resurfaced as ''[https://www.takaratomy-arts.co.jp/specials/hobby/ma/ Microman Arts]'', released by the subsidiary company TakaraTomy A.R.T.S (or T-ARTS).  ''Microman Arts'' consisted entirely of highly-detailed recreations of characters from pre-existing brands, including the anime series ''{{w|Love Live! School Idol Project}}'', [[Sega]]'s ''{{w|Project 575|Go! Go! 575}}'', and TakaraTomy's own ''{{w|PriPara}}'', but the most prolific subline by far featured the {{w|Moe anthropomorphism|anthropomorphised}} World War II warship girls of wildly popular browser game ''{{W|Kantai Collection}}''.

After two years from T-ARTS, ''Microman'' came to a close, with not a single chromed head in sight.  Despite its long lifespan and history of innovation, there are no apparent plans for a return on the horizon.  That said, recent years have given us a full-throated [[Diaclone#The return|''Diaclone'' reboot]] and a revival of the ''[[Micronauts]]'' in comic form – so only time will tell if these little heroes will get their big moment.{{-}}

==Toys==
As a ''Transformers'' Wiki, a full list of all ''Microman'' toys falls rather outside our scope.  However, noted below are the toys in ''Microman'' that have directly borrowed from ''Transformers'', alongside convincing cases of the reverse happening.

===''Transformers'' in ''Microman''===
====''Microman: LED Powers''====
{{anchor|MachSpeeder}}
[[File:Microman toy Mach Speeder.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Redeco" feels like a strong word.]]
*'''Mach Speeder with Rider Arthur''' (Micro Bikes, May 18 2000)
**''ID number:'' '''L-14'''
**''Series 4'': '''Laser Microman'''
**''Accessories:'' LED Rotor Sword
:Part of the ''LED Powers'' "Micro Bikes" assortment, Mach Speeder (マッハスピーダ ''Mahha Supīda'') is a redeco and retool of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Laser Cycle]] [[Road Rocket (G2)#Generation 2|Road Rocket]], transforming into a Yamaha GTS1000 motorcycle.  Mach Speeder is predominantly cast in red plastic with gold metallic flake, with black robot parts.  The main gimmick of ''LED Powers'' was that each Microman featured an LED bulb in their chest; when their "Energy Pack" backpacks were attached, the bulbs would activate and [[Light-piping|pipe lighting]] through the rest of the figure.  As such, the light-up electronics present in Road Rocket were removed for Mach Speeder, and retools were made to the toy's handlebars and buzzsaw weapon to allow ''Microman'' figures to grip them.
:Mach Speeder was packaged with ''Rider Arthur'', who could mount Mach Speeder's vehicle mode and illuminate its "LED Rotor Sword" with his own electronics.  This mold was also used to make [[#HiperSpeeder|Hiper Speeder]] below, [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Sideways (RID)#Toys|Sideways]], and ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' [[Road Rocket (G2)#Robotmasters|Road Rocket]].  The latter two Transformers retained the retools made for ''Microman'' compatibility (apart from the saw handle), but reinstated the mold's electronics.
::*''[https://www.micromanforever.com/MicroBikes.htm More information on Mach Speeder with Rider Arthur at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}

{{anchor|RoadBison}}
[[File:Microman toy Roadbison.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Wait, is that [[Throttle (GoBots)|Throttle]]?]]
*'''Road Bison with Rider Walt''' (Micro Bikes, May 18 2000)
**''ID number:'' '''L-15'''
**''Series 4'': '''Laser Microman'''
**''Accessories:'' LED Muffler Cannon
:The other release in the "Micro Bikes" assortment, Road Bison (ロードバイソン ''Rōdo Baison'') is a redeco and retool of the other ''Generation 2'' Laser Cycle, [[Road Pig (G2)#Generation 2|Road Pig]], transforming into a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide touring motorcycle.  Road Bison is predominantly silver with red and black highlights and, as with Mach Speeder, features gutted electronics and altered handlebars to allow compatibility with its partner, Rider Walt.
:This mold was also used to make [[#HiperSpeeder|Tornado Bison]] below, ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Axer (G1)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|Axer]], and ''Robotmasters'' [[Sideways (RM)#Robotmasters|Double Face]].  Again, the latter two Transformers retained the retooling and reinstated the mold's electronic innards.
::*''[https://www.micromanforever.com/MicroBikes.htm More information on Road Bison with Rider Walt at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}

{{anchor|MicroTrailer}}
[[File:Microman toy Micro Trailer.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"I was hired to take photos, not apply stickers."]]
*'''Micro Trailer with Pilot Edison''' (Micro Trailer, July 19 2000)
**''ID number:'' '''L-20'''
**''Series 5'': '''Secret Breaster'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 blasters, gun barrel piece, 4 cannons, 2 smokestacks, rifle
:The centrepiece of the "Secret Breaster" theme, the Micro Trailer is a redeco of the [[Action Master]] vehicle [[Armored Convoy#Toys|Armored Convoy]].  The trailer is cast predominantly in pearl white and translucent green, with black tyres and mostly gold accessories; a sticker sheet is provided for additional detail.  The Micro Trailer retains all of the functionality of the original Armored Convoy; its cab transforms into a "Stealth Jet" mode that can seat one pilot and a gunner, and the trailer unfolds into "Battle HQ Base" mode, revealing battlement positions for more figures.  Naturally, the set no longer includes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#AM|Optimus Prime]], instead coming with Pilot Edison; since Action Masters were about 3.75-inch scale anyway, the vehicle is a good fit for ''Microman'', but even better is that the 2 mm holes in ''Microman'' figures' feet are the same size as those in the Action Masters' soles, allowing them to be pegged into place on the trailer's mounting points.
:Two additional Micro Trailers were available in limited quantities; see [[#DarkTrailer|below]].
::*''[https://www.micromanforever.com/Microtrailer.htm More information on Micro Trailer with Pilot Edison at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}

{{anchor|HiperSpeeder}}
[[File:Microman toy Hiper Speeder and Tornado Bison.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Mmm, citrus!]]
*'''Hiper Speeder with Master Microman Laser Arthur and Tornado Bison with Laser Shakunetsu''' (multi-pack, August 2000)
**''ID number:''
**''Series 5'': '''Secret Breaster'''{{fact}}
**''Accessories:'' LED Rotor Sword, LED Muffler Cannon
:Released during the "Secret Breaster" portion of ''LED Powers'', this is a multi-pack gift set exclusive to [[Toys"R"Us]].  It contains: "Hiper{{sic}} Speeder" (ハイパースピーダ ''Haipā Supīda''), a redeco of Mach Speeder in predominantly translucent lemon yellow with black and translucent orange robot parts and a green-tinted Rotor Sword; Master Microman Laser Arthur, a variant on Mach Speeder's partner Rider Arthur; Tornado Bison (トルネードバイソン ''Torunēdo Baison''), a redeco of Road Bison in predominantly translucent orange with yellow and gold robot parts and a green-tinted Muffler Cannon; and Laser Shakunetsu, a new character created from a combination of winning entries to a ''[[Comic Bom Bom]]'' competition.  The two Micro Bikes retain all the functionality of their previous releases.
::*''[https://www.micromanforever.com/toysrusmicrobikes.htm More information on Hiper Speeder with Master Microman Laser Arthur and Tornado Bison with Laser Shakunetsu at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}

{{anchor|DarkTrailer}}
[[File:Microman toy Dark Trailer.jpg|upright=1|thumb|]]
*'''Dark Trailer with Laser Dark''' (September 2000)
**''ID number:'' '''L-20'''
**''Series 5'': '''Secret Breaster'''
:This special "[[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]]" version of the Micro Trailer was available as a campaign promotion via Takara.  Limited to 100 competition prizes worldwide, the "Dark Trailer" is a monochromatic version of the Micro Trailer, replacing the translucent green with opaque black, the other plastics with various shades of grey, and altering the paint applications to more fitting colours; the gold plastic used for most of the weapons remains the same, as does the sticker sheet.  Pilot Edison is replaced with an eeeevil repaint, Laser Dark.
:The set might have come in a plain white box with a small explanatory sticker on the side.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/microman-led-power-black-lucky-draw-micro-trailer.1065311/ Pictures of Dark Trailer with Laser Dark from a fan's collection]</ref>{{-}}

{{anchor|FlameTrailer}}
[[File:Microman toy Flame Trailer.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Anybody got $3500?]]
*'''Flame Trailer with Laser Edison''' (September 2000)
**''ID number:'' '''L-20'''
**''Series 5'': '''Secret Breaster'''
:''Another'' Lucky Draw version of the Micro Trailer, the "Flame Trailer" was limited to 50 competition prizes and, other than replacing the translucent green plastic with translucent red, was much the same as the regular Micro Trailer, down to including the same stickers, the same pilot (under the name "Laser Edison"), and even the same box (if this eBay auction is to be believed<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220709140038/https://www.ebay.com/itm/304352099893 eBay auction for a pre-owned Flame Trailer (archived)]</ref>).{{-}}

{{anchor|RocketBase}}
[[File:Microman toy Micro Rocket Base.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Not really compatible, but they're making a damn good go of it.]]
*'''Micro Rocket Base with Shining Edison''' (Micro Base, October 27 2000)
**''ID number:'' '''L-26'''
**''Series 6'': '''Shining Tector'''
:Part of the final series of this iteration of ''Microman'', the Micro Rocket Base is a redeco of the [[Micromaster]] [[Rocket Base#Toys|Rocket Base]], omitting that set's pack-in partner [[Countdown (G1)#The Transformers|Countdown]] as well as the mechanical grabber arm accessory.  The Micro Rocket Base is decked out in a striking black, grey, and gold colour scheme, the rocket itself is painted silver with a smokey translucent booster section, and a new sheet of gold, ''Microman''-themed stickers is provided for details.
:The base transforms from a comparatively compact launching pad modelled on the Space Shuttle crawlers, with a gantry tower and a large rocket ship. Both rocket and base unfold into multiple ramps, platforms, and "buildings", along with a small "scout vehicle". Though originally designed for Micromasters, the various seats ''can'' accommodate ''Microman'' figures, though no concessions are made to make the set more compatible with the rest of the line.  The set is bundled with a green Microman named Shining Edison.
::*''[https://www.micromanforever.com/rocketbase.htm More information on Micro Rocket Base with Shining Edison at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}

{{anchor|GoldRocket}}
[[File:Microman toy Gold Rocket Base.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Seriously, this is the best photo we could get of this thing.]]
*'''Gold Rocket Base'''? (Micro Base, November 2000)
**''ID number:'' '''L-26'''
**''Series 6'': '''Shining Tector'''
:A Lucky Draw version of the base, possibly known as "Gold Rocket Base"<ref>[https://www.micromanforever.com/2000LEDPremiums.htm "Shining Promotion Prize (11/00) (...) Gold Rocket Base (50 prizes)"]</ref>, was available as a campaign prize, limited to 50 pieces. Presented in an unchanged box from the original release, this version of the Rocket Base replaced the black plastic with white, and presumably featured other changes.  Information is really scarce.{{toystub}}

===''Microman'' in ''Transformers''===
====''Beast Wars'' (Japan)====
[[File:BWJ VolcBase.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The dimensional adventure game of pitfalls and perils!]]
*'''Volcano Showdown: Armor VS Snapper''' (Vs Playset, [[1997]])
**''ID number:'' '''VS-X1'''
**''Accessories'': Scenery mat, red ball (x8), cannon, cannon platform, cage segments, back panel
:Available only in the [[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)|Japanese version of the ''Beast Wars'' toyline]], the [[Volcano Base#Toys|Volcano Base]] is part of the "Volcano Showdown" (火山の対決 ''Kazan no Taiketsu'') versus set also containing [[Armordillo#VSX1|Armor]] and [[Snapper#VSX1|Snapper]].
:The volcano itself has a battery operated feature; when loaded with the included red balls, the volcano has an "erupting" feature where it causes the red balls to pop out the top of it and roll down the molded cascading slides on its face. A constructible cage can attach to the side of the volcano in addition to a large cannon platform  which can also launch the included red balls. Also included is a thin plastic mat with earthen scenery printed on it that is intended to be placed underneath the whole set.
:Due to the scale of various sculpted details on the Volcano Base and its general incompatibility with the two figures it comes with, it has been hypothesised that this playset was originally slated for an abandoned ''Microman'' line.{{-}}

====''Beast Wars II''====
*'''Diver & Niagara Base''' (March [[1998]])
**''ID number'': '''X-2'''
**''Accessories'': Two cannons, missiles (x5), leaves (x7), play mat
:Released exclusively as part of ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)#BWII|Beast Wars II]]'' with [[Diver (BW)#Toys|Diver]], the [[Niagara Base#Toys|Niagara Base]] is a playset of a plastic mountain. It has multiple tree plumes, two projectile-launching cannons and a Venus fly-trap (with a pressure panel that causes it to snap shut when pressed) that can be attached in various ports on the mountain. Also included with the playset is a plastic play mat with water and Earth terrain printed on it to place underneath the playset. An identical play mat was included with the Volcano Base playset.
:The mountain itself has no molded water details or paint operations, but instead has a divot on top which is intended to be filled with ''actual'' water which collects in a molded basin at the bottom of the mountain, to emulate an actual waterfall.
:Though we lack official confirmation, the Niagara Base has long been reported to be a recommissioned toy from a ''Microman'' line. At the very least, it clearly wasn't designed with contemporary ''Transformers'' toys in mind, not even Basic-sized ones, as the base interior is designed around a considerably smaller scale of figure.
::*''[http://tfu.info/1998/Cybertron/Diver/diver.htm More information on the Niagara Base (with Diver) at TFU.info]''

[[File:BWII-toy TakoTank.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|You know about the Octorok, right? All you have to do is deflect that rock it spits out.]]
*'''Ikard & Tako Tank''' (October 1998)
**''ID number'': '''X-5'''
**''Accessories'': motorcycle, 6 missiles, pump
:Part of the ninth wave of ''Beast Wars II'' toys, the [[Tako Tank#Toys|Tako Tank]] is a large mechanical octopus, packaged with its pilot,  [[Ikard#Toys|Ikard]]. Twin puppet-rods in the back give control of the front two tentacles, which are made of a soft rubbery plastic, and are also one of the most fun play-features in ''Transformers'' ever. A plunger in the back runs through the body, which activates a removable pump in the tank's "mouth". A small wheel behind each "eye" allows them to spin in concert, though for what purpose is unknown.
:The tank-head splits open to reveal a removable motorcycle Basic-scaled toys can ride. This bike has two flip-around spring-loaded missile launchers, featuring small pegs that are compatible with the [[Claw Jaw#Toys|Claw Jaw]]/[[Scuba#Toys|Scuba]] mold's tentacle-hands. The wheel assembly can serve as either a traditional land-based vehicle or swivel and tilt to perform as a hoverbike. The launchers fold up into the bike's rider compartment for storage inside the Tako Tank, so the Tank cannot be "piloted" in this form; however, once the bike is deployed, there is room to seat a Basic-scaled figure in the left-over socket to pilot the tank body, plus a nice window for them to look out of.
:Like the Niagara Base, there is speculation that the Tako Tank was originally an unreleased ''Microman'' concept. This may explain the bike's dubious-at-best compatibility with its pilots and why – uncharacteristically for Transformers toys by that time – there was no mode that could store all the missiles at once. 
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Cybertron/Ikard/ikard.htm More information on the Tako Tank (with Ikard) at TFU.info]''{{-}}

====''Super Link''====
[[File:En-toy Kicker-TakSS03.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|<sub>KICKER KICKER YOUR ELBOWS KICKER</sub>]]
*'''Kicker''' (March 25 2004)
*'''SL Grand Convoy and Kicker''' (2004)
*'''Kicker Energon Edition''' (2004)
**''ID number:'' '''SC-14''' (Kicker), '''SS-03''' (SL Grand Convoy set)
**''Accessories:'' Energon Sword, chestplate, backpack, belt, Destron Clone Sword (SL Grand Convoy set only)
:Part of the fourth wave of Takara's ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)#Takara Super Link toyline|Super Link]]'' toyline, the [[Kicker Jones#Energon|first Kicker toy]] is based on the ''Microman 2003'' body construction. He is super-posable, and his parts are fully interchangeable with other ''Microman'' figures. He is armed with a small, non-transforming silver version of the [[Energon Saber]] (which is also compatible with [[5 mm post]]-holes), plus his torso armor and belt are removable.
:A [[Kicker Jones#GrandConvoy|second version of Kicker]] (pictured) was available as part of the limited-edition "Transformer X Microman Anniversary Set", celebrating the 30th anniversary of ''Microman'' and the 20th anniversary of ''Transformers'' in Japan, alongside an exclusive variant of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Kicker2pack|Optimus Prime]].  This set also includes a pale-gold-chromed version of the Energon Saber accessory, as well as a chromed "[[Energon Sword|Destron Clone Sword]]" exclusive to this set.
:A [[Kicker Jones#EnergonEdition|third and final Kicker]] was available as part of a Lucky Draw competition, limited to 100 pieces.  He also comes with a red-chromed Energon Saber accessory. Contest entries were found in the ''Super Link'' soundtrack CD and the first three volumes of the ''Super Link'' DVD and the prize winners were announced in August 2004.
:This toy is notorious for being ''incredibly'' breakable, with the knee and elbow joints in particular made up of thin pieces of hard plastic.  The two-pack version uses clear-black plastic rather than opaque for these pieces, making it ''even more'' susceptible to breaking with even moderate pressure.  The "Energon Edition" version is also cast in translucent plastic, in this case red with orange paint applications.  With reports of even the standard version already having been broken when ''mint in box'', let's hope you didn't pay aftermarket prices for the Lucky Draw figure.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/Kicker/kicker.htm More information on Kicker at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/AnnivKicker/kicker.htm More information on Anniversary Kicker at TFU.info]''{{-}}

====''Robotmasters''====
[[Image:ArsenalForceWeapons.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|The Arsenal Force weapons are the new-mold, sprued-together Decepticon solitarium accessories that can combine, and are not to be confused with the new-mold, sprued-together not-solitarium Autobot weapons that don't combine, or the new-mold, not-sprued-together Decepticon solitarium accessories that combine with each other but not explicitly the rest.  It's all very simple.]]
{{main|Solitarium#Toys}}
*'''Wrecker Hook''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-04''', July 15, 2004)
*'''Air Hunter''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-06''', July 15, 2004)
*'''Wingstun''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-08''', July 15, 2004)
*'''Psycho-Orb''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-09''', July 15, 2004)
:Most of the Decepticons in the first wave of the ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)#Toys|Robotmasters]]'' toyline came with a [[solitarium]] (read: translucent plastic) accessory that could combine to form the [[Arsenal Force]] weapon.  These toys were [[Tow-Line (RID)#Robotmasters|Wrecker Hook]], [[Air Hunter#Robotmasters|Air Hunter]], [[Wingstun#Robotmasters|Wingstun]], and [[Psycho-Orb#Robotmasters|Psycho-Orb]], and they came with the [[Boost Hammer]], Sacred-Cut Sword '[[Gazan]]', [[Jamming Trident]], and [[Calamity Defenser]] respectively.  This is notable since all four toys were redecoes, meaning the new tooling for the Arsenal Force pieces had to come from ''somewhere''... and since the abruptly-cancelled final portion of ''LED Powers'', "Shining Tector", was focussed around translucent plastic weapons that could combine to form bigger weapons and armour, ''and'' the solitarium parts feature identical handles to the ''LED Powers'' accessories, it was not hard to speculate that their origin lay in ''Microman''.
:Each of these four weapons were also redecoed multiple times; see the main [[solitarium]] page for more information.

*'''Ligier''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-03''', July 15, 2004)
*'''R-Blade''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-05''', July 15, 2004)
*'''Bound Rogue''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-07''', July 15, 2004)
:Three more new-mold weapons were included with three Autobots from the first wave of the toyline.  They are not explicitly referred to as being made of solitarium, but if you strip off that [[Vacuum metallizing|chrome coat]] they're covered in, you'll find the same translucent green plastic as the Arsenal Force weapons.  Later redecoes, also listed on the main solitarium page, make clear that they must be part of the same sprue or mold set as the first four accessories.  The three weapons are [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Robotmasters|Ligier]]'s JS Laser Gun, [[R-Blade#Robotmasters|R-Blade]]'s Flare Gun, and [[Bound Rogue#Robotmasters|Bound Rogue]]'s Type 93; all three share the same handles that suggest they were designed for ''Microman''.

*'''Smokesniper''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-13''', September 9, 2004)
*'''Gigant Bomb''' (''ID number:'' '''RM-14''', September 9, 2004)
:Another two solitarium weapon molds were released during ''Robotmasters'': [[Smokesniper#Robotmasters|Smokesniper]]'s [[Radial Pod]] and [[Gigant Bomb#Robotmasters|Gigant Bomb]]'s [[Pulverizer]].  While not officially part of the Arsenal Force, they could be attached with some creativity.  They also feature the same size handles as the other solitarium weapons, again suggesting a ''Microman'' heritage.  These two weapons were not redecoed.{{-}}

====''Collector's Edition''====
[[File:G1-toy GaMede.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|The last gasp of {{w|bishonen}} before ''Microman'' went moe.]]
*'''Magnificus & Ga'mede''' ([[2005]])
**''ID number'': '''68'''
**''Accessories'': 2-piece "Photon Armor" bandolier, holster, gauntlet, "Magno Gun" pistol, "Photon Wave Rifle", "High Frequency Machete", six pairs of hands, hand-rack, ''Microman'' stand

: Available only with the [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]] [[Magnificus (G1)#Toys|Magnificus]], ''[[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'' [[Ga'mede#Toys|Ga'mede]] is a [[redeco]] of the ''Microman'' 2004 series [https://www.micromanforever.com/2004KMSP02.htm Microman "Walter"]. He is a ''super''-posable 3  3/4-inch action figure, and has six pairs of interchangeable hands for different poses and weapons (two clenched fists, two splayed palms, two flat palms, and three different pairs of gripping hands), and includes a mini "rack" to store the ten hands not plugged into the figure's wrists. Unlike regular modern ''Microman'' figures, his head is painted rather than chrome silver. Since he's roughly the same size as the 1980s ''Microman'' figures, he can pilot Magnificus's tank mode just as the original figures could.

: He comes with an unchromed-black set of the weapons and wearable accessories from the ''Microman 2003'' series MF1-01 Commander Microman: a machinegun that can attach to his bandolier's back (albeit a bit loosely), a pistol with leg-holster, and a machete that clips into a wrist-gauntlet. He also comes with a ''Microman'' stand to help him stay upright, though only one of the footpegs on it is sized to this style of ''Microman'' figure.

:Much like Kicker, this set celebrates the shared history of Takara's ''Transformers'' and ''Microman'' lines, pairing a ''Microman'' toy that homages various Japanese '70s/'80s sci-fi style shows with a reproduction of a Transformer in its original ''[[Micro Change]]'' coloration.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/Gamede/gamede.htm More information on Ga'mede at TFU.info]''{{-}}

====''GT''====
[[File:GT Anna.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|And I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.]]
*'''GT-R Prime''' (''ID number:'' '''GT-01''', May 25, 2013)
*'''GT-R Saber''' (''ID number:'' '''GT-02''', May 25, 2013)
*'''GT-R Megatron''' (''ID number:'' '''GT-03''', July 17, 2013)
*'''GT-R Maximus''' (''ID number:'' '''GT-04''', September 28, 2013)
:''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT: Mission GT-R]]'' was a small franchise produced by TakaraTomy in co-operation with the {{w|Super GT}} racing championship series.  This somewhat whimsical series depicted a [[micro-continuity]] in which faction leaders from ''Transformers'' series past are reimagined as grand tourer racing cars.  Each Transformer was paired with a ''Microman''-based {{w|race queen}}, featuring a high amount of articulation, interchangeable sets of hands for multiple poses, and outfits based on real life race sponsors.  They are highly reminiscent of some of the out-of-suit figures from ''Wecker Signa''.
:GT-R [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#GT|Prime]], [[Star Saber (G1)/toys#GT|Saber]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#GT|Megatron]], and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#GT|Maximus]] are partnered with [[Misaki#GT|Misaki]], [[Anna#GT|Anna]], [[Noa#GT|Noa]], and [[Hiiro#GT|Hiiro]] respectively.{{-}}

===Honourable mentions===
====''Microman''====
{{anchor|Escargot}}
[[File:Microman toy Escargot.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Straxus strikes fear into the sparks of his enemies at 0.048 kilometres per hour.]]
*'''Escargot''' (Mecha-Cosmo, 1975)
**''ID number:'' '''No.1'''
**''Series:'' '''Project Victory'''
:Part of the "Project Victory" series' "Mecha-Cosmo" assortment, the Escargot is spherical vehicle with battery-powered, motorised wheels.  The Escargot is named after its snail-like shape when its two wheel-on-stalk accessories are pegged onto the front.  Its bubble cockpit seats two Micromen (not included), and its modular construction allows it to be reconfigured into a radar tower, or a battle chariot, or whatever your creative mind can come up with.
:The comic story "[[Cybertron Magna Convoy prequel comic|Cybertron Magna Convoy prequel]]" made use of the Escargot's design as transportation for the [[Precursor World]] version of [[Straxus (G1)#Precursor World|Straxus]] who – in homage to his [[Straxus (G1)#Marvel The Transformers comics|Marvel UK appearances]] – had been rendered a disembodied head in a jar.
::*''[https://micromanforever.com/escargot.htm More information on Escargot at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}

{{anchor|MicroKnight}}
[[File:MicroKnightMC11.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Visionaries|Knights]] of the [[Star Power|Magical Light]]!]]
*'''Micro Knight''' (1979)
**''ID number:'' '''MC-11'''
**''Series:'' '''Police Keeper'''
**''Accessories:'' Pulsar Gun, Energy Backpack, Police Keeper Shield
:Released as part of the "Police Keeper" series, the Micro Knights were a range of Micromen in the style of medieval suits of armour, featuring a high level of sculpted detail and almost covered in chrome, save for the characteristic Microman white gloves.  Two waves of Micro Knights were produced, with each individual toy differentiated only by colour and ID number.
:The Micro Knights – the second wave especially – proved difficult to find during the toyline's lifespan; like many ''Microman'' toys, they saw a reissue in the ''Replica Microman'' series in 2000, which also added a handful of new variations to the Knights' ranks.
:The manga "[[God Neptune comic 1]]" [[Repurposing|repurposed]] the blue Micro Knight, ID number MC-11, as the original body of the drone that would be reformatted into [[Magna Convoy]].
::*''[https://www.micromanforever.com/MCXmicroknight.htm More information on the Micro Knights at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}
{{-}}

{{anchor|GiantRobo}}
[[File:Microman Giant Robo G-1.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|Not to be confused with Giant Robo G-2, which features bright colours and rap music.]]
*'''Giant Robo G-1''' (1979, cancelled)
**''Series:'' '''Rescue Team'''
:Intended for release in the "Rescue Team" series, a resin prototype of the Giant Robo G-1 appeared for solicitation in the 1979 edition of the ''Takara General Catalog'', the company's periodical for potential vendors and other toy industry professionals.  G-1 was intended to be a line centrepiece, pulling out all the stops: in addition to the traditional cockpit for a Microman figure as expected of larger toys, it was intended to include a compartment for the pilot's accessories, a motorised walking gimmick, radio control functionality, and even a voice changer.
:Starting with "[[Cybertron Magna Convoy prequel comic]]", the appearance of the Giant Robo G-1 was used as the [[Statue of The One]], an effigy of the Precursor World's [[The One|legendary creator]].{{-}}

====''New Microman''====
{{anchor|Bulsonic}}
[[File:Microman toy Bulsonic.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'd love to see the face of [[#Microman Arts (2014-2015)|one of the moe anime girls]] peering out of this.]]
*'''Bulsonic (Blue Type) with M009 Kenji''' (Armored Suit DX, January 1983)
**''ID number:'' '''DX3'''
**''Series:'' '''Micro Robot'''
:The third and final release in the "Micro Robot" Armored Suit range, and the only one to carry the "DX" suffix, Bulsonic is a large suit of power armour that transforms into a space jet.  In robot mode, a Microman pilot can be housed in Bulsonic's chest, with their face being visible behind the clear plastic screen at the front of Bulsonic's helmet.  Bulsonic was available in "Blue Type" (pictured), "Red Type" (which inverted the red/blue colour layout), and "Real Type", the latter of which was a military green version and included an additional plastic sprue with landing gear and other accoutrements for buyers to customise the toy into looking more realistic.  Each Bulsonic came with a variant of the Microman M009 Kenji; Blue Type's was yellow, Red Type's was light blue, and Real Type's was dark green.  Bulsonic also happens to hold the distinction of being the last ''Microman'' toy designed before the line refocussed into ''[[Micro Change]]''.
:The "[[Metrowars]]" manga depicted a minor [[virtual redeco]] of the Blue Type Bulsonic as a body for [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] – giving him a blue helmet and more of a suggestion of a face than the clear screen of the ''Microman'' toy – in reference to a long-standing Japanese fandom theory that Straxus' original Marvel design was based on Bulsonic in the first place.
::*''[https://www.micromanforever.com/ASDXbulsonic.htm More information on Bulsonic at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}

====''Replica Microman''====
{{anchor|Arcee}}
[[File:Microman toy Arcee.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1|Forget the [[Arcee (Animated)#Toys|teacher]] and the [[Arcee (Energon)#Toys|bike]] and the [[Arcee (G1)/toys#BotCon2001|spider]], ''this'' is the first toy of Arcee.]]
*'''Arcee''' (2000)
**''ID number:'' '''M18X'''
**''Accessories:'' Angelic Wings
:Originally released in the 1977 ''Microman Command'' line, the "Lady Command" range was an assortment of female Microman pilots in vibrant colours, each of whom had a name beginning with "A" – Ann, Alice, Annie, and Ai.<ref>[https://www.micromanforever.com/M18X.htm 1977 Lady Command series at micromanforever.com]</ref>  Being girl toys in a boy's line, the Lady Command were produced in smaller numbers than other figures; their rarity made them a perfect candidate to appear in the ''Replica Microman'' series of reissues in November 1999.  As with the Micro Knights, this allowed for additional variants and new members to join the Lady Command ranks.
:One such new member was produced as a Lucky Draw figure in conjunction with the publishing group Kodansha and their then-new guidebook, "The Official Guide to Takara SF Land", which paid tribute to the various sci-fi toylines by Takara over the years.  In tribute to the shared history of ''Transformers'' and ''Microman'', this new Lady Command figure was named Arcee – though whether or not she represents [[Arcee (G1)|"our" Arcee]] or is simply named for her is unknown.
:Arcee is a redeco of the standard Lady Command body in white, with gold chromed limbs and a silver head.  She includes a pair of "Angelic Wings" which can peg into her back, though their official placement is in the sides of her thighs (just go with it).  Arcee came in an all-white version of the standard Lady Command packaging: a capsule in the shape of the [[Statue of Liberty]] (again, just go with it).  Only five Arcees were produced.
::*''[https://www.micromanforever.com/sflandprize.htm More information on Arcee at micromanforever.com]''{{-}}

==Fiction==
===''DreamMix TV World Fighters''===
As part of [[DreamMix TV]]'s attempt to pull in more ratings, [[M121 Mason]] was invited to battle bunches of other beings, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], on the television show ''[[World Fighters]]''. Mason could summon the help of [[Robotman]], and some battles even took place on [[Micro Earth]]. {{storylink|DreamMix TV World Fighters|DreamMix TV World Fighters}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
[[Microman Inn]] was an establishment in [[Warsaw]], [[Indiana]], across the road from the [[Acroyear (motel)|Acroyear motel]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}} Presumably, they have something of a rivalry. 

===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Wyatt Toys]] advertised ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''Microman'' toys for sale in the [[Detroit Powell Press]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.micromanforever.com/main.htm Microman Forever (English fansite)]
*[http://www.edit.ne.jp/~sashida/MICROMAN/micro.html Microman Maniacs (Japanese fansite)]
*[http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~mikuro/ Micro-Earth (Japanese fansite)]

[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category:Multi-property brands]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]